When it comes to the Lego fan community, Beyond the Brick is the largest community of creators, AFOLs (Adults fan of Lego), and kiddos alike. Founded in November of 2011 by content creator, Josh Hanlon, this community started as an audio-only podcast and has blossomed into a thriving hub for Lego enthusiasts worldwide, amassing a staggering following of over 7 million.
My journey into the mesmerizing realm of Beyond the Brick was serendipitous, ignited by the discovery that our family had a shared love of Lego. It all began when my youngest child eagerly showed me a video of a Lego MOC (My Own Creation) crafted by Courtney Garrity. Courtney’s 200 scenes from Harry Potter, woven together with 175,000 Lego bricks and 750 minifigures, left us awestruck. For 24 minutes, we squealed and squeaked at all of the amazing depictions of one of our favorite movies.
Inspired by Courtney’s craftsmanship, my youngest daughter and I embarked on our own Lego adventure. We dove into our treasure trove of Lego bricks, constructing our own rendition of Harry Potter scenes. Our newfound excitement kept us coming back to the content at Beyond the Brick, where we found tons of inspiration from builders and creators who built phenomenal things.
Seeking to share our family’s excitement around Beyond the Brick, I reached out to Josh Hanlon for an interview to uncover the driving force behind this community and to see if he had encouragement for the military community.
In our interview, Josh shared that Lego was a cherished part of his own upbringing- fostering a sense of creativity and wonder. He also shared his parent’s encouragement to build and discover. Initially focused on showcasing remarkable builds at conventions, Beyond the Brick evolved to embrace a deeper purpose—sharing the captivating stories behind the creators and builders. It became a platform for enthusiasts to express their love for Lego through their creations.
For Josh, the beauty of Lego lies in its universal appeal. With an extensive range of themes and offerings, Lego caters to every age, interest, and passion. It’s a realm where every family member discovers something to ignite their excitement.
Connecting with family in the fast-paced life and chaotic schedules of an active-duty family can be challenging. However, Beyond the Brick and the Lego community remind us of the power of play as a bonding agent. At our household, Lego has woven itself into our weekly routine, fostering connection and joy. If you’re looking for a way to build connections (See what I did there?) and foster a little fun within the family, try grabbing a new box of bricks and see what happens.
Let’s make a conscious choice to play, to set aside time, and to prioritize connection through activities like Lego building. Embrace the opportunity to learn, create, and simply revel in the joy of spending time together. As we’ve discovered, it’s more than building bricks—it’s building memories and forging connections that last a lifetime.
Through Beyond the Brick, we’ve found a treasure trove of inspiration and a reminder that amidst our busy lives, play and connection are the simplest and most profound gifts we can give ourselves and our families.
So, decide to play. Set the time aside. Prioritize connection. And above all, have fun.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BeyondTheBrickTV
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebricktv/