Episode 53 â "Pursuing Professional Cosplay Opportunities" Turning cosplay into something more than a hobby? This episode breaks down networking in the cosplay spaceâhow to connect with brands, conventions, and other creators to land professional opportunities. Whether you want sponsorships, guest spots, or collaboration gigs, weâve got tips to help you make those connections count. Â Support us on Patreon! - patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast Find more of us here: https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast
Cosplay Coach: https://linktr.ee/tonykaroussis Today's episode features Cosplay Coach (Tony) - a good mate of mine who's making a splash in the cosplay community through "getting stronger to cosplay longer"! We explore Tony's upbringing, swapping careers, getting injured, and how he had to find the confidence and courage to start cosplaying again after leaving the scene! For anyone interested in business, fitness or some good ol' motivation, you're gonna love this episode! Did you know you can also listen to our podcast on while you're on the go? Spotify âĄď¸ https://spoti.fi/3NkLXCl Google Podcasts âĄď¸ https://bit.ly/3DLzGDP Apple Podcasts âĄď¸ https://apple.co/3T7GJLz find us- https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast  follow us online c: jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom marmalade - https://marmaladecos.carrd.co/ Â
JustBeCos podcast, new season! Maia is off to Japan! It means that Jeremy is going to try change up the format of the podcast a little bit. Fewer direct topics around cosplay, but more stories, life lessons and discoveries will be told - all learnt from our own cosplay journeys!  Who is "our"? Special guests may start to feature more regularly! I'll be on the lookout for people I vibe with (so the conversation stays fun!) - but if you've always been keen to jump on an episode of the podcast, keep your eyes peeled!  Did you know you can also listen to our podcast on while you're on the go? Spotify âĄď¸ https://spoti.fi/3NkLXCl Google Podcasts âĄď¸ https://bit.ly/3DLzGDP Apple Podcasts âĄď¸ https://apple.co/3T7GJLz  find us- https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast follow us online c: jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom marmalade - https://marmaladecos.carrd.co/ Â
Episode 51 â "The Dark Side of Cosplay" (Podcast Relaunch!) We're back! After a break, JustBeCos is relaunching with a deep dive into the drama, toxicity, and challenges that exist in the cosplay community. From online callouts to convention controversies, weâre talking about the side of cosplay that doesnât always get discussed. How do we navigate the negativity while still loving the craft? Letâs get into it. Support us on Patreon! - patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast Find more of us here: https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast
This episode is a little different â and thatâs okay đ Weâre sitting down for a relaxed chat to reflect on the year that was: the cosplay highs, the lows, the unexpected lessons, and the things that didnât quite go to plan. No hot takes. No big debates. Just an honest conversation about where weâve been, how this year actually felt, and what weâre thinking about heading into next year. If youâre also in that end-of-year headspace of reflecting, reassessing, or just feeling a bit tired â this oneâs for you đ¤ Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThingsÂ
The Game Expo - https://www.instagram.com/thegameexpo/ Owldamone - https://www.instagram.com/owldamone/ This week, Jeremy and Daniella sit down with Melbourne cosplayer and cosplay coordinator Owldamone to talk about the exciting growth of The Game Expo and whatâs in store for next yearâs event. From lessons learned in running a young convention to how theyâre building an inclusive and competitive cosplay scene in Melbourne, this episode dives deep into the behind-the-scenes world of conventions on the rise. đ§ Tune in for an exclusive announcement straight from The Game Expo team â one youâll definitely want to hear if youâre planning to cosplay in 2026! Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThingsÂ
Conventions can be the best days of your life⌠and also the most exhausting! In this episode of the JustBeCos Podcast, Jeremy and Daniella dive into the highs, lows, and hilariously awkward moments of con culture. From surviving cosplay crunch to packing smart, managing lines, and keeping your energy up during a jam-packed weekend, we share our best tips for navigating conventions like a pro. Whether youâre gearing up for PAX or your next local event, this episode will help you maximise the fun and minimise the stress â with plenty of relatable con stories along the way. Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThingsÂ
Cosplay is fun, creative, and rewardingâbut sometimes burnout creeps in, and itâs easy to question the âwhyâ behind it all. In this episode, we get real about our own struggles with balance, meaning, and motivation in the cosplay world. But itâs not all heavyâweâre also buzzing with excitement for PAX, where weâll be creating brand-new content and sharing the energy of the community with you. Consider this the bridge between burnout and hypeâbecause the best is yet to come. Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThingsÂ
Cosplay isnât just about costumes anymoreâitâs about content. In this episode, Jeremy and Daniella dive into the wild world of cosplay content creation in 2025. From the burnout of keeping up with trends, to chasing clout, to dealing with imposter syndrome, they ask the big question: what does it really mean to be a cosplay creator today? Tune in for hot takes, relatable struggles, and a few laughs at their own guilty content habits. Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThingsÂ
What would the ultimate cosplay, anime, and gaming convention look like? In this episode of the JustBeCos Podcast, Jeremy and Daniella put their imaginations to work and design their dream convention from the ground up. From the perfect venue layout to cosplay competition features, artist alley must-haves, late-night programming, and even some wild âif money was no objectâ ideas â we cover it all. Whether youâre a con-goer, cosplayer, or daydreaming about your ideal event, this episode is packed with laughs, tangents, and plenty of community love. Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThingsÂ
Pixel Expo - https://www.pixelexpo.org.au/ Tim - https://www.instagram.com/woken_cosplay Cat - https://www.instagram.com/_cat_aclysm_ Pixel Expo is back for 2025, and weâve got the inside scoop straight from the top! This week, Jeremy and Dani sit down with Pixel Expoâs President and Cosplay Coordinator to talk about whatâs new, whatâs changed since last year, and how theyâre championing the cosplay community in a big way. From unique convention experiences that set Pixel apart from other Aussie cons to how theyâre embracing the ever-evolving cosplay scene, weâre getting into all the details. And stick around until the endâour guests drop special, exclusive announcements about Pixel Expo 2025 that youâll hear here first! If youâre heading to Perth (or thinking about it), this is the episode that will get you hyped! Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThingsÂ
In this episode of the JustBeCos Podcast, we dive into the BEST and WORST parts of the cosplay community â as told by you! After posing the question to our audience, we got a dozen honest, funny, and downright relatable answers. From uplifting support to messy drama, we share our thoughts, spill some tea, and celebrate what makes this community both magical and maddening. Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThingsÂ
Welcome back to con season chaos! In this episode of the JustBeCos Podcast, we reflect on our jam-packed experiences at SMASH! Sydney and AVCon Adelaideâtwo of Australiaâs biggest anime and cosplay conventions. From presenting panels and working behind the scenes to soaking up the con vibes, we break down the highs, the hiccups, and everything in between. Tune in for honest reviews, standout moments, and our personal ratings of each con. Whether you went, missed out, or are planning for next year, this episodeâs your inside scoop! Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThingsÂ
Jaclyn - https://www.instagram.com/jaclynmay Vye - https://www.instagram.com/vyecos Weâre back from our short breakâand weâre coming in hot with a massive exclusive! In this very special episode, weâre joined by not one but two incredible guests, including the Executive Director of SMASH!âAustraliaâs biggest anime and manga convention. Together, we dive into the exciting future of SMASH!, with exclusive first-time announcements about whatâs coming next for the con, the teamâs evolving vision, and what attendees can expect going forward. Whether you're a die-hard SMASH! fan, a convention regular, or just curious about how one of the countryâs biggest events is run behind the scenesâthis is an episode you wonât want to miss. đ Spoiler: You heard it here first. Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThingsÂ
Feeling overwhelmed by con prep? Youâre not alone. In this episode, we get real about the emotional toll of cosplay in the lead-up to conventionsâburnout, stress, FOMO, budgeting struggles, and the pressure to do everything. We unpack the hidden costs of the hustle and share practical strategies to help you manage time, money, expectations, and your own mental health. Whether youâre deep in the con crunch or debating if you should even go, this oneâs for anyone trying to keep the magic alive without losing their mind. Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThings Â
Toxique - https://www.instagram.com/toxique0/ Whatâs it really like to be part of the US cosplay scene? In this episode, weâre joined by Toxiqueâa US-based cosplayer and con organizer deeply involved in smaller convention circles. Together, we explore the cultural differences between the American and Australian cosplay communities, what to expect at US cons, and how Aussie cosplayers can prepare if theyâre dreaming of taking their skills stateside. From opportunities to red flags, we cover the advice, insights, and community truths you wonât find on a con flyer. Whether you're planning to travel or just curious about how cosplay plays out across the globe, this is your passport episode. Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThings Â
Dating in the cosplay world can be a wild rideâfrom long-term love to fleeting con crushes. In this episode, we unpack the realities of cosplay relationships, situationships, and hookups. Whether you're already partnered with a fellow cosplayer or curious about finding your player two, we explore the pros and cons of dating within the community, share tips on making those relationships actually work, and break down a 3-step process for connecting with cosplayers in a way thatâs respectful (and not cringe). Because letâs face itâdating as a cosplayer is its own kind of quest. Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - https://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThings
In this episode of the JustBeCos Podcast, weâre diving into the often unspokenâbut super importantâtopic of creepy behavior in the cosplay scene. From uncomfortable in-person encounters to inappropriate DMs, we break down what crosses the line and why. We also offer up some practical advice on how to navigate these situations with confidenceâwhether you're trying to avoid being unintentionally creepy or need tools to protect your own boundaries. Letâs make our community safer, one convo at a time.  Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast  follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - hhttps://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThings Â
Feeling like an outsider in the cosplay scene? Youâre not alone. In this episode, we dive into the real struggles of trying to belongâwhether itâs making con friends, finding your people online, or just enjoying cosplay without feeling awkward. We share practical social skills, online community tips, and our own stories of trial and error to help you build genuine connections and feel more at home in the cosplay world. đŹâ¨ Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - hhttps://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThings
In this special collab episode, we sit down with the President and Vice President of AVConâSouth Australiaâs iconic, community-powered anime and gaming festival! With over 23 years of history and 17,000+ attendees in 2024, AVCon 2025 is shaping up to be its biggest year yet. We talk all things AVCon: cosplay culture, running a volunteer-run event, what to expect this July, and why this festival is so beloved by the community đ PLUS: We announce a special giveaway at the end of the episodeâyou wonât want to miss it! đ đď¸ Mark your calendars: AVCon 2025 hits the Adelaide Showground July 5â6! Join the JustBeCos Patreon Fam! âĄď¸ https://www.patreon.com/JustBeCosCosplayPodcast follow us online c: JBC - https://linktr.ee/justbecos.cast jeremy - https://linktr.ee/mangalphantom daniella - hhttps://linktr.ee/DaniellaMakesThings Â