My Comic Shop History

Host Anthony Desiato delivers a first in the podcast's history: a special episode recorded live in front of an audience! The panel, including guests Chris D'Lando and Brian O'Dea, explores how first impressions shape a collector's hobby. Recorded on 4.30.16 at Undiscovered Realm Comic Con in White Plains, NY.

Host Anthony Desiato remembers Darwyn Cooke and recruits a trio of collectors--Drew Cheskin, Phil Hussain, and Tom Darby--for a thorough and illuminating conversation on the ins & outs of buying original art.

Host Anthony Desiato ushers in a new era of My Comic Shop History with the question: What makes a collector? Featuring guests Brian Claudio and Steve Ryan.

Six months after the fall of Alternate Realities, host Anthony Desiato reunites "The Team" for a special holiday epilogue to Season 1 of My Comic Shop History. Featuring Sean McInerney, Tom Darby, and Rich Roney.

Host Anthony Desiato welcomes Steve Oto back to the show, along with Alternate Realities legend Bill Maio, to bid "The Store" a bittersweet farewell in the emotional finale of My Comic Shop History.

Host Anthony Desiato and returning guest Doug Doescher experience the full force of guest Jay Meisel's curmudgeonly charm as they try valiantly to help Jay recollect his comic shop history. PLUS: An illuminating conversation with Michael Kaplan, AKA Metal Head, a former owner of Alternate Realities.

Host Anthony Desiato takes a break from the Alternate Realities action and dons a pair of homemade Captain America wings for an insightful discussion on comic book adaptations. Featuring My Comic Shop DocumentARy scene-stealer Zach Woliner, returning podcast guest Mike Sangregorio, and Marvel's Chris D'Lando.

Host Anthony Desiato assembles a cross-section of the Alternate Realities community for an assessment of the current exit strategy, a pair of classic tales from AR lore, and a final round of customer nicknames & pet peeves. Featuring Drew Cheskin (former owner), Steve Ryan (employee), and Brian Claudio (customer).

Host Anthony Desiato enlists the female significant others of the Alternate Realities community to get their take on AR and the hobby generally. Featuring Stephanie Chow, Marie Menna, and Anne Oto.

Host Anthony Desiato enlists an all-star panel for a comprehensive discussion about the ins & outs of a running a shop. Featuring Paul Borrero (owner of The Spider's Web), Mike Sangregorio (accountant), & Phil Hussain ("oil baron"). Class is in session!

Host Anthony Desiato waxes nostalgic with former Alternate Realities employee Tom Darby about run-ins with the Chinese, UPS security, and the Scarsdale Fire Department.

Host Anthony Desiato has a lively, freewheeling conversation with longtime Alternate Realities customers Doug Doescher, Brian O'Dea, and Caralyn Hylenski Rivera about store beefs, the Ethan Van Sciver signing that never was, and much more!

Host Anthony Desiato sits down with longtime friend of the store Rich Roney and former employee Matt Casey to discuss the powerful bonds forged within the walls of Alternate Realities.

Host Anthony Desiato speaks with former Alternate Realities owner & Rocket Girl writer Brandon Montclare about his varied roles within the comic book industry.

Host Anthony Desiato chats with Alternate Realities employee Sean McInerney and customer Mike Capolino about comic shop life on both sides of the counter.

Host Anthony Desiato welcomes Alternate Realities owner Steve Oto to discuss his unlikely journey and decision to close the store after 23 years.