50 Days Of DragonCon | The Unique Geek

Jon and Leigh welcome Regina Kirby back to 50 Days of Dragon Con to chat about about the role of the Senior Director of Programming.

Regina reminds us that the Dragon keeps things tentative until the last moment, it juggles room assignments like Anthony Gatto (a name I totally knew before writing this), and is a balancing act that would make Simone Biles jealous.

Track links: Dragon Con · Dragon Con Programming · Email Programming

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Jon and Leigh welcome Renee back for a lively 50 Days of Dragon Con conversation about the Animation track and how it keeps stretching far beyond the old idea of cartoons as Saturday-morning-only entertainment.

The Animation track generally covers Western-style animation – the big studios, the indie stuff, TV, and film.

We discuss all of the fun stuff the track is doing this year: the Cartoon Bebop Lounge, the Hell of a Boss / Hazbin-style singalong, panels, indie animation, voice actors, and so much more!

Track links: Animation Facebook

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Jon sits down with Derek, Carol, and Ichabod for a conversation that gets to the (beating?) heart of why Horror and Urban Fantasy are sister tracks at Dragon Con. We trace the tracks back to their goth-culture roots and talk about how they are different and, at times, the same.

Derek explains how the Horror Track grew from gothic culture through dark fantasy into the Horror track. Carol talks about Urban Fantasy as the track where the supernatural world melds with ordinary human life.

Additionally, we cover the panels, the guest mix, the relationship with...

Jon and Leigh talk with Jason about Dragon Con’s Video Gaming track.

Video Gaming is the Dragon Con track for gaming fans (just see their email address).

They cover topics covering retro gaming, consoles, competitive gaming, and so much more. In this episode we chat about the track’s programming, their big parties, the community of gaming, tournaments, all your favorite systems, and the appearance of video game royalty at Dragon Con 2026.

Track links and resources: videogamingfans@dragoncon.org · Video Gaming Facebook · Video Gaming Twitter/X · Video Gaming Tumblr · Dragon Con tracks page

Jon talks with Karen and James from Dragon Con’s Military Sci-Fi Media track to talk about what the track is really about.

Military Sci-Fi Media started as a Stargate track and grew into a broader home for TV and media properties that mix space and military influence.

We discuss the shows and franchises that are part of the track including: Stargate, Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Farscape, Firefly, Space 1999, Space Above and Beyond, Halo, and others that Jon just thinks are in the track,

We highlight some of their special events including: the MSFM au...

Jon sits down with Vaughn James, assistant director of Dragon Con’s Science track, for a conversation about what the track actually is and why it fits Dragon Con so well.

Science at Dragon Con is a lot of things: hard-science panels, science-and-pop-culture conversations, and the more speculative stuff. But it is so much more as evidenced by the crowd-pleasers and recurring favorites, including AI and large language models versus human learning, Science vs. Movies, Science is Gross, Solve for ‘X’, the science fair, and the hands-on science power hour.

Don’t miss the track that mix...

Jon and Leigh kick off this episode of time-travel and cosplay regrets with Liz, the director of Dragon Con’s Alternate & Historical Fiction track.

We discuss history that could have been, history that was, and all the “what if” storytelling in between.

Additionally, we chat about this year’s Dragon Con Cotillion, retro entertainment, steampunk, pirates, and a Dragon Con’s 3 hour cruise.

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Jon, Leigh, and Sue Phillips chat about Science Fiction Literature at Dragon Con. We discuss the books, ideas, and fan-favorite sci-fi that shape the track.

We look at what fans can expect from the track: space opera, first contact, near-future fiction, cyberpunk, hard SF, and all the other books that keep readers coming back for more.

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Jon and Leigh welcome Cisca Small to 50 Days of Dragon Con for a conversation about Fantasy Literature at Dragon Con and all the ways the track stretches far beyond a single subgenre.

We discuss the big umbrella that is Fantasy Literature; a track that boasts panels on classic fantasy, page-versus-screen, space fantasy, science fantasy, and LitRPG. We also discuss track events like Page to Stage and Boinking Beasties.

Track links: Fantasy Literature Facebook · Fantasy Literature X/Twitter · Dragon Con Fantasy Literature Track

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Jon and Leigh welcome Beth Giles, director of Dragon Con’s Silk Road: Asian Cinema & Culture track, for a tour through one of Dragon Con’s widest-ranging programming tracks.

Beth explains how Silk Road stretches from the Mediterranean through India and across Asia to the Pacific, covering belly dance, K-pop, martial arts, kaiju, Bollywood, Asian dramas, language, origami, food, travel, and the many fandoms that live along the route.

We preview the giant K-pop dance party, charity ‘blinky’ sales for Hope Atlanta, Mothra and Ultraman anniversary programming, Phoenix Wellness Arts, lion dances, stunt martial arts demos, o...

Jon and Leigh welcome Kevin Bachelder back to 50 Days of Dragon Con for conversation about Dragon Con Newbies and what first-time attendees need to know before they arrive in Atlanta.

Kevin talks about his own long history with Dragon Con, how the Newbies community grew from fans helping fans, and why it has become such a useful landing place for people staring at the app, the hotels, the crowds, and the schedule for the first time.

The episode gets into the questions new attendees ask most: how to plan without overplanning, how to handle the...

Jon and Leigh go “about town” for Day 8, mixing the usual 50 Days nonsense with ‘practical’ Atlanta advice.

The episode starts with a quick look at several 2026 Dragon Con guests:

From there, Jon and Leigh shift into the annual “what else is hap...

Jon welcomes Max, director and editor-in-chief of the Daily Dragon, for a look inside Dragon Con’s official news source.

Max discusses finding Dragon Con, joining the Daily Dragon as a volunteer, and taking the reins as director.

They also get into how Max recruits writers and photographers, chases down schedule changes, and story decisions.

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Jon and Leigh welcome Eternal Zan back to 50 Days of Dragon Con for a Day 3 conversation about Dragon Con traditions, fan communities, hotel realities, parade groups, and the strange things that happen when fans get together.

We discuss Dragon Con’s Eternal Membership program and what it means for current Eternals. The gang also talks about volunteering, the volunteer meetings, and how fans can still contribute to the con.

We also chat about hotels including the Cortland Grand situation (Don’t Panic) and treating hotel staff with kindness.

Zan also shares details about the...

We’re back! Jon and Leigh kick off the 2026 season of 50 Days of Dragon Con with an episode full of the usual amount of podcast chaos.

In this episode, we start with an apology then preview the 2026 season, including programming tracks, gaming, the art show, guests, and getting ready for Labor Day weekend in Atlanta.

It is the first day of the countdown, the rust is being knocked off, and the journey to Dragon Con 2026 has officially begun.

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We’re just a day away from Dragon Con 2025, and who better to help us prepare than Regina, Senior Director of Programming?

In this episode, Jon and Leigh discuss with Regina everything from App updates to self-care, blood drives to mental health, and charity to volunteers.

This year’s official partner is NAMI Georgia. Every dollar donated is matched by Dragon Con up to $150,000. Give at the charity booth in the Marriott or through QR codes around the con.

Regina also shares personal reflections on why kindness and community matter. Dragon Con isn’t just...

In this episode, Jon and Leigh chat with the Dragon Con Theater and Performing Arts Lovers (LinkTree) community leaders Sarah Rose, Leanne, and Christine, who share how the group went from a simple idea to one of the most vibrant creative corners of the con.

Highlights for 2025 include:

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Dragon Con is a family affair- and nowhere is that clearer than the Kids Track.

In this episode, Jon and Leigh sit down with track director Jonathan to explore the wide range of programming designed for families. Highlights include:

Arts & crafts, storytelling, board game design workshops, and a post-parade play area for little ones to burn off energy. The beloved Fort-Building Contest, a Family Dance Party, and the annual Character Encounters.

Special Partners like Dad’s Garage Improv brings family-friendly shows and workshops, the Dragon Con Theater Lovers Group leads kids in musical th...

The Alternate & Historical Fiction Track is one of Dragon Con’s most eclectic offerings- part book club, part costume party, part history lesson, and all fun. In this episode, Jon and Leigh highlight the track’s 2025 programming with its director, Liz.

Highlights this year include:

If Dragon Con is your kind of happy chaos, Disability Services is the part that keeps it manageable.

In this episode, Alex and Todd explain how to get an assessment, what the sticker system covers (seat‑in‑line/end‑of‑row, wheelchair seating, proximity, sightline), safe‑spaces for service dogs, and the medical tag.

They also outline realities in the big rooms: line caps with tickets, one companions, and a focus on getting you in the room.

Remember: No flash photography! It’s not just distracting and pointless – it is also an accessibility issue. For com...

In this episode, Jon and Leigh are joined by track director Carol, who takes us on a tour of what’s in store for the Urban Fantasy Track at Dragon Con this year. You won’t want to miss great events like the Buffy Horror Picture Show (now with two back-to-back showings) or when Charming Disaster brings their gothic-inspired music to the stage.

This year’s guest list is stacked, featuring stars from The Magicians (Hale Appleman, Olivia Taylor Dudley) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Marc Blucas, Emma Caulfield), along with powerhouse authors like Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris...

Leigh and Jon are joined by fan favorite and 20+ year Dragon Con attendee Eternal Zan. Zan has spent years helping fans decode hotel blocks, shuttle routes, app quirks, and the ever-expanding schedule that makes Dragon Con both magical and overwhelming.

In this episode we cover:

Jon and Leigh suit up with Karen and James from Dragon Con’s Military Sci-Fi Media Track to talk about all the out-of-this-world programming coming in 2025.

From the track’s Stargate origins to its expanded lineup covering Babylon 5, Firefly, The Orville, Farscape, Halo, and more, this episode is loaded with panel previews, fan-favorite guests, and behind-the-scenes stories. You’ll hear about interactive events like the Firefly “Jaynestown” interactive viewing, the Onesie Mixer, and the Can’t Stop the Signal Dance Party.

Plus, we spotlight their massive charity efforts for NAMI Georgia—including a Serenity-themed charity challenge coin...

In this episode, Jon and Leigh chat with Beau Brown and Brodrick Jones, who take us from their first days as a teenage puppeteers to producing late-night puppet slams that draw standing-room-only crowds.

The Puppetry Track events this year, include:

Muppetology Panels featuring Dave Goelz (Gonzo) and Bill Barretta (Pepe the King Prawn)

Ultimate Ninja Puppet Warrior competitions.

The Shadow Puppet Cryptozoology Lab and the Puppet Tea Party

And (fingers crossed) the Fozzie Bear Studebaker, restored and rolling.

Bonus: Your Dragon Con badge also scores you discounted...

Dragon Con isn’t just panels and cosplay—it’s also about breaking bread (or bao buns) with friends old and new. In this episode, Jon and Leigh break down the some of the best places to grab a bite, host a meetup, or simply recharge your social battery.

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In this episode, Jon and Leigh chat with Dr. Vaughn, assistant director of the Dragon Con Science Track. Vaughn literally wrote his PhD dissertation on Dragon Con.

Vaughn offers a deep look into how science has become such an accessible and joyful part of the Dragon Con experience. With panels covering topics such as Science vs. Movies, microbiology, space travel, and why your cheese addiction might be science-approved, if you’re headed to Dragon Con 2025, the Science Track might just be your missing ingredient.

Check out Science on Facebook
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Sue from the Science Fiction Literature Track joins Leigh and Jon to unpack the universe of panels, authors, and literary geekery headed to Dragon Con 2025. This year’s spotlight is on military science fiction, but that’s just a launchpad into a multiverse of storytelling styles—from hard science to space fantasy.

We dive into the world of cross-media series like The Expanse, unpack the rise of self-published success stories like Dungeon Crawler Carl, and get a preview of who’s coming to town (spoiler alert: Kevin J. Anderson fans, rejoice). Sue also shares how the track balances...

In this episode of 50 Days of Dragon Con, Leigh and Jon welcome Beth, director of the Silk Road Track, for a tour of one of the con’s most vibrant cultural showcases. The Silk Road track covers everything from martial arts and origami to anime legends… and K-dramas. This year will feature four-hour K-pop dance party with dual DJs AND blinky things… all for charity!

They discus the 60th anniversary of Gamera, K-pop idols as Olympic-level performers, panels on Korean dramas, belly dance socials, and cultural storytelling.

Check out The Silk Road on Facebook
Leave...

In this episode of 50 Days of Dragon Con, Leigh and Jon sit down with Max, Director of The Daily Dragon – Dragon Con’s official news and schedule update source.
In both print and digital form, the Daily Dragon delivers up-to-the-minute schedule changes, volunteer shoutouts, interviews, event highlights, party locations, and more to Dragon Con family.

Check out The Daily Dragon
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Fantasy Literature at Dragon Con director Cisca chats with Leigh and Jon during this text heavy episode of 50 Days of Dragon Con.

Check out the Fantasy Literature Facebook Group
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Jennifer, the director of the Fantasy Track at Dragon Con, joins Jon and Leigh for this high flying episode of 50 Days of Dragon Con.

Check out the High Fantasy Facebook Group
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Kevin from the Newbies Group joins Jon and Leigh for this episode of 50 Days of Dragon Con.

Check out the Newbie Facebook Group
Hear move Kevin on Tuning Into Sci Fi TV
Here’s Kevin’s LinkTree

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Today’s podcast is a re-run (or classic, if you will) from 2015! It features Leigh and JJ reviewing the con-goer’s 4-2-1 rule.

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It’s that time of the year again! Jon and Leigh are back to discuss all things Dragon Con. Join us as we kick off the 2025 season!

We really want to hear from you! 

Call our DODC comment line – (813) 321-0884 

Visit the year’s charity: NAMI Georgia

We want to hear from you!

Call our DODC comment line – (813) 321-0884

Also, check out our Facebook and Twitter social media thingies.

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As is tradition, Regina the Senior Director of Programming joins Leigh and Jon to usher put another season of 50 Days of Dragon Con!

Happy Dragon Con Everyone!!!

Register to ‘run’ the Dragon Con Hustle 5k

Visit the year’s charity: Arthritis Foundation

We want to hear from you!

Call our DODC comment line – (813) 321-0884

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Mera Rose and the Director of Fantasy Literature Cisca join Leigh and Jon to chat about beasties, dating, dancing, and literature.  

Check them out on Facebook

Page to Stage Announcement Video

Cisca on TikToc

Register to ‘run’ the Dragon Con Hustle 5k

Visit the year’s charity: Arthritis Foundation

We want to hear from you!

Call our DODC comment line – (813) 321-0884

Also, check out our Facebook and Twitter social media thingies.

Email: 50days[ at ]theuniquegeek.com

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Tasha and Todd from Disability Services join Leigh and Jon to chat about how they are leveling the playing field for all of the Dragon Con family. 

Register to ‘run’ the Dragon Con Hustle 5k

Visit the year’s charity: Arthritis Foundation

We want to hear from you!

Call our DODC comment line – (813) 321-0884

Also, check out our Facebook and Twitter social media thingies.

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Supreme Chancellor Bandy, Director of the Star Wars Track joins Leigh and Jon to chat about 2024 track happenings.  We chat about the track’s 2024 offerings, partying on Alderaan, and the amazing Star Wars guests attending this year’s show.  

Follow the Star Wars Track here: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Register to ‘run’ the Dragon Con Hustle 5k

Visit the year’s charity: Arthritis Foundation

We want to hear from you!

Call our DODC comment line – (813) 321-0884

Also, check out our Facebook and Twitter social media thingies.

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Director of the Dragon Con Parade, Annie joins Jon to discuss this years parade happenings.  We chat about the Stars In Cars, the amazing Grand Marshalls, and proper parade etiquette.  

Register to ‘run’ the Dragon Con Hustle 5k

Visit the year’s charity: Arthritis Foundation

We want to hear from you!

Call our DODC comment line – (813) 321-0884

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Karen gets elemental while Debbie gives maximum effort when they join Jon and Leigh on this episode of the 50 Days Of Dragon Con podcast. We talk about how to wrangle parade groups, what brought them to Dragon Con, and when it is appropriate to cross the street during the parade (Hint: there isn’t a good time!)

Find chemistry with the Elemental Parade Group

Enjoy some chimichangas with the Deadpool Parade Squad

Register to ‘run’ the Dragon Con Hustle 5k

Visit the year’s charity: Arthritis Foundation

We want to hear...