Today’s guests include the one and only TrikBrix! Jamie has huge Clutch Power guest energy with his deep dives into 80s and 90s LEGO themes, and I’m so happy I got to talk about LEGO Western with him. You can really tell how much he loves this theme - if his masterful retrospectives didn’t give it away:

• The Gold Rush of 1996
• LEGO 6746 Chief’s Tepee
• LEGO 6718 Raindance Ridge (& Friends!)

But honestly you can’t go wrong with any of his videos. Jamie has some of the highest quality LEGO content you’ll find, period, end of sentence. Every frame of his videos is a masterpiece.

I’m also honored to introduce you to two scholars in Part 2 of this episode:

• James Mackay, Associate Professor of Literature and Digital Cultures at European University Cyprus
• Gregory Smithers, Ph.D., author, professor of History at Virginia Commonwealth University, and researcher

Both of these men are absolute gems and gave me so much to ponder about Native American representation. I grew up in Alabama and my school didn’t give Native Americans a lot of focus - at least, not in the way you’d want in 2026. I can’t get over something James said - about how a “Native American LEGO set” is the same as a “white person LEGO set” or “black person LEGO set” which obviously would not fly.

If you want to read more about LEGO and Native American representation, here are some great articles:

• Native American Heritage and LEGO Representation (BrickNerd)
• Disappointing action behind LEGOLAND disappearing act (The Copenhagen Post)

If you’re a Patreon supporter, you’ll get a bonus act called: “The Music of 90s LEGO”. Jamie writes all the music for his videos, so I wanted to chat with him about his process, as well as throwing some curveball LEGO themes at him to see what kind of music he’d think up. Also - hot takes on Time Cruisers!

You’ll also get access to a special MOC just for this episode! I love this one: a classic Western standoff, with a sunset, silhouette, revolver. Man I love the Wild West.

It’s $2 / month to become a Patron, and you’ll get bonus content + a MOC for every episode!

Join the Patreon!

Songs from:

Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):

• A way

WombatNoisesAudio:

• Song: Cesare Rides Again
• Website: https://soundcloud.com/user-734462061
• License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
• Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

And TrikBricks:

• Wild West Background
• Wild West Intro
• Wild West Theme
• Wild West - The Tribe

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

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

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

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

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 Dark
• The Art of Being Lonely
• Let’s Make a Memory
• Identity Crisis
• Symbols In The Shape Of A Word
• Scarecrow

And Jeopardy theme by BenFranklyn: https://freesound.org/s/789077/

License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0

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 Way
• Anya Kemnitz
• My Climate Plan

If 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):

• Artifice
• A Mundance Conclusion
• Alter Ego
• Escape
• Something Beautiful Is Going To Happen
• Violence
• Liberosis

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 Catarino
• CNET's Bridget Carey
• CNN's Rikka Altland

And 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 Ego
• Fringe Weaver
• Follow Me Into The Dark
• An Unexpected Hanging
• Divine Violence

But there’s more to it than just choosing the best set. I created several categories to discuss:

• Best Minifig
• Best Collectable Minifig
• Best Polybag
• Best Set Under $50
• Best Gift with Purchase (GWP)
• Best Original IP LEGO Set
• Best Licensed LEGO Set

Today’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):

• Tricks
• Untitled

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:

• Bricklink
• Minifigs.nl
• Brick Economy

Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.

All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):

• Alter Ego
• Phantasms
• Climbers in the Dark
• Hands Clasped at the End of the World
• Katabasis
• Man Alone Chimes the Hour

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 Ego
• Building Nest in the Ruins
• Defective
• Hearts and Minds
• Behind the Mask
• Creative Destruction

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 World
• Revisiting LEGO Harry Potter: The Prisoner of Azkaban
• LEGO Sharks!

Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.

All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):

• Dead City
• The Days That Flee By Without Any Mercy
• The Dissolution of Collusion
• Alter Ego
• Garden
• Broken in Two
• Oblivious

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 Apart
• Fatigue
• Escape
• Our Time is Short
• Elgengrau
• Aquamarine, My Distant Blue

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-spans

Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.

All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):

• Haven
• Everything You Say is a Lie
• The Author Never Dies
• Our Monstrous Purpose
• We Are Already Dead
• Alter Ego
• Home

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 Studios
• R.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):

• Bells
• Without Fear They Flew
• Alter Ego
• Truth and Justification
• Haven
• Semantic Satiation
• Our Monstrous Purpose

Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.

All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com):

• Alter Ego
• This Time is Precious
• Without Fear They Flew

Find episode notes and more at clutchpower.substack.com.

All music by Nihilore (www.nihilore.com)

• Warmth