Get Dispensed The Pez Podcast

What do you get when you mix Pez, play theory, and a world-class toy inventor? A conversation that crackles like a freshly opened candy pack.  In this episode of Get Dispensed: The Pez Podcast, Greg is joined by the brilliant and endlessly creative Tim Walsh—toy and game designer, bestselling author, historian of play, and one of the minds behind iconic games like Blurt!, Mad Gab, and TriBond. With over 7 million games sold across 13 countries, Tim’s work has sparked laughter, competition, and connection in living rooms around the globe.  But this isn’t just a stroll down memory lane—it’s a deep dive into the magic of play itself.  Together, Greg and Tim explore the enduring legacy of Pez, from its ingenious design and pop culture evolution to its surprising place in toy history. They also tackle the big question buzzing in the collector community: why hasn’t Pez yet been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame—and could its 100-year anniversary finally be the moment?  Along the way, Tim shares insights from his fascinating career, including behind-the-scenes stories from his hit YouTube deep dive on Pez, thoughts on creativity as a superpower, and what makes a toy truly timeless.  You’ll also get: 🍬 The classic “12 Candies” questions covering design, history, and the future of Pez ⚡ A high-energy Rapid Fire Round packed with playful surprises 🎯 A creative “Question of the Week” inviting listeners to dream up their ultimate Pez mash-up  Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a toy enthusiast, or just someone who believes a little more play could make the world a better place, this episode is pure joy in dispenser form.  So press that spring, tilt back the head, and… Seize the Play! 🍭   

When a PEZ dispenser disappears from the supermarket shelf, it’s easy to shrug it off. But when it vanishes from two major supermarket in the country… that’s a plot twist.  In this special episode of Get Dispensed: The Pez Podcast, Greg dives into the surprising decision by Coles and Woolworths to stop stocking PEZ — a move that’s left collectors, families, and candy lovers across Australia asking one big question: what now?  Joining the conversation is Steve Natsis from Universal Candy, the official PEZ distributor in Australia, who lifts the lid on what really happened behind the scenes. From shelf economics and retail realities to freight challenges and rising costs, this episode explores the business decisions that pushed PEZ out of the weekly shop.  But this isn’t a farewell episode — far from it.  You’ll also hear where PEZ is still thriving, how collectors can support its future in Australia, and why the global PEZ community might play a bigger role than ever before. There’s even a sweet (and slightly mysterious) update on the missing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles set… yes, we’re looking at you, Donatello 🐢  This episode is part reality check, part rally cry — and a reminder that while PEZ may be off the shelves, it’s far from gone.  So whether you’re a lifelong collector or someone who just loved tossing a dispenser into the trolley… this one’s for you.  Because PEZ isn’t just candy. It’s community. And this community isn’t going anywhere. 🍬 

In this heartwarming episode of Get Dispensed: The Pez Podcast, Greg travels across the Pacific (virtually, of course) to chat with American collector Michael McIntyre, better known in the Pez community as MrMcPez. What begins as a simple collecting story quickly turns into something far bigger.  Michael shares how an accidental hobby grew into a lifelong passion for collecting Pez dispensers, building friendships across the globe, and ultimately turning candy-powered nostalgia into a force for good. Through long-distance charity cycling rides, Michael has raised funds for childhood cancer research, dedicating each ride to a child and spreading joy along the way.  Joining the conversation is legendary collector Larry Mason — the current Pezhead of the Year and the first recipient of the Phenomenal Pezhead Award. Larry talks about the special Pez-inspired creations he makes for the children Michael rides for, and how the Pez community continues to rally together in remarkable ways.  This episode is a reminder that sometimes the smallest things — a plastic dispenser and a piece of candy — can travel a very long road and carry a lot of heart.  🍬 In this episode:  How Michael accidentally became a serious Pez collector  The story behind MrMcPez  Turning charity cycling into a mission for kids with cancer  The role of the Pez community in supporting families  Larry Mason’s custom Pez creations for the children Michael rides for  Holy grail dispensers and dream Pez designs  The Rapid-Fire Round and Question of the Week  Because sometimes Pez doesn’t just dispense candy… it dispenses kindness.  So load up your favourite dispenser and join Greg for another sweet adventure in the world of Pez collecting.  Stay sweet, Pez Posse! 🍬 

In Episode 46 of Get Dispensed: The PEZ Podcast, Greg the Down Under Pez Hunter heads to New York to chat with the wildly creative force known as Cam Art — a collector who turned lockdown boredom into a full-blown Disney-fuelled PEZ odyssey.  What began as a late-night eBay scroll during the 2020 lockdowns transformed into a laser focused Disney-only collection, a growing global following, and artwork so striking it caught the eye of the official PEZ Candy Instagram account not once, but twice.  From rebuilding a collection lost in a house fire, to completing one of every Disney character PEZ ever made, Cam shares the thrill of the hunt and the discipline behind curating a collection with purpose. We dive into his involvement with the Virtual PEZ Convention art auctions, the fan favourite Romance Novel piece, and that uncanny Blueberry Brause moment that feels less coincidence and more cosmic candy alignment.  There’s also a special story involving Shawn Peterson at the PEZ Visitor Center — and a surprise “One of One” cupcake dispenser that proves the PEZ community is as generous as it is passionate.  Plus: 🎨 The connection between PEZ fans and Grateful Dead devotees 🏰 Why Disney PEZ holds a special kind of magic ⚡ A rapid fire round that moves faster than a flipped stem ❓ And a Question of the Week that invites you to design your own art-inspired dispenser  This episode is about creativity, resilience, community, and the beautiful overlap between art and collecting. Because sometimes a little brick of candy can unlock an entire gallery of possibility.  Stay sweet, Pez Posse. 🍬 

What happens when a seasoned journalist meets a pocket-sized candy icon?  In this episode, Greg heads stateside to Connecticut to chat with John Breunig, editorial page editor for eight daily newspapers with Hearst Connecticut Media Group, and the author of the delightful piece “My Collection of Pez Stories.”  From Halloween beginnings and newsroom desk displays to international Pez souvenirs, custom wedding dispensers, and one unforgettable theatre incident involving flying candy, this episode is packed with heart, humour, and headline-worthy moments.  John shares how storytelling shaped his collecting journey, how Pez helped him teach his son the alphabet, and the incredible tale of his Captain Kirk Pez going on loan… to William Shatner himself. Yes, really.  Along the way, we hit all 12 Pez questions, dive into a rapid-ire round, and tackle the Listener Question of the Week: If you could turn one moment from your life into a Pez dispenser, what would it be?  This one’s a perfect blend of nostalgia, journalism, family, laughter, and candy-fuelled chaos.  So load up your dispenser, sit back, and enjoy one of the most story-ich episodes yet.  Stay sweet, Pez Posse! 🍬🎙️