🎙️ Alley Chats – Episode: Blood, Grit & Grindhouse: The Wild Worlds of Phil Mucci

In this electrifying episode of Alley Chats, Rob sits down with filmmaker, photographer, and comic creator Phil Mucci, whose work is a love letter to the psychedelic horror and exploitation cinema of the 1960s and 70s — reimagined for the modern era.

From his early days as a NYC music and fashion photographer, Phil's creative journey took him from behind the camera to the world of film and graphic storytelling. His award-winning short films The Listening Dead and Far Out gained international acclaim, paving the way for a series of iconic music videos for artists like Metallica, Disturbed, Korn, and High on Fire.

Now, Phil brings his signature cinematic style to the comic page with Professor Dario Bava: Orgy of the Blood Freaks, a delirious, blood-soaked homage to classic Euro-horror, and Gringo Loco, a supernatural spaghetti western dripping with grit, style, and supernatural vengeance. Both series are released through his own indie powerhouse, Diabolik LLC.

We discuss:

• Phil's evolution from photographer to filmmaker to comic creator

• The visual storytelling techniques that connect his music videos to his graphic novels

• The allure of Euro-horror and grindhouse aesthetics

• His creative process in building worlds that blend horror, fantasy, and pulp

• Independent publishing and creating art outside the studio system

• Why practical effects and analog vibes still matter in a digital world

If you love grindhouse cinema, psychedelic horror, or DIY art with attitude, this episode will ignite your creative imagination.

🌐 Website: www.professordariobava.com
📖 Goodreads: Phil Mucci on Goodreads
📸 Instagram: @diabolikllc
📘 Facebook: Diabolik Films

Phil Mucci, Professor Dario Bava, Gringo Loco, Euro-horror, grindhouse comics, Diabolik LLC, horror filmmaker, music videos, supernatural western, independent publishing

#PhilMucci #ProfessorDarioBava #GringoLoco #EuroHorror #GrindhouseComics #DiabolikLLC #HorrorArt #IndieComics #AlleyChatsPodcast #CultCinema

Diabolik LLC
www.professordariobava.com
www.diabolikfilms.com
www.instagram.com/diabolikfilms
www.facebook.com/DiabolikFilms

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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, Rob sits down with Jason Huls, a filmmaker and horror writer whose chilling imagination has brought nightmares to life on both the page and the screen.

Jason shares his journey into horror, from writing dark fiction featured in anthologies and role-playing games to creating award-winning films that have screened at festivals such as Days of the Dead, HorrorHound, the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, and even Joe Bob Briggs' World Drive-In Movie Festival—where his short film That Damned Yellow Raincoat won the coveted Hubbie Award.

We dive into Jason's creative process, what drives his passion for horror, and how he balances life as a husband and father while carving out a space in the indie horror community. If you love horror films, dark fiction, and indie creators pushing boundaries, this conversation is for you.

• Horror writer & filmmaker based outside Chicago

• Member of the Horror Writers Association

• Films screened at Days of the Dead, HorrorHound, the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, and the World Science Fiction Convention

• Winner of the Hubbie Award at Joe Bob Briggs' World Drive-In Movie Festival for That Damned Yellow Raincoat

🌐 Connect with Jason Huls
📖 Author Site: JasonHuls.com
🎬 Filmmaker Site: TenWingMedia.com
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/jasonhuls
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/jasonhulsauthor
✍️ Substack: jasonhuls.substack.com
🌌 Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/jasonhuls.bsky.social
🐦 Twitter (X): x.com/JasonHuls

Jason Huls, horror filmmaker, indie horror films, horror short films, That Damned Yellow Raincoat, Joe Bob Briggs World Drive-In Movie Festival, Hubbie Award, Horror Writers Association, horror anthologies, indie horror writer, horror film festivals, Lovecraft Film Festival, Days of the Dead, Alley Chats Podcast, indie horror creators

#JasonHuls, #HorrorFilmmaker, #IndieHorror, #HorrorWritersAssociation, #HorrorFilms, #ShortHorror, #ThatDamnedYellowRaincoat, #JoeBobBriggs, #HorrorCommunity, #IndieFilmmaker, #HorrorFestival, #AlleyChatsPodcast

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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, 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