The United States Department of Nerds Podcast

USDN_Chairman
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Books
  • Updated Biweekly

USDN Podcast is a cinematic indie comics interview series hosted by the USDN_Chairman and the Council of Nerds — spotlighting the creators, storytellers, and worldbuilders shaping the future of independent comics. Each episode dives beyond headlines into the real journeys behind the books — from Kickstarter launches and creative struggles to the philosophies driving today’s indie storytelling movement. This isn’t about rumors or recycled news. It’s about the people creating the worlds. Through in-depth conversations, creator spotlights, and crowdfunding discussions, USDN explores: • The rise of indie comics • The business of crowdfunding • The art of worldbuilding • The realities of independent storytelling USDN is where indie comics come to life — for the fans, by the creators, and powered by the community.

  1. The Write Brothas - Building the 88 Universe

    17h ago

    The Write Brothas - Building the 88 Universe

    The Write Brothas Entertainment joins The Chairman on the USDN Podcast for a deep dive into indie comics, creator-owned sci-fi, worldbuilding, and the ambitious 88 Universe. Founded by Decarlo Tatum Jr. and Neil Newman, The Write Brothas Entertainment is built on one powerful belief: “It’s okay to imagine.” In this episode, we discuss the origins of The Write Brothas, their creative partnership, the move from film and television ideas into comics, and the process of building a full indie sci-fi universe from the ground up. We also explore the world of “88,” including Ominus, General Muakuu, the Zowen-Kag, Planet Edine, anime-inspired storytelling, cinematic influences, and the importance of originality in indie comics. This conversation is about more than one comic book. It is about imagination, creator ownership, independent storytelling, and what it takes to build something original when there is no rulebook. Guest Links: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/writebrothasent?igsh=cHphNTM5dTNweDJv Website:http://www.twbstudios.com/ USDN Podcast Links: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast Linktree:https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast Business / Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com BCW Supplies Affiliate Link:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn Use Coupon Code: USDN Affiliate Disclosure:USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you. The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

    1h 57m
  2. Ray MacKay & Dan Sehn - Building GWP: Guys With Powers

    3d ago

    Ray MacKay & Dan Sehn - Building GWP: Guys With Powers

    Dan Sehn of Argo Comics and writer Ray MacKay join The Chairman on the USDN Podcast to discuss GWP: Guys With Powers, a creator-owned indie superhero comic launching on Kickstarter. This episode dives into the creation of an original superhero universe, the challenges of crowdfunding indie comics, the importance of promotion, and what it takes to build new heroes outside the mainstream comic machine. Dan and Ray break down the world of GWP: Guys With Powers, including Cosmos, Radioactive Girl, Phaze, Dominico, and the Turbo Twins, while also discussing Argo Comics, indie publishing, Kickstarter, creator-owned comics, superhero storytelling, and the current state of the comic book industry. Support GWP: Guys With Powers on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dansehn/gwp-guys-with-powers Follow the creators: Ray MacKay: https://www.instagram.com/raymackaywrites/ Argo Comics: https://www.instagram.com/argocomics/ Follow USDN:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast Business / Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com Support USDN BCW Supplies Affiliate Link: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn Use Code: USDN Affiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you. The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life. #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #ComicBooks #SuperheroComics #CreatorOwnedComics #GWP #GuysWithPowers #ArgoComics #RayMacKay #USDNPodcast

    1h 53m
  3. John McLaren of Phantom Ink Comics | ToteMan, Villains Anonymous & Indie Comics

    6d ago

    John McLaren of Phantom Ink Comics | ToteMan, Villains Anonymous & Indie Comics

    What happens when a lifelong comic fan, toy collector, and convention veteran turns his passion into creator-owned comics? In this episode of the USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with John McLaren of Phantom Ink Comics to discuss the origins of ToteMan, Villains Anonymous, Argyle Avenger, NinjaBoy, and the journey from comic collector to comic creator. John shares the personal inspiration behind ToteMan, including how the character helped explain epilepsy to his son, while also discussing the realities of independent publishing, convention culture, creator-owned storytelling, and the enduring appeal of classic comic book adventures. From Gen X nostalgia and comic collecting to building a universe of original characters, this conversation explores why indie comics continue to thrive through passion, creativity, and community. Follow John McLaren / Phantom Ink Comics: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Gen.X.Toybox Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/genxtoybox YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/PhantomInkProduction Follow the USDN Podcast:Linktree:https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast 📧 Business / Media Inquiries: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com 🛒 Support USDN & Protect Your Collection BCW Supplies Affiliate Link:  https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn Use Coupon Code: USDN Affiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you. The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

    1h 39m
  4. Jeff Carroll - Why I Love Sci-Fi, Black Speculative Fiction & Hip Hop Horror | USDN Podcast

    May 25

    Jeff Carroll - Why I Love Sci-Fi, Black Speculative Fiction & Hip Hop Horror | USDN Podcast

    Sci-fi author, filmmaker, comic creator, and Hip Hop Horror pioneer Jeff Carroll joins The USDN Podcast for a deep conversation about Black speculative fiction, indie comics, Afrofuturism, Hip Hop culture, horror, AI, filmmaking, and the future of storytelling. Inspired by his documentary Why I Love Sci-Fi, Jeff discusses why imagination matters, how science fiction shapes culture, and why indie comics provide creative freedom that Hollywood often cannot. Topics include: Black sci-fi and AfrofuturismIndie comics & creator-owned storytellingHip Hop horrorAI and speculative fictionComic culture & filmmakingDef Comedy Jam and entertainment historyWhy science fiction mattersThis episode explores creator-owned comics, Black sci-fi, speculative storytelling, comic culture, and the future of independent creativity. If you love indie comics, science fiction, horror, Afrofuturism, worldbuilding, creator interviews, or speculative fiction — this episode is for you. 🎥 Subscribe to USDN:https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast 🎬 Watch “Why I Love Sci-Fi”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJaWn46r69w 📸 Follow Jeff Carroll:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/coachyojeff Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/CoachYoJeff 🌐 Follow USDN:https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast 🛒 Support USDN Through Our BCW Affiliate Link:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn Use Code: USDN for 10% OFF your order. Affiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you. The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

    2h 10m
  5. David Luján - Building Nerida & Creator-Owned Fantasy Comics

    May 15

    David Luján - Building Nerida & Creator-Owned Fantasy Comics

    On this episode of The USDN Podcast, The Chairman sits down with David Luján, creator of Nerida, to discuss indie fantasy comics, creator-owned storytelling, folklore inspiration, Kickstarter comics, and building a nine-part fantasy universe from the ground up. David shares how mythology, fairytales, comics like Saga and Akira, and his own artistic journey shaped the world of Nerida. The conversation dives into worldbuilding, emotional storytelling, indie publishing, visual pacing, and the realities of creating comics independently in today’s industry. If you love fantasy comics, indie creators, manga-inspired storytelling, and deep conversations about comic creation, this episode is for you. Follow David Luján / Nerida Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neridacomic Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/neridacomic.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.com/@neridacomic Follow USDN Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast Business / Media Inquiries:  thechairman@usdnpodcast.com The USDN Podcast is a creator-focused media platform spotlighting indie comics, creator-owned storytelling, Kickstarter comics, horror comics, fantasy comics, manga-inspired storytelling, and the creators building the future of independent comics. The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life. BCW Supplies Affiliate Support the show using our BCW affiliate link: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn Use code: USDN Affiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a small commission if you use our affiliate link or code. This helps support the show at no extra cost to you.

    1h 29m
  6. Todd Black - Seekers of Science and the Future of STEM Comics

    May 10

    Todd Black - Seekers of Science and the Future of STEM Comics

    Todd Black returns to the USDN Podcast to discuss Seekers of Science; a STEM-focused indie comic series that blends real-world science, educational storytelling, and creator-owned comics. We discuss how the project uses real scientists and real-world scenarios to make science more engaging for younger readers while exploring the role comics can play in education and inspiration. Todd also shares insights into the crowdfunding process, future science topics the series could tackle, and the growing crossover potential between comics, science, and pop culture. Topics include:  STEM storytelling in comics  Educational indie comics  Real science in fiction  Kickstarter strategy  Hurricane science and disaster recovery  Space exploration  The future of creator-owned comics  Potential Ring of Honor comic discussions 🚀 Kickstarter: https://seekersofscience.com/Kickstarter 🎙️ The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life

    1h 16m
  7. Dionne Waterman - From Actress to Comic Book Muse

    May 6

    Dionne Waterman - From Actress to Comic Book Muse

    Dionne Waterman - From Actress to Comic Book Muse What does it mean to inspire a comic book character? On this episode of the USDN Podcast, Dionne Waterman (FilmGirlDee) joins us to share her journey from acting into the world of indie comics—where she became the real-life inspiration behind Rita Rivera. We explore how that experience shaped her creative path, leading her into modeling and cosplay for comic book covers, including Marion Maxx, Jenna the beer-loving vampire, and the Witch of Yazoo from Mississippi Macabre project. This conversation breaks down the connection between acting, visual storytelling, and indie comics, offering a unique look at how characters are brought to life both on and off the page. If you’re a fan of indie comics or a creator looking to understand the full creative process behind character development, this episode is for you. 🔗 CONNECT WITH DIONNE WATERMAN (FILMGIRLDEE): 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmgirldee/ 🛍️ Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/filmgirldee/shop 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@filmgirldee 🎬 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14069921/ 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@filmgirldee 📺 FOLLOW USDN: 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usdn_podcast/ 🧵 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@usdn_podcast 🟦 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/usdn-chairman.bsky.social 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usdepartmentofnerds 👥 Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/usdnpodcast 🧃 COLLECTOR TIP OF THE WEEK (BCW) Protect your comic collection like a pro. 👉 https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn 💥 Use code: USDN for 10% off Affiliate disclosure: USDN may earn a commission if you use our link or code. 📩 BUSINESS / MEDIA INQUIRIES: thechairman@usdnpodcast.com 🎙️ The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life

    1h 10m
  8. Saurabh Bhatia: Building the Future of Indie Comics with Comix.one

    May 4

    Saurabh Bhatia: Building the Future of Indie Comics with Comix.one

    What happens after a successful Kickstarter campaign? On this episode of the USDN Podcast, we sit down with Saurabh Bhatia, founder of Comix.one, to explore the challenges indie comic creators face after crowdfunding—and how his platform aims to solve them. Drawing from his own experience launching a Kickstarter comic, Saurabh breaks down the biggest gaps in the current system: loss of momentum, discoverability issues, and the lack of long-term infrastructure for creators. We discuss:  The lifecycle of indie comics after crowdfunding  The need for a unified ecosystem for creators  Digital and print-on-demand distribution  Integrated crowdfunding and fulfillment solutions  Creator subscriptions and recurring revenue  Live selling, streaming, and fan engagement  Building a shared comics economy This episode is a deep dive into the future of indie comics and the systems being built to support creators long-term. 🔗 Learn More Comix.one: https://www.comix.one/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comix_app/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@comix_app 📺 WATCH MORE USDN PODCAST YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast 💼 BUSINESS / MEDIA INQUIRIES thechairman@usdnpodcast.com 🧰 COLLECTOR TIP OF THE WEEK Protect your comic collection with BCW Supplies:https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn Use code USDN for 10% off your order. Affiliate Disclosure: USDN may earn a commission if you use our link or code. 🎙️ ABOUT USDN The USDN Podcast is a creator-focused media platform spotlighting the people shaping independent comics through cinematic, in-depth conversations. 🎙️ The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life

    2h 15m
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

USDN Podcast is a cinematic indie comics interview series hosted by the USDN_Chairman and the Council of Nerds — spotlighting the creators, storytellers, and worldbuilders shaping the future of independent comics. Each episode dives beyond headlines into the real journeys behind the books — from Kickstarter launches and creative struggles to the philosophies driving today’s indie storytelling movement. This isn’t about rumors or recycled news. It’s about the people creating the worlds. Through in-depth conversations, creator spotlights, and crowdfunding discussions, USDN explores: • The rise of indie comics • The business of crowdfunding • The art of worldbuilding • The realities of independent storytelling USDN is where indie comics come to life — for the fans, by the creators, and powered by the community.

Information

  • Creator
    USDN_Chairman
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 The DFPN LLC