Triple Takeover Toycast

Triple Takeover

Welcome to the Triple Takeover Toycast — a fun and informative fortnightly podcast all about Transformers and other amazing toy lines. From vintage rarities and prototypes to modern releases, cartoons, comics, and films, your hosts Sixo, Liam, Jason and Maz dive deep into toy history and pop culture with passion, humour, and plenty of nostalgia — plus the occasional special guest.

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134 episodes
Updated July 21

Episodes134

Newest first

Dec 10, 2024 · 2 hr 7 min
The Design of Transformers Collaborative (with Hasbro's Brian Parrish)
We’re back with another special Transformers design team guest as we’re joined by Hasbro veteran Brian Parrish. Brian has enjoyed an incredible career working across a wide range of toy lines, but for Transformers fans his résumé is particularly stacked — from Universe 2003 and Star Wars Transformers to Rescue Bots, EarthSpark, Rise of the Beasts, Transformers One, and, crucially, the current wave of Collaborative projects. In this episode we dig into his career, creative process, and what it’s like helping shape some of the most talked-about Transformers releases of recent years. Not one to miss. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Nov 25, 2024 · 2 hr 2 min
Transmetal 2: The Weirdest Bit of Beast Wars
Beast Wars remains one of the most celebrated and colourful eras in Transformers history — but the Transmetal 2 line-up is notorious for pushing boundaries in just about every possible way. In this episode, we take a tour through this weird and wonderfully chaotic ’90s roster, revisiting the designs, ideas, and excess that made Transmetal 2 toys so memorable — and so wild. From eye-catching finishes to truly unhinged aesthetic choices, it’s a line that still sparks debate decades later. Love them or loathe them, we may never see a Transformers toy line quite like Transmetal 2 again. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Nov 12, 2024 · 1 hr 42 min
Transformers Target: 2006 (with Simon Furman)
In a real treat, we sit down with legendary Transformers comic creator Simon Furman to discuss his fan-favourite 1986 Marvel UK epic, Target: 2006. We chat about the inspirations behind the story, its place within the wider Transformers mythos, and how Furman feels it holds up all these years later. From ambitious storytelling to lasting fan impact, this is a deep dive into one of the most celebrated arcs in Transformers comic history. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Oct 23, 2024 · 1 hr 36 min
The Production Design of Transformers One (with Jason Scheier)
This episode continues our Transformers One discussion, with another extra special guest joining us — the hugely talented Production Designer Jason Scheier. Jason takes us behind the scenes of the film’s visuals, walking us through everything from character design to specific scenes and the creative influences that shaped them. From subtle world-building details to bold stylistic choices, there’s plenty here that may surprise you. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Oct 7, 2024 · 2 hr 59 min
Making Transformers One (with Josh Cooley & Lorenzo di Bonaventura)
It’s the big one. After attending two separate press events for the film, we’re delighted to bring you our bumper-sized Transformers One extravaganza, featuring multiple in-depth chats with director Josh Cooley and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura. We discuss the creative process behind the film, its themes and ambitions, and — with spoilers ahead — deliver our verdict on this bold new chapter for Transformers on the big screen. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Sep 30, 2024 · 1 hr 44 min
Inside Marvel’s Transformers (with Bob Budiansky)
We’re honoured to be joined by the legendary writer of the classic Marvel Transformers comic — and the creator of many of the franchise’s most iconic characters — Bob Budiansky. Bob takes us back to the Marvel days of the 1980s, sharing stories from behind the scenes and reflecting on the creative process that helped define Transformers in its formative years. From character creation to world-building, this is a fascinating look at a pivotal era for the brand. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Sep 16, 2024 · 2 hr 17 min
Designing Transformers (with Hasbro's Evan Brooks)
We’re joined by an extra special guest for this episode as Hasbro Transformers designer Evan Brooks joins us for a fascinating behind-the-scenes discussion. Evan takes us inside what goes into producing the Transformers toys we all love, from the collaborative relationship with TakaraTomy to the challenges of modern toy design — with a few tantalising hints about what might be on the horizon along the way. Insightful, candid, and packed with industry perspective, this is an essential listen for any Transformers fan. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Sep 2, 2024 · 1 hr 51 min
Inside TFNation 2024 — The Highs and the Hauls
TFNation 2024 has come and gone, and as the dust settles on Europe’s largest Transformers convention, we look back on another unforgettable weekend. From the highs and lows of the show to the inevitable dealer room splurges, we reflect on the experiences, highlights, and moments that made this year’s TFNation one to remember. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Aug 19, 2024 · 1 hr 45 min
Transformers 1986 — Five Great Toys… and Wheelie
For episode 86, we’re talking ’86 — Minibots, that is (or “Mini Vehicles”, if you prefer the official terminology). After already gassing up the previous years of these pint-sized Autobots, we turn our attention to the final batch from 1986. How do they stack up against what came before? And yes… we have plenty to say about one of them in particular. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Aug 6, 2024 · 1 hr 47 min
Third Party Transformers: Heaven and Hell, Revisited
It’s the return of Third Party: Heaven or Hell, as the team dives into a second round of unofficial Transformers toys — picking one truly great example, and one that absolutely misses the mark. From inspired design to baffling execution, we each make the case for a third-party release that belongs in toy heaven… and one that deserves to be cast straight into hell. That is, most of us do — as Jason once again struggles to say a bad word about anything he actually owns. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Jul 22, 2024 · 1 hr 29 min
Transformers Hidden Gems Vol. 4
It’s the return of our Hidden Gems series, where each of the team champions Transformers toys from across the years that we feel deserved far more love than they ever received. From overlooked releases to underappreciated oddities, we each bring our picks to the table and make the case for why these toys should be remembered more fondly. That is… almost all of us — as Jason once again finds a way to interpret the brief in his own unique fashion. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Jul 8, 2024 · 1 hr 35 min
Beast Wars II — Predacons with a Difference
This episode marks the long-awaited follow-up to our exploration of Takara’s 1998 Beast Wars II line — and this time, it’s all about the bad guys. The Predacons of Beast Wars II are perhaps not what you might expect, offering a very different flavour of villainy from elsewhere in the franchise. We dig into the designs, concepts, and oddities of the line, with plenty of toy-based enablement along the way — particularly for one host who was discovering this corner of Transformers history for the very first time. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Jun 24, 2024 · 1 hr 58 min
Designing Transformers: EarthSpark (with Nick Roche)
With a new season of Transformers: Earthspark landing, it felt like the perfect time to finally welcome Nick Roche to the podcast. Known for his legendary work on the IDW Transformers comics, Nick was also a key character designer on Earthspark, helping to define the look of several Autobots and Decepticons — not to mention the Terrans — in the series. We chat about his work across both animation and comics, but fair warning: this quickly becomes one of the most delightfully bizarre episodes we’ve ever recorded, thanks in no small part to Nick being an absolute force of nature. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Jun 10, 2024 · 1 hr 31 min
Inside Skybound’s Transformers (with Daniel Warren Johnson)
A real treat for this episode as we’re joined by acclaimed comic creator Daniel Warren Johnson to talk all things Skybound’s Transformers. Widely celebrated for his creator-owned work and distinctive storytelling style, Daniel’s move into the world of Transformers was seen as something genuinely unprecedented — and he tells us all about his approach to taking on such an iconic franchise. We discuss his personal love of the robots in disguise, the challenges of working within an established brand, and the creative decisions that shaped Skybound’s bold new direction. Insightful, candid, and refreshingly honest, this is a fascinating conversation with one of modern comics’ most respected voices. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
May 27, 2024 · 1 hr 47 min
Transformers Comic Covers — Art, Iconography, and Impact
We’re talking iconic Transformers comic covers from across the years, celebrating the artwork that helped define the brand on the page. With Marvel, IDW, Skybound — and even a little Dreamwave — all up for consideration, we share favourite images, memorable moments, and the stories behind some of the most striking covers in Transformers comic history. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
May 13, 2024 · 1 hr 51 min
Transformers One - Initial Thoughts
The first Transformers One trailer is finally here, and the excitement (and anxiety) is palpable. With a bold new animated take on the Transformers universe, it’s been met with a mixed reception — some fans embracing the shift, while others remain skeptical about the direction. In this episode, we dive into the trailer’s key moments and break down the reactions it’s sparked across the fandom. While some viewers are eager for the new visuals and tone, others worry it represents too much of a departure, particularly in how openly it appears to court a younger audience. We explore what the trailer has us thinking — and how this early look might shape expectations for the future of the franchise. It’s a polarising first impression, but one thing’s for sure: it’s got everyone talking, and the Transformers movie landscape could be in for a major shake-up. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Apr 29, 2024 · 1 hr 24 min
Why 1985 Had the Best Transformers Minibots
Everyone loves a good Minibot, but there was something particularly special about the tiny Transformers released in 1985. Affordable, characterful, and packed with personality, these small figures played a huge role in how many fans first engaged with the brand. In this episode, we take a closer look at five of the most unusual Minibot releases from that era. From their distinctive designs and quirky transformations to the way they balanced simplicity with flair, we explore what made these figures stand out at the time — and why they continue to charm collectors decades later. It’s a nostalgic celebration of pocket-money toys done right, and a reminder that some of Transformers’ most enduring appeal has always come in very small packages. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Apr 16, 2024 · 1 hr 38 min
Transformers Missing Link — Convoy Reimagined
Now that the dust has settled on Missing Link Convoy, we take a closer look at one of the most talked-about Transformers releases in years. Designed to bridge the gap between vintage G1 aesthetics and modern engineering, it arrives carrying no small amount of expectation. In this episode, we dig into what makes Missing Link Convoy such a significant release, from the way it reinterprets a forty-year-old design to how successfully it taps into franchise nostalgia. Does it genuinely offer something new, or is its appeal rooted entirely in celebrating the past? We also look ahead to what this figure might signal for the future of the Missing Link line — and whether this approach could reshape how Transformers revisits its own history. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Apr 2, 2024 · 1 hr 26 min
Pop Quiz: How Well Do You Know G1 Transformers Toys?
So, you think you know Transformers? This episode puts that confidence to the test as the hosts take on Sixo’s quiz, focused squarely on the Generation 1 toy line. From obscure facts and deep-cut details to moments of certainty quickly turning into second-guessing, the quiz proves to be a surprisingly revealing look at just how well we really know the toys that started it all. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, a few humbling moments, and the occasional unexpected win. It’s a lighter, interactive episode that’s perfect for playing along at home — whether you’re backing yourself to beat our scores or simply enjoying the ride as we put our G1 knowledge on the line. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Mar 19, 2024 · 1 hr 59 min
Transformers 1988 — Gimmicks Galore and the Return of Optimus Prime
It’s our 75th episode and our third anniversary, so we’re marking the occasion by revisiting one of our favourite — and most overlooked — years of Transformers toys. While 1988 doesn’t always enjoy the same reputation as the years that came before it, it was a hugely important period of change for the brand. With the introduction of new gimmicks like Powermasters, Pretenders, and Micromasters, alongside a renewed focus on Earth-based vehicle modes, it was a year packed with experimentation and transition. To help us dig into what made 1988 such a fascinating moment for Transformers, we’re joined once again by Maz, as we celebrate the ideas, the risks, and the toys that defined a year that deserves a closer look. — Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear... Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com Join the conversation with us on Discord Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover