In this episode, we slide from fall vibes into full-on holiday chaos: Conway’s infamous “largest outdoor artificial Christmas tree” (paid for by the fast-food “fat tax”), $11 million jewel-covered trees in Abu Dhabi, tree-lighting ceremonies, frozen choir kids, and the eternal showdown of hot cider vs. hot chocolate—with detours into homemade eggnog, White Russians, and a Russian “Crazy Cow” concoction that absolutely will get you in trouble.

From there, the guys go globetrotting through weird and wonderful festivals: Gilroy Garlic Festival, Frozen Dead Guy Days, Japan’s Hadaka Matsuri (the “naked” festival), Lebowski Fest, the Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant, the Humongous Fungus Fest, Pug Fest, and finally New Orleans’ San Fermin—the “running of the bulls” reimagined with roller-derby women in red chasing you with bats. They wrap things up talking cryptids, Cajun Con guest lists, Avatar voice actors, Blazing Saddles, and why local lore (and local cons) make fandom life so much fun.

The Con Men are back, rolling straight into spooky season with the kind of warm chaos only Adrian and Dan can conjure. This week we hit everything from kids leveling up into double digits to the newest Fantastic Four (the “fourth first one”) and why it might secretly be the best FF movie yet — which, yeah, is kind of a low bar. We also dive into Thunderbolts, convention adventures, and Adrian’s surprisingly wholesome review of the new Toxic Avenger remake. Spoilers: it’s gloriously messy in exactly the way you hope.

Dan also shares stories from working Missouri Anime Fest/Horror Con, including handling Ghostface himself, Lee Waddell, witnessing playful celeb rivalries, and getting starstruck by sci-fi royalty. We wrap with Halloween talk, candy debates, Faces of Death nostalgia, and the eternal peanut-butter-and-chocolate feud. As always, it’s unfiltered nerd talk, dad jokes, and the kind of Con-life storytelling that reminds us why we hit record in the first place. Come hang out, catch the full episode, and tell us your favorite Halloween candy.

Adrian (Nerd @ Heart) and Dan (deckr.media) dive into Renaissance Faires—what they are, why they work, and how they mash state fair chaos with con culture. We hit themed weekends (Pirate, Scottish, Time Traveler), vendors who commit to the bit, touring acts (shoutout Barely Balanced), kid-magnet games, and the big arena: full-plate jousts with story arcs. Adrian shares a kilt mishap PSA (choose your under-armor wisely), we talk accessibility and “safe to be yourself” vibes, and admit every con has at least a little cringe. Plus: D&D: Honor Among Thieves love, satanic-panic time capsule (Mazes & Monsters), random 80s/90s film detours, and why Ren Faires are a solid one-day hit even if you’re not in costume.

Got Ren Faire tips, pics, or horror stories? Email theconmenshow@gmail.com and we’ll feature our favorites.