Bench Tested: A Ghostbusters Podcast

In this episode of Bench Tested: A Ghostbusters Podcast, Charlie Harsh sits down with Grant from GSPropSmith to discuss the journey from modifying a Spirit Halloween proton pack to building a successful Ghostbusters prop shop. Grant shares how joining the Oklahoma City Ghostbusters, buying his first 3D printer, and creating a custom belt gizmo eventually led to an Etsy business offering proton pack vent kits, magnetic leg hoses, handmade leather holsters, electronics, embroidered apparel, custom accessories, and complete proton pack commissions. The conversation explores Grant’s focus on durability, affordability, customer service, and helping builders create gear that fits their own needs rather than chasing screen accuracy at any cost. They also discuss wireless smoke kits, handmade prop components, custom commissions, running a one-person Etsy shop, and the realities of balancing production, shipping, customer support, and everyday life. Whether you are modifying your first Spirit Pack, upgrading a HasLab proton pack, planning a scratch build, or searching for reliable Ghostbusters prop accessories, this episode offers practical advice and an honest look behind the scenes of GSPropSmith. Visit benchtestedpod.com for more interviews with the makers, builders, and creators shaping the Ghostbusters prop community.

What starts as a single project can quickly become an obsession, and sometimes that obsession ends up shaping the Ghostbusters community itself. In this episode of Bench Tested, Charlie Harsh sits down with Phil Goulet, creator of the widely recognized Aura Video Analyzer helmet and RTV projects, alongside Nan Robinson, President of the Kalamazoo Ghostbusters, accomplished prop builder, Etsy seller, and one of the community’s most passionate advocates for helping others bring their builds to life. Together they discuss how a first 3D printer turned into designing products used by Ghostbusters fans around the world, why listening to customer feedback has become a cornerstone of better engineering, and how collaboration continues to drive new innovations in the hobby. The conversation also explores rebuilding proton packs from the shell up, custom electronics, working ECUs, developing a next-generation attenuator, franchise leadership, convention experiences, and the importance of mentoring the next wave of Ghostbusters builders. Whether you’re just starting with your first Spirit Pack or you’re already designing custom electronics of your own, this episode is packed with practical insight, behind-the-scenes stories, and a look at how today’s builders are creating tomorrow’s Ghostbusters gear. Visit benchtestedpod.com for every episode, show notes, and upcoming guest announcements. Follow @BenchTestedPod on social media for behind-the-scenes content, new episode releases, and exclusive interviews with the makers, engineers, and creators helping shape the future of the Ghostbusters community.

In this episode of Bench Tested, Charlie Harsh is joined by Ryan aka McFonz and Renel from the Capital Ghostbusters, a franchise that’s been combining incredible Ghostbusters craftsmanship with community fundraising since 2016 in support of CHEO, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. The conversation explores the evolution of their builds, from Spirit Pack and HasLab modifications to custom weathering, flight suits, and screen-inspired prop upgrades. McFonz shares the story behind his first proton pack build, his Janine and Venkman uniforms, and his GBSU-inspired PKE Meter, while Renel dives into the extensive modifications that transformed his HasLab proton pack into a truly one-of-a-kind build. The discussion then shifts into the technical side of the hobby as they pull back the curtain on the Capital Ghostbusters’ custom ECU project, explaining the engineering challenges, design philosophy, and how real-world troop experience is shaping a new generation of Ghostbusters electronics. Whether you’re just starting with a Spirit Pack or you’re designing custom hardware from the ground up, this episode is packed with practical insights, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at how passionate builders continue to push the Ghostbusters hobby forward, all while making a difference in their community. Visit: benchtestedpod.com Follow: @BenchTestedPod for new episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming guest announcements.

This week on Bench Tested, Charlie sits down with Archer from Nerd Affiliated for a conversation that goes well beyond simply recreating what’s seen on screen. From flight suits and weathering techniques to proton packs, electronics, HasLab upgrades, and the excitement surrounding Ghostbusters: Night Shift, they explore what truly makes a great build.They also discuss the balance between screen accuracy and personal creativity, how today’s builders have more tools than ever before, and why the Ghostbusters community continues to thrive through collaboration, craftsmanship, and a shared passion for making something uniquely their own.If you’ve ever obsessed over a reference photo, debated a paint color, or wondered whether “movie accurate” should really be the end goal, this episode is for you.

In Season 2, Episode 3 of Bench Tested, Charlie Harsh sits down with Luke Ellis, better known as The Green Haired Ghostbuster, to talk about the Ghostbusters Community Trading Card Project.They get into how the project started, how it has connected fans and franchises around the world, and what it says about the larger Ghostbusters community.The conversation also covers Luke’s own cosplay, builds, fandom, and how people can get involved.This one is about more than props. It’s about the people behind the patches, packs, and cards.