Side B is where the spotlight turns to the Mr VicBears 2026 competition — and the humans brave enough to step into it.

In this half of Episode 222, Hide and Seek meets the Class of ’26: Teddy, Justin, Ray, Jake and Craig. It’s a line-up full of history, heart, camp, nerves, confidence, and wildly different journeys into the bear community.

Each competitor shares how they found the bears, what keeps them coming back, and why they’ve decided to run for the sash. We talk community advocacy, representation, confidence-building, favourite ’90s films (yes, Clueless and Serial Mom both feature), and the very real mix of excitement and terror that comes with putting yourself out there.

This isn’t just about abs, beards, or who owns the most outfits with paw prints. It’s about visibility, approachability, and what it means to represent a community built on belonging rather than perfection. From long-time committee members to returning competitors and first-time entrants, the Class of ’26 reflects the diversity and generosity of the bear scene itself.

Side B is funny, warm, occasionally awkward, and deeply sincere — a reminder that while only one person gets the sash, the real win is showing up, being seen, and strengthening the community along the way.

The competitors each highlighted a charity for their runs:

• Teddy spoke about Switchboard
• Justin threw behind the Australian Queer Archives
• Ray highlighted Transgender Victoria
• Jake talked up QLife
• and Craig covered Out of the Closet, Out of Options

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This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Find other JOY podcasts at joy.org.au

During Midsumma each year, Victoria doesn’t just come out — it comes out hairy. In Side A of Episode 222, we grin and bear it as Hide and Seek dives into BearFest 2026, the week-long celebration of bears, admirers, community, and controlled chaos that takes over Melbourne every summer.

Jon, Craig and Joenas are joined by Neil of the VicBears committee to unpack what the bear scene actually is (and isn’t), how it grew in Australia, and why it continues to matter far beyond the dance floor. We talk chosen family, intergenerational connection, accessibility, body diversity, and why bear spaces often feel like home for people who never quite fit elsewhere.

Then we take a deep, slightly breathless tour through the week itself: BearWatch Beach Day at Williamstown, Midsumma Carnival, the Teddy Bear Banquet, Bearaoke (where dignity goes to die), Underbear nights, pool parties, dance floors, Pride March prep, and everything in between. Sunscreen, hydration, and sensible footwear are strongly encouraged.

Along the way, we share stories, laughs, and a few “how did we survive that?” moments — because BearFest isn’t just a series of events, it’s a social ecosystem powered by volunteers, community care, and an impressive tolerance for late nights.

Whether you’re a seasoned bear, bear-adjacent, or just wondering why your friends suddenly own harnesses and towels, Side A is your affectionate guide to BearFest — and the people who make it roar.

Love a bear comp? Listen to Who Bears Wins and hear Joenas when he first won his title!

Follow Tim instagram.com/beatzradio/

Follow Jon instagram.com/barbarylion/

Follow Craig instagram.com/white.dragon.339/

This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Find other JOY podcasts at joy.org.au

New year, new holes in your walls — consensually, of course. So let’s get to the hardware store and get some big tools! In this practical, cheeky episode, Hide and Seek, explores DIY sex and kink projects, from plumbed shower douches to slings, A-frames, and at-home gloryholes.

Jon and Craig walk through what’s genuinely DIY-friendly versus when it’s smarter (and safer) to call a tradie. Installing a douche? Probably doable if you can manage a shower head and thread tape. Ceiling eye-bolts? Get professional help. We talk tools, materials, weight ratings, ergonomics, and the very real importance of testing setups before you put a person in them.

The episode also digs into safety beyond construction: splinters, chafing, privacy, theft risk, and why comfort matters just as much as creativity. Not every fantasy needs to be built — but if you are building it, do it well.

This is a fun, grounded reminder that kink at home can be inventive, accessible, and deeply satisfying — as long as safety, durability, and consent come first.

Don’t remember How to Build a Sex Room? Listen to our episode, Dungeons and Daddies!

Follow Tim instagram.com/beatzradio/

Follow Jon instagram.com/barbarylion/

Follow Craig instagram.com/white.dragon.339/

This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

Find other JOY podcasts at joy.org.au