Breaking Podcast News!

Ashley Eckstein & Michael James Scott Launch “HypeFriend!”

– Plus, They’re BACK Hosting

SDCC’s Her Universe Fashion Show!

You know we’ve always said friendship is the real superpower—and now our longtime friend of the show Ashley Eckstein is proving that with a mic in hand and a bestie by her side. Ashley (a.k.a. THE voice of Ahsoka Tano and founder of Her Universe) is teaming up with Broadway powerhouse Michael James Scott (The Genie from Aladdin) to launch their brand-new weekly podcast: HypeFriend!

️It all kicks off July 11 with a 3-episode premiere, and you’ll be able to stream it wherever you get your audio fix: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

And because it wouldn’t be SDCC without Ashley doing something awesome—she and Michael will reunite LIVE to co-host the Her Universe Fashion Show on Thursday, July 24 at 6pm at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. That’s right, Ashley is back, the glitter is back, and yes—so are Michael’s legendary vocals (this is his third year co-hosting!). If you’ve never kicked off your Comic-Con weekend with this fashion-meets-fandom spectacle, then trust us: this is the year to show up.

️ BONUS! SDCC LIVE TAPING ️

For the first time ever, the HypeFriend! podcast will host a live after-show taping on Friday, July 25 at 10am in the Neil Morgan Auditorium (San Diego Central Library). Expect behind-the-scenes scoop from the fashion show, guest drop-ins, and the kind of vibes you only get when a crowd of fellow fan-friends comes together to celebrate what makes geek culture glow.

We caught up with Ashley back in our Saturday Morning Cereal Episode 91, where she told us all about channeling Ahsoka, building Her Universe, and being the “Master of Her Own Universe.” Listen here!

Now she’s bringing that same energy—plus a little glitter and a lot of heart—to HypeFriend!, a show dedicated to what we could all use more of these days: real, uplifting friendship. From “Hypes & Gripes” to surprise neighborhood guest drop-ins, this is part talk show, part pep talk, and all warm fuzzies.

Guests in the first drop include Bret Iwan (aka the voice of Mickey Mouse) and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Nina West (Andrew Levitt)—so yeah, it’s already off to a magical, mouse-approved start.

As Ashley puts it:

“Just like someone might share a recipe for a cake, there is a recipe for friendship.”

And Michael adds:

“Ashley’s over here giving you the recipe for friendship—and I’m the friend who shows up, in a FIERCE outfit, ready to eat the cake… even if it’s burnt.”

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HypeFriend! is produced by Dream Three and aims to kick off a Friendship Revolution—because in a world full of noise, it’s your HypeFriends that help you shine louder.

So whether you’re headed to SDCC or just looking for something to lift your spirit on your commute, give this new show a listen, and don’t forget to tell your HypeFriend you love ‘em.

️Learn more at beahypefriend.com
And don’t miss: heruniverse.com
Follow @ashleyeckstein and @iammjscott on Instagram