Radio Free Cybertron: The Transformers Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Brian Kilby

Radio Free Cybertron is the world’s first and oldest toy and action figure podcast — broadcasting from the heart of the Transformers fan community since October 1999. What started as a scrappy fan show has grown into an institution, with nearly 1,000 episodes and over 25 years of coverage. Every week, host Brian Kilby and the RFC crew dig into the latest Transformers news, toy reveals, collecting, and everything hitting shelves from Hasbro, Takara, and beyond. No fluff, no hype — just informed, passionate collectors who have been doing this longer than anyone else on the planet. The original. The longest running. Till all are on

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Radio Free Cybertron 998 – Four Decades Later, Hasbro Says Sorry With a CG Short
Last Friday at 10:20 AM

SDCC 2026 gave collectors Alpha Bravo, G2 Wild Rider, Titan Class Dinobot Scorn, IDW Nautica, and a Beast Wars Maximal Collection multipack. It also gave The Transformers: The Movie a brand new post-credits scene forty years late — and the panel is not optimistic. Plus Studio Series 86 Cyclonus in hand, a seven-dollar soccer ball nobody should buy, and Missing Link Ultra Magnus.

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Radio Free Cybertron 997 – Hasbro’s Strong Q2, a Stuck Starscream, and a Pinball Machine Brian Can’t Stop Talking About
07/24/2026

Hasbro's Q2 numbers are up, but Transformers didn't make the highlight reel — and Starscream can't catch a break at Target. Plus: a Decepticon Monster Jam truck, a Grimlock none of us can afford, and Brian's new pinball machine obsession.

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Radio Free Cybertron 996 – Matrix Measuring Contest
07/17/2026

Studio Series is going full sandbox, G1 cartoon Coneheads are (eventually) coming, and a made-to-order Seeker set has the crew cautiously optimistic. Plus: 20 years of Classics, 25 years of BotCon memories, and a Metal Cardbot habit that's officially out of control.

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Radio Free Cybertron 995 – Chris Returns to Fact-Check 30 Years of Botcon History
07/10/2026

Chris returns from his hiatus just in time to dissect the new Studio Series Seeker Storm Pack, deliver a masterclass on Sunstorm's tortured toy history, and immediately fact-check Don's BotCon '96 memories. Plus: the crew reacts to the new Beast Wars II Galvatron, a Scooby-Doo crossover that misses the mark, and a Golden Lagoon Optimus Prime none of us will ever own.

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Radio Free Cybertron 994 – Here’s Your Gun Megatron
07/03/2026

Tonka x Transformers gets its first look, and the Surprise Countdown Calendar hides a gun-mode Megatron. Yolopark's movie Ironhide shows its colors, Scooby-Doo rumors swirl around leaked Collaborative listings, and Brian buys a pirate ship. Radio Free Cybertron episode 994.

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Radio Free Cybertron 993 – Five Years of Dinobots
06/26/2026

The 2027 Titan is Age of Extinction Scorn — and the Dinobots are coming for the next five years. Flame Toys floods GMHS 2026 with prototypes, Bruticus finally combines in hand, and Dr Wu teases a Micromaster Sixshot. Plus a lavender Shockwave, a Hot Wheels GT Scorcher, and a boxed G1 Deftwing in What We Got This Week.

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Radio Free Cybertron 992 – Pinball Wizard: The G1 Transformers Table Ships
06/20/2026

The G1 Transformers pinball is shipping — and Brian's Limited edition came with a $1,500 surprise. The crew breaks down in-hand Insecticons, the wall-hanging Icons Optimus Prime, Blokees' Eternal Rivalry wave, and live Yolopark Beast Wars pre-orders. Plus the missing G2 Dinobots, a screen-accurate Kranix, and Donanomics to the rescue.

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Radio Free Cybertron 991 – Truly Outrageous: Jem Crosses Over at SDCC 2026
06/12/2026

Jem and the Holograms meets the Kiss Players cassettes in Hasbro's wildest SDCC exclusive yet. Add a cereal-box Optimus Prime, Megazarak, and confirmation that Armada Cyclonus and Demolishor are coming. Plus MPG-17 Optimus Prime impressions, Studio Series Kranix love, and a fifth Dairy Queen Optimus Prime.

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Radio Free Cybertron 990 – Siege Greenlight Is Back (And Cheaper)
06/05/2026

ElevenLabs is licensing Hasbro's Transformers characters for commercial AI voice use — and the RFC crew is not entirely sold on it. Also this week: Siege Greenlight is back and up for pre-order, Missing Link Ratchet pre-orders open Friday, and Matt finally has his Haslab Liokaiser. Episode 990 is a full one.

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Radio Free Cybertron 989 – Hasbro Files the “Makits” Trademark — What Does It Mean?
05/29/2026

Hasbro has filed a trademark for "Hasbro Makits," a new in-house model kit line — and the RFC crew has a lot of thoughts about what that could mean for Blokees, Yolopark, and the future of Transformers collecting. Plus, the Liokaiser HasLab arrives for most of the team, and Brian declares it his favorite HasLab ever.

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Radio Free Cybertron 988 – Dare to Be Disappointed
05/23/2026

Brian put a deposit on the Stern Pinball Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye machine before the official reveal. Liokaiser is shipping, The Movie is headed back to theaters in 4K, a reformatted soundtrack is on the way, and Commander Class Thunderwing just got confirmed with the full Mega Pretender gimmick. Episode 988 has a lot going on.

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Radio Free Cybertron 987 – Stern Warning: Brian’s Collection Must Get Smaller So His G1 Transformers Pinball Machine Can Get Bigger
05/16/2026

The Shizuoka Hobby Show brought a flood of reveals — Gigastorm, Beast Wars II Galvatron, Missing Link Ratchet and Ironhide, and more — but the real bombshell was Stern Pinball announcing a G1 Transformers machine with a transforming Optimus Prime on the limited edition. Also, Don's Metal Cardbot haul might be the most enthusiastic What We Got in recent memory. Episode 987 has a lot going on.

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Radio Free Cybertron 986 – Safety First
05/09/2026

The officially licensed Safety Megatron is real, it's available now through Botcon, and Brian already bought two. Plus: Missing Link Ultra Magnus earns a near-perfect review, a Studio Series 86 Rodimus Prime listing is confirmed, and Bingo Toy's Strafe arrives with a Computron hand the size of a Deluxe figure. 

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Radio Free Cybertron 985 – Studio Series 86 Cyclonus, Blitzwing, and Cliffjumper Revealed at CCXP
05/02/2026

Hasbro dropped Studio Series 86 Cyclonus, Blitzwing, and Cliffjumper at CCXP — and the RFC crew has some feelings. Cyclonus gets new legs and a new head and basically earns unanimous approval. Cliffjumper... does not. Plus Iron Studios' $350 Soundwave statue, a massive New Age Junkion wave, Brian's surprise acquisition, and what should happen at episode 1,000?

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Radio Free Cybertron 984 – Rook Is (Probably) Not The Rook You Want
04/25/2026

Radio Free Cybertron Episode 984 breaks down the full Age of Evolution leak list, including Leader-class Energon Scorponok, Leader-class Animated Lugnut, Voyager Animated Slipstream, Voyager G2 Megatron, and more Generations figures heading to Walmart. Brian also shares first impressions of the Diaclone Shield D Prime Optimus Prime and revisits the Studio Series Transformers: The Movie Soundwave cassettes, while Don raves about the X-Transbots Double Targetmaster Landfill and the Timelines Optimus Prime two-pack.

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Radio Free Cybertron 983 – 2027 Listings Drop and Don Pays $42 for Sideways, no matter what he says
04/18/2026

2027 Studio Series listings have dropped, and there's a lot to unpack — IDW Nautica, IDW Fortress Maximus, Dreamwave Optimus Prime, Marvel Soundwave, and what looks like a full Nexus Prime combiner wave. Plus: Commander Armada Jetfire has arrived, a TakaraTomy web manga finally explains the G2 Stunticons' colors, and Don pays $42 for Sideways and lives to regret it.

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Radio Free Cybertron 982 – Same Transformation, Five Times the Price
04/11/2026

Liege Maximo has hit US retail — and Big Convoy is coming with him whether you like it or not. The crew also digs into the Takara Tomy MPG-20 Hot Rod (same transformation, five times the price), and new comparison shots of the G2 Stunticons confirm the Takara set is the one to have — though JT Prime says the Hasbro versions are closer than you think. In What We Got: Diecast adds FansToys Long Haul to push his Devastator build to four of six, and Brian lands the big one — a boxed, complete G1 Grand Maximus, the piece he never expect...


Radio Free Cybertron 981 – “Twelve Steps (For the Arms)”
04/04/2026

The crew digs into a packed news week — Beast Wars 30th Anniversary Predacon Multipack, G2 Stunticons in glorious UV-painted detail, a Vector Prime that turns into a DeLorean, and Blokees Defenders going deep into Beast Wars Neo territory. Plus: John DeLuna's mother-in-law accidentally scored a $1 1984 Ravage and Rumble that John turned into AFA-graded gold, Don cannot transform Breakaway (12 steps just for the arms), and Brian makes a pilgrimage to a Greensboro, NC toy store and comes home with sealed G2 goods.

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Radio Free Cybertron 980 – When Matt got his Outback
03/28/2026

It's a week of big opinions on Episode 980, and the crew has plenty of them. Brian and company dig into a slate of news that runs the full spectrum — from genuinely gorgeous to genuinely baffling — and don't hold back on any of it.

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Radio Free Cybertron 979 – We all wish we’d bought two!
03/21/2026

It's a rare thing when a Transformers podcast episode is almost entirely good news — but Episode 979 is exactly that. Join Brian and the RFC crew as they dig into one of the most anticipated HasLab releases in years, and debate how many Ultra Magnuses is too many Ultra Magnuses.

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Radio Free Cybertron 978 – One Hundred and Thirty-Three Thousand Dollars
03/14/2026

Episode 978 of Radio Free Cybertron is here — Brian, Matt, Don, Rob, and Diecast dig into the vintage auction result that broke the internet (and maybe someone's bank accounts), then pivot to TakaraTomy's pricey Overgear Ironhide and Blackout, the Transformers x U.S. Soccer crossover figure nobody asked for, but some of us are buying anyway. Plus: Burger King is doing Transformers kids meal toys, and Brian — owner of a complete 1985 McDonald's Happy Meal set AND a Checker's Rhinox— is not playing around about it.

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Radio Free Cybertron 977 – Brian’s Toy of the Year Already? (It’s a surprise to us too)
03/07/2026

Brian, Don, Matt, Rob, and John hold down the fort without Chris for a packed episode covering new in-hand sightings, a wave of masterpiece news, and some genuinely exciting personal pickups.

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Radio Free Cybertron 976 – Gary Chalk Beats Cancer + Monstructor is REAL
02/28/2026

This week: The crew kicks off with some genuinely great news: Gary Chalk (the voice of Optimus Primal!) has beaten stage four Hodgkin's lymphoma and is in full remission. From there it's all Transformers chaos — the Generation Selects Monstrucker reveal has everyone hyped (Slog's alt mode is literally just a triceratops standing up, and somehow that's perfect), while 2026 product listings bring a BotCon-referencing Megazarak redeco, an Earthrise Autobot 3-pack with finally-opaque Datsun plastics, and a Walmart Energon capsule that the crew suspects will be drowning in clear plastic. In-hand photos of the Stranger Things crossover Frequency impress even the ho...


Radio Free Cybertron 975 – Transformers 40th Anniversary Toys – The Good, The Bad & The Astrotrain
02/21/2026

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew breaks down Hasbro Pulse’s Toy Fair recap, spotlighting the 40th Anniversary Studio Series 86 reveals. The new Astrotrain sparks debate with its slimmed-down robot mode and lighter paint apps, though its triple-changer engineering earns respect. Deluxe Kranix impresses with animation accuracy, while Sunstreaker and Wheeljack reissues get mixed reactions. The team also reacts to the premium Matrix of Leadership roleplay prop, Brian discusses his participation in the “Transformers Movie Apology Tour,” and shares excitement (and hesitation) around Missing Link Grimlock and other upcoming releases. Anniversary year energy is in full swing.

...


Radio Free Cybertron 974 – I don’t want this thing in my house (Corrected Audio)
02/16/2026

Download this episode if you previously received pre-show for Episode 974.

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew reacts to Hasbro’s latest LinkedIn flex, revealing Transformers as the company’s most engaged global brand—beating out Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. We chat about Hasbro’s strong earnings report, what it means for the brand, and how it compares to Mattel’s rough quarter. On the toy front, we preview the upcoming T-Spark livestream featuring Missing Link Animation Grimlock, speculate on whatever US250 Star Eagle is, and examine new Yolopark reveals.

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Radio Free Cybertron 974 – I don’t want this thing in my house
02/14/2026

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew reacts to Hasbro’s latest LinkedIn flex, revealing Transformers as the company’s most engaged global brand—beating out Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. We chat about Hasbro’s strong earnings report, what it means for the brand, and how it compares to Mattel’s rough quarter. On the toy front, we preview the upcoming T-Spark livestream featuring Missing Link Animation Grimlock, speculate on whatever US250 Star Eagle is, and examine new Yolopark reveals.


Radio Free Cybertron 973 – “They’re crummy toys, but still good enough to steal from your children.”
02/07/2026

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew breaks down Hasbro landing the Voltron movie toy license and what that could mean for both Hasbro and Voltron going forward. On the Transformers side, we dig into the new Nexus Prime, its plug-in combiner gimmick, and whether it's a weird half-step forward or a faceplant in the snow. There’s plenty more toy talk too, including Dramatic Capture Decepticons, Studio Series 86, Takara’s upcoming Overgear line, third-party upgrades, and, of course, what we got this week!

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Radio Free Cybertron 972 – Let’s give him the Matrix
01/31/2026

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew digs into the surprise return of McDonald’s McChangeables, which are bigger, sturdier, and more satisfying than anyone expected. We break down new Transformers reveals, including MPG-17 Style-Gen Optimus Prime, preview Blokees Wheels Series 2, and react to upcoming kits like AMK Pro Optimus Primal. Along the way, Brian catches up on recent pickups while literally snowed in, and the guys discuss the gloriousness that is One Shall Stand Optimus Prime, which is really just a stealth release of Optimus Prime from Dark Awakening. Fast food robots, big Primes, and collector catch-ups—just...


Radio Free Cybertron 971 – “My kids love Happy Meals, so I’m going to have to steal their toys”
01/24/2026

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the spotlight lands on Missing Link Grimlock and whether its size, features, and price make it the Dinobots fans have been waiting for. We also take a look at McDonald’s latest Changeables-style Transformers, revisiting a fast-food classic with modern flair. Along the way, Brian catches up on recent pickups, sharing impressions on what’s landed, what’s impressed, and what maybe should’ve stayed in the box.

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Radio Free Cybertron 970 – Our 2026 Prediction Show
01/17/2026

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: Missing Link Grimlock stomps onto the scene with a premium price tag and big Dinobot energy, while MPG-20 Style Gen Hot Rod sparks debate over scale, retools, and value. We cover fast-selling Studio Series 86 pre-orders, Retro Wheelie and Outback, and finally, we share with the listeners our 2026 predictions.

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Radio Free Cybertron 969 – 2025 Year in Review
01/09/2026

It's our massive annual year in review! We recap the major news stories for the year, our 2025 predictions, and run down the full list of the 2025 RFC Awards!

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Radio Free Cybertron 968 – “Save me, Dr. Wu, you’re our only hope.”
01/02/2026

This week: Fans Choice voting is closing fast, and the Year in Review looms! We break down the Hasbro China Studio Series Devastator gift set, and the rapidly expanding Blokees lineup—now tackling Unicron, Insecticons, Metroplex. We wonder whether Blokees might quietly become the future of our collections.

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Radio Free Cybertron 967 – I would prefer that Swerve look like Swerve and not… Swerve
12/25/2025

This week: I guess we're re-buying Studio Series 86 Hot Rod. Also: The Beast Wars digital master tapes have been found--hopefully we'll see restorations soon! Plus: You've got one more week to participate in the 2025 RFC Fans’ Choice Awards!

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Radio Free Cybertron 966 – Ravage Curse, Undefeated
12/20/2025

This week: Big Convoy is surprisingly good. And so, apparently, is Studio Series 86 Soundwave. So, crisis averted. ...for now.

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Radio Free Cybertron 965 – I will not pay $43 for it… until I do
12/13/2025

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: Swindle takes center stage as the crew debates Voyager pricing for what feels like a Deluxe-plus figure, complete with permanently attached forearm kibble and a trailer that moonlights as Bruticus’ rifle. Plus, Brian breaks a vintage toy, and his own heart.

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Radio Free Cybertron 964 – This Voyager should have been an email.
12/07/2025

This week: We dig into Commander Class Onslaught and the future of completing Bruticus—praising the ambition, questioning the frame system, and bracing for the price tag. Plus: pre-orders, reissues, surprising purchases, each one more surprising than the last, and a reminder to drop a toy in a donation drop box before it's too late!

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Radio Free Cybertron 963 – Talk about Random Stuff, and Transformers
11/28/2025

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: Unreleased Dreamwave Transformers comics rise from the ashes, Battersea’s Transformers Store celebrates its first anniversary in style, and the Elf on a Shelf Warmer toy drive continues! 

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Radio Free Cybertron 962 – Using Toys Against Cats
11/22/2025

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: The crew checks out new Blokees sets, G2 Swoop and Sludge, and fresh in-hand pics of the Transformers NFL crossover. We cover Walmart Black Friday hauls, and early buzz for Robosen’s upcoming Soundwave. Plus, the Elf on a Shelf Warmer toy drive continues!

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Radio Free Cybertron 961 – Literally Two Bumblebees
11/15/2025

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: Walmart’s Black Friday two-packs are back, and the crew is buzzing about which Bumblebee they'll wind up with. We dig into the Hasbro Asia Superion box set—and check out the latest Blokees offerings shaking up tiny-scale collecting. From clever packaging to unexpected reissues, it’s a week full of surprises, bargains, and big opinions about small Leader Class toys

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Radio Free Cybertron 960 – I’d buy that for a dollar
11/08/2025

This week: We don't know a single thing about Stranger Things. We're sorry. 

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