
The United States Department of Nerds Podcast
by USDN_Chairman
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On the show
From 31 epsHosts
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Recent episodes
Stephen Kok on TRANSHUMAN Vol. 4: Betrayal, Human Augmentation & Indie Comics
Aug 31, 2026
1h 47m 38s
Building the Future of Indie Comics with Christopher Reda of Critical Entertainment
Aug 24, 2026
1h 11m 07s
E.P.I.C. #2: Arise Alphas - Building the Dark City Universe with Lo Plater
Aug 21, 2026
1h 21m 14s
Bobby Campbell - Bringing Tales of the Illuminatus to Comics
Aug 16, 2026
1h 21m 03s
Jesse Wolfe - The Legend of Kyyden #2 & Building an Original Fantasy Universe
Aug 10, 2026
54m 36s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/31/26 | Stephen Kok on TRANSHUMAN Vol. 4: Betrayal, Human Augmentation & Indie Comics | How human are you when your body can be replaced?Australian comic creator Stephen Kok of SigmaTestudio joins The USDN Podcast for an in-depth conversation about TRANSHUMAN Vol. 4: Betrayal, human augmentation, comic book lettering, crowdfunding, and the realities of creating independent comics.At the center of TRANSHUMAN is Rivka, a former soldier living in a world where technology can repair, augment, and increasingly replace the human body. But if our bodies can be replaced piece by piece, what actually makes us human?Stephen takes us inside the philosophy and science fiction behind TRANSHUMAN, Rivka's evolution across four volumes, and what Volume 4: Betrayal means for the next chapter of her story.We also go deep into Stephen's work as a professional comic book letterer. In an extended discussion on the art and psychology of lettering, Stephen breaks down how word balloons guide a reader's eye, how lettering affects pacing and storytelling, why placement matters, and how great lettering becomes an invisible part of the comic-book reading experience.Stephen also shares lessons from more than a decade of independent comics, Kickstarter fulfillment, building trust with crowdfunding backers, measuring campaign success by readers instead of dollars, and why creators need to stop waiting and start making their work.FOLLOW STEPHEN KOK / SIGMATESTUDIOWebsite: https://sigmatestudio.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sigmatestudioInstagram - @eskay8888: https://www.instagram.com/eskay8888/Kickstarter - TRANSHUMAN Vol. 1-4: Betrayal: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1917428739/transhuman-vol-1-to-4-betrayal-sci-fiPROTECT YOUR COLLECTION WITH BCW SUPPLIESLooking for comic book bags, boards, boxes, storage, and other supplies to protect your collection?USDN is a BCW Supplies Affiliate. When you shop through our affiliate link or use code USDN, your purchase helps support The United States Department of Nerds at no additional cost to you.Shop BCW Supplies: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnAffiliate Code: USDNAs a BCW Supplies Affiliate, USDN may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate link or code.SUPPORT THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF NERDSThe USDN Podcast puts independent comic creators, writers, artists, publishers, and creator-owned comics in the spotlight.Subscribe or follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts and join the Council of Nerds.Find USDN everywhere: https://linktr.ee/usdn_podcastThe USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life. | 1h 47m 38s | ||||||
| 8/24/26 | Building the Future of Indie Comics with Christopher Reda of Critical Entertainment | Christopher Reda joins the USDN Podcast to discuss the growth of Critical Entertainment, expanding into comic shops across the United States and Canada through Universal Distribution, the creation of the Indie Comic Alliance, the Zombie Zero Deluxe Hardcover campaign, Patriot Comic Books, K-Toon Studios, and the future of independent publishing.From building a catalog of original comics to creating new opportunities for independent publishers and reaching readers through retail, crowdfunding, and new publishing imprints, Christopher shares what it takes to grow an independent comic book company while maintaining its creative identity.In this episode, we explore Critical Entertainment's move into wider distribution, the mission behind the Indie Comic Alliance, bringing the complete Zombie Zero series to hardcover through Zoop, adapting films into graphic novels through Patriot Comic Books, bringing K-Comics to English-speaking audiences through K-Toon Studios, and what's next for Critical Entertainment.Topics Covered:• Christopher Reda and Critical Entertainment• Expanding into comic shops through Universal Distribution• The creation and mission of the Indie Comic Alliance• Zombie Zero Deluxe Hardcover Edition• Crowdfunding through Zoop• Taking Zombie Zero beyond comics• Patriot Comic Books• Adapting Blackout and God Is a Bullet from film to comics• K-Toon Studios and bringing K-Comics to new audiences• Building and growing an independent comic publisher• What's next for Critical EntertainmentSupport Zombie Zero - Deluxe Hardcover Edition:https://zoop.gg/c/zombiezeroVisit Critical Entertainment:https://www.criticalentertainmentla.com/Explore the Indie Comic Alliance:https://indiecomicalliance.com/Visit Patriot Comic Books:https://www.patriotcomicbooks.com/Follow Critical Entertainment:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/criticalentertainmentFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/criticalentertainment🎙️ SUBSCRIBE & JOIN THE COUNCIL OF NERDSStay connected with the USDN Podcast for more interviews with independent comic creators, writers, artists, publishers, and storytellers.🌐 Connect with the USDN Podcast:https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast📧 Business & Media Inquiries:[email protected]📦 Protect Your Collection with BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=USDNUse code USDN at checkout.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission from purchases made through our BCW affiliate link.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life. | 1h 11m 07s | ||||||
| 8/21/26 | E.P.I.C. #2: Arise Alphas - Building the Dark City Universe with Lo Plater | One hero was only the beginning.Lo Plater, creator, writer, and founder of Dark City Comics & Multimedia, returns to the Council of Nerds to discuss E.P.I.C. #2: ARISE ALPHAS - Part 1 and the expansion of the Dark City Universe.When Lo first joined USDN, we introduced Chris Tayborne, a young archaeology student transformed by the ancient cosmic technology known as the Alpha Bands. Since then, E.P.I.C. #1 has gone from Kickstarter campaign to fulfilled comic, giving Lo firsthand experience with the realities of producing, crowdfunding, and delivering an independent comic.Now the story is getting much bigger.The activation of the Alpha Bands has awakened the mysterious Alpha Strand, triggering the emergence of super-powered Alpha Humans around the world. Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. Others will fall somewhere in between.Lo takes us inside the mythology behind the Alpha Strand, how Chris responds to discovering that his transformation wasn't an isolated event, and why building the Dark City Universe means creating a world that extends far beyond E.P.I.C. himself.We also get into the realities of independent comic publishing: Kickstarter fulfillment, unexpected shipping costs, communicating with backers, building the right creative team, planning rewards, printing and distribution, direct-to-consumer relationships, supporting fellow indie creators, and why Lo believes creators are ambassadors for independent comics.With multiple characters and projects already being developed across the Dark City Universe, ARISE ALPHAS - Part 1 represents the next step toward the larger world Lo envisioned when he first entered the Council.E.P.I.C. #2: ARISE ALPHAS - Part 1 heads to Kickstarter in September 2026.🚀 Follow the E.P.I.C. #2 Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/darkcitycomics/epic-2-arise-alphas-part-1?ref=23uxfb🌆 Dark City Comics & Multimedia:http://www.darkcitychq.comFind everything USDN:https://linktr.ee/usdnpodcast📚 Support USDN through BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse code: USDNAffiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our BCW affiliate link at no additional cost to you.The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life. | 1h 21m 14s | ||||||
| 8/16/26 | Bobby Campbell - Bringing Tales of the Illuminatus to Comics | Bobby Campbell returns to the USDN Podcast to discuss Tales of the Illuminatus #3: Opus Chao and the journey of bringing the legacy of Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson's Illuminatus into comics.Bobby joins The Chairman to look back at how the series has evolved from Issue #1 to Issue #3, how his creative process has changed, and the challenge of honoring the original Illuminatus material while finding his own voice within its world.The conversation also dives into the realities of independent comics and crowdfunding. Bobby discusses why building a growing readership matters more to him than simply raising more money, how comic production has changed during his years in the industry, mistakes new creators make when starting out, and why creators preparing for Kickstarter should get as much of their book finished as possible before launching.We also explore Opus Chao, what makes Issue #3 different, where Tales of the Illuminatus goes next, and what Bobby hopes readers ultimately take away from the series.Support Tales of the Illuminatus #3: Opus Chao and Late Pledge on Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bobbycampbell/tales-of-illuminatus-3-opus-chaoExplore Tales of the Illuminatus:https://talesofilluminatus.com/Follow Bobby Campbell:BlueSky:https://bsky.app/profile/bobbycampbell.netInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/bobbycampbell777/🌐 Connect with the USDN Podcast:https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast📦 Protect Your Collection with BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=USDNUse code USDN at checkout.Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission from purchases made through our BCW affiliate link.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life. | 1h 21m 03s | ||||||
| 8/10/26 | Jesse Wolfe - The Legend of Kyyden #2 & Building an Original Fantasy Universe | How do you turn the stories in your head into an original fantasy universe and then convince people to care about it?Jesse Wolfe joins the USDN Podcast to discuss The Legend of Kyyden #2, his journey from writing novellas to creating independent comics, and everything he's learned while building a creator-owned fantasy series from the ground up.What began as stories Jesse simply needed to get out of his head has grown into an ambitious creator-owned fantasy world with a long-term story still waiting to unfold. With The Legend of Kyyden #2 launching on Kickstarter October 12, Jesse takes us behind the pages of Kyyden and the realities of turning an idea into a comic, finding an audience for it, and continuing to build when you're responsible for far more than simply writing the story.Topics CoveredThe journey from writing novellas to creating comicsThe origins and philosophy behind The Legend of KyydenBuilding an original fantasy universeIntroducing readers to Kyyden through DimitriLearning from constructive criticismProtecting your creative vision as an indie creatorBuilding an audience and community around independent comicsReturning to Kickstarter for Issue #2Creating different editions for different audiencesPlanning a long-form creator-owned comic seriesThe realities of learning every part of independent comic productionJesse's influences and the future of The Legend of KyydenSupport The Legend of Kyyden #2🚀 Kickstarter - Launching October 12:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ubwriter/legend-of-kyyden-1-2-a-robust-fantasy-action-comic-series?ref=72140z🌐 Follow Jesse Wolfe:https://linktr.ee/jwstorytellingConnect with the USDN Podcast🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast🔗 Follow USDN Everywhere:https://linktr.ee/usdn_podcast👥 Join the Council of Nerds Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/usdnpodcast❤️ Support the Channel:https://www.patreon.com/cw/thedfpnSupport Our Affiliate Partner📦 BCW SuppliesUse code USDN to save on your next order.https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUSDN may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through this affiliate link.Business / Media Inquiries📧 [email protected] you enjoy conversations with independent comic creators, Kickstarter spotlights, worldbuilding, and behind-the-scenes looks at creator-owned comics, subscribe and follow the USDN Podcast wherever you listen.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life. | 54m 36s | ||||||
| 8/4/26 | W. Frank Walk - Hellstones #1: Into the Fray | Ancient relics. Supernatural power. A thirteen-issue epic years in the making.In this episode of The USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with W. Frank Walk, creator of Hellstones, to discuss Hellstones #1: Into the Fray and the journey of building a long-form creator-owned comic series through Pigmacast Studio.From developing the mythology behind Hellstones to balancing the responsibilities of writer, creator, and colorist, Frank shares what it takes to produce an independent comic while building a world designed to tell a complete thirteen-issue story.The conversation also explores crowdfunding, earning long-term backer trust, comic book production, and the realities of independent publishing.Topics Covered• The creation of Hellstones• Expanding the world established in Hellstones #0• Writing, creating, and coloring an independent comic• Behind the scenes of comic book production• Building a planned thirteen-issue story• Crowdfunding and building backer trust• Independent publishing and creator-owned comics• The future of Pigmacast StudioLearn More🚀 Kickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pigmacast/hellstones-into-the-fray-a-supernatural-action-comic🌐 Pigmacast Studio:https://pigmacast.comFollow USDN🌐 https://linktr.ee/usdn_podcastBusiness Inquiries: 📧 [email protected] Your Collection with BCW SuppliesShop BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUse code USDN at checkout for 10% OFF your retail order.Affiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.#Hellstones #WFrankWalk #PigmacastStudio #KickstarterComics #IndieComics #CreatorOwned #ComicBooks #ComicCreators #Crowdfunding #USDNPodcast | 1h 02m 40s | ||||||
| 7/30/26 | Joe Kazmer & Jarrod Burris | Collision Force #2 | Joe Kazmer and Jarrod Burris join The USDN Podcast to discuss Collision Force #2, an action-packed creator-owned comic that's been described as an "R-Rated G.I. Joe."From building an original comic universe to crowdfunding and cinematic storytelling, Joe and Jarrod share the story behind the series, how their creative partnership began, the transition from screenwriting to comics, lessons learned through Kickstarter, and why action comics still have an important place in today's independent comic industry.In This Episode The origins of Collision Force Building an "R-Rated G.I. Joe" for indie comics Creator-owned worldbuilding Screenwriting vs. comic writing Writing action for comics Crowdfunding lessons Why action comics still matter The future of Collision Force Learn More🚀 Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rowdybroncocreative/collision-force-2🌐 Official Website https://collisionforce.netConnect with the USDN Podcast🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast🔗 Follow USDN Everywhere https://linktr.ee/usdn_podcast❤️ Support the Channel on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/cw/thedfpnSupport Our Affiliate Partner📦 BCW Supplies Use code USDN to save on comic book bags, boards, storage boxes, and collecting supplies.https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdnUSDN may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through this affiliate link.Business / Media Inquiries: 📧 [email protected] you enjoy conversations with independent comic creators, creator-owned comics, Kickstarter campaigns, worldbuilding, and behind-the-scenes looks at making comics, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform, and share this episode with a fellow comic fan.The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life. | 1h 13m 07s | ||||||
| 7/21/26 | independent publishingcomic production+3 | Frederick Littles | Wise Acre ComicsDark Sentinel: Origins #2+1 | — | independent publishingcomic books+5 | — | 1h 29m 28s | ||
| 7/20/26 | independent comicssuperhero worldbuilding+4 | JaVon O. Stokes | Visually Stoked MediaSTRONG #1+1 | — | STRONG #1Kimora Sampson+6 | — | 1h 00m 07s | ||
| 7/19/26 | indie comicsfantasy universe+5 | Frank Goodie | AshVeil ComicsUSDN Podcast+2 | — | indie comicsfantasy+5 | BCW SuppliesUSDN | 1h 01m 28s | ||
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| 7/13/26 | supernatural horrorSlavic mythology+4 | Shawn McBeeMaciej “MJ” Jankowski | WestronKickstarter+1 | — | WestronSlavic mythology+5 | BCW SUPPLIESUSDN | 1h 25m 17s | ||
| 7/9/26 | Sherlock Holmessupernatural horror+3 | Casus Belli | Killer EntertainmentHolmes: Undead #2+3 | — | Sherlock HolmesHolmes: Undead+3 | — | 1h 30m 05s | ||
| 7/7/26 | alternate historysuperhero action+3 | Ben Lacy | Biting ComicsUSDN Podcast+2 | — | SAMSONBiting Comics+3 | — | 1h 02m 21s | ||
| 7/4/26 | independent horror filmmakingmicro horror+4 | Kyle ValleErin Áine | ScreamifyBig Squid Productions+3 | — | indie horrormicro horror format+5 | — | 1h 53m 47s | ||
| 7/2/26 | indie comicscomic book writing+3 | Bruno Catarino | KickstarterUSDN Podcast+2 | — | Crimson BayBruno Catarino+5 | — | 47m 54s | ||
| 6/28/26 | surveillanceindie comics+3 | Matt Stevens | PanopticonDark Web Comics+1 | — | Panopticonsurveillance+3 | — | 1h 32m 57s | ||
| 6/24/26 | supernatural horrorslice-of-life horror+4 | Michael BarronJack Van Thomme | The Secret Lives of Demon Hunters | — | horror comicsdemon hunters+4 | — | 1h 40m 09s | ||
| 6/16/26 | Sean Wood - The Fog Within #5 and the Next Evolution of His Indie Comic Universe | Sean Wood joins The Chairman and the Council of Nerds to discuss The Fog Within, his creator-owned post-apocalyptic comic series that blends science fiction, action, mystery, and time-bending adventure.With The Fog Within #5 launching on Kickstarter, Sean shares the origins of the series, how a simple run through a foggy day sparked the concept, the challenges of building a creator-owned comic universe, and the lessons he's learned from running multiple successful crowdfunding campaigns.The conversation explores worldbuilding, indie publishing, Kickstarter strategy, creator-owned storytelling, and the realities of building an independent comic career one issue at a time.Topics include:• The origins of The Fog Within• Worldbuilding and character creation• Kickstarter crowdfunding• Creator-owned comics• Indie publishing• Writing and storytelling• Building a comic universe• Lessons learned as an independent creator🔗 FOLLOW SEAN WOODKickstarter:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sw6157/fog5Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/sean.wood.831677⚡ SUPPORT THE CHANNELLooking for the best comic book supplies in the industry?BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=USDNUse Code: USDNWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate link at no additional cost to you.🎙️ FOLLOW USDNLinktree:https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast📧 Business / Media Inquiries: [email protected] USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life. | 1h 31m 18s | ||||||
| 6/13/26 | Marco Vito Oddo & Victor Costa - Otherkin | Horror, Urban Fantasy & Creator-Owned Comics | How do two creators living in different countries build a creator-owned comic together?In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with writer Marco Vito Oddo and artist Victor Costa, the creative team behind OTHERKIN, an indie horror and urban fantasy comic series inspired by works such as Hellboy, Hellblazer, and Swamp Thing.The conversation explores the origins of Otherkin, how the project evolved from an abandoned video game concept into a long-form comic universe, the challenges of independent publishing, and the realities of creating a comic series across continents.Marco and Victor discuss worldbuilding, horror storytelling, character development, writer-artist collaboration, creator-owned comics, comic book influences, and the lessons they've learned while building Otherkin one issue at a time.Topics include:• The origins of Otherkin• Creator-owned comics• Horror and urban fantasy storytelling• Writer and artist collaboration• Building a long-form comic universe• Character creation and worldbuilding• Independent publishing challenges• Physical vs digital comics• The future of Otherkin• Advice for aspiring comic creatorsIf you're a fan of indie comics, horror comics, creator-owned storytelling, and comic book creation, this episode is for you.FOLLOW MARCO VITO ODDOInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/marcovito.oddo/Substack:https://marcovitooddo.substack.com/FOLLOW VICTOR COSTAInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/victorcosta.art/FOLLOW OTHERKINInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/otherkin.comic/USDN LINKShttps://linktr.ee/usdnpodcastBusiness & Media Inquiries: [email protected] Supplies Affiliate PartnerNeed comic bags, boards, storage boxes, top loaders, comic collecting supplies, or shipping materials?Shop BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=USDNAffiliate Code: USDNDisclosure: USDN may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through this affiliate link at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue spotlighting indie comic creators and producing creator-focused content.The USDN Podcast - Where indie comics come to life. | 1h 42m 40s | ||||||
| 6/9/26 | graphic novelshistorical noir+4 | C.E. Massari | Source Point PressKickstarter+3 | — | C.E. MassariThe Mafia vs. The Klan+5 | BCW SuppliesUSDN | 1h 57m 22s | ||
| 6/5/26 | indie comicscreator-owned sci-fi+4 | Decarlo Tatum Jr.Neil Newman | The Write Brothas EntertainmentUSDN Podcast+4 | Planet Edine | indie comics88 Universe+5 | — | 1h 56m 48s | ||
| 6/2/26 | indie comicscrowdfunding+3 | Dan SehnRay MacKay | Argo ComicsUSDN Podcast+1 | — | indie comicsKickstarter+3 | BCW SuppliesUSDN | 1h 53m 22s | ||
| 5/30/26 | independent comicscomic creation+4 | John McLaren | Phantom Ink ComicsToteMan+3 | — | indie comicscomic creator+5 | BCW SuppliesUSDN | 1h 38m 36s | ||
| 5/25/26 | Black speculative fictionindie comics+5 | Jeff Carroll | USDN PodcastDef Comedy Jam+2 | — | sci-fiindie comics+5 | — | 2h 09m 40s | ||
| 5/15/26 | indie fantasy comicscreator-owned storytelling+3 | David Luján | USDN PodcastNerida+2 | — | Neridaindie comics+3 | BCW SuppliesUSDN | 1h 28m 55s | ||
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