In this episode of Alley Chats, Rob sits down with Eric Lard, the award-winning science fiction author behind The Incursion Chronicles, The Soul Machine Saga, and The Chronicles of Bodie Nine.

Eric shares his journey from surfing and snowboarding in the Sierra Nevada to crafting epic sci-fi adventures filled with high-stakes action, deep character arcs, and visionary worldbuilding. With multiple honorable mentions from Writers of the Future, Eric has carved out a reputation for creating immersive universes where technology, humanity, and survival collide.

We talk about his inspirations, writing process, and the challenges of building multi-series science fiction worlds while balancing life as a husband and father of three. If you love space operas, sci-fi sagas, and indie authors who push boundaries, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Eric lives at the foot of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California, where he enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and mountain biking with his wife and three adult sons. His work often appears on the “galactic interweb” between the static of daily life. Eric has earned one Honorable and two Silver Honorable Mentions from Writers of the Future and is the author of:

• The Incursion Chronicles

• The Soul Machine Saga

• The Chronicles of Bodie Nine

• Plus several upcoming standalone novels

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You can order Eric Lard's books at 4horsemenpublications.com/our-authors/eric-n-lard

Order now and use the Promo Code 4HP10 for 10% off!

Support the author by ordering from the 4 Horsemen Publications directly. By ordering at www,4horsemenpublications.com, you save 10% and the author gets more than if you order from other places.

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🌐 Connect with Eric Lard

📚 Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric-N.-Lard/author/B09QFDD2QM
📸 Instagram: @dawnoftheconstruct
🐦 X (Twitter): @Eric99056362

Eric Lard, Sci-Fi Author Interview, The Incursion Chronicles, The Soul Machine Saga, The Chronicles of Bodie Nine, Writers of the Future, indie science fiction authors, space opera novels, cyberpunk, sci-fi sagas, indie publishing, speculative fiction podcast, Alley Chats Podcast

#EricLard #SciFiAuthor #SpaceOpera #ScienceFictionBooks #IndieAuthors #AlleyChatsPodcast #WritersOfTheFuture #SpeculativeFiction #SciFiSagas #BookPodcast #IndieSciFi

In this episode of Alley Chats, Rob sits down with Marc Alan Fishman, the bearded creative force behind Unshaven Comics. Marc has spent 15 years bringing bold, exciting stories to life as both an illustrator and writer, with projects ranging from Mine: A Graphic Novel for Planned Parenthood to The March: Crossing Bridges in America, and the fan-favorite all-ages indie series The Samurnauts.

We dive into his journey as a comic creator, marketer, social media pro, and stand-up comedian, exploring how he balances a career in comics with family life as a proud husband and father of four. Marc shares insights into building an indie comics brand, connecting with fans, and keeping the passion for storytelling alive.

If you’re into indie comics, creative hustle, and stories of balancing art and life, this episode is for you!

Marc Alan Fishman is the multi-hyphenate, bearded badass of Unshaven Comics. With over 15 years of professional experience as an illustrator and author, his credits include:

• Mine: A Graphic Novel for Planned Parenthood

• The March: Crossing Bridges in America

• The Samurnauts (indie all-ages action series)

When Marc isn’t creating comics, he’s marketing, posting, or doing stand-up comedy—all while raising four kids with his wife.

🌐 Connect with Marc Alan Fishman
Unshaven Comics: https://unshavencomics.com/comics/
Instagram: @unshavencomic
Facebook: facebook.com/unshavencomics
Twitter/X: @UnshavenComic

Marc Alan Fishman, Unshaven Comics, The Samurnauts, indie comics, comic creator interview, Alley Chats Podcast, comic book podcast, indie publishing, creator-owned comics, comic illustrator, comic writer, comic marketing, balancing family and comics, Mine Graphic Novel, Planned Parenthood comics, Crossing Bridges in America

#MarcAlanFishman #UnshavenComics #TheSamurnauts #IndieComics #ComicCreators #ComicBookPodcast #AlleyChatsPodcast #IndiePublishing #ComicArtists #ComicWriters #CreatorOwnedComics

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One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group.

Find Alley Chats at: southgatemediagroup.com

https://www.facebook.com/alleychats

patreon.com/southgatemediagroup

Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup

In this episode of Alley Chats, we sit down with Isaac Popovich, a creepy cartoonist whose one-page horror comics capture the eerie charm of 1920s–1930s rubber hose animation. His work blends nostalgia with terror, creating unforgettable strips that feel like classic cartoons gone hauntingly wrong.

Isaac currently works with Guerrilla Publishing and freelances for two other publishers, all while balancing his career as a travel nurse. In his free time, he crafts and shares his comics on Instagram, posting them for fans to enjoy at no cost.

Join us as Isaac talks about his artistic journey, the inspiration behind his creepy-yet-playful style, and what’s next for his work in horror comics.

👤 About Isaac Popovich
Isaac Popovich is a horror comic creator specializing in one-page strips inspired by early 20th-century animation. His comics are a unique fusion of rubber hose cartoon aesthetics and macabre storytelling. Beyond creating comics, Isaac works as a travel nurse, proving that passion and creativity can thrive even with a demanding schedule.

🔗 Connect with Isaac Popovich
📸 Instagram: @isaacpopovich
📘 Guerrilla Publishing: guerrillapublishing.com

Isaac Popovich, creepy cartoonist, horror comics, 1930s animation style, rubber hose comics, one-page horror strips, Guerrilla Publishing, indie comic creator, horror cartoonist, retro horror art, Alley Chats podcast, comic interviews, underground comics, travel nurse artist, creepy cartoons

#IsaacPopovich #CreepyCartoonist #HorrorComics #RubberHoseAnimation #IndieComics #ComicCreator #RetroHorror #CreepyCartoons #OnePageComics #GuerrillaPublishing #ComicInterviews #AlleyChatsPodcast #IndieCreators #CartoonHorror #UndergroundComics

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One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group.

Find Alley Chats at: southgatemediagroup.com

https://www.facebook.com/alleychats

patreon.com/southgatemediagroup

Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup

In this episode of Alley Chats, we welcome Ansel Burch — podcaster, actor, pirate, and the creative mind behind Pickup Con! Whether he’s crafting immersive stories, lending his voice to audio adventures, or captivating live audiences, Ansel knows how to bring any project to life with energy and imagination.

From his pirate adventures to his innovative work in podcasting and event creation, Ansel shares how he blends creativity with business savvy to deliver unforgettable experiences. We talk storytelling, marketing, and the art of building a personal brand that leaps through earbuds and bursts off the screen.

No matter the job, you know your man: Ansel Burch. Pick up the horn, and you’ll find him ready with a swift pen, a great story, and a knack for making magic happen.

📩 Connect with Ansel Burch:

• Email: Ansel@indecisionist.com

• Facebook: facebook.com/Indecisionist

• Instagram: instagram.com/theindecisionist

• Threads: threads.com/@theindecisionist

Ansel Burch, Pickup Con, podcast storytelling, acting tips, pirate performances, event creation, indie podcaster, creative marketing, performance art, brand building, storytelling techniques, podcast production, immersive storytelling, live events, creative entrepreneur

#AlleyChatsPodcast
#AnselBurch
#PickupCon
#PodcastLife
#StorytellingMagic
#CreativeEntrepreneur
#ActorLife
#PiratePerformer
#IndiePodcaster
#EventCreator
#StorytellersUnite
#MarketingWithCreativity
#PodcastInterview
#PerformanceArt
#BehindTheMic

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to support independent creators and storytellers just like Ansel!

Rob sits down with comic creator Kevin Krull to discuss his debut graphic novel Timewise, the creative process, and the unique challenges of indie publishing. Kevin shares the inspiration behind Timewise, a 140-page graphic novel exploring what might happen if you met your future self… and didn’t like what you saw.

From building the story’s emotional core to navigating Kickstarter and indie comics, this episode is packed with insights for comic fans, writers, and creators alike.

🎯 Support TIMEWISE on Kickstarter
👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/guerrillapublishing/timewise

Kevin Krull is a Chicago-based cartoonist born in 1983. He grew up in Lemont, Illinois, and still lives there with his wife and two kids. Timewise is his debut graphic novel, blending heartfelt storytelling with mind-bending time travel.

• Kickstarter: Support Timewise

• Instagram: (Add if available)

• Website: (Add if available)

Kevin Krull, Timewise, indie comics, graphic novel Kickstarter, Chicago comic creator, comic book podcast, sci-fi graphic novel, time travel comics, indie publishing, comic creator interview

#KevinKrull #TimewiseComic #IndieComics #KickstarterComics #GraphicNovel #ComicBookCreators #SciFiComics #TimeTravelStories #IndiePublishing #ComicBookPodcast #ChicagoComics #ComicCreatorInterview

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One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Alley Chats wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Alley Chats is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group.

Find Alley Chats at: southgatemediagroup.com

https://www.facebook.com/alleychats

patreon.com/southgatemediagroup

Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup

Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com

If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Alley Chats, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

Matthew Hansel on Classic Characters & Cartooning Craft

In this episode of Alley Chats, we sit down with acclaimed cartoonist Matthew Hansel, whose pen has breathed new life into some of the most iconic characters in animation history. From Underdog to Casper the Friendly Ghost, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Tennessee Tuxedo, and even the Pink Panther, Hansel’s work blends deep respect for vintage charm with modern-day artistry.

Whether you're an animation buff, a lifelong comics fan, or just love pop culture nostalgia, this episode will take you behind the ink with one of the genre’s most passionate artists.

Matt Hansel is a professional cartoonist and illustrator who has drawn beloved characters like Rocky and Bullwinkle, Underdog, Casper, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, and more. His clean, expressive linework and flair for retro-modern style pay homage to both his subjects and his artistic heroes.

Influenced by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists Dick Locher and Jeff MacNelly, as well as comic legends Neal Adams and Jim Aparo, Hansel brings a blend of vintage flair and dynamic storytelling to his work.

📩 For commissions or freelance work, contact him at: matthewphansel@gmail.com

📸 Instagram: @matthewhansel

Matthew Hansel, cartoonist, comic artist, Underdog, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Pink Panther, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, classic cartoon art, retro comics, Chicago cartoonists, Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, vintage characters, nostalgic comics, animation art, Alley Chats

#AlleyChatsPodcast
#MatthewHansel
#CartoonistLife
#RetroComics
#ClassicCartoons
#RockyAndBullwinkle
#CasperTheFriendlyGhost
#PinkPantherArt
#ComicArtistInterview
#NostalgicArt
#UnderdogCartoon
#MrPeabodyAndSherman
#ComicArtCommunity

Black Mirror Enters the Graphic Novel Multiverse with Neil Gibson

In this crossover episode of Alley Chats and Go Fund This, Rob interviews Neil Gibson, acclaimed writer and mastermind behind the latest twisted project from Twisted Comics: the official Black Mirror: USS Callister graphic novel, now crowdfunding on Kickstarter!

🚀 Based on the fan-favorite episode from the Emmy Award-winning anthology series created by Charlie Brooker, USS Callister takes a sharp, satirical look at toxic escapism, digital identity, and unchecked power. Now, it’s being brought to life in graphic novel form by Gibson and artist Silvano Beltramo, with mind-bending covers by Butcher Billy.

👾 Whether you’re a longtime Black Mirror fan or just discovering its eerie brilliance, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

🎯 Support the Kickstarter Now:
👉 kickstarter.com/projects/neilgibsoncomics/black-mirror

Check out Twisted Comics at twistedcomics.co.uk/ for all of Neil's comics!

ABOUT Black Mirror: USS Callister

Step inside the official BLACK MIRROR graphic novels, brought to you by the aptly twisted indie publisher, Twisted Comics, and discover humanity's worst traits, greatest innovations, and more waiting within these mind-bending tales. Adapting the work of one of the most groundbreaking television shows of the 21st century, Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones's flagship series will take flight in this first episode-to-graphic novel adaptation - USS Callister - in the trusted hands of acclaimed writer Neil Gibson and artist Silvano Beltramo, and all-new series covers from Butcher Billy.

Prepare, for our first stop, to enter the most immersive gaming experience in years: Infinity, from Callister Inc.

Start game.

Black Mirror, USS Callister, Neil Gibson, Kickstarter comic, Twisted Comics, graphic novel adaptation, Charlie Brooker, dystopian fiction, sci-fi comics, Infinity game

#GoFundThis #BlackMirror #USScallister #KickstarterComics #TwistedComics #NeilGibson #GraphicNovels #ScifiComics #DystopianFiction #ButcherBilly

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One easy way to support this show is to rate and review Go Fund This wherever you listen to our podcast. Those ratings really help us and help others find our show. Go Fund This is produced and edited by Rob Southgate for Southgate Media Group.

Find Go Fund This at: southgatemediagroup.com

facebook.com/gofundthispodcast

patreon.com/southgatemediagroup

Make sure to follow SMG on Facebook too at @SouthgateMediaGroup

Learn more, subscribe, or contact Southgate Media Group at www.southgatemediagroup.com. Check out our webpage at southgatemediagroup.com

If you’re an artist or writer or creative type that would have a table at in artist alley and would like to be on Go Fund This, message us through the Facebook page or email us directly at rob@alleychatspodcast.com

In this spine-tingling episode of Alley Chats, we dive into the unexplained with Jeni Monroe and Tressa Slater, co-hosts of the Monsters Lounge Podcast. With a passion for folklore, cryptids, UFOs, and all things Fortean, Jeni and Tressa bring heart, humor, and deep curiosity to the world of the paranormal.

We explore:

• The origins and evolution of Monsters Lounge Podcast

• Personal stories of paranormal fascination

• What it means to investigate the unknown with skepticism and joy

• Favorite cryptid encounters, alien theories, and Fortean tales

• Why this podcast is building a loyal and spooky-loving audience

Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal fan or just cryptid-curious, this episode is a fun, thoughtful deep dive into the mysteries that keep us looking beyond the veil.

• Jeni Monroe has a lifelong fascination with the natural world, myth, and folklore.

• Tressa Slater has always gazed upward, driven by a quest to understand what lies beyond the stars.

Together, they host the Monsters Lounge Podcast — where curiosity meets the creepy, and no topic is too weird to explore. From Bigfoot to aliens, shadow people to secret government coverups, they cover it all with humor, insight, and a shared love of the unknown.

• 🌍 Website: monstersloungepodcast.com

• 🔗 All Links: linktr.ee/monsterslounge

Monsters Lounge Podcast, Jeni Monroe, Tressa Slater, paranormal podcast, cryptids, UFO podcast, aliens, Fortean mysteries, folklore podcast, conspiracy theories, supernatural, podcast interview, Bigfoot, shadow people, unexplained phenomena, women in podcasting, paranormal investigators

#AlleyChatsPodcast
#MonstersLounge
#ParanormalPodcast
#Cryptids
#UFOs
#AliensExist
#Fortean
#FolkloreFridays
#SpookyTalks
#WomenPodcasters
#WeirdPodcast
#ParanormalExplorers
#BigfootBelievers
#PodcastInterview
#MysteryHunters

🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and leave a review — if you dare. 👀