Tell The Damn Story

Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan
  • 4.9 (12)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is where we interview and discuss the challenges and successes of writing books, comics, films, and other creative arts and pop culture topics.

  1. 1D AGO

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 408: Overcoming Doubt and Obstacles: Writer Discipline Tips for Aspiring and Emerging Writers

    Welcome to Tell The Damn Story! In this episode, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons take a candid, often humorous look at the journey of building a writing discipline, especially for emerging authors. Drawing from personal stories of creative struggles, early rejection, and family skepticism, they reveal the difficult but deeply rewarding pursuit of storytelling. Along the way, Chris and Alex share insights into finding the right people to trust with your work, balancing day jobs with artistic passions, and the importance of embracing both discipline and vulnerability. Whether you’re wondering if you should pursue writing or searching for ways to keep your creative flame alive amidst life’s challenges, this episode is filled with honest advice, encouragement, and the reminder that, above all, you need to "tell your own damn story." Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    42 min

  2. MAR 22

    Tell The Damn Story ep 407: Crafting Characters Like Michael B. Jordan, The Art of Backstory Exploration

    Today, Alex Simmonss and Chris Ryan enthusiastically discuss the craft of building unforgettable characters, taking inspiration from none other than Michael B. Jordan. Right after his Oscar win, Jordan shared the journaling process he uses to create fully formed backstories for his roles—an approach our hosts believe every writer should consider. Throughout this episode, Alex Simmonss and Chris Ryan explore how journaling from a character's earliest memory to the first page of your script can add authentic layers and nuance that pull audiences in. They discuss the impact of detailed backstory on everything from character dialogue to world-building, with examples ranging from the rich and poor origins of characters to the expansive histories of Tolkien's Middle-earth. Tune in for inspiration, actionable tips, and a fun, insightful look at how the best storytellers—including Michael B. Jordan—build characters that live, breathe, and stick with us long after the story ends. And as promised, here are 20 Character Bio Questions out of over 170. Use them for writing good and evil characters. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TTDSOnAir@gmail.com www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    29 min

  3. MAR 15

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 406: How Rebel Writer Got A Clue

    Welcome to a brand new episode of Tell The Damn Story! This time, Chris Ryan and Alex Simmons head straight to the heart of what makes storytelling possible for so many writers—the trusty index card. In this episode, you’ll hear the inside scoop on a simple, affordable, and portable technique that’s helped countless creators map out their stories, movies, and plays. But there’s more—Chris Ryan reveals a long-overdue debt of gratitude to the person who inspired his go-to method. Link to "Notecars & Origins: Robert Rodriguez Film School Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TTDSOnAir@gmail.com www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 00:00 "Note Card Story Method" 05:18 Story Flow and Sequencing 08:05 "Writing Process with Index Cards" 10:41 "Bodega Memories and Supplies" 15:34 "YouTube: Endless Discovery Platform" 19:04 "Rebel Without a Crew Inspiration" 21:37 "Robert Rodriguez Film School Tribute" 23:53 Index Card Method Insights

    25 min

  4. MAR 8

    Tell The Damn Story ep 405: Conquer Creative Challenges Essential Tips for Aspiring Authors, Pt 2

    "What's Trickier? Writing The Stories, Or Getting Out To Meet The Public?" In this week’s installment, hosts Alex and Chris are joined once again by acclaimed writers Tom Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson for Part 2 of their deep-dive into conquering creative challenges and empowering aspiring authors. This episode is packed with heartfelt stories, candid reflections, and practical advice straight from the trenches of the writing world. From memorable convention encounters—like Alex co-host's full-circle moment with Ray Bradbury—to behind-the-scenes confessions about fan interactions, podcast experiences (both brilliant and bizarre), and the personal struggles of finding hope and motivation in difficult times, the conversation is as honest as it is uplifting. Together, the group explores how creative voices evolve, what it takes to push through creative slumps, and why telling your own damn story matters—not just for you, but for readers and listeners you may never meet. Whether you’re stuck on your first draft, wrestling with self-doubt, or searching for new ways to stay inspired and connected, this episode is filled with encouragement, laughter, and the reminder that you’re never alone on your creative journey. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Or ... Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories change lives. They always have. Your support keeps them alive for future generations.  Help us by supporting TTDS → ⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1h 17m

  5. MAR 1

    Tell The Damn Story ep 404: From Inspiration to Publication, Vital Tips for Aspiring Authors. Part 1

    Welcome to a brand new episode of "Tell The Damn Story," where the journey of writing is as real as it gets! In this episode, co-hosts Alex Simmonss and Chris Ryan are joined by returning favorites Jeannine Acheson and Tom Sniegoski for a heartfelt, hilarious, and incredibly honest conversation about conquering creative challenges—especially those every aspiring author faces. The group dives into the origins and trials behind Jeannine Acheson's self-published work "Love Bug," revealing everything from inspiration sparked by a local haunted asylum to the real struggle of pushing through when the writing gets tough. Tom Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson discuss their own creative process—both together and solo—while Chris Ryan and Alex Simmonss contribute advice and anecdotes about finishing long-shelved projects, battling imposter syndrome, and the value of momentum even when you think your draft isn’t perfect. But it’s not just about the hard parts. The episode is packed with insider tips on overcoming editorial setbacks, pitching stories, and navigating the unpredictable—and sometimes hilarious—world of conventions. Whether it’s celebrating wins, learning from stumbles, or the catharsis of a good cry after tough edits, this episode reminds writers that they’re never alone in their struggles. So settle in and get ready for candid real-talk, lots of laughter, and practical advice that’ll help you keep telling your own damn story—no matter what dragons cross your path. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TTDSOnAir@gmail.com www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you're enjoying these episodes, please take a moment to help wet our whistle by clicking on the link to ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me A Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1h 10m

  6. FEB 22 ·  BONUS

    Tell The Damn Story ep 403: Writing Our Way Through_The Power of Story to Survive and Succeed

    What does it really mean to survive through art? Alex and Chris take a thoughtful detour from craft mechanics and dive into something deeper — how writing, storytelling, and the arts help us survive difficult seasons of life. From Chris’s college epiphany (when a professor bluntly told him he loved music… but wasn’t a musician), to reflections on Stephen King writing his way through trauma, to stories of young artists in the Bronx finding sanctuary on stage — this conversation explores how creativity becomes more than career. It becomes identity.It becomes a refuge.It becomes survival. We also talk about: Knowing who you really are (Aristotle would approve) The difference between loving an art form and being called to it Why self-reflection matters more than external labels How artists like Josh Johnson find their voice in chaotic times Surviving expectations — especially other people’s expectations Why your art doesn’t need to fit someone else’s definition to be valid Whether writing is your sanctuary, your profession, your side hustle, or your calling, this episode asks a simple but powerful question: What does your art do for you? And maybe even more importantly… What might it do for someone else? Tell your story.Tell it honestly.Tell it bravely.And as always… Tell the damn story. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TellTheDamnStory.com TTDSOnAir@gmail.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    37 min

  7. FEB 15

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 402: Weird By Nature Exploring the Value of Uniqueness in the Writing World

    On this episode of Tell The Damn Story, Alex and Chris dive headfirst into an age-old creative conundrum: do writers need permission to be weird? With their signature blend of humor and insight, they explore what “weird” even means in the world of writers, artists, and storytellers, and why embracing it might just be the secret key to unlocking your most authentic work. Drawing from personal anecdotes—think fourth graders dreaming up purple cows and aliens for a suffragette play—and classic literary examples, from Animal Farm to Kafka’s cockroach, Alex Simmonss and Chris Ryan remind us that the creative’s job is to challenge the norm, shift perspectives, and offer new ways of seeing the world, even if that means making people uncomfortable. Get ready for a candid, thought-provoking conversation that just might change how you think about creativity, permission, and the beauty of being a little weird. Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    37 min

  8. FEB 8

    Tell The Damn Story, ep 401: Exploring Subtext Secrets from Wonder Man, Lord of the Rings, & 12 Angry Men

    Despite the cold and snow, Alex and Chris Ryan dive deep into the art of subtext—those rich, unspoken layers that give stories their real meaning. Happily drawing from decades of teaching, writing, and storytelling, they share practical tips to help writers move beyond plot and action and into the heart of what a story is truly about. You’ll hear examples from contemporary pop culture, like Marvel's Wonder Man, as well as timeless classics like 12 Angry Men, The Lord of the Rings, and the revered Japanese film Rashomon. Whether you’re an aspiring writer struggling to bring depth to your characters or a seasoned storyteller searching for the “why” behind your plot, this episode is packed with insights and exercises to strengthen your craft. Special Note:  Sir Ian McKellen speaks of "The Strangers..." on Colbert https://youtube.com/shorts/Nwd6vcfR3HI?si=WDtAYB7cwFHwtUu0 Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Then, please leave them in the Comments Section. Write: TTDSOnAir@gmail.com And follow us on ... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.TellTheDamnStory.com www.Facebook.com/Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube.com/ Tell The Damn Story⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Stories 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    48 min
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4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

This is where we interview and discuss the challenges and successes of writing books, comics, films, and other creative arts and pop culture topics.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    415
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alex Simmons & Chris Ryan
  • Show Website
    Tell The Damn Story