Your hosts last talked with wonderfully imaginative modeler and Austin, TX-based tech consultant Jake McKee about the possibilities (and, yeah, some of the downsides) of Artificial Intelligence in the hobby back on Episode 55 in February 2025. In hyper-speed tech-time, that might as well have been 250 years ago, recorded on parchment with quill and ink like the Declaration of Independence. When he saw Barry at the Rocky Mountain Hobby Expo in May—and claimed the More Than Meets the Eye award sponsored by the Her Shrink Ray Eye podcast, as discussed on our last episode and featured in the last installment of this blog—Jake suggested to Barry that he had a whole lot new to say about AI and modeling based on his recent digital discoveries. And since he’s such an engaging and forward-thinking guest, you didn’t have to twist our arms to have him back for a return visit!
Episode 69: Chatting with Pete Culos and wrapping up RME 2026
04/06/2026 | 1h 59 mins.
In this episode, your hosts talk with New Jersey modeler Pete Culos, an active member of the MFCA and APG (the Artists Preservation Group), one of the most creative box-diorama builders today, and an all-around fine fellow. We also talk about another incredible Rocky Mountain Expo in the Salt Lake City area, and the special awards sponsored by this podcast and Joan’s podcast “Her Shrink Ray Eye.”
Episode 68: MFCA 2026, With Special Guest Joan Biediger
07/05/2026 | 1h 45 mins.
In this special “crossover” episode, Jim and Barry are joined by his beloved Joan, host of the fantastic podcast “Her Shrink Ray Eye,” to share their thoughts about last month’s annual MFCA Show in Trevose, PA, and, with some agitation by Jim, the dwindling or scarce participation in the “original” category (which many other open-system miniatures shows call “open”).
Episode 67: Scenery and Groundwork
02/04/2026 | 1h 41 mins.
In this episode, your hosts hit the dirt running, so to speak, tackling the importance of the scenery in a diorama or vignette, starting with the question of whether we begin by building the setting (an approach Jim has taken of late) or if that comes last (Barry’s tendency).
Episode 66: Storytime with Mike Pierce
19/02/2026 | 1h 50 mins.
Central Virginia-based modeler (and retired entomologist!) Mike Pierce has been an inspiration to your hosts since we first met him at one of the MMSI’s post-show critique sessions. He’s a modeler who’s always trying new things, and he tells great stories—both in his work, and in conversation. In this episode, we have a fine visit and hear more than a few of his tales.
Small Subjects is a podcast devoted to discussing big topics in the worlds of scale modeling, diorama-building, and sculpting and painting miniature figures, as well as presenting interviews with some of the top artists in the field, including every era, and ranging from historical to fantasy subjects. Co-hosts Barry Biediger, who is based in Salt Lake City, and Jim DeRogatis, who lives in Chicago, are the editors of the Web site boxdioramas.com. Both have decades of experience as modelers, though they maintain that they are always curious and always learning. They are dedicated members of the Military Miniature Society of Illinois, where they considered the great Sheperd Paine a friend and mentor. Barry is also a member of his local chapter of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society, while DeRogatis has written, co-written, or edited ten books about popular music and two about miniatures and modeling (Sheperd Paine: The Life and Work of a Master Modeler and Military Historian and Shep Paine’s Armor Modelers Guide). You can contact the hosts at smallsubjectspodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!
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