The Imagination Brickshop’s LEGO Brickcast

This week, we’re diving headfirst into the most ambitious, bizarre, brilliant TV-inspired LEGO set ever released — 75810 Stranger Things: The Upside Down. And yes… we’re flipping it. Literally. With 2,287 pieces spread across 18 bags and a price tag that debuted at just $200, this set has only grown more legendary since its 2019 launch, especially after disappearing into the LEGO vault in 2021. Now it’s pulling big money on the secondary market, but today we’re looking at what made it special in the first place. I break down everything: the dual-world design that still feels like magic, the 26-sticker Byers house loaded with show details, and that eerie light-up alphabet wall that basically screams “RUN.” From Joyce’s frantic flashlight accessories to Lucas’ slingshot, Dustin’s walkie-talkie, Will the Wise’s wizard hat, and Hopper’s pumpkin-toting police truck — it’s a full nostalgia bomb packed into 12 inches of vertical, 17 inches of horizontal, and a whole lot of creepy charm. We’ll talk minifigs too: Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will, Joyce, Hopper, and of course… the Demogorgon. Some of the best character prints LEGO has ever done for a live-action property. And because we always keep it honest, I break down where this set shines and where it stumbles, with ratings for playability, displayability, build experience, and value. So, Is it worth the current aftermarket prices? Would it still hold up today? And how does it stack against the new Creel House landing in 2026? If you missed this set the first time around, or you just want to relive the glory of one of LEGO’s boldest designs ever - this is the upside-down deep dive you’ve been waiting for. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

This week’s episode is overflowing with deals, leaks, botanicals, hamsters, fairies, and… Black Falcon nostalgia? Buckle up. Amazon has kicked off early Black Friday chaos, and I’m sifting through the ACTUAL good deals so you don’t waste your time scrolling past 6,000 “10% off Friends sets.” From massive discounts on One Piece’s Baratie to a half-price Grogu (yes… HALF), I break down which sets are genuinely worth jumping on before they disappear. Then, botanicals season is officially blooming. LEGO just dropped full images of the January wave, and we’re talking peace lilies, daisies, cacti, and tulips in enough varieties to make your local florist nervous. I’ll walk you through the highlights and the surprises. And for Nintendo fans: LEGO left us a very spicy Legend of Zelda teaser. Think shadows… horns… and a fairy you definitely yelled at as a child. I break down what this 12-second clip might actually mean for the rumored Ganondorf “Final Battle” diorama coming in March. We’ll also cover a brand-new $10 3-in-1 hamster (yes, really), what’s coming for LEGO Insider Weekend, AND what to expect from this week’s massive Bricklink Designer Program Series 9 reveal — all 436 sets of it. It’s a stacked week, and if you listen until the end, I’ll tell you the one deal I think is the best value of the entire holiday season so far. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

LEGO may be unstoppable right now — the Thanos of the toy world — but history tells us even the strongest empires can crumble if they stop evolving. From near-bankruptcy in the early 2000s to total domination in 2025, LEGO’s story is one of reinvention and resilience. But here’s the question: how do they keep it that way? In this episode, I dive into the five things LEGO must do in 2026 to stay relevant, keep fans happy, and avoid repeating the same mistakes that almost ended the company two decades ago. We’re talking pricing problems, community control, the rise (and risk) of fan-driven design, and whether LEGO’s obsession with IPs might finally be catching up to them. From mid-range set meltdowns to the untapped power of BrickLink and Rebrickable data, this is part history lesson, part crystal ball, and all pure LEGO passion. If you care about where the brick goes next — this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Strap in, LEGO fans — this week’s episode is going where no brick has gone before. 🚀 The long-rumored LEGO Star Trek Enterprise has officially been revealed, and let’s just say… the rumors were almost right. I’m breaking down all the juicy details — from the updated price tag, to the minifig lineup, to the GWP you’re actually getting (and the ones we could’ve had that might sting a little). Then, we’re shifting gears and heading East for the 2026 Chinese New Year sets — from galloping horses to fortune firecrackers, these new releases bring the heat in all the right ways. And finally, we dive into a few Star Wars rumors that’ll have collectors buzzing — including what might be the next UCS ship to hit hyperspace for May the 4th. So tune in, buckle up, and let’s talk Trek, tiles, and TIE Fighters — because this week’s LEGO news is truly out of this world. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

This week, we’re digging deep — literally — into the LEGO Ideas Minerals Collection! 🪨 On the surface, it’s a small $60 set with 880 pieces, but once you crack it open, you’ll find it’s packed with sparkle, science, and some seriously stunning colors. From dazzling Amethyst to the striking pink-green hues of Watermelon Tourmaline, this display piece might just be one of the most unexpectedly beautiful Ideas sets LEGO has ever released. But does the build shine as brightly as the real minerals it represents… or is it more fool’s gold than precious gem? I’ll give you the full breakdown — from design and displayability to build experience and value — plus a little geology lesson along the way (because who knew fluorite and toothpaste had something in common?). Tune in to find out whether this colorful creation belongs in your collection or stays buried at the LEGO Store. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

This week’s episode is packed with reveals, surprises, and a few “did that really just happen?” moments in the world of LEGO! The big story? LEGO Ideas just dropped a lineup that might be one of the wildest yet — from a towering La Catrina build that’s nearly three feet tall to a Smurf Village complete with fifteen minifigures (yes, fifteen!). And that’s not even touching the Power Rangers Megazord, a steaming bowl of Ramen, and a certain lovable alien who just wants to phone home. Let’s just say… the competition in the Ideas “Parking Lot” is getting fierce. But the surprises don’t stop there — LEGO Marvel fans, your wallets might be in danger. A massive Iron Man Mark III Collector’s Edition is flying our way, and we’ve got the details on the next big Spider-Man vs. Mysterio set that’s bringing the chaos right to the Daily Bugle. And just when you thought the magic was gone — the Wizarding World is back with brand-new Harry Potter anniversary sets, plus a peek at what’s blooming next for LEGO Botanicals and the animal-themed Minifigure Series 28. It’s a loaded week of reveals, rumors, and reactions you don’t want to miss — tune in to get all the juicy details before everyone else! Music Credit: YouTube Music Library.

It’s Wild Card Wednesday — and this week, the tables are turning! You hear from me every week about the latest LEGO news, rumors, and reviews… but what happens when I’m the one hitting “play” on YouTube? In this episode, I’m sharing my Top 5 LEGO YouTubers that I actually watch as a fan — the creators who inspire me, challenge me, and keep me glued to the screen long after I should’ve gone back to editing my own videos. These are the builders, reviewers, storytellers, and creative minds that make the LEGO community so much fun to be part of. I’ll break down who made the list, why they stand out, and toss in a few honorable mentions that deserve some love, too. Tune in till the end to see if any of your favorite creators made my list — or if you might just discover a new channel to binge tonight! Links to these creator's channels. Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/@Bricksie https://www.youtube.com/@Brick_Crafts https://www.youtube.com/@brickclicker https://www.youtube.com/@alexnunes https://www.youtube.com/@brick_fanatics   Music Credit: YouTube Music Library.

Get ready for a wild ride, brick fans — because this week’s LEGO news is packed with adventure, nostalgia, and a little corporate chaos! In this episode, I’m breaking down everything we know about the brand-new LEGO Goonies Ship coming this November — and trust me, the official images are worth the wait. We’ll compare it side-by-side with the original LEGO Ideas submission to see what changed, what improved, and what might leave fans yelling “Hey you guys!” in excitement (or frustration). But that’s not all — LEGO accidentally dropped official images of the upcoming Stranger Things Creel House set early, sending the internet into a frenzy faster than you can say “Upside Down.” I’ll cover exactly what went wrong, how LEGO tried to clean up the mess, and what this might tell us about the future of Stranger Things builds. Stick around until the end for all the juicy details, a few spicy opinions, and a peek at what’s coming next in the world of LEGO rumors.   Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

You ever build a LEGO set that feels more like an art exhibit than a pile of bricks? That’s Neuschwanstein Castle — the latest LEGO Architecture masterpiece and one of the most jaw-dropping builds of the year. With 3,455 pieces and not a single sticker in sight, this set is pure elegance from turret to tower. In this episode, I dive into why this Bavarian beauty might be one of LEGO’s most ambitious architectural builds ever. We’ll talk about King Ludwig II — the so-called “Mad King” who dreamed it up, the wild history behind the real castle (including its ties to Disney and World War II), and what makes this model so stunning in person. From printed bricks galore to a staircase tower that would make Rapunzel jealous, this is one royal review you won’t want to miss. Grab your crown, pour a pretentious cup of tea, and let’s see if LEGO’s $280 tribute to madness and majesty is truly worth its weight in limestone. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

This week, we’re diving into the aftermath of the Bricklink Designer Program Series 6 preorders — and the results are in! Outlaw Forest Den shot straight past 45,000, while The Art Factory and Gold Mine Expedition put up strong numbers of their own. A few others, like Sequoia Tree Trail, are well short of sale expectations, but it’s fascinating to see which builds captured the community’s imagination. We’ll talk trends, surprises, and what these results might mean for the upcoming Series 9 finalists and the future of the program. Then we circle back to the deep end — literally — with an update on the Tropical Aquarium (10366). It turns out the new price tag swims in at $480 instead of $500, which… I guess makes it a bargain now? Sure. We’ll also talk about its companion GWP — the Fish Filter — and the oddly adorable Insiders Reward Fish Tank that rounds out LEGO’s current obsession with all things aquatic. But the real headline this week? Minas Tirith. The long-rumored Lord of the Rings set might finally be happening, and the rumored minifigure lineup has me absolutely giddy: Gandalf the White, King Aragorn, Pippin, Denethor, Faramir, four Gondor soldiers and more! If this one’s real, it’s shaping up to be the ultimate display piece for Middle-earth fans. We’ll also touch on Speed Champions’ new DeLorean, The Goonies set that’s packing twelve minifigs into a ship half the size of the original concept, and a few early looks at next year’s Harry Potter anniversary lineup exclusive collectibles. From forest dens to fortresses of men, and from overpriced aquariums to affordable nostalgia — this week’s episode is a wild ride through LEGO’s best (and strangest) upcoming releases. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

This week, we’re diving headfirst into the glorious chaos that is the Bricklink Designer Program Series 9 — all 436 submissions of it. Yes, you heard that right. Four hundred and thirty-six. I went through every single one so you don’t have to — though if you’re a glutton for punishment (or pure LEGO brilliance), I highly recommend scrolling through them yourself. In this episode, I’ll walk you through my Top 5 Finalists from the series — the builds that stopped me mid-scroll and made me say, “Okay… now that’s clever.” I’ll break down what makes each one stand out, how I landed on my categories of “winners,” and even share a few runner-ups that almost made the list but didn’t quite make the final brick cut. This episode is part review, part celebration, and part therapy session after staring at hundreds of medieval castles and space stations for hours on end. But at its core, it’s about what makes the Bricklink Designer Program so special — regular fans with incredible talent creating sets that sometimes rival (and let’s be honest, occasionally surpass) official LEGO releases. So whether you’re voting, building, or just here to live vicariously through the madness, stick around until the end to see if your favorites made the list. And remember — voting doesn’t last forever, so if one of these sets speaks to you, make sure to go show it some love before time runs out. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

This week’s LEGO news and rumors episode is… wild.  We’ve got castles, Batmobiles, bonus points — and a fish tank so bizarrely expensive you might actually need to take out a small loan just to feed it. Yep, LEGO has officially jumped the shark (or maybe the clownfish) with the Icons Tropical Aquarium — 4,100+ pieces of aquatic chaos priced at $500. It’s beautiful. It’s weird. It’s… way too much. We’ll talk about why it even exists — and why I can’t stop thinking about it. Plus: Bricklink Designer Program Series 6 pre-orders wrap up today, and LEGO quietly removed the counter feature (because apparently, numbers are scary now?). Series 9 is coming with 436 designs — the biggest lineup yet — and I’ll tell you which ones deserve your attention (hint: castles are back in a big way). New Batman sets are on the horizon — from a gold-helmet anniversary figure to yet another Batmobile that somehow looks just different enough. And don’t miss this week’s GWP sneak peeks and a special shoutout to my Australian and New Zealand listeners for a wildlife-inspired surprise that’s… well, part LEGO, part sculpture, and part “wait, did you say glued?” It’s a weird, wonderful week in the LEGO universe — and Wednesday, I’ll drop my Top 5 Series 9 picks. Hit play, because you’re not gonna believe half of what LEGO’s doing right now. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

It’s big. It’s beautiful. It’s The Razor Crest. In this week’s LEGO set review, we’re taking a deep dive into one of the most iconic ships in the Star Wars galaxy — the LEGO UCS Razor Crest (#75331). With over 6,100 pieces, this absolute monster of a set might just be one of the most satisfying Star Wars builds of all time. We’re talking 18 pounds of brick-built glory, 48 bags of pure Mandalorian mayhem, and yes… 17 stickers (because LEGO loves to test our patience). But is this $600 UCS starship truly worth its weight in beskar? In this episode, I’m breaking it all down — from the insane detailing and clever design work to those all-important minifigs: The Mandalorian himself, Kuill (and his buildable Blurrg), The Mythrol, and of course, Grogu — because what’s a Star Wars set without the galaxy’s tiniest celebrity? We’ll talk playability, displayability, build experience, and whether this set earns its place among the LEGO UCS elite (looking at you, AT-AT and Millennium Falcon). Plus, I’ll share my personal value rating and final verdict — is the Razor Crest a must-own masterpiece, or an overpriced dust collector? Grab your helmet, fire up the engines, and tune in to find out.   Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

It’s officially Bricklink Designer Day—and if your wallet isn’t already trembling, it’s about to. In this week’s LEGO News & Rumors, we’re diving into everything happening in the LEGO universe right now, and trust me, it’s a lot. Bricklink Designer Program Series 6 preorders are officially live, and these sets are next-level. From off-road adventures and hidden forest dens to art factories and soaring sequoia trees, this wave might be the strongest lineup yet. But if you think that’s all, hold onto your bricks—because Series 9 sets are dropping later today, too. Double the launches, double the chaos. And then there’s the brand-new Northern Lights Diorama GWP that’s about to hit shelves—part of the stunning Wonders of the World collection. Let’s just say if you missed the Coral Reef or Tropical Rainforest sets, you’ll want to be ready for this one. We’re also talking about LEGO Botanicals blooming again in 2026 (tulip lovers, rejoice), the 15th anniversary of Ninjago and those mysterious blacked-out minifigures everyone’s talking about, plus a major list of retiring sets you might want to grab before they vanish for good. And if you’ve ever dreamed of visiting LEGO HQ in Billund, you’ll want to hear about the 2026 LEGO Inside Tour—because registration is coming fast, the price tag is steep, and the experience sounds unforgettable. So, is your LEGO budget safe this week? Absolutely not. But should you still listen? 100%. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Part 2 is here — and this one gets into the bones of design. In this episode I sit back down with Bricklink Designer Program creator/designer Eric Nowicki to tear apart his newest Series 9 submission piece by piece. We don’t just look at pretty photos — we dissect the small decisions, clever techniques, and subtle flourishes that make this set stand out in a crowd of hundreds. You’ll hear Eric walk us through his entire design process: concepting, choosing parts, balancing display vs. play, and the tiny compromises that turn an idea into a submission that can actually win crowd support. We break down each major element of the set, talk about the moments that made Eric say “yes, this works,” and the parts he had to rework until they felt right. If you’ve ever wondered what separates a half-decent fan design from one that captures attention, this conversation is the playbook. Best of all, Eric shares real, practical advice for anyone thinking about entering the Bricklink Designer Program — from how to present your project to what reviewers and voters really notice, to common mistakes that sink otherwise-great ideas. Whether you’re a builder with a notebook full of ideas or someone curious about the creative side of the program, you’ll get actionable tips and insider perspective you won’t find in the official guides. Part 2 completes our deep-dive into Eric’s work and gives you a front-row seat to how a standout submission is made. If you loved Part 1, this one is the rewarding follow-up — if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I’d recommend starting there first. Either way, tune in for design secrets, thoughtful critique, and the kind of behind-the-scenes detail that makes you look at Bricklink submissions in a whole new way. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Ever wondered what it really takes to turn your LEGO ideas into a Bricklink Designer Program set? In this Part 1 of my two-part interview with LEGO designer Eric Nowicki, we dive into his story, his creative process, and the behind-the-scenes details of how he designs sets that make it into the program. But that’s just the beginning—Eric also shares his connection to Adam Reed Tucker, the legendary mind behind LEGO Architecture and now The Atom Brick. From collaborations to insights into the design philosophy they share, this conversation is packed with inspiration for both fans and aspiring designers alike. If you’ve ever thought about submitting your own creations, or just want to hear firsthand what it’s like to work at the intersection of creativity and bricks, this is one interview you don’t want to miss.  Plus, stay tuned for part two!!! Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

One year. One podcast. And almost 50,000 downloads later across all platforms, here we are – 116 episodes and counting! Buckle up, because this anniversary episode is packed. We’ve got double Insider points on Transformers (yes, Soundwave included), a sneak peek at Disney’s latest GWP with a certain cowboy and lion king-in-training, and a Pokémon lineup character reveal that’s as massive as it is expensive—seriously, one of these sets might just evolve your wallet into tears. Plus, Nintendo fans, your Game Boy build is finally here, and yes—it’s already popping up on ahead of release – listen to find out how to get your hands on it today! And that’s not all. Love is literally in the air with the new LEGO Ideas Love Birds set, and the Bricklink Designer Program is about to explode with Series 9 submissions. Will we break 300? 400? Who knows, but we’re about to find out. And don’t sleep on Series 6 preorders—those start the very same day. Oh, and did I mention we’ve got bonus episodes dropping Wednesday and Friday this week? Because one anniversary episode this week just isn’t enough. So, whether you’ve been here since download #1 or just joined the party, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.   Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

It’s Wild Card Wednesday, and this week I’ve got a special guest back on the podcast—my brother! We’re diving deep into one of the biggest Marvel heavy-hitters in recent LEGO history: the Sanctum Sanctorum from Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This isn’t just a casual chat—we’re pulling the set apart piece by piece. My brother takes the lead on breaking down the minifigure lineup, the intricate set design, the multi-level layout, and all the little details that made him reach deep into his wallet for an aftermarket copy of his own. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t cheap. But here’s where things get really interesting. Along the way, we’re sharing the real aftermarket truths—cautionary tales about eBay bidding wars, how to spot deals before they vanish, which sites you’ll want to avoid like Dormammu himself, and how not to go broke chasing the set of your dreams. Finally, we wrap up with our review and verdict: is the Sanctum Sanctorum still a must-have that justifies the aftermarket hunt, or does it fall short of Marvel’s top-tier LEGO standard? If you’re a Marvel fan, a minifig collector, or just love a good LEGO review with a side of practical buying advice, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

This week’s LEGO news and rumors episode is loaded, and it all starts with the reveal of the 2026 Modular Building. Now, it’s not exactly the kind of thing that’s going to spark an internet meltdown, but it is a twist most fans probably didn’t see coming. It’s not a building that’s been at the top of wishlists, but after looking at the details, I think modular fans might walk away saying, “You know what? That actually works.” I’ll break it all down and share why I think this surprise direction could turn into a sleeper hit. And that’s just the beginning. Over in Middle-earth, we’re hearing that the next Lord of the Rings set might be the biggest one LEGO has ever done for the theme—yes, even bigger than the mighty Barad-Dur. If you thought Rivendell was massive, this rumor is going to make your wallet start sweating. Then, it’s time to boldly go where no brick has gone before—Star Trek! We already know the Enterprise is coming, but now we’ve got more details about the minifig lineup, and trust me, this is where things get really exciting for Trekkies. But that’s not all—Pokémon rumors keep stacking up, Zelda continues to generate buzz, and those beloved pizza-munching turtles might just be returning to the sewers (and shelves) in a big way. From piece counts to prices, release windows to speculation, we’re covering it all in this episode. So if you love Lego rumors, wild speculation, and a good dose of “what if,” this is not an episode you’ll want to miss. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

It’s Wild Card Wednesday, and this week I’m doing something a little off the beaten path. Not one review… but TWO. And yes—you heard me right—one of them isn’t even LEGO. Purists, hold onto your minifigs, because I’m comparing the classic LEGO Architecture Fallingwater (21005) with The Atom Brick’s enormous 4,383-piece Fallingwater set to see which one actually does Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece justice. If you don’t know the story, Fallingwater isn’t just some house in the woods—it’s one of the most famous pieces of modern architecture ever built. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still pulls in around 150,000 visitors every year. Frank Lloyd Wright himself designed over a thousand structures in his lifetime, but Fallingwater might just be the crown jewel. So how do the brick-built versions stack up? LEGO’s 2009 Architecture set comes in at 811 pieces and has been retired for years—if you want one now, expect to pay a small fortune on the aftermarket. On the other hand, the 2023 Atom Brick’s version—also designed by Adam Reed Tucker, the very guy who created the LEGO Architecture theme and LEGO Fallingwater in the first place—aims for extreme detail and scale, clocking in at nearly 19 inches wide and just under $350. In this episode, I’ll do a full breakdown of both sets—the build, the details, the display value—and give my ratings on whether they’re worthy additions to your collection. Does bigger automatically mean better? Or does LEGO’s more modest version still capture the soul of Fallingwater in a way that 4,000+ pieces can’t? Spoiler: The results may surprise you, so tune in to find out. Music Credit: YouTube Music Library