Podcast
Tell The Damn Story
Hosted by Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan · EN
This is where we interview and discuss the challenges and successes of writing books, comics, films, and other creative arts and pop culture topics.
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Tell The Damn Story, ep 418: he Minotaur In The Labyrinth: Defeating Creative Self-Doubt
1w ago00:34:33Tap to summarizeEven writers with decades of experience hear the negative voices.In this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan tackle one of the most common—and most painful—challenges creatives face: self-doubt. From imposter syndrome and rejection to career frustrations and the stories we tell ourselves about success. Our boys share personal struggles they've wrestled with recently and the hard-earned lessons that helped them push through.Along the way, they explore why writers forget their accomplishments, how negative thinking can sabotage creativity, the importance of honest friends and supportive communities, and what it really means to keep believing in your work when the results don't arrive on your timetable.Whether you're working on your first story or your fiftieth book, this candid conversation offers practical ways to face the monsters under the bed, silence the noise, and get back to telling your damn story.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Story www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn StoryStories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS → Buy Me A Coffee!
Transcribe →Telll The Damn Story ep 417: Beyond Frankenstein: How Teel James Glenn Brought a Monster to Life
2w ago01:06:17Tap to summarizeWhat happens when Frankenstein's monster survives the torch-wielding mob... and becomes a private detective?In this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan welcome back prolific author, stuntman, and master storyteller Teel James Glenn to explore the creative process behind his acclaimed Adam Paradise novels—a noir-inspired reimagining of Mary Shelley's legendary creature as a hard-boiled investigator navigating the shadows of 1930s America.Together, they venture into the dark alleys of storytelling, discussing how ideas haunt writers for years, why some characters refuse to stay on the page, the eternal battle between plotting and pantsing, and how research can transform a story from cardboard scenery into a living, breathing world. Along the way, they uncover what makes characters feel human—even when they're stitched together from parts.Whether you're wrestling with writer's block, searching for a stronger process, or trying to breathe life into your own literary creations, this episode offers practical wisdom, honest insights, and a few monster-sized revelations.And stick around—there's a special giveaway, a Frankenstein-inspired challenge, and a chance to walk away with a signed copy of The Undiscovered Country.BOOK GIVEAWAYWe have a signed copy of Teel James Glenn's latest Adam Paradise novel, The Undiscovered Country, waiting for one lucky listener!To enter, leave a comment below telling us the most valuable lesson, insight, or piece of writing advice you took away from Teal's appearance on this episode. Teal himself will help choose the winning entry. The winner will receive a signed copy of the book and a chance to continue the adventure with Adam Paradise.Chris and Teel will both be attending StokerCon in Pittsburgh.If you spot either of them during the convention, stop by and say hello! Better yet, tell them which classic literary, historical, or fictional character you would reinvent and what you'd do to make that character more human, compelling, or surprising. You just might earn yourself a special bonus surprise.SEE US AT STOKERCON. And if you attend Teal's Frankenstein panel, be sure to mention that Tell The Damn Story sent you. After all, every monster has a story—and every writer should tell the damn story.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Story www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn StoryStories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS → Buy Me A Coffee!
Transcribe →Tell The Damn Story, ep 416: AI for Artists: Tool, Threat, or the way of the Future?
4w ago01:01:14Tap to summarizeChris and Alex joined with the East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention to ask and answer that question.The boys gathered artists/panelists Micheline Hess, Shawn Alleyne, and audience members for an open conversation about one of the biggest questions facing creative people today:Is AI helping artists… or replacing them?What followed wasn’t a debate with winners and losers.It became a discussion about ethics, authenticity, accessibility, business realities, ownership, fear, possibility, and what happens when technology arrives faster than our rules.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Story www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn StoryStories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS → Buy Me A Coffee!
Transcribe →Tell The Damn Story, ep 415: Write with Impact: Mastering Short Story Essentials.
May 1700:37:03Tap to summarizeWhat makes a short story truly work? In this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan break down the value of writing short fiction, how short stories sharpen your storytelling skills, and the different ways to create powerful story hooks that grab readers fast.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Story www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn StoryIf you find these episodes helpful, please take a moment to help wet our whistle by clicking on the link to ... Buy Me A Coffee!
Transcribe →Tell The Damn Story, ep 414: How To Do It All. Pitching, Promotion, and the Reality of Being a Writer.
May 900:34:13Tap to summarizeWouldn't it be great if all you had to do was write your book, put it up for sale, and then watch the customer lineup?Well, that's not how it works.In this episode, cohosts Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan dive into the critical but often overlooked realities of pitching your ideas, planning promotional campaigns, and building your platform—regardless of whether you’re seeking a traditional publishing deal or going the indie route. They discuss why even award-winning authors and successful filmmakers can’t escape the demands of self-promotion, and share practical advice for perfecting your pitch, engaging your audience, and authentically connecting with your community. Packed with real-world examples, useful strategies, and a dash of humor, this episode is your essential guide to navigating the business side of your creative journey.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Story www.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn StoryStories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS → Buy Me A Coffee!
Transcribe →Tell The Damn Story, #413: "The Monster in the Mirror: Stealing From the Classics to Build Characters Who Last"
May 301:03:26Tap to summarizeWhat do you do with a monster who's been alive for 160 years? And what if that monster speaks a dozen languages, and sees the moral essence of every human being in colors and shapes — but just wants to understand what it means to be human?You make him a private detective in 1939 New York. And then you let him loose on the Nazis.This week Alex and Chris sit down with author and storyteller Teel James Glenn, whose Paradise Investigation Series takes one of literature's most iconic monsters — Mary Shelley's creature — and reimagines him as the ultimate outsider: a philosopher, a protector, and a man who chose decency despite everything he suffered.But this episode isn't just about Adam Paradise. It's about what every writer can learn from Teel's process — how he took a public domain character, asked the questions the original story left unanswered, and built a rich, historically grounded world that tackles Roma persecution, Tong conspiracies, the KKK, and Japanese fifth columnists — one book at a time.We dig into the craft behind the creation — how a short story became a trilogy, how a pantsing writer built a six-book arc, how to write outside your own culture with respect and courage, and why making your hero genuinely interesting is harder — and more satisfying — than making your villain compelling.In this episode:How to take a classic character and make them entirely your ownWriting the ultimate outsider as a vehicle for social storytellingResearch, historical grounding, and why getting it right mattersThe difference between the white savior trope and genuine empathyWhy villains aren't more interesting than heroes — you're just a lazy writerThe Paradise Investigation Series by Teel James Glenn is available now on Amazon. Books one and two are out now. Book three — The Undiscovered Country — is available for pre-order.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Story TTDSOnAir@gmail.comwww.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn StoryStories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS → Buy Me A Coffee!
Transcribe →Tell The Damn Story, ep 412: From Draft to Mastery: How To Build Confidence Through the Writer’s Process
Apr 2600:52:37Tap to summarizeHey, 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 writers back. Expect tips on handling lame plots, cringey dialogue, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to finish what you start—with plenty of laughs and no sugarcoating. Whether you’re working on your first story or your fiftieth, this episode is all about helping you build yourself up and keep going. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s get inspired together!Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Story TTDSOnAir@gmail.comwww.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn StoryStories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS → Buy Me A Coffee!
Transcribe →Tell The Damn Story, ep 411: How to Write With Hope: Creating Light in Dark Times
Apr 1900:23:03Tap to summarizeDoes 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 responsibilities of writers, and the essential role of creating "safe spaces" for creative expression. Through personal anecdotes, reflections on history, and insights from years spent teaching and storytelling, Alex shows how stories of hope help us thrive, push us to imagine new possibilities, and connect us across cultures, backgrounds, and generations. Join us for an inspiring look at how—and why—to tell hopeful stories, and why that's something every writer should keep in their creative toolkit.Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Story TTDSOnAir@gmail.comwww.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn StoryStories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS → Buy Me A Coffee!
Transcribe →Tell The Damn Story ep 410: How to Write Believable, Relatable Characters: The Power of Nuance._
Apr 1200:45:23Tap to summarizeWelcome 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 protagonists, including aliens without faces!Whether you're writing science fiction, superhero tales, or gritty dramas, this episode arms you with practical exercises and real-world examples. You'll know how to make your characters leap off the page. Join us as we uncover how nuanced details, thoughtful structure, and revision turn good stories into great ones. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Story TTDSOnAir@gmail.comwww.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn StoryStories change lives. They always have. At *Tell The Damn Story*, we believe in lifting voices and passing stories on. Your support keeps them alive for future generations. Help us by supporting TTDS → Buy Me A Coffee!
Transcribe →Tell The Damn Story ep. 409: How To Walk The Creative Journey, From Comics to Screenwriting with Brandon Easton
Apr 501:03:43Tap to summarizeWhat 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 setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the decisions that change everything.This isn’t theory. This is lived experience.You’ll hear:What the “grind” actually looks like (then vs now)The role of networking, reputation, and showing upThe hidden politics of comics, TV, and filmWhy finishing your work matters more than anything elseThe mindset shift that separates dreamers from working writersAnd one of the most important truths you’ll hear all year:👉 “Finish what you start.”Have any questions, comments, or suggestions?Then, please leave them in the Comments Section.Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Story TTDSOnAir@gmail.comwww.TellTheDamnStory.comwww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn StoryHelp us by supporting TTDS → Buy Me A Coffee!
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