Two Geeks Talking

Jen Bateman returns to Two Geeks Talking, as we discuss their 1000 page trilogy: 'Behind The 8-Ball' comic anthology. It has been a few years since our last interview so there was plenty to talk about from their creative process, to becoming President of the Minnesota Comic Book Association (MNCBA) and modernizing that organization, to finding the right people and volunteers! We even talk about how AI and conventions and the invasion of personal and critical thinking has reduced creativity!

Conor McCreery, co-creator of Kill Shakespeare and writer of the new YA graphic novel The Last Witch, joins Two Geeks Talking (after five years) to dissect the psychology of defiance, the cost of magic, and how to subvert clichés in storytelling. They explore the tactical decisions behind building a powerhouse creative team, the personal fears that shape compelling characters, and why great fantasy demands uncomfortable truths. Plus, Conor reveals the folklore that scared him, the YA tropes he’s “killing,” and the one line from The Last Witch he’d tattoo on his arm.

Ari Gross joins Two Geeks Talking to discuss Upkeep, a dark comedy comic about first-time home buyers in Toronto who turn to murder to protect their lavish lifestyle. This satire horror series skewers modern home ownership, raising a family, and the absurd hunt for daycare. Life isn't easy in Toronto. The line between satire and horror, and why this comic hits way too close to home. Expect rapid-fire questions, behind-the-scenes chaos, and at least one joke about hiding real estate agents in basements.

Chapters:

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DeWayne Dority started his comic journey writing horror comics and his own Wake Comics Universe. When COVID hit he decided to switch gears and write a Dr. Seuss inspired children's comic book called: Shape Master; for his autistic son.

With Liar his newest comic with a Kickstarter already on the go, he creates comics between horror and children's books whether its on his YouTube Channel or in interviews like this one.

Featuring: Amy Letts (*Creator of Epic Fail & Organizer of Caption UK)

Ever abandoned a creative project—only to resurrect it years later?

Amy Letts, the sharp-witted mind behind cult webcomic Epic Fail, just pulled off a double revival:

Her own work (Epic Fail returns after 14 years—why now?)

An entire indie comics festival (Caption UK, Oxford’s legendary small-press gathering)

In this episode, we dig into:

The "long game" of creative work—Why stepping away isn’t quitting (and how to know when to come back).

Organizing a DIY festival—Budget hacks, volunteer wrangling, and why small press still matters in a digital age.

The "Epic Fail" philosophy—How embracing messiness leads to better art (and fewer meltdowns).

The real cost of hiatus—Audience drift, platform changes, and rebuilding momentum.

Whether you’ve got a half-finished project in your closet or dream of rallying a community, Amy’s story is a masterclass in creative resilience.

In this episode, Adriano Ariganello creator of Pesto Comics publishing and the indie comic force behind his most recent wrestling-infused series From Parts Unknown (Issues #4 and #5). 

We dive into:

"What if the secret to great storytelling was playing an online game with your guild?"

In this episode, I sit down with Richard Sparks, the imaginative mind behind the New Rock novel series (New Rock, New Role and New Rock, New Realm) available on Amazon, to explore how gaming, language, and fandom shape extraordinary fiction.

Richard’s journey is anything but ordinary:

"Sometimes the most pivotal moments in life come from the most unexpected places."

In this episode, I sit down with Rich Davis, an Eisner-nominated comic writer and the mastermind behind gripping series like Cult of Dracula, Rise of Dracula, Prometheus in Chains, REIGN OF DRACULA, and his latest project, Angel/Hunter.

Rich’s journey is a testament to the power of serendipity, passion, and relentless curiosity. We dive into:

Rich is one of those rare creators who radiates enthusiasm for his work, and this conversation is packed with insights for writers, artists, and anyone looking to turn their passion into a life’s work.

Just like that meme: "What Does An Audio Engineer Do do do do..." Jay Yow has had a successful 16 year career as an Audio, Music, Podcast Engineer with his own work and being a Producer on The James Altucher Show.  As an engineer he's learned a few tricks of the trade from managing issues on the fly, to giving a master class in under 10 minutes to fledgling Engineers. We dove into Tech of a successful podcast; How to properly use AI for your podcast / engineering job, The use of Descript and much more!

Musician William John Titus Bishop grew up with music on the mind and in the soul. From his days being classically trained in Cello to learning the drums and the guitar on his own, he has taken his love of music to the next level by learning the folk styling of Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, Janis Joplin and more.