The Writers Block

The Writers Block cover art

A weekly post-con-style roundtable romp with some of the most outspoken (yet still employed) creators in comics. Show biz war stories. State of the comic union. Furious debates over ‘80s televisions shows. Great lobster bisque recipes. Something for everybody.

We have voluntarily self-rated this production as PG-13. Some material may not be suitable for children.

Listen to the preview trailer!

Also available on YouTube if you'd prefer to see everyone's lovely faces!
 

Episode Archive

  • The Writers Block logo

    Anthony Pollock and Gary Edwards

    Episode Number: 51

    This week, David and Rylend chat with Anthony Pollock (EIC at Soda and Telepaths) and Gary Edwards (Editor at Gestalt Comics) about their soon-to-be-kickstarted comic anthology PRODUCING THE END OF THE WORLD… and the group does a deep dive on beard maintenance.

    Episode download: TWB051.mp3

    CHECK OUT THE “COMIC JABRONI" VARIANT OF THE JUMP 1 & 2: https://thejump2.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders/358061

    ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE FAMILY OF EDWIN OCASIO!
     

    ANTHONY POLLOCK
    Twitter: @anthpollock/@SodaTelepaths
    Instagram: @anth.pollock
    Website: SodaandTelepaths.com

    GARY EDWARDS
    Twitter: @dingogary
    Instagram: @dingogary

     

    Release Date: October 27, 2021

    Run Time: 1:30:11
  • The Writers Block logo

    Christie Shinn and Don Nguyen

    Episode Number: 50

    This week, David and Rylend chat with Christie Shinn (DEMON BITCH) and Don Nguyen (PABLO THE GORILLA) about writing from the artist’s perspective… and the writer/artist’s perspective… also, David tells thinly-veiled Andy Sidaris stories and Rylend talks about the time he was almost forced to do mushrooms and go rock-climbing with Tony Scott.

    Episode download: TWB050.mp3

    CHECK OUT THE “COMIC JABRONI" VARIANT OF THE JUMP 1 & 2: https://thejump2.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders/358061

    ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE FAMILY OF EDWIN OCASIO!
     

    CHRISTIE SHINN
    Twitter: @HoraToraStudios
    Instagram: @HoraToraStudios
    Website: HoraToraStudios.com

    SUPPORT DEMON BITCH AND OTHER STUPID THINGS: Patreon.com/HoraToraStudios
    WHERE TO FOLLOW DEMON BITCH: webtoons.com/en/challenge/demon-btch/list?title_no=148964

     

    DON NGUYEN
    Twitter: @nguyeningit
    Instagram: @nguyeningit
    Website: NguyeningIt.com

    Release Date: October 20, 2021

    Run Time: 1:36:44
  • The Writers Block logo

    Marielle Bouleau and Simon Birks

    Episode Number: 49

    This week, David and Rylend talk with Marielle Bouleau and Simon Birks from Blue Fox Comics (THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS and THE SHADOWS OVER INNSMOUTH) about building a publishing powerhouse on Kickstarter and all the fun and crazy that goes into running a new campaign most every month... and David and Rylend celebrate the show cracking the top 60 on the Apple visual arts podcast charts by performing a soul-scorching choreographed dance (via zoom, of course) to Benny Mardones’ INTO THE NIGHT. 

    Episode download: TWB049.mp3

    CHECK OUT THE “COMIC JABRONI" VARIANT OF THE JUMP 1 & 2: https://thejump2.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders/358061

    ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE FAMILY OF EDWIN OCASIO!
     

    BLUE FOX COMICS
    Twitter: @BlueFoxComics
    Instagram: @BlueFoxComics
    Website: bluefoxcomics.com

    MARIELLE BOULEAU
    Twitter: @mariellewrites
    Instagram: @marielle.writes
    Website: bit.ly/2RCoKTz

    SIMON BIRKS
    Twitter: @SBirksWriter
    Instagram: @SBirksWriter

     

    Release Date: October 13, 2021

    Run Time: 1:11:36
  • The Writers Block logo

    Henry Barajas

    Episode Number: 48

    This week, David and Rylend talk with Henry Barajas (LA VOZ DE M.A.Y.O.: TATA RAMBO) about his journey from donut shop manager to comic shop headliner… and the guys, perhaps too enthusiastically, trade “Kinsey Scale” ratings.

    Episode download: TWB048.mp3

    CHECK OUT THE “COMIC JABRONI" VARIANT OF THE JUMP 1 & 2: https://thejump2.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders/358061

    ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE FAMILY OF EDWIN OCASIO!
     

    HENRY BARAJAS
    Twitter: @HenryBarajas
    Website: linktr.ee/henrybarajas

    Release Date: October 6, 2021

    Run Time: 54:50
  • The Writers Block logo

    Kristin Gollhofer and Jason Bennett

    Episode Number: 47

    David and Rylend talk with Kristin Gollhofer (Cohost of Meanwhile at the Podcast) and Jason Bennett (Editor in Chief of PopCultHQ) about the creator/journalist relationship and everyone’s very essential place in the “comic book ecosystem…” also, Rylend spends half the show shuffling through an old box where he finds some rare ALF pogs, an old copy of X-MEN signed by Stan Lee, and a grocery list written by WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S phenom Andrew McCarthy in 1991.

    Episode download: TWB047.mp3

    CHECK OUT JASON’S REVIEW OF SUICIDE JOCKEYS #2 AT POPCULTHQ.COM: https://bit.ly/SuicideJockeys2Review

    CHECK OUT THE “COMIC JABRONI" VARIANT OF THE JUMP 1 & 2: https://thejump2.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders/358061

    ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE FAMILY OF EDWIN OCASIO!

    KRISTIN GOLLHOFER
    Twitter: @klu4973/@MeanwhileATP
    Instagram: @klu4973/@MeanwhileATP

    JASON BENNETT
    Twitter: @TahoeJBennett/@PopCultHq
    Instagram: @TahoeJBennett/@PopCultHq
    Website: PopCultHQ.com

    Release Date: September 29, 2021

    Run Time: 1:35:11
  • The Writers Block logo

    Comic Law with Thomas Crowell

    Episode Number: 46

    David and Rylend talk with attorney Thomas Crowell - author of The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers and The Pocket Lawyer for Comic Book Creators - about creators rights, IP law, and what a contract should look like… and Rylend tries very hard to pretend that he’s not presenting all of this because a certain publisher screwed over a bunch of creators who are now lashing out on a certain social media platform.

    MR. CROWELL’S COMMENTS ARE FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. ONLY YOUR ATTORNEY CAN ADVISE YOU WHICH LAWS ARE APPLICABLE TO YOUR SPECIFIC CASE AND SITUATION. THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE OR A LEGAL OPINION.

    Episode download: TWB046.mp3

    CHECK OUT THE “COMIC JABRONI" VARIANT OF THE JUMP 1 & 2: https://thejump2.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders/358061

    ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE FAMILY OF EDWIN OCASIO!

    THOMAS CROWELL
    Twitter: @Law_Crow
    Law Firm Website: www.lanecrowell.com
    Personal Website: www.thomascrowell.com

     

    Release Date: September 22, 2021

    Run Time: 1:37:53
  • The Writers Block logo

    Jaclyn and Anthony Marques

    Episode Number: 45

    This week, the guys talk with owners/administrators Jaclyn and Anthony Marques about everything going on at the famed Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art… and both Rylend and David seriously consider going back to school.

    Episode download: TWB045.mp3

    CHECK OUT THE “COMIC JABRONI" VARIANT OF THE JUMP 1 & 2: https://thejump2.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders/358061

    ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE FAMILY OF EDWIN OCASIO!

    JACLYN & ANTHONY MARQUES
    Twitter: @TheKubertSchool
    Instagram: @thekubertschool
    Website: https://www.kubertschool.edu

     

    Release Date: September 15, 2021

    Run Time: 1:16:48
  • The Writers Block logo

    David Pepose

    Episode Number: 44

    This week, Rylend and David talk with SPENCER AND LOCKE creator David Pepose about the Kickstarter campaign for Issue 2 of his twisted Land of Oz opus, THE O.Z., the group takes a long look at what can and should make a story truly meaningful (for author and reader), and they briefly discuss starting a semi-religious cult based on the guiding principals of the Boy Scouts of America.

    Episode download: TWB044.mp3
     

    DAVID PEPOSE
    Twitter: @Peposed
    Instagram: Peposed
    Website: linktr.ee/peposed

     

    Release Date: September 8, 2021

    Run Time: 1:33:56
  • The Writers Block logo

    Skylar Patridge and Ben Bishop

    Episode Number: 43

    This week, a “surviving the pandemic” talk with artists Skylar Patridge (Resonant) and Ben Bishop (TMNT: The Last Ronin) turns into a really meaty mental health deep dive… and Rylend preaches fanatically about the soul restorative aspects of Karaoke.

    Episode download: TWB043.mp3
     

    SKYLAR PATRIDGE
    Twitter: @SkyePatridge
    Instagram: @SkyePatridge
    Website: Ko-fi.com/skylarpatridge

    BEN BISHOP
    Twitter: @bishart
    Instagram: @bishart
    Website: bishart.net

     

    Release Date: September 1, 2021

    Run Time: 1:33:13
  • The Writers Block logo

    King Spawn Origins with Sean Lewis

    Episode Number: 42

    This week, Rylend and David talk career development and the origins of KING SPAWN with writer Sean Lewis (THUMBS, SUPERMAN FUTURE STATE)… and at some point, the three start slipping on all of the comic/film heavyweight names being dropped. 

    Episode download: TWB042.mp3
     

    SEAN LEWIS
    Twitter: @SeanChrisLewis
    Instagram: @seanlewis6026
    Website: https://www.littlearkfilms.com

    Release Date: August 25, 2021

    Run Time: 1:07:23
  • The Writers Block logo

    Jo Duffy and Phillip Kennedy Johnson

    Episode Number: 41

    This week, Rylend and David talk with Hall of Famers Jo Duffy (STAR WARS, CATWOMAN) and Phillip Kennedy Johnson (ACTION COMICS, ALIEN) about writing for the big two… and Jo battles an old karate injury - NO LIE - sustained while training to prepare to write POWER MAN AND IRON FIST.

    Episode download: TWB041.mp3
     

    JO DUFFY
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jo.duffy.7

    PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
    Twitter: @phillip_kennedy_johnson
    Instagram: @PhillipKJohnson
    Website: phillipkennedyjohnson.com

     

    Release Date: August 18, 2021

    Run Time: 1:20:24
  • The Writers Block logo

    Liana Kangas and Leisha Riddel

    Episode Number: 40

    AND THEN THEY FIGHT - This week, Rylend and David talk with two very accomplished artists - Liana Kangas (STAR WARS ADVENTURES) and Leisha Riddell (SMOOTH CRIMINALS) - about what the writer/artist relationship could, should, and, in many cases, must look like… and they learn the HARD way never to ask Liana to draw a horse.

    Episode download: TWB040.mp3
     

    LIANA KANGAS
    Twitter: @lianakangas
    Instagram: @lianakangas
    Website: linktr.ee/lianakangas

    LEISHA RIDDEL
    Twitter: @LeishaRiddel
    Instagram: @LeishaRiddel
    Website: leisha.art

     

    Release Date: August 4, 2021

    Run Time: 1:29:59
  • The Writers Block logo

    Why You Should Be Working In Comics

    Episode Number: 39

    This week, Rylend and David moderate a virtual panel discussion for Los Film School students featuring creatives whom have worked extensively in film/television AND found success in comics… Melody Cooper (Omni, Law and Order: SVU), Amanda Deibert (Wonder Woman, He-Man), and David M. Booher (Canto, Killer Queens).

    Episode download: TWB039.mp3
     

    MELODY COOPER
    Twitter: @melodyMcooper
    Instagram: @melodycooperfilm
    Website: melodyMcooper.com

    AMANDA DEIBERT
    Twitter: @amandadeibert
    Instagram: @amandadeibertofficial
    Website: amandadeibert.com

    DAVID M. BOOHER
    Twitter: @davidbooher
    Instagram: @davidmbooher
    Website: davidbooher.com

     

    Release Date: July 28, 2021

    Run Time: 1:33:43
  • The Writers Block logo

    Holly Interlandi and D.J. Kirkbride

    Episode Number: 38

    CCCOOOOOONNNSSS! Part 2 - This week, Rylend and David talk returning to cons with Eisner and Harvey-winning editor/comic creator (ERRAND BOYS) D.J. Kirkbride and writer/editor Holly Interlandi (LAST SONG)… and we learn that both Rylend AND David have broken Erik Estrada’s heart in two unrelated incidents.

    Episode download: TWB038.mp3
     

    HOLLY INTERLANDI
    Twitter: @junkstory
    Instagram: @metal_eye
    Website: hollyinterlandi.com

    D.J. KIRKBRIDE
    Twitter: @DJKirkbride
    Instagram: @DJKirkbride
    Website: djkirkbride.com

     

    Release Date: July 21, 2021

    Run Time: 1:17:20
  • The Writers Block logo

    David Baron and Karla Nappi

    Episode Number: 37

    Cons are Coming! - This week, Rylend and David talk the ins, outs, ups, and downs of returning to cons with hall of fame colorist (BATMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE)/STAINED creator David Baron and TV writer/DUPLICANT creator Karla Nappi… and Rylend and Avallone must seriously consider couples counseling after the latter thoughtlessly disparages both Cheesy Poofs and THE DEPARTED.

    Episode download: TWB037.mp3
     

    DAVID BARON
    Twitter: @MyZombies
    Instagram: @MyZombies
    Website: davidbaron.co

    KARLA NAPPI
    Twitter: @musingsbycrazed
    Instagram: @musingsbycrazed
    Website: karlanappi.com

     

    Release Date: July 14, 2021

    Run Time: 1:23:43
  • The Writers Block logo

    Susan Hurwtiz-Arneson and Jose Molina

    Episode Number: 36

    This week, Rylend and David talk comic/TV adaptations with a couple of seasoned TV Pros, Susan Hurwitz-Arneson (Preacher, The Tick) and Jose Molina (Agent Carter, Firefly). David decants. There are pictures of Carl Weathers on the wall behind Rylend. All is right with the world for 90 minutes.

    Episode download: TWB036.mp3
     

    SUSAN HURWITZ-ARNESON
    Twitter: @batdorkgirl
    Instagram: @susanhurwitzarneson
    Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2409134/

    JOSE MOLINA
    Twitter: @JoseMolinaTV
    Instagram: @JoseMolinaTV
    Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0596711/

     

    Release Date: July 7, 2021

    Run Time: 1:38:06
  • The Writers Block logo

    Rodney Barnes and Kevin Roditeli

    Episode Number: 35

    License to Thrill - This week, Rylend and David talk licensed comics with Eisner-nominated KILLADELPHIA scribe/LAKERS Executive Producer, Rodney Barnes, and Behemoth’s head editor of licensed titles, Kevin Roditeli… and when Kevin starts talking Michael Mann’s HEAT, Rylend gleefully dusts off his award-winning Waingro impersonation and takes it for a proper spin. “He was MAKING A MOVE, man… I had to GET IT ON.”

    Episode download: TWB035.mp3
     

    RODNEY BARNES
    Twitter: @TheRodneyBarnes
    Instagram: @TheRodneyBarnes
    Website: rodneybarnes.com

    KEVIN RODITELLI
    Twitter: @KevinRoditeli
    Instagram: @kevin_roditeli.comics
    Website: happytank.co

    Release Date: June 30, 2021

    Run Time: 1:04:06
  • The Writers Block logo

    Nicole D’Andria and Kevin Ketner

    Episode Number: 34

    Edit THIS! - This week, Rylend and David explore the editor/creator relationship with Scout Comics editor Nicole D’Andria and Freelance/former Dynamite Comics editor Kevin Ketner… and Rylend Waxes poetically about his salad days spent writing/editing English subtitles for the DVD release of the MacGyver TV show.

    Episode download: TWB034.mp3
     

    NICOLE D’ANDRIA
    Twitter: @comic_maven
    Instagram: @comic_maven
    Website: comicmaven.com

    KEVIN KETNER
    Twitter: @ElectricDracula
    Instagram: @Electric_Dracula
    Website: electricdracula.com

     

    Release Date: June 23, 2021

    Run Time: 1:20:51
  • The Writers Block logo

    Jay Morton and Justin Mousseau

    Episode Number: 33

    TikTok for Dummies (A.K.A. Comic Creators) - Rylend and David chat with a couple of 500K+ follower Tiktok pros - Jay Morton (thepandaredd) and Justin Mousseau (moose_0) - about the opportunities/wildly enthusiastic audience awaiting comics creators the platform… and then the gloves come off and the group dives DEEP into what comics can and should mean intellectually, culturally, and spiritually.

    Episode download: TWB033.mp3
     

    JAY MORTON
    TikTok: @thepandaredd
    Twitter: @thepandaredd
    Instagram: @thepandaredd/@jaymortonart
    Website: PandaRedd.ctcin.bio

    JUSTIN MOUSSEAU
    TikTok: @moose_0
    Twitter: @Moo_Sew
    Instagram: @justerino
    Website: linktr.ee/Moose_0

     

    Release Date: June 16, 2021

    Run Time: 1:46:33
  • The Writers Block logo

    Victoria Douglas and Omar Morales

    Episode Number: 32

    BACK IN THE SADDLE - Rylend and David chat with CINNAMON writer/artist Victoria Douglas and MYTH DIVISION Creator/Guinness World Record holder Omar Morales about how the pandemic changed comics and what the future of the business looks like now that things are opening up a bit… and while attempting to pitch his latest comic series, David kind of trips over the perfect tagline for the show: “It is what it is… and if you dig that, you dig that.” Well said. 

    Episode download: TWB032.mp3
     

    VICTORIA DOUGLAS
    Twitter: @VSQKI
    Instagram: @blackbit.exe
    Website: https://blackbit.world

    OMAR MORALES
    Twitter: @TheCruZader
    Instagram: @the_cruzader
    Website: https://theforcemedia.com

    Release Date: June 9, 2021

    Run Time: 1:19:28
  • The Writers Block logo

    Tiffany Melius and Emmet Garnham

    Episode Number: 31

    Retailer Riot - Rylend and David chat with two of their favorite comic shop owners - Tiffany Melius (The Perky Nerd in Burbank, CA) and Emmet Garnham (Haven for Heroes in Port Jervis, NY) - about the difficulties retailers have faced during the COVID pandemic and about what we comic creators can do to make their lives easier… and David basically has turn a hose on Rylend and Emmet at one point to get them to stop talking collectables.

    Episode download: TWB031.mp3
     

    TIFFANY MELIUS
    Twitter: @ThePerkyNerd
    Instagram: @ThePerkyNerd

    THE PERKY NERD
    1606 W Magnolia Blvd
    Burbank, CA 91506
    Website: theperkynerd.com

    EMMET GARNHAM
    Twitter: @emmetgarnham
    Instagram: @emmetgarnham
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HavenForHeroes

    HAVEN FOR HEROES
    34-36 Front St
    Port Jervis, NY 12771
    Twitter: @HavenForHeroes
    Instagram: @HavenForHeroes

     

    Release Date: June 2, 2021

    Run Time: 1:24:56
  • The Writers Block logo

    Who’s Who in Horror Comics!

    Episode Number: 30

    Recorded LIVE at the MID MAY MASSACRE. Rylend and David talk horror comics with a murderers row of creators… Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia), Eric Powell (The Goon), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Superman), George C. Romero (The Rise), Brea Grant (We Will Bury You), David Dastmalchian and Lukas Ketner (Count Crowley)… and chaos ensues when a belligerent Kane Hodder trips into the stream and starts demanding a Fresca.

    Episode download: TWB030.mp3
     

    RODNEY BARNES
    Twitter: @therodneybarnes
    Instagram: @therodneybarnes
    Website: rodneybarnes.com

    ERIC POWELL
    Twitter: @goonguy
    Instagram: @ericgoonpowell
    Website: linktr.ee/AlbatrossFunnybooks

    PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
    Twitter: @phillip_kennedy_johnson
    Instagram: @PhillipKJohnson
    Website: phillipkennedyjohnson.com

    GEORGE C. ROMERO
    Twitter: @IamGeorgeRomero
    Instagram: @georgecromero
    Website: romeropictures.com

    BREA GRANT
    Instagram: @breagrant
    Website: linktr.ee/Breagrant

    DAVID DASTMALCHIAN
    Twitter: @Dastmalchian
    Instagram: @Dastmalchian
    Website: daviddastmalchian.com

    LUKAS KETNER
    Twitter: @LukasKetner
    Instagram: @hardcorezenbrad
    Website: lukasketner.com

     

    Release Date: May 26, 2021

    Run Time: 56:48
  • The Writers Block logo

    Brad Warner and Shozan Jack Haubner

    Episode Number: 29

    THREE MONKS WALK INTO A BAR - Rylend and David talk with a couple of real deal Zen Monks-turned-authors - Brad Warner (Hardcore Zen) and Shozan Jack Haubner (Zen Confidential) - about the often very complicated proposition of marketing spiritually-slanted works… and when they realize on air that Hitler, Freud, and Einstein where all, at one point, in Vienna at the same time, the guys gleefully beat out a ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI meets THE HANGOVER-style romp… but with zombies?

    Episode download: TWB029.mp3
     

    BRAD WARNER
    Twitter: @BradWarner
    Instagram: @hardcorezenbrad
    Website: hardcorezen.info

    SHOZAN JACK HAUBNER
    Twitter: @ShozanJHaubner
    Website: https://www.shambhala.com/authors/g-n/shozan-jack-haubner.html

     

    Release Date: May 19, 2021

    Run Time: 1:24:58
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    Richard Fairgray and Ed Laroche

    Episode Number: 28

    ASS SHAKERY 101 - Rylend and David talk with a couple of prolific indie creators - Richard Fairgray (Black Sand Beach) and Ed Laroche (The Warning) about the back, neck, and soul-breaking work of promoting a creator-owned title. STEP 1: Paint your ass blue. STEP 2: Shake it. Shake it. Shake it. 

    GET BLACK SAND BEACH NOW, WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR BOOKS/COMICS!

    Episode download: TWB028.mp3
     

    RICHARD FAIRGRAY
    Twitter: @RichardFairgray
    Instagram: @richardfairgrayauthor
    Website: richardfairgray.com

    ED LAROCHE
    Twitter: @edlaroche
    Instagram: @ed_laroche
    Website: edlaroche.com

     

    Release Date: May 12, 2021

    Run Time: 1:40:15
  • The Writers Block logo

    Melody Cooper and Fabrice Sapolsky

    Episode Number: 27

    ANTHOLOGICAL STUDIES. A conversation about anthologies with comic/TV scribe Melody Cooper (Omni, Law and Order: SVU) and writer/artist/editor/publisher Fabrice “The Crazy Frenchman” Sapolsky (Spider-man Noir) blossoms into a meaningful exchange of thoughts on diversity, matters of social justice, and what a piece of writing can and should mean to its author… and Rylend talks about the very pure and very real joy of playing a dead body on CSI.

    BACK MUTINY ON KICKSTARTER

    Episode download: TWB027.mp3
     

    MELODY COOPER
    Twitter: @melodyMcooper
    Instagram: @melodycooperfilm
    Website: melodyMcooper.com

    FABRICE SAPOLSKY
    Twitter: @fabricesapolsky
    Instagram: @fabricesapolsky
    Website: fairsquarecomics.com

     

    Release Date: May 5, 2021

    Run Time: 1:31:52

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