Two Geeks Talking

Benjamin Kapit, a seasoned filmmaker, shares his enduring filmmaker motivation and passion for the craft after a decade in the industry. He offers film advice and insights into how to be a director by recounting a recent "behind the scenes" moment of joy on the set of The Sunrise House Seasons 1 and 2. His enthusiasm aims to inspire anyone looking at "how to start" their own journey in film.

Steve Coffin, a classically trained artist whose comic series Helga’s Hornz draws on the wild teamwork of the A-Team, the stylish action of Charlie’s Angels, and the comic brilliance of Astérix. Coffin shares stories of childhood inspiration, stealing his brother’s comics, and how his love for artists like Gauguin and Uderzo shaped his vibrant, mischievous style. The discussion delves into creative risks, visual storytelling, and the unique blend of influences behind Helga’s Hornz, revealing the personal and playful spirit that defines Coffin’s work

William Gosline, creator of the hit graphic novel series Baby Barbarian, deconstructs his creative process, the young adult audience reactions (and their parents reactions!), starting his third successful crowdfunding campaign through Backerit. We also cover collaborating with an artist in Poland and other locations, the emotional core of his new story, and even the soundtrack sung by himself and his son that will have you asking for another drink from the Tavern barkeep! Plus, the simple, non-obvious tactics for finding fans of Bone and Asterix who will also love Baby Barbarian.

What does it take to transform a complex icon like Fela Kuti into a graphic novel? I deconstruct the 10-year project of Fela: Music is the Weapon with co-creators writer Conor McCreery (Assassin's Creed, Adventure Time) and Nigerian-born artist Jibola Fagbamiye to uncover the tools, routines, and psychology they used. We cover changing publishers and page sizes to fit the life and times of Fela Kuti, the amount of research by Jibola and Conor into this massive life; how to manage creative doubt in the face of publishing deadlines; and the single most important thing they agreed on before starting this massive project being released by Harper Collins Publishing! "Fela: Music is the Weapon is not authorized by, affiliated with or otherwise connected to the Fela Kuti family or estate." SUPPORT THESE CREATORS: Get your copy of this graphic novel at: https://www.felagraphicnovel.com

Patrick Lugo is the writer and artist behind the Kickstarter hit Undead Kungfu Ghost Killer. We deconstruct how he fused the aesthetic of Shaw Brothers Kung Fu films with the Classic Gothic Horror of Hammer Horror Films to create a unique modern comic. We explore his creative process from A Tiger's Tale to UKGK, his approach to this current Kickstarter, and how he turns a character's Chinese Folklore of real life rejection into a Supernatural comic! Find links, preview pages, and how to support the project at: https://UKGK.site

What if the ultimate Model UN crisis scenario wasn't simulated, but terrifyingly real? This is the high-concept premise of ModelUN, the brilliant comic from co-creator Benjamin Hunting, where a high school diplomacy club is mistaken for Earth's governing body by an alien armada. We deconstruct the hilarious chaos that ensues, the art of negotiation under impossible pressure, and the meta-lessons on how to perform when the stakes couldn't be higher, all set in the 1990s. Sometimes "Take Me To Your Leader" has consequences!

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: 00:00 - Introduction Clip and Opening 01:24 - Who is Ari Gross and What does He do? 04:08 - What is the most real detail in the comic that hits too close to home? 06:52 - And here I thought Taxes were bad in Toronto 08:20 - What's the line between 'I'd do anything for a House' to 'Nope, I'm out' 10:51 - What is the Timeline and How many Comics in the Upkeep Series? 13:23 - What is the Darkest moment in Upkeep #2? 15:33 - Who is the Team around the Upkeep comic series? 18:16 - The Art of Garrison Manor from third character to horror icon 19:40 - The Art of Lettering from Sound Effects to Scares 22:19 - Colour Theory in Comics: Shifting from Cozy to Terrifying 25:40 - How to Make Likeable Characters, Despite the body count. 28:01 - What Would Garrison Manor's Yelp Review Be? 29:34 - Popular Haunted Toronto Spots to Visit 31:19 - Do you not feel like you have found "Place"? 34:40 - Sell Your Comic in 10 Seconds! 35:28 - What's a Horror Movie that made you laugh, when you shouldn't have? 37:30 - Finish the sentence: ‘The housing market is worse than…[Blank] 39:41 - Making a Choice between Raising a Family and Owning a Home? 40:46 - If Garrison Manor offered you one wish (with consequences) Would you take it? 41:03 - Closing Remarks 41:25 - Kickstarter Campaign for Upkeep SUPPORT THE KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN HERE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/arigross/upkeep-issues-1-2/

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.

"The Art of the Comeback: How to Revive a Passion Project (and a Whole Damn Comics Festival) After 14 Years" 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: - The art of endings: Why wrapping a series feels like a “creative body slam” (and how to do it with grace). - Unexpected lessons from wrestling storytelling: How kayfabe, drama, and real athlete struggles shaped his comic’s emotional core. - Pesto Comics’ survival: Bootstrapping, niche audiences, and why “small press” doesn’t mean “small ambitions.” - What’s next after the final bell rings: New projects, collaborations, and the business pivots no one talks about. - Advice for creators: From Kickstarter grit to embracing the “weird” that makes your work unforgettable.

"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: - Playing games with lifelong school mate, Douglas Adams—and the unexpected storytelling lessons he learned growing up with the Hitchhiker’s Guide legend. - How playing with a top-tiered guild in Elder Scrolls Online became the spark for his latest New Rock novels. - The power of language—why he obsesses over words and how audiobooks fuel his creativity. - Finding a community and inspiration speaking at sci-fi/fantasy conventions—and why the fandom is the unsung hero of creativity.

"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: - How walking into a drama class and signing up for a 400-level Japanese history course set him on the path to becoming a storyteller. - The joy of writing—why he still finds magic in the craft, even after years in the industry. - Finding purpose early in life—and why he believes creative fulfillment is about more than just success. - The unexpected moments that shaped his career, from indie comics to Eisner recognition. - His latest project, Angel/Hunter, and how he reinvents classic horror myths. 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.

After our January livestream broke expectations (thank you!), host Izolda Trakhtenberg (Your Creative Mind Podcast) reassembles an all-star panel to dissect the unspoken challenges of podcasting. No fluff—just tactical insights from veterans who’ve navigated these waters. This Episode’s Firestarters: Kurt Sasso (Two Geeks Talking) "How to Ask The Right Questions & Extract Jaw-Dropping Stories from Guests (without sounding like a robot or a therapist)" Reena Friedman Watts (Better Call Daddy) "To Edit Or Not To Edit! That is the question. The ethics of editing—and when to leave the mess in" Barney Smith (Story Comic Presents) "Turn your Podcast Passion and Hobby into a Long-Term Sustainable Career!" Izolda Trakhtenberg (Your Creative Mind Podcast) "Paradigm of Podcasters: How to Make PR Pros Your Podcast Partners and allies who work for your show’s growth"

Michael Regina, the passionate voice behind @readthefreakingcomics dives into the fascinating intersection of comic books, comic book research, and historical preservation. Michael shares his journey exploring single-issue comics from Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse. This is more than just entertainment; it highlights these cultural artifacts and their importance in documenting the history of comics. From uncovering hidden stories from the artists and writers who created them; to examining the history of these single issues through their advertisements, current events and the legacy of local comic shops. Michael offers a unique perspective on why these comics deserve recognition in the broader conversation about art, history, and pop culture.

Laurie Calcaterra is the creator and writer of the comic series Path of the Pale Rider, a podcast host, martial arts master, hot sauce maker, and advocate for undead ethics in comics. We explore her creative process, from naming characters and animals to creating scratch-and-sniff stickers that smell like the undead. Plus, we discuss her Kickstarter for Issue 6, which has funded and hit stretch goals!

Author Eric Sonnenschein is a Writer, Poet, Journalist, was in a Rock and Roll band called the Erotics in the 1970s in New York, joined the Peace Corps and because a teacher, a husband and father. From a continuous drive to write and never stop writing to creating "Rocked and Rolled!" his account of the New York Rock Scene playing in a band and more!