Tell The Damn Story

Here we go again! In today's episode, co-hosts Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan are joined by acclaimed comic book artist Eric Battle for an in-depth, wide-ranging conversation brimming with heart, honesty, and humor. From Eric’s earliest memories of being transfixed by comics on the spinner rack as a six-year-old, to the pressures and passions of telling powerful, real-world stories on the page,...

On this special international episode of "Tell The Damn Story," hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons team up with a panel of extraordinary artists and storytellers from across the globe, thanks to the East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC). Joining them are Micheline Hess of Mishmash Arts (NYC), acclaimed cartoonist and illustrator Tayo Fatunla (UK/Nigeria), and Jesse Sunkwa-Mills, CEO of...

Or, "Why Tell Tales of Angels and Monsters?" Welcome to Tell The Damn Story , where hosts Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan dig into the secrets of writing stories that outlast their times. In this episode, they explore how classic Twilight Zone episodes like “One for the Angels” and “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” prove that great fiction isn’t just about reflecting current events—it’s abo...

Is AI A Writing Digital Revolution or Deal With The Devil? In this podcast, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dig into the hotly debated role of AI in the creative process. From using tools like ChatGPT and Descript for research and editing, to the ethical gray areas of letting AI generate content, the conversation gets candid—and sometimes contentious—about where writers should draw the line. Ale...

"Writers, how much do you owe your audience?" In this thought-provoking episode, co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive into the creative risks and responsibilities that come with killing off beloved characters in popular stories like "The Walking Dead" and "The Last of Us." Drawing on recent controversies and their own extensive writing experience, Alex and Chris...

Or ... " How Unexpected Inspiration Sparks Story Ideas" This week, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive deep into the fusion of horror and poetry with Chris’s latest experimental project: "It's Been a Privilege."  Chris unpacks the accidental inspiration behind writing a harrowing narrative about a serial killer entirely in verse . This format breaks away from traditional...

🎙️ Welcome to a thrilling new episode of "Tell The Damn Story!" Today, we’re diving headfirst into the wild, wonderful world of theater — where an assassin, a ghost, a legendary Black Shakespearean actor, and Sherlock Holmes collide on one unforgettable stage! Chris Ryan steps up as lead host this time because our very own Alex Simmons wrote the play we’re spotlighting — "Sherlock H...

Or, SHOTGUN PROMPTS! In this wild, fast-paced episode of Tell The Damn Story , Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan hit the gas and tear through Plot Holes, dodge Story Stumps, and smash right through Writer’s Block like it owes them money. Their secret weapon? Creative prompts . From jelly donuts that inspire crime scenes to childhood memories, playlist magic, and the almighty “What if” question, they’ve...

"Tell The Damn Story," is back with a deep dive into the world of creative storytelling with our special guest, Omar Holman .  Omar is a writer, spoken word poet, and passionate comic book enthusiast who masterfully combines his love for words and superheroes in his work.  Along with cohosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons , the three artists open the door to explore a variety of topics, inc...

CAN THE OLD TEACH YOU ANYTHING NEW? In this episode of "Tell The Damn Story," hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons are joined by their friend and fellow pulp fiction enthusiast, writer/publisher Jim Beard . Together, they delve deep into the action-packed world of pulp fiction, exploring its roots, evolution, and relevance today. Jim shares insights from his experience as a writer, editor,...

In today's episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons dive into the challenges writers face in today's distracting and chaotic world. They introduce the concept of 'aggressive avoidance' —a strategy to stay focused on your creative work despite external turmoil. The discussion covers methods for managing distractions, the importance of storytelling, and the value of even non-political cr...

Hey there, storytellers! Or should we say, fellow procrastinators? Welcome to this episode of "Tell The Damn Story ," where hosts Christopher Ryan and Alex Simmons, alongside the ever-charming Jim Beard , take on the playful yet pesky world of writing roadblocks like procrastination and self-doubt. In this fun and insightful chat, our trio humorously tackles the different shades of procr...

THEY INVITED A PANEL OF NINE TALENTED CREATIVES! Chris and Alex are off for a brief rest. So this we're ... Returning to their third milestone for Tell the Damn Story, where they celebrated reaching their 300th episode! They flow from their humble beginnings discussing the craft of writing with guests, exploring the nuances of public speaking and meeting deadlines, to reflecting on significant ach...

The hosts are off for a brief rest. So this we're ... Returning to their second milestone for Tell the Damn Story, hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons celebrate reaching their 200th episode by diving deep into their journey of creativity and storytelling over the years. They flow from their humble beginnings discussing the craft of writing with guests, exploring the nuances of public speaking and me...

WHY TELL YOUR DAMN STORY?! Why is it important to write the stories that mean something to you? Whether for educational or entertainment purposes! Hey there, fans and fellow creatives,  Tell The Damn Story will be on hiatus for the next 3 weeks.  So, during that time, you'll have a chance to return to those thrilling days of our episodes 100, 200 , and 300 .     Here’s your chance to refresh y...

How do you deal with your greatest challenge? Do you have a mentor? What writer or their works inspires you? In celebration of our 350th episode, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan are joined by an inspiring panel of guests, including Jeannine Acheson, Tom Sniegoski, and Rebecca Cuthbert. Together, they reflect on the essence of storytelling, the mentors who guided them, and the power of sharing kn...

Today, we dive deep into the trials, triumphs, and unique nuances of writing iconic characters. Co-hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan as they share their incredible experiences and insights from penning legendary figures like Batman, Scooby Doo, Tarzan, and even contemporary historical characters such as Barack Obama. From the essential do's and don'ts of maintaining the essence of these be...

Today’s episode is brimming with essential advice to boost your writing journey.  Cohosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan tackle pressing questions from our listeners, covering topics such as meeting deadlines, staying inspired, understanding plot structures, and managing different genres.  We also touch on deeper questions about your identity as a writer and dealing with rejections. Stick around for...

How Many Creative Ways Do You Know to Promote Your Writing? How can we be our own promotion and sales department?  In this episode, Alex Simmons and co-host Chris Ryan ask that question of Rebecca Cuthbert (author, editor, professor). The three creatives get into an informative conversation that will help you jump-start your promotional strategies and get you on the path to author success.  In thi...

How To Hook Into Your Audiences' Emotions. In this compelling and illuminating episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons delve into the intricate world of flawed heroes and captivating villains by deeply analyzing classic and modern narratives.  They look at how a character’s actions, flaws, and backstory trigger emotions in your audience. Buckle up as they unveil the storytelling secrets behind such i...

In this episode of 'Tell the Damn Story,' hosts Alex Simmons and Christopher Ryan discuss the evolving landscape for writers in 2025, focusing on how to approach global and domestic changes creatively. They explore how writers can address deep-seated emotions such as 'heart hurt,' fear, frustration, and rebellion through their work while avoiding legal issues when critiquing public figures. The di...

What Inspired Might Inspire You. In this episode, cohosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons discuss what, how, and why certain stories inspired them this year. They dive into the creative moments and inspirations that shaped our year. Listen as they discuss the invaluable role of feedback in writing, the importance of respecting source material, and memorable stories that have captured our imaginations....

Have you ever wondered: What are effective ways to incorporate hope and positivity into stories influenced by dark or unsettling real-world events? How can I stay true to my creative voice when dealing with emotionally charged or divisive topics? Well, in today's episode, cohosts Alex and Chris Ryan try to answer those questions and a few more. They dive into the multifaceted journey of being a wr...

In this episode, we're diving deep into the craft of comedy writing. Today's episode, " Hope I'm Funny: The Hidden Secrets of Comedy Writing," explores the intricate art of making people laugh through storytelling. We'll break down the holiday film "Red One," starring Chris Evans and The Rock, which cleverly blends Santa myths with humor and action. We’ll discuss the iterative process of writing c...

This week, we're exploring the art and power of words and how they shape our stories and bring our characters to life. Cohosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons have been writing for over 30 years, and today, they're sharing insights on everything from detective tales to sci-fi adventures. We’ll discuss the meticulous process of crafting dialogue and ensuring each character has a unique voice, inspired...