Magician Michael Corley
Michael Corley is a magician, cosplayer, voice, actor, prop maker, and the dungeon master of the Chafing Armor podcast! He has been entertaining audiences both live and on TikTok and YouTube for over 25 years!
Follow Magician Michael Corley online at
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
Reel Wars: The Greatest Decade of Movies
The '80s brought us unforgettable classics like The Empire Strikes Back, E.T., and Back to the Future, but was it truly the best decade for cinema? Or did the magic of storytelling, direction, and music peak before or after -- maybe in the gritty '70s, the groundbreaking '90s, or the bold 2000s and 2010s? This panel dives deep into the soul of cinema to explore what defines a great decade for movies. Was it the compelling storytelling of pre-'80s films? The character-driven dramas of the '90s? Or the artistic ambition of modern masterpieces? Let's settle the debate: When was the golden age of movies?
Moderator: Magician Michael Corley
Panelists: Brian Russell, Carousel Cosplay/Padme Peaches, Magician Michael Corley, Michael Cross, Matthew Price
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Sci-Fi's Take on Gender: Breaking Boundaries
Explore how different sci-fi stories address gender, identity, and sexuality. How do works like The Left Hand of Darkness and Star Trek challenge traditional gender roles and expectations?
Moderator: Busty Springfield
Panelists: Busty Springfield, Dara Fogel, PhD, Doodlez The Dastardly, Magician Michael Corley, Shai Fenwick
3:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Alien Minds: Neurodivergence Across the Galaxy
What if neurodivergence wasn't just a part of human experience but an essential aspect of other worlds and futuristic societies? In this panel, we'll explore how sci-fi characters who are coded as neurodivergent -- like Spock's Vulcan logic or The Doctor's quirky intelligence -- challenge our ideas of normalcy. We'll dive into the importance of neurodivergent representation in the genre and how these characters shape our understanding of difference, both in fiction and in reality. Join us as we explore how sci-fi is a space where minds of all kinds can thrive.
Moderator: Magician Michael Corley
Panelists: Tall Chick Cosplay, Magician Michael Corley, Levi Hornsby, Selina Rosen
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
From Tin Men to Terminators: Robots in Pop Culture
From loyal companions to existential threats, robots have fascinated us for decades. Explore their evolution in movies, TV, anime, and beyond, and how they reflect our hopes -- and fears -- for the future.
Moderator: David Rike
Panelists: David Rike, Magician Michael Corley, Peri Charlifu, Mark Alfred