Tales from the Brick

In Episode 32 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by Randall Wilson, LEGO Masters Season 2 contestant, professional LEGO artist, and founder of Rocs Mocs. Randall shares his journey from building Technic sets as a child to turning a passion for architecture and LEGO into a full-time creative career. Along the way, he reflects on losing his childhood collection in an apartment fire, finding his way back through MOCs, and how LEGO Masters opened the door to opportunities he never imagined.

The conversation dives behind the scenes of LEGO Masters, exploring what it's really like to build under intense time pressure, the lessons Randall took away from the competition, and how the experience changed the way he approaches storytelling, scale, and color in his creations. He also talks about returning for the Holiday Bricktacular, working alongside Kelly Osbourne, and the friendships that continue long after the cameras stop rolling.

Randall also discusses building culturally inspired LEGO projects, creating large-scale commissioned artwork around the world, and why representation and creativity matter in the LEGO community. From life-size Power Rangers weapons and architectural replicas to an eight-foot heart catheter and interactive public art, this episode is a fascinating look at how one builder transformed a lifelong hobby into a career built brick by brick.

Find Randall Wilson:

• Website: randall-wilson.com • Instagram: @rocsmocs

To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app.

Until next time... play well.

In Episode 31 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) sits down with Alice Finch, LEGO Certified Professional, founder of the Women's Brick Initiative, and creator of the legendary life-size Hogwarts model that inspired builders around the world. Alice shares how building with her children led to creating one of the most iconic LEGO fan creations ever, and how that experience shaped the rest of her journey in the hobby.

The conversation explores the origins of the Women's Brick Initiative, the challenges women still face in the LEGO community, and how research, education, and outreach are helping make the hobby more welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Alice also discusses her work as a newly appointed LEGO Certified Professional, the unique commissions she's taking on, and her vision for using LEGO as a tool for creativity, collaboration, and social impact.

Along the way, Jon and Alice dive into architectural building techniques, the evolution of LEGO Botanicals, the story behind Alice's influential LEGO architecture book, and why the best builds are often the ones that inspire others to create something of their own. Whether you're a longtime builder or just discovering the hobby, this episode is a fascinating look at how one person's creativity can help shape an entire community.

Find Alice Finch:

• Website: thebricknest.org • Women's Brick Initiative: womensbrickinitiative.com • Instagram: @womensbrickinitiative

To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app.

Until next time... play well.

In Episode 30 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) welcomes Charlene Jones, author of Brick by Brick: Rebuilding Through Play, for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, mindfulness, and the therapeutic power of LEGO. Charlene shares how rediscovering her sons' old collection helped her navigate stress, reconnect with her creative side, and ultimately inspired her to leave the corporate world to write a book centered around play and wellness.

The discussion explores how LEGO can be more than just a hobby, serving as a tool for mindfulness, self-expression, and mental well-being. Charlene also talks about her creative workshops at public libraries, where adults use bricks to slow down, reflect, and build together, along with practical exercises from her book designed to encourage creativity through play.

Along the way, Jon and Charlene dive into the LEGO community, content creation, conventions, original building, and why making time to play is just as important for adults as it is for kids. Whether you're an experienced builder or just rediscovering the brick, this episode is a reminder that creativity can be one of the most powerful tools for personal growth.

Find Charlene Jones:

• TikTok: @anotherjones • Instagram: @anotherjones • Brick by Brick: Rebuilding Through Play is available wherever books are sold.

To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app.

Until next time... play well.

In Episode 29 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by Jason Rittberg, creator of Dr. Blocko's Brick Cleaning Snot, to talk about the surprising journey from rediscovering LEGO as an adult to launching a product designed specifically for keeping brick collections clean. Jason shares how a dusty display at a local LEGO resale shop sparked an idea that eventually became a product now carried by stores across North America.

The conversation dives into the development of Brick Cleaning Snot, from refining the formula to make it safe for LEGO bricks and families, to manufacturing, product testing, and getting it onto the shelves of Bricks & Minifigs locations and independent LEGO retailers. Jason also discusses the challenges of launching a new business, working with retailers, and expanding into conventions and the broader LEGO community.

Whether you're a LEGO collector looking for a better way to clean your displays or an entrepreneur interested in turning a simple idea into a growing business, this episode offers a fun and informative look at innovation within the LEGO hobby.

📍 Find Dr. Blocko's Brick Cleaning Snot:

• Website: https://drblocko.com • Instagram: @drbloxo

To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app.

Until next time... play well.

In Episode 28 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) sits down with Chip Snell, founder of BrickCentric, to discuss what it takes to launch a brand-new LEGO convention from the ground up. From researching established events across North America to assembling a team, finding the perfect venue, and learning from the inevitable first-year challenges, Chip shares an honest behind-the-scenes look at creating a fan-first convention.

The conversation explores the state of the LEGO convention scene, the importance of supporting local builders, and how BrickCentric is building its own identity with themed displays, hands-on workshops, speed builds, brick films, community events, and unique experiences for both exhibitors and attendees. Chip also discusses plans for future conventions, expanding programming, attracting new audiences, and creating an event that delivers exceptional value for AFOLs.

Whether you've dreamed of starting your own LEGO convention, enjoy attending fan events, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into producing one, this episode offers fascinating insights into the passion, planning, and community that make LEGO conventions possible.

Find BrickCentric:

• Website: https://brickcentric.com • Instagram: @brickcentric • Facebook: BrickCentric

To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app.

Until next time... play well.

In Episode 27 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by Nannan Zhang, founder of Creations for Charity, the longest-running fan-organized LEGO charity. Since 2009, the organization has united builders from around the world to sell one-of-a-kind custom LEGO creations, using every dollar raised to put LEGO sets into the hands of children in need during the holiday season.

Nenad shares the incredible story of how a simple idea among a handful of builders grew into a global nonprofit with volunteers across six continents. From partnering with Beyond the Brick for annual fundraising livestreams to coordinating donations with hospitals, shelters, schools, and orphanages around the world, he explains what it takes to keep a volunteer-run organization thriving for more than 17 years.

The conversation also explores the evolution of the LEGO community, memorable MOCs that have been donated over the years, and how fans, builders, streamers, and conventions can all play a role in giving back. Whether you're a MOC builder looking to donate, a collector searching for one-of-a-kind creations, or simply someone who wants to help spread the joy of LEGO, this episode is a reminder of just how much good this community can do together.

Find Nannan Zhang:

• Creations for Charity: https://creationsforcharity.org • Instagram: @creationsforcharity • Facebook: Creations for Charity

To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app.

Until next time... play well.

In Episode 26 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by Bruce Heller, LEGO artist, founder of Gayfols, and longtime advocate for building a more welcoming LEGO community. Bruce shares his lifelong connection to LEGO, how The LEGO Movie pulled him out of his dark ages, and how a passion for architecture led him to become a full-time LEGO artist creating award-winning microscale replicas of iconic Los Angeles landmarks.

The conversation explores the origins of Gayfols, which began as a small Facebook group and has grown into an international nonprofit with more than 2,600 members across 41 countries. Bruce discusses how the organization provides a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ LEGO fans, the impact of its convention gatherings, and the powerful stories of members who found acceptance and community through the hobby.

Jon and Bruce also talk about LEGO's evolving efforts toward inclusion, the importance of sets like Everyone Is Awesome, the growth of diverse fan communities, and the work still being done to ensure everyone feels represented in the hobby. They also dive into Gayfols' future, including charity work, outreach projects, convention events, and using LEGO as a way to bring people together beyond the AFOL community.

📍 Find Bruce Heller & Gayfols:

• Website: gayfols.com • Facebook: Gayfols • Instagram: @gayfols • Discord: Available through gayfols.com • YouTube: Gayfols

To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app 

Until next time... play well.

In Episode 25 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by LEGO collector, creator, and chrome-plating expert Eli, better known online as ChromeDaddyBricks. What begins as a lifelong love of LEGO castles evolves into a unique niche within the hobby: transforming ordinary LEGO elements into stunning chrome creations using the same industrial processes found in the automotive industry.

Eli shares how his day job manufacturing automotive components led him to experiment with chrome-plating LEGO parts, eventually creating everything from chrome Star Wars ships and Speed Champions cars to custom minifigures, animals, and one-of-a-kind convention giveaways. Along the way, he explains the science behind physical vapor deposition, why chrome LEGO is harder to create than most people realize, and what actually happens when metal bonds to plastic.

The conversation dives deep into LEGO collecting, classic Castle nostalgia, the evolution of LEGO elements, brittle brown horror stories, and the challenge of balancing an expanding collection with real-world responsibilities. Eli also discusses the custom projects fans have commissioned over the years, including giant chrome starships, rare LEGO animals, and the surprising popularity of chrome Formula 1 cars.

Jon and Eli explore the intersection of LEGO, engineering, manufacturing, and creativity while swapping stories about convention culture, rare sets, display collections, and the joy of building for the sheer fun of it. Whether you're fascinated by LEGO customization, industrial manufacturing, or simply appreciate creative people finding unique ways to engage with the hobby, this episode offers a fascinating look at a side of the LEGO community most fans have never seen.

📍 Find Eli (ChromeDaddyBricks): • Instagram: @chromedaddybricks • TikTok: @chromedaddybricks • YouTube: @chromedaddybricks

To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app 

Until next time… play well.

In Episode 24 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by LEGO artist, convention builder, and cancer survivor Meredith, better known in the LEGO community as Pink Wheels. What starts as a conversation about growing up with Paradisa and returning to LEGO as a parent quickly becomes a story about creativity, community, and perseverance.

Meredith shares how building alongside her daughter helped pull her out of her LEGO dark age and into the world of AFOLs, LUGs, conventions, and MOC building. From sorting thousands of pounds of bulk LEGO in suburban Atlanta to creating colorful castles, cyberpunk skyscrapers, and character-driven displays, she talks about how her style evolved and why she constantly pushes herself toward more challenging builds.

The conversation dives into Peach LUG, convention culture, and Meredith’s experiences contributing to the legendary New Hashima cyberpunk collaboration. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from BrickWorld, the chaos of managing massive collaborative displays, and why some of the best convention memories come from solving problems alongside friends.

Meredith also opens up about her battle with breast cancer and the incredible support she received from the LEGO community. From receiving advice from fellow builders who had faced cancer themselves to building LEGO during treatment and finding motivation through upcoming conventions, she reflects on how creativity, friendship, and a shared love of the hobby helped carry her through some of life's most difficult moments.

Along the way, the pair discuss LEGO Friends, Ninjago, Homestar Runner, Great Ball Contraptions, convention memories, and why the LEGO community continues to be one of the most welcoming and supportive fandoms around.

📍 Find Meredith (Pink Wheels): • Instagram: @pinkwheels

To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app 

Until next time… play well.