The Imagination Brickshop’s LEGO Brickcast

Ep. 45 - The Fan-Voted Stunner! The UCS Republic Gunship - Full Review

Prepare to have your LEGO-loving mind blown, because in this episode, I’m diving deep—like Dagobah swamp deep—into the incredible UCS Republic Gunship. We’re talking ratings, a fascinating backstory, and yes, even a touch of good ol’ LEGO controversy. That’s right, folks, it’s the UCS set that you voted for—because for once, LEGO handed the keys to the fans. (Don’t get used to it.) The Republic Gunship won against two other contenders, clinching its spot as the Fall 2021 UCS masterpiece. Or wait… is it the Imperial Gunship? Those box images and instruction manuals seem a bit, um, confused.
At over 3,200 pieces and a staggering $350 price tag, this set isn’t just a feast for your eyes—it’s also a workout for your wallet. Measuring in at the size of a small bantha (yes, bantha), it’s a behemoth of a build that’ll take center stage in any display... assuming you have room for it. If not, maybe consider moving some furniture or evicting a lesser set.
But here’s the real kicker: is it worth hunting down now that it’s retired? Should you brave the aftermarket to bring this beauty home, or just admire it from afar like a Jawa eyeing shiny droid parts? I’ll break it all down for you, and by the end of this episode, you’ll have my final rating to help you decide if this Gunship deserves a spot in your fleet.
So grab a glass of your favorite blue milk, find a comfy spot, and get ready for a journey through LEGO Star Wars history that’s worthy of a galaxy far, far away. Trust me, this is one ride you don’t want to miss.
Thanks for listening, and may the Force (and your brick budget) be with you!
Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Ep. 44 - Sparkly LEGO Vampires? 01/20/25 - News & Rumors

Get ready to buckle up, brick fans, because this episode is jam-packed with all the LEGO news you didn’t know you needed! First up: Twilight fans, rejoice (or cringe – your choice)! If you’ve ever wanted sparkly vampire LEGO minifigs to grace your shelves, the time has come. Team Edward? Team Jacob? Forget that—it's Team Brick now! LEGO has officially unveiled the Cullen house set, and whether it makes you howl at the moon or roll your eyes, it’s here to sink its teeth into your wallet.
Next, if you’ve been itching to expand your LEGO collection and save some cash, the current Double VIP Points promotion is your moment. And hey, green thumbs, this week’s deals include some gorgeous botanical sets—because nothing says “I’m a responsible adult” like a LEGO orchid sitting on your desk.
Then, I’ll help you sync your calendars because BrickLink’s Series Four Designer sets are about to hit preorder. These fan-designed masterpieces sell out fast, so I’m here to break down all the must-know details to ensure you don’t miss out (or end up weeping in your empty LEGO room).
Finally, let’s talk Star Wars. Sure, May the 4th might feel light-years away, but LEGO’s rolling out seven (yes, SEVEN) new sets that are worth planning and saving for now. Warning: You may need a small loan or the Jedi mind trick to afford them, but trust me, they’re worth it.
So, grab a snack, hit play, and join me for all the LEGO laughs and insights you can handle. And as always, thanks for listening!
Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Ep. 43 - The Humble Minifigure: A 50-year Love Story

Did you know there are more than four billion LEGO minifigures on Earth? That’s enough to give every human on the planet half a minifigure. But wait—there’s more. Did you know that a LEGO minifigure has literally been to Jupiter? Yes, the little plastic person made it farther than your travel bucket list ever will.
In this episode, we dive deep into the incredible 50-year journey of the humble minifigure. From its blocky beginnings to becoming a pop culture icon, we’ll uncover the wild twists and turns that transformed this tiny toy into a global obsession. How did one small design revolutionize the way we look at, play with, and collect LEGO?
But that’s not all! We’re tackling the ultimate LEGO mystery: out of a staggering four billion minifigures, which one is the rarest of them all? Is it hiding in your attic? Did you accidentally trade it for a knockoff Bionicle back in the day? You’ll have to listen to the end to find out.
So, grab your favorite LEGO set, settle in, and let’s get nostalgic, nerdy, and maybe a little envious of that minifigure that went to outer space. Don’t miss it!
Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Ep. 42 - LEGO Star Trek is Coming! 01/13/25 - News & Rumors

Buckle up, brick fans, because this week’s episode is one wild ride! I’m back from a two-week vacation to the other side of the globe, and you better believe I’ve got a lot to say. While I was busy collecting jet lag and questionable souvenirs, the LEGO universe didn’t take a break. Oh no, it decided to drop some absolutely mind-blowing news and rumors, and now I’m here to catch you up—and probably talk your ear off in the process.
First up, one of my bold 2025 predictions is already shaping up to be true: Star Trek is finally beaming its way into LEGO! Yes, you heard that right. By late 2025, we could be welcoming a 3600-piece Enterprise D into our collections. Start saving now, because if this rumor holds water, it’s dropping on Black Friday, and it’s going to fly off the shelves faster than a Vulcan at a logic convention.
But wait, there’s more! Like, a lot more. I’ve got juicy intel on the next Nintendo set rumored to hit stores in October—think nostalgic magic meets brick-building brilliance. And as if that wasn’t enough to empty your wallet, I’ve got new details about the hotly anticipated Lord of the Rings Bag End set, arriving in just a few months. Trust me, this episode is a treasure trove of LEGO goodness, and you’re going to want a notebook (and maybe a financial advisor) handy.
So, grab a snack, settle in, and get ready for an episode that’s as jam-packed as a LEGO advent calendar. As always, thanks for listening, and don’t forget to share the love with your fellow brickheads!
Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Ep. 41 - A Fairground Throwback - The Lego Carousel - Full Review Friday

Are you ready to take a spin on the LEGO nostalgia train today? I sure hope so, because we’re diving into a Creator Expert fairground classic: set #10257, the LEGO Carousel! This isn’t just any carousel—it’s the LEGO version of whimsical childhood dreams packed into 2,670 glorious pieces.
First released in June 2017, this amazing set hit shelves as the third installment in the Fairground Collection. At a cool $200, it quickly became a crown jewel for many collectors, especially for those who missed out on the elusive Grand Carousel nearly a decade earlier. (You know, the one that now costs more than your rent on the resale market.)
With its colorful details, playful design, and spinning charm, the LEGO Carousel brought the fun of the fairground to your living room. But here’s the real question: how does this set stack up against the legendary Grand Carousel—one of the most iconic LEGO sets of all time? Is it a worthy successor, or does it fall a few horses short of greatness?
Stick around as I break it all down, piece by piece. I’ll share my full review, a completely subjective (but highly entertaining) rating, and even a comparison of the two carousels to answer the ultimate LEGO question: which one deserves your display space?
So, grab a snack (preferably not one with LEGO pieces in it), and let’s take a ride on this brick-built blast from the past. And, as always, thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and maybe even leave me a review—because just like LEGO sets, podcasts are more fun when they’re shared.
Music Credit: YouTube Music Library
 

Ep. 40 - The Future of Lego: 2025 Bold Predictions

Time to dust off the crystal ball and dive into the thrilling world of Lego speculation! In today’s episode, I’m stepping into the role of a fortune teller (minus the fancy robe and mystic incense) to give you my three big, bold predictions for what Lego has in store for us in 2025. From new patterns in set design to unexpected themes and intriguing partnerships, I’m sharing my best guesses about the road ahead—and let’s just say, it’s not all sunshine and smooth tiles.
But here’s the fun part: each prediction gets bolder and more daring as we go. Will I foresee the death of a fan-favorite classic theme? Maybe a jaw-dropping collaboration we didn’t see coming? Or perhaps a controversial direction that could have fans shaking their minifigure-sized fists? One thing’s for sure—it’s going to be a wild ride, and I’m not holding back.
So grab your coffee, your favorite brick-built magnifying glass, and settle in as I peer into the future of our favorite little plastic bricks. Will my predictions hit the mark or fall apart faster than an unstable Technic build? There’s only one way to find out—stay tuned until the very end!
Update Note: Yes, a $1000 Death Star might go against some thoughts, but I'm telling you - it's an outlier - not the norm)
Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Ep. 39 - The Biggest LEGO Set Ever?!? 12/23/24 - News & Rumors

Blast Off to the Past – and Future!
Today, we’re cranking up the flux capacitor and heading back to the rad, totally tubular 1980s to revisit LEGO’s legendary space sets. Just kidding—it's almost 2025, and what was old is now retro chic! So grab your snacks (maybe some space food?) and get ready to dive into an AFOL’s wildest dreams.
We’re talking about a sleek, new spaceship soaring into stores January 1st. But that’s not all—brace yourselves for the rumor of all rumors: a mind-blowing $1000 LEGO set that might just redefine “brick building” as we know it. Better start saving your pennies—or maybe barter a kidney—because come October, this might be the set to blast the rest out of existence!
Stick around to the end for tips and tricks on scoring your Series 27 minifigs without drowning in doubles. Yes, we’re talking full-on LEGO strategizing—because we’re here for you, brick by brick. Thanks for tuning in!
Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Ep. 38 - A Masterclass in LEGO Design - The Grand Piano - Full Review Friday

Get ready to hit all the right notes with this week’s episode, where I take a deep dive into one of the most jaw-dropping Lego Ideas sets ever to grace our building tables—set #21323, the Grand Piano. This masterpiece of brick engineering, released back in 2020, proves once and for all that square pegs can fit into round holes—or at least square bricks can make smooth curves. How? It’s Lego magic, that’s how.
With an astonishing 3,662 pieces, this build isn’t just a piano—it’s a player piano, complete with moving keys, a motorized mechanism, and a level of detail that makes you want to break out your tuxedo and start tickling those plastic ivories. Seriously, it’s like Lego Mozart got together with a wizard and said, "Let’s blow their minds."
But here’s the kicker: this set is on the verge of retirement, which means if you’re debating whether to take the plunge and invest a small fortune in it, now’s the time to decide. Is it worth the cost? Is it worth sacrificing your dining table for the next three weeks while you build it? Tune in as I tackle these questions and more, all while marveling at this modern-day marvel of Lego design.Don’t miss it—your future self will thank you (and so will your brick collection).
Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Ep. 37 - The Top Ten LEGO of 2024

Buckle up, fellow brick enthusiasts, because in today’s episode, I tackle the herculean task of reviewing and ranking the best Lego sets of the year. That’s right—out of the staggering 900+ sets released in 2024, I’ve painstakingly narrowed it down to a definitive top ten list. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. It’s like trying to pick your favorite child… if your children were made of interlocking plastic and came in wildly different shapes and sizes.
What makes a set the "best," you ask? Is it the mind-blowing build experience that keeps you glued to the table for hours? The value that makes you feel like you’re getting a great deal (even though, let’s be real, we all know this hobby isn’t about saving money)? Or is it that final wow factor that makes you step back and say, “This is why I love Lego”? Spoiler alert: It’s all of the above, and then some.
Join me as I break down my top ten picks, factoring in every little detail from nostalgia points to innovative design to just plain fun. And when I say the competition for the top spots was fierce, I’m not kidding—it’s so close, you could measure the difference with a 1x1 plate. You might gasp in shock at my top three choices—or, if you’ve been paying attention to my reviews, you might roll your eyes and say, “Yeah, that tracks.”
Either way, stick around until the end to find out which set I’ve crowned the ultimate champion of 2024. Trust me, this is a list you don’t want to miss.
Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

Ep. 36 - Summer 2025 is Crazy! - 12-16-24 - News & Rumors

Calling all LEGO fans, brick builders, and rumor enthusiasts! Sure, we could stick to drooling over the latest and greatest LEGO releases kicking off in early 2025—but why stop there? Oh no, we’re diving headfirst into the swirling vortex of rumors and leaks for Summer 2025!
We’re starting with some jaw-dropping Star Wars set rumors tied to May the 4th. (Hint: They’re so good, they might just turn you to the Dark Side.) From there, it’s a whirlwind of LEGO magic: Disney is bringing the heat, Harry Potter reimagined yet again, and wait—did someone say Fortnite? That’s right, Fortnite is officially crashing the LEGO party, and it’s doing so with style.
If you’re wondering which sets will break the bank—or your wallet—by mid-2025, stick around to the very end. I’ll unpack it all: the must-haves, the could-skips, and maybe even the ones that’ll leave you scratching your head. Trust me, you’ll want to start saving those hard-earned dollars ASAP.
So, grab your favorite minifig, settle in, and join me for today’s look into the LEGO rumor mill! Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and share this podcast with your fellow brick-heads. As always, thanks for listening! Music
Credit: YouTube Music Library