The Writers Block
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
Nicole D’Andria and Kevin Ketner
Episode Number: 34Edit 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.comKEVIN KETNER
Twitter: @ElectricDracula
Instagram: @Electric_Dracula
Website: electricdracula.comRelease Date: June 23, 2021
Run Time: 1:20:51Jay Morton and Justin Mousseau
Episode Number: 33TikTok 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.bioJUSTIN MOUSSEAU
TikTok: @moose_0
Twitter: @Moo_Sew
Instagram: @justerino
Website: linktr.ee/Moose_0Release Date: June 16, 2021
Run Time: 1:46:33Victoria Douglas and Omar Morales
Episode Number: 32BACK 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.worldOMAR MORALES
Twitter: @TheCruZader
Instagram: @the_cruzader
Website: https://theforcemedia.comRelease Date: June 9, 2021
Run Time: 1:19:28Tiffany Melius and Emmet Garnham
Episode Number: 31Retailer 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: @ThePerkyNerdTHE PERKY NERD
1606 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506
Website: theperkynerd.comEMMET GARNHAM
Twitter: @emmetgarnham
Instagram: @emmetgarnham
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HavenForHeroesHAVEN FOR HEROES
34-36 Front St
Port Jervis, NY 12771
Twitter: @HavenForHeroes
Instagram: @HavenForHeroesRelease Date: June 2, 2021
Run Time: 1:24:56Who’s Who in Horror Comics!
Episode Number: 30Recorded 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.comERIC POWELL
Twitter: @goonguy
Instagram: @ericgoonpowell
Website: linktr.ee/AlbatrossFunnybooksPHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON
Twitter: @phillip_kennedy_johnson
Instagram: @PhillipKJohnson
Website: phillipkennedyjohnson.comGEORGE C. ROMERO
Twitter: @IamGeorgeRomero
Instagram: @georgecromero
Website: romeropictures.comBREA GRANT
Instagram: @breagrant
Website: linktr.ee/BreagrantDAVID DASTMALCHIAN
Twitter: @Dastmalchian
Instagram: @Dastmalchian
Website: daviddastmalchian.comLUKAS KETNER
Twitter: @LukasKetner
Instagram: @hardcorezenbrad
Website: lukasketner.comRelease Date: May 26, 2021
Run Time: 56:48Brad Warner and Shozan Jack Haubner
Episode Number: 29THREE 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.infoSHOZAN JACK HAUBNER
Twitter: @ShozanJHaubner
Website: https://www.shambhala.com/authors/g-n/shozan-jack-haubner.htmlRelease Date: May 19, 2021
Run Time: 1:24:58Richard Fairgray and Ed Laroche
Episode Number: 28ASS 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.comED LAROCHE
Twitter: @edlaroche
Instagram: @ed_laroche
Website: edlaroche.comRelease Date: May 12, 2021
Run Time: 1:40:15Melody Cooper and Fabrice Sapolsky
Episode Number: 27ANTHOLOGICAL 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.
Episode download: TWB027.mp3
MELODY COOPER
Twitter: @melodyMcooper
Instagram: @melodycooperfilm
Website: melodyMcooper.comFABRICE SAPOLSKY
Twitter: @fabricesapolsky
Instagram: @fabricesapolsky
Website: fairsquarecomics.comRelease Date: May 5, 2021
Run Time: 1:31:52Susan Eisenberg and Phil LaMarr
Episode Number: 26SUPER FRIENDS. David and Rylend put the pens down for a minute and yuk it it up proper with Wonder Woman and Green Lantern… more specifically, they talk voice acting with Susan Eisenberg and Phil LaMarr who voiced Wonder Woman and Green Lantern in the much-lauded JUSTICE LEAGUE animated series. And later in the broadcast, Susan and David connect over a mutual love of daytime television while Rylend beats back the urge to make a 3rd “I just shot Marvin in the face” reference.
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT SOAP CON LIVE: soapconlive.com
Episode download: TWB026.mp3
SUSAN EISENBERG
Twitter: @susaneisenberg1
Instagram: @susaneisenberg1
Website: susaneisenbergvoice.comPHIL LAMARR
Twitter: @phillamarr
Instagram: @phillamarr
Website: phillamarr.comRelease Date: April 28, 2021
Run Time: 1:22:56Skylar Patridge and Scott Koblish
Episode Number: 25AN ARTIST’S ADVICE. David and Rylend start out having a “what are we (writers) doing wrong?” chat with artists Skylar Patridge (Resonant, Reversal) and Scott Koblish (Deadpool)… but then things take a violent left turn into Kickstarter town and the four decide they’d like to stay a while. Skylar wears a cool hat. Avallone has a cool mustache. Scott has hypnotically shiny things hanging in his background. Rylend enthusiastically fields a 250th compliment on his Golden Girls skateboard.
BE SURE TO BACK THE JUMP #2 on Kickstarter!
Episode download: TWB025.mp3
SKYLAR PATRIDGE
Twitter: @SkyePatridge
Instagram: @SkyePatridge
Website: Ko-fi.com/skylarpatridgeSCOTT KOBLISH
Twitter: @Koblish
Instagram: @scottkoblish
Website: koblish.blogspot.comRelease Date: April 21, 2021
Run Time: 1:34:27Emma Steinkellner and Norm Harper
Episode Number: 24THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT. David and Rylend have a state of the kids/Y.A. comic union pow-wow with Eisner nominees Norm Harper (Rikki, Haphaven) and Emma Steinkellner (Quince, The Okay Witch). Rylend is made more than a bit jealous when he puts eyes on the grand lego city Norm has built in his spare bedroom… but he’s borderline inconsolable when he learns that the residents of said town elected Norm Mayor-for-life.
BE SURE TO BACK THE JUMP #2 on Kickstarter!
Episode download: TWB024.mp3
EMMA STEINKELLNER
Twitter: @emsteinkellner
Instagram: @emsteinkellner
Website: emmasteinkellner.comNORM HARPER
Twitter: @ThatNormDude
Instagram: @ThatNormDude
Website: thatnormdude.comRelease Date: April 14, 2021
Run Time: 1:29:23David Accampo and Bryant and Barbra Dillon
Episode Number: 23In the wake of Marvel cutting ties with Diamond, David and Rylend have a state of the comic union pow-wow with Fanbase Press honchos Barbra and Bryant Dillon and MARGINS scribe David Accampo. Where is the industry going? Where the hell has it been? How in the name of Jobu did we get here? Wherever you go, there you are. Also… there are babies… lots of cute babies in this episode.
BE SURE TO BACK THE JUMP #2 on Kickstarter!
Episode download: TWB023.mp3
DAVID ACCAMPO
Twitter: @daccampo
Instagram: @daccampo
Website: davidaccampo.comBARBRA DILLON
Twitter: @barbrajdillon
Instagram: @barbrajdillonBRYANT DILLON
Twitter: @ComicBookSlayer
Instagram: @comicbooksnifferFANBASE PRESS
Twitter: @Fanbase_Press
Instagram: @fanbasepress
Website: fanbasepress.comRelease Date: April 7, 2021
Run Time: 1:12:17Cailtin Rosberg and Hannibal Tabu
Episode Number: 22JOURNALISTIC HIGH JINX. This week, David and Rylend talk reviews and comics journalism with Caitlin Rosberg (The A.V. Club) and Hannibal Tabu (Reviews Editor at Bleeding Cool). Recorded while Rylend was getting HVAC installed at his house. Please excuse the intermittent sight/sounds of heating/cooling professionals in the background.
BE SURE TO BACK THE JUMP #2 on Kickstarter!
Episode download: TWB022.mp3
CAITLIN ROSBERG
Twitter: @crosberg
Tumbler: https://crhodey.tumblr.com
Website: https://www.caitlinrosberg.com/aboutHANNIBAL TABU
Twitter: @hannibaltabu
Instagram: @hannibaltabu
Website: hannibaltabu.com/411Release Date: March 31, 2021
Run Time: 1:32:43Oriana Leckert and Gabe Cheng
Episode Number: 21KICKSTARTER KICKOFF. This week, David and Rylend talk the ins, outs, ups, and downs of Kickstarter campaigning with the platform’s Director of Publishing and Comics Outreach, Oriana Leckert, and creator/Kickstarter veteran Gabe Cheng (INTO THE WILDERNESS). And Rylend starts, in earnest, his quest to amass the largest collection of POINT BREAK VHS tapes (the current, honest-to-God largest collection stands at 102 tapes).
BE SURE TO BACK THE JUMP #2 on Kickstarter!
Episode download: TWB021.mp3
ORIANA LECKERT
Twitter: @orianabklyn
Instagram: @orianabklyn
Website: oriana-leckert.comGABE CHENG
Twitter: @gabechengcomics
Instagram: @gabechengcomics
ANOTHER LOUSY MILLENNIUM Pod: @almpodBe sure to back INTO THE WILDERNESS on Kickstarter!
Release Date: March 24, 2021
Run Time: 1:25:54Aaron Nabus, and Tilly and Susan Bridges
Episode Number: 20PODCAST POW WOW. This week, David and Rylend talk podcasting with Aaron Nabus (Hall H Show) and Tilly and Susan Bridges (Pendant Productions). It’s a podcast where a bunch of podcasters talk about podcasting... and that may very well cause a tear in the space-time continuum. Also, Rylend shares with the group his greatest unfulfilled dream… to get a tattoo of a butt with a butt-shaped tattoo on it… and get it ON his butt.
Episode download: TWB020.mp3
SUSAN BRIDGES
Twitter: @susanlbridges
Instagram: @susanlbridges
Website: pendantaudio.com
Website: birdguest.comTILLY BRIDGES
Twitter: @TillyBridges
Website: pendantaudio.com
Website: birdguest.comAARON NABUS
Twitter: @aaronnabus
Twitter: @HallHdotcom
Instagram: @aaronnabus
Instagram: @HallHdotcom
Website: HallH.comRelease Date: March 17, 2021
Run Time: 1:33:40David Pepose, Christie Shinn, Don Nguyen
Episode Number: 19THE ART OF CON TABLING. This week, David and Rylend talk with Ringo Award-nominated scribe David Pepose (SPENCER and LOCKE, SCOUTS HONOR), DEMON BITCH writer/artist Christie Shinn, and PABLO THE GORILLA creator Don Nguyen about the ins and outs/the DOs, DON’Ts and MIGHT MAYBES of tabling at Comic Conventions… and Avallone finally briefly opens up about the difficult years he spent trapped in cult of savage Jim Nabors enthusiasts in Nome, Alaska.
Episode download: TWB019.mp3
DAVID PEPOSE
Twitter: @Peposed
Instagram: Peposed
Website: linktr.ee/peposedCHRISTIE SHINN
Twitter: @HoraToraStudios
Instagram: @HoraToraStudios
Website: HoraToraStudios.comSUPPORT DEMON BITCH AND OTHER STUPID THINGS: Patreon.com/HoraToraStudios
WHERE TO FOLLOW DEMON BITCH: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/demon-btch/list?title_no=148964DON NGUYEN
Twitter: @nguyeningit
Instagram: @nguyeningit
Website: NguyeningIt.comRelease Date: March 10, 2021
Run Time: 1:30:07George C. Romero, Stephanie Phillips, and Matt Medney
Episode Number: 18HEAVY METAL RENASCENCE. This week, David and Rylend talk with Heavy Metal CEO Matt Medney and writers George C. Romero (THE RISE, COLD DEAD WAR) and Stephanie Phillips (TARNA, HARLEY QUINN) about reshaping the Heavy Metal Brand for the 21st century… and Rylend finds out the hard way that you can’t tattoo a baby.
Episode download: TWB018.mp3
STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Twitter: @Steph_Smash
Instagram: @snapcracklesteph
Website: www.stephaniecomics.comGEORGE C. ROMERO
Twitter: @IamGeorgeRomero
Instagram: @indie_brigade
Website: romeropictures.comMATT MEDNEY
Twitter: @matthewmedney
Instagram: @matthewmedney
Website: MATTHEWMEDNEY.comHEAVY METAL MAGAZINE
Twitter: @HeavyMetalInk
Instagram: @heavymetal
Website: heavymetal.comRelease Date: March 3, 2021
Run Time: 1:24:46David Baron and Elisa Wikey
Episode Number: 17CHA-CHA-CHANGES! This week, David (Avallone) and Rylend talk career transitions with Hall of Fame colorist-turned-writer David Baron (various Batman titles, Stained) and acclaimed gallery artist/graphic designer-turned-comic penciler Elisa Wikey (The Cobblestone Chronicles)… and Elisa’s real live goddamn HEDGEHOG makes an appearance… it’s GREAT on video… sincere apologies if you’re listening.
Episode download: TWB017.mp3
DAVID BARON
Twitter: @MyZombies
Instagram: @MyZombiesELISA WIKEY
Twitter: @elisawikey
Instagram: @elisawikeydrawsthings
Website: TinyFramedThings.comCHECK OUT THE COBBLESTONE CHRONICLES HOLIDAY SPECIAL VIA BRAVE NEW WORLD
Release Date: February 24, 2021
Run Time: 1:39:23Jim Higgins, Karla Nappi, and Steven Prince
Episode Number: 16This week, David and Rylend explore the idea of the comic shop as a "community center" and the importance of comic book "how to" classes with educator/former DC Editor Jim Higgins, TV writer/Duplicant scribe Karla Nappi, and Monster Matador creator Steven Prince… and Rylend publicly tells his "I once kept Screech Powers from assaulting someone in the Meltdown parking lot" story for only the 2nd time.
Episode download: TWB016.mp3
JIM HIGGINS
Twitter: @jimhiggins63
Instagram: @jimhiggins63
Website: newsuit.netKARLA NAPPI
Twitter: @musingsbycrazed
Instagram: @musingsbycrazedSTEVEN PRINCE
Twitter: @monstermatador
Instagram: @monstermatador
Website: monstermatador.comRelease Date: February 17, 2021
Run Time: 1:28:15David Pepose and Alex De Campi
Episode Number: 15This week, David & Rylend discuss the ins and outs of publisher deals and Hollywood options with Ringo-nominated comic scribe David Pepose (Scouts Honor, Spencer & Locke) & Eisner nominee Alex De Campi (True War Stories, Bad Girls)… and the group finally definitively determines how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. SPOILER: It’s 364.
Episode download: TWB015.mp3
DAVID PEPOSE
Twitter: @peposed
Instagram: @peposed
Website: linktr.ee/peposedALEX DE CAMPI
Twitter: @alexdecampi
Instagram: @alexdecampi
Website: patreon.com/alexdecampiRelease Date: February 10, 2021
Run Time: 1:23:40Billy Tucci and Steven Peros
Episode Number: 14This week, David & Rylend discuss the finer points of crowdfunding, writerly research, and “truth” in comics/movies with screenwriter/graphic novelist Steven Peros (Stoker & Wells) & 4-time Eisner nominee Billy Tucci (SHI)… and the group wrestles doughtily with a question that has plagued great minds since 1969… who was the better Darrin on Bewitched, York or Sergeant?
Episode download: TWB014.mp3
STEVEN PEROS
Twitter: @StevenGPeros
Instagram: @stevenperos
Website: StevenPeros.com
Stoker & Wells on IGG: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/stoker-wells-order-of-the-golden-dawn#/BILLY TUCCI
Twitter: @BillyTucci
Instagram: @billy_tucci
SHI on IGG: www.indiegogo.com/projects/shi-haikyoRelease Date: February 3, 2021
Run Time: 1:32:42Dave Acosta and Zsombor Huszka
Episode Number: 13THE WRITER/ARTIST RELATIONSHIP. This week, David & Rylend talk collaboration with artists they’ve spent years in the trenches with, Dave Acosta (Elvira, Dragon) & Zsombor Huszka (Aberrant, Orient City)… and the show stops suddenly when the 4-year-old with whom Rylend is quarantined demands help using the “potty.”
Episode download: TWB013.mp3
DAVE ACOSTA
Twitter: @davedrawsgood
Instagram: @davedrawsgood
Website: davedrawsgood.comZSOMBOR HUSZKA
Twitter: @zsomborhuszka
Instagram: @zsomborhuszka
Website: zsomborhuszka.comRelease Date: January 27, 2021
Run Time: 1:37:40Alex Segura and Nancy Collins
Episode Number: 12ACTUALLY WRITING COMICS - PART 1. This week, David and Rylend talk pitching with Eisner-nominated comic scribe Nancy Collins (SWAMP THING) & Archie Comics Co-President/STAR WARS - POE DAMERON: FREE FALL writer Alex Segura... and David tries unsuccessfully to talk Rylend out of shamelessly pitching his Archie-meets-Bubbles-from-THE WIRE one-shot.
Craig Hamilton Emergency Medical Fund Go Fund Me Link: gf.me/u/zcd5pb
Episode download: TWB012.mp3
NANCY COLLINS
Twitter: @nancycollins
Website: https://www.comixology.com/Nancy-Collins/comics-creator/4693ALEX SEGURA
Twitter: @alex_segura
Instagram: @alexsegurajr
Website: alexsegura.comRelease Date: December 23, 2020
Run Time: 1:21:49John Layman and Taylor Esposito
Episode Number: 11MEN OF LETTERS. This week, David and Rylend talk lettering with Eisner-winning comic writer/letterer John Layman (CHEW, Various BATMAN titles) and former DC Staff letterer Taylor Esposito. David reminisces thoughtfully about his filmic salad days, spent ghosting for a legendary exploitation director, and the group decides once and for all if Coke is, in fact, IT.
Episode download: TWB011.mp3
JOHN LAYMAN
Twitter: @themightylaymanTAYLOR ESPOSITO
Twitter: @TaylorEspo
Instagram: @TaylorEspo
Website: www.ghostglyphstudios.comRelease Date: December 16, 2020
Run Time: 1:28:03Chris Cantwell, Ashley V. Robinson and Jason Inman
Episode Number: 10ORIGIN STORIES. Comic book characters have origin stories, obviously... but so do comic book writers. Eisner-nominated comic scribe (DR. DOOM & IRON MAN)/HALT AND CATCH FIRE Showrunner Christopher Cantwell and Ringo-nominated JUPITER JET creators Ashley V. Robinson & Jason Inman discuss their humble beginnings, what inspired them to walk their creative walks. Also, Cantwell reveals that he once almost joined the circus (seriously), Ashley touches briefly on the time she starred in a feminine hygiene commercial, and Rylend waxes lyrically about his time spent selling Kirby vacuum cleaners door-to-door.
Episode download: TWB010.mp3
CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL
Twitter: @ifyoucantwell
Instagram: @ifyoucantwellASHLEY V. ROBINSON
Twitter: @AshleyVRobinson
Instagram: @seanlewis6026
Website: linktr.ee/AshleyVRobinsonJASON INMAN
Twitter: @Jawiin
Instagram: @seanlewis6026
Website: solo.to/jasoninmanCheck out Jason and Ashley’s GEEK HISTORY LESSON Podcast here: https://www.geekhistorylesson.com
Release Date: December 9, 2020
Run Time: 1:30:40