Simmons Here And Now

Alex and Chris discuss numerous aspects of creative depression from "The Mean Editor" interior voice to worrying about aging, to time, to dealing with collaborators and publishers who do not share your vision. And they suggest ways to deal with each in what threatens to become “a very special episode” of Tell the Damn Story. Have questions or comments for us, and I hope you do?  Post them in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Being a freelance artists (writer, illustrator, dancer, etc.) can be a hard road to travel.  It's not just about the quality of your craft. It's also about the level of your business skills, and the ethics of the business world.  In this episode Alex and Chris reflect on that and the hard times many comic artists have faced over the past 80 years.   The financial worth of comics have grown from five cent newspapers fillers, to multi-billion dollar intellectual properties. Where did and do the creators fit in that whirl-wind of wealth?  Have questions or comments for us, and I hope you do?  Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode Alex and Chris verbally cruise the choppy waters of the right to write debate.  Should writers tell stories about life experiences (race, religion, etc.) that they haven't lived.  If so, what are their responsibilities? What harm can come out of it?  What good? Will Chris and Alex have the answers, or just raise more questions? Have questions or comments for us, and I hope you do?  Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com   

A little while back, Chris attended the Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey.  There he met and interviewed several other talented authors to get a glimpse of their process for telling the damn story.  So listen up as he shares some process and experiences of mystery writer and ex-journalist R.G. BELSKY. Have questions or comments for us, and I hope you will? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode, Alex has to roll solo as he sits down with one of the comic industries best talents, writer/creator Tony Isabella. Tony worked for both Marvel and DC Comics starting back in the seventies, and is best known as the creator of the popular character, "Black Lightning." But there's more to his long and formidable history.  And there's a lot more to the story behind those years, and the other characters he's written or created. So sit back, listen, laugh and learn about his creative path from Cleveland to Hollywood. Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com.

This week Alex and Chris discuss what Black History Month means, what it should mean, whether Michael B Jordan should play Superman, and explore Blackjack's place in American history. Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com.

In Part 2 of our double your fun Brown Coat podcastic experience, Chris and Alex take a walk on the Whedon side. JOSS WHEDON, that is. They discuss the works, creative phIlosophy, industry influence of the man who created Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and more. as well as the director of the Avengers. Special Episode Question To The Public:  What comics book or graphic novel characters would you like to see in  a movie, or a TV series? And what do you think of what's been done so far? Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com.

In this two-parter, Chris interviews two members of the Pennsylvania Brown Coats, a fan group inspired by the TV series, FIREFLY.  Created by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity, The Avengers, etc.), the series was short lived, but fan power extended it's life both on the screen, and around the globe.  Matt and Steve explain how much so. Special episode question to the public: What comics book or graphic novel characters would you like to see in movies, or a TV series? And what do you think of what's been done so far? Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan talk about finding your Twitter Tribe, upcoming DC projects, and whether Hollywood is really ready to honor Marvel's Black Panther.   Special episode question to the public: What comics book or graphic novel characters would you like to see in movies, or a TV series? And what do you think of what's been done so far? Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode, Alex and Chris cover a wide range of the creative arena, starting with the latest changes in comics, film and TV. Then they wrestle with some of the methods, as well as the pros and emotionally charges cons of writing about hot topics -- even in fiction.  Special episode question to the public: Should Disney create separate channels for their Marvel Comics (i.e. DareDevil and Punisher), Star Wars, and Disney programs?  Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode Alex and Chris talk about pop culture Aqua-billions, Spidey-good-sense, some tips for those seeking creative independence, and the passing of a much respected comic industry great, BATTON LASH.  Post your comments or questions in the comments section below ... Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

A few months back Chris went on another solo mission to Phil Con, and while there he interviewed 3 talented authors. So sit back and listen to the first and unedited interview. It's with author, L.A. DiPaolo.  Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Hey Folks: It's the end of the year and a time to reflect on what we've learned and what's inspired us to keep going. Those bright lights, or sparkling jewels of knowledge can come as things we've read, heard, or seen. So, join co-hosts Alex and Chris as they look back on the turbulent times we know as 2018, to share, "How We Feed The Muse." * PS: During the podcast I could not remember the name of a particular motivational speaker. Right after we signed off, I did remember. It's Tony Roberts. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Hey Folks: It the end of the year and a time to reflect on what went right, wrong and somewhere in between. And this is the time that most of us discover that we may have gained far more than we've ever lost. So, join co hosts Alex and Chris as they look back on the turbulent time we know as 2018. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Sometimes writing stories about the past challenges our present day sensibilities, and more. Alex and Chris reveal how the pressures of writing two short stories in two weeks, required research, reflection, and restraint.  Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Back in October, Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. While honing his own crime fiction writing skills he interviewed several other talented authors. So listen well to the fourth of six, author TEEL JAMES GLENN, as he shares some of his best writing habits and tips. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Alex is early morning solo as he ponders the artistic side of the popular online mantra, "Done Is Better Than Perfect." Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Back in October, Chris went on a solo mission to Deadly Ink Writer's Conference in central New Jersey. While honing his own crime fiction writing skills he interviewed several other talented authors. So listen well to his third of six, as they share their highly developed writing skills, habits and tips. Attentive persons, meet mystery writer Art Taylor. Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

In this episode host Alex Simmons interviews graphic novelist, creator/writer, and children's book illustrator, JERRY CRAFT. Jerry shares some of the funny but also twisted turns he had to take as an black artist, creating black non-stereotypical characters in the comics world. [*This is half of an interview I did with Jerry about his homework and about his impressions of my character Blackjack. If you'd like to hear the Blackjack portion of his interview let me know in the comments below.] Please leave us your comments below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

The Real "True Believer" is gone. Alex and Chris share thoughts and personal memories about the legend that was Stan Lee. As Alex put it, "he was the P.T. Barnum of the comics industry ... the face of Marvel..." His collaborations with many great artists, and his business and marketing savvy helped build a multi-billion dollar property. *After the show leave a comment about your favorite Stan Lee creation, story, saying, or appearance. Please leave us your comments below ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com