Podcasts about creator spotlight

On this month's edition of Creator Spotlight, we sit down with comic author and illustrator Ray Reynet to talk about his creative journey, artistic growth, and the passion behind his work with Farlook Studios. This recurring series is all about highlighting creators and giving them the space to share their experiences, inspirations, and the lessons they've learned along the way. From being largely self-taught to building a unique artistic voice, Ray gives us an inside look at the process behind his work and the fandoms that continue to inspire him. An introduction to Farlook Studios, the kind of projects Ray works on, and the goals and vision behind the studio  Ray's journey as a largely self-taught creator, including the key breakthroughs and experiences that helped him go from experimenting creatively as a kid to producing professional-level work today  How his creative process and artistic voice have evolved over time, and what stands out the most when comparing his earlier work to his recent projects  The challenge of balancing multiple genres, styles, and formats while still maintaining a recognizable creative identity and staying open to experimentation  The impact of pop culture fandoms like Marvel, God of War, and other major influences on his storytelling, artwork, and creative interests Tune in for a great conversation about creativity, growth, and the realities of building your own path as an independent creator.Find Ray here: https://www.instagram.com/rayreynet/ | https://farlookstudios.com/work

I got to interview the amazing bm0r3natural and honestly this episode was SUCH a fun one

In this episode, we interview the prolific writer/creator Emily Brundige. After a strong career writing for some of the biggest animated series out there, developing and selling her own series, creating an original series, "Goldie", with Apple, Emily has broken away from the studio system to create her own Indy series: "Strawberry Vampire". Two successful Kickstarters later, hear what Emily has in store for your new favorite vampire family. 

This week we sit with creator Andrew Dorland and talk about his project, Jupiter Junkie and more. Website: https://www.jupiterjunkie.comWant to be on our podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.Don't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing the amazing VStreetLove and diving into her journey in the gaming world

Do you consider yourself a foodie? Do you think you could create the kind of content that gets people's mouths watering?? Well it's not as easy as you might think! We talked with Jarnell “JP” Porter of Porter's Food Reviews to get his insights on being a content creator of the food persuasion! And don't worry we talked some pop culture too! Don't forget we're trying to make our way to Comicpalooza in Houston at the end of May! #Comicpalooza #CPPodFamily #CP2026

This is a new mini-series hosted by Michelle where she will be spotlighting different "nerd" creators! In this episode, Michelle interviews Wendy, a talented Chicago cosplayer and owner of a successful anime wood burning business. They discuss Wendy's journey from rediscovering her love for anime during COVID to turning her passion into a thriving small business, sharing insights on creative small business, challenges, and favorite art pieces. You can follow Wendy on IG @_pyro.orchid_

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing the amazing Jtownholla and learning more about her journey in The Sims community

This month on Creator Spotlight, we're joined by voice actor and streamer Brad Lane to talk about his journey into voice acting, building a community through streaming, and the passion that fuels both. From early lessons learned to the roles he loves bringing to life, this conversation dives into the creative process, personal connections, and the fandoms that continue to inspire him.• How Brad got started in voice acting, what drew him to the craft, and what he would have done differently if he could go back and start over• The types of characters and roles he gravitates toward most, and what makes a performance feel especially fun or fulfilling for him• Building a streaming community from the ground up, and how it originally began as a way to stay connected and spend time with loved ones• Why Spider-Man resonates with him on a personal level, along with his thoughts and expectations for the upcoming MCU films• The video games he's been enjoying lately, both as part of his streaming content and as a way to relax and recharge off streamWhether you're an aspiring voice actor, a streamer, or just a fan of great conversations around creativity and fandom, this episode is all about passion, growth, and staying connected to what you love.Brad Lane's Website: https://bradlane.carrd.co/

I got to interview the amazing Instagram creator figgyperi and learn all about her journey with The Sims

We take a deep dive into one of our favorite comic book creators: writer and artist Phil Jimenez! From Team Titans to Wonder Woman, Donna Troy, Infinite Crisis, Historia, Spider-Man, and his creator-owned Vertigo title Otherworld, we explore his career across the industry. Join us as we discuss his work at both DC Comics and Marvel, and the impact he's made on modern comics. You can follow us on Instagram: @comicsdiscourse114, Threads: @comicsdiscourse114, TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@comicsdiscourse114?_r=1&_t=ZT-91jpy3DIireFacebook: Facebook Comics Discourse 114 and X: https://x.com/comicsdiscourse?s=21 Also, please leave us a 5-star review at your favorite podcast platforms.

This week we sit with creator Nathan Rouse and talk about his project, Jupiterman and more. Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/idolverzebiz/the-legacy-of-jupiterman-ep1and2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idolverze/Want to be on our podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.PROJECT: SHADOW BREED KICKSTARTER - https://www.projectshadowbreed.comDon't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing ZefrinetTV and this one just felt so special

This week we sit with creator Owen Ratliff and talk about his project, Black Salt and more. Kickstarter Pre-Launch link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/akoma/black-salt-the-last-heroes-left-issue-5Proof-of-Concept Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgRbng0g3CkFREE digital Issue #4 comic giveaway: https://ratt-entertainment.kit.com/8fcf8a7cf0Want to be on our podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.PROJECT: SHADOW BREED KICKSTARTER - https://www.projectshadowbreed.comDon't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

This week we sit with creator Tom Palmer and talk Wizard and more. WEBSITE: https://www.palmerspicks.comWant to be on our podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.PROJECT: SHADOW BREED KICKSTARTER - https://www.projectshadowbreed.comDon't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

This month on Creator Spotlight, we're joined by Tiffany — better known online as Itsbatsyy — to talk about her journey in content creation and the meaningful community work she's doing both on and off stream. From building safe spaces for nerd culture to grinding it out on Twitch, Tiffany shares what it really takes to grow a platform while staying authentic and community-focused.• Her advice for creators outside of Jacksonville on building their own safe, inclusive nerd spaces in their local communities• Her podcast Tell Us Something Good, where they highlight people's “glimmers” and “grumps” — the small wins and frustrations from their lives and from what's happening in the world• The grind of consistency on Twitch — what it really takes to grow and sustain a community over time• The impact of GAAM and the importance of creating welcoming spaces for gamers and fans• Her love of horror films — both classic and modern — and how her fiancé helped turn her into a dedicated Letterboxd cinephile• Sharing favorite movies together and how that shapes her appreciation for film• Why we love Pokémon, excitement around the upcoming games, and the other types of games she enjoys playingWhether you're a content creator, a horror fan, or someone looking to build community where you live, this conversation is all about passion, persistence, and creating spaces where people feel like they belong.Find Tiffany here: www.twitch.tv/itsbatsyy // https://www.instagram.com/itsbatsyy_/Find Tell Us Something Good here: https://campsite.to/tellussomethinggoodpod

This week we sit with creator Joe Brusha, Co-founder of Zenescope and talk about Grimm Fairy Tales, they're latest Kickstarter project and more. WEBSITE: https://zenescope.comZenescope Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zenescopecomics/myths-and-monsters-2026-winter-edition-one-shotWant to be on our podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.PROJECT: SHADOW BREED KICKSTARTERDon't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

This week we sit with creator Andrew Kafoury of Battle Quest Comics and talk about independent comics and more. WEBSITE: https://battlequestcomics.comINSTAGRAM: @battlequestcomicsWant to be on our podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.Don't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing PacificCreative and gaining incredibly valuable insights into her journey, the remarkable work she contributes to the Sims community, and her love of Neopets. If you want to follow her, click on the link below.If you would like to Follow pacific.createshttps://www.instagram.com/pacific.creates/Twitchtwitch.tv/pacificcreativeCONTACT ME: Email me at stassijsims4@gmail.com if you want to be interviewed. Subscribe now, and you won't miss any episodes. You can also follow us on social media: @stassijsims4 Twitter / Instagram; stassij Tumblr; #sims #thesims #sims4 #cafe #simstagram #nocc #simstagrammer #simmer #story #roleplay #simsta #life #legacy #simsstory #game #house #simslife #build #sims4 ea #basegamebuild #sim #simstory #family #simblr #simsrp #simscommunity #simscc #eagames #gameplay #bhfyp

This week we sit with creator Malcom McFadden and talk about his current The King's Domain and more. KICKSTARTER PAGE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sixfifteencomics/the-kings-domain-1-2?ref=discovery&term=kings%20domain&total_hits=6&category_id=250WEBSITE: https://www.sixfifteencomics.comWant to be on our podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.Don't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

This month on Creator Spotlight, we sit down with Evolution Square, the YouTube creator best known for their Jurassic World Evolution content, to talk about what it really takes to turn passion into a full time creative career. From falling in love with the Jurassic franchise to building a dedicated audience, this conversation digs into the highs, risks, and long-term commitment behind content creation, plus where the franchise itself might be headed next.• Evo's journey into content creation and finding their niche on YouTube • Their personal connection to the Jurassic Park / Jurassic World franchise • Making the leap to content creation as a full-time job and what that commitment looks like • Thoughts on the future of the Jurassic franchise and where it could go next • Creating a fan-fiction audiobook set within the Jurassic World universe • Other pop culture passions, including James Cameron's Avatar films as well as the very popular Heated RivalryWhether you're a Jurassic superfan, a creator thinking about going full time, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes realities of YouTube, this episode offers plenty to sink your teeth into.You can find Evolution Square here: https://www.youtube.com/@EvolutionSquare // https://x.com/EvoSquareYTJoin their Discord: http://discord.com/invite/5SFjcZus73

I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Sunnysimsie and gaining incredibly valuable insights into her gaming journey,If you want to follow her, click on the link below.https://linktr.ee/sunnysimsie?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnIRqhVObOY8S3qeGOxbuBJUyYrLF7PNPaBkW03gQEDaRZsnv4UYwMfay4cJs_aem_YutnZNIs-5OvJA8NdDyCqQCONTACT ME: Email me at stassijsims4@gmail.com if you want to be interviewed. Subscribe now, and you won't miss any episodes. You can also follow us on social media: @stassijsims4 Twitter / Instagram; stassij Tumblr; #sims #thesims #sims4 #cafe #simstagram #nocc #simstagrammer #simmer #story #roleplay #simsta #life #legacy #simsstory #game #house #simslife #build #sims4 ea #basegamebuild #sim #simstory #family #simblr #simsrp #simscommunity #simscc #eagames #gameplay #bhfyp

This week we sit with creator David Barclay and talk about his upcoming project SOARSA and more. BLUE SKY: ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/debbido.bsky.socialKICKSTARTER PRE-LAUNCH PAGE: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/saorsa/saorsa-a-supernatural-noir-comic-of-post-collapse-scotlandWant to be on out podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.Don't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

This week we sit with creator Steve McArdle talk about his book Vendetta and more. INSTAGRAM: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/steveacemcardleSHOP COMICS: https://floatingworldcomics.com/shop/comic-books/vendetta-holy-vindicator-by-steve-mcardleWant to be on out podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.Don't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

We sit down with actor and voice actor Nicolas Roye to trace a winding path from LA bit parts to Halo Infinite, Apex Legends, Jujutsu Kaisen, and a six-year Marvel run. A candid talk on mindset, focus, and the work it takes to build a long career while still having fun.• Mindset shift that unlocked bigger roles and stability• Guarding energy and avoiding doomsday conversations• How to self-direct auditions with research and restraint• Bringing a grounded humanity across games, anime, and animation• Halo Infinite, Apex Legends, and Spidey longevity• Horror fandom, conventions, and pinball obsessions• What we're watching on Apple TV and beyond• Goals for 2026 and embracing the unknownKeep up with Nicolas here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolasroye/Twitter: https://x.com/TheNicolasRoye

This week we sit with creator Justin Bartz of Indie Creator Comics and talk PROJECT: SHADOW BREED and more. Kickstarter: https://www.projectshadowbreed.comInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/projectshadowbreedWant to be on out podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.Don't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

We map out how Infinity Con is reshaping the local con experience into a seven-world universe, built for creators, families, gamers, and horror fans. David shares the vision, the headaches behind the scenes, and the bold plan for themed gateways that make the show feel like a living story.• Why Infinity Con centers creation over celebrity• The seven worlds: Forge, Isle of Wonder, Abyss, New Renaissance, Limitless, Mystic Forest, Technotopia• How Infinity Con balances all-ages programming with clearly marked horror zones• Live art theaters, cosplay builds and indie game showcases• The future: immersive gateways, story-led wayfinding and partner possibilitiesInfinity Con Gainesville will be at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center on November 15–16. Get tickets at www.infinitycon.com!

In this episode of Paper Talk Podcast, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim sit down with Francis Zierer of Creator Spotlight to explore one of the most fascinating questions in today's digital world: What is a creator? Francis shares how his definition has evolved, drawing from his work at Beehive and hundreds of interviews with creators across industries. Together, we explore the blurred lines between artist, influencer, and marketer, and why understanding these labels matters for personal identity and business growth. “My definition of a creator is someone who creates digital media, grows an audience beyond who they know in real life, and monetizes that work in some way.” - Francis Zierer Here's What You'll Hear in this Episode: Francis's three-part definition of a creator: create, grow, sell. Why newsletters are the most powerful owned platform. How marketing skills are essential for creators today. The difference between content creation and influence. Personal reflections from Sara, Jessie, and Quynh on how they identify in their own businesses. Whether you're an artist, influencer, or entrepreneur, this conversation will give you clarity on how to position yourself in the creator economy. Learn more about Francis: Francis Zierer is a writer, podcaster, and researcher covering the creator economy.He is the editor of Creator Spotlight, beehiiv's newsletter and podcast cataloguing how creator businesses grow and monetize — from independent, newsletter-based journalists to lifestyle YouTubers to the strategists and entrepreneurs serving them all.Alongside Dirt Media's Daisy Alioto, he is also a co-host of Tasteland, a podcast featuring creative takes on media, marketing, and technology.

This week we sit with creator Dennis Robinson of Hive Head Studios and talk about his upcoming Kickstarter, Lycan - Solomon's Odyssey and more. You can find out more about Dennis and his work at: ⁠https://www.hiveheadstudios.comInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hiveheadstudiosKickstarter Pre-Launch Page: https://www.lycanbook.comWant to be on out podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.Don't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

This week on Creator Spotlight, Francis is joined by Geoff Sharpe, founder of Lookout Media — a network of local newsletters collectively generating almost $500K a year. Geoff shares how he built a profitable, subscription-first media business, why trust and real journalism still win, and the systems he's using to scale local news across Canada.Read the newsletter__Tired of explaining the same thing over and over again to your coworkers? It's time to let AI do the explaining for you. The Guidde extension is completely free. Go check it out at Guidde.com__Geoff SharpeLookout MediaLinkedInTwitter/XFrancis ZiererLinkedInTwitter/X__Timestamps00:00 Introducing Geoff Sharpe01:40 Making $500k+ with paid subscriptions07:16 Don't listen to your audience12:00 The merging of editorial and business16:20 Running a media company sustainably21:01 Building trust through food27:06 How to get people to pay for your content37:43 What do people not pay for?40:44 Don't scale too quickly43:41 The difficulties of local newsletter ad sales49:11 How to grow a local newsletter52:40 A bullish and bearish take on local media57:50 Best advice for entrepreneurs

Visit our Patreon page to see the various tiers you can sign up for today to get in on the ground floor of AIPT Patreon. We hope to see you chatting with us on our Discord soon!NEWSNYCC leftovers:NYCC 2025 featured new wave of Marvel/Disney projects at WEBTOONSwamp Thing is Killing the ChildrenPSYLOCKE vs. ELEKTRA?! Marvel reveals a lost chapter of X-Men history in ‘Psylocke: Ninja'Doctor Strange returns: Skybound to release rare Paul Smith Artist's Edition for the 1st time everDeniz Camp talks about the official end of the Ultimate UniverseRob Liefeld goes full manga mode with black-and-white “Blood-Red” editions for 'Youngblood'Hellboy's family feud erupts! Mike and Todd Mignola unite for 'The Crown: A Tale of Hell'‘Archie's Valentine's Spectacular' goes full K-Pop, coming January 2026‘TMNT' #13 received more than 100k orders‘Murder Drones' just made Kickstarter history: $1.5 million raised for Oni Press' graphic novelOur Top Books of the WeekDave:Sinister's Six (2025) #1 (David Marquez, Rafael Loureiro)Unbreakable X-Men (2025) #1 (Gail Simone, Lucas Werneck)Alex:​​New Gods #11 (Ram V, Evan Cagle, Denys Cowan)Iron & Frost #1 (Cavan Scott, Ruairí Coleman, Roberto Poggi)Standout KAPOW moment of the week:Alex: Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe #4 (Duggan, Paco Medina, Javier Garron)Dave: One World Under Doom #8 (Ryan North, R.B. Silva)TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEKAlex: The Ultimates #17 (Deniz Camp, Phil Noto) & Radioactive Spider-Man (Joe Kelly, Kev Walker)Dave: The Terminator: Metal #1 (Declan Shalvey, Lorenzo Re)JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.Dave: Predator Kills the Marvel Universe #3 (Leinil Francis Yu)Alex: Absolute Wonder Woman #13 (David Talaski Variant)Interview: Gail Simone  - Unbreakable X-Men, Uncanny X-Men Your Uncanny X-Men story reintroduced you to Marvel's mutants after a long time away, and now Unbreakable X-Men feels like an even deeper dive. What was it like returning to the X-office — and what new creative muscles did you want to flex with this run?The title Unbreakable X-Men is powerful — it implies resilience, unity, maybe even defiance. What does “unbreakable” mean to you in the context of this particular team, and how does that theme shape the story's tone?Both Uncanny and Unbreakable highlight complex, emotionally rich women like Rogue. How do you approach writing these characters in ways that balance their vulnerability with their strength — especially amid the chaos of mutantkind's latest era?You've always had a gift for team dynamics — the humor, friction, and found-family energy that make an ensemble tick. What did you want to explore about the X-Men's internal relationships here, and are there any pairings (friendly or otherwise) you especially loved writing?The X-Men have always represented survival and identity, and your run lands during a moment when the franchise is reexamining what those mean. How do you see Unbreakable X-Men contributing to that larger conversation about legacy and what it means to be a mutant now?You've written some of comics' most beloved team books — from Birds of Prey (with an Omnibus out this week!) to Secret Six. How does your time on Uncanny/Unbreakable X-Men compare to those experiences? And if you could take this team of mutants anywhere next, what kind of story would you tell?Rapid Fire Question Round so that you are "known":Best sandwich?What's one thing you own that you really should throw out?Apples or oranges?What is the scariest animal?Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?What do you think happens when we die?Favorite action movie?Favorite smell?Least favorite smell?Flat or sparkling?Most used app on your phone?If you could have dinner with any three characters you've written before, who would they be and why?You get one song to listen to for the rest of your life: what is it?What number am I thinking of?Describe the rest of your life in 5 words?

This week we sit with creator David Whalen of Correct Handed Comics. You can out more about David and his work at: ⁠https://www.correcthandedcomics.comInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/correct_handedWant to be on out podcast? Visit ⁠⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠⁠ for details.Don't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomics⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomic⁠sYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

On this episode, Ryan and Eric continue our newest Creator Spotlight on DAN JURGENS! This edition of our "Journey into Jurgens" follows Thor into his climatic clash with Perrikus and the Dark Gods. Additionally, we get a fun one shot story from the pages of "Heroes Reborn" event that sees Thor team up with ... Doctor Doom?!Check out PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/u65477484?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creatorCheck out INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marvelthorpodcast?igsh=Nm15MjQ2dW10cXZ3&utm_source=qrCheck out DISCORD:https://discord.gg/DsKTVAmwuY

Donald Guzzi shares his journey from audio engineering student to voice actor and director, revealing how persistence and seizing unexpected opportunities transformed his career over eleven years in the industry.• Started in audio engineering at SAE Institute with plans to work in live sound before discovering a passion for post-production• Worked as a quality control engineer at a dubbing studio before spending six months convincing the casting director to give him voice acting opportunities• Voice credits include the narrator in "My Dear Friend Nokotan" and Shinsuke Takasugi in Hulu's "Gintama"• Discusses convention experiences, highlighting Bold and Wasabi Con as particularly memorable• Explains his shift from dubbing to focusing more on audiobooks and direction• Shares challenges of directing "Stormlight Archive," including maintaining continuity with previous books and complex character rhythmsFind Donald here: https://linktr.ee/donaldguzzi

This week we sit with creators Terminus Comics and discuss their upcoming project, “HAVEN” and more. You can follow their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haventhecomicWant to be on out podcast? Visit ⁠www.indiecreatorcomics.com⁠ for details.Don't forget to follow us on your favorite platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiecreatorcomicsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/indiecreatorcomicsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@indiecreatorcomics

This week on Creator Spotlight, Francis is joined byJordan DiPietro — former Motley Fool exec, CEO of Hampton, and writer of the Signal//Noise newsletter. Jordan shares the three big bets he'd make on the future of creators, why community now matters more than audience, and the lessons he's carried from two decades in media, newsletters, and leadership.Read the newsletter: https://www.creatorspotlight.com/profiles__Follow JordanNewsletterLinkedInX/Twitter__FrancisLinkedInTwitter/X__Timestamps00:00 Introducing Jordan DiPietro01:08 The 3 moves to bet your career on08:16 These creator economy trends are dying17:20 Communities are the next search engine19:42 The non-negotiables of a successful community29:00 Audience vs community, the key differences32:25 What you need to last in the creator economy37:53 It's marketing all the way down41:49 Signal//Noise45:46 When to quit your job as a creator50:36 The value of relationships in business

Go make sure you follow Sweet Anita across all platforms she's available on.

This week on Creator Spotlight we talk to Billy Parks, Partner at Slow Ventures and co-lead of the $65M Slow Creator Fund. Billy invests directly in creators, backing entrepreneurial creators who turn their expertise and communities into scalable businesses.Read the newsletter__BillyLinkedInSlow VenturesJonathan Katz-Moses__Follow FrancisLinkedInTwitter/X__Timestamps00:00 Introducing Billy Parks and Slow Ventures01:30 What makes an investable creator?05:35 The two types of creator businesses13:44 Creators are just founders17:24 Which creators need investment the most?23:30 The difficulties of valuing a creator business32:13 It's all marketing34:29 The biggest risk in creator investments38:12 Business is the future of the creator economy42:54 How to be niche in the creator economy

We sit down with Bay Doxey, voice of Meme in "My Deer Friend Nokotan," for a candid conversation about her journey from theater kid to professional voice actress and the challenges of finding her authentic self along the way.• Starting in theater at age 9 before transitioning to voice acting at 14 by recording in her closet with a phone app• Learning that voice acting and theater acting require completely different techniques and approaches• Finding freedom in voice acting where physical appearance doesn't limit character possibilities• Navigating the industry as one of the youngest voice actors to debut in anime• The importance of taking acting classes and finding creative anchors rather than focusing on equipment• Using improv as a powerful tool that applies to both theater and voice acting• Balancing emotional boundaries when portraying intense character experiences• The journey of discovering where you truly belong professionally and personally• Embracing all parts of yourself to become a stronger performer• Advice for aspiring voice actors: "Go slow and enjoy the process, because the process is the best part"Follow Bay here: https://www.instagram.com/baydoxey // https://www.youtube.com/@baydoxey9974

In this divine-level episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, host Al Mega welcomes writer Mario B. Long, the mind behind God Tier Vol. 1: Prey, coming from Nakama Press, Mad Cave Studios' manga-focused imprint! Get ready for an action-packed chat about myth, manga, creative freedom, and what it takes to bring a celestial vision to life! âž¡ï¸ Learn about Mario's journey âž¡ï¸ How God Tier came to be âž¡ï¸ Why this series is a must-read for every manga and mythology fan! Order Now: https://madcavestudios.com/product/god-tier-vol-1-vol-1 Don't forget to LIKE / SUBSCRIBE / SLAY THAT BELL for more dope creator convos every week! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 570 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Victor Larson joins us to share his incredible journey building NomNom, a unique trading card role-playing game that blends elements from TCGs, tabletop RPGs, and board games into an immersive gaming experience set in a world where "all doorways lead to NomNom."• Created the world of NomNom as a creative playground for his diverse artistic interests• Designed a unique setting where ancient technologies and civilizations create a sci-fi world that feels like fantasy• Developed innovative gameplay where players assemble three-champion parties to navigate through sector-card dungeons• Believes in the creative practice of "pastiche" - learning from others' art forms to develop your own unique style• Collaborating with voice actor Bryce Papenbrook, who will voice a main character in upcoming NomNom storiesFollow Victor and the NomNom-Verse HERE!

This week on Creator Spotlight we're joined by Nathan May, founder of The Feed Media, a company that helps newsletters grow with paid ads and help convert readers into revenue.Read the newsletter: https://www.creatorspotlight.com/profiles__Join the waitlist: https://creatormasterminds.co__Follow NathanLinkedInTwitter/XThe Feed Media__Follow FrancisLinkedInTwitter/X__Timestamps00:00 Introducing Nathan May01:21 The core principles of newsletter growth06:33 It's about niching down12:31 Growing a newsletter for acquisition18:23 Your subscriber count does not matter23:58 Is it harder than ever to get subscribers?31:38 The one thing AI can't replace37:10 Give your knowledge away for free43:58 Podcasting is hard — why do it?50:11 Best lessons from podcast guests52:18 Rapid fire advice for creators

Dear listeners, we hope you are enjoying your summer and we thank you for sticking with us as we navigate a busy chapter that has challenged our schedules! While we are not back on track yet, we do like to keep checking when possible and this time we have a discussion with Brian Blair. Brian runs Pumpkin Pulp where he makes incredible masks and an array of other fun items to scoop up in his store or online. Brian also runs a haunt and stays busy with plenty of other side projects as well, which often touch the film and music industries. Join us, as we discuss his history with horror movies, how he arrived at his profession, and lots more. Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and our blog. Thanks for listening!

Lalaine Art Geek shares her journey as a cartoonist, illustrator, and comic artist, revealing how her distinctive bold, colorful style has evolved from composition notebooks to digital platforms and print. Her vibrant approach to character design draws inspiration from cartoons like Gravity Falls and anime like Kill la Kill, creating a unique style that stands out at conventions.• Creating character-focused art with a distinctive cartoon style influenced by Western animation• Building an audience through social media by sharing sketchbook work and art process videos• Transitioning from just creating art to selling at conventions starting in 2021• Developing a unique aesthetic described as "digital art on paper" with bold, solid colors• Collaborating with partner Philip on "Stitches," an original horror comic that has resonated with fans• Navigating the convention scene both as an attendee and vendor• Finding balance between creating art for business versus personal enjoyment• Dealing with the emotional highs of creative success and lows of revenue fluctuations• Planning for future projects including a second issue of "Stitches" and potential Kickstarter• Maintaining artistic passion by setting aside time for personal creativity and self-careYou can find Lalaine Art Geek on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube under the handle Lalaine Art Geek, and check out her comic "Stitches" on Amazon Kindle.Find all her links here!

⁠Comic Talk616⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a fandom podcast covering all things nerdy. Comics, anime, video games, you name it, we talk about it! So, follow us for weekly fun!In this episode #19, we discuss Our weeks, Taco Bell, Warner Brothers, Marvel Studios and some of our favorite Latin and Hispanic Comic Creators.

Voice actress Roo Ryder shares her journey from athlete to anime star, revealing how she became the voice of Torako Koshi in "My Deer Friend Nokotan" and built her career in gaming, voice acting, and cosplay.• Roo discusses her background as an athlete and how COVID led her to pursue voice acting professionally in 2022• Her experience working as a party princess entertainer helped develop her character work before voice acting• Roo's cosplay journey began with Junko Enoshima from Danganronpa and has expanded to include many One Piece characters• Her gaming interests span from childhood Nintendo GameCube favorites to current simulator games with friends• Roo offers advice for aspiring voice actors, emphasizing starting small with affordable equipment and building genuine connections• The importance of maintaining friendships outside voice acting to keep perspective and avoid burnoutCheck out Roo's website here! Roo's Linktree

Tasteland is a very cool podcast that offers creative takes on media, marketing, and technology from Daisy Alioto and Francis Zierer. Daisy is the CEO of Dirt Media, a next-generation entertainment brand using emerging technology to tell the coolest stories about culture and collecting. Francis is the editor of Creator Spotlight, a weekly newsletter about creators across the world of newsletters. Matt joins Daisy and Francis to talk all about media, the power of the podcast, and some of the work we do at TASTE.On this episode we hit many topics, including: Robert Sietsema on Substack, our fondness for Eater's editorial, the fast death of “text on the page”, the podcast is blogging/newsletters, Rob Martinez on YouTube, MacKenzie Chung Fegan's work at the San Francisco Chronicle, caring about “text on the page”, TASTE's Horses story, Big Art, MONEY, How Long Gone is a great food podcast, Camilla Marcus on payroll tax, cool NYC restaurants, visiting a restaurant week three. Also: Restaurant pop-up culture, old (good) evergreen stories, The Most by Jessica Anthony, Bad Waitress by Becca Schuh, Stissing House, Jordan Michelman's novel. Do you enjoy This Is TASTE? Drop us a review on Apple, or star us on Spotify. We'd love to hear from you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From 36,000 feet in the air to the depths of future dystopian worlds, Nicholas Keating-Casbarro shares the incredible journey of creating his sci-fi franchise, Vitalerium – Descent into the Void. We explore how a career in the medical field led to writing a sci-fi series about humanity's complex future 700 years from now.• Writing a sci-fi novel during countless flight hours while working in medical devices• Creating Vitalerium – a sci-fi universe following a roughneck freelancer caught in a planetary conspiracy• Building an extensive story bible with a 40-tab Excel document detailing planets, societies, and technologies • Drawing inspiration from sci-fi classics like Dune and Isaac Asimov while maintaining a unique voice• Using sleep paralysis experiences as source material for the book's dream sequences• Creating character-driven sci-fi that appeals beyond traditional genre fans• How metal music and dark electronic playlists shaped the cyberpunk atmosphere of the story• Expanding beyond books into comics, with plans for animation, film, and video games• Using sci-fi as a vehicle to explore potential pitfalls of technological advancement• How the concept of balance and equilibrium serves as a philosophical foundation for the seriesFind Vitalerium – Descent into the Void on Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookshops. Follow Nick on all social media platforms @VidulariumSeries or visit vidulariumseries.com.

Feat. Daisy Alioto & Francis ZiererDaisy Alioto and Francis Zierer of Tasteland join us to talk about what happens when two distinct media brands—Dirt and Creator Spotlight—collide. We explore how podcasting has become a creative extension of newsletters, how parasocial dynamics shape audience building, and what it means to build brand and community in a fractured media landscape.Staying Afloat in the Primordial SoupKey takeaways:The “Anti-Scene” Scene: Today's creative connections often form organically—through mutual respect and shared ideas, not cliquish gatekeeping—giving rise to an “asynchronous salon” of cultural thinkers.Design and Taste as Cultural Signals: Design choices and curation practices influence perception and build cultural credibility.Building Media That Builds Taste: Tasteland isn't about telling people what to like—it's about helping listeners cultivate their own sense of taste, with media that challenges, informs, and inspires."You can notice the difference in the approach… and I do wonder if the pendulum will swing back to more structured storytelling, like Serial or S-Town. – Daisy"The biggest problem with culture plus business is it's easy for dishonesty to creep in. And that sucks. Who wants to listen to someone with no point of view?" – Daisy"It's like this asynchronous salon of independent figures… where the connections become more connections across them." – Francis"If your media diet becomes a closed loop… you've basically traded one algorithm for another. Our job is to help people develop their own taste." – Daisy"I read SIC Weekly like a poem… and just click on two links. It forces you to choose—and that's what develops taste." – FrancisIn-Show Mentions:Subscribe to DirtSubscribe to Creator SpotlightSubscribe to TastelandAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!

The world of voice acting often seems glamorous from the outside, but behind every character is a person with their own path, struggles, and triumphs. Professional voice actor Josh Portillo shares his journey from childhood influences to navigating the voice acting industry, balancing grief with career demands, and finding community in creative spaces.• Started voice acting to support a friend before discovering his own passion for the craft.• Went full-time after careful consideration and encouragement from peers.• Credits video games and cartoons for "saving his life" during a difficult childhood.• Emphasizes the importance of genuine networking over transactional relationships.• Reveals how he connected with indie developers to build his resume and create meaningful industry relationships.• Wrap up the episode with a couple of fun games!Find Josh Portillo here to stay updated on his upcoming projects and convention appearances!