From Pop-Ins to PopCon: Eagle Pass’ Fan Fest Preview Revealed (Ep. 211)

Broadcasting from Eagle Pass, I kicked off an unplanned Monday show with a candid mood check, some playful banter about “pop-ins,” and a quick riff on why we’ve recently shifted away from heavy politics toward more author and creator interviews. Then we dove into a lively conversation with guest Dannie Mendoza, president of Eagle Pass PopCon. Danny announced a special mini Eagle Pass PopCon event slated for January 31 at the Eagle Pass Mall (free admission, open-to-close), featuring professional cosplayers, a “mini” celebrity guest (wrestler or voice actor), vendors, family activities, and a three-tier costume contest (kids, teens, adults) judged by pro cosplayers. He also teased a big reveal at the mini event: the date, location, and star guest for the main Eagle Pass PopCon 3 later in the year. Danny explained how PopCon grew from a marketing initiative connected to his energy/solar business into a community-centric, family-friendly celebration that draws visitors from beyond Texas. We covered vendor and sponsor opportunities, special limited-time discounts, and how supporting PopCon can also support this show. Audience Q&A touched on collectibles (yes, action figures), desired 3D-printed originals, and how out-of-town interest is shaping the event. We closed with where to follow PopCon news, a reminder that admission is free, and notes on upcoming guests and show schedule. Join us Wednesday for author Russell Little and the return of Blue Cat (Bob Lement)!

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Special thanks to:
Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski
Executive Producer John Seeley

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(00:04:21) Kickoff from Eagle Pass and Monday mood

(00:05:41) Weekend recap and Bible study follow-up

(00:06:41) Crypto psychic scheduling and holiday plans

(00:07:25) Pet peeve chat: unannounced pop-ins

(00:08:09) Show format shift and less politics lately

(00:09:51) Grading the administration and missed promises

(00:11:54) Cost of living frustrations and everyday prices

(00:13:59) Tariffs, taxes, and IRS talk

(00:14:03) Foreign policy, non-intervention, and borders

(00:16:09) National Guard tragedy and midterms urgency

(00:17:40) Transition to housekeeping and sponsors

(00:17:44) Sponsor segment: podcast platform and site demo

(00:20:11) Energy sponsor and show support options

(00:23:06) Guest intro: Danny Mendoza of Eagle Pass Popcon

(00:26:46) Mini Popcon concept and goals

(00:31:37) What to expect: cosplayers, guest, contests

(00:34:59) Vendors lineup and community partners

(00:39:09) Light banter, food talk, and show chemistry

(00:45:37) Listener Q&A: show scope and audience

(00:48:37) Popcon preview details and vendor specials

(00:54:20) How Popcon is funded and why it began

(01:00:38) Danny’s origin story and impact on community

(01:03:44) Out-of-town interest and hotel tie-ins

(01:07:21) Support the show and local partnerships

(01:12:42) Host to emcee the event and media plans

(01:13:59) How the hosts met and wrapping Popcon pitch

(01:15:50) Venue shout-outs and veterans tribute

(01:17:45) Brief geopolitics back-and-forth

(01:21:43) Final Popcon reminders and contact info

(01:24:04) Closing segment: sponsors, schedule, and sign-off

- Joe "Rooz" Russiello

- Marisa Lee

- Wayne Rankin

- Rosanna Rankin

- Angela Wetuski

- Carolina Jimenez

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