Two Geeks Talking

Doug Marcaida is a healer, veteran, martial arts master, weaponsmith, and judge on Forged in Fire. Now, he’s bringing his philosophy from the dojo to the comic page with his brand-new series Lineage — a story that explores heritage, honor, and healing through art and combat. In this deep-dive conversation, we unpack Doug’s mindset, creative process, and personal transformation — from bladesmithing to storytelling. Expect wisdom, heart, and a few unexpected lessons about legacy, energy, and what it really means to “Keep Everyone Alive.

Trevor Mueller returns to talk about Secret S.T.E.A.M. Society: Horses, Secret S.T.E.A.M. Society: Music; and Bat Pat—how he designs “learn through adventure” stories that kids actually want to read; What he’s learned as a dad writing for not only his children but all young readers, and how childhood favorites shaped the comics he creates today. We dig into balancing wonder, critical thinking and education, building characters like Toot and the main characters of these stories that open conversations about empathy and inclusion, and what it really means to make books kids will remember decades from now.

Lyndon Radchenka returns to Two Geeks Talking with a packed update: writing a Zatanna short for DC Comics, launching The Laundrymen: Book 2 – Blood of the Saucer Men, and navigating the shifting comics landscape from both the indie and mainstream sides. In this conversation, we dig into what actually changed for him after working with DC, how that experience rewired his approach to creator‑owned work, what it’s really like juggling roles as writer, producer, and letterer, and how he thinks about the current state of comics for insiders and smart outsiders alike. If you care about building a sustainable creative career, understanding today’s comic ecosystem, and seeing how one working writer is adapting in real time, this episode is for you.

Dirk Manning returns to Two Geeks Talking for his 11th interview, bringing 20+ years in horror comics (Tales of Mr. Rhee, Nightmare World, Write or Wrong) and over $750,000 raised through crowdfunding. Now Publisher at Source Point Press, Dirk breaks down how their creator‑owned model works, why keeping rights and the freedom to leave matters, and what most writers and artists get wrong about self‑publishing and the direct market. If you care about owning your work, understanding the current comics landscape, and making smarter long‑term decisions as an independent creator, this episode is for you.

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!

Welcome to this 2025 year in review of Two Geeks Talking, highlighting some of the most memorable pop culture moments and best interviews from the past year. Despite a lighter interview schedule, every conversation was incredible, featuring top trending guests from various creative fields. Stay tuned for all the latest news from the show! With over 35 interviews on the show, and guests ranging from Director Lisa Belcher and Actor Lukas Hassel (Blacklist) talking about House of Abraham to Musicians, Comic Artists, Comic Convention presidents of Caption UK and MNCBA there's something for everyone in this video recap! Don't forget to schedule your interview on Two Geeks Talking (Link in the video) sooner than later! Click on the section you want to listen to: 00:00:00 - News About Two Geeks Talking in 2026! 00:01:51 - 001 - Paxson Chase | Music | It Hurts, Doesn't It? 00:02:41 - 002 - Braxton A. Cosby | CEO Cosby Media Productions | Comic Writer 00:04:13 - 003 - Aaron Ryan | Author | Dissonance 00:05:25 - 004 - Chase McPherson | Author | Bloodbound series 00:06:51 - 004 - S.M. Watson | Writer | View Of The Phenix Trees 00:07:47 - 006 - Patrick Joseph Healy | Author | Please, Let Me Save You 00:09:46 - 008 - Eric Jay Sonnenschein | Author | Rocked And Rolled 00:12:19 - 009 - Laurie Calcaterra | Comic | The Pale Rider | Podcast Host 00:13:29 - 009 - Michael Regina | Podcast | Read The Freaking Comics 00:15:48 - 010 - Hosts: Izolda Trakhtenberg, Reena Friedman Watts, Jay Yow, Jeff Haas, Barney Smith|How to Get That Big Named Guest on your Show! 00:24:32 - 011 - William John Titus Bishop | Music | Americana 00:26:27 - 013 - jay Yow | Audio Engineer | The James Altrucher Show 00:29:36 - 014 - Rich Davis | Comic | Angel / Hunter | Comic Store Owner 00:32:02 - 014 - Richard Sparks | Author | New Rock, New Role Series 00:35:14 - 015 - Adriano Ariganello | Comic | Pesto Comics 00:36:36 - 016 - Amy Letts | President Caption UK Convention |Comic Writer / Artist 00:40:30 - 017 - DeWayne Dority | Comic | Shapemaster & Liar 00:41:55 - 018 - Madeleine Holly Rosing | Comic | Morgana Pendragon 00:44:03 - 019 - Lisa Belcher (Director/Producer) | Lukas Hassel (Actor / Writer) | House of Abraham 00:47:28 - 020 - Heidi Joosten | Music | Associate Conductor Naruto & More! 00:50:05 - 021 - Bret Juliano | Comic | Dust Bunny Mafia 00:51:19 - 022 - Christie Shinn | Comic | Demon B!tch 00:55:34 - 023 - Hanna Strauss | Comic | Joe Plant Comix 00:57:22 - 024 - PodTalk: Livestream #2 01:02:54 - 025 - Ari Gross | Comic | UPKeep issue 2 01:05:09 - 026 - Conor McCreery | Comic | The Last Witch 01:06:28 - 027 - Jen Bateman | Comic Writer/Arist | President MNCBA Comic Convention 01:13:08 - 028 - Benjamin Hunting | Comic | Model UN 01:15:15 - 029 - Dan Henk | Comic Writer, Artist 01:17:10 - 030 - Patrick Lugo | Comic | Undead KungFu Ghost Killer 01:18:12 - 031 - Jibola Fagbamiye (Artist), Conor McCreery (Writer) | Graphic Novel | Fela: Music Is The Weapon 01:23:47 - 032 - William Gosline | Comic Writer: Baby Barbarian 01:27:02 - 033 - Madeleine-Holly Rosing | Comic | Boston Metaphysical Society 01:30:06 - 034 - Steve Coffin | Comic | Helga's Hornz 01:32:46 - 035 - Benjamin Kapit | Director | The Sunrise House 01:36:59 - End - How to schedule your Interview on Two Geeks Talking in 2026!

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

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.

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.