Mic'd Up with Macsrebo Ep. 16 | The Community Behind Star Wars | Spencer from the Virtual Cantina Network

Mic'd Up with Macsrebo Ep. 16 | The Community Behind Star Wars | Spencer from the Virtual Cantina Network

Welcome back to Mic'd Up with Macsrebo! In Episode 16, Macsrebo sits down with Spencer, founder of the Virtual Cantina Network (VCN), to explore how a shared love of Star Wars grew into one of the largest Star Wars fan communities in the world. From his unforgettable first experience watching The Empire Strikes Back to creating Boonta Eve events and growing the VCN to more than 103,000 members worldwide, Spencer shares how Star Wars helped him find his community—and why he's dedicated to helping others find theirs. We also talk about: ⭐ Spencer's Star Wars origin story ⭐ How the Virtual Cantina Network began ⭐ The growth of Boonta Eve events ⭐ Rebel Scum Con & Star Wars Celebration 2027 ⭐ Building positive fandom and lifelong friendships ⭐ Why the Star Wars community feels like family Whether you're a lifelong fan or just beginning your Star Wars journey, this conversation celebrates the power of community, kindness, and the friendships that connect fans across the galaxy. Follow the Virtual Cantina Network: 🌐 https://virtualcantinanetwork.com 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with another Star Wars fan! Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Intro & Welcome Spencer 00:50 Meeting at Boston Fan Expo & Friendship Through Conventions 02:20 Spencer's Star Wars Origin Story 05:40 Watching Star Wars Celebration & Japan Memories 06:45 How the Virtual Cantina Network Was Created 10:45 Growing VCN to 103,000+ Members 11:05 How Star Wars Changed Macsrebo's Life 14:10 Finding Your Tribe Through Fandom 18:00 First Star Wars Celebration Advice 19:55 What Makes Boonta Eve Special? 22:45 Rhode Island Comic Con & Rebel Scum Con 26:30 Why Rebel Scum Con Is the Perfect Celebration Warm-Up 31:30 ConnectiCon, Community & New Opportunities 36:55 Why Spencer Loves Bringing Fans Together 41:20 Upcoming Boonta Eve Events & Future Plans 47:00 Balancing Real Life & Star Wars Life 52:35 Where to Follow the Virtual Cantina Network 54:50 Final Thoughts & Farewell May the Force be with you.

Mic'd Up with Macsrebo Ep. 15 | A New Chapter Begins: Rebuilding After Instagram & Looking Ahead

Our original Instagram account may be gone—but our story is far from over. In Episode 15 of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo, father and daughter share the emotional story behind the permanent removal of the original Macsrebo Instagram account after more than two years of memories, cosplay, conventions, celebrity interviews, and friendships. Rather than giving up, we're rebuilding. We introduce our new Instagram account, @MacsreboMedia, talk about what we've learned through the experience, and share why the incredible Star Wars and cosplay communities have inspired us to keep moving forward. We also look ahead to an exciting summer filled with: ⭐ Upcoming conventions🎙️ New podcast guests🎭 Cosplay adventures🎬 Media coverage✨ The future of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo If Star Wars has taught us anything, it's this: Rebellions are built on hope. Thank you to everyone who has followed, shared, supported, and helped us begin this next chapter. 🚀 Follow us:Instagram: @MacsreboMediaYouTube, TikTok & Facebook: @Macsrebo Websites related to this episode: https://vanessamarshall.com/ https://www.virtualcantinanetwork.com/ https://www.virtualcantinanetwork.com/events/boonta-eve-special-edition-texas-2 https://www.virtualcantinanetwork.com/events/boonta-eve-special-edition-into-the-groguverse https://rebelscumconventions.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share—it truly helps us continue growing this amazing community. May the Force be with you, always.

My Cosplay Mom! | Abigail (McHeretic) Talks Transformers, Marvel & Convention Life | Mic'd Up with Macsrebo Ep. 14

Join Mackenzie and Mom for a special episode of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo featuring our very first cosplay guest, Abigail (McHeretic)! From becoming Mackenzie's cosplay mom as Sue Storm to Mackenzie's Valeria Von Doom, Abigail shares her incredible cosplay journey, how she got started, and what inspired her to create some of the most impressive builds in the fandom community. We talk about: ✨ How Abigail discovered cosplay ✨ Creating award-winning costumes and massive foam builds ✨ Transformers, Marvel, Star Wars, Fallout, and more ✨ Human-former cosplay and the Rebels of Cybertron community ✨ Convention life, cosplay tips, and staying healthy in costume ✨ Why cosplay should be about creativity, confidence, and having fun ✨ The special friendship behind our cosplay mom and cosplay daughter bond Whether you're a longtime cosplayer, a convention veteran, or someone thinking about creating your very first costume, this episode is packed with inspiration, creativity, and plenty of laughs. 🎙️ New episodes of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo premiere every Thursday at 8 PM ET. Who is your favorite cosplay character? Let us know in the comments!

Mic'd Up with Macsrebo Ep. 13: Fan Expo Philly Adventures | Cosplay Debuts, Celebrity Encounters & Family Fun

Fan Expo Philadelphia is always an adventure, and this year delivered unforgettable memories! Join Mackenzie and Mom as they recap three action-packed days at Fan Expo Philadelphia filled with cosplay debuts, celebrity encounters, panels, amazing food, and connecting with fellow fans from across the galaxy. Day 1 featured the debut of Mackenzie's Kay Vess cosplay from the hit video game Star Wars Outlaws, complete with Nix riding along in a pet carrier that quickly became a fan favorite on the convention floor. Day 2 brought out the Retro Armorer, featuring a special piece of family history—a vintage jacket that once belonged to Mackenzie's great-grandmother. It's a cosplay that combines Star Wars fandom with family heritage. Day 3 was perhaps the most anticipated moment of the weekend: the debut of Mackenzie's X-23 cosplay while meeting Dafne Keen. The highlight? Dafne herself said Mackenzie and she were "twins!" After seeing the photo-op, you may agree that the resemblance is uncanny. The duo also attended the "This is the Way: Inside The Mandalorian" panel featuring Temuera Morrison, Brendan Wayne, and Jonny Coyne, along with a more intimate discussion panel with Brendan Wayne and Jonny Coyne. Of course, no trip to Philadelphia would be complete without continuing the Macsrebo tradition of bringing local pickles from Reading Terminal Market to one of the actors they meet. Add in exploring new restaurants, visiting friends in the 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs, meeting artists and vendors, attending panels, and immersing themselves in fandom, and you have the perfect convention weekend. Whether you're a lifelong convention-goer or thinking about attending your very first comic con, this episode highlights why Fan Expo Philadelphia offers something for fans of every age. 🎙️ New episodes of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo release every Thursday! #FanExpoPhiladelphia #StarWars #Cosplay #X23 #DafneKeen #TheMandalorian #KayVess #StarWarsOutlaws #MandalorianMercs #501stLegion #Macsrebo

The Mandalorian & Grogu Review | Mackenzie's First New Star Wars Theatrical Release | Mic'd Up with Macsrebo Ep. 12

The galaxy far, far away is back on the big screen! This week on Mic'd Up with Macsrebo, Mackenzie and Mom break down their experience watching The Mandalorian & Grogu, the first new Star Wars theatrical release in years and the first brand-new Star Wars movie released in theaters during Mackenzie's lifetime. One of the biggest surprises? You don't need to have watched The Mandalorian series, The Book of Boba Fett, or any previous Star Wars movies to enjoy this adventure. The Mandalorian & Grogu stands on its own and serves as an excellent entry point for families looking to jump into the Star Wars fandom. We discuss: ⭐ Why this movie is perfect for newcomers to Star Wars ⭐ How Grogu steals every scene he's in ⭐ Grogu's unexpected friendship with Rotta the Hutt ⭐ Action sequences that deserve to be experienced on the big screen ⭐ Connections longtime fans will appreciate from The Clone Wars, Rebels, and the larger Star Wars universe ⭐ Why this film is a celebration of family, friendship, and hope Beyond the action, aliens, droids, and adventure, we explore the emotional heart of the story: the relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu. The film beautifully illustrates the bond between parent and child and the cycle of life, where parents guide and protect their children, and those children eventually grow to care for those who raised them. Most importantly, we talk about why some movies are meant to be experienced in theaters. The massive screen, incredible sound, audience reactions, and that fresh bucket of popcorn create an experience that simply can't be replicated at home. Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or someone who has never watched a single Star Wars movie, this episode will help you decide if The Mandalorian & Grogu belongs on your must-watch list. Have you seen The Mandalorian & Grogu yet? What was your favorite moment? Would you recommend it to someone completely new to Star Wars? Let us know in the comments! May the Force be with you. #StarWars #TheMandalorianAndGrogu #Grogu #BabyYoda #MicdUpWithMacsrebo #Mandalorian