Creative Commoners

Wherein we broadcast the final episode of Creative Commoners. We reflect on what the show has meant to us, share our favorite moments, hear from guest hosts and listeners on what makes them creative, discuss our plans for the future, and reunite Acahellyeah for one last performance. It’s a perfect ending… we mean, what could possibly go wrong? Theme music by Latché Swing. Most other music by Incompetech. Sound effects from Sound Bible and Free Sound.

Wherein we deliver our last round of on-the-spot stories. This batch includes macabroni and cheese, a foul-mouthed botanist celebrating Arbor Day, a boat-rocking romance between a hot backpacker and a busty sail captain, Cynthia Hardweather’s escape to Safety School, and an orthopedic supermodel stuck on an oil rig. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we explore the line between achieving financial success and shilling for a dollar, whether as a creator trying to make it big, product placement in our TV shows, musicians going mainstream, or actors banking off a movie. When does it work? When does it go wrong? Also, Corey chews out a gum company, Allison picks her erotica pen name, and Chris gives Enya  sage career advice. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we conclude the epic campaign of Brodo Shaggins and Rimrod Ravenshaft as they reach The Garden of the Gods to face down the evil Lord Biznish who threatens to destroy reality itself. What surprises await our heroes? Who will live and who will die? And what will become of the people of Podcastia? Tune in for the thrilling conclusion! Theme music by Latché Swing. D&D intro by Derek Laursen.  

Wherein we sit down with Derek Laursen, the man of many voices, to learn more about his budding voice acting career and creative influences. This episode has everything you’ve ever wanted – impressions, British accents, a Sir Mix-a-Lot remix, talking toilet pizza, cosplay, and how to successfully stab everyone in the back. And if you don’t tune in, we don’t know, maybe something bad’ll happen to ya… Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we explore the use of surprise, plot twists, and subverting tropes in storytelling. We spoil a few tales (with warnings), expose common twists, and discuss how to pull off the tricky art of incorporating surprises into your own stories. Also, hummingbirds are total jerks. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we concoct more bizarre tales for your listening pleasure. There’s Pierre Fromage smuggling Mozart’s brain in a jar, Balki and Cousin Larry solving continuity errors in 80’s sitcoms, and a cosmically deceptive tale of Vicki Victory and Victor Viceroy descending below the Hardon Collider to unearth something beautiful… or something terrifying. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we talk about the soft spots we develop for some of our favorite media. Corey geeks out over the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris delivers a mash-up quiz about endearing characters, and Allison wonders about the blind spots that can tarnish creative works. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein our Dungeons and Dragons adventure reaches it’s penultimate climax. Rimrod and Brodo must find the waygate to The Garden of the Gods and stop Lord Biznish from destroying the Forge of Stories, but between them and their destination lurks a foul creature, a murder mansion, and unbelievable threats ripped from strange worlds. Are they too late? Theme music by Latché Swing. D&D intro by Derek Laursen.

Wherein our Dungeons and Dragons adventure continues with our heroes captured by The Scorned, three of Brodo’s pregnant ex-lovers on a quest to take him back to Tumescenshire. Can Rimrod and Brodo still make it to Matthews to decode Lord Biznish’s evil plot? Or will an old foe finally deliver them into Biznish’s hands? With the world starting to unravel around our heroes, their fates and the fate of Podcastia, may already be sealed. Theme music by Latché Swing. D&D intro by Derek Laursen.

Wherein we talk about the things highly creative people do differently. We explore daydreaming, people watching, new experiences, failing up, the power of distance, and make a huge show announcement. Plus Corey looks forward to some risky business, Allison doesn’t look like she’s working, and Chris seeks out the perfect brain jelly. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we explore frauds and faking in creative works, from embellished memoirs and fabricated histories to deceitful scam publishers, duplicitous agents, and the imposter syndrome. Also, learn about “infamate” scoundrels, patent trolls, and the ultimate myth maker. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein our listeners discover what immortality, duck-sized horses, time travel, pyromaniacs wearing blazers, old-lay loving, super powers, spiragonal dreams, and the ultimate Sophie’s Choice have in common. That’s right, it’s time for our hosts to put each other to the question, and the answers are quite simply… boba-da-bopa-da-bippity-bop. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we discuss all that is great about geeky conventions. Allison recaps her experience selling books at Gem City Comic Con, Corey digs the social nature of cons and the creative of cosplay, and Chris unmasks the real life superhero crusader (and his arch-nemesis) roaming the streets of Seattle. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we talk about all things suspense, including plenty of TV and movie references, the suspense paradox, radio dramas, locked boxes, suspense in different cultures, thrillers, nail-biting tabletop games, and of course the master himself, Alfred Hitchcock. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Corey gets back from Vietnam to share his tales of high adventure. It has everything: street vendors, puppet shows, snake medicine, singing Bingo, stone pillars in Ha Long Bay, motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City, propaganda at Hoa Lo Prison, great food all around, and dropping dong like it’s no one’s business. Find out what makes Corey so angry, he’s ready to punch stuff. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we serve another round of tales made fresh for you. And this time, love is in the air! Hear about the one-eyed personal trainer rescuing his vaulted girlfriend, two rivals-turned-lovers getting busy on a sled, the terribly depressing romance of Calvin and Britney, and how Mr. Bear Bottom is given back his humanity. Elsewhere, Optimus Prime finds Rule 34 on the dark side of the moon. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we spoil the dickens out of Allison’s novel “Strings.” Armed with listener questions, Chris and Corey put Allison in the hot seat to get the skinny on The Madam, Nina, Ramon, and Junior. We also explore the mysterious secondary characters, delve into possible connections between the Ballas and Cassini families, figure out who would star in the movie, and get a few teases of how this dark world will soon expand. Plus big show news! Spoilers start at the 16:43 mark. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we explore ways to keep the creative spirits roused when busy times come knocking. Sometimes it involves tapping into a different part of your brain, taking up a different hobby, or simply creating for the sake of creation itself. Other times, it involves bad impressions, Lego porn, and Steven Seagal. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we discuss the precarious link between creativity and mental illness. What do scientific studies and neuroscience reveal? How do creative professions fare compared to other fields? And what does it mean to struggle between living with disorder or medicating away the creative spark? We also keep it light with plenty of bumblederp, physics divas, and Vietnamese dong. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Chris recounts his epic journey across the country to his new homestead in Seattle. Hear tales of Beatrice Cumberbatch, border patrol mind games, Dave Matthews’ dog, Mad Libs pizza Seattle Style, road trip tropes, and our first nudie pic submission. Elsewhere, Chris’s dad is totally not dead. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Allison’s unexpected absence spawns another Bro Show! In this variety act, Chris and Corey explore the Flappy Bird creator’s mercy quit, Chris’s double love affairs, target practice seals, bees in mech suits, codeine hazelnuts, legalized pot, and obscure Marvel superheroes. Elsewhere, Allison pops in for a quick announcement. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein our Dungeons and Dragons adventure continues as our heroes near their escape from the dungeons beneath Nerd’s Landing. But their path to freedom is blocked by many threats, including a massive snake, solider patrols, the mysterious group called The Scorned, and whispers of a growing war. Does the world hold any refuge for our heroes? And what does Rimrod’s past reveal about a guarded and ancient secret among his clan? Theme music by Latché Swing. D&D intro by Derek Laursen.

Wherein we discuss the positive interactions between creators and fans. Whether reviving cancelled TV shows, producing fan-made series, backing Kickstarter campaigns, or allowing fans to co-create video games, technology has birthed a growing level of engagement and blurred the creator/consumer lines. And creatively, we love it! Also, Weight Watchers. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we explore the foul caverns of toxic fandom to figure out what happens when fans turn sour and downright nasty against the creators and franchises they follow. From Phil Fish’s rage quit to Steven Moffat ire to all things Star Trek, creators and creatives across the spectrum are dealt a steady dose of hatred. We consider the why and what this trend means for indy creators. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein our gang kicks off a three-parter on the phenomenon of fandom. Corey delves into the history of fandom, going all the way back to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and early science fiction. Allison talks about raising a fan and experiencing cosplay at a recent con. And Chris pegs President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his greatest transgression against humanity. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein our Dungeons and Dragons adventure continues. Escaped from their prison cell and on the run from Lord Biznish, Brodo Shaggins and Rimrod Ravenshaft plunge deep beneath the castle into the face of new dangers. With the goliath Gorax at their side, our duo must battle strange beasts and evade certain death. But Brodo’s halfling half and half past is catching up with him, and all we can say is… YOLO. Theme music by Latché Swing. D&D intro by Derek Laursen.

Wherein the show has been hijacked by villainous Greg Holbus, spelling ruin for the Creative Commoners. Will they defeat this dastardly foe? Will they then go on to discuss videos games, linear v. open storytelling, games that defy traditional expectations, and surviving the zombie apocalypse? And then will they reveal awesome new content for the Creative Commoners franchise? Tune in for the answers! Theme music by Latché Swing. “Exciting Trailer,” “Easy Lemon,” and “Movement Proposition” by Kevin MacLeod.

Wherein the gang must face off with their most dangerous foe yet. Once neutralized, they take a look back at 2013 to see the creative steps they’ve each made. After a busy year of book releases, Allison is ready to greet 2014. Corey gets further into electronics and a new Bishbot variant, and Chris lays out the map of his epic journey to Seattle. Plus there’s talk of A.L.I.E. S.H.E.E.D.Y., 99 problems, unproductive hobbies, and we open a piece of listener mail. Elsewhere, a cliffhanger awakens… Theme music by Latché Swing. “Failing Defense” and “Vortex” by Kevin MacLeod.

Wherein Corey and Chris continue their chat with musical guest Luke Bard. In this second part, the trio delve into the process of writing lyrics and the art of improvising, Luke premiers an original song and plays another cover, Chris puts Story Forge Cards to the songwriting test,  and Corey can’t stop dancing. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Corey and Chris are joined by musical guest Luke Bard for a mix of lively discussion and live music. Luke shared his creative influences, musical inspirations, and talks about his ability to pick up music by ear. Then we delve into his performance history with bands such as Aural Fixation, Boomstick, and Equinox. Elsewhere, Chris reveals his finest band moment, Corey makes Luke sing for his supper, and Allison misses the show as she outruns the paparazzi. Theme music by Latché Swing. “Darkest Days” recording courtesy of John Phillips and Luke Bard.

Wherein Corey talks about Quirky.com, a great website for inventors, idea makers, and people who want to participate in creating new products. Corey teases his secret invention, reveals his involvement in Nerd Club, and talks about the challenges of bringing product ideas to reality. Elsewhere, Chris launches Twerky.com, Allison longs for a companion bot, and the Creative Commoners high rise is packed with Wilsons. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Chris lays out his ideas for a bloody screenplay called “Period Piece.” The gang helps workshop the characters, setting, conflict, and humor of this guns-blazing, gender-defying, sibling-rivalry tale. What do Space Nazis, NAMBLA, and Honey Boo Boo have in common? None of them will appear in this script! Elsewhere, Corey and Allison give the definitive advice on writing women. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Allison talks about the exciting launch of her first published novel, “Strings.” We dish about the release party, early reviews, her upcoming book signing tour, joys and anxieties, and a few more projects currently in the works. Elsewhere, Corey points out a glaring flaw, and Chris puts his foot down on the Dr. Who talk. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we share our third annual Halloween gathering of supernatural tales, this time with a monster batch of two-sentence horror stories submitted by listeners, writers, and tormented souls. Tune in to tales of betrayal, unwelcome twists, strangling temptation, the unknown in the deep, and chilling surrender. Read all of the contest submissions on our Compendium at creativecommoners.net.

Wherein we sit down with visual storyteller Justin Wasson – the artist behind Gemini Serials and Tim Reisen and the Chronologists, storyboarder for the award winning film True Nature, and cover artist for Allison’s forthcoming indy release, Colt Coltrane and the Lotus Killer. We chat with Justin about Marvel vs. DC, commissioned work, the difficulties and heartbreak in the industry, balancing his life with a spouse and four children, and his creative influences. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we create a fresh round of tales courtesy of the Story Form app and Story Forge Cards. Hear about a level-headed food critic trapped in a love elevator, a thawed caveman battling a band of ninjas, an all-female cast of The Expendabelles, a gun show twin revenge called Period Piece, and a noir tale about Prudence Pride, a detective stuck between a dirty cop, a deadbeat brother, and a frick-ton of beanie babies (well, sorta). Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we tell an assortment of terrible jokes of the blonde, knock-knock, computer-generated, and Kant variety. We explore the basic joke structure, play with punchlines, foil your expectations, and seek out the funniest joke ever. Elsewhere, Corey shares wholesome Grandpa jokes, Allison loves you with a purple passion, and Chris unearths the world’s oldest known joke. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we discuss the role of creativity in grieving, loss, and the process of moving forward. We explore the power of sharing personal stories and documenting life trials and share how personal loss has led to the creation of great TV shows like Six Feet Under and Buffy. Elsewhere, Allison shares exciting news about her forthcoming novels. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we peek inside the hackerspaces and makerspaces to explore this growing worldwide movement for makers, creators, tinkerers, and entrepreneurs. Elsewhere, Corey builds an instrument of doom, Chris makes plans to invade the Pacific Northwest, Allison pines for a sleek industrial kitchen, and Penn Jillette stops by the studio for a few minutes. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we sit down with HeroMachine creator Jeff Hebert to pick his brain about art, bringing characters to life, and the value of telling stories. Elsewhere, Allison is creeped out by Lloyd Dobler, Chris invokes Minecraft, and Corey gets a surprising revelation. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein our Dungeons and Dragons adventure continues from last episode. Brodo Shaggins and Rimrod Ravenshaft try to strike a deal with the sword-footed crime boss Bruno Stabbyfoot. But after negotiations crumble and dice rolls fall short, our duo finds themselves captured and put on trial by the King’s right hand man, the sinister Lord Biznish. And in this court, there is but one guilty sentence. Theme music by Latché Swing. D&D intro music by Kevin MacLeod.

Wherein our hosts tell the next chapter of adventures with Brodo Shaggins and Rimrod Ravenshaft. Our heroes have been summoned to the capital city of Nerd’s Landing. But something isn’t quite right. Tune in for an epic tale of halfdingo fighting, ravenous graemlins, ninja assassins, hipster disguises, and a dash of new characters, including Bruno Stabbyfoot, Captain Stormageddon, and Frothpussy herself. Theme music by Latché Swing. D&D intro music by Kevin MacLeod.

Wherein we peek behind the scenes of one of our more elaborate episodes to find out how it was made and listen to the bloopers that didn’t make it to the final version. If you haven’t listened to Episode 2000 yet, we highly recommend you do so first. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we get to the point, discussing what works and doesn’t work when being concise in creative pursuits. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Chris confesses his love of story series both as a consumer and a creator. We discuss serial v. episodic television, shorter TV seasons, what chapter plays popularized for storytelling, and how a series creates a more elaborate world. Each host also talks a bit about their own writing ventures with the serial form. Elsewhere, Corey mogwais some cereal, Allison watches out for Manbearpig, and Chris pines for his favorite serial killer. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Allison discusses her desires and struggles with writing sequels. We get into issues of unintended sequels, managing continuity, and what makes a sequel work. We also talk Stephen King’s forthcoming book, Pixar’s decision to make more original movies, and the 15 most unnecessary sequels. Elsewhere, Allison shares every writer’s number one fear, Corey struggles with two pseudonyms, and Chris reveals the best possible sequel that could ever be made. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Corey returns to our hemisphere. What do Mogwais, hungry baboons, Patrick Swazi, public enema #1, and musical motorcycles all have in common? Corey’s visit to South Africa, of course! Elsewhere, Allison wishes she picked up a stranded Dave Matthews and Chris holds a door for Mario Lopez. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Allison and Chris throw a slumber party while Corey is on the cramlow in South Africa. The night is filled with MASH and MadLibs, a new and very awkward robot guest, and plenty of boy talk. They also dish on talk shows, STEM schools, cocaine etiquette, dosimetry, and four-way train explosions. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we break through the false notion of “guilty” pleasures and reveal them for what they are… pleasures! We explore why these things embarrass us, why there’s judgement, and what it means if your creative pursuits take you in this direction. Elsewhere, Chris admits to a strange bedtime behavior, Corey unleashes his hobophobia, and Allison kicks her Candy Crush addiction. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein something strange happens. What do Cthulhu, Rosie O’Donnell, Glooses, robosexuals, holohoops, the 37th Doctor Who, space hipsters, Huey Lewis, Borton Moag, The Algae Wars, and Gloria Stitts all have in common? This episode, of course! Theme music by Latché Swing. Sound effects by james-duckett, pmstrain, kmoon, monkay, and joedeshon.