24: NBA Lottery Draft, The Phils Are Alright, and Get 'Em FanExpo

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but the NBA Lottery Draft was actually kind of fun to watch. Definitely more fun than that boxing match I watched a few months ago. I'm curious if it's because the 76ers, a team I actually don't care much for, had a stake in it?

ANYWAY, it's Fan Expo week! This means I'm running around frantically preparing for one of my two favorite pop culture events of the year, which happen right here in Philadelphia. While I have a wee bit less to do this year, there is still PLENTY to figure out. Like running a couple of panels! We talk about it in the show, but for those that jump into the note narrative—hey... I like that. Did we just coin a name for our little world within the world? Right, Fan Expo—for those that follow along in the show notes, here is the official schedule as of TODAY.

Saturday, May 17th at 12 PM: This is Heavy: 40 Years of Back to the Future in Theater 4 (Room 125)

Not GENY related, but I'm hosting it! I'll be joined by the crew over at I Like to Movie Movie to discuss one of the greatest movies of all time, Back to the Future, and celebrate that this year marks 40 years of Marty and Doc's time-traveling adventures.

Saturday, May 17th at 5 PM: Go Birds: How a Fandom Unites a City... and Beyond! in Creator HQ (Room 119AB)

I've partnered with GENY to bring this panel to life at Fan Expo Philadelphia 2025 and am over the moon about the panelists we've got for this one. JJ joins me, but then we've also got Craig Liggeons (Comic Book Gurus) and the Devan Kaney (WIP, Eagles Sideline, Fox29)!

Sunday, May 18th at 1:15 PM (hey, uh, producer Rachel... why didn't you correct JJ on air??): Get 'Em Next Year: Heartbreak in Fandom in Workshops (Room 123)

We take the show LIVE for the very first time! JJ is cooking this one up, but know that this is an opportunity not to be missed. I can't believe we're allowing Charley Lancaster to have a microphone LIVE without the ability to edit him.

Come find us at the Tellest table in Artist Alley, aisle 1200 (table 1205 specifically)

Mike DeAngelo has given us a portion of his table to hang out at so we can talk with you, the people! And so we can also sell you our wares! We're debuting our first shirt under a new model: The Kevin Gallagher. You know that shirt is Kelly green and is about the birds... in fact, it simply says Go Birds with a little something extra to make this a Fan Expo Philadelphia 2025 exclusive!

You can support Get ’Em Next Year by following us on social media: @getemnextyear on Facebook, Twitter, BlueSky, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and @getemnextyearpod on Instagram and Threads. Join our Discord at bit.ly/genydiscord. You can also give us a 5-star Apple Podcasts review, a shoutout to a friend, some love on social media, or purchase some We’ll Get ’Em Next Year merch at getemnextyear.com/shop.

Get ’Em Next Year is produced by Starbird Media and edited by Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr. Music for the show comes from The Philadelphia Way by Mega Ran. The We’ll Get ’Em Next Year logo is by Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr. For advertising rates, guest inquiries, or press coverage, email us at [e-mail].

Please consider supporting The HEADstrong Foundation (https://headstrong.org). They are based out of the Philadelphia area and are minutes from the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. They assist families who are dealing with cancer, from meals to travel and housing. I've been working with them for nearly 9 years now, and they are good people.

JJ admits to watching the Philadelphia Union and having a good time, so tune into the whole episode for some good times.