Tell The Damn Story

Hey, storytellers! This week, Alex Simmonss and Chris Ryan are getting real about something every creative struggles with at some point—confidence. They’re sharing stories about their own writing journeys (the wins and the wipeouts), dropping wisdom from Caroline Bick’s new book about digging into Stephen King’s archives, and giving honest answers to the most common confidence-killers that hold wr...

Does writing hopeful stories mean you're clueless? In this episode, with Chris away, Alex dives solo into the power and purpose of writing with hope—even when the world feels heavy with negativity. Too often, we're surrounded by doom and gloom, but as Alex reminds us, uplifting stories matter just as much as the darker ones. This episode explores why optimism is not naivete, the unique res...

Welcome to "Tell The Damn Story." In today's episode, Alex and Chris explore the art of crafting believable, relatable characters and explain the power of nuance in storytelling. Drawing from the film and book "Project Hail Mary," they break down how small details and subtle moments can forge real empathy and connection between an audience and even the most unlikely protago...

What does it really take to break into comics, animation, and film—and stay there? In this episode of Tell The Damn Story , Alex and sit down with screenwriter Brandon Easton to talk about the grind behind his career—and the truth most people don’t hear. From hustling at conventions in the ’90s…to navigating industry politics…to becoming the head writer on Iyanu … Brandon shares the real path: the...

Welcome to Tell The Damn Story ! In this episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons take a candid, often humorous look at the journey of building a writing discipline, especially for emerging authors. Drawing from personal stories of creative struggles, early rejection, and family skepticism, they reveal the difficult but deeply rewarding pursuit of storytelling. Along the way, Chris and Alex share insi...

Today, Alex Simmonss and Chris Ryan enthusiastically discuss the craft of building unforgettable characters, taking inspiration from none other than Michael B. Jordan. Right after his Oscar win, Jordan shared the journaling process he uses to create fully formed backstories for his roles—an approach our hosts believe every writer should consider. Throughout this episode, Alex Simmonss and Chris Ry...

Welcome to a brand new episode of Tell The Damn Story ! This time, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons head straight to the heart of what makes storytelling possible for so many writers—the trusty index card. In this episode, you’ll hear the inside scoop on a simple, affordable, and portable technique that’s helped countless creators map out their stories, movies, and plays. But there’s more—Chris Ryan re...

"What's Trickier? Writing The Stories, Or Getting Out To Meet The Public?" In this week’s installment, hosts Alex and Chris are joined once again by acclaimed writers Tom Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson for Part 2 of their deep-dive into conquering creative challenges and empowering aspiring authors. This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, candid reflections, and practical advi...

Welcome to a brand new episode of "Tell The Damn Story," where the journey of writing is as real as it gets! In this episode, co-hosts Alex Simmonss and Chris Ryan are joined by returning favorites Jeannine Acheson and Tom Sniegoski for a heartfelt, hilarious, and incredibly honest conversation about conquering creative challenges—especially those every aspiring author faces. The group dives into...

What does it really mean to survive through art? Alex and Chris take a thoughtful detour from craft mechanics and dive into something deeper — how writing, storytelling, and the arts help us survive difficult seasons of life. From Chris’s college epiphany (when a professor bluntly told him he loved music… but wasn’t a musician), to reflections on Stephen King writing his way through trauma, to sto...

On this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex and Chris dive headfirst into an age-old creative conundrum: do writers need permission to be weird? With their signature blend of humor and insight, they explore what “weird” even means in the world of writers, artists, and storytellers, and why embracing it might just be the secret key to unlocking your most authentic work. Drawing from personal anecd...

Despite the cold and snow, Alex and Chris Ryan dive deep into the art of subtext—those rich, unspoken layers that give stories their real meaning. Happily drawing from decades of teaching, writing, and storytelling, they share practical tips to help writers move beyond plot and action and into the heart of what a story is truly about. You’ll hear examples from contemporary pop culture, like Marvel...

"The boys are back in town to explore creativity, responsibility, and the uneasy questions AI brings to writing and illustrative arts. " Welcome to Part 2 of episode #400. Join cohosts Alex and Chris, along with returning TTDS cocreator Tim Fielder, as they explore the number one controversy about creativity. From nostalgic sketches inspired by classics like Johnny Quest to cutting-edge...

"Tim Fielder joins us to explore creativity, responsibility, and the uneasy questions AI brings to the arts." Welcome to a very special milestone on "Tell The Damn Story"— our 400th episode! This week, Alex and Chris are joined by the podcast’s original co-founder, Tim Fielder, for the first half of a two-part event that dives deep into one of the hottest and most controversial...

In this episode, hosts Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons delve into the multifaceted journey of aspiring and struggling writers. They discuss ... The importance of storytelling as a reflection of life, Explore how to tackle challenging themes without sermonizing, and Debate whether writers should maintain neutrality. Amid humorous exchanges and personal anecdotes, Chris and Alex provide valuable insight...

In this episode, hosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive deep into the ever-evolving challenges and strategies behind promoting your work as a writer. Drawing on their own publishing journeys—spanning traditional and indie paths—they share honest insights, mishaps, and lessons learned about building visibility, reaching readers, and navigating the business side of a creative life. Alex and Chris al...

In this episode of Tell the Damn Story , Alex and Chris explore what it really means to commit to a creative path—not just in ambition, but in action. They dig into the often-overlooked realities of collaboration: working with partners, editors, and creative peers; learning how to listen to critique without taking it personally; and understanding the difference between feedback that strengthens yo...

Welcome To Another Creative Year! Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan kick off 2026 by diving into what it really takes to be a prolific and resilient writer in the new year. With flying cars and jet packs noticeably absent from our futures, the co-hosts remind us that storytelling—simple, honest, and consistent—is the true adventure. Together, they reflect on the pitfalls of New Year's resolutions an...

Here we go with Part 2 of “Master the Magic of Holiday Horror: How To Create Festive Yet Frightening Tales” —an all-star lineup joins your favorite co-hosts Alex and Chris: Steven Van Patten, Teel James Glenn, Marc Abbott, John Collins, and James Chambers. This episode dives headfirst into the art and courage required to mix chills with cheer, sharing honest insights on pushing creative boundaries...

Welcome to a holiday edition of "Tell The Damn Story," where we explore the twists, turns, and often terrifying magic of crafting festive horror tales! In this very special episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmonss are joined by a powerhouse panel of storytellers—including Teel James Glenn, Marc Abbott, James Chambers, John Collins, and Steven Van Pattin. Together, they dive headfirst into t...

On this episode of Tell The Damn Story, hosts Lara Frater and John Frater join Chris Ryan and Alex Simmonss for a lively, revealing conversation that’s as much about relationships as it is about writing. With decades of combined experience across horror, sci-fi, nonfiction, and the world of gaming, Lara Frater and John Frater pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to build a marriage—and c...

"Writing for young readers isn’t about dumbing it down — it’s about tuning in..." In this episode of Tell the Damn Story , Chris and Alex dive into essential writing insights for anyone crafting stories for young readers. From understanding age-appropriate content to shaping characters and plots that truly resonate, they break down practical strategies emerging writers can put to work im...

In PART TWO of this episode, hosts Alex and Chris continue their deep dive into the exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—world of live events (book fairs, signings, or conventions) for writers. Chris shares more of his firsthand experience at the New York City Indy Horror Book Fair, breaking down everything from finding affordable opportunities to the nitty-gritty logistics of setting up your tab...

In this episode, hosts Alex and Chris dive deep into the exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—world of live events for writers. Whether you're an emerging author or a seasoned pro, stepping out from behind your desk to attend book fairs, signings, or conventions can be a game-changer for your writing career. Chris shares his firsthand experience at the New York City Indy Horror Book Fair, bre...

Struggling to turn that vague spark into a full story? Unsure how to build a hook, fix pacing, craft cinematic scenes, or write from a POV you haven’t lived? You’re not alone — and in this solo episode, Alex (with Chris away on a creative quest) dives into the questions that every emerging and aspiring writer wrestles with. In this bite-sized craft session, Alex breaks down: How to turn a vague id...