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Alley Chats

Arts & Culture Podcasts

Welcome to Alley Chats — where creativity meets conversation. In each episode, we step into the alley for unfiltered, inspiring talks with creators of all kinds — from authors and artists to podcasters, performers, and innovators. Hosted by Rob Southgate from the Southgate Media Group, Alley Chats is your backstage pass into the minds of people shaping pop culture, one project at a time. Whether you're looking for creative motivation, behind-the-scenes insight, or just great storytelling, you'll find it here. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and join us in the alley — where great conversations happen.

Location:

United States

Description:

Welcome to Alley Chats — where creativity meets conversation. In each episode, we step into the alley for unfiltered, inspiring talks with creators of all kinds — from authors and artists to podcasters, performers, and innovators. Hosted by Rob Southgate from the Southgate Media Group, Alley Chats is your backstage pass into the minds of people shaping pop culture, one project at a time. Whether you're looking for creative motivation, behind-the-scenes insight, or just great storytelling, you'll find it here. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink, and join us in the alley — where great conversations happen.

Twitter:

@rsouthgate

Language:

English

Contact:

8479759147


Episodes
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Phil Mucci | Comic Creator and Filmmaker

10/14/2025
🎙️ Alley Chats – Episode: Blood, Grit & Grindhouse: The Wild Worlds of Phil Mucci In this electrifying episode of Alley Chats, Rob sits down with filmmaker, photographer, and comic creator Phil Mucci, whose work is a love letter to the psychedelic horror and exploitation cinema of the 1960s and 70s — reimagined for the modern era. From his early days as a NYC music and fashion photographer, Phil’s creative journey took him from behind the camera to the world of film and graphic storytelling. His award-winning short films The Listening Dead and Far Out gained international acclaim, paving the way for a series of iconic music videos for artists like Metallica, Disturbed, Korn, and High on Fire. Now, Phil brings his signature cinematic style to the comic page with Professor Dario Bava: Orgy of the Blood Freaks, a delirious, blood-soaked homage to classic Euro-horror, and Gringo Loco, a supernatural spaghetti western dripping with grit, style, and supernatural vengeance. Both series are released through his own indie powerhouse, Diabolik LLC. We discuss: Phil’s evolution from photographer to filmmaker to comic creator The visual storytelling techniques that connect his music videos to his graphic novels The allure of Euro-horror and grindhouse aesthetics His creative process in building worlds that blend horror, fantasy, and pulp Independent publishing and creating art outside the studio system Why practical effects and analog vibes still matter in a digital world If you love grindhouse cinema, psychedelic horror, or DIY art with attitude, this episode will ignite your creative imagination. 🔗 Connect with Phil Mucci 🌐 Website: www.professordariobava.com 📖 Goodreads: Phil Mucci on Goodreads 📸 Instagram: @diabolikllc 📘 Facebook: Diabolik Films 🔑 Keywords: Phil Mucci, Professor Dario Bava, Gringo Loco, Euro-horror, grindhouse comics, Diabolik LLC, horror filmmaker, music videos, supernatural western, independent publishing 🔥 Hashtags: #PhilMucci #ProfessorDarioBava #GringoLoco #EuroHorror #GrindhouseComics #DiabolikLLC #HorrorArt #IndieComics #AlleyChatsPodcast #CultCinema Diabolik LLC www.professordariobava.com www.diabolikfilms.com www.instagram.com/diabolikfilms www.facebook.com/DiabolikFilms _____________________________________________________________________ One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Find Alley Chats at: southgatemediagroup.com https://www.facebook.com/alleychats patreon.com/southgatemediagroup Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup

Duration:00:35:36

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Jason Huls | Filmmaker

9/25/2025
🎙 Alley Chats Podcast: Jason Huls – Horror Stories on Page and Screen In this episode of Alley Chats, Rob sits down with Jason Huls, a filmmaker and horror writer whose chilling imagination has brought nightmares to life on both the page and the screen. Jason shares his journey into horror, from writing dark fiction featured in anthologies and role-playing games to creating award-winning films that have screened at festivals such as Days of the Dead, HorrorHound, the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, and even Joe Bob Briggs’ World Drive-In Movie Festival—where his short film That Damned Yellow Raincoat won the coveted Hubbie Award. We dive into Jason’s creative process, what drives his passion for horror, and how he balances life as a husband and father while carving out a space in the indie horror community. If you love horror films, dark fiction, and indie creators pushing boundaries, this conversation is for you. ✍️ About Jason Huls Horror writer & filmmaker based outside Chicago Member of the Horror Writers Association Films screened at Days of the Dead, HorrorHound, the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, and the World Science Fiction Convention Winner of the Hubbie Award at Joe Bob Briggs’ World Drive-In Movie Festival for That Damned Yellow Raincoat 🌐 Connect with Jason Huls 📖 Author Site: JasonHuls.com 🎬 Filmmaker Site: TenWingMedia.com 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/jasonhuls 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/jasonhulsauthor ✍️ Substack: jasonhuls.substack.com 🌌 Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/jasonhuls.bsky.social 🐦 Twitter (X): x.com/JasonHuls 🔑 Keywords: Jason Huls, horror filmmaker, indie horror films, horror short films, That Damned Yellow Raincoat, Joe Bob Briggs World Drive-In Movie Festival, Hubbie Award, Horror Writers Association, horror anthologies, indie horror writer, horror film festivals, Lovecraft Film Festival, Days of the Dead, Alley Chats Podcast, indie horror creators 📲 Hashtags: #JasonHuls, #HorrorFilmmaker, #IndieHorror, #HorrorWritersAssociation, #HorrorFilms, #ShortHorror, #ThatDamnedYellowRaincoat, #JoeBobBriggs, #HorrorCommunity, #IndieFilmmaker, #HorrorFestival, #AlleyChatsPodcast _________________________________________________________________________ One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Find Alley Chats at: southgatemediagroup.com https://www.facebook.com/alleychats patreon.com/southgatemediagroup Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup

Duration:00:30:29

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Eric Lard | SciFi Author

9/17/2025
🎙 Alley Chats Podcast: Eric Lard – Sci-Fi Adventures Across the Stars In this episode of Alley Chats, Rob sits down with Eric Lard, the award-winning science fiction author behind The Incursion Chronicles, The Soul Machine Saga, and The Chronicles of Bodie Nine. Eric shares his journey from surfing and snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada to crafting epic sci-fi adventures filled with high-stakes action, deep character arcs, and visionary worldbuilding. With multiple honorable mentions from Writers of the Future, Eric has carved out a reputation for creating immersive universes where technology, humanity, and survival collide. We talk about his inspirations, writing process, and the challenges of building multi-series science fiction worlds while balancing life as a husband and father of three. If you love space operas, sci-fi sagas, and indie authors who push boundaries, you won’t want to miss this conversation. ✍️ About Eric Lard Eric lives at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California, where he enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and mountain biking with his wife and three adult sons. His work often appears on the “galactic interweb” between the static of daily life. Eric has earned one Honorable and two Silver Honorable Mentions from Writers of the Future and is the author of: The Incursion Chronicles The Soul Machine Saga The Chronicles of Bodie Nine Plus several upcoming standalone novels ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ You can order Eric Lard's books at 4horsemenpublications.com/our-authors/eric-n-lard Order now and use the Promo Code 4HP10 for 10% off! Support the author by ordering from the 4 Horsemen Publications directly. By ordering at www,4horsemenpublications.com, you save 10% and the author gets more than if you order from other places. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 🌐 Connect with Eric Lard 📚 Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-N.-Lard/author/B09QFDD2QM 📸 Instagram: @dawnoftheconstruct 🐦 X (Twitter): @Eric99056362 🔑 Keywords: Eric Lard, Sci-Fi Author Interview, The Incursion Chronicles, The Soul Machine Saga, The Chronicles of Bodie Nine, Writers of the Future, indie science fiction authors, space opera novels, cyberpunk, sci-fi sagas, indie publishing, speculative fiction podcast, Alley Chats Podcast 📲 Hashtags: #EricLard #SciFiAuthor #SpaceOpera #ScienceFictionBooks #IndieAuthors #AlleyChatsPodcast #WritersOfTheFuture #SpeculativeFiction #SciFiSagas #BookPodcast #IndieSciFi

Duration:00:30:28

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Mark Alan Fishman | Comic Artist/Writer

9/4/2025
Marc Alan Fishman – Unshaven Comics & The Samurnauts In this episode of Alley Chats, Rob sits down with Marc Alan Fishman, the bearded creative force behind Unshaven Comics. Marc has spent 15 years bringing bold, exciting stories to life as both an illustrator and writer, with projects ranging from Mine: A Graphic Novel for Planned Parenthood to The March: Crossing Bridges in America, and the fan-favorite all-ages indie series The Samurnauts. We dive into his journey as a comic creator, marketer, social media pro, and stand-up comedian, exploring how he balances a career in comics with family life as a proud husband and father of four. Marc shares insights into building an indie comics brand, connecting with fans, and keeping the passion for storytelling alive. If you’re into indie comics, creative hustle, and stories of balancing art and life, this episode is for you! ✍️ About Marc Alan Fishman Marc Alan Fishman is the multi-hyphenate, bearded badass of Unshaven Comics. With over 15 years of professional experience as an illustrator and author, his credits include: Mine: A Graphic Novel for Planned Parenthood The March: Crossing Bridges in America The Samurnauts (indie all-ages action series) When Marc isn’t creating comics, he’s marketing, posting, or doing stand-up comedy—all while raising four kids with his wife. 🌐 Connect with Marc Alan Fishman Unshaven Comics: https://unshavencomics.com/comics/ Instagram: @unshavencomic Facebook: facebook.com/unshavencomics Twitter/X: @UnshavenComic 🔑 Keywords: Marc Alan Fishman, Unshaven Comics, The Samurnauts, indie comics, comic creator interview, Alley Chats Podcast, comic book podcast, indie publishing, creator-owned comics, comic illustrator, comic writer, comic marketing, balancing family and comics, Mine Graphic Novel, Planned Parenthood comics, Crossing Bridges in America 📲 Hashtags: #MarcAlanFishman #UnshavenComics #TheSamurnauts #IndieComics #ComicCreators #ComicBookPodcast #AlleyChatsPodcast #IndiePublishing #ComicArtists #ComicWriters #CreatorOwnedComics _________________________________________________________________________ One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Find Alley Chats at: southgatemediagroup.com https://www.facebook.com/alleychats patreon.com/southgatemediagroup Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup

Duration:00:33:39

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Isaac Popovich | Comic Artist/Writer

8/27/2025
In this episode of Alley Chats, we sit down with Isaac Popovich, a creepy cartoonist whose one-page horror comics capture the eerie charm of 1920s–1930s rubber hose animation. His work blends nostalgia with terror, creating unforgettable strips that feel like classic cartoons gone hauntingly wrong. Isaac currently works with Guerrilla Publishing and freelances for two other publishers, all while balancing his career as a travel nurse. In his free time, he crafts and shares his comics on Instagram, posting them for fans to enjoy at no cost. Join us as Isaac talks about his artistic journey, the inspiration behind his creepy-yet-playful style, and what’s next for his work in horror comics. 👤 About Isaac Popovich Isaac Popovich is a horror comic creator specializing in one-page strips inspired by early 20th-century animation. His comics are a unique fusion of rubber hose cartoon aesthetics and macabre storytelling. Beyond creating comics, Isaac works as a travel nurse, proving that passion and creativity can thrive even with a demanding schedule. 🔗 Connect with Isaac Popovich 📸 Instagram: @isaacpopovich 📘 Guerrilla Publishing: guerrillapublishing.com Keywords Isaac Popovich, creepy cartoonist, horror comics, 1930s animation style, rubber hose comics, one-page horror strips, Guerrilla Publishing, indie comic creator, horror cartoonist, retro horror art, Alley Chats podcast, comic interviews, underground comics, travel nurse artist, creepy cartoons Hashtags #IsaacPopovich #CreepyCartoonist #HorrorComics #RubberHoseAnimation #IndieComics #ComicCreator #RetroHorror #CreepyCartoons #OnePageComics #GuerrillaPublishing #ComicInterviews #AlleyChatsPodcast #IndieCreators #CartoonHorror #UndergroundComics _________________________________________________________________________ One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Find Alley Chats at: southgatemediagroup.com https://www.facebook.com/alleychats patreon.com/southgatemediagroup Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup

Duration:00:31:44

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Ansel Burch | Creator of Pickup Con, Writer, Creator, Podcaster

8/19/2025
In this episode of Alley Chats, we welcome Ansel Burch — podcaster, actor, pirate, and the creative mind behind Pickup Con! Whether he’s crafting immersive stories, lending his voice to audio adventures, or captivating live audiences, Ansel knows how to bring any project to life with energy and imagination. From his pirate adventures to his innovative work in podcasting and event creation, Ansel shares how he blends creativity with business savvy to deliver unforgettable experiences. We talk storytelling, marketing, and the art of building a personal brand that leaps through earbuds and bursts off the screen. No matter the job, you know your man: Ansel Burch. Pick up the horn, and you’ll find him ready with a swift pen, a great story, and a knack for making magic happen. 📩 Connect with Ansel Burch: Email: Ansel@indecisionist.com Facebook: facebook.com/Indecisionist Instagram: instagram.com/theindecisionist Threads: threads.com/@theindecisionist 🔑 Keywords Ansel Burch, Pickup Con, podcast storytelling, acting tips, pirate performances, event creation, indie podcaster, creative marketing, performance art, brand building, storytelling techniques, podcast production, immersive storytelling, live events, creative entrepreneur 📌 Hashtags #AlleyChatsPodcast #AnselBurch #PickupCon #PodcastLife #StorytellingMagic #CreativeEntrepreneur #ActorLife #PiratePerformer #IndiePodcaster #EventCreator #StorytellersUnite #MarketingWithCreativity #PodcastInterview #PerformanceArt #BehindTheMic 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to support independent creators and storytellers just like Ansel!

Duration:00:18:26

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Kevin Krull | Comic Creator

8/12/2025
Kevin Krull: Comics, Timewise, and the Art of Storytelling Rob sits down with comic creator Kevin Krull to discuss his debut graphic novel Timewise, the creative process, and the unique challenges of indie publishing. Kevin shares the inspiration behind Timewise, a 140-page graphic novel exploring what might happen if you met your future self… and didn’t like what you saw. From building the story’s emotional core to navigating Kickstarter and indie comics, this episode is packed with insights for comic fans, writers, and creators alike. 🎯 Support TIMEWISE on Kickstarter 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/guerrillapublishing/timewise About Kevin Krull Kevin Krull is a Chicago-based cartoonist born in 1983. He grew up in Lemont, Illinois, and still lives there with his wife and two kids. Timewise is his debut graphic novel, blending heartfelt storytelling with mind-bending time travel. Follow Kevin Krull Kickstarter: Support Timewise Instagram: (Add if available) Website: (Add if available) Keywords Kevin Krull, Timewise, indie comics, graphic novel Kickstarter, Chicago comic creator, comic book podcast, sci-fi graphic novel, time travel comics, indie publishing, comic creator interview Hashtags #KevinKrull #TimewiseComic #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #GraphicNovel #ComicBookCreators #SciFiComics #TimeTravelStories #IndiePublishing #ComicBookPodcast #ChicagoComics #ComicCreatorInterview ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Find Alley Chats at: southgatemediagroup.com https://www.facebook.com/alleychats patreon.com/southgatemediagroup Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Alley Chats, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Duration:00:32:14

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Matt Hansel | Comic Artist

8/5/2025
Matthew Hansel on Classic Characters & Cartooning Craft In this episode of Alley Chats, we sit down with acclaimed cartoonist Matthew Hansel, whose pen has breathed new life into some of the most iconic characters in animation history. From Underdog to Casper the Friendly Ghost, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Tennessee Tuxedo, and even the Pink Panther, Hansel’s work blends deep respect for vintage charm with modern-day artistry. Whether you're an animation buff, a lifelong comics fan, or just love pop culture nostalgia, this episode will take you behind the ink with one of the genre’s most passionate artists. 👤 About Matthew Hansel: Matt Hansel is a professional cartoonist and illustrator who has drawn beloved characters like Rocky and Bullwinkle, Underdog, Casper, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, and more. His clean, expressive linework and flair for retro-modern style pay homage to both his subjects and his artistic heroes. Influenced by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists Dick Locher and Jeff MacNelly, as well as comic legends Neal Adams and Jim Aparo, Hansel brings a blend of vintage flair and dynamic storytelling to his work. 📩 For commissions or freelance work, contact him at: matthewphansel@gmail.com 🔗 Follow Matthew Hansel: 📸 Instagram: @matthewhansel 🔑 Keywords: Matthew Hansel, cartoonist, comic artist, Underdog, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Pink Panther, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, classic cartoon art, retro comics, Chicago cartoonists, Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, vintage characters, nostalgic comics, animation art, Alley Chats 📢 Hashtags: #AlleyChatsPodcast #MatthewHansel #CartoonistLife #RetroComics #ClassicCartoons #RockyAndBullwinkle #CasperTheFriendlyGhost #PinkPantherArt #ComicArtistInterview #NostalgicArt #UnderdogCartoon #MrPeabodyAndSherman #ComicArtCommunity

Duration:00:23:41

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Neil Gibson | Comic Writer

8/1/2025
Black Mirror Enters the Graphic Novel Multiverse with Neil Gibson In this crossover episode of Alley Chats and Go Fund This, Rob interviews Neil Gibson, acclaimed writer and mastermind behind the latest twisted project from Twisted Comics: the official Black Mirror: USS Callister graphic novel, now crowdfunding on Kickstarter! 🚀 Based on the fan-favorite episode from the Emmy Award-winning anthology series created by Charlie Brooker, USS Callister takes a sharp, satirical look at toxic escapism, digital identity, and unchecked power. Now, it’s being brought to life in graphic novel form by Gibson and artist Silvano Beltramo, with mind-bending covers by Butcher Billy. 👾 Whether you’re a longtime Black Mirror fan or just discovering its eerie brilliance, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 🎯 Support the Kickstarter Now: 👉 kickstarter.com/projects/neilgibsoncomics/black-mirror Check out Twisted Comics at twistedcomics.co.uk/ for all of Neil's comics! ABOUT Black Mirror: USS Callister Step inside the official BLACK MIRROR graphic novels, brought to you by the aptly twisted indie publisher, Twisted Comics, and discover humanity's worst traits, greatest innovations, and more waiting within these mind-bending tales. Adapting the work of one of the most groundbreaking television shows of the 21st century, Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones's flagship series will take flight in this first episode-to-graphic novel adaptation - USS Callister - in the trusted hands of acclaimed writer Neil Gibson and artist Silvano Beltramo, and all-new series covers from Butcher Billy. Prepare, for our first stop, to enter the most immersive gaming experience in years: Infinity, from Callister Inc. Start game. 🔑 Keywords: Black Mirror, USS Callister, Neil Gibson, Kickstarter comic, Twisted Comics, graphic novel adaptation, Charlie Brooker, dystopian fiction, sci-fi comics, Infinity game 🔥 Hashtags: #GoFundThis #BlackMirror #USScallister #KickstarterComics #TwistedComics #NeilGibson #GraphicNovels #ScifiComics #DystopianFiction #ButcherBilly ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Go Fund This wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Go Fund This is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Find Go Fund This at: southgatemediagroup.com facebook.com/gofundthispodcast patreon.com/southgatemediagroup Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Go Fund This, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Duration:00:52:21

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Jeni Monroe & Tressa Slater | Monsters Lounge Podcast

7/18/2025
Jeni Monroe & Tressa Slater of Monsters Lounge Podcast 🗒️ Episode Summary: In this spine-tingling episode of Alley Chats, we dive into the unexplained with Jeni Monroe and Tressa Slater, co-hosts of the Monsters Lounge Podcast. With a passion for folklore, cryptids, UFOs, and all things Fortean, Jeni and Tressa bring heart, humor, and deep curiosity to the world of the paranormal. We explore: The origins and evolution of Monsters Lounge Podcast Personal stories of paranormal fascination What it means to investigate the unknown with skepticism and joy Favorite cryptid encounters, alien theories, and Fortean tales Why this podcast is building a loyal and spooky-loving audience Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal fan or just cryptid-curious, this episode is a fun, thoughtful deep dive into the mysteries that keep us looking beyond the veil. 👤 About Jeni Monroe & Tressa Slater: Jeni Monroe has a lifelong fascination with the natural world, myth, and folklore. Tressa Slater has always gazed upward, driven by a quest to understand what lies beyond the stars. Together, they host the Monsters Lounge Podcast — where curiosity meets the creepy, and no topic is too weird to explore. From Bigfoot to aliens, shadow people to secret government coverups, they cover it all with humor, insight, and a shared love of the unknown. 🌐 Follow Monsters Lounge Podcast: 🌍 Website: monstersloungepodcast.com 🔗 All Links: linktr.ee/monsterslounge 🔑 Keywords: Monsters Lounge Podcast, Jeni Monroe, Tressa Slater, paranormal podcast, cryptids, UFO podcast, aliens, Fortean mysteries, folklore podcast, conspiracy theories, supernatural, podcast interview, Bigfoot, shadow people, unexplained phenomena, women in podcasting, paranormal investigators 📢 Hashtags: #AlleyChatsPodcast #MonstersLounge #ParanormalPodcast #Cryptids #UFOs #AliensExist #Fortean #FolkloreFridays #SpookyTalks #WomenPodcasters #WeirdPodcast #ParanormalExplorers #BigfootBelievers #PodcastInterview #MysteryHunters 🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and leave a review — if you dare. 👀 Let me know if you'd like matching social graphics or a teaser script for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts!

Duration:00:35:35

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Patrick Hickey Jr. | Comics Creator, Writer, and Voice Actor

7/10/2025
🗒️ Episode Summary: On this episode of Alley Chats, we welcome the multi-hyphenate creative Patrick Hickey Jr. — a writer, professor, journalist, voice actor, and the driving force behind Legacy Comix. From crafting gritty indie comics like Condrey and Brooklyn Bleeds to voicing iconic characters like the Phone Guy in Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit and Macho Man Randy Savage in WrestleQuest, Patrick brings passion and perspective to every project. We discuss: The founding of Legacy Comix and its mission in indie publishing How Patrick blends journalism and storytelling in his work His journey into voice acting for games and animation Advice for aspiring writers, creators, and media professionals Whether you're a fan of comic books, gaming, or voiceover work, Patrick shares incredible insights on what it takes to make a lasting mark in multiple creative fields. 👤 About Patrick Hickey Jr.: Patrick Hickey Jr. is a full-time Assistant Professor of Communications and Director of the Journalism Program at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, NY. He also serves as Chairman of the CUNY Journalism Discipline Council. Outside academia, Patrick is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ReviewFix.com and Legacy Comix, where he's created original comic series such as Condrey, The Job, Brooklyn Bleeds, and Name Not Found. He's also an accomplished voice actor, known for roles like Phone Guy in Five Nights at Freddy’s: Into the Pit and Macho Man Randy Savage in WrestleQuest. 🔗 Connect with Patrick: 📘 Amazon Author Page: Patrick Hickey Jr. on Amazon 🛒 Legacy Comix Store: LegacyComix.com/shop 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/PatrickHickeyJr 📸 Instagram: @PatrickHickeyJr 🐦 X (Twitter): @ReviewFixPat 🔑 Keywords: Patrick Hickey Jr., Legacy Comix, indie comics, voice actor, comic book writer, Five Nights at Freddy’s, WrestleQuest, Macho Man Randy Savage, Condrey, Brooklyn Bleeds, The Job, Name Not Found, comic book publishing, game voice acting, journalism and comics, CUNY, ReviewFix 📢 Hashtags: #AlleyChatsPodcast #PatrickHickeyJr #LegacyComix #IndieComics #VoiceActor #ComicBookWriter #BrooklynComics #FNaFIntoThePit #WrestleQuest #MachoManRandySavage #FiveNightsAtFreddys #GamingVoices #CUNY #CondreyComics #JournalismAndComics 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and leave a review to support creators like Patrick and the indie comic community!

Duration:00:27:06

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Motiz Junker | Zine Maker

7/2/2025
🖋️ Episode Summary: In this episode of Alley Chats, we dive into the zine scene with rising comics talent Moritz Junker, a young cartoonist and passionate self-publisher from Milwaukee. Moritz shares the origin story of his comic journey — from making zines at age 14 to becoming the artist in residence at Lion’s Tooth, Milwaukee’s alt-comic and book haven. Whether you're a fan of indie comics, a zinester yourself, or just love stories of young creators doing the work, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🔗 Follow Moritz Junker Online: 🌐 Website: junkercomics.com 📸 Instagram: @moritz_junker ABOUT MORITZ JUNKER Whether stemming from pure love of the comics medium or total delusions of grandeur, young cartoonist Moritz Junker has spent the past five years quietly chipping away at his ambitions of comic book stardom. At age 14 Junker started creating and self-publishing his own comics and has yet to stop. Since then he’s amassed a small fan base, landed himself a job at Lion’s tooth (alt-comic and book store in Milwaukee), and is now working on a new book as their artist in residence. What will become of young Moritz? Only time will tell… Website - junkercomics.com Instagram - @moritz_junker About Lion's Tooth Lion's Tooth is a bookstore café and art space in the beautiful Bay View neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We specialize in zines, prints, small press books and comics for kids and adults. Our mission-driven shop works to support local artists and authors and bring quality underground and radical publications to our community. Check out Lion's Tooth at https://www.lionstoothmke.com/ Make sure to let them know you heard Mortiz Junker talk about them on the Alley Chats Podcast! 🧷 Keywords: Moritz Junker, zinester, zines, comics, indie comics, DIY publishing, Lion’s Tooth, self-publishing, underground comics, cartoonist, artist in residence, comic book creator, Milwaukee artists, creative process, youth artists, alternative comics 📢 Hashtags: #AlleyChatsPodcast #MoritzJunker #ZinesterLife #IndieComics #DIYPublishing #SelfPublishing #UndergroundComics #ComicsCommunity #ComicBookCreator #LionsToothMilwaukee #ArtistInResidence #ZineScene #MilwaukeeCreatives 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to support independent creators and storytellers just like Moritz!

Duration:00:32:15

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Elizabeth Devecchi | Books and Brews 24

10/29/2024
About A Whisper in the Dark Sarah Parker thinks she has found the perfect place for a fresh start when she moves her family from the Midwest to a sleepy suburban neighborhood in an idyllic southern town. Leaving a position as a serious journalist to write fluff pieces for a local paper is a compromise she is willing to make to escape the past and rebuild her family. Ten years earlier, Ben and Mary moved to the same neighborhood in search of their own fresh start, leaving a trail of death and disfigurement in their wake. Now that cancer has taken Mary, a blossoming friendship with the Parker family offers Ben a glimpse of the things he missed out on and the child he and Mary were denied. As he questions the sacrifices he made to be with Mary and the evil he harbored to protect her, that evil has set its sights on Sarah’s eleven-year-old son, Sam, putting the entire town in danger. About Elizabeth Devecchi Elizabeth Devecchi spent most of her formative years in the tiny state of Rhode Island, striking out after high school to gather degrees while exploring the world. This has resulted in an undergraduate degree in French from Wittenberg University, polished during a year abroad in Montpelier, France; an Italian Law Degree from the Università di Torino, Italy; an L.LM in International Law bestowed by The University of Iowa; and formal Mediation training. When she started her hobby blog, The Moon, The Sun, and Little Man (since incorporated into her author website), Elizabeth knew she wanted to get back to one of her earliest passions: writing. She officially began her career as an author in her in her early 50s with a short story titled “The Hunt,” which can still be found floating around the internet as part of the December 2021 issue of international literary journal, Ariel Chart. Elizabeth writes in a variety of genres and styles. Elizabeth's debut horror novel, A Whisper in the Dark, was signed by Wicked House Publishing and released October 4th of 2024. _____________________________________________________________________ Our theme song is by Benny and the No Goods. Check out their awesome music right HERE Bennyandthenogoods.bandcamp.com One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Follow this show on Facebook @alleychats Follow our parent network on Twitter at @SMGPods Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Alley Chats, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Duration:00:32:24

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Shawn Whitney | Deads Rise!

10/28/2024
About Deads Rise! It was as sudden as it was devastating. Everyone on the planet between 13-45 years old died simultaneously. Eight hours later they woke up again but with no vital signs. The world was changed forever. Most survivors think the zombie apocalypse has arrived. A few think what is occurring is a startling evolutionary leap. But why now? And what are the Deads changing into? As anti-Dead militias form to hunt them down, the Deads struggle to escape destruction. Tanitia Mortero, a young scientist in California, embarks on a perilous cross-country journey to join a research team. Another leads the Deads of New York towards civil war with an anti-Dead, messianic militia called the Year Zero Army. A young man raised in a small town cult, fights to stay alive as his neighbors try to burn him at the stake as a demon. An explosion is inevitable, a post-apocalyptic collapse is unfolding. About Sawn Whitney Shawn is an award-winning screenwriter with three feature film credits and several TV series in development internationally. He has ghostwritten more than a dozen books and has 9 novels published under his own name. He writes subversive fantastical fiction with a pulp vibe. Join his newsletter at shawnwriteshere dot com if you want to get musings and meanderings as well as free stories and announcements of upcoming releases. You can also find him on Facebook as Shawn Whitney - author guy. _____________________________________________________________________ Our theme song is by Benny and the No Goods. Check out their awesome music right HERE Bennyandthenogoods.bandcamp.com One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Follow this show on Facebook @alleychats Follow our parent network on Twitter at @SMGPods Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Alley Chats, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Duration:00:33:12

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Edward Nguyen Borey and Lou Peterson | Final Interview #1

10/24/2024
About Final Interview For fans of SQUID GAMES and THE GAME comes this new five issue horror series! At global powerhouse LifeWay, Inc., four candidates for a mysterious promotion get pushed to their limits by a Rabbit-masked interviewer. Mind games and moral tests pit Tori, Hal, Iggy, and Brett against each other. By the end, one applicant is dead and the other three are prisoners, but even larger problems loom: the Red Door, a fanatical terrorist movement, has infiltrated LifeWay. _____________________________________________________________________ Our theme song is by Benny and the No Goods. Check out their awesome music right HERE Bennyandthenogoods.bandcamp.com One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Follow this show on Facebook @alleychats Follow our parent network on Twitter at @SMGPods Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Alley Chats, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Duration:00:22:55

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Alan Shivers | Books and Brews 2025

10/10/2024
ABOUT THE NAMASTE SLASHER Meditating has never been this frightening. Think "Friday The 13th", but set in a modern day Mindfulness retreat. A deliciously camp yet gruesome slasher with nods to the classic 80s Slashers. When five people from all over Europe take part in an exclusive Mindfulness retreat on mountain Velebit in Croatia, they have no idea what's in store for them once a masked killer shows up. Let's hope their healing crystals can provide the necessary protection. Twists & Turns, Chase Scenes and Queer Representation. ABOUT ALAN SHIVERS Alan Shivers is an indie horror author hailing from Belgium, and he's just been announced as an attending author for Books & Brews 2.0, taking place on August 2, 2025 in McCordsville, IN! You can find more details about the event on the Events page. He also just released his latest book, The Namaste Slasher, on October 1. In honor of the release and the announcement for Books & Brews 2.0, "The Heart of Indie Horror" blog is giving away TWO paperback copies of The Namaste Slasher. Here are the rules: In order to enter, you must either share their blog on your social media platform OR sign up for the email subscriptions. You must also agree to bump this book right up to the top of your TBR and review it on whatever platforms you normally use to review! Winners will be chosen on 10/8/24 at 4:00 PM EST. Here's the link to the blog where you can potentially win "The Namaste Slasher" theheartofindiehorror.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-namaste-slasher-by-alan-shivers.html _____________________________________________________________________ Our theme song is by Benny and the No Goods. Check out their awesome music right HERE Bennyandthenogoods.bandcamp.com One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Follow this show on Facebook @alleychats Follow our parent network on Twitter at @SMGPods Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Alley Chats, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Duration:00:33:27

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MJ Mars | Books and Brews 2024

7/25/2024
About MJ Mars MJ Mars is a geek, ghoul, and horror enthusiast living in Lancaster, UK. Her debut novel, The Suffering, was published by Wicked House in 2023. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find MJ playing pool, trying to skateboard (badly), or listening to rock music. She owes every success to her mis-spent youth. Short story collection, We’ve Already Gone Too Far out now! Coming in 2025: The Fovea Experiments, a second novel to be published by Wicked House. MJ is currently working on a sequel to The Suffering. About We've Already Gone Too Far A father takes his son on a camping trip but isn’t sure who he brings home. When passengers begin to disappear from her flight, a cabin crew member faces the childhood fears she thought she’d long overcome. At his mother’s funeral, a magician contemplates a family curse. Two graduates listen to a retired soldier talking about his participation in a death-defying experiment, and a punk band trying to be polite at a high-brow art installation step up when monsters attack. These stories and more await you in We’ve Already Gone Too Far, 8 Nasty Little Tales by MJ Mars. _____________________________________________________________________ Our theme song is by Benny and the No Goods. Check out their awesome music right HERE Bennyandthenogoods.bandcamp.com One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Follow this show on Facebook @alleychats Follow our parent network on Twitter at @SMGPods Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Alley Chats, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Duration:00:33:36

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Lisa Braenne | Books and Brews 2024

7/24/2024
Rob interviews horror author Lisa Breanne. For more information about Books & Brews, check out the event on Facebook right here facebook.com/share/qbGdAEcvzp8En1q3/ _____________________________________________________________________Our theme song is by Benny and the No Goods. Check out their awesome music right HERE Bennyandthenogoods.bandcamp.com One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Follow this show on Facebook @alleychats Follow our parent network on Twitter at @SMGPods Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Alley Chats, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Duration:00:34:25

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Tiffany Koplin | Books and Brews 2024

7/24/2024
Rob interviews Tiffay Koplin, an admin for the Facebook group, Books of Horror. For more information about Books & Brews, check out the event on Facebook right here facebook.com/share/qbGdAEcvzp8En1q3/ _____________________________________________________________________Our theme song is by Benny and the No Goods. Check out their awesome music right HERE Bennyandthenogoods.bandcamp.com One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Follow this show on Facebook @alleychats Follow our parent network on Twitter at @SMGPods Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Alley Chats, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Duration:00:31:06

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Lisa Vasquez | Books and Brews 2024

7/24/2024
About Lisa Vasquez Lisa Vasquez, (known by her readers and fans as the Unsaintly Queen) creates vivid, twisted horror with the precision of a scalpel, and cuts into the reader's psyche with fleshed out characters. Vasquez is a mentor for the HWA, is head of Stitched Smile Publications, and retired editor-in-chief of the company’s quarterly publication, House of Stitched Magazine. Vasquez now focuses on her own stories which range from slow and subtle gothic horror, to the more extreme sub-genres of horror. Her writing style has been compared to the works of Mary Shelley, Baz Luhrman, and the Grand Guignol (John Palisano, Bram Stoker-winning author of NERVES), and is hailed as, "A writer of nightmarish vision and a new, poetic voice in today's horror genre" (Peter Molnar, author of THE CLOCKWORK LAZARUS). A native Chicagoan who spent half her life on the city’s south side, she now lives in Houston, Texas, fighting off mosquitos large enough to carry off small children, and avoiding direct sunlight. The Unsaintly Queen is rumored to only accept offerings of “sparklies.” For more information about Books & Brews, check out the event on Facebook right here facebook.com/share/qbGdAEcvzp8En1q3/ _____________________________________________________________________Our theme song is by Benny and the No Goods. Check out their awesome music right HERE Bennyandthenogoods.bandcamp.com One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group. Follow this show on Facebook @alleychats Follow our parent network on Twitter at @SMGPods Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Alley Chats, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Duration:00:35:05