Get Dispensed The Pez Podcast

In Episode 51 of Get Dispensed: The Pez Podcast, we dive into one of the smallest yet most fascinating corners of the PEZ universe… Japanese mini PEZ.  Joining Greg is Houston-based collector and community builder Sid Jacobson, the man behind the Facebook Japanese Mini PEZ Collectors group. What starts as a niche curiosity quickly reveals itself to be a world of intricate designs, rare finds, and a passionate international following.  From capsule machine culture in Japan to the thrill of chasing tiny grails, Sid shares how these miniature marvels captured his attention and why they continue to enchant collectors around the globe.  Along the way, you’ll discover:  How Japanese mini PEZ first appeared and how they were originally sold   What makes them so unique (and so addictive to collect)   The rarest and most sought-after pieces in the hobby   Stories from the collector community that prove big connections can come in small packages   And what Sid would create if he designed his own mini PEZ   Plus, Greg puts Sid through the signature 12-question “Pez pack” challenge and a rapid-fire round that reveals the collector behind the collection.  Whether you’re a seasoned PEZ head or just discovering the hobby, this episode proves that sometimes the smallest collectibles tell the biggest stories.  So crack open a pack, line up those dispensers, and get ready—because this episode is small in size, but massive in charm.  Stay sweet, Pez Posse! 🍬 

What happens when nostalgia meets innovation and a humble Pez dispenser gets a high-tech upgrade? You get a world where plastic meets possibility.  In Episode 50 of Get Dispensed: The Pez Podcast, Greg celebrates the big five-oh by diving into the creative universe of collector and designer Robert Samolewski — a man who’s taken his 30-year love of Pez and fused it with the magic of 3D printing.  Broadcasting from the scenic North Fork of Long Island, Robert shares how he went from passionate collector to full-blown creator, designing custom holders, display pieces, and clever accessories that are transforming how collectors showcase their prized Pez.  This episode is packed tighter than a fresh candy sleeve:  The origin story of Robert’s Pez journey   The moment Pez and 3D printing collided   Behind-the-scenes of his most popular designs   His dream Pez creation if given the keys to the kingdom   Treasure hunting tales from eBay and beyond   Plus, the Rapid Fire Round delivers quick hits, and the Question of the Week tackles how to get started in the world of 3D printing — perfect for collectors ready to turn ideas into reality.  Whether you’re a lifelong collector, a curious creative, or someone who just loves seeing a hobby evolve in unexpected ways, this episode proves that Pez isn’t just something you collect… it’s something you can build.  So plug in, power up, and get ready to print some Pez possibilities. 

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! 🍬