Radio Free Cybertron: The Transformers Podcast

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.

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.

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 hosts who've never watched the show. All that and more on this week's Radio Free Cybertron!

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.

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.

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!

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 another week in Cybertron.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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! 

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!

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

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

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew talks TFCon Chicago, everyone's new favorite $4,000 comics-inspired statues, (not as) Big Convoy, Commander Onslaught, and more!