PODCAST · leisure
Small Subjects
by Jim and Barry
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 a
Episodes
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Episode 71: Joe Berton on What We Can Learn from a Well-Curated Collection
Your hosts’ pal and one of one of their all-time favorite Small Subjects guests Joe Berton had a busy summer checking in on some notable collections of miniatures, and these visits got him thinking about what all of us “makers” can learn from a lovingly displayed array of our fellow artists’ work.
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Episode 70: Jake McKee Part 2
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…
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Episode 69: Chatting with Pete Culos and wrapping up RME 2026
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…
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Episode 68: MFCA 2026, With Special Guest Joan Biediger
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…
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Episode 67: Scenery and Groundwork
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).
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Episode 66: Storytime with Mike Pierce
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...
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Episode 65: Talking with Chris Meddings about the Upturner Prize and "Ask Barry"
Barry and Jim chat once again with U.K. modeler Chris Meddings about a new international online “juried exhibition” he’s launched called the Upturner Prize, which, as he puts it atop the web site, is intended for “celebrating modellers who push the limits of miniatures, models, and what they can...
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Episode 64: Raphael Shelton, doing the hobby "just for fun," and what we're playing with on our work benches now
Jim talks with Norris, Tennessee-based modeler Raphael Shelton, who Barry thought had an interesting perspective on “doing the hobby just for fun,” something those of us who are obsessed about this thing of ours (and who talk about it on a podcast) can sometimes forget. Jim and Barry also discuss...
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Episode 63: Dave Browne
Toronto-area modeler Dave Browne has been a big inspiration to your hosts for quite some time, and not only because he shares their passion for box dioramas and is a master of the form. Dave is also a very talented armor modeler, and for 16 years, until it closed in January 2019, he ran Hornet...
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Episode 62: Robert Blokker
Your hosts talk with Robert Blokker, a loyal listener who lives in Alkmaar, a city located in the North Holland province of the Netherlands, known for its traditional cheese market. In addition to being a wonderfully gregarious fellow—Barry really enjoyed spending some time with him during World...
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Episode 61: Barry & Jim on their latest box dioramas and trying something new with every project
After epic conversations about big topics with multiple guests on the last two episodes—Perspectives on digital sculpting with Alan Ball and Nello Rivieccio in Episode 59, and a recap of World Model Expo in Versailles with Joan Biediger, Joe Berton, and Pat Vess in Episode 60—your hosts talk...
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Episode 60: World Expo 2025 in Versailles
Incredible art, great camaraderie, a beautiful and historic locale—and some sketchy organization, long lines with overflow crowds, and none of the artist’s names on any of those incredible pieces! In this episode, Jim (who could not attend) and Barry (who could and did) discuss the good and the…
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Episode 59: Perspectives on Digital Sculpting vs. Toothpick & Putty
With our last episode recapping MFCA 2025, your hosts—with help from Lou Masses and Dennis Levy—kicked up a bit of a hornet’s nest by addressing a major recurring topic of discussion at the show and in our small section of the miniatures world in general: Should digital sculpting and 3D printing…
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Episode 58: Talking about MFCA 2025 with Dennis Levy and Lou Masses
The Miniature Figure Collectors of America’s 82nd show took place on May 9 and 10 in Trevose, PA, just outside Philadelphia. On Saturday night, Lou Masses and Dennis Levy—both in a rather, um, well-lubricated mood—told Barry they’d love to bum-rush our podcast. They didn’t have to twist our...
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Episode 57: Why do we abandon some projects? And: Considering the effects of tariffs on the hobby
In this episode, your hosts mull over why some modelers (like Jim) rarely abandon a project, seeing even the dogs through to completion, while others (like Barry) regularly start one and then set it aside. And, at the risk of abandoning our policy of avoiding politics, which is generally a very...
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Episode 56: What do we do with all of this STUFF? with Joe Berton
Death comes to us all, as the saying goes, and while your hosts aren’t feeling particularly morbid at the moment, we certainly look around from time to time at all of the tools and paints and supplies on our workbenches; the closets and shelves full of un-built kits; the stacks (and stacks and...
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Episode 55: Artificial Intelligence and Modeling: A Talk with Jake McKee
We tackle the topic of Artificial Intelligence and some of its possible impacts on our hobby in this discussion with Jake McKee. Jake is a consultant in the digital realm, a photographer, a devoted modeler, and a blogger (with both a tech blog and a modeling blog). In the past, he’s done digital...
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Episode 54: Barry & Jim's Adventures (and Frustrations) with the 1/16th Universal Carrier Kit
In Episode 52, when Jim expressed interest in the new 1/16th-scale Gecko Models Universal Carrier kit, Barry suggested a “buddy build,” with each of them tackling the beast—something he now regrets. This episode is devoted to their ongoing frustrations with the build (and, for Jim, some fun…
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Episode 53: Francois Verlinden
In this episode, we chat with one of the legends of the hobby: Francois Verlinden, who is alive and well at age 78. He retired to Palm Beach, Florida, after the company that bore his name closed in 2016, but he is occasionally painting again “just for fun”—including some of those Warhammer minis...
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Episode 52: Our Beginnings
Your hosts expand on their own answers to one of their favorite questions for guests—How did you get your start in this small-sized pursuit of ours? They dive into some of their earliest modeling experiences, talk about people who helped get them started, and tell us about some of the kits and...
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Episode 51: The 2025 MMSI Chicago Show
This time we talk about the recent 2024 MMSI Chicago show with Pat Vess and Joe Berton. We also talk about some things the guys have planned for next year's 50th anniversary show. For photos of what we discuss in each episode, visit the Small Subjects blog on boxdioramas.com:...
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Episode 50: Doug Cohen
For their 50th episode, your hosts talk with versatile Texas-based modeler, sculptor, and painter Doug Cohen, whose work stands out at any show he enters, as readily identifiable as his sense of humor. For photos of what we discuss in each episode, visit the Small Subjects blog on…
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Episode 49: Scott Primeau
In this episode, your hosts chat with Minnesota-based painter and sculptor Scott Primeau, a consistent gold-medal winner, Chicago medalist, and self-effacing talent whose attitude and ambition inspires both of us. We also talk about getting over some of our modeling fears. For photos of what we...
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Episode 48: Natalia Oracz
Jim and Barry chat with another of their favorite painters from the fantasy realm, and one who’s been on their wish list of guests for quite some time: Natalia Oracz. They also talk about the inaugural Rocky Mountain Hobby Expo in Salt Lake City, an open show which was held on June 22. For photos...
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Episode 47: Joan Biediger Talks About "Algorithm As Art"
Jim and Barry talk with Joan about her extraordinary box diorama “Algorithm As Art,” a gold-medal winner at MFCA 2024. Jim calls it one of the most important boxes in the history of the form—for its imagination, its execution, the ideas it raises, and the discussions it prompts. (Be sure to read...
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Episode 46: Verko's Vault
Your hosts have been hustling to get the scoop on Verko’s Vault for some time. In this episode, they finally got the full run-down on the exciting plans for what will be one of the largest museums of miniatures yet opened to the public. We also have another of Jim’s ongoing Questions for Barry,...
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Episode 45: Erik Swinson
In this episode, your hosts talk with Virginia Beach-based professional miniatures painter Erik Swinson, one of the most stunning talents on the scene today. Erik streams on Twitch most Wednesday evenings: https://www.twitch.tv/erik_swinson If you can't make those live streams, you can watch them...
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Episode 44: Abstraction in Miniatures and Digital vs Traditional Scratchbuilding
On this episode, your hosts tackle two big ideas they’ve been thinking and talking about a lot lately. First up: The notion of throwing away all the “rules” and thinking more abstractly. They also talk about digital modeling and 3D printing in terms of it's advantages and disadvantages versus...
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Episode 43: Jon Harbuck
We chat with Alabama-based modeler Jon Harbuck, an attorney, a true Southern gentleman, and a favorite for the powerful storytelling in his work. We also talk about Barry and Joan's recent trip to Las Vegas for a painting workshop taught by Matteo di Diomede held at Verko's Vault, the exciting…
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Episode 42:Current Projects, Various & Sundry
In this episode, your hosts talk about what’s been happening at their work benches, and (as usual) a few other things, including a movie they’d been eagerly anticipating but which, alas, let Jim down. Barry gives an update on his restoration of the classic Shep Paine box diorama “A King of Shreds...
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Episode 41: Bob Sarnowski
Warning: Unlike most of our episodes, this one has some profanity. We talk to veteran MMSI member and expert painter Bob Sarnowski. We also recap MMSI 2023. Listen to find out why there will be one less thing Jim can tease Barry about. For photos of what we discuss in each episode, visit the…
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Episode 40: Barry and Jim on their Favorites (and their Failures)
Your hosts aren’t at all sure that anybody will be interested in this rather self-indulgent episode, but hey, we were just responding to a request from one of our loyal listeners, Jamie Stokes in Australia, who left a voice mail for us on Telbee (and everyone is welcome to do the same by clicking...
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Episode 39: A Conversation About the Open System With Marijn Van Gils
Another illuminating chat with Marijn, this time on the subject of the open system of judging miniatures and models. We also answer a listener voice message from Grant Mayberry about what to expect at your first open miniature and modelling show. You can find photos and links to information...
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Episode 38: Dave Youngquist and IPMS 2023 Nats
Jim and Barry talk to Dave Youngquist of the ace online hobby shop Last Cavalry. They also chat about Barry's recent trip to the IPMS/USA National Convention. Photos of the pieces we discuss can be found on our blog on Boxdioramas.com
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Episode 37: Gary Baker, hair and Historex
In this episode, your hosts have a fascinating chat with British native, now San Diego-based painter and modeler Gary Baker. In addition to being big fans of his work, and agreeing that he’s one of the finest gents we’ve met in the hobby in recent years, we were eager to hear Gary’s thoughts…
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Episode 36: Mike Hilleary
Barry and Jim had a splendid chat with Mike Hilleary, the Connecticut-based modeler they consider one of the best painters in America today. The boys also used the opportunity of a question left on the show’s voice mail to discuss that recent editorial in the IPMS Journal by the group’s president...
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Episode 35: MFCA 2023
On May 5 and 6, your hosts once again traveled to the outskirts of Philadelphia for the 80th Annual Show sponsored by the Miniature Figure Collectors of America, one of the premier exhibitions of miniature arts in the U.S. In this episode, Barry and Jim offer some thoughts on the show recorded...
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Episode 34: Joe Berton
Joe has been an active modeler since his teens in the early 1970s, and he is one of the most acclaimed artists and well-loved friend-to-all in the miniatures hobby. A retired art teacher, he’s a man with a million stories (and a rather famous alter ego, at least among baseball fans). We enjoyed...
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Episode 33: Ingvild Eiring
Your hosts have been big fans of Ingvild Eiring’s box dioramas since she first made us aware of them by emailing this Web site and asking if we thought it would make sense to add a gallery for her. Heck yes!, we said, and what’s more, we thought we could learn a lot by chatting with this...
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Episode 32: Travis Haussener
On this episode, we talk with one of Barry’s fellow modelers from Utah, Travis Haussener, who, despite the shared passion for miniatures and modeling, differs from him and co-host Jim in two pretty significant ways: Athleticism (you won’t find either of us getting buried in an avalanche, mainly...
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Episode 31: Tools (and Other Stuff) We CAN Live Without
Tools (And Other Stuff) We Hate (according to Jim), or Tools (And Other Stuff) That Just Haven’t Worked for Him (according to Barry, who is overall a kinder person). You can find photos and links to information discussed in each episode at our podcast blog on boxdioramas.com Check out some other...
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Episode 30: Will Pattison
One of our favorite and most outspoken voices in the hobby, we thought it was long overdue for us to chat with Will Pattison, especially since Jim needed some advice on chipping, and Will is the master! Will frequently posts to the Scale Modelers Critique Group on Facebook, shares his knowledge…
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Episode 29: Mike Good
The name of California-based miniature sculptor Mike Good should be familiar to many in our hobby. We talk with him about his work, his interests, and his methodology. You can find photos and links to information discussed in each episode at our podcast blog on boxdioramas.com Check out some…
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Episode 28: Greg Cihlar
Barry and Jim talk with Chicago-area modeler Greg Cihlar, a consistently gold-medal maker of striking dioramas and vignettes in the historical world (World War II a specialty) who’s also branched out to do some stunning work in the fantasy realm. You can find photos and links to information...
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Episode 27: Tools (and Other Stuff) We Can't Live Without
In this episode, Barry and Jim wax rhapsodic about tools and other stuff they can’t live without on their workbenches—and they have A LOT of fun doing it! We want to hear from you! CLICK HERE to leave us a message about anything in any of our episodes, or to pose a question you’d like to hear us...
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Episode 26: Pat McGrath
http://www.boxdioramas.com/smallsubjects/2022/8/19/episode-26-actor-playwright-and-modeler-pat-mcgrathhttp://www.boxdioramas.com/smallsubjects/2022/8/19/episode-26-actor-playwright-and-modeler-pat-mcgrathBased in Dublin, armor modeler and orc sculptor Pat McGrath is a talented miniaturist, as…
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Episode 25: John Bonanni/IPMS Nationals
Jim and Barry chat with John Bonanni about the 2022 International Plastic Modelers' Society USA national convention (the "Nats",) which they attended in Omaha, Nebraska in July. John is the second vice president of IPMS/USA and happens to share some of our views on how IPMS contests might be...
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Episode 24: Pat Stansell
In addition to being a fine armor modeler, Pat is a helluva funny guy, who wrote to your hosts saying he’d be eager to chat with us, after we mentioned our enduring fondness for the late, lamented magazine he edited, Military Miniatures in Review. Eager to get the story behind the sad demise of...
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Episode 23: Calvin Tan
Calvin Tan has been recognized as one of the most talented sculptors and figure painters in the world, especially among those working with WWII subjects. A graduate of RMIT University who is now the Department Chair at DigiPen Institute of Technology, he’s one of the most eloquent artists we’ve...
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Episode 22: Box Dioramas
You can find photos and links to information discussed in each episode at our podcast blog on boxdioramas.com And, in the wake of MFCA 2022 and a continued period of busy modeling by people stuck inside avoiding COVID, we've added a ton of new updates to boxdioramas.com, all of which are charted…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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 a
HOSTED BY
Jim and Barry
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Small Subjects have?
Small Subjects currently has 71 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Small Subjects about?
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...
How often does Small Subjects release new episodes?
Small Subjects has 71 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Small Subjects?
You can listen to Small Subjects on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Small Subjects?
Small Subjects is created and hosted by Jim and Barry.
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