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

Jun 28, 2022 · 1 hr 56 min
Toy Stickers & Decals: A Collector’s Dilemma
Today’s episode is all about stickers — one of the most deceptively stressful aspects of vintage Transformers collecting. The team dive into the giddy highs and frustrating pitfalls of keeping vintage Transformers stickers looking as presentable as possible, from application and preservation to the hard truths of wear, age, and regret. Along the way, we discuss why stickers provoke such strong feelings among collectors — and, naturally, struggle to stay on topic more than once. What began as a listener request for a Patreon-exclusive minisode quickly grew into a full-length discussion, proving there’s far more to say about stickers than anyone initially expected. — 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 14, 2022 · 1 hr 20 min
Re-Purchasing Toys: The Cycle of Collecting
The Triple Takeover team are often blamed for indulgent toy purchases across social media, but the world’s worst-kept secret is that we’re usually self-enabling more than anything else. A big part of that enablement comes from re-purchasing toys we previously moved on — sometimes years later, and often for very different reasons than when we first sold them. In this episode, we dig into why that happens, exploring changing tastes, shifting priorities, nostalgia, regret, and the lessons learned along the way. It’s an honest and reflective discussion about the cyclical nature of collecting, and why letting go of a toy doesn’t always mean it’s gone for good. — 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 31, 2022 · 1 hr 33 min
Black Convoy & Nemesis Prime: The Dark Side of Optimus Prime
Wherever there’s an Optimus Prime, a Nemesis is never far behind. With the inevitable Legacy Black Convoy having recently surfaced online, the team take the opportunity to look back at the long history of black Optimus repaints across the Transformers brand. In this episode, we explore how the idea of a dark mirror to Optimus Prime has evolved over the years, why these figures remain so popular with collectors, and what makes each incarnation feel distinct despite sharing familiar roots. From exclusive curiosities to near-certainties in modern lines, we ponder the question that seems to follow every new Optimus release: does it come in black? It’s a fun and reflective look at one of Transformers’ most enduring repaint traditions. — 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 17, 2022 · 2 hr 3 min
TakaraTomy Diaclone V2: Don’t Call It a Reboot
The team take a deep dive into TakaraTomy’s modern Diaclone line, exploring what makes these high-end toys so distinctive and alluring for collectors. From intricate engineering and premium materials to ambitious concepts and sheer shelf presence, we discuss why Diaclone feels both familiar and refreshingly different — and why it has captured the attention of so many toy fans. Don't call it a reboot, but a bold continuation of ideas that predate Transformers themselves. Fair warning: the enablement is strong with this one. — 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 3, 2022 · 1 hr 57 min
Birthday Transformers: Gifts and Growing Older
The Triple Takeover team may be getting older, but at least we’re amassing more robots. With a round of birthdays freshly behind us, this episode sees us chatting through some of the Transformers-related gifts we’ve received — a discussion that, inevitably, spirals into all manner of other topics along the way. From thoughtful surprises to unexpected choices, it’s a relaxed and personal conversation shaped by the joy of collecting. It may be a little self-indulgent, but it is our birthday episode… and we’ll rant if we want to. — 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 19, 2022 · 1 hr 17 min
Transformers: Energon — G1 Homages and Anniversary Influence
Transformers: Energon arrived in 2004 to coincide with the brand’s 20th anniversary, and with that milestone came a wealth of homages to the early days of the robots in disguise. In this episode, the team explore some of those callbacks and design choices, discussing how Energon positioned itself within Transformers history and how those anniversary influences were reflected in the toys. What began life as a Patreon-exclusive minisode quickly grew into a much broader conversation, as the more we dug in, the more there was to unpack. Little did we know at the time, this discussion would also spark a much deeper dive into the Unicron Trilogy — a journey that would later continue in its own dedicated miniseries: https://www.patreon.com/collection/185979 — 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 5, 2022 · 1 hr 32 min
Toy Discolouration: The Curse of Yellowing Plastic
The team tackle one of the most dreaded issues in toy collecting: discoloured plastic. Often thought of as a problem confined to older toys, recent examples have shown that discolouration can affect modern releases as well. In this episode, we explore what causes plastic to discolour, why it remains such a persistent and frustrating issue for collectors, and what factors make some figures more vulnerable than others. We also discuss possible remedies, the risks involved, and whether there’s ever truly a “fix” — or if some changes are simply part of a toy’s life over 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
Mar 22, 2022 · 1 hr 48 min
Transformers Head Sculpts: Design, Personality, and Presence
The Triple Takeover team go a little highbrow and turn their attention to one of the most important elements of any Transformers toy: the head sculpt. In this episode, we dig into what makes a great head design, why it can make or break a figure, and how small sculpting choices can have a huge impact on personality and shelf presence. Along the way, we highlight personal favourite examples and share a few hardheaded opinions on what really works — and what doesn’t. It’s a focused but wide-ranging brainstorm on an often overlooked detail that plays a huge role in bringing Transformers to life. — 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 8, 2022 · 3 hr 25 min
Transformers Robots in Disguise 2001: The Return of Car Robots
To mark our one-year anniversary, the Triple Takeover team finally dive into a topic we’d been teasing since the very beginning: Car Robots and Robots in Disguise from the 2000–2001 era. In this bumper-length episode, we explore the toys, designs, and ideas that made this period such a standout moment for the brand, discussing its place in Transformers history and why it continues to resonate with collectors today. From bold aesthetics to memorable characters, no stone is left unturned in our longest episode to date. It’s a celebratory and comprehensive look at an era that helped redefine Transformers for a new generation. — 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
Feb 22, 2022 · 1 hr 51 min
Transformers Controversial Opinions Vol. 2
The Triple Takeover team serves up another dose of controversy as they tackle more Transformers-related topics that have long divided the fandom. In this episode, we dig into hot-button subjects such as partsforming, product leaks, and even pronunciation, exploring why these issues provoke such strong reactions and how opinions around them have shifted over time. While things do get a little heated along the way, the focus is very much on understanding where those differing viewpoints come from. It’s a lively discussion that reflects both the passion and the complexity of Transformers fandom. — 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
Feb 8, 2022 · 1 hr 46 min
M.A.S.K. — A Lasting ’80s Favourite
M.A.S.K. holds a place in many ’80s collectors’ hearts that’s every bit as strong as Transformers, combining memorable vehicles, clever gimmicks, and a distinctive visual identity. In this episode, the team are workin' overtime to explore what made M.A.S.K. so special, discussing the toys, the play patterns, and the emotions they continue to evoke decades later. From childhood memories to how the line holds up today, we cover the full spectrum of nostalgia that surrounds this beloved toy line. It’s a celebratory and reflective look at a series that left a lasting impression — and still has plenty of fuel left in the tank. — 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
Jan 25, 2022 · 1 hr 51 min
Transformers Reissues: Access, Accuracy, and Nostalgia
Reissues have been a staple of the Transformers toy line since the days of the gold box Classics releases in 1990, and over time they’ve grown into a varied and sometimes complex part of modern collecting. In this episode, the team take a clear-eyed look at Transformers reissues, discussing how their role has evolved, why some are viewed as desirable alternatives to original releases, and where opinions can differ within the collecting community. From accessibility and nostalgia to accuracy and presentation, we explore what reissues offer collectors today. It’s a balanced discussion of a long-running aspect of Transformers that continues to shape how the hobby is experienced. — 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
Jan 11, 2022 · 2 hr 14 min
Transformers 1986: The Movie Toys
1986 was another iconic year for the Transformers toy line, thanks in no small part to the release of The Transformers: The Movie and the characters it introduced. In this episode, the team focus specifically on the Generation 1 toys that first appeared in the film, including Hot Rod, Ultra Magnus, Galvatron, and more. We discuss how these characters translated from screen to toy shelves, what set them apart from earlier releases, and how their introduction helped shift the direction of the brand during a pivotal year. It’s a celebratory yet considered look at the movie-era toys of 1986 — and their lasting place in Transformers history. Till all are one! — 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
Dec 14, 2021 · 1 hr 30 min
Turbomasters: The Jewel of Late Generation 1
Among those in the know, the Turbomasters are often regarded as the jewel in the crown of the late Generation 1 Transformers toy line. In this episode, the team don their most rose-tinted glasses — quite literally — as they take a closer look at Thunderclash, Rotorstorm and company, discussing what set these figures apart, why they made such a strong impression at the time, and how they’ve come to be so fondly remembered. From their bold designs and striking colour choices to the sense of energy they brought to late G1, we explore what makes this mostly car-based team feel so special. Prepare for plenty of enthusiasm — the Turbomasters still know how to steal the thunder. — 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 30, 2021 · 2 hr 1 min
Tales From the Transformers Third Party Review Scene
Your pre-order has finally come in — which means it’s time to take a whistle-stop tour through the strange and often unpredictable world of unofficial Transformers toys. In this episode, the team draw on their own experiences within the third-party review scene, discussing what it’s like to live with these figures beyond first impressions. From shared samples and shifting expectations to logistical headaches, frustrations, and the occasional genuine surprise, we explore a side of collecting that’s rarely talked about in detail. It’s a candid and story-rich look at an often bizarre corner of the hobby, shaped by hands-on experience and plenty of memorable moments along the way. — 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 16, 2021 · 1 hr 37 min
Transformers Controversial Opinions Vol. 1
The Triple Takeover team court controversy by diving into some of the most hotly contested topics in Transformers history. These are the kinds of subjects that have sparked endless debate among fans over the years, so in this episode we unpack where those strong opinions come from, why they persist, and how perspectives have shifted over time. While passions do run high, the aim here isn’t to settle arguments once and for all — but to better understand why these topics provoke such intense reactions in the first place. It’s a lively, opinionated discussion that sets the tone for a recurring format built around debate, context, and a healthy dose of fandom self-awareness. — 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 26, 2021 · 1 hr 34 min
Transformers Halloween Special
Enter, if you dare, as the Triple Takeover team embrace the spooky season with a Halloween special. With pumpkin spice in the air, we take a playful tour through the darker and weirder corners of Transformers, drawing on ghosts, monsters, Pretenders, and other eerie oddities from across the franchise. From vampire vibes and zombie aesthetics to some particularly unsettling toy concepts, this episode leans fully into the fun of Transformers-through-a-Halloween-lens. It’s a tongue-in-cheek, slightly unhinged seasonal special that mixes spooky themes with plenty of laughs — definitely not one for the faint of heart. — 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 12, 2021 · 1 hr 49 min
Transformers GT: Mission GT-R — An Overlooked Gem
It’s lights out for Transformers GT: Mission GT-R, as the Triple Takeover team race through this underappreciated but spectacular line of robots from TakaraTomy. Released in 2013 and inspired by Japan’s Super GT racing scene, Transformers GT combined high-end aesthetics with luxury car modes and a very distinctive sense of style. In this episode, we explore what made the line so unique, why it flew under the radar for so many collectors, and how it holds up today. With Super GT influences, race queens, and even a few crunchy biscuits along the way, this is a lively deep dive into one of Transformers’ most unusual modern offshoots. — 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 28, 2021 · 1 hr 49 min
Transformers Classics: The Birth of the Generations Line
The Transformers Generations line has long been a driving force behind the brand, but in this episode the team chug back to where it all began by revisiting 2006 and the original Classics releases. We wax nostalgic on these now-iconic toys, discussing what made them feel so fresh at the time and why they marked such an important turning point for Transformers collecting. Along the way, we also get a little philosophical about their place in the wider history of the franchise and how their influence can still be felt today. It’s a thoughtful look back at the line that helped redefine what modern Transformers could be. — 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 14, 2021 · 1 hr 47 min
Transformers WFC: Kingdom — Bridging G1 and Beast Wars
Transformers War for Cybertron: Kingdom marked a new step for the franchise in bringing together Generation 1 and Beast Wars characters within a single animated series. In this episode, the team discuss their thoughts on Kingdom as both a show and a toy line, exploring its approach to legacy characters, its storytelling choices, and how the accompanying figures stacked up alongside the animation. We reflect on what worked, what divided opinion, and how Kingdom fit into the wider War for Cybertron trilogy at the time. It’s a considered discussion of a series that attempted to bridge multiple eras of Transformers — and sparked plenty of conversation along the way. — 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