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 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
- 6 days 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.
- 1 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.
- 3 weeks ago1h 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.
- 3 weeks ago1h 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
- May 6, 20261h 9m
Dionne Waterman - From Actress to Comic Book Muse
Dionne Waterman - From Actress to Comic Book MuseWhat does it mean to inspire a comic book character?On this episode of the USDN Podcast, Dionne Waterman (FilmGirlDee) joins us to share her journey from acting into the world of indie comics—where she became the real-life inspiration behind Rita Rivera.We explore how that experience shaped her creative path, leading her into modeling and cosplay for comic book covers, including Marion Maxx, Jenna the beer-loving vampire, and the Witch of Yazoo from Mississippi Macabre project.This conversation breaks down the connection between acting, visual storytelling, and indie comics, offering a unique look at how characters are brought to life both on and off the page.If you’re a fan of indie comics or a creator looking to understand the full creative process behind character development, this episode is for you.🔗 CONNECT WITH DIONNE WATERMAN (FILMGIRLDEE):📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmgirldee/ 🛍️ Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/filmgirldee/shop 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@filmgirldee 🎬 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14069921/ 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@filmgirldee📺 FOLLOW USDN:📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usdn_podcast/ 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@usdn_podcast 🟦 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/usdn-chairman.bsky.social 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usdepartmentofnerds 👥 Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/usdnpodcast🧃 COLLECTOR TIP OF THE WEEK (BCW)Protect your comic collection like a pro.👉 https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn 💥 Use code: USDN for 10% offAffiliate disclosure: USDN may earn a commission if you use our link or code.📩 BUSINESS / MEDIA INQUIRIES: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com🎙️ The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life
- May 4, 20262h 14m
Saurabh Bhatia: Building the Future of Indie Comics with Comix.one
What happens after a successful Kickstarter campaign?On this episode of the USDN Podcast, we sit down with Saurabh Bhatia, founder of Comix.one, to explore the challenges indie comic creators face after crowdfunding—and how his platform aims to solve them.Drawing from his own experience launching a Kickstarter comic, Saurabh breaks down the biggest gaps in the current system: loss of momentum, discoverability issues, and the lack of long-term infrastructure for creators.We discuss: The lifecycle of indie comics after crowdfunding The need for a unified ecosystem for creators Digital and print-on-demand distribution Integrated crowdfunding and fulfillment solutions Creator subscriptions and recurring revenue Live selling, streaming, and fan engagement Building a shared comics economy This episode is a deep dive into the future of indie comics and the systems being built to support creators long-term.🔗 Learn MoreComix.one: https://www.comix.one/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comix_app/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@comix_app📺 WATCH MORE USDN PODCASTYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast💼 BUSINESS / MEDIA INQUIRIESthechairman@usdnpodcast.com🧰 COLLECTOR TIP OF THE WEEKProtect your comic collection with BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse code USDN for 10% off your order.Affiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a commission if you use our link or code.🎙️ ABOUT USDNThe USDN Podcast is a creator-focused media platform spotlighting the people shaping independent comics through cinematic, in-depth conversations.🎙️ The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life
- May 3, 20261h 37m
Parker Newman - City of Demons and Building a 1920s Noir Indie Comic
Parker Newman joins the USDN Podcast to discuss City of Demons, a 12-part indie noir comic set in 1920s Los Angeles and published by Wise Acre Comics.In this episode, Parker shares his journey into comics, from early inspiration to navigating the realities of indie publishing. We dive into how City of Demons evolved from a screenplay into a full comic series, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and the impact of distribution issues on independent creators.This conversation explores the realities behind indie comics — including rejection, persistence, and building a creator-owned project from the ground up.👤 ABOUT PARKER NEWMAN:Parker Newman is the creator of City of Demons, a 12-part noir miniseries set in 1920s Los Angeles and published by Wise Acre Comics. His work blends classic noir storytelling with modern indie comic sensibilities.👤 FOLLOW CITY OF DEMONS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityofdemons_comic📺 WATCH & FOLLOW USDN:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/usdn_podcast Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/usdepartmentofnerds Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/usdnpodcast Threads: https://www.threads.com/@usdn_podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/usdn-chairman.bsky.social🎯 ABOUT USDN PODCAST:Featuring cinematic, in-depth conversations with indie creators building the future of comics.📩 BUSINESS / MEDIA INQUIRIES: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com🧠 COLLECTOR TIP OF THE WEEK:Protect your comic collection with BCW Supplies🛒 https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn 💸 Use code: USDN for 10% offAffiliate 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
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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