The show kicks off with Brogan chatting about his wakeup call that day and Kozar tells the guys about his con experience and being floored his very first night at the con. They also discuss Nuclear Cherries, the cut in number of parties and the change from KY Wrestling to KY Twister this year.

15:55 – The guys discuss panels they’ve been to in the past and registering each year to support the convention, even if they don’t go to the panels. Scott promotes volunteering and reminds people that they can always volunteer if they’re not satisfied with the convention and that’s it’s solely ran by volunteers.

25:08 – At the halfway point Rusty joins the team and Kozar provides a safety tip for con attendees - you should never ask anybody at con to smell their fingers. Rusty discusses his Thursday night with Kozar philosophizing and drinking. He also talks about his favorite Norwescon memories and they warn listeners about hot tubbing it at the convention.
41:48 – Brogan talks about one of his favorite moments where he was welcomed into the con community, getting sold in the slave auction, and they also chat about dressing in character for the con. Talk then goes back to early parties and the experience for people that aren’t con goers that have rooms in the party wing.

This episode comes to a close with Kozar talking about being involved in LARPing and him and his friends putting together their own LARP with plans of having the first live event in September. He talks about documenting the LARP, creating the rules and regulations, the opportunities for people to make their own house and the amount of people in the area that are interested in LARPing.

Thanks guys for an awesome conversation and a look into the world of Norwescon goers!!!

Special Guests: Kozar and Rusty.

Sponsored By:

• Wizard's Keep Games: Building Community Through The Power Of Games. Stop by and check out the weekly events. Commander, D&D, Friday Night Magic, It all happens at Wizard's Keep Games in Renton. 17148 116th Ave SE Renton WA, 98058
• The Lindsay Jackman Group: We understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. That’s why our team of highly-seasoned real estate professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of our clients. We take great pride in the relationships we build and always work relentlessly on the client’s behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals. Lindsay Jackman, Broker 253.857.3366 RE/MAX EXCLUSIVE 7201 Pioneer Way Ste A 101, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Volunteers | Norwescon — Norwescon is run entirely by volunteers. Each year, over 250 people generously give of their time in order to make Norwescon the best it can be for its members and participants. Volunteers are the backbone of the convention, from those of us who donate our time year round to those of you who lend a much needed helping hand for a couple of hours at the convention. Whether that is watching the doors at the Masquerade, helping out at the Registration Desk, or manning the Cloak Closet, we need that help.

The show kicks off with the guys talking about how long they’ve been attending the convention. Calvin tells about going since age 18 and Scott talks about also volunteering at the convention. Discussion then goes to QR codes and the different ways people are using them with marketing. Brogan then shares that he’s been going to the con for 22 years and Rusty a total of 20.

14:28 – The guys discuss the different types of panels that are offered at the convention in addition to the activity workshops that include sward and shield fighting and glass fusing. Brogan covers what the average cost is for attending and getting a hotel room for the weekend. He then dives into how important attending the convention over the years has been for him and they then cover Dr. Ricky, a previous guest on the podcast that has participated in Norwescon panels in the past.

27:23 – Scott talks about being a part of the convention staff and what happens during the monthly planning meetings. They then discuss where Rusty disappeared to and Brogan then turns the conversation to his favorite memories about the con. Talk then goes to the art room where people can bid on art submitted to the convention, parties during the early years of the convention, and how they have changed over the years with LCB rules that mandate how parties can be held.

45:15 – Justin and Scott talk about visiting Camp Bar in Tacoma on Saint Patrick’s Day and doing s’mores at their table. They reminisce about other things they did there before it became Camp Bar, including many comedy shows, watching Justin on Wheel of Fortune, and the roasting of Brogan on his birthday. Rusty also returns and they chat about how much each of them have had to drink so far that day.

Fear and Loathing 1 comes to an end with Rusty talking about the interesting conversations he’s had with people at the convention, including a lady explaining to him how a house cat could beat him in a fight and people that believe in ferries. Brogan talks about the earlier days with vampires in the masquerade and the time him and his sister signing up for the slave auction.

Stay tuned for Fear and Loathing 2 coming soon!! Thanks Rusty and Calvin for joining the guys for a great Norwescon 41 conversation!

Special Guests: Calvin and Rusty.

Sponsored By:

• The Lindsay Jackman Group: We understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. That’s why our team of highly-seasoned real estate professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of our clients. We take great pride in the relationships we build and always work relentlessly on the client’s behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals. Lindsay Jackman, Broker 253.857.3366 RE/MAX EXCLUSIVE 7201 Pioneer Way Ste A 101, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
• Malarkey's Pool and Brew: Kick back with your friends and a tall Northwest micro brew or a frosty pitcher of draft beer. If you're up for billiards, this is the place to be; 20 pool tables and some of the top talent in the entire Pacific Northwest. If you're just looking for a friendly game, drop on by. We've got four pool leagues for players of all skill levels. Malarkey's Pool & Brew is on the corner of 6th & Tacoma. 445 Tacoma Ave S Phone 253-383-3301 11am to 2am Monday-Sunday

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Volunteers | Norwescon — Norwescon is run entirely by volunteers. Each year, over 250 people generously give of their time in order to make Norwescon the best it can be for its members and participants. Volunteers are the backbone of the convention, from those of us who donate our time year round to those of you who lend a much needed helping hand for a couple of hours at the convention. Whether that is watching the doors at the Masquerade, helping out at the Registration Desk, or manning the Cloak Closet, we need that help.

The show kicks off with the guys talking about a new rum bar on Opera Alley in Tacoma, the Devils Reef that opened in January. Brogan explains the bar carries over 100 types of rum from all over the world and carries a Disney type restaurant feel tucked in the middle of Tacoma. Derek then dives into the topics that he covers on his podcast, Sometimes Geek, including his most recent series, Sometimes Geek Levels Up, a more deep dive conversational podcast that is put out every two weeks.

Around the 12 minute mark Derek talks about trying to do streaming of YouTube videos before starting the podcast Conversation then goes to the games Derek has been playing lately, the latest being Celeste. Justin talks about getting the Nintendo Classic and not being able to get past level one on Super Ghost and Goblins and the beauty of being able to hit the reset button so you can save the game.
At the midpoint of the show, Derek chats about how he got started in podcasting and games the guys have been playing including Fortnite. They discuss the background of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds and Fortnite’s free version of the game. Talk then goes to bad video game movies and if there has ever been a good one made.

Near the 35 minute mark, they talk about new games that are coming out that they’re looking forward to playing and companies like Rockstar and Blizzard Entertainment that typically delay the release of their games. Brogan talks about the green light games in Steam, which has great priced indie games. They also discuss their favorite green light games and Derek’s thoughts on old school gaming.

As the show winds down, the guys talk about classic games like Sonic and Super Mario 3 and the first games they ever played, the most popular one being Contra. Brogan then suggests the team adopt a baby from North Korea and form a new group called “Three Men and a Nerd Baby”. They also discuss it being legal in the early 1900’s to mail babies, for a small fee of $.45, people could ship their babies as long as they were under 50 pounds.

Thanks Derek for joining the guys for a great conversation and the look at your podcast Sometimes Geek!!!

Special Guest: Derek G.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Sometimes Geek Podcast — All of the major news from the gaming industry in a short and easy to listen format.
• Amazon.com: Super NES Classic: Video Games — Super NES Classic