Free Daily Podcast Summary
The United States Department of Nerds Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by USDN_Chairman
USDN Podcast is a cinematic indie comics interview series hosted by the USDN_Chairman and the Council of Nerds spotlighting the creators, storytellers, and worldbuilders shaping the future of independent comics. Each episode dives beyond headlines into the real journeys behind the books from Kickstarter launches and creative struggles to the philosophies driving today’s indie storytelling movement. This isn’t about rumors or recycled news. It’s about the people creating the worlds. Through in-depth conversations, creator spotlights, and crowdfunding discussions, USDN explores: • The rise of indie comics • The business of crowdfunding • The art of worldbuilding • The realities of independent storytelling USDN is where indie comics come to life for the fans, by the creators, and powered by the community.
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- 3 days ago1h 42m
Marco Vito Oddo & Victor Costa - Otherkin | Horror, Urban Fantasy & Creator-Owned Comics
How do two creators living in different countries build a creator-owned comic together?In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with writer Marco Vito Oddo and artist Victor Costa, the creative team behind OTHERKIN, an indie horror and urban fantasy comic series inspired by works such as Hellboy, Hellblazer, and Swamp Thing.The conversation explores the origins of Otherkin, how the project evolved from an abandoned video game concept into a long-form comic universe, the challenges of independent publishing, and the realities of creating a comic series across continents.Marco and Victor discuss worldbuilding, horror storytelling, character development, writer-artist collaboration, creator-owned comics, comic book influences, and the lessons they've learned while building Otherkin one issue at a time.Topics include:• The origins of Otherkin• Creator-owned comics• Horror and urban fantasy storytelling• Writer and artist collaboration• Building a long-form comic universe• Character creation and worldbuilding• Independent publishing challenges• Physical vs digital comics• The future of Otherkin• Advice for aspiring comic creatorsIf you're a fan of indie comics, horror comics, creator-owned storytelling, and comic book creation, this episode is for you.FOLLOW MARCO VITO ODDOInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/marcovito.oddo/Substack:https://marcovitooddo.substack.com/FOLLOW VICTOR COSTAInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/victorcosta.art/FOLLOW OTHERKINInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/otherkin.comic/USDN LINKShttps://linktr.ee/usdnpodcastBusiness & Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.comBCW Supplies Affiliate PartnerNeed comic bags, boards, storage boxes, top loaders, comic collecting supplies, or shipping materials?Shop BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=USDNAffiliate Code: USDNDisclosure: USDN may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through this affiliate link at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue spotlighting indie comic creators and producing creator-focused content.The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life.
- 1 weeks ago1h 57m
C.E. Massari - The Mafia vs. The Klan, Family History & Historical Noir
Writer and creator C.E. Massari joins The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss his upcoming 120-page original graphic novel, The Mafia vs. The Klan, coming from Source Point Press.Described as John Wick meets The Godfather, The Mafia vs. The Klan is a historical revenge noir inspired by real family history, Prohibition-era violence, and the question of what happens when justice fails.In this conversation, we talk about the real story behind the book, the legacy of Augustina Massari, turning family tragedy into fiction, writing about the Klan without glorifying hate, the moral complexity of revenge, the Mafia as a storytelling force, and why comics were the right medium for this project.We also discuss Source Point Press’ relaunch, the upcoming Kickstarter pre-sale campaign, the black-and-white noir visual style, working with artist Martin Gimenez, and the realities of indie comics, crowdfunding, professionalism, and creator relationships.Guest Links: C.E. Massari Substack: https://cemassari.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.e.massari/ Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cemassari/the-mafia-vs-the-klan?ref=profile_created&category_id=252Watch / Subscribe to USDN: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_PodcastBusiness / Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.comBCW Supplies Affiliate Linkhttps://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse code USDN at checkout.Affiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.
- 1 weeks ago1h 56m
The Write Brothas - Building the 88 Universe
The Write Brothas Entertainment joins The Chairman on the USDN Podcast for a deep dive into indie comics, creator-owned sci-fi, worldbuilding, and the ambitious 88 Universe.Founded by Decarlo Tatum Jr. and Neil Newman, The Write Brothas Entertainment is built on one powerful belief: “It’s okay to imagine.”In this episode, we discuss the origins of The Write Brothas, their creative partnership, the move from film and television ideas into comics, and the process of building a full indie sci-fi universe from the ground up.We also explore the world of “88,” including Ominus, General Muakuu, the Zowen-Kag, Planet Edine, anime-inspired storytelling, cinematic influences, and the importance of originality in indie comics.This conversation is about more than one comic book. It is about imagination, creator ownership, independent storytelling, and what it takes to build something original when there is no rulebook.Guest Links:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/writebrothasent?igsh=cHphNTM5dTNweDJvWebsite:http://www.twbstudios.com/USDN Podcast Links:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_PodcastLinktree:https://linktr.ee/USDN_PodcastBusiness / Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.comBCW Supplies Affiliate Link:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse Coupon Code: USDNAffiliate Disclosure:USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.
- 2 weeks ago1h 53m
Ray MacKay & Dan Sehn - Building GWP: Guys With Powers
Dan Sehn of Argo Comics and writer Ray MacKay join The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss GWP: Guys With Powers, a creator-owned indie superhero comic launching on Kickstarter.This episode dives into the creation of an original superhero universe, the challenges of crowdfunding indie comics, the importance of promotion, and what it takes to build new heroes outside the mainstream comic machine.Dan and Ray break down the world of GWP: Guys With Powers, including Cosmos, Radioactive Girl, Phaze, Dominico, and the Turbo Twins, while also discussing Argo Comics, indie publishing, Kickstarter, creator-owned comics, superhero storytelling, and the current state of the comic book industry.Support GWP: Guys With Powers on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dansehn/gwp-guys-with-powersFollow the creators: Ray MacKay: https://www.instagram.com/raymackaywrites/ Argo Comics: https://www.instagram.com/argocomics/Follow USDN:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/USDN_PodcastBusiness / Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.comSupport USDNBCW Supplies Affiliate Link: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse Code: USDNAffiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.#IndieComics #KickstarterComics #ComicBooks #SuperheroComics #CreatorOwnedComics #GWP #GuysWithPowers #ArgoComics #RayMacKay #USDNPodcast
- 2 weeks ago1h 38m
John McLaren of Phantom Ink Comics | ToteMan, Villains Anonymous & Indie Comics
What happens when a lifelong comic fan, toy collector, and convention veteran turns his passion into creator-owned comics?In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with John McLaren of Phantom Ink Comics to discuss the origins of ToteMan, Villains Anonymous, Argyle Avenger, NinjaBoy, and the journey from comic collector to comic creator.John shares the personal inspiration behind ToteMan, including how the character helped explain epilepsy to his son, while also discussing the realities of independent publishing, convention culture, creator-owned storytelling, and the enduring appeal of classic comic book adventures.From Gen X nostalgia and comic collecting to building a universe of original characters, this conversation explores why indie comics continue to thrive through passion, creativity, and community.Follow John McLaren / Phantom Ink Comics:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Gen.X.ToyboxInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/genxtoyboxYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/PhantomInkProductionFollow the USDN Podcast:Linktree:https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast📧 Business / Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com🛒 Support USDN & Protect Your CollectionBCW Supplies Affiliate Link: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse Coupon Code: USDNAffiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.
- 3 weeks ago2h 9m
Jeff Carroll - Why I Love Sci-Fi, Black Speculative Fiction & Hip Hop Horror | USDN Podcast
Sci-fi author, filmmaker, comic creator, and Hip Hop Horror pioneer Jeff Carroll joins The USDN Podcast for a deep conversation about Black speculative fiction, indie comics, Afrofuturism, Hip Hop culture, horror, AI, filmmaking, and the future of storytelling.Inspired by his documentary Why I Love Sci-Fi, Jeff discusses why imagination matters, how science fiction shapes culture, and why indie comics provide creative freedom that Hollywood often cannot.Topics include:Black sci-fi and AfrofuturismIndie comics & creator-owned storytellingHip Hop horrorAI and speculative fictionComic culture & filmmakingDef Comedy Jam and entertainment historyWhy science fiction mattersThis episode explores creator-owned comics, Black sci-fi, speculative storytelling, comic culture, and the future of independent creativity.If you love indie comics, science fiction, horror, Afrofuturism, worldbuilding, creator interviews, or speculative fiction — this episode is for you.🎥 Subscribe to USDN:https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast🎬 Watch “Why I Love Sci-Fi”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJaWn46r69w📸 Follow Jeff Carroll:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coachyojeffFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/CoachYoJeff🌐 Follow USDN:https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast🛒 Support USDN Through Our BCW Affiliate Link:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse Code: USDN for 10% OFF your order.Affiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.
- May 15, 20261h 28m
David Luján - Building Nerida & Creator-Owned Fantasy Comics
On this episode of The USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with David Luján, creator of Nerida, to discuss indie fantasy comics, creator-owned storytelling, folklore inspiration, Kickstarter comics, and building a nine-part fantasy universe from the ground up.David shares how mythology, fairytales, comics like Saga and Akira, and his own artistic journey shaped the world of Nerida. The conversation dives into worldbuilding, emotional storytelling, indie publishing, visual pacing, and the realities of creating comics independently in today’s industry.If you love fantasy comics, indie creators, manga-inspired storytelling, and deep conversations about comic creation, this episode is for you.Follow David Luján / NeridaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neridacomic Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/neridacomic.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.com/@neridacomicFollow USDN PodcastLinktree: https://linktr.ee/USDN_PodcastBusiness / Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.comThe USDN Podcast is a creator-focused media platform spotlighting indie comics, creator-owned storytelling, Kickstarter comics, horror comics, fantasy comics, manga-inspired storytelling, and the creators building the future of independent comics.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.BCW Supplies AffiliateSupport the show using our BCW affiliate link: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse code: USDNAffiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you.
- May 10, 20261h 16m
Todd Black - Seekers of Science and the Future of STEM Comics
Todd Black returns to the USDN Podcast to discuss Seekers of Science; a STEM-focused indie comic series that blends real-world science, educational storytelling, and creator-owned comics.We discuss how the project uses real scientists and real-world scenarios to make science more engaging for younger readers while exploring the role comics can play in education and inspiration.Todd also shares insights into the crowdfunding process, future science topics the series could tackle, and the growing crossover potential between comics, science, and pop culture.Topics include: STEM storytelling in comics Educational indie comics Real science in fiction Kickstarter strategy Hurricane science and disaster recovery Space exploration The future of creator-owned comics Potential Ring of Honor comic discussions 🚀 Kickstarter: https://seekersofscience.com/Kickstarter🎙️ The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life
About The United States Department of Nerds Podcast
USDN Podcast is a cinematic indie comics interview series hosted by the USDN_Chairman and the Council of Nerds spotlighting the creators, storytellers, and worldbuilders shaping the future of independent comics. Each episode dives beyond headlines into the real journeys behind the books from Kickstarter launches and creative struggles to the philosophies driving today’s indie storytelling movement. This isn’t about rumors or recycled news. It’s about the people creating the worlds. Through in-depth conversations, creator spotlights, and crowdfunding discussions, USDN explores: • The rise of indie comics • The business of crowdfunding • The art of worldbuilding • The realities of independent storytelling USDN is where indie comics come to life for the fans, by the creators, and powered by the community.
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