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.
39episodes
Episodes
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Tell The Damn Story, ep 423: The Art of Mixing Genres Without Losing Your Mind or Readers
5d ago00:43:40Tap to summarizeWhat happens when mystery meets science fiction? When horror collides with comedy? Or when history becomes part of an unforgettable adventure?In this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan explore one of the most exciting—and challenging—tools in a writer's toolbox: blending genres.Using examples ranging from Alien and Pitch Black to Archie Comics, Sherlock Holmes, and their own novels and plays, they discuss why mixed-genre stories can captivate audiences. And the boys cover the dangers of ignoring genre expectations and how understanding each genre can serve to make your storytelling even stronger.Whether you're writing novels, comics, film, television, or short stories, this episode will help you discover new ways to surprise readers while staying true to your story.Every genre has expectations. Understand them before you begin blending them.Read widely. Watch films outside your favorite category. Every genre teaches something useful.3 Keys to Writing Great Mixed-Genre Stories 1. Learn the Rules First . Every genre has expectations. Understand them before you begin blending them.2. Feed Your Creative Mind. Read widely. Watch films outside your favorite category. Every genre teaches something useful.3. Ask "What If?" Great genre combinations often begin with one powerful question.Have questions or comments for us? Post in the comments section below or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.comAnd follow us on ...@Tell The Damn Storywww.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story If you find these episodes helpful, please take a moment to support our program by clicking on the link to ... Buy Me A Coffee!
Transcribe →TELL THE DAMN STORY, ep 422: Why Great Movies Never Get Old (And What Writers Can Learn From Them)
2w ago00:36:09Tap to summarizeSome movies entertain us for hours. Others continue teaching writers for generations. In this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex and Chris revisit a handful of timeless classics, including In the Heat of the Night ('66), Jaws ('75), The Fly ('58), and Charlie Chaplin's The Kid ('21), to uncover why they still work decades after they were made. Along the way, they explore: Why rewriting is where great storytelling really happens. How memorable characters empower unforgettable plots. Why a solid theme is the fertile soil for a story's growth. The surprising storytelling power of simplicity. What today's writers can still learn from films made over 100 years ago. Whether you're writing novels, screenplays, comics, or short stories, this episode reminds us that technology changes ... but great storytelling never does. If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment telling us which classic film has taught you the most about storytelling.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 421: Heist, Horror, and Humor - How Genre Can Shape Your Storytelling
3w ago00:31:42Tap to summarizeWhat if your plot doesn’t work because of the world you chose? What if it's in the wrong genre?A heist. A mystery. A romance. A horror story. A superhero adventure.The core idea might stay exactly the same—but everything else changes.In this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan explore how genre influences character, setting, pacing, dialogue, tone, conflict, and even the way readers experience your story.From Sherlock Holmes to House, from Ocean's Eleven to Avengers: Endgame, from Frankenstein to fantasy, they examine how classic story structures can be reinvented simply by changing the lens through which they're told.Whether you're writing novels, comics, screenplays, mysteries, thrillers, fantasy, horror, or science fiction, this conversation will help you see new possibilities hiding inside your own work.*What's one story you love that could work in an entirely different genre? Tell us in the comments—we'd love to see your imagination at work.🎬 To grab a Genre Guide 0ne-sheet CLICK ON THE LINK: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 420: "Why Great Villains Never Think They're the Villain."
4w ago00:39:09Tap to summarizeWhy do some villains stay with us long after the story ends?Alex Simmons and Chris Ryan break down the evolution of villains—from classic one-dimensional bad guys to complex characters like Snape, Vader, Khan, and Thanos. Learn how motivation, morality, obsession, and personal history can turn a stock antagonist into a character readers can't stop thinking about.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 419: Writers, You Are Not Alone: Lessons From StokerCon
Jun 1400:33:05Tap to summarizeWhen is a writer not alone?You sit at a keyboard wrestling with plot problems, self-doubt, unfinished drafts, and that nagging voice asking whether you're good enough to keep going.This week on Tell The Damn Story, Chris Ryan shares what happened when he pushed past those doubts and attended StokerCon, the annual conference of the Horror Writers Association.What he found wasn't just panels, workshops, and industry professionals.He found a room full of people facing many of the same struggles every writer faces.Imposter syndrome.Creative uncertainty.Publishing questions.The search for community.Along the way, Chris talks with authors, organizers, and publishing professionals about why conferences matter, what new writers can gain from attending them, and how finding your tribe can change your creative journey.You'll also hear practical insights on:• Networking without feeling awkward • Meeting editors, agents, and publishers • Pitching your work • Learning directly from working professionals • Building a support system that understands the writing lifeBecause sometimes the most important thing a writer learns is this:You are not alone.https://horror.org/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 418: he Minotaur In The Labyrinth: Defeating Creative Self-Doubt
Jun 700:34:33Tap 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
May 3101:06:17Tap 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?
May 2301:01:14Tap 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!
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