Simmons Here And Now

  • Autor: Vários
  • Narrador: Vários
  • Editor: Podcast
  • Duración: 320:45:31
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Sinopsis

Where we'll talk about books, comics, film, conventions, and other creative arts and pop culture topics.

Episodios

  • Tell The Damn Story, ep 365: How Balance Creativity with Real-World Impact and Sugar Shock Cookies!

    25/05/2025 Duración: 01h20min

    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

  • Tell The Damn Story ep, 364: From Hidden Histories to Universal Themes: How Global Artists Redefine Cultural Identity in Comics & Animation

    18/05/2025 Duración: 01h22min

    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

  • Tell The Damn Story, #363: "How to Craft Timeless Stories: Secrets from the Twilight Zone"

    11/05/2025 Duración: 46min

    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

  • Tell The Damn Story, 362: Creative Collaboration or Digital Devil? The Best AI Practices for Writers

    04/05/2025 Duración: 49min

    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

  • Tell The Damn Story, 361: Walking Dead and The Last of Us: The Controversy Over Major Character Deaths

    27/04/2025 Duración: 48min

    "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

  • Tell The Damn Story, ep 360: Crafting a Killer’s Mind: The Poetic Fusion Behind Chris Ryan’s New Book

    20/04/2025 Duración: 45min

    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

  • Tell The Damn Story, ep 359: How’d They Create A Play With An Assassin, A Black Ghost, and Sherlock Holmes

    13/04/2025 Duración: 01h23min
  • Tell The Damn Story, ep 358: From Index Cards to Jelly Donuts_The Prompt-Powered Cure for Writer’s Block

    06/04/2025 Duración: 22min

    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, ep 357: Creative Fusion- Omar Holman Explores Comic Heroes and Spoken Word Poetry

    30/03/2025 Duración: 01h17min

    "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 ..

  • Tell The Damn Story, ep 356: Diving into the Genre of Pulp Fiction: Secrets of Writing Thrilling Adventures

    23/03/2025 Duración: 01h06min

    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

  • Tell The Damn Story ep 355: How To Write When the World Is in Turmoil - Overcoming Aggressive Avoidance

    16/03/2025 Duración: 35min

    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  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  • Tell The Damn Story, ep 354 : The Greatest Writing Roadblocks_ How to Overcome Procrastination and Self-Doubt.

    09/03/2025 Duración: 58min

    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

  • Tell The Damn Story, HIATUS 3: Replay of Ep 300, Crafting Careers From A Writers' Round Table!

    02/03/2025 Duración: 01h08min

    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

  • Tell The Damn Story, HIATUS 2: Revisiting Episode 200 Celebration - Inspiring Journeys, Writing Advice, and Memorable Guests

    23/02/2025 Duración: 59min

    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

  • Tell The Damn Story On HIATUS: Enjoy A Return To Ep. 100

    16/02/2025 Duración: 59min

    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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

  • Tell The Damn Story, Celebrating Our 350th: Why We Still Share Writer Insights and Techniques

    09/02/2025 Duración: 01h15min

    How do you deal with your greatest challenge?Do you have a mentor?What writer or their works inspires you?In celebration of our 350th episode, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan are joined by an inspiring panel of guests, including Jeannine Acheson, Tom Sniegoski, and Rebecca Cuthbert.Together, they reflect on the essence of storytelling, the mentors who guided them, and the power of sharing knowledge within the writing community.Tune in as we explore personal anecdotes, lessons learned, and the universal struggles that unite all writers.Plus, enjoy some exciting plugs from our guests about their latest projects!Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, this milestone episode promises insights and inspiration for your creative journey.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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Y

  • Tell The Damn Story, ep 349: "How to Navigate the Challenges of Writing Iconic Characters”

    02/02/2025 Duración: 01h10min

    Today, we dive deep into the trials, triumphs, and unique nuances of writing iconic characters. Co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan as they share their incredible experiences and insights from penning legendary figures like Batman, Scooby Doo, Tarzan, and even contemporary historical characters such as Barack Obama. From the essential do's and don'ts of maintaining the essence of these beloved icons to injecting them with fresh, modern twists, Alex and Chris provide invaluable advice for aspiring and seasoned writers. Discover how they navigated the editorial demands and remained faithful to the characters while still making their mark with personal and socially relevant storytelling. Whether crafting short stories for anthology tributes or tackling full-fledged adventures in popular comic strips, the co-hosts discuss the importance of homework, practice runs, and respecting the rich history of these multifaceted characters. So, stick around if you've ever dreamed of writing your iconic charac

  • Tell The Damn Story, ep 348: Unleash Your Inner Author_ 15 Tips to Transform Your Writing Journey!

    26/01/2025 Duración: 01h24min

    Today’s episode is brimming with essential advice to boost your writing journey.  Cohosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan tackle pressing questions from our listeners, covering topics such as meeting deadlines, staying inspired, understanding plot structures, and managing different genres.  We also touch on deeper questions about your identity as a writer and dealing with rejections. Stick around for bonus insights that many writers grapple with.  Tune in, and let’s ignite your creative spark and elevate your writing game together! Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you're enjoying these episodes, take a moment to help wet our whistle and click on the link to ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠

  • Tell The Damn Story, ep 347: How to Promote Your Work Fantastically_ The Journey to Author Success

    19/01/2025 Duración: 01h25min

    How Many Creative Ways Do You Know to Promote Your Writing? How can we be our own promotion and sales department?  In this episode, Alex Simmons and co-host Chris Ryan ask that question of Rebecca Cuthbert (author, editor, professor). The three creatives get into an informative conversation that will help you jump-start your promotional strategies and get you on the path to author success.  In this episode, Alex, Chris, and Rebecca explore many best practices that aspiring and established writers can leverage without spending much money.  They also highlight how uncertainty and negative self-image can sabotage your promotional efforts. From the crucial importance of having a promotion plan to building a supportive community to the nuances of social media engagement and participating in events, Rebecca generously shares her wealth of experience.  So, whether you're just starting your writing journey or want to boost your promotional efforts, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice

  • Tell The Damn Story, ep 346: Uncover the Secrets_ Why Writing Techniques Captivate Human Minds

    12/01/2025 Duración: 01h09min

    How To Hook Into Your Audiences' Emotions. In this compelling and illuminating episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons delve into the intricate world of flawed heroes and captivating villains by deeply analyzing classic and modern narratives.  They look at how a character’s actions, flaws, and backstory trigger emotions in your audience. Buckle up as they unveil the storytelling secrets behind such iconic characters as Doc Savage, Captain Ahab, and Frohdo, to name a few.  The boys explore the moral and emotional evolution of the characters' complexity over the decades. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you're enjoying these episodes, take a moment to help wet our whistle and click on the link to ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Co

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