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Live from Rancho Cordova Gaming Expo: Fan Service, Prize Wheels, and the Future of Adult Animation!

Geek Freaks

Release Date: 04/09/2025

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More Episodes

Frank and Jon take the Geek Freaks Podcast on the road to the Rancho Cordova Gaming Expo! In this lively, unscripted episode, they bring the energy of the con straight to your speakers. From running the prize wheel and chatting with fans to deep dives on fan service and the rise of adult animation, this episode is packed with fun, insight, and plenty of con-floor chaos. Plus, they highlight unforgettable moments in fan service history, including a touching tribute to Technoblade in the Minecraft Movie. Expect laughs, great conversations, and an authentic expo experience!


⏱️ Timestamps and Topics

00:00 - Expo Kickoff: Frank and Jon set the scene at Rancho Cordova
00:22 - Prize Wheel Madness: Trivia, giveaways, and Geek Box questions
01:00 - Cosplay, Game Developers, and Mario Kart Tournaments
04:00 - April’s Must-Watch Shows: Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror, Hacks, The Last of Us, Andor
07:43 - Booth Highlights: Skateboards gone, comics given, and fan engagement
08:28 - Fan Trivia Fun: Spaceships, action figures, and fantasy recipes
10:08 - Adult Animation Explosion: Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, and why this trend is booming
14:52 - Should Frank Start an Adult Animation Podcast?
16:07 - Collectibles Worth Lining Up For at Cons
17:12 - Fan Service Deep Dive: What works and what flops
20:22 - The Pitfalls of Fan Service: Rise of Skywalker and Multiverse of Madness
23:06 - Balancing Fan Service and Storytelling
25:40 - Honoring Technoblade in Minecraft Movie: Fan Service at its best
30:49 - Final Thoughts from the Con Floor


🧩 Key Takeaways

  • Fan Service Wins: Earned moments like Endgame’s Mjolnir scene and No Way Home’s Spider-Men highlight how fan service can uplift a story.

  • Adult Animation Is Thriving: Long-standing hits like Bob’s Burgers and American Dad are leading a renaissance in adult animation.

  • Convention Magic: Giving away comics at expos is an awesome way to bring new fans into the fold.

  • Creators Matter: Involving original comic creators ensures adaptations stay true to the heart of the source material.

  • Technoblade Tribute: Minecraft Movie's heartfelt Easter egg shows the emotional power of honoring beloved community members.

  • Con Energy Rules: Capturing the raw excitement of live events makes for an unforgettable podcast experience.


🗣️ Memorable Quotes

“I joke that this world doesn’t need any more podcasts—as I’m literally talking into a mic right now at a convention advertising a podcast!” — Frank

“Fan service works when it feels earned, not when it’s a cash grab.” — Jon

“American Dad has changed—it's wild, it's fun, and honestly, it’s better for it.” — Frank

“Technoblade’s tribute in the Minecraft movie? Best fan service I’ve ever seen.” — Jon


📢 Call to Action

If you enjoyed this wild ride from the convention floor, make sure to subscribe to Geek Freaks Podcast on your favorite platform, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with your friends! Use #GeekFreaksPodcast when you post so we can shout you out!


🔗 Links and Resources


🎙️ Listener Questions

We’d love to hear from you!
What’s your favorite example of fan service done right? Got a dream question for the Geek Box at our next expo? Drop us a message and we’ll feature your suggestions in future episodes!


🎧 Apple Podcast Tags

Gaming podcast, fan service in movies, Minecraft movie Technoblade, adult animation trends, pop culture podcast, convention podcast, geek culture, Rancho Cordova Gaming Expo, Spider-Man No Way Home, Marvel fan service