Tales From The Brick

Episode 21 - Jeddi Tso (Bricker Builds)

In Episode 21 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by Jeddi Tso, Product Development Manager at Bricker Builds, to explore the world of life-sized LEGO creations, creative careers, and turning passion projects into reality.
Jeddi shares how a childhood spent digging through bins of loose LEGO bricks and building Exo-Force sets eventually led him into the wider AFOL community, working with LEGO YouTubers, and ultimately joining Bricker Builds after jokingly ending a YouTube video with “Bricker Builds, hire me.” That throwaway line unexpectedly changed the course of his career.
The conversation dives deep into Jeddi's journey through creativity, video production, LEGO retail, and personal struggles during the uncertainty of post-college life. He explains how building a massive LEGO replica sword from Fire Emblem became both a deeply personal project and the catalyst that caught the attention of Bricker Builds founder Christopher Gearhart.
Jon and Jeddi also discuss how Bricker Builds creates its iconic life-sized models, from giant Mario characters and Pokémon builds to wearable props, Star Wars helmets, and massive display pieces designed to inspire builders of all ages. They talk about the challenge of designing sturdy large-scale LEGO sculptures, balancing artistic vision with engineering, and how the company blends fan passion with professional design work.
The episode also explores the LEGO convention scene, the welcoming AFOL community, social media burnout, creative confidence, and how LEGO can become both a creative outlet and a source of healing during difficult periods in life.
Plus, Jeddi teases one of Bricker Builds’ most ambitious projects yet: a massive life-sized WALL-E-inspired build packed with moving features, advanced engineering, and over 15,000 pieces.
Find Jeddi Tso and Bricker Builds:
• Website: brickerbuilds.com• Instagram: @brickerbuilds• YouTube: Bricker Builds• Jetty’s Instagram: @exoeditstuff• Jetty’s YouTube: Exo Edits
 
To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app 
Until next time… play well.

Episode 20 - Rob Klingberg (Brickstuff)

In Episode 20 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by Rob Klingberg, founder of Brickstuff, to explore the world of LEGO lighting, electronics, and the evolution of customization within the LEGO hobby.
Rob shares how a lifelong fascination with electronics, model trains, and tinkering eventually led to creating Brickstuff after rediscovering LEGO through building modular sets with his kids. What started as experimenting with tiny wires and LEDs turned into one of the most respected lighting brands in the LEGO community.
The conversation dives deep into the early days of LEGO lighting, the rise of the Maker Movement, Arduino microcontrollers, and how advances in DIY electronics helped make custom lighting more accessible for builders of all skill levels. Rob also discusses the philosophy behind Brickstuff’s products, from ultra-thin wiring and realistic lighting effects to custom sound modules, animated displays, and interactive features designed specifically for LEGO fans.
Jon and Rob also talk about the growth of the AFOL community, the explosion of third-party LEGO accessories, the role of BrickLink in enabling creativity, and the balance between purist building and customization. Along the way, they discuss conventions, illuminated MOCs, LEGO trains, Minecraft, Halo, lighting giant UCS sets, and what the future of connected LEGO displays could look like.
 
📍 Find Rob Klingberg and Brickstuff:
• Website: brickstuff.com
• Instagram: @brickstuff
• YouTube: @brickstuff
• Facebook: Brickstuff LEGO Lighting
 
To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app 
Until next time… play well.

Episode 19 Dave Schefcik (BrickNerd)

In Episode 19 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by Dave Schefcik, the Nerd-in-Chief behind BrickNerd and a longtime voice in the LEGO fan community.
Dave shares his journey from building imaginative worlds as a kid to rediscovering LEGO later in life through an unexpected office project that turned his workspace into a full blown “LEGOLAND Microsoft.” What started as a creative outlet quickly became something bigger, pulling him into LUGs, conventions, and the wider LEGO community.
The episode explores how conventions shaped Dave’s path, from early experiences feeling out of place at LUG meetings to becoming a major contributor behind the scenes at events like BrickCon. He talks about LEGO as a shared language that connects builders across styles and skill levels, from mosaics to Great Ball Contraptions, and how collaboration drives creativity.
Dave also dives into his work in LEGO fan media, including time with The Brothers Brick and eventually leading BrickNerd. He shares the philosophy behind the platform, focusing on storytelling, community voices, and content that goes beyond just new set releases.
📍  Find Dave Schefcik:
• BrickNerd: bricknerd.com
To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app
Until next time… play well.

Episode 18 - Jeff Sanders (Brick Bending)

In Episode 18 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by Jeff Sanders aka  Brick Bending, the mastermind behind some of the most mind-bending LEGO geometry on the internet.
Jeff shares how a simple moment building with his kids led to a lifelong obsession with pushing LEGO beyond its intended limits, discovering that even basic bricks can curve, flex, and create stunning geometric art when approached with a mathematician’s mindset.
The conversation dives deep into Jeff’s creative process, from early experiments with circles and intersecting shapes to massive installations made from tens of thousands of bricks. He also talks about exhibiting his work, from local museums to large-scale international showcases, and the surprising connection between his designs and traditional geometric art.
Jeff also breaks down his journey into content creation - how years of trial and error across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok led to viral success, and why storytelling, presentation, and even a bit of controversy play a role in getting people to see LEGO in a completely new way.
📍 Find Jeff Sanders (Brick Bending):
• YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / Patreon: @brickbending• Website: brickbending.com
To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app
Until next time… play well.

Episode 17 - Chris Giddens (Fazoom)

On Episode 17 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by Chris Giddens aka Fazoom, one of the original AFOL pioneers. Chris is the co-creator of Old Grey Bricks and a LEGO Factory designer. He joins Jon for a deep dive into the early days of the LEGO fan community.
Chris shares what it was like building in an era before social media, helping shape one of the first online LEGO communities, and eventually designing official sets during the experimental LEGO Factory program, offering a rare look at a unique chapter in LEGO history.
The conversation also takes a powerful turn as Chris opens up about his battle with cancer and how LEGO became more than just a hobby - it became a source of focus, therapy, and resilience during one of the most challenging times of his life.
📍 Find Chris “Fazoom” Giddens:
• Old Grey Bricks: Old Grey Bricks on YouTube• Instagram: @fazoom
To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app
Until next time… play well.

Episode 16 - Cody Ottley

In Episode 16 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) is joined by Cody Ottley, the driving force behind the Bearded Builders Guild, BBG Forge, and the ever-growing BrickSlopes LEGO Fan Convention.
Cody shares how a simple road trip conversation turned into launching one of North America’s fastest-growing LEGO conventions—expanding from a small group of ~80 AFOLs to a massive multi-day event with hundreds of builders, tens of thousands of square feet of displays, and a reputation for unmatched swag and community energy.
The episode dives deep into the world of custom LEGO printing through BBG Forge—how Cody creates minifigs using only official LEGO parts, the philosophy behind “LEGO-ized” designs, and why they intentionally avoid competing with official releases by focusing on what LEGO hasn’t made yet.
You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to run a convention at scale—from bulk LEGO orders and insane giveaways to faction-based themes, secret builds, and organizing chaos that somehow turns into an unforgettable experience. Plus, Cody breaks down the origins (and rules) of the Bearded Builders Guild—a LEGO “club” that’s part community, part inside joke, and fully embedded in convention culture.
📍 Find Cody Otley:• Instagram: @codio0937• TikTok: @codio0937• BBG Forge: BBG Forge• Bearded Builders Guild: Bearded Builders Guild• BrickSlopes: BrickSlopes LEGO Fan Convention
To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app
Until next time… play well.

Episode 15 - Ryan Wood

In Episode 15 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) sits down with Ryan Wood, Model Shop Manager at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build and maintain entire worlds out of LEGO.
Ryan shares his journey from AFOL to Master Model Builder - starting with conventions and community, to landing a spot in a competitive build challenge that launched a 17-year career across multiple LEGOLAND parks. From helping construct LEGOLAND New York Resort during the chaos of COVID to managing thousands of models in Florida, his story is a mix of creativity, persistence, and being in the right place at the right time.
The conversation dives into the realities most fans never consider: how LEGO models survive extreme heat, snow, and even wildlife (yes, otters included), what happens when a model gets destroyed overnight, and how teams can rebuild entire sections before the park even opens. Ryan also reveals how digital design has transformed the parks, how Easter eggs sneak into displays, and why snow might actually be a LEGO model’s best friend.
Plus, get an inside look at building new attractions like the Galacticoaster, judging LEGO competitions with real astronauts, and what it actually takes to become a Master Model Builder - hint: it’s not just about being good at LEGO.
Until next time… play well.

Episode 14 - Paul Lee

In Episode 14 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) sits down with acclaimed comic artist Paul Lee, whose work spans giants like DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and LEGO’s own storytelling universe.
From illustrating iconic characters to becoming one of the go-to artists for LEGO comics, Paul shares his unexpected journey—from chasing a career in traditional comics to finding a new creative path through LEGO. What started as a childhood passion came full circle, leading him to work on LEGO Club Magazine, Ninjago comics, and even contributing designs to The Lego Batman Movie.
The conversation dives deep into the realities of the comic industry, why it became unsustainable, and how that turning point led Paul to reinvent his career. Along the way, he reveals behind-the-scenes stories from working with LEGO, including how AFOL knowledge gave him an edge, the surprising lack of rigid creative rules, and the techniques he used to make his artwork stand out.
Paul also shares incredible insights into the intersection of art and LEGO—from using 3D tools like BrickLink Studio to speed up production, to the subtle details that separate good LEGO art from great LEGO art. Plus, stories from Comic-Con, honoring fellow builders in his work, and what it really means to turn a creative passion into a lasting career.
Until next time… play well.

Episode 13 - Daniel Siskind (BrickMania)

In Episode 13 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) sits down with Daniel Siskind, the visionary founder of Brickmania, a company that transformed a passion for building into one of the most recognizable brands in the custom LEGO space.
From receiving one of the earliest LEGO sets as a child to building an empire of high-end, military-inspired kits, Daniel shares how his obsession with parts, creativity, and community led to the creation of Brickmania. What started as small, handmade runs of custom sets quickly evolved into a full-scale operation, complete with in-house printing, design, and production.
The conversation dives into the early days of sourcing bricks before BrickLink existed, the hustle of turning eBay sales into startup capital, and how customer demand unexpectedly pushed Brickmania into the military niche it’s known for today. Daniel also opens up about scaling from solo builder to running a full team, the realities of balancing business with community, and what it takes to stay innovative in a rapidly evolving hobby.
From basement builds to industrial printers, this episode is a deep dive into what happens when passion meets persistence—and how one builder helped shape an entire corner of the LEGO world.
 
📍 Find Daniel Siskind/BrickMania:• brickmania.com• Instagram: @brickmania_toys
To find the best LEGO deals, check out the Bargain Bricks app
Until next time… play well.

Episode 12 - Corey Samuels

In Episode 12 of Tales From The Brick, Jon (8 Bit Bricks) sits down with Corey Samuels - LEGO Masters champion, STEM educator, and the most dapper LEGO Masters contestant. He shares his journey from a kid in New Jersey building freestyle creations to becoming a standout contestant on LEGO Masters, and eventually taking home the trophy. Along the way, he dives into how LEGO became more than just a hobby, transforming into a career rooted in education, storytelling, and inspiring the next generation of builders.
The conversation explores behind-the-scenes moments from LEGO Masters, the hustle of turning pandemic-era uncertainty into a thriving STEM business, and how Corey built his own path teaching kids through creativity and hands-on learning. From viral builds to building a brand, Corey’s story is all about betting on yourself and building something bigger than bricks.
📍 Find Corey Samuels:• Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @samzbrego
Until next time… play well.