Tag: Mike Borja

Supernatural Cons 2025 – First Up, Boston!

Supernatural Cons 2025 – First Up, Boston!

spnfans

The first Creation con of 2025 took place in April in Boston. There was a long break between Supernatural Creation cons (the last one was in early December) so everyone was beyond excited to be back together again. There were many hugs and emotional reunions – I had missed my fellow fans and vendors as much as I’d missed the best cast in the world.

I love Boston. I’ve been there quite a few times and it’s a great city, with fabulous food and a lot of history. So I was excited that there was going to be a Supernatural con there for the first time in like a decade. The con was in April so I was hopeful for some lovely spring weather too.

My short flight (we went up and down so fast they didn’t have time to serve us a soda) let me out in what felt like a shocking return to winter, alas, and it didn’t get much better all weekend. What did I see of Boston this time? The lovely con hotel.

Oh well. It was pretty lovely.

Matt Cohen and Gil McKinney are on the tour this year and they’re two of my favorite people, so that was a treat. When I joined their panel, Matt was planning to put some guyliner on Gil that night. Why didn’t we get photos???

They both talked about how special it was to work on Supernatural, because everyone makes you feel so comfortable.

Matt on meeting Jared and Jensen for the first time: There was so much man!

I know that feeling.

Gil: Supernatural was a blessing. My favorite thing I’ve ever done.

They both believe the show, in some form, will eventually be back.

Matt: There’s too much support for Supernatural for it to dissipate.

He also pitched a Hallmark movie called “All The Johns” (which definitely does not sound G rated) starring him, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Drake Rodger and Gil – that’s a lot of John Winchester!

Matt’s actual new project is the animated series ‘Public Domain’, starring tons of SPN Family. If you’re not following and supporting, check it out!

Read more →

The Supernatural Cast Returns to Sunny Orlando in 2024

The Supernatural Cast Returns to Sunny Orlando in 2024

spnfans

The last two Supernatural conventions of 2024 came one right after the other, so I decided to embark on a whirlwind trip to do one con on the East coast, fly to the west coast to have some family time, and then fly to the next – on the East coast again. So, Orlando to San Fran to Nashville! Seemed like a good idea at the time…

Orlando is one of my favorite con hotels, and it was glorious to escape the wintery chill for a long weekend. I had lovely meals outside under the palm trees, in the evenings the fire pit was cozy, and I even brought a bathing suit to swim in the pool and enjoy the hot tub.

Con/vacation combo, which is a rare thing for me as a vendor who usually has to rush back to teach. But I was on sabbatical this past semester, so I got to do things differently – and I’m very grateful!

Here’s my table, with thanks to the friends from TheSPNVerse who helped me get it set up (and the talented Cris Griffin for the new table banner)!

I caught some of the Matt Cohen and Adam Fergus panel – I’d just had such a nice zoom chat with Matt a few days before, all about his new project Public Domain. (Check out that interview here if you missed it). Matt wore his Public Domain apron and gave us an update on the series and some of the Supernatural casting announcements.

Matt and Adam share their enthusiasm about being dads. Adam told us that his twins were actually born on different days – at 11:59 pm and 12:01 am!

We got to hear a bunch of dad jokes, thanks to a fan who pulled up a whole book of them on her phone and was brave enough to give it to Matt. (Well, it wasn’t Jared, so…)

Adam and Matt never worked together on Supernatural, but they are connected via acting. Adam’s wife had a kissing scene with Matt on General Hospital, in fact. Afterwards she said to Matt, “now you know how Adam tastes!”

Read more →

Back Where It All Began – Supernatural Chicon 2024!

Back Where It All Began – Supernatural Chicon 2024!

spnfans

The very first Supernatural Creation con was in Chicago – in 2007.

Seventeen years ago.

I was there, along with my bestie Kathy and my good friends Laura and Karen. We had taken shifts for weeks, stalking the Creation website waiting to punch the button to buy tickets the second they went on sale. It’s hard to describe the level of excitement back then for the first US convention for the show I’d fallen in love with – it was off the charts! And it didn’t disappoint. The hotel bar made Purple Nurples and served Supernatural themed food. Jared and Jensen were lovely, though not yet at all sure what to make of the fandom – they sat rather stiffly on stools while we crowded in for photo ops. (Of course Jared didn’t obey the rules even then, and pulled me in for a hug).

I was in fangirl Heaven. Obviously. Also? Babies!

Photos Chris Schmelke

I had an amazing time that very first con, but if someone had told me that seventeen years later, the show would have run for 15 seasons and been off the air for four, but there was STILL a Supernatural con in Chicago in 2024…. Well, I wouldn’t have believed them. And certainly would not have thought I’d be there!

I had an amazing time again, which is, frankly – amazing. I am so very very grateful.

And that is a real testament to the Supernatural actors and fandom. The #SPNFamily. No matter how much wank breaks out every single day online, the cons remain mostly positive and full of excitement and even joy. This year is extra meaningful; the con and the few days I spent after it at my friend Laurena’s house feel like a carefree time, just days before things changed a lot here in the US. I think I’ll always be nostalgic for this con, just like I am for Vegas 2020, the last mostly carefree con before the pandemic kicked in. (Yes, I mark time by Supernatural cons sometimes, what can I say?)

I had been on the west coast with my daughter – because, Halloween! – so I flew in on Friday evening, just in time to catch some karaoke. Several of my friends got onstage to sing, and they were all fabulous! Shout out to Julie, Chelle and Rock! (And emcee DJ Qualls, Lisa Berry, Samantha Smith, Matt Cohen, Tahmoh Penikett, and DJ Liz and Kristen, who were all awesome too)

I was in the vendor room so I didn’t get to see all the panels, and gave my friend Rock priority for the panels he wanted to see (the ladies panel included). But I did catch some. Saturday I walked into the ballroom to Richard Speight, Jr. asking Rob Benedict: Do you want the candy that was in my pants?

Matt Cohen: So, best question gets this bonus package of gummy bears…

Matt talked about a movie and used an unusual phrase.

Richard: Some advice. Don’t google “screwing people’s faces” because you won’t get the movie Matt is talking about…

Rich and Rob talked a bit about their Supernatural rewatch podcast, Supernatural Then And Now.

Read more →

Supernatural Charlotte Con 2024!

Supernatural Charlotte Con 2024!

spnfans

 

Charlotte is one of my favorite Supernatural conventions, mostly because some of my best friends are there – and that’s one of the best part of cons. It’s a short flight, and the weather was gorgeous that  weekend, and that made it even better. Jared Padalecki unfortunately had to cancel, which we were all sad about, but I know how reluctant he is to have to do that so I’m sure it was an important conflict. We missed you though, Jared!

I flew down on Thursday just to hang out, and on Friday caught a little bit of the panels with some of my favorite people on the cast side of the SPN Family in between being at the book table in the vendor room. That includes, of course, Ruth Connell, who has embraced some of her inner Rowena.

Ruth: I found out that my grandmother, who was the most practical woman ever, also read tea leaves.

Also Ruth: I’ll try anything once. Except a Ouija board, that terrifies me!

I’m with her – still remember some of my childhood exploits with friends at sleepovers, all of us convinced “It moved!!”

Ruth is always inspiring, just like the chapter she wrote in Family Don’t End With Blood.

Ruth: Everyone has something creative inside them.

She feels her time on Supernatural was sort of meant to be. Her first episode was called Soul Survivor, which was a perfect reflection of her life at that time too.

She was supposed to be in the series finale too originally.

Ruth: I was supposed to be in Hell, finding out the news about Dean in the finale.

Like pretty much every single one of the cast, Ruth also had some encouraging words on a Season 16.

Ruth: I’m ready to wager that Supernatural will be back!

Me: (crosses all fingers and toes)

I also love that she was wearing a comfy plaid Supernatural shirt with SW-DW embroidered on it. In fact, I loved her entire outfit (as I often do – she has a wonderful sense of style).

Read more →

Two In A Row – Supernatural Indy Con 2024!

Two In A Row – Supernatural Indy Con 2024!

spnfans

For those of us who were in Austin for a con and concert the week before, Indy the very next weekend was a con we came to already tired – but it was also a smaller, surprisingly emotional, thoroughly entertaining one.

I had friends to help me in the vendor room at Indy, which is SO glorious – and means I was able to catch more panels than usual. Friday I got to enjoy some of Osric Chau’s panel – I missed him! As I walked in, he was telling a hilarious story about how he had to try to block both Jared and Jensen’s long legs in a scene because they were both poking him.

He wasn’t really complaining though. Like everyone I’ve talked to who worked on Supernatural, they all appreciated the playful atmosphere that Jared and Jensen created.

Osric: The first AD told me, we run a well oiled ship. We finish on time, and that’s because we schedule in playing around time. And that’s so smart!

He said he’ll always compare every set he’s on to the Supernatural one.

Osric: Supernatural is that show you don’t expect that changes your life.

Isn’t that the truth!

He also joking complained about how confusing it was having two tall guys with J names as leads.

Osric: I got there and was so confused! Like why did they hire two tall white guys with J names? I kept calling them each other’s names!

Read more →

Supernatural Cons 2024: Back to the West Coast for San Fran!

Supernatural Cons 2024: Back to the West Coast for San Fran!

spnfans

I’m finally catching up with posting about the most recent Supernatural conventions before I head to Austin for the 150th Supernatural con there this weekend (please wish me luck surviving the Texas heat…)

Mid July was a convention in San Francisco, which for me also means flying out a week early to spend time with my daughter – so this con was family of all kinds, both the ends-with-blood kind and also my SPNFamily, the don’t-end-with-blood kind!

I made it to the con hotel on Friday early enough to catch some karaoke, which drew a good sized and very passionate crowd. Lots of the cast joined the fun, including of course master of ceremonies DJ Qualls and Matt Cohen. Lisa Berry, Osric Chau, Samantha Smith and Adam Rose also helped make every single song sound pretty damn good.

The theme was “prom” so we had some beautiful prom dresses and tuxes and Matt Cohen in a prom king crown because of course he was!

I was a happy camper because we got not one but two Abba songs, including my favorite Dancing Queen.

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1811984612740202556

I had no idea Adam Rose was such a talented performer – he sang a rendition of Sonofabitch or whatever that song is actually called that may have rivaled Jensen Ackles! Helped along by Matt Cohen.

https://x.com/FangasmSPN/status/1811987672535302195

If you haven’t been to con karaoke in a while, check it out – it feels reinvigorated, with lots of the cast having a blast with the fans. Similar to how it started way back when!

And at this con, you got your very own crown or tiara to take home if you took the stage.

We also got the good news on Friday at the con that Season 2 of ‘Tracker’ will be premiering in October – and that Jensen will be back as Russell in at least two episodes! That definitely put everyone in a good mood.

Saturday I caught Misha Collins’ panel, as I always try to do. For some reason he and Rob re-enacted Richard Speight Jr. touching Misha’s jacket backstage. Creepily.

He told some parenting stories, as he often does, including that time he took infant West to a rave – and had the horrifying realization in the middle of the chaos that perhaps they did need to change the way they were living their life a bit now that they were parents.

Oops.

Read more →

Supernatural Conventions 2024 – Return to Seattle!

Supernatural Conventions 2024 – Return to Seattle!

spnfans

Seattle is a city full of memories – some of them wonderful, some of them not, and some of them bittersweet. As I flew into the city, I was thinking of my friend Krista, who we lost not long ago. I spent one of the most fun days ever with her and a group of other Supernatural fan friends in Seattle. Krista was our unofficial tour guide, taking us to the original Starbucks and demonstrating how to navigate the fish markets with her trademark finesse and sense of humor. And then we all returned to the con to indulge our mutual love of Supernatural.

Beautiful memories…but I miss her.

Some of my other really fun times in this city have been with my friend Alicia, who picked me up from the airport like old times. We hadn’t seen each other in WAY too long. We had lovely coffee and catch up chat time on another Starbucks patio, reminiscing about some of the best days of my life – the ones we spent on the Supernatural set, driving across the border after a con here in Seattle to spend the day sitting behind Bob Singer or Phil Sgriccia or whoever was directing, watching the boys film our favorite show and overcome with gratitude.

Again, beautiful memories…but I miss my friend and I miss my Show.

Then of course there was that memorable Supernatural con in Seattle that got cancelled after half a day by an unexpected snowstorm. Snowpocalypse made for an interesting Friday afternoon, especially because I also was coming down with a terrible cold. I was lucky to escape on one of the few flights that got out, back to the East coast but sad about missing the con.

This time went a lot more smoothly. (There were penguins to remind those of us who’d experienced it of Snowpocalypse though).

I caught some karaoke on Friday night, with some of my favorite people – Matt Cohen, Osric Chau, Adam Fergus, Julian Richings, Alaina Huffman and of course DJ Qualls.

It was like karaoke in the old days, with Adam Fergus dancing on chairs in the audience.

I missed most of the panels on Saturday since I was on my own in the vendor room, but this con was fresh off the series finale of Walker and Jared’s candid comments about the disappointing state of the network that was Supernatural’s home for so long, the CW.  Matt Cohen talked about how important those comments were in his panel.

Matt: From his position of success, it’s very important for a guy like him to use his voice and reflect exactly what’s going on in the industry.

He said that so many in their industry are in a crisis of not working, there’s the threat of AI, etc.

Matt: I want you to look up what Jared said and support our guy.

I love how they all support each other, then and now and always.

I did make sure to catch Misha Collins’ panel on Saturday – it’s one I never miss.

Misha had some memories of Seattle too, including the GISH French maid world record attempt with tons of people packed into a sweltering gym.

Misha: Eventually seven ambulances came because French maids were passing out, but people still held hands to break the record!

(Despite this, most of us who did GISH regularly still miss it lol!)

Misha has been quite active in politics recently, and said he’d just realized the debate tactic recently used (overwhelming with lies) is called “Gish gallop”!

He brought on stage a student who had selected him to interview as someone from Washington who’s had a positive impact for a school project – good job, Addy!

Someone asked what he was interested in at school.

Misha: I was a bit shy. I was always the new kid at school, so I would observe people a lot.

He said he was always getting hurt or injured on his birthday for some reason.

Misha: Shit, it’s about to be my 50th, I’d better be careful!

Read more →

Supernatural Cons 2024: Columbus Con!

Supernatural Cons 2024: Columbus Con!

spnfans

Columbus, Ohio is a city I don’t think I’ve ever been to before so I was excited that there was a Creation Supernatural convention there in June. It’s also a city where two of my friends who I do not get to see NEARLY enough live, so I was extra excited!

My friend Alice is one of those friends, the lovely person who founded the Winchester Family Business website that, along with this one, has been covering all things Supernatural and Supernatural-adjacent since the very beginning of this wild ride. She picked me up at the airport and joined me at my vendor table all weekend, which made vending even more enjoyable than it always is.

We had a lovely dinner on her back deck with her hubby and some rambunctious dogs and cats, and then joined in some of the karaoke fun. It’s so awesome to have Matt Cohen back at karaoke, and DJ Qualls was made to be the host. Don’t miss the Friday night fun if you’re at a con – or even if you just stop by for that!

Saturday I caught a bit of the R2M panel, which I also love having back – Matt, Rich and Rob are inevitably hilarious together.

Rob: I’m a fanboy when it comes to music.

Matt: Did you just say a hot dog shoved inside a pickle??

A fan asked the three about the history of that time they wore pink pants in Paris. Richard proceeded to give the entire history of pants.

Rich: Did I answer your question?

Fan: Uh, no…

They all laughed about going shopping together for salmon pants and having a blast.

What is the episode that best represents Supernatural to them?

Matt: ‘Baby’, and not just because I’m in it. It’s the boys in the car on the road.

Matt gets it.

Rob: Swan Song, with its great recap up til that point.

Another great choice.

Rob was asked about his musical influences and he said Pearl Jam.

Someone asked Rich about his role in Band of Brothers and he said he did a lot of research for Skip’s backstory.

Rich: There was no google then!

Rich on directing Supernatural: The violence is very carefully planned out and storyboarded.

Matt on directing Supernatural: You want to do a lot of planning and you also want to make sure you tell the entire story.

Before the ladies panel, we got to wish Kim Rhodes a happy birthday. Thank you for your beautiful chapter in Family Don’t End With Blood, Kim – I know it has inspired so many people who have read about your experience with the show and how fandom changed you.

Kim Rhodes, Briana Buckmaster, Samantha Smith and Lisa Berry were a fab foursome.

Read more →

Supernatural Conventions 2024: New Jersey and Jensen’s Real SPN Baby!

Supernatural Conventions 2024: New Jersey and Jensen’s Real SPN Baby!

spnfans

The New Jersey Supernatural convention is my “home con” – at least until next year when we’ll finally have one in my actual hometown of Philly. That means I get to drive there! (I hate driving but it’s better than flying…) My friend Rita joined me on a lovely spring day, and together we managed to navigate our way there with only a few wrong turns!

Leading up to the con there was a lot of excitement, for several reasons. One, unlike the con in Burbank a few months ago, Jared Padalecki was at this con – so yay!! Two, everyone was charmed and just plain thrilled at the news of Supernatural actors DJ Qualls (Garth) and Ty Olsson (Benny) being engaged, and couldn’t wait to see DJ to congratulate him. And three, Jensen Ackles was bringing his Impala to the con – the actual screen-used Hero #1 Baby. There was as much anticipation for that as for any other guest!

I was on my own in the vendor room with the books, so I didn’t get to attend as many panels as I wish I did, but every panel I did manage to get to was entirely happy making. The con is in a giant convention center (not my favorite type of venue) but it does make for a cavernous vendor room, as you can see. (‘The books’ are the two with chapters from the Supernatural actors, Family Don’t End With Blood and There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done, plus a few other behind the scenes books about the show, and the new book that’s a deep dive into The Boys, Supes Ain’t Always Heroes. Links on the home page here fyi).

I caught a little bit of Richard Speight, Jr., Matt Cohen and Rob Benedict’s panel, which invariably includes a lot of hilarious stories. Rob told the story of someone writing a part for him – and then he actually didn’t get the part! Only Rob.

The three were asked who would play them in a movie.

Matt: Drake Rodger!

(Makes sense to me)

Richard: The animated corpse of Don Knotts…

(If you don’t know who that is, look it up lol)

Matt reminisced about his time on General Hospital – and how his character was a neurosurgeon priest – and a stripper!

(Hey, he was versatile…)

Read more →

First Supernatural Con of 2024 comes to Burbank!

First Supernatural Con of 2024 comes to Burbank!

spnfans

This year the powers that be put a Supernatural convention during my spring break – yay! That meant I was able to travel to California, spend some time with my daughter in the Bay area, then take a short flight to Burbank for the con.  The hotel is one of my all time favorite con hotels, with a lovely pool and a spacious outdoor dining restaurant right there between the con area and the hotel itself. It was the perfect place to gather and have a drink and a bite in between panels and events, which was great because I got to reconnect with some friends I haven’t seen in far too long.

I also met alot of wonderful new people and fans of Supernatural – and of The Boys, including this mini Homelander who was adorable!

Shout out to everyone who came to say hi in the vendor room and picked up a copy of one of the books with chapters by the Supernatural actors and fans, Family Don’t End With Blood and There’ll Be  Peace When You Are Done – or everyone who just stopped by to tell me they’d already read them and enjoyed them!  We were also able to bring the new book on ‘The Boys’ to this con – let me know what you think if you picked one of those up. It should catch you up and get you ready for Season 4 in a few months – can’t wait!

There was a substantial break in between the last convention of 2023 back in December and this one in mid March – so everyone was extra happy to be reunited, both fans and cast. And we were treated to some guests we hadn’t seen in far longer than that!

I inevitably miss a few people thanks to working in the vendor room, but I managed to catch quite a few this time – It was wonderful to have Lisa Berry back at a con. She talked about how she was already a passionate Supernatural fan when she was cast on the show, and then finding out there were so many other passionate fans! She enjoyed fans’ complicated canon questions because she is a fan herself.

Lisa: In my incarnation of Billie, she was always right next to Death.

Her character was continually frustrated with Sam and Dean.

Lisa: Billie’s whole thing with the Winchesters is that they always kept coming back to life. Now fangirl Lisa, she was like YES!

Favorite line?

Lisa: Hey.

It’s true, she could give Billie one word to say and it would come out memorable. She said that sometimes she was flown into Vancouver just to turn around to the camera and say ‘hey’!

One of her favorite scenes was the one in the library with Dean, with all the books.

Lisa: Jensen was so generous in that scene – everyone there is, so it’s safe to play.

A fan stepped up to the mic and shared that she had an AKF tattoo.

Lisa: That’s awesome – and yes please do (always keep fighting)!

It was also wonderful to have Matt Cohen back at conventions. I came into the ballroom a little late and Matt was standing in front of the stage and when I walked up the center aisle, he swept me into a hug to say it was good to see me – not a bad way to start the day! He made his way around the entire ballroom to greet everyone he possibly could. It was early so it wasn’t all that crowded, but the people who were there were treated to a great panel.

It does, however, mean that I hardly got any photos of Matt as he walked around.

Matt: There’s no better place to be in terms of diversity and acceptance than the SPNFamily.

Read more →