The United States Department of Nerds Podcast

USDN_Chairman
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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. Mark C. Dooley - The Genesis of a Fanboy & The Actual Adventures of Mark and Dee

    1D AGO

    Mark C. Dooley - The Genesis of a Fanboy & The Actual Adventures of Mark and Dee

    Mark C. Dooley - The Genesis of a Fanboy & The Actual Adventures of Mark and Dee Mark C. Dooley joins The USDN Podcast to talk about growing up a comic book fan before fandom was mainstream — and how the 1960s Batman TV era temporarily turned bullying into popularity overnight. Mark is the creator of MARK AND DEE: GENESIS OF A FANBOY (an autobiographical comic strip series spanning childhood into the teen years) and THE ACTUAL, SEMI-TRUE ADVENTURES OF MARK AND DEE (a contemporary series centered around community, friendship, and comic shop culture). We dive into Batmania, creativity as survival, meeting Dee at age 12, turning real-life triumph and tragedy into comics, and why indie storytelling hits different when it’s lived. We also spotlight Mark’s current Kickstarter for GENESIS OF A FANBOY Volume One, collecting years of strips into a single book, plus what’s next with THE ACTUAL Volume One and Issue #6 (the wedding story). Guest Links: Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/markanddee/mark-and-dee-genesis-of-a-fanboy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.c.dooley/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markcdooley/ Substack: https://substack.com/@markcdooley1 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mcdooley1.bsky.social Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/u10978651 Blogspot: https://deboss1.blogspot.com/

    58 min
  2. Doug Marcaida - LINEAGE, Martial Arts Philosophy & Bringing Real Combat to Comics

    2D AGO

    Doug Marcaida - LINEAGE, Martial Arts Philosophy & Bringing Real Combat to Comics

    Doug Marcaida - LINEAGE, Martial Arts Philosophy & Bringing Real Combat to Comics Forged in Fire judge and martial arts expert Doug Marcaida joins The USDN Podcast to discuss LINEAGE: Brotherhood of the Blade — a grounded, action-driven comic series published by Kid Heroes Productions. Blending authentic Filipino Martial Arts philosophy with brotherhood, legacy, and intelligent combat storytelling, LINEAGE follows two estranged brothers forced to confront their past and the mysterious blade tied to their family history. We explore Doug’s journey from weapons specialist to storyteller, the philosophy behind “Keep Everyone Alive,” Kickstarter success, cultural representation in comics, and the future of the series. Support LINEAGE: https://kidhero.es/lineage Follow Doug Marcaida: https://instagram.com/dougmarcaida The USDN Podcast spotlights indie comic creators, Kickstarter campaigns, and the real stories behind the panels. The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come To Life!  #DougMarcaida #LineageComic #IndieComics #Kickstarter #MartialArts #ComicBooks #CreatorOwned #USDNPodcast

    58 min
  3. Braxton A. Cosby - The Yasuke Duology & Mythic Historical Storytelling

    5D AGO

    Braxton A. Cosby - The Yasuke Duology & Mythic Historical Storytelling

    Braxton A. Cosby - The Yasuke Duology & Mythic Historical Storytelling History remembers warriors. Stories remember legends. On this episode of The USDN Podcast, bestselling author Braxton A. Cosby joins us to explore the YASUKE Duology, a bold reimagining of history’s first African samurai, blending documented legacy with mythic fantasy. From the slave markets of India to feudal Japan… From loyalty under Oda Nobunaga to the supernatural realm of Elsewhere… We discuss: • Researching real historical figures• Expanding prose into graphic novels• The emotional themes behind Yasuke’s journey• Indie comics publishing in today’s market• Building a long-term storytelling career With over 20 books, multiple awards, and a growing transmedia footprint, Braxton shares insights for both readers and creators navigating the evolving comics and publishing landscape. Follow Braxton A. Cosby: www.braxtoncosby.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braxtonacosby/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraxtonACosby The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life. #indiecomics #yasuke #graphicnovel #historicalfantasy #authorinterview #comiccreator #samuraihistory #worldbuilding #indiepublishing

    1h 22m
  4. Todd Black — Tokyo Blade Detectives #1–12 & The Future of Indie Sci-Fi Comics

    FEB 24

    Todd Black — Tokyo Blade Detectives #1–12 & The Future of Indie Sci-Fi Comics

    Todd Black — Tokyo Blade Detectives #1–12 & The Future of Indie Sci-Fi Comics In this episode of The USDN Podcast, we sit down with comic creator Todd Black to discuss his cyberpunk detective series Tokyo Blade Detectives and the Kickstarter campaign collecting issues #1–12. Set 200 years in the future where guns are outlawed but violence still thrives, the series explores faction warfare, advanced technology, and the emotional consequences of conflict through the eyes of teenage detective Miko. We talk about: Building a long-running indie comic universeCrowdfunding strategy and Kickstarter lessonsCollaboration with international comic artistsExpanding creator-owned stories beyond comicsWriting the Thunder Rosa comic biographyAdvice for indie creators navigating today’s industryIf you’re passionate about indie comics, sci-fi storytelling, and creator-driven publishing, this conversation is for you. Support the Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blackmagicwolf/tokyo-blade-detectives-1-12 Follow Todd Black: X: https://x.com/Guardians_Comic Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/toddblack.bsky.social The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

    1h 11m
  5. Alfred Paige — Hostile Assets: Gun Goth × Footpath Crossover & Indie Kickstarter Chaos

    FEB 21

    Alfred Paige — Hostile Assets: Gun Goth × Footpath Crossover & Indie Kickstarter Chaos

    On this episode of The USDN Podcast, we sit down with indie comic creator Alfred Paige to discuss Hostile Assets — an upcoming crossover event uniting Gun Goth and Footpath in a brutal horror-action one-shot heading to Kickstarter this April. We explore Alfred’s journey in indie comics, the collaboration with Mark Poulton of Haunted Pizza Comics, the creative process behind crossover storytelling, and what it takes to launch and sustain creator-owned comic projects through crowdfunding. This conversation dives into worldbuilding, indie publishing realities, horror storytelling influences, and the evolving landscape of Kickstarter comics. Kickstarter Links:https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/koniwaves/gun-goth-x-footpath-hostile-assetshttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jonathanhedrick/footpath-dangerous-nightshttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sixfifteencomics/the-bear Guest Socials:https://www.facebook.com/Paige1productionshttps://www.facebook.com/paige.dollarz The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life.

    50 min
  6. 🎧 S. Xing Xin. B — From Indie Rejections to Walmart Shelves | USDN Podcast Interview

    FEB 18

    🎧 S. Xing Xin. B — From Indie Rejections to Walmart Shelves | USDN Podcast Interview

    🎧 S. Xing Xin. B — From Indie Rejections to Walmart Shelves | USDN Podcast Interview Rejected more than 200 times by the mainstream comic industry, S. Xing Xin. B chose persistence over permission — building his own publishing path and developing the Ximphonic Versus universe over a 32-year journey. With 17 volumes published, nearly 13,000 physical copies sold without crowdfunding, direct market distribution, streaming adaptations in development, and a toy line heading toward Walmart retail, his story reflects the long-game reality of independent comic creation. In this episode of The USDN Podcast, we explore: • Turning rejection into momentum• Building an indie audience without crowdfunding• Artistic craft and anti-AI perspectives• Expanding a comic IP beyond print• Direct market distribution realities• Creator endurance and legacy Follow the project: Website: www.ximphonicversus.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ximphonic_versusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dqg7XZHdY/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@ximphonic_versus The USDN Podcast - Where Indie Comics Come to Life. #IndieComics, #ComicPodcast, #CreatorOwnedComics, #IndependentPublishing, #ComicBookIndustry, #IndieComicInterview, #ComicCreators, #USDNPodcast

    1h 23m
  7. Legacy Rising: Building Gods, Monsters & Myth with Gary Seaward

    FEB 16

    Legacy Rising: Building Gods, Monsters & Myth with Gary Seaward

    Legacy Rising: Building Gods, Monsters & Myth with Gary Seaward A story carried since 2008 finally takes shape. This week on The USDN Podcast, we welcome creator and artist Gary Seaward to discuss Legacy: Idols & Bones — a new indie comic universe blending superhero mythology, sci-fi scale, and horror-driven consequences. We explore the origins of the world, the characters shaping its future, and the Kickstarter campaign launching Issues #1 and #2. From Eidolon and Carcass to Pulse, Widow-Maker, and Re’Ordain — this is a deep dive into building modern indie mythology from the ground up. 🔗 Kickstarter Pre-Launch: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/garyseaward/legacy-idols-and-bones-issues-1-and-2 🔗 Read Issue #1: https://globalcomix.com/c/legacy-idols-bones The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life. #IndieComics, #ComicPodcast, #USDNPodcast, #KickstarterComics, #ComicCreators, #CrowdfundedComics, #IndieStorytelling

    1h 5m
  8. He Was Dying… Then the Government Turned Him Into a Weapon | PorTroyal Smith – The Rogue Recordings

    FEB 15

    He Was Dying… Then the Government Turned Him Into a Weapon | PorTroyal Smith – The Rogue Recordings

    He Was Dying… Then the Government Turned Him Into a Weapon | PorTroyal Smith – The Rogue Recordings He was dying. Then the government offered him survival. The price? Becoming a weapon. In this episode of The USDN Podcast, we sit down with PorTroyal Smith (Nathan Lebens), author of The Rogue Recordings, to explore a superhero saga grounded in military realism, moral ambiguity, and the true cost of power. From operating missiles in North Dakota to building a layered narrative about government-created super soldiers, PorTroyal shares the journey behind Shadowalker and Shadowar — and the question that defines the series: When survival changes who you are… are you still the hero? We discuss: • Military influence in storytelling• Weaponized humanity• Power and moral consequence• The evolution from Shadowalker to Shadowar• Writing stories that deepen on a second read 📚 Featured Works — The Rogue Recordings Series 📘 Shadowalker (2019) Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08163LFPS Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0CQMDQSJY/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-380067&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_380067_rh_us 📕 Shadowar (2025) Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWJ7K91K Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18185383.PorTroyal_Smith Power always comes with a cost. The USDN Podcast — Where Indie Comics Come to Life. #USDN, #PorTroyalSmith, #Shadowalker, #Shadowar, #IndieAuthor, #SciFiFiction, #SuperheroBooks, #PodcastInterview, #WritingCommunity, #Storytelling, #BookPodcast

    1h 11m
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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
    80
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 The DFPN LLC