FWACATA

This episode we tell you a truth you need to hear: STOP LISTENING TO IDIOT KIDS! Stop putting them into adult conversations and real shit we need to discuss! It’s unfair to them and to you and to all of us who are trying to get shit done, without dumb emotions! Shot maybe we can get something done! Also…. WISH DRAGON IS FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! We will be going live on every TUESDAY (NEW COMICS) THURSDAY (COMIC REVIEW) and SUNDAY (TOYS AND MORE) on FACEBOOK, https://www.facebook.com/TheGoblinsHeist , 9PM eastern time, come join the fun, see some amazing comics, claim some MYSTERY PACKS, cool guests ( our customers and friends) and chat with us! We are open during our regular hours for pay and pick-up! Or via PayPal! Bid on a Mystery box of Goodies every Tuesday! Value up to $100 of awesome! NEVER MISS AN ISSUE AND SAVE 10% with our SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE! FILL YOUR NEED TO NERD! Subscribers you are good to go! FILL YOUR NEED TO NERD! Order through DM or email the shop goblinheist@gmail.com Visit my comic shop in Hialeah, GOBLINS HEIST here: https://linktr.ee/goblinsheist FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JUAN AND HIS WORK ON https://linktr.ee/fwacata SUPPORT by giving to the PATREON https://www.patreon.com/FWACATA Open today 12-9Pm come get your nerd on! Find more on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FWACATA Daily uploads and videos here: https://instagram.com/fwacata?igshid=bdk8b8qz85pb #hialeahcomicshop #miamicomics #lcs #localcomicshop #igcomicfamily #buycomics #podcast #wishdragon #shutupkids #gretathurman #comedypodcast #comedy #comedian #makecomics Find all my stuff here: https://linktr.ee/fwacata

Hey folks another week another FWACATA for your ass! This week we review FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER season ending! Plus MORTAL KOMBAT review! INVINCIBLE! MODOK! CROSSOVER! And more. Find more on my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FWACATA Daily uploads and videos here: https://instagram.com/fwacata?igshid=bdk8b8qz85pb Find all my stuff here: https://linktr.ee/fwacata #sketch #sketchbook #timelapse #sketching #sketches #sketchoftheday #pencilsketch #sketchbookdrawing #sketchaday #sketch_daily #sketchbookart #sketchup #sketchdaily #drawingsketch #sketchart #dailysketch #sketchy #autodesksketchbook #digitalsketch #quicksketch #fashionsketch #tattoosketch #instasketch #urbansketchers #animesketch #pensketch #urbansketch #watercolorsketch #fwacata #miami

When was the last time you practiced the basics? I’m talking about drawing cubes, playing scales, writing clean sentences—the broccoli of creativity. Not glamorous, not sexy, but absolutely essential.The truth is, fundamentals aren’t just for beginners. They’re for everyone. Athletes run drills. Musicians practice scales. Even chefs revisit chopping onions. Why? Because mastery is maintenance.Skipping fundamentals is like skipping the gym—you’ll eventually regret it. And the best part? The stronger your basics, the freer your creativity becomes. Fundamentals are the foundation that lets you build castles, break rules, and push limits without everything collapsing.So this week’s Monday Motivation is all about revisiting your fundamentals. Pick one area of your craft, go back to basics, and practice. Not because you’re bad, but because you’re sharpening your edge.🎙 Listen to the full episode → Patreon.com/FWACATAAlso, check out the Discord for more! https://discord.gg/Un3ZJGwM

If there’s one thing that chaps my balls (and trust me, there are many), it’s ego.You know the kind—spoken-word monologues that sound like they were written by a mirror:“I am the truth, I am the fire, I am the cosmic latte of your reflection.”Cool. Congrats. But here’s the thing: creating isn’t about being the cosmic latte. It’s about doing the thing, failing at the thing, and sometimes—even more importantly—celebrating the fact you did the thing at all.Because being creative is like being in a bad relationship. You give it everything: your time, your sleep, your Netflix queue. And what do you get back? A drawing of a horse that looks like a toaster with legs. Or a short story that reads like it was typed with someone’s feet.But now and then, you land it. You make something, you look at it the next day, and you don’t want to vomit. That’s a win.And here’s the tragedy: most of us don’t celebrate it. We just shrug and say, “Yeah, but what’s next?”That’s like winning Olympic gold and complaining your shoelaces were untied.I’ll admit it—I’m guilty. I finish a painting, and by the time it’s off the easel, I’m already sick of it. I’ve literally begged museums just to keep the damn thing because I don’t want to pick it up. I’m like a deadbeat parent to my own art. Done is done, and I don’t want visitation rights.But you know what? That’s not fair—to me or the work. Because small wins matter.Wins like:That one sketch in your notebook that actually worked.A print you sold—even if it was on sale.A stranger saying, “Hey, this made me smile.”Your kid asking to draw with you. (That’s huge.)Or, if you’re me as a kid—spray-painting your toy van army green, taping it like your dad’s body shop, and scrawling FUCK TRUCK down the side. (True story. And yes, the weapons popped out when you pressed the button. Tell me that’s not a creative win.)Here’s the thing: these wins are your rocket boosters. Each one gives you enough thrust to break gravity and keep going. Without them, you’re stuck on the launchpad, pissed off, wondering why nothing feels worth it.So here’s your homework this week:Think of one creative win you’ve had. Doesn’t matter how small. Maybe it was a napkin doodle that didn’t look like hot garbage. Maybe it was a poem that made you laugh. Maybe it was the time your cousin made up a theme song for your ridiculous toy van.Celebrate it. Out loud. Toast it. Do a stupid dance. Tell your dog because nobody else is going to throw you a parade. You have to be the marching band for yourself.Creative wins are rare. They’re quiet. They don’t come with confetti or royalties. But they matter. They’re proof. They’re fuel. And if you string enough of them together, you don’t just make art—you make a life.So celebrate your work, even the messy bits. Especially the messy bits.Because in the end, small wins are still wins.🎧 Listen to the full episode → [Podcast Link]👉 Support more rants, chaos, and comics on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/FWACATAJoin the discord, show work, and discuss! https://discord.gg/Un3ZJGwM

The other day I saw this video of a professor talking about cringe culture—how being openly hopeful, positive, or ambitious somehow makes you the human equivalent of a “kick me” sign. Better to be nihilistic, detached, and “cool” than risk being seen trying.And you know what? She’s right. We’ve built a culture where fear is fashionable. Fear of being judged. Fear of being canceled. Fear of failing so hard that you leave a crater.But here’s the truth: fear’s only job is to keep you bland and “safe.” It’s that smoke detector that screams at burnt toast. It’s the backseat driver telling you to stay home and eat dry cereal instead of risking rejection, ridicule, or (God forbid) being seen.Here’s the dirty secret nobody tells you: everyone’s afraid.The artists you admire? Afraid. Your favorite musicians? Nervous wrecks before a show. Even Beyoncé probably has a moment backstage wondering if her dress is too sparkly.The difference is—they act anyway.Fear has never written a book, painted a canvas, or built a business. It just sits there with its arms crossed, muttering “don’t.” The only way to shut it up is to do it anyway.Start small. Post one piece of art. Play your song for one friend. Sell one hot dog. Each step is a hammer swing breaking the chains that hold you back.Because you’re not here to live small. You’re here to make noise, make messes, screw up, learn, and grow. Fear will always be in the car—just don’t let it drive.🎧 Hear the full rant on FWACATA’s Monday Motivation #29 over on Patreon — where chaos, comics, and creative rebellion live.👉 patreon.com/fwacata

Because choosing intelligence shouldn’t feel like a radical act.Okay, look—I had to sit down and face a hard truth. We all have our “-isms,” right? Some people are racist, some are classist. Me? I’m dumbist. I have a low tolerance for stupidity. Not ignorance—ignorance can be educated. But active, enthusiastic stupidity? That’s my villain origin story.I realized this while standing in line at the grocery store, overhearing someone explain how they “don’t trust electricity.” And it hit me: I’m a misanthrope with WiFi. But I’m not alone.Let’s be real—we live in a society that rewards physical aesthetics but not mental acuity. You get a six-pack, you’re a hero. You read six books? You’re suspiciously quiet and probably a witch. It’s wild.And we’ve created a machine—a black mirror we carry in our pockets—that spits info at us so fast, we don’t retain a damn thing. It’s all junk food for the brain. The tragedy? We used to savor knowledge like a fine meal. Now we inhale it like gas station nachos and forget it by lunch.So what would a Society for Intelligence even look like?No, not a Mensa wine mixer with monocles and grammar snobs. I’m not saying we build a techno-nerd utopia where spelling errors are capital crimes. I’m talking about a world that values intelligence in all its weird, wonderful forms. One that nurtures curiosity and encourages us to ask better questions.Because intelligence isn’t just one thing. It’s not just math tests and spelling bees. Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences says it’s a mix—logic, language, music, movement, people skills, inner self-awareness, nature, and even existential dread (yes, stoners count too).And don’t get me started on IQ tests. They measure how good you are at taking IQ tests. They don’t tell me whether you’d make a decent decision in a crisis—or whether you’d try to ride a bear in Yellowstone for TikTok clout. (Spoiler: a lot of people fail that test.)Here’s the real kicker: Smart doesn’t mean genius. Smart means adaptable. It means curious. It means you know when to shut up and listen. And it means you’re not afraid to look stupid by learning something new.So what do we do?Teach critical thinking.Reward empathy.Build systems with checks and balances, not cults of personality.Encourage people to read a damn book.Make curiosity cool again.And if someone tells you they “don’t do politics,” remind them: that’s not neutrality—it’s just being comfortably uninformed.I’m not perfect. Far from it. I’ve made dumb decisions, eaten suspect sushi, dated human tire fires. But the difference is—I learned. And I think that’s all we’re really asking for.So let’s build a society that rewards that.And hey, if this post sparked something in your over-caffeinated brain, join the Patreon, throw in a buck or two, help me keep screaming into the void with purpose.Until next time:Be smart. Be kind. Best of all—be good.

Cue the music:🎶 "I am a real American… fight for the rights of every man…" 🎶Let’s be real: If you were a kid in the '80s or early '90s, that anthem didn’t just slap—it suplexed your soul.Hulk Hogan wasn’t a man. He was a movement, a mustachioed manifestation of pure musclebound Americana, dripping in baby oil and moral clarity.And now, with his passing, we’re left with a complicated grief.Not over Terry Bollea—the man.But over Hulkamania—the myth.This isn’t an attempt to cancel or canonize him.We know the baggage. The lawsuits. The leaked tapes. The racism. The union-busting.Terry Bollea was, frankly, a mess in red and yellow.But what he symbolized? That’s where it gets tricky—and kind of beautiful.Because in a time before everyone had a hot take, before irony ruled the internet, there was a loud, sweaty, bleach-blonde uncle yelling at you to say your prayers, eat your vitamins, and never give up.And that meant something.https://youtu.be/qAmzvTbqFDM?si=0ZvFo1zm-o475YY1I cried when he lost to the Iron Sheik on TV.(He didn’t actually lose—but try telling 6-year-old me that in my parents’ bedroom at midnight.)When he won? I flexed my invisible pythons and strutted around the house like I just leg-dropped international communism.He was hope, biceps, and American exceptionalism with a tan line.And yeah—Terry ruined a lot of that over time.But honestly?The same way we separated Bill Cosby from Cliff Huxtable…The way Armstrong pedaled away with our hearts before he blood-doped the dream…We have to separate Hogan the man from Hogan the myth.The myth taught us to believe.The man reminded us never to believe too hard.So what now?We retire the mask.We mourn the myth.And we build better heroes. Ones who don’t need steroids, sex tapes, or courtrooms.And if you’re still asking, “What’cha gonna do, brother?”Maybe the answer is this:Be better than him.Want more spicy, nostalgic, uncomfortable truth wrapped in art, absurdity, and storytelling?👉 Join the FWACATA PatreonSupport the podcast. Get art. Keep the chaos going.And remember, brother:It’s okay to outgrow your heroes.Just make sure you grow into someone worth believing in.

(FWACATA Monday Motivation Blog – July 21 Episode)Ever have one of those moments where you look like you’ve got it all together on the outside, but inside you’re screaming like a goat in a horror movie? That was me last weekend.This episode of the FWACATA Monday Motivation Podcast is about conquering fear—or, more accurately, holding hands with it and whispering, “Please don’t kill me” while pretending to be cool.In a short trip meant to cap off a busy but beautiful summer, I took my wife up to Fort Davis, Texas. Scenic mountains, dark sky preserve, hot springs… the works. My lovely partner, ever the explorer, found a mountain-top lookout for some late-night stargazing. Cute, right? Except for one tiny problem—I’m terrified of heights.Now picture this: it’s pitch black, we’re driving up a winding, rail-less mountain road that looks like it was designed by Wile E. Coyote, and I’m trying not to visibly sweat through my skull. When we reached the top, I wanted to run back to the car and hug the steering wheel. But I didn’t. I swallowed the panic and stuck it out.And that’s the whole point of this week’s episode: sometimes the effort is the reward. Sometimes just not turning around and bailing is enough to be proud of. You don’t have to bench press your fears—you just have to show up and give them a side-eye while doing your best to ignore them.It’s not about the stars we saw (spoiler: cloud cover), or the perfect trip (we ate some very "meh" food). It’s about showing up, even when you’re scared.So this week, maybe you’re not ready to climb mountains—literal or metaphorical—but maybe you can still start. Start the thing, make the move, send the email, clean the studio, do the reps, or just admit to yourself that fear is there, but it doesn’t own you.Tune into the episode now to hear how I turned a near panic attack into a personal win.And hey—if you dig what I do, check out the Patreon where you can get even more rants, comics, behind-the-scenes art stuff, and raw, unfiltered motivation to keep going.👉 [Insert podcast episode link]👉 [Insert Patreon link]Be brave. Be weird. Be good.— Juan @ FWACATA 🎙️✨

In this fiery and heartfelt episode of the FWACATA podcast, Juan dives into something that’s been gnawing at his soul: the soul-crushing apathy many folks are clinging to in the face of horror. From Gaza to ICE raids, from flood zone tragedies to TikTok indifference, we’re living in a world where not choosing is becoming its own kind of evil.Juan shares a raw convo with an old friend—actor, comedian, fellow chaos juggler—about the plague of “I’m not political” energy infecting people who should know better. Whether it’s fear of being wrong or just the comfort of not being inconvenienced, that middle-of-the-road numbness is exactly what the worst people in power are counting on.This isn’t about left or right. This is about right and wrong. About being human. About choosing to care, even when it hurts. And about not waiting until the heat’s too high to realize you're the frog in the pot.Yeah, there’s some yelling. Yeah, there’s swearing. Yeah, there’s a solid reminder that artists and actors can be full of it, too. But underneath it all, this episode is a love letter to everyone who does give a damn—and a challenge to those who don’t.👊 If you’ve ever been overwhelmed, pissed off, or just unsure of what the hell to do, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now, share it, argue with it—just don’t ignore it.✊ Join the movement, support the podcast, and get bonus content on Patreon.com/FWACATA“Be vigilant. Be independent. And most of all—be good.”

Control the Turn – Feelings Aren’t Facts, But They Still Steer the WheelAnother FWACATA Podcast Episode for People Who Think Too Much and Still Click “Play” Anyway (Apologies for the lateness, but I pressed the wrong thing and hadn’t changed my calendar on my wall, and …. yadda, yadda, yadda. )Let me ask you something:Ever feel like you're going to explode because someone gave you a passive-aggressive comment about your work, your face, your socks—whatever—and you’re just sitting there like, “Do I light the building on fire, or do I go full zen monk and let it pass?”Yeah. Me too.This week on the FWACATA podcast, we get into the dangerous (and sometimes hilarious) dance between feeling something and doing something about it. Because guess what? Not every emotion deserves an action.Sometimes you’ve just got to… control the turn.Why passive-aggressiveness is emotional junk foodFeeling disrespected ≠ getting to rage quit your dayLearning to observe instead of react (yes, even to trolls and parking lot weirdos)How not to be a lazy piece of shit—but also how to commit 100% to being one when it’s necessaryWhy you should “whole-ass” your choices (and your cookies)Practical kung fu-level life wisdom, backed by zero science and tons of experienceLook—we’ve all been there. That moment when someone pushes your buttons, and every cell in your body says, “Just swing, bro.” But you don’t. Why?Because full-throttle doesn’t always get you the win.Because scorched earth leaves nowhere to stand.Because sometimes, silence and a sideways glance is a black belt move.This episode is about recognizing that feeling and not letting it puppeteer your life. Whether it's procrastination disguised as self-care, rage disguised as principle, or laziness disguised as peace—you gotta know your mask game.Cool. Eat it. Enjoy it.Then squat it off and do better tomorrow.This episode isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about being aware of when you’re stuck in bed too long. About choosing to work or choosing to rest—but doing it on purpose. It’s about knowing when to draw for six hours and when to chase your wife to a thrift market you didn’t know you needed.Most importantly, it’s about being the kind of person your future self won’t roll their eyes at.🎧 The latest FWACATA podcast episode is up and live now!Listen wherever you listen to your favorite rants, rambles, and hard-earned truths.👉 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ThisisJuan/fwacata-2-making-dem-comics-sonBe present. Be weird. Be whole-assed.And as always, be good.#FWACATA #CreativeLife #EmotionalIntelligence #MondayMotivation #IndieComics #ArtistPodcast #MakeArtAnyway #BePresent #WholeAssIt #BeGood🎧 What’s Inside This Episode:You Are Not Your Feels™Still Gonna Eat That Cookie?Listen Now – Your Brain Needs This

🎙️ Don’t Mistake Disagreement for a Death ThreatOr: How to Survive the Internet, Arguments, and Your Own MindYou know what the real modern plague is? Not TikTok addiction or avocado toast pricing. It’s the belief that if someone disagrees with you, they must absolutely, cosmically, and spiritually hate your guts.In this week’s episode of the FWACATA Podcast, we take a step back from the flaming social media pile-on and explore the radical concept that people can disagree... and still be cool with each other.Yeah. Wild, right?Look, disagreement is not a declaration of war. Someone saying “Actually, I think you’re wrong” isn’t them slashing your tires or setting your favorite hoodie on fire. It’s just... a different opinion. But in today’s climate, we’re all packing around emotional landmines like we’re cosplaying a Quentin Tarantino character.There’s this hyper-reactive, Wild West energy in modern life—like we’re all seconds away from a shootout over parking spots or preferred pronouns. But here’s the thing: that constant tension? It’s not strength. It’s paralysis.And it’s turning us all into twitchy little time bombs with strong opinions and sore necks.You’ve got options. You can let the wave knock you down, or you can dive under and keep swimming. That’s not a metaphor. Okay, it is, but it’s also real life. Every day offers you a chance to freak out or flow through. Choose wisely.Your voice is powerful. Use it smart. Sometimes, saying “No thanks” and walking away from a screaming match is more revolutionary than swinging back.This episode also touches on one of life’s greatest scams: the myth of “arrival.” You know, the fantasy that once you graduate, get the job, find the partner, buy the house, or become a 100k-followed influencer, you’ll finally be happy.Spoiler: you won’t. Because you never arrive. Life is not a plateau you get to. It’s a treadmill where the incline keeps randomly increasing and there’s no emergency stop.So what do you do? You enjoy the now. The sandwich you made last week. The sketch that didn’t suck. That one time behind the Walgreens. You live in it. Because presence is power.Why disagreement ≠ hatredHow our words ripple way farther than we thinkThe secret to not being paralyzed by the world’s nonsenseA rant about cringey art shows and technically-good-yet-soulless workA gentle reminder to breathe, walk, laugh, and be just a little unhinged—in the best way possible👉 [Listen to the full episode above] And hey, if you want to support someone who’s trying to make something meaningful in the chaos, check out my Kickstarter. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ThisisJuan/fwacata-2-making-dem-comics-sonIssue #2 is LIVE, and we’re already more than a third of the way there. Every backer helps me keep shouting into the void with purpose.Until next time—Be good. Be weird. Be here.#FWACATA #MondayMotivation #CreativeLife #DisagreeDon’tDestroy #BePresent #ArtistRants #MakeArtAnyway #IndieComics #StayHuman☕ Disagreeing Doesn’t Mean You Need to Smack Someone With a Chair🌊 Don’t Just Get Hit By the Wave—Dive Under It🧠 The Real Secret: Be Present🎧 In This Episode:

Yeah yeah, I’ve been off the radar for a couple weeks. Life happened. A few things exploded. Some of them metaphorically, some maybe more literally (I’ll let the insurance company figure it out). And let me tell you—it’s hard to hit “record” on a podcast when you’re busy taping the ceiling back to the roof of your life.But here we are, and guess what?It’s another Monday Motivation from FWACATA, baby.This week’s episode isn’t clean or pretty or filtered through an inspirational quote over a misty lake. This one is duct tape and determination. This one is about being too broke to buy gesso, too tired to function, and still too stubborn to quit.Because here’s the thing nobody tells you with a straight face:You have to be belligerent about your goals.Not cute. Not chill. Belligerent.You have to make art like it owes you money. You have to write like you’re on a deadline that’s three days past. You have to keep showing up even when the algorithm ghosted you, your bank account is playing the “let’s see what overdraft feels like” game, and you’ve had enough of the news to want to just live in a pillow fort permanently.And yeah, that’s the vibe of this episode. It’s real. It’s personal. It’s me figuring out how to keep making comics while staring down a mountain of bills, disillusionment, and the nagging sense that the world’s turning into a Dali painting made of garbage.But I’m still here.Still drawing. Still podcasting. Still putting issue four of the anthology together. Still helping out other creators when I can. Still yelling into the void—only now, it echoes back in stereo.And I’m inviting you in.Because maybe you’ve felt it too. That freeze. That “what’s the point?” moment. That tired-of-mediocrity art show hangover. That soul itch that says, “You’re supposed to be doing more than scrolling through disappointment.”If that’s you? This one’s for you.We talk Kickstarters. Backerkit. GoFundMe karma. Why mediocre art keeps getting hung in galleries. Why really good artists still need someone to walk up and ask, “What are you trying to say with this?”And yeah, I admit I probably need to ask myself that more, too.But in the end? This episode is a reminder that being a little crazy, a little loud, a little obsessed—might just be the only way to survive and thrive right now.🎧 Listen now to the latest episode of the FWACATA Podcast. ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/3wCDN8WY91EuayFM9oojCV?si=6mPb35_VRmOBUPxEBvaM4ABe loud. Be weird. Be relentless.But don’t, for the love of comics, stop.BE GOODWhy listen?TL;DR:

Welcome to a new installment of the FWACATA Podcast!If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to finally launch your big project, get serious about your art, or just finish that damn thing sitting in the corner of your mind — here’s your Monday wake-up call:Nobody’s coming to hand it to you.You’ve got to start.This week’s episode is a no-holds-barred reminder that while the world might feel like it's tilting sideways (and hey, maybe it is), life, creativity, and hope are still worth the hustle.Sure, things get harder as you get older. You need more coffee. More naps. Maybe a little more yelling into the void. But that flame? It’s still there.It just needs action to stay alive.Movement. Creation. Forward motion.Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s slow. Especially when it’s messy and slow.We all love to plan. Sketchbooks full of notes, dreams, and “what ifs.”But without action, it’s all just doodles in a notebook.You want to start a comic? Draw the first panel.Write a novel? Type the first sentence (even if it’s “Interior: My Asshole.” Seriously, just get moving.)Launch a business? Google the first step and take it.Big ideas don’t mean anything until you get your hands dirty.You know why all the loud, obnoxious people seem to get ahead?Because they’re doing something.It might be awful. It might be evil. But they’re moving. They’re working the system.The good news?You can move too. You can build. You can create. You can do—without selling your soul or turning into a cartoon villain.You just have to start.We’re talking about momentum, the real meaning of resilience, and why you should always plant your flag—even if it feels like you're the only one left on the field.🎧 [Click here to listen to the full episode!](Link to episode here)And if you want even more rants, motivation, behind-the-scenes chaos, and exclusive bonus content? SUBSCRIBE! Let's build something better—one small, stubborn, sweaty step at a time.FWACATA all day, every day.The Fire’s Still There — You Just Need to Stoke ItPlanning is Great. Doing is Better.The Secret the World Doesn’t Want to Tell YouThis episode is a rally cry: Stop waiting. Start doing.

Plant the Seeds, Even if You’re in a Parking LotSome episodes are recorded in sleek studios with soundproof walls. Others are born in the wild acoustics of a car parked somewhere between real life and chaos. This one? Definitely the latter. But that’s kind of the point.This week’s Monday Motivation episode of the FWACATA Podcast isn’t about perfection—it’s about momentum. It’s about the power of planning just enough to get moving, even if everything around you is a mess. It’s about planting creative seeds—whether you’re sketching, writing, filming, building, or just surviving the Monday grind—and trusting they’ll grow.Because here’s the thing: you don’t need the perfect setup. You need intent. You need motion. And above all, you need a system that works even when everything else is on fire.In this episode, I talk about the little notebooks I carry, the half-formed ideas I scribble in them, and the ones that come back years later to become something real. Sometimes it’s a design for a real estate ebook with a GTA: Vice City vibe. Sometimes it’s an old comic idea that hits just right in a new light.Not every idea will bloom. That’s fine. Some turn into full-fledged projects. Some stay weird little notes. Others? They surprise you years later when you flip through your sketchbook looking for something else.The lesson? Capture the idea anyway. Give it a home. Don’t trust your brain to remember anything—trust the page.This week, I talk through mailing out the last rewards from the FWACATA Kickstarter and how planning for the next one starts now. I’ve got issues of Zombie Years, Rez, and more ready to go. The sketchbooks and notes? They’re paying off.I’m reformatting old issues, designing new covers, and setting up a bi-monthly Kickstarter schedule. That’s the hustle. That’s how indie creators survive. One step at a time. One weird idea at a time. One seed at a time.And yeah, I even used AI for a cover mock-up because the job didn’t pay much. So what? It got the job done. That’s what matters.If you’ve got something brewing—a story, a song, a sculpture, whatever—stop waiting for permission or the “perfect time.” Start messy. Plan loosely. Just start.Got something you’re working on? Hit me up. Let’s talk. Maybe I’ll shout it out. Maybe we’ll collaborate. Maybe we’ll plant something weird and see what grows.🎧 LISTEN TO PODCASTS HERE#FWACATA #MondayMotivation #CreativeSeeds #SketchbookLife #MakeArtAnyway #IndieComics #StartSomething #CreativeMomentum #PodcastWithGritLet me know if you want this adapted into an Instagram or X version!The Sketchbook Is the GardenBuild Your System, Then Ignore It… Until You Need ItYour Turn

The Art of Experimentation – Stop Playing It Safe!Listen, if you’ve been doing the same thing over and over and expecting some grand artistic breakthrough, I’ve got news for you: IT’S NOT COMING. You’re just drawing the same stale, predictable stuff, like a baker who only knows how to make plain white bread. You need to throw some jalapeños in there, swirl in some chocolate—GET WEIRD.This week on the podcast, we’re diving into The Art of Experimentation—breaking out of your artistic rut, trying new mediums, and embracing the glorious mess of creativity. Because if you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough.Because safe is boring. Safe is a creative dead end. The best artists? They took RISKS. Picasso didn’t stay in his Blue Period forever, and neither should you.Trying new styles or mediums unlocks parts of your brain that have been asleep at the wheel. You’re going to discover new ways to express yourself, new ideas, and maybe even a little bit of that long-lost joy in creating. Remember joy?Here are some simple ways to punch fear in the face and start experimenting:Draw with your non-dominant hand – It’ll be terrible, but it’ll teach you to let go of perfection.Limit yourself to three colors – Forces you to think differently about shading and composition.Make an ugly drawing ON PURPOSE – See what happens when you’re not worried about making it “good.”Use a tool you’ve never touched before – Charcoal, digital, ink wash, finger painting, crayons, whatever. Just break out of your default.Now, if you’re bringing this to someone who’s set in their ways (cough your mom cough), you’ve got to make it fun and low-pressure. Here’s how:Make it a game – Timed drawings, absurd prompts, blind contour drawing. People forget they’re “bad” at something when they’re laughing.Use nostalgia – “Remember doodling in the margins of your high school notebooks? Let’s do that again.”Destroy the idea of perfection – Tell them to make something ugly on purpose. Takes the fear right out of it.Sneak attack – Leave some markers and a sketchbook on the table. Watch curiosity do its thing.At the end of the day, creativity is about exploration. So stop playing it safe, grab a weird-ass medium, and make something ridiculous. You might just surprise yourself.LINKS:Michael Zulli and his amazing run on TMNT back in the Miarage days, great article https://youtu.be/dLSzmcA2sNAhttps://youtu.be/aIq9h0JnzcMWebsite for poses, with timers and everything, a great warm up tool! Why Experiment?Exercises to Loosen UpHow to Get Older Adults to Join the ChaosGO MAKE SOME SHIT!BE GOOD

Without me, my sketchbook is useless. Without my sketchbook, I am useless.…and so onThere’s something powerful about a blank page. It’s not just paper—it’s a space to build, reflect, and create. A sketchbook isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone looking to capture a moment, map out an idea, or make sense of the chaos around them.This week on FWACATA Podcast, we dive into why keeping a sketchbook (or journal, or whatever you want to call it) is one of the most powerful tools you can have—for your creativity, your productivity, and maybe even your sanity.Think of it like this: in Dungeons & Dragons, wizards have a spellbook—a place where they collect all their knowledge, ideas, and incantations. Your sketchbook? Same thing. It’s your idea vault, your reference manual, your record of the weird and wonderful things bouncing around in your head.Inside, you can:Sketch out ideas before they vanish.Write down those fleeting thoughts that might become something great.Paste in ticket stubs, fortunes, photos—anything that captures a moment in time.It’s a living document of your creativity, and the more you use it, the more valuable it becomes.We live in a time where everything is digital, yet nothing feels permanent. You can scroll endlessly, save a million bookmarks, and yet… where does it all go?A physical sketchbook stays with you. It doesn’t get lost in an algorithm. It doesn’t get buried under notifications. It’s always there, waiting for you to flip back through its pages and remember what you were thinking, dreaming, or creating.It doesn’t matter what kind of sketchbook you have—fancy leather-bound journals, cheap dollar-store notebooks, or something in between. What matters is that you use it. Fill it with whatever feels right to you. Doodles, notes, scraps of ideas—it all counts.This isn’t about perfection. It’s about process.So grab a notebook. Start today. This is your sketchbook—there are many like it, but this one is yours.🎧 Listen to the full episode on FWACATA Podcast and start creating.#FWACATA #MondayMotivation #SketchbookLife #CreativeProcess #MakeSomething #IndieComics #StayInspiredYour Sketchbook Is Your SpellbookThe Digital World Won’t Save YouMake It Yours

We all know that person. The one who spends more time complaining about their problems than solving them. The one who would rather wallow than take action. The one who insists their life is a mess but rejects every solution you offer.I can’t do that. I don’t understand the point of sitting in frustration when the fix is right before you. Either solve the problem or let it go. Anything else is just wasted energy.This week on the FWACATA Podcast, we’re talking about getting out of your own way.The hard truth? Most problems have a solution. It’s just that sometimes, people don’t like the options.Hate your job? Find a way out.Stuck in a rut? Change your habits.Tired of the same conversations? Surround yourself with different people.It’s not always easy, but complaining won’t get you there any faster.Remember when the internet was weird and full of surprises? When you’d stumble onto something new, some bizarre website or an artist you’d never heard of? Now, it’s just an algorithm feeding you the same recycled content.Creativity, art, life—it all thrives on discovery and sharing. But we’ve let social media flatten everything into one monotonous scroll.You know what keeps creativity alive? Talking about it. Sharing it. Showing others something new. If you see something cool, pass it along. You never know who might need that weird piece of inspiration at the right moment.At the end of the day, you can sit in the problem, or you can move forward. And if you’re reading this? You’re the kind of person who moves.🎧 Listen to the full episode now on FWACATA Podcast. Let’s get things done.#FWACATA #MondayMotivation #FixItOrForgetIt #StopComplaining #CreativeRebellion #IndieComics #MakeBetterArt #StayInspiredAction Over ExcusesThe Internet Has Made Us PassiveBe the One Who Shares, Not Just Consumes

The Most Rebellious Thing You Can Do? Be Good.We live in a time where being an outright jerk seems like a fast track to success—where the loudest, meanest voices get the most attention, and stepping on others is just another strategy to get ahead. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to play that game.This week on the FWACATA Podcast, we’re talking about the quiet, overlooked power of choosing not to be an asshole.Think about it—how many times have you had the chance to take advantage of someone? To push a little harder to get ahead? To bend the truth just enough to make things easier for yourself?And yet, you didn’t. Not because you’re weak. Not because you weren’t smart enough. But deep down, you knew it wasn’t the right thing to do.In a world where everyone is looking for an edge, having a conscience is its kind of rebellion.The easiest thing to do is get bitter and angry. Start cutting corners and convincing yourself that everyone else is doing it, so why not you?But the more complex, more rewarding path? Choosing integrity, even when it doesn’t immediately benefit you.As an artist, that means respecting your craft and your audience.As a creator, that means making work that means something—not just chasing trends.As a person, that means refusing to be part of the cycle that’s turning the world into one big, self-serving machine.If you’ve ever felt like the world is run by people who don’t care about anything but themselves, you’re not wrong. But here’s the trick: their power only works if we let them set the rules.Every time you choose to be good—to create, to lift others up, to refuse to play dirty—you break their system just a little bit more.And maybe, just maybe, that’s how we burn the whole thing down.So ask yourself—what kind of person do you want to be?Because at the end of the day, the biggest act of rebellion isn’t anger. It’s refusing to become what you hate.🎧 Listen to the full episode now on FWACATA Podcast.#FWACATA #MondayMotivation #RebelWithIntegrity #IndieComics #MakeBetterArt #CreativeFire #BeTheLight #NoMoreAssholes #StayInspiredEmpathy as a Power MoveThe Art of Not Taking the Easy RoadWhy This Matters More Than Ever

Are You Actually Living, or Just Playing the Game?Let’s be honest: most of what we deal with daily is just noise. The endless rules, the meaningless procedures, the polite but empty conversations—it’s all designed to keep us occupied, keep us complacent, and most importantly, keep us from actually questioning things.You ever sit through a training, a meeting, a briefing, and think: "Why don’t they just say what they mean?" Instead, they dance around the truth, sugarcoat everything, and act like the rules they made up are somehow for your benefit.That’s because clarity—real, unfiltered clarity—is dangerous. If people started seeing things for what they are, started saying what they actually mean, and—God forbid—started acting on it, well… that would be a problem for a lot of folks in power, wouldn’t it?You wake up. You start questioning. You start building. You start pushing back. Because the people making the rules? They don’t hesitate. They have their meetings, their strategies, their backup plans.But you? What’s your plan?Are you just going along with the script, nodding when you’re supposed to, staying quiet when you know something’s off? Or are you sharpening your own blade—whatever that means to you?Creatively. Personally. As a community.This week’s episode of FWACATA Podcast isn’t just a rant (though, let’s be honest, it gets a little fiery). It’s a wake-up call. A reminder that you can either sit on the sidelines or start making things happen.So ask yourself: What are you actually doing? And if the answer is nothing, maybe it’s time to change that.🎧 Listen to the full episode now. Let’s talk about what happens next.#WakeUp #FWACATA #TakeAction #StopPlayingTheGame #BuildSomething #MondayMotivation #CreateAndDestroy #IndieCreator #NoMoreExcusesSo, What Do You Do With That Knowledge?

Mediocrity is the Enemy – Why You Should Demand More from Yourself and the WorldThere’s this thick, suffocating layer of mediocrity that’s creeping into everything. Art, music, schools, culture—people are coasting, playing it safe, afraid to push past the surface. And it’s driving me insane.This week on the FWACATA Podcast, I dive into why the hell everyone seems okay with "just good enough"—and why you shouldn’t be.Have you ever looked around and thought, “Is this it? This is what people are hyping up?” That’s exactly how I felt watching the Kendrick Lamar halftime show—not bad, but not the revolutionary, game-changing performance people were acting like it was. Instead of real, raw creativity, it was a wink-wink, nudge-nudge kind of "art"—the kind that hints at making a statement without actually saying anything. Safe. Expected. Forgettable.This isn’t about one artist or one performance. It’s EVERYWHERE. Go to an art show, check out what’s passing as “deep” music, or watch what schools are churning out. It’s bland, uninspired, and worst of all—nobody seems to care.Art—real art—is supposed to grab you by the throat and shake you up. It should make you feel something, even if that feeling is discomfort. Instead, we get "art" designed not to offend, not to provoke, not to wake people the hell up. And it’s all because nobody wants to take risks anymore.People don’t create to challenge or innovate—they create to be accepted. They’re terrified of standing out, of having a real opinion, of saying, “Hey, this is bullshit.” And that’s the problem.Look, you can either join the herd or fight against it. If you’re an artist, a writer, a musician—hell, if you just give a damn about good work—then stop settling. Demand more. From yourself. From your peers. From the people you follow and support.🚀 Push your work past what’s "safe." Do the thing that scares you. Make the weird, the bold, the raw stuff.🚀 Call out the bullshit. Stop pretending everything is deep or meaningful when it’s just recycled nonsense.🚀 Find people who challenge you. Surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to tell you the truth and push you forward.Mediocrity is an infection, and it spreads when people accept it as the norm. Don’t fall for it. Demand better, sharper, harder-hitting work—from the world and from yourself.Do you see this happening too? What’s the last thing that truly inspired you? Drop a comment or DM me—I want to hear from people who still give a damn.🎧 Listen to the full rant on FWACATA Podcast. Let’s raise the bar—before we all drown in blandness.#NoMoreMediocrity #FWACATA #MakeBetterArt #DemandMore #IndieComics #CreativeFire #StayInspired #PushBoundariesAre We All Just Settling?Creativity Is Supposed to Push BoundariesWhy You Need to Demand More (from Yourself & Others)Let’s Talk About It