Clutch Power

There are a lot of sexy alt-bricks brands out there. Lumibricks. Bluebrixx. Pantasy. I made a lifelong commitment to LEGO, but I’ll be honest…the temptation is strong. Today’s guest: Jackson Sandler of LEGO YouTube fame. Jackson burst into the scene about a year ago with his phenomenal video Building All 36 Minikits from Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga. Since then, it’s been banger after banger of mid-2000s LEGO themes. As someone who grew up in that time, I am loving the content. 2008 LEGO City Police was PEAK Building the LEGENDARY 2008 Death Star And of course his video that inspired the episode: LEGO: The Rise of Alt-Bricks I know these alt-bricks can be controversial with us LEGO purists, but Jackson and I ranked some brands that you might want to check out: Lumibricks Pantasy Mattel Brick Shop (formerly Mega) If you’re a Patreon supporter, you’ll get a bonus act called: “My Hero” talking about his passion for Guitar Hero. Jackson will occasionally post a video on social media, playing Guitar Hero to some meme LEGO sounds. His video on the LEGO Star Wars Video Game death sounds is particularly good. You’ll also get access to a special MOC just for this episode! There’s an underground movement of anti-LEGO fans, and here’s some of their graffiti. Just don’t tell LEGO I built this… It’s $2 / month to become a Patron, and you’ll get bonus content + a MOC for every episode! Join the Patreon! All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): Alter Ego Mendel Hypercube A Vision of Light The Mountains, My Home Whispers Invoke Paranoia

If you’re over 10 years old going to a LEGOLAND park, something will feel off. The parks are…barren. Low attendance, badly-maintained attractions, and limited entertainment staff. LEGO is obsessed with high quality, so why are LEGOLANDs so shoddy? I’m proud to declare this Clutch Power’s first two-person interview! Dan Ibbertson of Slope’s Game Room and Slope’s Adventures, and his buddy Andrew Dalton (who’s appeared on many Slope’s Adventures videos). Both these guys are theme park mega-fans, and they’ve done some great coverage on UK theme parks, specifically Merlin Entertainments, who owns every LEGOLAND. A few LEGO-centric episodes: The Sad State of Merlin Entertainment Former LEGOLAND Performer Interview Is LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester worth it??? A ton of theme park discussion in this episode, and if you want to dip your toe into theme park YouTube, I cannot recommend Defunctland enough. The quality on these videos is unbelievable. Here’s the specific video I reference in this episode: The History of Coney Island If you’re a Patreon supporter, you’ll get a bonus act called: “This Park’s Theme? Nightmare!” Dan and Andrew share tales from Merlin parks, a really bevy of horror stories. The Peppa Pig park story in particular (4 P’s!) is my favorite. You’ll also get access to a special MOC just for this episode! I built LEGOLAND Windsor’s front gate (before the renovation). Yet even this small build conveys that feeling of emptiness. It’s just $5 / month to become a Patron, and you’ll get bonus content + a MOC for all episodes! Join the Patreon! All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): Alter Ego Facticity The Dweller on the Threshold Hailstorm Noctivagant Artifice Something Beautiful is Going to Happen

WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE  If you don’t live near a Bricks & Minifigs store, you will soon. These secondhand LEGO stores are expanding incredibly quickly, and I swung by a grand opening to chat with locals, management, and LEGO Masters about what makes these stores so special. YES, this is a video and YES it was a lot of fun to put together. I talked to so many wonderful people but I want to highlight a couple: Jake Faust - Owner of Bricks & Minifigs Brentwood and Bricks & Minifigs Bellevue. I can’t believe this guy is only 26! Which means he opened the BAM in Bellevue at 23 / 24…absolutely incredible. He’s such a warm guy and if you want to see more from him, Beyond the Brick did an interview with him a few years ago. Brittain Edison and Niki Loheit - Sisters and LEGO Masters competitors. Brittain and Niki have done several BAM openings and I am in awe of how approachable and friendly they are - even after hours of doing meet and greets! If you’re a Patreon supporter, you’ll get a bonus segment in Part 2, where I search for the most expensive LEGO set at BAM Bellevue. Even now, a week later, I’m still confused as to why it’s that set that costs that much. This is normally where I’d put a picture of the special MOC built for this episode, but…I don’t want to spoil it! If you become a Patron, you’ll get access to that extra content, along with bonus content + a MOC for every episode! Join the Patreon! All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): Alter Ego Bush Week Garden Untitled

April 23rd, 2019. Shanghai Police arrest nine people, smash assembly lines, and raid a warehouse. It looks like a LEGO factory, but it’s not. This is Lepin, a Chinese knockoff company that will get shut down by 2021. But with knockoff LEGO companies facing such severe penalties, why are there more than ever before? Two very educated guests for this episode! First, Aaron Wininger, Principal and Director of the China IP Practice at Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner, P.A., which advertises a boutique law firm with a focus on Intellectual Property. Aaron is extremely knowledgeable about the relationship between China and trademarks, and I’m so grateful he took some time out of his undoubtedly busy schedule to chat. Aaron often writes for the National Law Review, and has been featured in: Bloomberg IPLaw360 The Fashion Law And many more. You can find more about Aaron here! My second guest is Dylan O. Adams, a patent attorney at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. On top of being a #1 Amazon best seller, a featured expert on CNBC, and a million other laurels, he also runs the YouTube channel Patents Demystified, which is a wonderful resource if you’re writing an IP-focused episode of your LEGO podcast, or if you have any curiosity about IP law in general. If you’re a Patreon supporter, you’ll get a bonus act called: “The Mega Question” where I ask Dylan about the difference between Mega Bloks and Lepin and - as it turns out - LEGO has tried to shut Mega Bloks down in the past. Over a dozen lawsuits! I’d hate to be on the other side of that. You’ll also get access to a special MOC just for this episode! In true Lepin fashion I ripped off a official mini Millennium Falcon but with the added bonus that this one is extremely unstable and will probably fall apart before you can even mount it. How else can I replicate the quality of Lepin products? It’s just $5 / month to become a Patron, and you’ll get bonus content + a MOC for every episode! Join the Patreon! All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com): Alter Ego The Cage The Water and the Well The Other Side Hemiteleia Four and a Half Tatami Shapes Within the Jade

Ask anyone what a LEGO is, and they’ll tell you: it’s the little brick with studs on top. But the deeper you look into that question, the stranger and stranger it becomes. Is string LEGO? Is foam? Am I?Today’s guest: Darian from The Plop! About a year ago, Darian put out a video called “LEGO, But It’s NOT Plastic...” where he made LEGO bricks out of all sorts of materials: snow, concrete, even wood! I thought if anyone could help me figure out what a LEGO is, it’d be him.These days, The Plop is all about 3D Printing. Darian works on making 3D Printing approachable, with personality-focused content, instead of content full of technical jargon.If you’re a Patreon supporter, you’ll get a bonus act called: “Am I a LEGO?” where I explore the darkest corners of Bricklink, from LEGO’s Barbie knock-off to bricks that can conduct electricity. These days, LEGO plays it safe, but their history is anything but.You’ll also get access to a special MOC just for this episode! This time it’s a 3D Printer construct - what else - a LEGO! I hope you can use this MOC during your morning meditation to reflect on…what, indeed, is a LEGO?Join the Patreon!Music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):Follow Me Into The DarkThe Art of Being LonelyLet’s Make a MemoryIdentity CrisisSymbols In The Shape Of A WordScarecrowAnd Jeopardy theme by BenFranklyn: https://freesound.org/s/789077/License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

In 2002, a LEGO theme and companion show came and went: Galidor: Defenders of the Outer Dimension. These days the theme is infamous for nearly bankrupting LEGO, and the show is hardly remembered at all. But Galidor wasn’t the end of the line for the co-star of the show. If anything, it was the jumping off point.Two guests this episode! First, it’s Marie-Marguerite Sabongui, who played Allega Zane in Galidor. But M-M’s story doesn’t end there. After Galidor, she dove headfirst into climate activism, and these days produces a bevy of projects, including Blind River Media and Lil D’Bunk.And R. R. Slugger is back! Slugger is a genuine Galidor fan (one of the few) and has done really great videos on the theme.LEGO Galidor ~ 20th Anniversary Retrospective!Galidor Is The Best.Extremely Rare LEGO Galidor Prototype Figure!Patreon supporters get a bonus segment where Slugger and I talk about Galidor’s history, legacy, and what he loves about it.This episode also touches on climate change, so I wanted to link some resources M-M sent me to help with climate anxiety:Navigating Climate Anxiety with Dr. Britt WayAnya KemnitzMy Climate PlanIf you’re a Patreon supporter, you get a bonus build for this episode! It’s a celebration of Galidor and glinching. Supporters get a link to the digital build and a wishlist if you’d like to order it and build it for yourself!It’s really goofy and that’s why I love it.Join the Patreon!All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):ArtificeA Mundance ConclusionAlter EgoEscapeSomething Beautiful Is Going To HappenViolenceLiberosis

LEGO's new Smart Play System is very controversial. And everyone’s got an opinion. But I wanted to talk to some people with credibility - beyond just “adult LEGO fan”: someone who's actually USED the Smart Brick, and someone who's dedicated to children's well-being.Two guests on today's episode!First, Graham E. Hancock of Blocks Magazine! Graham was at CES in January when LEGO unveiled the Smart Brick, and he spoke to me about his initial impressions, and his excitement of the Smart Brick's potential. If you haven't checked out Blocks Magazine before, it is absolutely worth your time. It is in-depth, beautifully designed, and just a treat for the uber LEGO nerd like myself.I also spoke to Rachel Franz of Fairplay, a children's well-being advocacy group that works to "put kids' needs ahead of corporate greed". Rachel raised some fascinating points about the Smart Play System and LEGO's marketing and she's a wonderful counter-balance.My goal with this episode is to give you multiple perspective on the Smart Brick. Right now it seems like every LEGO YouTuber is sharing their thoughts, though only a few have actually played with the brick.A few who have:Tiago CatarinoCNET's Bridget CareyCNN's Rikka AltlandAnd there are a few others out there as well.I also want to link R. R. Slugger's great opinion piece on the Smart Brick. As always, Slugger always has well-thought-out opinions, and he shares a perspective different than most I've seen.If you’re a Patreon supporter, you get a bonus build for this episode! It’s a portrait of the Smart Brick graduating from college. Cap, gown, diploma - the works. Supporters get a link to the digital build and a wishlist if you’d like to order it and build it for yourself!Join the Patreon!All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):Alter EgoFringe WeaverFollow Me Into The DarkAn Unexpected HangingDivine Violence

In the video games industry, there’s a concept known as the Game of the Year (or GOTY). This is that, but for LEGO: proving scientifically, without a doubt, the very best LEGO set that came out in 2025.But there’s more to it than just choosing the best set. I created several categories to discuss:Best MinifigBest Collectable MinifigBest PolybagBest Set Under $50Best Gift with Purchase (GWP)Best Original IP LEGO SetBest Licensed LEGO SetToday’s guest: Caleb from Cheesey Studios! He’s back! You might know Caleb from Episode 4 of Clutch Power: LEGO and Minecraft: A Match Made in Heaven or from his much, much more successful YouTube channel. Caleb is an absolute gem and a real LEGO nerd like me, and I had so much fun talking about the highs and lows of LEGO in 2025.But Caleb isn’t the only guest! You’ll also hear from three other past and future Clutch Power guests.Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):TricksUntitled

Over 26 years, LEGO has put out over 1,700 Star Wars minifigs, ranging from classics like Darth Vader to deep cuts like Kithaba. But obscure or not, Blue Milk Figs collects them all, having one of the only complete LEGO Star Wars minifig collections, tucked away in a hidden, climate controlled room.Today’s guest: Blue Milk Figs! Boasting a complete minifig collection, along with every Star Wars animal, big fig, creature, and droid, BMF is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to LEGO Star Wars. He can literally look at his wall and see how LEGO’s design trends have changed over the years, and he has such an expertise in not only LEGO collecting but also LEGO preservation.If you’re looking to get into collecting LEGO Star Wars minifigs, a good first step is Bricklink, but you’ll want to supplement that with other online catalogs. They are ever-shifting and you can never claim one is “correct”.My recommendations:BricklinkMinifigs.nlBrick EconomyFind episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):Alter EgoPhantasmsClimbers in the DarkHands Clasped at the End of the WorldKatabasisMan Alone Chimes the Hour

Bionicle has a life of its own: defensive fans, deep lore, and a unique building system. But before all that, 25 years ago, Bionicle was a three-page concept in the hands of Alastair Swinnerton. And that’s when he helped to create something magical.Two guests on today’s episode. First, Alastair Swinnerton: screenwriter, novelist, and co-creator of Bionicle. Alastair takes us back in time to his screenwriting “gang” that ran across the original Bionicle pitch: BoneHeads of Voodoo Island.The second guest is Garrett O’Donnell of Atlanta Brick Co, one of the largest second-hand LEGO stores in the world. Garrett is an expert on all-things Bionicle, and in the Patreon bonus we explore the wild world of Bionicle mask collecting - from the most common masks to the rarest and most valuable.This episode took a ton of work and collaboration and I’m so proud of it. It’s both goofy and heartfelt, just like Bionicle. This themes was such a huge part of my childhood and it was so much fun traveling back and time and reminiscing about days past.Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):Alter EgoBuilding Nest in the RuinsDefectiveHearts and MindsBehind the MaskCreative Destruction

A lot of folks say LEGO Minecraft sets are ugly, too simplistic, and too blocky (I may or may not be one of them). But after giving it some thought and talking through my feelings, I came to realize: LEGO and Minecraft are kinda perfect for each other.Today's guest: the very fun Cheesey Studios! Caleb has spent the last three years working on a giant LEGO Minecraft build, and his YouTube channel shows the entire process of the build: from its very humble beginnings to the behemoth it is today. His other videos are also a lot of fun: looking at modern LEGO sets, or diving back into themes from childhood. He is endlessly entertaining, and I am so happy I got to talk to him about LEGO and Minecraft!Here are some of my favorite Cheesey Studio videos:I Spent 3 YEARS Building a LEGO Minecraft WorldRevisiting LEGO Harry Potter: The Prisoner of AzkabanLEGO Sharks!Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):Dead CityThe Days That Flee By Without Any MercyThe Dissolution of CollusionAlter EgoGardenBroken in TwoOblivious

In 1997, a giant wave hit a cargo ship, knocking 62 containers into the ocean. One of those containers held over four million LEGO pieces. It wasn't long after that the pieces began to wash up on the British shoreline. Even now, you can still find pieces from 28 years ago, which paint a stark picture of plastic waste, ocean currents, and human habits.Today's guest: Tracey Williams of LEGO Lost at Sea! Tracey is a beachcomber, an activist, and an artist who uses LEGO and other plastic debris that washes up on shore to raise awareness about plastic consumption. Her Instagram page chronicles the LEGO found along the beaches, from the common flippers and flowers to the extremely rare octopi and black dragons.Tracey is also the author of Adrift: The Curious Tale of LEGO Lost at Sea. This book is extremely poignant and effective with its message, not to mention contemplative and almost...peaceful? In a way. She selects certain poems and quotes that evoke the gentle roar of the ocean. I know this episode explores a lot of difficult ideas. I felt very overwhelmed while editing this episode, so I want to link you to the resource that helped me: Gameplan: It’s time to beat plastic pollution.Here's the link to the image of woman standing on beach full of plastic.And here's Ted Danson speaking at a U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources subcommittee.Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):Oceans ApartFatigueEscapeOur Time is ShortElgengrauAquamarine, My Distant Blue

LEGO on social media is represented by loud voices, sound effects, and hot takes. It can be easy to dismiss this stuff as clickbait, but an enormous amount of work goes into grabbing and keeping your attention. Join me as I take a look at the hooks and hot takes that make up LEGO short-form content.Today's guest: the brilliant SamWyattBricks! Sam is the king of what he calls "hooks": the first five seconds of his videos are designed to catch your attention. His videos showcase an extraordinary creativity working within current trends. He tries to post a short every two days, so go check out his most recent stuff!And spend six minutes watching his only long form video (to date). Sam says he wants to do more of these, and I really like the more lowkey vibe he gives with a longer runtime.EVERY LEGO STAR WARS COMPLETE SAGA MINIFIGURES IN REAL LIFE!!!!American Psychological Associate episode on shrinking attention spans: https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/attention-spansFind episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):HavenEverything You Say is a LieThe Author Never DiesOur Monstrous PurposeWe Are Already DeadAlter EgoHome

Look at any LEGO set from the 90s, and it'll be pretty weird. Unique pieces, insane printing, tech like fiber optics, light sensors, or electric motors...there is something incredibly special about this era of LEGO. Join me as I do a deep dive into the themes of the 90s, and explore what changed in the decades since.Today's guest: the wonderful and inventive R. R. Slugger! Slugger's videos explore the lesser-known areas of LEGO with a sincerity that is not touched by nostalgia. A few of my favorite videos:I ❤️ LEGO StudiosR.R. Slugger’s Top 10 LEGO Trans Colours!LEGO Galidor: 20th Anniversary Retrospective!Please show Slugger some love! There aren't enough content creators like him.Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):BellsWithout Fear They FlewAlter EgoTruth and JustificationHavenSemantic SatiationOur Monstrous Purpose

Seven questions to help you learn more about Clutch Power, me, and my goals for the show. Think of this like a intro course!Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):Alter EgoThis Time is PreciousWithout Fear They Flew  

Clutch Power is an NPR-style show about the ways we love LEGO. Each episode, Emmy-nominated reporter Eric Crittenden will take a deep-dive into one aspect of LEGO fandom, from the highs of LEGO Star Wars to the lows of Galidor.Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com)Warmth