The ESO Network Feed
The ESO Network Feed

The ESO Network Feed

The ESO Network Feed

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Established in April 2012, the ESO Network is a podcast network of shows that celebrate a love for pop culture, sci-fi, comics, and all things geek. Join podcasts like Earth Station One, Earth Station Who, Earth Station DCU, The NerdBliss Podcast, The FlopCast, The Dragon Con Report, The 42cast, and so much more. We dive headfirst into the world of our favorite topics, get into trouble, and find our way out again! Stop by for a listen and let your inner geek out to play.

Recent Episodes

The 2026 Dragon Con Report Episode 4: Creatures of the Con Night
MAY 8, 2026
The 2026 Dragon Con Report Episode 4: Creatures of the Con Night
<img width="150" height="150" src="https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-sq-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-sq-150x150.jpg 150w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-sq-300x300.jpg 300w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-sq-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-sq-768x768.jpg 768w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-sq.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Urban Fantasy and Horror Tracks Take Over the Show</h3> <p>The shadows are deep, the music is loud and the creatures of the night have claimed another episode of the Dragon Con Report. This time, we’re joined by the directors from the Urban Fantasy and Horror Tracks at Dragon Con, along with legendary Goth Party DJ &#8211; DJ Ichabod, for a conversation packed with storytelling, music, and late-night energy.</p> <p>From modern monsters and supernatural storytelling to dance floors filled with black velvet and industrial beats, this episode explores why these tracks continue to be fan favorites year after year.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Exploring the Worlds of Urban Fantasy &amp; Horror</h2> <p>We dive into what defines urban fantasy and horror in today’s landscape and how both genres continue evolving with new creators, fresh perspectives, and changing audience tastes.</p> <p>The discussion covers:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Why urban fantasy remains such a popular genre</li> <li>How classic monsters continue finding new life</li> <li>The overlap between horror and fantasy fandoms</li> </ul> <p>Whether you love supernatural detectives, haunted cities, cosmic terror or creatures lurking in dark alleyways &#8211; there’s something here for every fan of the strange and unusual.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building Dragon Con Programming</h2> <p>Creating programming for Dragon Con involves balancing longtime fan favorites with exciting new ideas and the Urban Fantasy and Horror Tracks are no exception.</p> <p>We talk about:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>How panel topics are selected</li> <li>What makes a great guest or discussion</li> <li>The challenges of building engaging programming</li> <li>Hidden gems attendees should watch for this year</li> </ul> <p>The track directors also share insight into what makes Dragon Con audiences unique and why these genres connect so strongly with convention fans.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Inside the Legendary Dragon Con Goth Party</h2> <p>No conversation about these tracks would be complete without discussing one of Dragon Con’s most iconic late-night events: the Goth Party.</p> <p>DJ Ichabod joins us to talk about:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Crafting the perfect convention dance floor atmosphere</li> <li>Reading the crowd and building a live set</li> <li>Music that always fills the floor</li> <li>Memorable moments from past Dragon Con nights</li> </ul> <p>The result is part dance club, part vampire ballroom, part sleep-deprived fever dream fueled by excitement and excellent music.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Music, Mood &amp; Fandom Energy</h2> <p>Horror and urban fantasy are about more than books and movies. Atmosphere matters. Music matters. Community matters.</p> <p>This episode explores how music helps shape fandom experiences and why events like the Goth Party become lasting memories for Dragon Con attendees year after year.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why These Tracks Continue to Thrive</h2> <p>One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is community. Fans return to these tracks because they offer welcoming spaces for creativity, self-expression and shared enthusiasm for all things eerie, magical, and delightfully strange.</p> <p>Whether through storytelling panels, late-night parties or hallway conversations with fellow attendees &#8211; these tracks help create the unforgettable energy that defines Dragon Con.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p>For more Dragon Con coverage, interviews, and fandom discussions, keep following the Dragon Con Report throughout the season.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p><br><br>The Dragon Con Report is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Producer Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner, Executive Producer Mike Faber.<br>​<br>We want to hear from you! Feedback is always welcome. Please write to us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>&nbsp;and subscribe and rate the show wherever fine podcasts are found, such as Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and our new YouTube Channel.<br>​<br><strong>Links:</strong><br>​<br><a href="https://www.dragonconreport.com/">Dragon Con Report Website</a><br>​<br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeHfAbet8aG5pc8yeyO70SA">Dragon Con Report YouTube Channel</a><br>​<br><a href="https://esonetwork.com/">ESO Network</a><br>​<br><a href="https://www.patreon.com/esonetwork">ESO Network Patreon</a><br>​<br><a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-eso-broadcasting-network?ref_id=5204&amp;utm_campaign=5204&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=The%2BESO%2BBroadcasting%2BNetwork">ESO Network TeePublic Store</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/361840584752074">Dragon Con Parties, Meetups, and More</a><br>​<br><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcblackgeeks">Black Geeks of Dragon Con</a><br>​<br><a href="https://www.dragoncon.org/">Dragon Con</a></p> <p><a href="https://youtube.com/live/R5GwD6Ox3wU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watch the episode video on YouTube</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DCUrbanFantasy">Urban Fantasy on FB</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/@DragonConUrbanFantasy">Urban Fantasy YouTube</a></p> <p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/dcurbanfantasy.bsky.social">Urban Fantasy on Blue Sky</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DragonConHorror">Horror Track on FB</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dchorrortrack/">Horror Track Instagram</a></p> <p><a href="https://outovthecoffin.blogspot.com">Out ov The Coffin</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/fascinationstreetnashville">Fascination Street</a></p> <p><strong>Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Dragon Con. Delta has announced a discount code for the 2026 show. NM4XQ is the code.</strong></p> <p></p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p><strong>Dragon Con Report Intro and Outro attributes:</strong></p> <p>Stock Media provided by Blackmid / Pond5<br><a href="https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/211981317-adventure-pirates-fantasy-epic-orchestral">Adventure Of The Pirates &#8211; Fantasy, Epic Orchestral</a> Music by <a href="https://www.pond5.com/">Pond5</a></p> <p>Stock Media provided by MellauSFX / Pond5<br><a href="https://www.pond5.com/sound-effects/item/231512213-dragon-fire-roar">Dragon Fire Roar</a> Sound Effects by <a href="https://www.pond5.com/">Pond5</a></p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p>#dragonconreport #dcr #podcast #dragoncon #dragonconpodcast #conventions #AtlantaGeekScene #dragonconAtlanta #ESONetwork #geekpodcast #Geektalk #ChanningSherman #JenLilBitSchleusner #MikeGordon #nerdpodcast #TheESONetwork #2026DragonConReport #DragonCon2026 #ESOPatreon #40yranniversary #UrbanFantasy #Horror #GothParty #horrortrack #urbanfantasytrack #spooky #fantasy #magic #derektatum #carolmalcolm #djichabod</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The post <a href="https://esonetwork.com/dragon-con-horror-urban-fantasy-goth-party/">The 2026 Dragon Con Report Episode 4: Creatures of the Con Night</a> appeared first on <a href="https://esonetwork.com">The ESO Network</a>.</p>
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73 MIN
The 42cast Episode 281: The Brynne Chandler Interview
MAY 8, 2026
The 42cast Episode 281: The Brynne Chandler Interview
<img width="150" height="150" src="https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BCWriter-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Brynne Chandler" decoding="async" srcset="https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BCWriter-150x150.jpg 150w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BCWriter-300x300.jpg 300w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BCWriter-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BCWriter-768x768.jpg 768w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/BCWriter.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> <p>This time, The 42cast, is proud to welcome prolific animation writer <a href="https://42cast.com/index.php/cast/#Brynne_Chandler">Brynne Chandler</a> on to the show. Brynne talks to us about her decades of experience, focusing on many ground-breaking series from the 80&#8217;s and 90&#8217;s including <em>He-Man</em>, <em>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</em>, <em>Batman: The Animated Series</em>, and <em>Gargoyles</em>. She talks with us about her experiences working in the industry and her thoughts on some of the series and specific episodes that she worked on. Along the way we discuss such varied topics as where morals in TV series came from, the unintended consequences of being overly protective of young people, whether women like action and explosions, and what the DCEU didn&#8217;t understand about Batman and Superman.</p> <p>As this is an interview episode there is no five-minute controversy.</p> <p>Like what you heard? Follow us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/42cast/">www.facebook.com/42cast</a>. You can also find us on X as <a href="https://twitter.com/42cast">@42cast</a>, Instagram/Threads as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/42cast/">42cast</a>, or Blue Sky as <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/42cast.bsky.social">42cast.bsky.social</a>. We can also be found on <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwaVhEu3CYNIp7T1YJDmM4MCTRzai23Hc&amp;si=nuYlHzCJW5Hfkh93">Youtube</a> or <a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-42cast/">rss.com</a> where you can find links to all of the various podcast providers where we can be found. Please, leave us a review. Have a question for the Ultimate Answer? E-mail us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. Want to be part of the discussion, join our <a href="https://discord.gg/tvWe9gvbWw">Discord Server</a> where you can talk about any form of geekiness, opine on the episodes, or participate in our general silliness<a href="https://media.blubrry.com/podcast_the_42cast/content.rss.com/episodes/362275/2804583/the-42cast/2026_05_08_02_50_04_819e2070-752b-4ee2-989f-9f0f23f26483.mp3">.</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://esonetwork.com/the-42cast-episode-281-the-brynne-chandler-interview/">The 42cast Episode 281: The Brynne Chandler Interview</a> appeared first on <a href="https://esonetwork.com">The ESO Network</a>.</p>
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100 MIN
POOL IT! 40th (39th) Anniversary – Monkeeing Around – Episode 87
MAY 7, 2026
POOL IT! 40th (39th) Anniversary – Monkeeing Around – Episode 87
<img width="150" height="150" src="https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pool-It-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pool-It-150x150.jpg 150w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pool-It-300x300.jpg 300w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pool-It-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pool-It-768x768.jpg 768w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pool-It.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> <p>This week we&#8217;re MONKEEING AROUND with Cary Gordon (Metal Geeks) and Chris Nicchi (The Metal Exchange) to dive into POOL IT! This will be an episode for the Eighties kids as we&#8217;re celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Monkees 20th (21st) anniversary album!</p> <p>Our &#8216;You May Also Like&#8217; recommendations this week are the new singles &#8220;In the Stars&#8221; and “Rough and Twisted” from the upcoming album, Foreign Tongues, by The Rolling Stones!</p> <p>Monkeeing Around is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Executive Producer Mike Faber.</p> <p>#monkees #poolit #80smusic #CaryGordon #metalgeeks #ChrisNicchi #metalexchange #rollingstones #ForeignTongues</p> <p>The post <a href="https://esonetwork.com/monkeeing-around-87/">POOL IT! 40th (39th) Anniversary &#8211; Monkeeing Around &#8211; Episode 87</a> appeared first on <a href="https://esonetwork.com">The ESO Network</a>.</p>
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62 MIN
Late Episode, Big Stories: Flood Evacuations, Anniversary Adventures & Yard Sale Letdowns
MAY 6, 2026
Late Episode, Big Stories: Flood Evacuations, Anniversary Adventures & Yard Sale Letdowns
<img width="150" height="150" src="https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ep-51-150x150.png" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="We’re Late… But Leah Was Saving the Day (Literally)" decoding="async" srcset="https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ep-51-150x150.png 150w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ep-51-300x300.png 300w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ep-51-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ep-51-768x768.png 768w, https://esonetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ep-51.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /> <p>This one’s a few days late—but for a really good reason.</p> <p>Leah’s been out of town working as a nurse, helping care for First Nations evacuees from Fort Albany. Every spring, flooding forces northern communities out of their homes. This time, many were relocated to Toronto—about eight hours from us. Leah stepped in as a care coordinator, supporting families during a tough and uncertain time.</p> <p>She’s home for a quick four-day break… then it’s right back for another 10-day stretch.</p> <p>We also squeezed in something a little more fun—our 2-year anniversary on May the 4th (yes, <em>that</em> May the 4th). We tried to go out for a nice dinner, but Smelt season had other plans. Every restaurant was either packed or closed. After a bit of running around, we finally landed somewhere and made a night of it.</p> <p>Bonus: we tried Wayne Gretzky’s salted caramel liqueur. Worth it? We’ll let you know.</p> <p>In this episode, we also catch up on:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The early days of Shawn’s new YouTube channel</li> <li>Starting a brand-new mail route this week</li> <li>A trip to the Echo Bay town-wide yard sales… with more disappointment than treasure</li> </ul> <p>It’s a bit of everything this week—real life, small wins, and a few laughs along the way.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f517.png" alt="🔗" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Links &amp; Mentions</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Shawn’s YouTube Channel: <em>The Long Way Around </em><a href="https://open.acast.com/networks/66b90876b8a9dd25a4b1bb7e/shows/66b90a7302d146a034976b2b/episodes/www.youtube.com/@TheLongWayShow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>@thelongwayshow</em></a></li> <li>Shawn’s Etsy Shop: <em>rustedrobottoys </em><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/rustedrobottoys" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://www.etsy.com/shop/rustedrobottoys</em></a></li> <li>Leah’s Etsy Shop: <em>collectandcaston </em><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/collectandcaston&#x1f9ed; What We Talk About" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://www.etsy.com/shop/collectandcaston</em></a></li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9ed.png" alt="🧭" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> What We Talk About</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Why the episode is late this week</li> <li>Leah’s work with Fort Albany evacuees</li> <li>Flood season in Northern Ontario</li> <li>Our May the 4th anniversary</li> <li>Smelt season taking over every restaurant</li> <li>Wayne Gretzky salted caramel liqueur taste test</li> <li>YouTube channel updates</li> <li>New mail route beginnings</li> <li>Echo Bay yard sales recap</li> </ul> <p>Podcast Promos: Tales From Hollywoodland, ESO Patreon</p> <p>The post <a href="https://esonetwork.com/late-episode-big-stories/">Late Episode, Big Stories: Flood Evacuations, Anniversary Adventures &amp; Yard Sale Letdowns</a> appeared first on <a href="https://esonetwork.com">The ESO Network</a>.</p>
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30 MIN