Triple Takeover Toycast

Beast Wars Neo: Balls to the Wall Weirdness

Let it never be said that Triple Takeover doesn't enjoy a bit of beast. Having already done deep dives into the classic Kenner line and Takara's Beast Wars II, we're back for more — and this is where things get really weird, with 1999's Beast Wars Neo. Tonight it's all about the Maximals: a crew of twelve toys that run the gamut from intriguing repaints and retools to flat-out Japanese exclusive oddities. Sixo guides Liam and Jason through the roster one figure at a time, discovering some of the more noteworthy alternate modes from the entire Beast era — not to mention the somewhat inexplicable third modes on offer. With giraffes, penguins, horses, rabbits, sharks, and of course the line's notorious tanuki, Beast Wars Neo showcases the sheer creativity (and occasional bewilderment) of late-90s Takara design philosophy. The discussion leans towards the absurd at times — that was somewhat inevitable given the subject matter — but there's genuine reverence for what is, at the end of the day, a fabulous set of classic Transformers toys. Big swings, plenty of fun, and a roster that wasn't afraid to do something different. Fair warning: this episode gets weird. But that's exactly why our Beast Wars discussions always end up being some of the most entertaining episodes we record. Let's hope we don't balls it up.—Chapters0:00:00 Intro0:06:16 Sponsor Segment: Valart0:10:36 What Is Collector Burnout?0:17:53 The Acquisition Problem & Social Media Impact0:30:37 The Benefit of Creative Pursuits0:40:01 Recognising Warning Signs & Finding Balance1:02:27 Community Connection1:13:01 Sponsor Segment: TFSource1:23:38 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

Henkei! Henkei! Transformers — Takara's Mid-2000s Masterclass

We first covered the beginnings of Transformers Generations toys with 2006's Classics line back in episode #16, but now we're back for the Takara equivalent: Henkei! Henkei! Transformers. This Japanese roster — which also spans parts of 2008's Universe line and literally translates to "Transform! Transform! Transformers" — is a jewel in the crown of mid-2000s robots in disguise.Henkei! offered surprisingly varied — and often superior — repaint choices on already beloved moulds (including some which have arguably been unfairly maligned, as we'll discuss). It's a line of creative designs, intriguing transformations, and definite ingenuity, but coupled with Takara's attention to detail when it comes to finish, it's not hard to understand why it grabbed so much attention at the time. Even if the abundance of chrome proved surprisingly divisive.We're stepping back to an era before every character received regular Generations updates every few years — a time when classic characters were brought back with real flair for doing something different, and when A-list names like Bumblebee received their first toys in years. It's not an exaggeration to say that the figures in today's spotlight set the template for Generations toys to this day, and we're here to give them their due.—Chapters0:00:00 Intro0:06:16 Sponsor Segment: Valart0:10:36 What Is Collector Burnout?0:17:53 The Acquisition Problem & Social Media Impact0:30:37 The Benefit of Creative Pursuits0:40:01 Recognising Warning Signs & Finding Balance1:02:27 Community Connection1:13:01 Sponsor Segment: TFSource1:23:38 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

Collector Burnout: When the Hobby Stops Being Fun

Collecting Transformers should be a joy, but what happens when it starts to feel like a chore? This episode tackles collector burnout — that creeping sense of being overwhelmed, stressed, or feeling obligated rather than excited by your hobby. It's a topic chosen by our patrons, and it's one we approach with honesty, care, and maybe a bit of catharsis.Burnout can happen to any collector. The pressure to acquire everything new, the sheer volume of releases, lifestyle changes, mounting clutter, and that nagging guilt about figures still in boxes — it all adds up. What starts as passion can slowly transform into obligation, and before you know it, the thing you love feels like work.We discuss why burnout happens, what the early warning signs might be, and practical ways to mitigate or avoid it altogether. We also reflect on our own experiences: have any of us genuinely faced collector burnout? The answers might surprise you.If you've ever felt exhausted by your collection rather than energised by it, you're not alone. This one's for anyone who's questioned whether they still love the hobby — or are just going through the motions.—Chapters0:00:00 Intro0:06:16 Sponsor Segment: Valart0:10:36 What Is Collector Burnout?0:17:53 The Acquisition Problem & Social Media Impact0:30:37 The Benefit of Creative Pursuits0:40:01 Recognising Warning Signs & Finding Balance1:02:27 Community Connection1:13:01 Sponsor Segment: TFSource1:23:38 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

Transformers 2025 — Favourite Toys of the Year

As another year of collecting draws to a close, the Triple Takeover crew sit down to reflect on the Transformers toys that defined 2025 for them.Rather than chasing completeness or release lists, this episode focuses on personal favourites — the figures that made the biggest impression in hand, sparked the strongest emotional response, or simply reminded us why we enjoy collecting in the first place. From the long-anticipated Missing Link releases to standout modern designs and ambitious large-scale projects, it’s a year that offered a surprising amount of variety.We talk through what made figures like Sunstreaker feel genuinely special, why releases such as HasLab Omega Prime and Age of the Primes Superion stood out in a crowded landscape, and how 2025 balanced nostalgia with forward-looking ideas. Along the way, the conversation naturally widens into thoughts on collecting habits, changing priorities, and what really makes a toy memorable over time. It’s a reminder that the value of a collection is often measured in experiences rather than numbers.—Chapters0:00:00 Intro0:06:09 Setting the discussion rules0:11:05 Sponsor chat0:13:58 Jason's first choice0:23:20 Liam's first choice0:38:39 Sixo's first choice0:48:30 Jason's second choice0:56:04 Liam's second choice1:08:17 Sixo's second choice1:18:45 Honourable mentions1:32:52 Patreon Q&A—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

From Concept to Shelf: Sandstorm, Springer, and Nick Roche

IDW artist Nick Roche returns to Triple Takeover to talk Transformers Generations: Thrilling 30 — the 2013–2014 toy line — and the unusual creative journey that links Sandstorm and Springer.Nick discusses supplying an original Sandstorm concept to Hasbro, how that design eventually became a finished toy, and how it was later retooled into Springer — released first, and coincidentally based on Nick’s own comic design for the character as seen in IDW’s Last Stand of the Wreckers.Along the way, the conversation drifts (as it tends to with Nick) into nostalgia, collecting, community, and the realities of working across different parts of the Transformers brand — including his more recent design work on Transformers Earthspark. Expect equal parts toy history, behind-the-scenes insight, and good-natured chaos.This episode began life as a commission from our patron, Josh Bell.—Chapters0:00:00 Intro0:05:54 Thrilling 30 In Context0:10:58 How the Sandstorm Concept Came to Be0:23:35 Nick's First Impressions of the Toys0:42:28 Translating From Sandstorm Into Springer0:49:27 How Nick Designed Springer for IDW1:02:04 Owning Toys of Characters You've Created1:18:53 TFSource Sponsor Segment1:28:35 Patreon Q&A—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover