In honor of Dragon Con’s 40th anniversary, Mike, Jen, and Channing are joined by longtime Dragon Con attendee Darin M. Bush, along with a bonus appearance from Marilyn Teague, to discuss what Dragon Con was like at its very first show and how it has grown and evolved over the past four decades.

From early days of a much smaller convention footprint to the massive, multi-hotel fan experience Dragon Con is known for today, this episode explores how fandom, community, and the con itself have changed while still holding on to the spirit that made Dragon Con special from the start. Along the way, the conversation is filled with personal memories, historical insight, and a whole lot of love for a fan-run convention that continues to define what Dragon Con is all about.

Whether you’re a decades-long attendee or gearing up for your first Dragon Con, this Season 15 premiere is the perfect way to celebrate forty years of cosplay, creativity, and community.

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Links:
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Dragon Con Report Website
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Dragon Con Report YouTube Channel
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ESO Network
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ESO Network Patreon
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ESO Network TeePublic Store
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Dragon Con Parties, Meetups, and More
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Black Geeks of Dragon Con
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Dragon Tales on Amazon
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Watch this episode on YouTube
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Dragon Con Report Intro and Outro attributes:

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Adventure Of The Pirates - Fantasy, Epic Orchestral Music by Pond5

Stock Media provided by MellauSFX / Pond5
Dragon Fire Roar Sound Effects by Pond5

dragonconreport #dcr #podcast #dragoncon #conventions #AtlantaGeekScene #dragonconAtlanta #ESONetwork #geekpodcast #Geektalk #ChanningSherman #JenLilBitSchleusner #MikeGordon #nerdpodcast #TheESONetwork #DragonConPrep #DragonCon2026 #2026DragonConReport #ESOPatreon #DarinMBush #MarilynTeague #thefirstdragoncon #40yranniversary

Special Guests: Darin M. Bush and Marilyn Teague.

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There are SO MANY different obsessions us con goers have become enamored with, we couldn't keep them contained to just one episode!

This episode, we're joined by Mera, Joshua, Heather & Maggie to open up the discussion in this new series.

The Dragon Con Report is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Producer Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner, Executive Producer Mike Faber

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Links:
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Dragon Con Report Website
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Dragon Con Report YouTube Channel
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ESO Network
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ESO Network Patreon
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ESO Network TeePublic Store
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Dragon Con Parties, Meetups, and More
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Black Geeks of Dragon Con
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Dragon Tales on Amazon
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Watch this episode on YouTube
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Dragon Con Report Intro and Outro attributes:

Stock Media provided by Blackmid / Pond5
Adventure Of The Pirates - Fantasy, Epic Orchestral Music by Pond5

Stock Media provided by MellauSFX / Pond5
Dragon Fire Roar Sound Effects by Pond5

dragonconreport #dcr #podcast #dragoncon #conventions #AtlantaGeekScene #dragonconAtlanta #ESONetwork #geekpodcast #Geektalk #ChanningSherman #JenLilBitSchleusner #MikeGordon #nerdpodcast #TheESONetwork #DragonConCults #CultsofDragonCon #MarriottCarpet #CarpetCult #LoyalOrderoftheRibbon #Trashy #CultofJon #FedExJon #DragonConPrep #DragonCon2026 #HeatherStephenson #MaggieWilson #MeraRose #JoshuaThomas

Special Guests: Heather Stephenson, Joshua Thomas, Maggie Wilson, and Mera Rose.

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Looking Back at Dragon Con 2025

Join Mike, Jen, and Channing as we sit down to reflect on Dragon Con 2025, sharing both the highlights and the hiccups from this year’s convention. From unforgettable events and standout moments to those small challenges every con-goer faces, we give an honest look back at our experiences.

Planning Ahead for Dragon Con 2026

But we’re not just looking back—we’re already planning ahead! We talk about prepping for Dragon Con 2026, what to expect when hotel booking season opens, and strategies to make sure you’re ready when reservations go live. Plus, we cover how attendees can rate their con experience through the official app and why your feedback matters for shaping future cons.

The Dragon Con Report is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Producer Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner, Executive Producer Mike Faber
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Links:
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Dragon Con Report Website
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Dragon Con Report YouTube Channel
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ESO Network
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ESO Network Patreon
​
ESO Network TeePublic Store
​
Dragon Con Parties, Meetups, and More
​
Black Geeks of Dragon Con
​
Dragon Tales on Amazon
​
Watch this episode on YouTube
​

Dragon Con Report Intro and Outro attributes:

Stock Media provided by Blackmid / Pond5
Adventure Of The Pirates - Fantasy, Epic Orchestral Music by Pond5

Stock Media provided by MellauSFX / Pond5
Dragon Fire Roar Sound Effects by Pond5

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As we close the curtain on Season 13 and prepare for an exciting 2025, it’s time to share our final episode of the year. And trust us—this one could be the most helpful episode yet!

For many of us, Dragon Con is a highlight of the year. The energy, creativity, and camaraderie make it an unforgettable experience. However, when the weekend ends, it’s common to feel the weight of what’s often called Post-Con Blues or Post-Con Depression. That sense of loneliness, emptiness, or even longing for the next con can be tough to shake. So, how do we manage these feelings and thrive during the wait for the next Dragon Con?
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What Is Post-Con Depression?**
First, let’s unpack the phenomenon. During Dragon Con, you’re immersed in a world of excitement, creativity, and connection. Once it’s over, returning to daily life can feel anticlimactic. This emotional shift, often described as a “con hangover,” is natural but challenging.

Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward overcoming them. Fortunately, there are ways to navigate the post-con letdown and maintain that con magic throughout the year.

Expert Guests to the Rescue
In this special episode, we’re bringing in two extraordinary guests to guide us through this journey:

Tyra Burton: A professor, podcaster, and social media expert, Tyra will share her wisdom on staying connected with the fandom community and keeping the spirit of Dragon Con alive year-round.
Amy Mikulski: As a licensed mental health and social work professional, Amy offers invaluable advice on managing emotions, practicing self-care, and building resilience between cons.
Their unique perspectives will help us find practical solutions for the post-con blues and inspire us to embrace the time between conventions.

How to Navigate the Post-Con Blues
Now that we know what we’re up against, let’s explore some strategies for overcoming these feelings:

• Stay Connected: Keep in touch with the friends you made at Dragon Con through social media or meetups. Regular engagement can help bridge the gap until the next event.
• Focus on Self-Care: Make time for rest, relaxation, and hobbies that bring you joy. A healthy mind and body can ease the transition back to everyday life.
• Plan for Next Year: Use the energy from Dragon Con to start preparing for next year. Whether it’s designing a new cosplay or setting goals for panels to attend, having something to look forward to can be uplifting.

Why You Should Tune In
This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a toolkit for handling the emotional rollercoaster of post-con life. With Tyra and Amy’s expertise, you’ll gain insights into how to:

• Reframe the post-con experience positively.
• Build a support network within the fandom community.
• Embrace healthy coping mechanisms for emotional well-being.
• By taking these steps, we can keep the Dragon Con spirit alive and look forward to the next adventure without losing our spark.

Join Us for the Finale of Season 13
Don’t let post-con blues get the better of you! Tune in to this heartfelt discussion with Tyra Burton and Amy Mikulski, and discover ways to carry the magic of Dragon Con throughout the year.

The Dragon Con Report is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Producer Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner, Executive Producer Mike Faber.

A 'Mental Health First Aid Kit' is a collection of activities, practices, skills, and items that help bring comfort, regulation, and support when we need it most. They can be very helpful when we're feeling down and can help us increase and vary the ways we care for ourselves. Create a list of 3-4 items per category on the list below to create your own Mental Health First Aid Kit (examples for each category included below, these are just examples- you can personalize the list to include own!)

THINGS THAT HELP ME FEEL SAFE

• a blanket
• deep breaths
• time alone in my room

THINGS THAT HELP ME CARE FOR MYSELF

• washing my face
• a yummy snack (like bananas and peanut butter or cheese and crackers)
• a walk in the woods

THINGS THAT ALLOW ME TO BE CREATIVE

• drawing
• working on my DnD character
• dancing around the house

THINGS THAT ALLOW WELCOME DISTRACTIONS

• Youtube
• talk or text with a friend
• watching an episode or two of your favorite show

THINGS THAT BRING FEELINGS OF HOPE

• working on my cosplay for next Dragon Con
• laughing
• remembering "There's some good in the world, Mr. Frodo, and it's worth fighting for."- Samwise Gamgee

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We want to hear from you! Feedback is always welcome. Please write to us at feedback@dragonconreport.com and subscribe and rate the show wherever fine podcasts are found, such as Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and our new YouTube Channel.

Links:
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Mental health resources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
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https://growtherapy.com/wp/home-grw/
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https://www.therapyden.com/
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Dragon Con Report Website
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Dragon Con Report YouTube Channel
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ESO Network
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ESO Network Patreon
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ESO Network TeePublic Store
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Dragon Con Parties, Meetups, and More
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Black Geeks of Dragon Con
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Dragon Tales on Amazon
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[Tyra Burton](tyraburton.com)
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Watch this episode on YouTube

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Dragon Con Report Intro and Outro attributes:

Stock Media provided by Blackmid / Pond5
Adventure Of The Pirates - Fantasy, Epic Orchestral Music by Pond5

Stock Media provided by MellauSFX / Pond5
Dragon Fire Roar Sound Effects by Pond5

Watch this episode on YouTube

dragonconreport #dcr #podcast #dragoncon #dragoncon2024 #conventions #AtlantaGeekScene #dragonconAtlanta #ESONetwork #geekpodcast #Geektalk #ChanningSherman #JenLilBitSchleusner #MikeGordon #nerdpodcast #TheESONetwork #2024DragonConReport #DragonCon2025 #postcondepression #postconblues #coping #TyraBurton #AmyMikulski #mentalhealth #MentalHealthMatters #DragonConBlues #ConLifeBalance #FandomWellness #DragonConLove #ConMentalHealth #DragonConRecovery #PostConFeels #DragonConSupport #GeekMindset #CosplayAndCare #FanSelfCare #ConAfterCare #StayNerdyStayHealthy #ConMentalHealthTalk #FandomAndFeelings

Special Guests: Amy Mikulski and Tyra Burton.

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Plus, it’s never too early to start planning for 2025! Don’t panic—we’ve got tips to help you pace yourself through the prep and some veteran suggestions for snagging hotel rooms, even when it feels like all hope is lost. Tune in and keep that Dragon Con spirit going strong!

The Dragon Con Report is a part of the ESO Podcast Network, Producer Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner, Executive Producer Mike Faber.

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We want to hear from you! Feedback is always welcome. Please write to us at feedback@dragonconreport.com and subscribe and rate the show wherever fine podcasts are found, such as Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and our new YouTube Channel.

​
Links:
​
Dragon Con Report Website
​
Dragon Con Report YouTube Channel
​
ESO Network
​
ESO Network Patreon
​
ESO Network TeePublic Store
​
Dragon Con Parties, Meetups, and More
​
Black Geeks of Dragon Con
​
Dragon Tales on Amazon
​
Watch this episode on YouTube
​
DC Theater & Performing Arts Lovers
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Dragon Con Rooms FB Group
​
The Dragon Con Connection FB Group
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Dragon Con Report Intro and Outro attributes:

Stock Media provided by Blackmid / Pond5
Adventure Of The Pirates - Fantasy, Epic Orchestral Music by Pond5

Stock Media provided by MellauSFX / Pond5
Dragon Fire Roar Sound Effects by Pond5

dragonconreport #dcr #podcast #dragoncon #dragoncon2024 #conventions #AtlantaGeekScene #dragonconAtlanta #ESONetwork #geekpodcast #Geektalk #ChanningSherman #JenLilBitSchleusner #MikeGordon #nerdpodcast #TheESONetwork #2024DragonConReport #conrecap #dragonconrecap #dragonconprep #dragonconhotels #DCTheaterLovers #DragonConTheaterLovers #SarahRose #dragoncon2025 #dragoncontheaterandperformingartslovers

Special Guest: Sarah Rose.

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