Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan

Tell The Damn Story

Arts EN ↓ 428 episodes

This is where we interview and discuss the challenges and successes of writing books, comics, films, and other creative arts and pop culture topics.

Author

Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan

Episodes

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged (Hamburg) #28: The Value of Observations 08.07.2018 34:35

Co-host Alex Simmons checks in (solo) from Hamburg, Germany, to share thoughts and tips on the power of observation for creatives.

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #27: Are There Any Benefits To Connecting With International Comic Art Creators? 03.07.2018 45:19

While still traveling in Europe Alex uses the opportunity to connect with artists to explore whether art is universal or not. If it is, does that include comics art, and what can we learn from one another. *Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Do so in the Comments section or... Please do so by contacting us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #26: Should Artist Repurpose Their Creations To Fit Current Events? 01.07.2018 44:53

Alex and Chris discuss the thoughts, ethics, and personal processes behind repurposes artists repurposing their creations to fit new social or political. Is it a personal or business choice and is it a good one either way? Leave your comments below, or write to: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #25: Telling How To Tell The Stories In Serbia! 30.06.2018 16:44

Chris asks the questions as Alex gives a short on the spot report from Leskovac, a small small town in Serbia. Alex was invited to teach a writer's workshop at the Balkan young Comics creators Festival. *Want to leave a comment or ask a question? Do so in the Comments section or... Please do so by contacting us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #24: What's The Point Of Doing Family Friendly Entertainment? 28.06.2018 43:07

Your hosts Alex and Chris explore whether or not family friendly comis, TV shows and films are scares due to the industry, or is there really little market for them now.

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #23: Can Creators Successfully Promote and Navigate The Snipers of Social Media? 24.06.2018 40:21

Alex and Chris wrestle with a professional and emotional challenge. Within this intense and sensitive time can creatives promote, blog and share their thoughts in the wild wild west of social media? Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or on ... Or write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #22: Can Comics Inspire and Save Lives? 21.06.2018 28:57

Chris interviews Alex on his invite to speak to young artists at the international Balkans Festival of Young Comics Creators, in Serbia. It's purpose is to bring together a war torn area of Balkans. and give support to young creators. The festival began in 1998 and is the oldest in the region. Since they didn't have one in 1999, because of bombings, this is their 20th anniversary. Have questions o...

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #21: What To Do When Writers Fail, pt 1 10.06.2018 36:25

No matter how hard you try, sometimes the writing just doesn't go the way you want. In this episode Chris and Alex discuss some of their most difficult and disappointing writing experiences and how they dealt with them.

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #20: Are Superhero Movies Bringing the Billion Dollar Summer Heat? 05.06.2018 39:41

Alex and Chris explore the storytelling power of the the superhero movies current and coming soon. And how the Disney empire (Marvel and Star Wars films) has managed to weave a multi-billion dollar year.

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #19: How To Write Solid Dialog for Various Characters 29.05.2018 31:16

Over the years Chris and Alex have written many different characters, from plays to comics, to novels, and from men to women, to monsters.  In this episode they discuss some challenges and methods for writing engaging and genuine dialog. * Have questions for us? Post in the comments section, or on ...   www. Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory  Or write to us at: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #18: How Do Artists "Feed the Muse?" 24.05.2018 26:29

Chris and Alex explore how they, and other artists, feed theirinner creative energy source. Where do we find inspiration and determination? *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: Alex@SimmonsHereAndNow.com

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #17: What Kind of Characters Intrigue You? 21.05.2018 29:04

Chris and Alex discuss what type (and archetype) of characters in life and fiction intrigue them the most, and how that influences their work. We also touch on how the internal fiber of an author affects how we create and handle the characters in our stories. In other words, what we are affects what we're attracted to creatively. Do you agree or disagree? *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anch...

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #16: Finding Ways To Write Despite ... 13.05.2018 20:56

Chris and Alex talk about a few methods for dealing with writing distractions and excuses.  *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory,  or Email: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Tell The Damn Story #15: Judging For the Eisner Awards 03.05.2018 17:34

Chris talks to Alex Simmons, who is in San Diego, as a judge for the comic book industry's prestigious EISNER AWARDS. *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSonAir@gmail.com

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #14: (What's On My Mind) Why Do Heroes Matter? 17.04.2018 14:59

With the popularity of the movies and TV series from Marvel and DC Comics, including the extremely successful Black Panther film, the word "hero" has taken a prominent place in everyday conversation. In this episode I continue to explore the meaning of the word, and how we see the individuals (factual or fictional) upon whom we bestow that title. Have questions or Comments?  Leave them below,...

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #13: Violence On Or Off Page? 08.04.2018 34:09

Writers Chris and Alex discuss how they determine when to use violence in or out of the comic book page. And what are the thought processes behind that decision.  *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged: #12: What's On My Mind: Do Heroes Matter, Part 1 02.04.2018 6:20

Most writers are curious about life. We live, observe, research, and think about it. Then we sit down somewhere and chronicles about the aspects that intrigue or excite us. What's on My Mind is where I'll explore share my thoughts and questions the places where life and art combine. Have questions or Comments?  Leave them below, or Email: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #11: How To Get In Front of Your Audience. 28.03.2018 34:30

Alex and Chris gives some tips of how to get your creations out into the public eye, without sticking them in the eye.  *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSOnAir.com

Tell The Damn Story-Unplugged #10: Tim Fielder Back With "Matty's Rocket!" Pt. 1 - 3 26.03.2018 22:17

Latest TTDS Unplugged episode of ... Simmons Here And Now. The original TTDS 3 musketeers are back together again for a special episode! The MIA member, Tim Fielder, is back to talk about his graphic novel creation, “Matty’s Rocket!” It’s a stellar blend of Harriet Tubman and Bessie Coleman (look them up) having Buck Rogers-like adventures in the Jim Crow 1930s! (Part 1 & 2). *Have questions f...

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #9: Alex Simmons Shares His Feelings On A Black Panther Film, Part 2 26.03.2018 7:09

Alex finishes sharing  his final thoughts (see episode #1) on the emotional EMP wave affect of the Black Panther film. *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSOnAir.com

Tell The Damn Story UNPLUGGED #8: Billy Graham Art & the Black Panther, Pt 1 26.03.2018 22:20

Alex and Chris discuss the work and humanity of the unsung artist, Billy Graham. In particular his contribution as the first artist for Marvel's Luke Cage comics, and one of the Primo artists on the first major Black Panther comic book series "Panthers Rage."

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #7: Can A Fail Be A Win 26.03.2018 18:07

Your hosts, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons discuss what you're left with when projects and promotions don't go even close to the way you planned.  *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSOnAir.com

Tell The Damn Story-Unplugged #6: Films That Influenced 22.03.2018 23:11

Your hosts, writers Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons discuss what classic films influenced their own creations.  *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSOnAir.com

Tell The Damn Story Unplugged #5: Who Influenced Us? 18.03.2018 59:47

Your hosts, writers Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons discuss the question what characters from their past influenced their own creations. *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory, or Email: TTDSOnAir.com

Tell The Damn Story-Unplugged #4: Tim Fielder Is Back With "Marty's Rocket!" Pt. 3 & 4 14.03.2018 15:00

The original TTDS 3 musketeers are back together again for a special episode! The MIA member, Tim Fielder, is back to talk about his graphic novel creation, “Matty’s Rocket!” It’s a stellar blend of Harriet Tubman and Bessie Coleman (look them up) having Buck Rogers-like adventures in the Jim Crow 1930s! *Have questions for them? Post on ... Anchor, or find us on ... Facebook.com/TellTheDamnStory,...