Simmons Here And Now

"Join us for a special episode of Tell The Damn Story!

In this episode, cohosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan highlight the importance of community through attending events like Stoker Con, sharing personal experiences overcoming imposter syndrome, and emphasizing the value of putting your work out there. Alex introduces his plan to release six new Blackjack stories starting in July. Our cohosts also discuss creating and publishing works like Chris's It's Been a Privilege and Alex's Sherlock Holmes and the Hands of Othello, stressing the importance of revisions and letting stories passionately evolve. They wrap it up with insight on creating and publishing new short fiction, like Alex's upcoming Blackjack serialized action adventure series.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you

CoHosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan have a bloody good episode for you this time!The boys dive into Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’—a film blending horror, history, and heart. To help them on the hunt, they've invited pop-culture-spoken-word-guru and writer-commentator Omar Holmon, horror writer, and TV production pro, Steven Van Patton. Together, the panel explores the film's depiction of Jim Crow-era America, vampiric appropriation, music as resistance, and Michael B. Jordan's layers of performance. They celebrate the film’s refusal to be boxed in by genre and its commitment to authenticity, cultural nuance, and emotional storytelling.It's a complex, yet poetic look at America's mosaic roots, through a wide and bloody lens.Where To Find Them:Omar Holman:   - @OmarHolman (https://www.instagram.com/omarholman) on all platforms, including TikTokSteven Van Patten:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.vanpatten (the only Black one, as he jokes)  - Instagram: @svp_thinks    - Website: http://www

In this episode, Chris and Alex discuss one of the greatest challenges writers face and how to overcome it.They emphasize the importance of allowing one's imagination to run free and ask 'what if,' using historical examples from Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Mary Shelley to illustrate how these iconic writers created groundbreaking stories without the modern conveniences we have today. They also explore the relevance of classic storytelling techniques in contemporary writing and encourage aspiring writers to continue telling their stories despite obstacles, offering practical advice and motivational insights.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you're enjoying these episodes, please take a moment to help wet our whistle by clic

Ambition can serve self and others.In this episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons talk with screenwriter and producer Victoria Male about her bold, heartfelt journey through Hollywood. From working with Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters films, etc.) to launching her latest project, Whatever Happened to Baby J—a playful, nostalgic, and purpose-driven live stage reading set in the world of 90s boy bands—Victoria shares what it means to chase your dreams while making a difference. That difference is that this event benefits the AIDS Resource Foundation for Children, a cause her family has championed for over 30 years. Tune in for a conversation filled with laughter, truth, and the power of stories to inspire change.To obtain tickets to this fundraising event, click on Victoria's links below:Ticket link: bit.ly/BabyJTicketsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whateverhappenedtobabyjreading/Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us o

Here we go again!In today's episode, co-hosts Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan are joined by acclaimed comic book artist Eric Battle for an in-depth, wide-ranging conversation brimming with heart, honesty, and humor.From Eric’s earliest memories of being transfixed by comics on the spinner rack as a six-year-old, to the pressures and passions of telling powerful, real-world stories on the page, this interview is both a roadmap for aspiring artists and a celebration of where creativity and impact intersect. You’ll hear about Eric’s battles (pun intended!) to find his voice in industries slow to accept comics as art, his leap from illustrating for newspapers to making his mark at DC, the emotional toll of tackling the graphic novel about Emmett Till, and how balance comes from everything from bike rides to—yes—baking epic cookies.Along the way, there are throwbacks to Eric and Alex’s Tarzan/Blackjack crossover, deep dives into hidden chapters of American history, and tributes to the inspirational giants upon w

On this special international episode of "Tell The Damn Story," hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons team up with a panel of extraordinary artists and storytellers from across the globe, thanks to the East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC). Joining them are Micheline Hess of Mishmash Arts (NYC), acclaimed cartoonist and illustrator Tayo Fatunla (UK/Nigeria), and Jesse Sunkwa-Mills, CEO of Mills Media in Ghana. Together, they dive into the transformative power of comics, graphic novels, animation, and storytelling as vehicles for culture, representation, and change.Through personal origin stories, the panel explores their earliest inspirations, ongoing creative challenges, and the passion that keeps them pushing boundaries in their fields. They discuss the importance of self-education, the hurdles of making your own way as an artist in underserved industries, and the absolute necessity of seeing your own story and face represented in media.Whether it’s resurrecting folklore, uplifting African narrativ

Or, "Why Tell Tales of Angels and Monsters?"Welcome to Tell The Damn Story, where hosts Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan dig into the secrets of writing stories that outlast their times. In this episode, they explore how classic Twilight Zone episodes like “One for the Angels” and “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” prove that great fiction isn’t just about reflecting current events—it’s about tapping into universal themes and characters that resonate for years to come.Alex and Chris share insights from teaching, writing, and analyzing how authors can avoid the pitfalls of making their stories too time-bound. If you want advice on crafting narratives that feel relevant today and powerful tomorrow, you’re in the right place. Brew a cup, settle in, and get ready to tell the damn story.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell Th

Is AI A Writing Digital Revolution or Deal With The Devil?In this podcast, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dig into the hotly debated role of AI in the creative process. From using tools like ChatGPT and Descript for research and editing, to the ethical gray areas of letting AI generate content, the conversation gets candid—and sometimes contentious—about where writers should draw the line.Alex shares his hands-on experiments using AI to streamline podcast production and spark social media posts, while Chris raises critical questions about authenticity and artistic integrity. Together, they weigh the practical benefits of AI—think saving time on editing and organizing content—against deeper concerns of originality, creative voice, and fairness. Whether you’re an AI disciple, skeptic, or curious about digital tools, this episode offers thoughtful insights and real-world examples to help you decide how (or if) AI fits into your writing practice. Seeking answers to these questions is so crucial that Alex and C

"Writers, how much do you owe your audience?"In this thought-provoking episode, co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive into the creative risks and responsibilities that come with killing off beloved characters in popular stories like "The Walking Dead" and "The Last of Us." Drawing on recent controversies and their own extensive writing experience, Alex and Chris tackle the age-old question: What does a creator truly owe their audience? Is it shock value, genre fulfillment, emotional payoff, or a satisfying character arc?The conversation explores the deeper storytelling choices and the importance of respecting both character integrity and audience investment. Whether you’re a writer grappling with similar dilemmas or just a fan curious about what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite narratives, this episode offers invaluable insights. Alex and Chris have a lively debate about the balance between creative freedom and reader expectations. So stick around, get inspired, and

Or ... "How Unexpected Inspiration Sparks Story Ideas"This week, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive deep into the fusion of horror and poetry with Chris’s latest experimental project: "It's Been a Privilege." Chris unpacks the accidental inspiration behind writing a harrowing narrative about a serial killer entirely in verse. This format breaks away from traditional storytelling and offers readers a chilling glimpse into a fractured, egotistical mind through poetic journal entries.Alex guides the conversation, highlighting the unique creative process, the challenges of writing in this unconventional style, and the uphill battle of marketing a book that doesn’t fit neatly into any one genre.Stick around as Chris shares five invaluable lessons from this ambitious literary experiment. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a fan of crime and horror, or just curious about the wild ways stories can be told, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a celebration of bold storytel

Or, SHOTGUN PROMPTS!In this wild, fast-paced episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan hit the gas and tear through Plot Holes, dodge Story Stumps, and smash right through Writer’s Block like it owes them money.Their secret weapon? Creative prompts. From jelly donuts that inspire crime scenes to childhood memories, playlist magic, and the almighty “What if” question, they’ve got a toolbox full of tricks to help unleash your creativity.Alex and Chris drop gems about how play, randomness, and even the most mundane activities can spark inspiration. They’ve got exercises, funny anecdotes, and plenty of tips to get your imagination firing like a rocket.Whether you’re a grizzled writing vet or fresh meat on the creative journey, this episode’s packed with ways to help you Tell The Damn Story you’ve been dying to write.So, what are you waiting for? Smash that like button, subscribe, and buckle up for a creativity boost you won’t forget!Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave

"Tell The Damn Story," is back with a deep dive into the world of creative storytelling with our special guest, Omar Holman. Omar is a writer, spoken word poet, and passionate comic book enthusiast who masterfully combines his love for words and superheroes in his work. Along with cohosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons, the three artists open the door to explore a variety of topics, including the evolution of comic book characters like Daredevil and Cyclops of the X-Men and how they are portrayed in different media. Omar shares insights from his journey, from the classroom where he was first inspired to pursue storytelling to co-founding Black Nerd Problems, a platform celebrating diverse narratives. Join us as we explore the power of storytelling in a fast-paced blend of spoken word poetry, comic book critique, and personal reflection, with Omar Holman at the helm. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ..

CAN THE OLD TEACH YOU ANYTHING NEW?In this episode of "Tell The Damn Story," hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons are joined by their friend and fellow pulp fiction enthusiast, writer/publisher Jim Beard. Together, they delve deep into the action-packed world of pulp fiction, exploring its roots, evolution, and relevance today. Jim shares insights from his experience as a writer, editor, and self-publisher. He co-founded Flinch Books and established his presence in the pulp fiction domain. The trio discusses the impact of pulp storytelling, its diverse genres, and how modern writers can draw from its style to craft compelling and engaging narratives. Whether you're interested in classic characters like Doc Savage or intrigued by the possibilities of new pulp adventures, this episode offers a rich journey into this action-mystery genre's distinctive and thrilling universe. Tune in and discover the enduring creative potential of pulp fiction for writers and readers alike.Have any questions, comme

In today's episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons dive into the challenges writers face in today's distracting and chaotic world. They introduce the concept of 'aggressive avoidance'—a strategy to stay focused on your creative work despite external turmoil. The discussion covers methods for managing distractions, the importance of storytelling, and the value of even non-political creative endeavors. Stay for tips on setting realistic writing goals and maintaining consistency in your artistic efforts. This is a must-watch for any writer feeling overwhelmed by our times!Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you're enjoying these episodes, please take a moment to help wet our whistle by clicking on the link to  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hey there, storytellers! Or should we say, fellow procrastinators? Welcome to this episode of "Tell The Damn Story," where hosts Christopher Ryan and Alex Simmons, alongside the ever-charming John Beard, take on the playful yet pesky world of writing roadblocks like procrastination and self-doubt. In this fun and insightful chat, our trio humorously tackles the different shades of procrastination, from guilt to busywork, and how these can feed into fear and imposter syndrome. They share personal stories and practical tips on embracing your unique writing path, understanding your creative intentions, and why your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. So, grab your favorite drink, sit back, and join us for a hearty laugh and some valuable advice on how to stop dawdling and start telling the damn story!Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Or Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comFollow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebo

THEY INVITED A PANEL OF NINE TALENTED CREATIVES!Chris and Alex are off for a brief rest. So this we're ...Returning to their third milestone for Tell the Damn Story, where they celebrated reaching their 300th episode!They flow from their humble beginnings discussing the craft of writing with guests, exploring the nuances of public speaking and meeting deadlines, to reflecting on significant achievements and sharing personal anecdotes. This episode is a testament to their dedication to storytelling. They reminisce with a magnificent panel of notable writers and artists who share their experiences and expertise, both good and bad. Join Chris and Alex as they offer listeners a treasure trove of creative inspiration, valuable tips, and heartfelt stories from the world of writing and beyond.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The

The hosts are off for a brief rest. So this we're ...Returning to their second milestone for Tell the Damn Story, hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons celebrate reaching their 200th episode by diving deep into their journey of creativity and storytelling over the years. They flow from their humble beginnings discussing the craft of writing with guests, exploring the nuances of public speaking and meeting deadlines, to reflecting on significant achievements and sharing personal anecdotes. This episode is a testament to their dedication to storytelling. They reminisce about notable guests, the impact of their work on budding writers, and the global reach of their insights. Join Chris and Alex as they reflect on their rich history of podcasting, offering listeners a treasure trove of creative inspiration, valuable tips, and heartfelt stories from the world of writing and beyond.Link to a FREE adventure tale, "BLACKJACK: RISE OF THE RED STAR."Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then please le

WHY TELL YOUR DAMN STORY?!Why is it important to write the stories that mean something to you? Whether for educational or entertainment purposes!Hey there, fans and fellow creatives, Tell The Damn Story will be on hiatus for the next 3 weeks. So, during that time, you'll have a chance to return to those thrilling days of our episodes 100, 200, and 300.    Here’s your chance to refresh your memories and notes on … “WHY TELLING THE DAMN STORY IS SO IMPORTANT.”“CELEBRATING THE TIPS, TECHNIQUES, AND TALES,”  that we've shared with you, and “CRAFTING A CAREER FROM THE WRITERS TABLE,” where we were joined by several of our favorite and multidisciplined writers. So enjoy and refresh your knowledge while we consider our views, plans, and aspirations. Peace. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠