Frank sits down with developer and former podcaster Alex Austin to talk about BitCade, a podcast app for iOS and Android that blends listening, creator monetization, and a built in social feed. Alex explains how token based unlocks, short term subscriptions, and low cost in app ad slots help indie shows earn, why BitCade values follow back over follower counts, and how the platform plans to grow with video, live features, and community moderation. Frank also announces a giveaway for 28 Years Later codes on BitCade and Alex pledges to sponsor an extra prize. They wrap with trends across TikTok, YouTube, and video podcasting, plus Alex’s side quest running a trading card shop.

00:00 Introduction and guest welcome
00:18 Alex returns to the mic
00:34 What BitCade is and how Apple Podcast search powers discovery
00:52 Monetization with token bundles and bonus galleries
01:52 Three and six month gallery unlocks
02:22 Why add a social feed and how it differs from typical platforms
03:10 Keeping networks small and easy to filter
03:53 Rewarding mutual follows instead of chasing follower counts
04:07 Bot fatigue and why engagement beats vanity numbers
05:00 TikTok vs Twitter and centering creators in the feed
05:32 How podcasters can use the social feed daily
05:52 Indie ad slots, token costs, and seven day placements
06:59 Extra promo in the feed and merch link options
07:28 Frank’s results after buying a trending slot
08:03 Giveaway on BitCade for 28 Years Later digital codes
08:36 Alex adds a sponsored prize under fifty dollars
09:14 What is next for BitCade and scaling with creators
09:57 Live streams as a likely premium feature
10:11 Building an in house RSS API as usage grows
10:46 Plan to donate most net profits to rotating charities after recouping costs
11:12 Community voting on monthly charities and regional focus
13:00 Moderation approach and future network admin roles
14:58 Keeping the community welcoming and inclusive
16:00 Algorithm whiplash and follower fatigue
16:45 Video uploads, bandwidth realities, and premium bitrates
18:39 YouTube’s share of podcast consumption and what it means
19:33 Why audio still rules for listeners who multitask
20:26 Trend planning and real world data use
21:28 Alex’s trading card shop and pack pulling stories
23:33 The shop with the giant wizard and a dream location
25:43 Geek culture catch up and casting chatter
28:04 How to reach Alex inside the app and episode close

• Alex will sponsor an additional prize under fifty dollars to boost the giveaway.

• Roadmap items include live streaming as a premium feature and a homegrown RSS API to handle scale.

• After recouping development costs, Alex plans to donate most net profits to charities chosen by the community, potentially by region.

• Moderation focuses on safety, verified podcaster admin tools, and daily checks to keep the feed clean and welcoming.

• Video podcasting demand is growing, but audio remains the primary way most people listen while doing other tasks.

• “It should be about the content and about the podcaster.”

• “We reward follow back, not follower counts.”

• “If you are serious about podcasting, grab an indie ad slot and make it work for you.”

• “Once I make my principal back, I want to give the net profits to charity.”

• “Audio is still king for listeners who multitask.”

• GeekFreaksPodcast.com for news mentioned on our shows and network updates

• Find BitCade in the iOS App Store and on Google Play

• Need help claiming your show on BitCade
  Message Alex Austin inside the app

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What creator tools or features would help you most on a podcast app

In this episode of Geek Freaks, we continue our conversation with the crew from Distance Nerding. Liam, Jen, and Matt (aka Graveyard) join us to share how their live show has evolved since its start in 2020, the importance of networking in the podcasting world, and how community engagement fuels their growth. From their origins in online fandoms to running a safe space for geeks to hang out, the team opens up about the challenges and benefits of going live, their favorite fandoms, and their ambitious future plans. We also wrap things up with some fun “Geek Box” questions, revealing the fictional worlds they’d live in, the franchises they’d reboot, and their ultimate comfort shows.

00:00 Introductions to the Distance Nerding crew
01:00 Lessons learned from years of podcasting
02:00 Networking and building a geek community
04:00 How the hosts joined the show and their unique backgrounds
06:00 What makes Distance Nerding’s community different
07:00 Balancing niche passions like horror and sci-fi
09:00 The benefits of going live and engaging with chat
11:00 Conventions and in-person fan interactions
12:00 Live streaming vs. pre-recorded content
14:00 Handling live show challenges and improv moments
16:00 In-person vs. online podcasting dynamics
18:00 Post-pandemic podcast advantages
19:30 Future goals for Distance Nerding
23:40 “Geek Box” question – Fictional universes they’d live in
28:40 “Geek Box” question – Franchises they’d reboot or continue
33:38 “Geek Box” question – Comfort TV shows and movies
39:10 Closing thoughts and where to find Distance Nerding

• Networking is essential to building and sustaining a podcast community.

• Live streaming encourages organic bits, ongoing jokes, and strong audience connections.

• The team blends niche fandoms, from horror to sci-fi, creating a well-rounded geek space.

• In-person convention appearances help expand their reach beyond the live chat.

• Post-pandemic podcasting has opened doors for remote hosting without losing audience engagement.

• Creative future plans include live play RPG content with immersive sound design.

• “Networking is so vital, especially when you’re trying to build community. That’s a big part of podcasting nowadays.” – Liam

• “We’re a lot more casual… it’s how you talk to your geek friends about random matchups.” – Matt (Graveyard)

• “Live is better for off-the-cuff moments. That’s when we’re at our most ourselves.” – Jen

• “I want the terror back in Nightmare on Elm Street. Bring back the fear.” – Matt (Graveyard)

• “Ted Lasso is my go-to feel-good show when I’m feeling down.” – Liam

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Geek Freaks on your favorite podcast app, leave a review to help others discover the show, and share this episode with your fellow geeks. Use #GeekFreaksPodcast when posting about the episode so we can join in on the conversation.

Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all the latest geek news and full episode archives.

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What fictional universe would you want to live in for a year? Send your answer to us through social media or our website for a chance to be featured in a future episode.

Apple Podcast Tags:
Distance Nerding, geek culture podcast, live podcasting, podcast community building, networking for podcasters, horror fandom, sci-fi fandom, comic book fandom, convention culture, post-pandemic podcasting, live streaming tips, geek interviews, podcast improv, comfort TV shows, fictional universes

Timestamps and Topics:Key Takeaways:Quotes:Call to Action:Links and Resources:Follow Us:Listener Questions:

In this powerful episode of Geek Freaks, we sit down with Cindy Mich—award-winning journalist, indie filmmaker, author, and founder of the Art Is Alive Film Festival. Cindy opens up about her roots in writing, the transition into broadcasting, and how she's building platforms to elevate unheard voices. From launching her own magazine, Elegant Expressions, to writing a screenplay for Holocaust survivor Ben Lesser, Cindy shares how personal loss, deep compassion, and sheer determination have shaped her career.

This conversation is packed with insights on independent media, the realities of the film festival world, and how storytelling can create real change.

Timestamps and Topics:
00:00 Welcome and intro to Cindy Mich
00:54 Cindy’s origin story and early influences
02:13 Breaking into journalism without a degree
03:10 Staying authentic in the age of social media
04:18 Jumping into broadcasting via Blogtalk Radio
05:50 Looking back on 450+ interviews
06:53 Radio vs. podcasting in the modern era
08:13 Why writing is still Cindy’s first love
09:03 Choosing the right medium for a story
10:24 The mission behind Elegant Expressions magazine
11:56 Giving voice to indie filmmakers, small businesses, and survivors
13:13 How journalism shaped Cindy’s approach to filmmaking
15:09 Bridging the gap between media and film
17:35 The growth of Art Is Alive Film Festival
19:02 Hybrid distribution model and outreach
21:29 Long-term community building through festivals
23:18 Debunking film festival misconceptions
25:22 Creating lasting connections through collaboration
27:01 The evolution of Cin’s Chat Corner
29:07 Cindy’s work with Holocaust survivor Ben Lesser
31:01 Writing Ben’s screenplay and preserving legacy
33:06 Balancing projects after personal loss
35:28 Healing through storytelling
37:43 Cindy’s personal legacy and final advice

Key Takeaways:

• Cindy built a successful media career through authenticity, persistence, and a commitment to elevating others.

• Art Is Alive isn’t just a festival, it’s a launchpad for indie creators looking to break through the noise.

• Independent filmmakers often don’t understand the business side—Cindy is actively helping them learn.

• She’s currently writing a screenplay about Holocaust survivor Ben Lesser, guided by trust and respect for his voice.

• Personal grief led her to deepen her mission to lift up others who feel invisible.

Memorable Quotes:
🗣️ “Words are magic. They can make people feel, inspire, and move forward.”
🗣️ “If you’re not seen, you’re forgotten. My job is to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
🗣️ “Never do anything for money. Do it because it matters.”

Call to Action:
Enjoyed this conversation with Cindy Mich: https://cindy-mich-award-winning-journalist.yolasite.com/
Subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for the latest geek culture news.

Follow us on social:
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💸 Support us on Patreon: Geek Freaks Patreon

Have a question or want to be featured on a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on any of our socials.

Apple Podcast Tags:
Cindy Mich, Art is Alive Film Festival, indie film, journalism, Elegant Expressions, podcast interview, Holocaust survivor, Ben Lesser, public access TV, indie filmmakers, Geek Freaks, inspirational stories, filmmaking journey, media careers, podcast guest, creative storytelling, geek culture

This week on Geek Freaks Interviews, actor and producer Chris Maher joins Frank to talk about balancing passion and practicality in the film world. From his early days in Omaha theater to earning an economics scholarship in China, Chris shares how his unlikely journey shaped the way he builds a career in indie film. They dive into Nova, his upcoming sci-fi romance that’s grown from a short to a full feature, and talk about his business-minded approach to acting, producing, and investing in his own work. Chris also gets candid about rejection, screen tests, self-funded stunts, and why a headshot and a good class can change your career.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and intro
00:40 – Chris’s acting roots in Omaha
01:48 – Almost became a veterinarian
02:25 – Why he left the arts to study business
05:00 – How modeling brought him back to acting
06:31 – What Nova is and how it evolved into a feature
09:00 – Producing the feature and finding cast
10:25 – Differences between shorts and features
12:26 – Editing, logistics, and post-production
15:05 – Using his background in economics and crypto to fund films
17:06 – Favorite genres: comedy, action, and the struggle of being “big” on camera
20:01 – Doing his own stunts (yes, even jumping out of a car)
21:38 – Constantly auditioning, staying positive
23:00 – When a role is written just for you
24:11 – What it’s like being flown in for a screen test
27:10 – Best advice for new actors (hint: headshots and classes)
30:58 – Upcoming projects: Boardwalk Winter, Vindicator, Hack Job

Key Takeaways:

• Nova is a passion project being developed into a feature after sweeping festivals.

• Chris’s economics degree helps him invest smartly in indie films.

• He emphasizes that auditioning is the real job, and consistency is key.

• His favorite genre to perform is comedy, but he has major respect for dramatic subtlety on camera.

• Acting classes aren’t just educational—they’re networking gold.

• Doing your own stunts might be easier if you grew up without a smartphone.

Quotes to Pull:

• “Auditioning is the real job. Filming is the reward.”

• “Shorts are practice. Features are war.”

• “This business is about longevity. Talent matters, but business acumen keeps you in the game.”

• “They wrote the role for me. That’s the dream.”

Call to Action:
Enjoy the conversation? Subscribe, rate, and review Geek Freaks Interviews wherever you get your podcasts. Tag us with your favorite moment using #GeekFreaksInterviews and check out Chris’s projects like Nova and Boardwalk Winter.

🎙️ Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all our latest news and episodes.

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Send in Your Questions:
Want us to ask your question on the next interview? Message us on socials or through the contact form at GeekFreaksPodcast.com.

Apple Podcast Tags:
Chris Maher, Nova Movie, Indie Actor Interview, Sci-Fi Film, Acting Advice, Boardwalk Winter, Vindicator Film, Geek Freaks Interviews, Indie Film Hustle, Acting Career Tips

In this Geek Freaks Interviews episode, Frank sits down with filmmaker Pascal Bergamin, the creative force behind Portraits of Dangerous Women. Inspired by a collection of quirky vintage photographs, Pascal shares how the idea evolved into a film about grief, connection, and the quiet power of flawed characters.

They dig into the meaning behind the word “dangerous,” what it takes to keep authenticity alive on set, and how indie filmmakers survive the chaos of production and distribution. It’s a deep look at what it means to tell human stories with limited resources but unlimited passion.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Intro and warm-up

• 06:24 Meet Pascal Bergamin

• 07:00 The inspiration behind Portraits of Dangerous Women

• 08:19 A photo book that changed everything

• 10:13 Humor as the bridge between grief and absurdity

• 12:54 Redefining “dangerous”

• 14:23 Letting characters be flawed and real

• 17:10 Casting without auditions and trusting instincts

• 23:00 The unforgettable dog scene

• 25:17 Creating a world that feels familiar but offbeat

• 29:45 How the U.S. release differs from the UK

• 31:02 What indie filmmaking still teaches Pascal

• 36:51 What’s next (and why he’s not rushing it)

Key Takeaways:

• Pascal was inspired by real vintage photographs of women doing unusual things—not crime, but acts of boldness and humor.

• The word “dangerous” in the title reflects unpredictability and spontaneity, not violence or threat.

• His indie film set prioritized time and space for actors, leading to honest performances.

• The cast came together without formal auditions, chosen for chemistry and instinct.

• Distributing an indie film requires just as much hustle as making it.

Memorable Quotes:

• “You don’t have enough time to be nervous.”

• “They’re not trying to be heroes. They’re reacting to life as it comes.”

• “Dangerous doesn’t mean violent. It means unexpected.”

• “Sometimes you just knock on a door with your script in hand and hope for kindness.”

Call to Action:
If you love indie films, bold characters, or the behind-the-scenes grind of filmmaking, don’t miss this conversation. Portraits of Dangerous Women is now available in the U.S. and Canada. Watch the film, then come back and let us know what you think.

Subscribe to Geek Freaks Interviews, leave a rating, and share the episode using #GeekFreaksInterviews.

Links and Resources:
All stories and updates mentioned in this episode can be found at GeekFreaksPodcast.com

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast

• Threads: @geekfreakspodcast

• Twitter: @geekfreakspod

• Facebook: Geek Freaks Podcast

• Patreon: Support Us

Listener Questions:
Have a question for a future guest? Want to suggest someone for the next interview? Message us on socials or through our site. Your voice could be in the next episode.

Apple Podcast Tags:
Pascal Bergamin, portraits of dangerous women, indie filmmaking, director interview, filmmaking podcast, women in film, behind the scenes, Geek Freaks Interviews, creative process, movie interview

In this episode of Geek Freaks Interviews, Frank sits down with the multifaceted Dan Henk—an artist, dark fiction writer, and tattoo veteran—to explore a career built on punk rock attitude, bold art, and haunting stories. Dan walks us through his journey from satirical magazine art to becoming a staple in the tattoo and indie horror scenes. He discusses how personal tragedy and health battles shaped his storytelling and gives us a preview of his upcoming anthology The Joke is on Mankind. Along the way, he shares what it takes to blend visual art and fiction, how community plays a role in independent publishing, and what his future book plans involve—including alien invasions and guerrilla warfare inspired by his military father.

Timestamps and Topics:
00:00 Introduction to Dan Henk
00:36 Dan’s daily creative routine
01:13 Early work in punk magazines and political cartoons
02:54 Transition to book covers and comics
04:04 Tattoo career and NYC hustle
05:08 Surviving personal loss and illness
05:32 Shift toward dark fiction and The Black Seas of Infinity
07:28 Artistic influences and the power of story
08:53 How art inspires writing (and vice versa)
10:01 How personal trauma shaped Dan’s writing urgency
11:13 Preview of new anthology The Joke is on Mankind
13:18 On curating diverse voices in indie horror
14:38 Dan’s podcast and building a creative network
15:43 Newsletter and staying connected with fans
16:39 Future writing plans: Alien invasions and father-son dynamics

Key Takeaways:

• Dan Henk is an artist who channels his life experiences—punk roots, personal loss, and visual storytelling—into dark, compelling fiction.

• His creative process intertwines art and writing, often one inspiring the other.

• His new anthology The Joke is on Mankind draws influence from The Outer Limits and Lovecraftian horror with a focus on story over shock.

• Dan curates a balanced mix of indie and mainstream voices, creating space for underrepresented yet talented creators.

• He emphasizes authenticity over trend, aiming for lasting impact with each project.

• Future projects explore themes of societal collapse and alien invasions, merging real-world military insight with speculative fiction.

Quotes:

"I don’t care what genre it is—as long as it tells a strong story."
"After Monica passed, I realized—I need to get these stories out now."
"Art inspires my writing and writing brings new life to my art. They feed each other constantly."
"You can talk about an idea forever, but at some point, you just have to make it real."

Call to Action:
If you enjoyed this conversation with Dan Henk, don’t forget to subscribe to Geek Freaks Interviews on your favorite podcast app. Leave us a review and share this episode with your fellow horror fans and creatives using the hashtag #GeekFreaksInterviews. For all updates and episode archives, head to GeekFreaksPodcast.com.

Links and Resources:

• Dan Henk’s website and newsletter: danhenk.com

• Preorder The Joke is on Mankind (releasing late June)

• Podcast news source: GeekFreaksPodcast.com

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast

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Listener Questions:
Have a question for our next guest or want to suggest someone to be interviewed? Message us on social or visit our site to drop us a line!

Apple Podcast Tags:
Dan Henk, tattoo artist, horror fiction, indie publishing, punk art, dark fiction, cosmic horror, art and writing, creative process, Geek Freaks Interviews

In this episode of Geek Freaks, Frank sits down once again with comic writer Scott Wilke to talk about his latest installment in the Periwinkle Saga—Frost. Scott reveals the dark holiday-themed universe he's building with gritty one-shots like Cupid and Frost, blending inspiration from John Wick, Pulp Fiction, and classic holiday lore. He also shares what’s coming next in the saga (O’Hare), explores the storytelling challenges of single-issue comics, and teases other upcoming Bad Bug projects including Junk World, Murder Mary, and Xeno Geist. This one’s a must-listen for indie comic fans and anyone who loves morally complex heroes.

Timestamps and Topics:
00:00 Introduction and Scott’s return
00:29 The origin and tone of Frost
01:34 John Wick vibes and Arturo Meza’s vital role
02:16 Expansion plans for the Periwinkle universe
03:35 The mob power vacuum behind the Periwinkle stories
04:07 Why holiday mythology makes a great sandbox
05:13 Morally gray characters and relatability
06:52 The human side of Jack Frost and father-son dynamics
08:09 How Scott collaborates with artist Arturo
09:43 Trusting the artist to elevate the vision
12:09 Writing method and storyboarding for comics
13:35 Film influences in structure and tone
15:28 Why Periwinkle is still a must-read
16:07 Preview of upcoming titles: Junk World, Murder Mary, Xeno Geist
20:07 New artistic collaborations and creative challenges
22:04 Where to follow Scott online
23:10 Kickstarter's evolving role in indie comics
25:10 Passion over profit and creative freedom
25:47 If Scott could write for the Big Two: Superman or Punisher?
27:34 Final thoughts and where to start in the Periwinkle Saga

Key Takeaways:

• Frost is a gritty, John Wick-style one-shot starring Jack Frost as a hitman in a mythological mob war.

• The Periwinkle Saga is building toward crossover stories, but each one-shot can be enjoyed on its own.

• Artist Arturo Meza plays a huge role in maintaining the cohesive tone and world-building.

• Scott uses film structure and storyboard planning to craft compact, character-driven narratives.

• New titles like Junk World and Murder Mary reflect Scott’s range—from space smuggling to fourth-wall-breaking mayhem.

• Kickstarter provides unmatched creative freedom and direct reader engagement for indie creators.

• Despite writing morally gray stories, Scott's dream characters to write include Superman and Punisher.

Quotes:
🗯️ "Frost is my love letter to John Wick... He’s not just a killer—he’s trying to break free of his father’s shadow."
🗯️ "Each one-shot tells its own story, but for those following closely, the saga is building toward something much bigger."
🗯️ "Arturo learned English through Tarantino movies—so our comics were always going to be wild."
🗯️ "Kickstarter is where indie comics thrive. It’s not about profit—it’s about passion and storytelling."

Call to Action:
Love comics with a gritty twist and deep mythology? Subscribe to Geek Freaks and don’t forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Share this episode with fellow comic lovers using #GeekFreaksPodcast and let us know which Periwinkle character you want to see return!

Links and Resources:
🔗 GeekFreaksPodcast.com — Source of all our news and updates
📖 Follow Scott on Instagram: @scottwilke24
🎯 Back his comics on Kickstarter and find his work via Bad Bug Media

Follow Us:
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Listener Questions:
Have a question for Scott or want us to explore a specific indie comic on the next episode? DM us or email through GeekFreaksPodcast.com!

Apple Podcast Tags:
Scott Wilke, Periwinkle Saga, Frost Comic, Indie Comics, Bad Bug Media, Kickstarter Comics, Comic Book Writer, Comic Book Interview, John Wick Inspired Comics, Holiday Comic Universe, Geek Culture

In this episode of Geek Freaks Interviews, Frank is joined by Mark Domeier, a passionate middle school English teacher from Minnesota who uses comic books and pop culture to bring reading and writing to life for his students. With a collection of over 14,000 comics, Mark shares how he leverages his love for superheroes and stories like Star Wars, The Outsiders, and even The Mandalorian to make literature relevant and fun. We explore how comic books support reading comprehension, creativity, and engagement, and how fandom can help students find their voice in writing. Whether you're an educator, comic lover, or lifelong geek, this episode is full of inspiration.

Timestamps and Topics:

00:00 – Intro and welcome
00:22 – Mark’s comic collection and using comics in education
01:08 – Visual storytelling and reading comprehension
02:53 – Mark’s first comic subscription and lifelong love of Spider-Man
04:22 – From Marvel to DC: Expanding fandom
05:59 – What inspired Mark to become a teacher
07:07 – Encouraging reading through comics and creative assignments
08:01 – Teaching with Star Wars in the classroom
09:57 – Using essays to analyze Star Wars and develop critical thinking
11:29 – Comics in lessons: Drawing stories, analyzing narratives
13:17 – Creative final projects: Comic books, screenplays, and songs
16:08 – Fighting for creativity in the age of AI
18:23 – Middle school creativity vs. deeper literary structures
21:08 – MCU, Mandalorian, and how current media inspires students
23:37 – From the classroom to pop culture essays and fandom discussion
25:01 – Connecting WWII and Star Wars in teaching Anne Frank
26:32 – Fandoms showing students what makes a good person
29:07 – Using sports fandom in class to build engagement
30:55 – Funko Pops, Stephen King, and knowing your students
33:02 – Meeting students where they are and guiding them forward
35:40 – Advice for teachers using fandom in education
38:29 – Closing thoughts and gratitude

Key Takeaways:

• Comics can help students visualize and understand stories, boosting comprehension and engagement.

• Students are more likely to connect with material when they see their interests and strengths reflected in it.

• Pop culture like Star Wars and the MCU can be tools for teaching analysis, persuasive writing, and historical parallels.

• Offering students options in how they express learning—whether through art, comics, or music—promotes creativity.

• Teachers must adapt to their students’ learning styles and passions, especially in a world increasingly impacted by AI.

• Fandom isn’t just entertainment—it’s a pathway to deeper learning and connection.

Memorable Quotes:

• “If you read 20 or 25 comic books, that’s the same as reading a novel.”

• “Every student should read The Outsiders. I’ve taught it almost every year of my career.”

• “I’m just going to go out kicking and screaming, fighting to make kids be creative.”

• “I remember being a kid and wishing that I could be bitten by a radioactive spider.”

Call to Action:
If you loved this episode, subscribe to Geek Freaks Interviews on your favorite podcast app. Leave us a review, share the episode with your fellow educators and comic fans, and tag us with your thoughts using #GeekFreaksPod!

Links and Resources:
🌐 GeekFreaksPodcast.com — Source for all our news and episodes

Follow Us:
📱 Facebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast
📸 Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast
🐦 Twitter: @geekfreakspod
💬 Threads: @geekfreakspodcast
🎧 Patreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast

Listener Questions:
Have a question for Mark or thoughts on using comics in the classroom? Send them our way and we might include them in a future episode!

Apple Podcast Tags:
comics, education, Star Wars, Marvel, teaching strategies, pop culture in school, middle school reading, student creativity, graphic novels in education, Geek Freaks Interviews

In this episode of Geek Freaks Interviews, Frank sits down with acclaimed author Barry Lyga to explore his multifaceted writing career spanning comics, YA thrillers, and prose adaptations of iconic superhero stories. Barry opens up about his journey from comics to novels, his work on the I Hunt Killers trilogy, how he crafted Thanos' backstory for Marvel Studios, and what it was like building an alternate DC Universe through The Flash book series. From creating Free Comic Book Day to writing some of the darkest scenes of his career, Barry brings insight, humor, and a deep love for the medium.

Timestamps and Topics:
00:00 Intro and Barry Lyga’s career overview
00:32 From comics to novels: The origin of Fanboy and Goth Girl
02:07 Common theme: Writing from the outsider’s perspective
03:37 Writing Wolverine: Worst Day Ever and the young outsider angle
04:24 How comics shaped his prose style and genre-blending
06:27 Switching genres with I Hunt Killers
08:11 Making dark characters likable
09:15 Challenges writing from a new POV and writing Superman
11:15 Behind the scenes of The Flash tie-in novels
14:17 Using obscure DC characters like Ambush Bug
18:14 Capturing Barry Allen’s voice and injecting science
20:52 Writing Thanos: Titan Consumed for the MCU
23:00 The challenge of creating Thanos without key Marvel characters
27:17 Matching the tone of Infinity War without seeing it
28:43 Thanos’ logic and why doubling resources wouldn't work
29:32 The origin of Free Comic Book Day
33:11 Modern comic book accessibility and barriers
35:53 The limits of digital comics today
38:16 The release of Before the Hunt and going indie
40:31 Final thoughts and where to find Barry’s books

Key Takeaways:

• Barry Lyga’s stories consistently center around outsiders, a reflection of his own childhood.

• His novel Wolverine: Worst Day Ever explores being an outsider among outsiders.

• Writing Thanos: Titan Consumed required building a full backstory that matched the MCU without relying on comic continuity.

• The Flash book series was set in an alternate timeline to allow more creative freedom while respecting CW’s canon.

• Free Comic Book Day began as a brainstorm to unite the comic book industry and increase visibility for local shops.

• Barry's newest release, Before the Hunt, is a self-published anthology of prequel stories to I Hunt Killers.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I think outsiders typically have a really interesting perspective on what’s going on.”

• “Creation is harder than destruction—that’s why Thanos didn’t double resources.”

• “You don’t have to be one kind of writer. It’s all about the story.”

• “I almost jumped out of my seat when I saw Infinity War. I thought, that’s my Thanos.”

• “Stop recommending Watchmen to new readers.”

Call to Action:
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Apple Podcast Tags:
Barry Lyga, I Hunt Killers, Thanos Titan Consumed, Wolverine Worst Day Ever, The Flash CW, comic book adaptations, superhero novels, writing tips, Marvel books, DC Universe books, Free Comic Book Day

In this episode of Geek Freaks Interviews, Frank sits down with Richard Sparks, writer of the epic fantasy series New Rock New Roll, New Rock New Realm, and the upcoming New Rock New Rules. Richard, a seasoned screenwriter turned novelist, shares how his background in gaming and storytelling led him to build a world where RPG avatars become real. From crafting immersive friendships to battling ogres with orcs, Richard discusses the challenges of writing layered adventures and how great story structure is the foundation of it all. We also explore his creative process, his Tolkien influence, and the exciting potential for a film or series adaptation.

Timestamps and Topics:

00:00 Introduction to Richard Sparks and the New Rock series
00:18 How gaming inspired the novels
00:56 Writing the first book in two months
01:40 The main characters and their transformation into avatars
02:45 Orcs, magic, and humorous worldbuilding
03:28 Expanding the world beyond the original story
04:06 Upcoming third book and Halloween launch
05:11 How the characters evolve beyond their real-life players
06:00 Building fantasy stories using game mechanics and puzzles
07:12 Mysteries and reader immersion
08:19 Puzzles, prophecies, and foreshadowing in book three
09:48 Reader and character discovery unfolding together
10:33 Early love for Tolkien and fantasy inspiration
12:01 Tolkien’s writing habits and influence on Sparks
13:28 The film rights and hopes for adaptation
15:26 Lessons from decades of screenwriting
17:20 From showing to telling—shifting from script to novel
19:32 Layering clues for long-term story payoffs
21:04 Letting characters dictate their journey
22:24 Scaling stories from epic to personal
24:00 Narrative structure and balancing multiple storylines
26:16 Lessons from directing and acting workshops
30:00 Overcoming rejection and growing as a storyteller
33:00 Adventures in publishing, writing, and surviving the industry
36:15 Pranks, ogres, and organic character moments
39:00 Planning ahead while leaving room for surprises
40:30 The illusionist's trick—crafting a worthy ending
41:02 Final thoughts and where to get the books

Key Takeaways:

• New Rock New Roll began as a fantasy inspired by online gaming but evolved into a layered, character-driven series with real emotional depth.

• Richard emphasizes the importance of story structure, learned from his decades as a screenwriter and director.

• Humor, mystery, and friendship are core pillars of the New Rock world.

• Writing ahead, knowing your ending, and embracing rewrites are essential to strong fantasy storytelling.

• Film and TV adaptations are in early development, with industry interest in building a new fantasy franchise from Sparks’ world.

• Tolkien’s influence runs deep, and Sparks shares personal connections and insights into the master’s creative legacy.

Quotes:

“You’ve got to learn how to get out of your own way as a writer.”
“The readers deserve to be put on an armchair ride and given a good adventure.”
“All the best stories are the same but different.”
“The times when you’re not writing are the ones that hurt.”
“You’re the illusionist. The whole time, you’ve got them looking one way while you’re building something else.”

Links and Resources:
📘 Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all the latest episodes, articles, and news
📚 Check out Richard Sparks’ books at RichardSparks.com
🎉 Learn more about the upcoming launch at the World Fantasy Convention

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Apple Podcast Tags:
fantasy fiction, RPG novels, geek culture, author interview, Tolkien inspiration, writing advice, book series, screenwriting, story structure, podcast interview, fantasy author, creative writing, Geek Freaks