For the Love of Brick: Interviews with LEGO Enthusiasts
A podcast celebrating people and their unique connections with LEGO. Hosted by Greg McDonald.

Ep.13 – Alex Johnson - Tips&Bricks

Greg meets with Alex Johnson, a young UK AFOL who is the founder of the popular LEGO blog, Tips&Bricks. Alex shares the humble beginnings of creating this blog in his mid-teens, armed with just a laptop, to how it’s grown into the hugely successful blog it is today. Alex discusses what distinguishes Tips&Bricks apart from other LEGO blogs and gives us a deeper look into the running of the it. He also shares the challenges of growing the blog and his team, and reflects on his vision for how Tips&Bricks will continue to evolve.

To become another follower of Tips&Bricks, visit their socials/website: IG: https://www.instagram.com/tipsandbricks/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/tipsandbricks/ Tips&Bricks FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1591646100896260/ Website (where the handbooks are found): https://www.tipsandbricks.co.uk/ .

--

Thanks for listening :) Don’t forget to subscribe to us, wherever you get your podcast fix. Drop us a line by email (fortheloveofbrick[at]gmail.com) or at our socials if you want to say hi! Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theloveofbrick, IG: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofbrick/, or FB: https://www.facebook.com/forthelovebrick/.

Ep.12 – Charbel's LEGO TECHNIC Creations

Greg gets a lesson in LEGO Technic today whilst chatting with Charbel, a young French LEGO Technic builder who creates amazingly detailed cars and gearboxes. Charbel shares with us why he primarily builds with LEGO Technic and some of the challenges of being able to create those perfect shapes and mechanisms. He discusses the process behind building his creations and what car is his dream build.

You can view Charbel’s creations (and his sweet video production skills) on his YouTube channel ‘Charbel’s LEGO TECHNIC Creations’: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCatxt6gCy3dvnVZnqMYa6w .

--

Thanks for listening :) Don’t forget to subscribe to us, wherever you get your podcast fix. Drop us a line by email (fortheloveofbrick[at]gmail.com) or at our socials if you want to say hi! Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theloveofbrick, IG: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofbrick/, or FB: https://www.facebook.com/forthelovebrick/.

Ep.11 – Tim Johnson - New Elementary

In today’s episode, Greg chats with Tim Johnson, the creator of New Elementary - a popular website dedicated to discussing LEGO new parts and techniques. Tim discusses how New Elementary started from a small gap he discovered in the LEGO media landscape and how it has evolved over the years to where it is today. Tim also shares some of the diverse LEGO projects he has been involved in over the years, ranging from volunteering with the charity, Fairy Bricks, to even releasing a series of LEGO coffee books.

To become yet another follower of New Elementary, visit the website: https://www.newelementary.com/. Or check out New Elementary’s socials: IG: https://www.instagram.com/newelementary/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewElementary FB: https://www.facebook.com/NewElementary .

--

Thanks for listening :) Don’t forget to subscribe to us, wherever you get your podcast fix. Drop us a line by email (fortheloveofbrick[at]gmail.com) or at our socials if you want to say hi! Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theloveofbrick, IG: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofbrick/, or FB: https://www.facebook.com/forthelovebrick/.

Ep.10 – Derek Tulluck - The Brick Counselor

Greg chats to Derek Tulluck aka The Brick Counselor, an elementary school counselor who uses LEGO in his everyday work. Derek discusses why he incorporates LEGO into his counseling and some of the innovative ways LEGO enhances his sessions. He discusses channeling his experience and passion for LEGO into producing his first brick-based counseling book. Derek also shares how his latest LEGO Ideas proposals were inspired by his love of Disney and Pixar.

Check out Derek’s website to learn more about his work: https://www.brickcounselor.com/. Derek’s socials are: FB: https://www.facebook.com/brickcounselor/ or IG: https://www.instagram.com/brick_counselor/. And consider supporting Derek’s LEGO Ideas including his Pixar's LAVA idea: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/fc222252-e258-4999-93c3-a9c4b0790265 .

--

Thanks for listening :) Don’t forget to subscribe to us, wherever you get your podcast fix. Drop us a line by email (fortheloveofbrick[at]gmail.com) or at our socials if you want to say hi! Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theloveofbrick, IG: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofbrick/, or FB: https://www.facebook.com/forthelovebrick/.

Ep.9 – Alice Finch and Megan Lum - The Women's Brick Initiative

Greg chats with Megan Lum and Alice Finch from The Women’s Brick Initiative. They discuss how they encourage other females to join the LEGO world, and how The Women’s Brick Initiative creates a supportive space for females to create meaningful connections. Megan and Alice discuss some of the barriers that prevent many women engaging in LEGO more actively. They share how The Women’s Brick Initiative works towards equity through various strategies such as holding LEGO and LEGO-related media accountable when gender biases occur.

Please visit The Women’s Brick Initiative’s website to check out their research and their various projects: https://womensbrickinitiative.com/. The Women’s Brick Initiative has a private Facebook group for females who love LEGO: https://www.facebook.com/groups/185801622818707. Last but not least, a couple of their socials: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewomensbrick Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thewomensbrick/ .

--

Thanks for listening :) Don’t forget to subscribe to us, wherever you get your podcast fix. Drop us a line by email (fortheloveofbrick[at]gmail.com) or at our socials if you want to say hi! Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theloveofbrick, Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofbrick/, or FB: https://www.facebook.com/forthelovebrick/.

Ep.8 – Simon Liu - Si-MOCs

Greg meets with Simon Liu, a Canadian LEGO builder known for his intricate sci-fi builds. He is one of the organisers for two popular LEGO conventions: BrickWorld, Chicago and Bricks in the Six, Toronto. Simon discusses the many benefits of joining a LUG (Lego User Group) and the importance of community for AFOLs. He also shares a few anecdotes on how he injects fun into his builds and the creative ways of engaging and challenging other LEGO builders. Finally, Simon shares when it might be ok to actually smash LEGO!

Please check out Simon’s builds at his socials: Flicker: https://www.flickr.com/people/si-mocs/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/si_mocs/. Learn more about the conventions he is involved in at https://brickworld.com/ and https://brickassembly.ca/ .

--

Thanks for listening :) Don’t forget to subscribe to us, wherever you get your podcast fix. Drop us a line by email (fortheloveofbrick[at]gmail.com) or at our socials if you want to say hi! Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theloveofbrick, Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofbrick/, or FB: https://www.facebook.com/forthelovebrick/.

Ep.7 – Kieran Jiwa - LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Greg speaks with Kieran Jiwa, the Master Model Builder for LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Melbourne, Australia. This episode is a special listen for our LEGO younglings, who tune in with their folks too. Kieran discusses his lifelong journey of working towards achieving his childhood dream and shares his tips about how others can become Master Model Builders themselves. Kieran also talks about what his job involves and the joy of seeing young LEGO fans building their own special LEGO creations. Last but not least, Greg learns what a Code Godzilla is!

You can check out Kieran’s personal Insta page: https://www.instagram.com/kieranmmb/. To find out the latest happenings at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Melbourne, check out their website: https://melbourne.legolanddiscoverycentre.com.au/ or visit their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LEGOLANDDiscoveryCentreMelbourne .

--

Thanks for listening :) Don’t forget to subscribe to us, wherever you get your podcast fix. Drop us a line by email (fortheloveofbrick[at]gmail.com) or at our socials if you want to say hi! Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theloveofbrick, Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofbrick/, or FB: https://www.facebook.com/forthelovebrick/.

Ep.6 – James Pegrum - Brick to the Past

Greg chats with UK builder James Pegrum, one of the founders of Brick to the Past – a dedicated group of AFOLs who combine their love of LEGO with their love of history by creating large-scale and historically themed LEGO models. James gives us an insight into the lengthy process the team undertake in creating these amazingly detailed and epic builds, bringing history to life and sharing these pivotal moments in UK history with the wider community.

Please check out Brick to the Past’s website and socials to view these extraordinary builds and get a lesson in history whilst you’re at it! Website: http://www.bricktothepast.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/bricktothepast Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bricktothepast/.

--

Thanks for listening :) Don’t forget to subscribe to us, wherever you get your podcast fix. Drop us a line by email (fortheloveofbrick[at]gmail.com) or at our socials if you want to say hi! Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theloveofbrick, Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofbrick/, FB: https://www.facebook.com/forthelovebrick/.

Ep.5 – Runa Lindblom and Annie O'Reilly

Greg talks with Runa Lindblom and Annie O’Reilly, two LEGO AFOLs whom many Australians will recognize from this year’s LEGO Masters Australia. They share their stories about rediscovering LEGO as adults and how LEGO played a pivotal role in their recovery from their past health conditions. They also discuss today’s growing acceptance of autism in the community and reflect on their own experiences of being autistic women.

You can learn more by checking out their Instagram accounts. Runa’s: https://www.instagram.com/legovalkyrja/ Annie’s: https://www.instagram.com/teawithannie/ Visit the Yellow Ladybugs website to learn more about this non-profit organization that advocates and supports autistic females: https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au .

--

Thanks for listening :) Don’t forget to subscribe to us, wherever you get your podcast fix. Drop us a line by email (fortheloveofbrick[at]gmail.com) or at our socials if you want to say hi! Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theloveofbrick, Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofbrick/, FB: https://www.facebook.com/forthelovebrick/. To join the convo, use the hashtag #fortheloveofbrick.

Ep.4 – BrickBros Productions

Greg chats with Matthew and Paul from BrickBrosProductions, two Canadian brothers who produce YouTube videos that combine their love of LEGO and stop-motion. They take us behind the scenes of their videos, from finding inspiration to delving into the technical side of stop-motion and film-making. They discuss the balancing act of producing their films whilst managing everyday life, and who gets their LEGO collection if they "divorce"!

Check out BrickBrosProductions videos and socials: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm2mA8FCaPP1ySSA8CL46YQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brickbrosproductions/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brickbrosproductions .

--

Thanks for listening :) Don’t forget to subscribe to us, wherever you get your podcast fix. Drop us a line by email (fortheloveofbrick[at]gmail.com) or at our socials if you want to say hi! Twitter: https://twitter.com/4theloveofbrick, Insta: https://www.instagram.com/fortheloveofbrick/, FB: https://www.facebook.com/forthelovebrick/. To join the convo, use the hashtag #fortheloveofbrick.