The United States Department of Nerds Podcast

In this episode of the USDN Podcast, we welcome Jasmine Crawshaw to discuss her gothic supernatural horror story The Hangwoman, featured in the AHA! Horror Anthology.

Set during a time of witch trials and fear-driven justice, The Hangwoman explores themes of corruption, systemic power, and vengeance through the story of Elizabeth Hill, a woman wrongfully executed who returns to claim justice.

This conversation dives into the deeper philosophy of horror storytelling, including why meaningful horror must reflect real-world fear, social anxiety, and the consequences of unchecked authority.

We also explore the resurgence of gothic horror and why themes of “otherness” and persecution remain relevant in today’s world.

If you’re a fan of indie comics, horror storytelling, and creator-driven narratives, this episode delivers insight into both craft and meaning.

🎙️ ABOUT THE GUEST

Jasmine Crawshaw is a writer featured in the AHA! Horror Anthology, bringing gothic horror to life through stories rooted in injustice, atmosphere, and psychological depth.

🌐 https://www.jasminegcrawshaw.com/
📸 https://www.instagram.com/jasmine_g_crawshaw/

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The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life

#indiecomics #horrorcomics #gothichorror #AHAanthology #USDNPodcast #writingtips #storytelling

AHA! Episode 5 - The Bearer: Body Horror, Science, and Obsession

In this episode of The USDN Podcast - where indie comics come to life, The Chairman sits down with Manoj Gedela and Lucas “Squidz” McKenzie to explore The Bearer, a chilling entry in the AHA! Horror Anthology.

This conversation dives into the creative process behind a story that blends body horror, science, and obsession, following a scientist who pushes his own body beyond human limits in pursuit of something greater.

Together, they discuss:

•  The origins of The Bearer
•  The role of science in horror storytelling 
•  The influence of real-world biology 
•  Visualizing transformation through art 
•  The balance between horror and meaning 

At its core, this episode explores a powerful question:
 👉 What happens when the pursuit of creation becomes an act of obsession?

🎙️ GUESTS

Manoj Gedela: https://www.instagram.com/_mgedela/
Lucas McKenzie: https://www.instagram.com/squidzmckenzie/

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The USDN Podcast - where indie comics come to life.

Steve Honeycutt joins The USDN Podcast to discuss Escape To Earth #5 - the final issue of his sci-fi dinosaur comic series.

In this episode, we explore the journey behind Escape To Earth, from its roots in serialized storytelling to its cinematic, action-driven conclusion.

Steve shares insights on building a unique world that blends fugitives, alien forces, and prehistoric Earth — while also reflecting on what it takes to finish an indie comic series.

We also dive into:

• The evolution of Adam (The Zero Thief) 
• The role of E-Ka and thematic depth 
• Transitioning from audio storytelling to comics 
• Lessons learned from completing a full series 
• The Kickstarter campaign for the final issue 

If you're passionate about indie comics, storytelling, and creator-driven projects — this episode is for you.

📚 Kickstarter:
 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/escapetoearth2/escape-to-earth-1-5-complete-dino-sci-fi-comic-series

🌐 Website:
 https://reptilianmedia.com/

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🎙️ The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life

🎙️ Travis James - Inking Horror & Bringing AHA to Life

In this episode of The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life, we sit down with artist and inker Travis James to explore the craft behind one of the most overlooked yet essential roles in comic creation.

From rediscovering his passion for comics later in life to developing a disciplined daily art routine, Travis shares his journey into the world of inking and how it shapes the final look and feel of a story.

We also dive into his work on CHK Comics Presents: AHA - A Horror Anthology, including his contributions to the chilling story “Pete’s Meat” and how inking plays a critical role in building tension, atmosphere, and visual storytelling in horror comics.

🧠 In this episode, we discuss:

•  The role of an inker in comic book production 
•  How line work and shadow impact storytelling 
•  Travis’ path from hobbyist to working artist 
•  The importance of repetition, feedback, and growth 
•  Behind-the-scenes insights into AHA: A Horror Anthology 

🔗 Follow Travis James:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travisjamesinks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travis.james.inks/
All Links: https://lnk.bio/travisjamesinks

🚀 Support the AHA Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/imchrisstall/chk-comics-presents-aha-a-horror-anthology?ref=profile_created&category_id=249

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🎙️ About The USDN Podcast:
Hosted by The Chairman, The USDN Podcast is a creator-focused media platform spotlighting indie comic creators, crowdfunding campaigns, and the voices shaping the future of independent storytelling.

New episodes weekly.

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast

🌐 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast

📩 Business / Media Inquiries: [email protected]

Tony Kapp joins The USDN Podcast to discuss #HexTheMoon, his chilling entry in CHK Comics Presents: AHA - A Horror Anthology.

This episode explores psychological horror rooted in modern online culture, touching on themes of loneliness, digital influence, and manipulation.

Featuring artwork by Chaz Hoar
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chazzlets/

Catch Chaz at:
Portsmouth Comic Con (May 2–3)
London MCM Comic Con (May 22–24)
Thought Bubble (Nov 14–15)

Support the Kickstarter:
 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/imchrisstall/chk-comics-presents-aha-a-horror-anthology?ref=android_project_share

Follow Anthony Knapp:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mistadark/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mistadark.bsky.social

🔗 Follow USDN Podcast:

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The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life

Zach Zeman joins The USDN Podcast to break down GHOSTWOOD - a genre-blending indie comic exploring paranormal investigations, hidden government agencies, and supernatural mysteries.

In this episode, we dive into the creation of Ghostwood, a world where a secret organization monitors paranormal activity across a fictional U.S. state - uncovering cases that go far beyond traditional crime stories.

We explore:

•  Zach’s transition from screenwriting to comics 
•  The influence of horror classics like EC Comics, X-Files, and Buffy 
•  The structure behind Ghostwood’s “monster-of-the-week” storytelling 
•  Long-term worldbuilding and character arcs 
•  The realities of indie comic creation and distribution 

If you’re into horror, supernatural storytelling, and indie comics, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

📖 Read Ghostwood:

https://globalcomix.com/c/ghostwood
http://patreon.com/GhostwoodComic

🌐 Follow Ghostwood:

https://www.instagram.com/ghostwood_comic
https://www.threads.com/@ghostwood_comic
https://www.facebook.com/61569206552375/

🎙️ ABOUT USDN PODCAST

Hosted by The Chairman, The USDN Podcast is a creator-focused media platform spotlighting indie comic creators, storytellers, and worldbuilders shaping the future of comics.

✔ Indie creator interviews
✔ Kickstarter campaigns
✔ Worldbuilding & storytelling craft
✔ Creator-owned publishing insights

Subscribe and join the Council of Nerds.

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🎙️ The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life.

Duke Electric & Miguel Santiago - AHA! Horror Anthology Episode 2: Too Late to Save Them

On this episode of The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life, we’re joined by Duke Electric and Miguel Santiago to discuss their contribution to AHA! (A Horror Anthology).

This story explores one of the deepest fears imaginable, a parent realizing something is wrong with their child. What begins as a subtle moment of doubt evolves into a psychological horror story rooted in identity, AI, and the loss of control.

We break down:

•  The real-world fears that inspired the story 
•  How tension and unease drive the narrative 
•  The concept of biocomputers and AI influence 
•  The collaboration between writer and artist 
•  The devastating ending and what it represents 

AHA! is more than a horror anthology it’s a platform for creators to tell bold, unsettling stories and bring new voices into the indie comics space.

Support the Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/imchrisstall/chk-comics-presents-aha-a-horror-anthology?ref=profile_created&category_id=249

Follow the creators:
Duke Electric: https://bsky.app/profile/dukeelectric.bsky.social
Miguel Santiago: https://bsky.app/profile/migs-ink.bsky.social

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The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life

Alex De Luca - Building Dragon Whisperer & a Steampunk Comic Universe

In this episode of The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life, The Chairman sits down with comic creator Alex De Luca.

From his early days discovering comics in a small newsstand to breaking into the industry through persistence and passion, Alex shares the full journey behind his career.

We explore the creation of Dragon Whisperer, a steampunk fantasy story that flips the traditional dragon narrative by focusing on communication instead of conflict. 

Alex also dives into:

• His creative process as a writer and letterer 
• The importance of collaboration in comics 
• The realities of breaking into the comic industry 
• How personal life experiences shape storytelling 

🔗 CHECK OUT ALEX DE LUCA

Dragon Whisperer:
https://www.red5comics.com/dragon-whisperer

Fallen (Red 5 Comics):
https://www.red5comics.com/fallen-1

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/alexbabyblue

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/alexanderbabyblue/

Bluesky:
https://bsky.app/profile/alexgdeluca.bsky.social

📢 SUPPORT USDN

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Alim Leggett joins The USDN Podcast to discuss his LIVE Kickstarter campaign for The Diary of Sweet Pea #3.

At the center of the story is Imani Williams, a young girl whose powers are triggered by grief, trauma, and emotional intensity. These abilities manifest subconsciously, acting as both protection and danger as her world expands beyond a personal story into something far more complex.

In this episode, we explore:
• The emotional foundation of Sweet Pea
• How trauma influences storytelling and character design
• The progression from issue #1 through #3
• Kickstarter strategy and backer value
• Why creator-owned comics matter

🚀 Back the campaign:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sweetpeacomic/the-diary-of-sweet-pea-1-3

Follow Sweet Pea Comic:
https://www.facebook.com/sweetpeacomic
https://www.instagram.com/sweetpea_comic/

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📩 Business / Media Inquiries: [email protected]

The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life.

In this episode of The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life, The Chairman sits down with Alejandro Rosales Duran, creator of Drako & Sambos Inc., to discuss what it really takes to build a comic universe from scratch.

Coming from Colombia, Alejandro is working to create his own lane in the global comic space — developing original characters, telling new stories, and building a creator-owned brand from the ground up.

The conversation explores:
• Alejandro’s origin story and early inspirations
• The creation of Drako & Sambos Inc.
• His comic project Archer of Heat
• The realities of the indie creator grind
• Social media strategies for artists
• The importance of consistency and enjoying the creative process

This episode is a deep dive into the mindset, discipline, and vision required to build something of your own in the indie comic space.

📍 Follow Alejandro:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drakoandsambosinc
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/alejorosales94

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrakoAndSambosInc

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drakoandsambosinc01

📺 USDN YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast

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Affiliate disclosure: USDN may earn a commission if you use our link or code.

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