People I Think Are Cool
People I Think Are Cool features interviews with creatives about pursuing their passion.
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Ep. 170 Millie De Chirico
05/11/2023
Ep. 170 Millie De Chirico
Millie De Chirico is a writer, film & tv historian, and the former chief programmer for TCM Underground. Her latest book, TCM Underground: 50 Must-See Films from the World of Classic Cult and Late-Night Cinema (co-authored with Quatoyiah Murry and foreword by Patton Oswalt) explores gritty and eccentric cinema from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The book goes beyond simple reviews and dissects each film from each respective author's unique perspective. In this interview we discuss working with a co-author, introducing films to new audiences, and (my favorite) melodramas. You can follow Millie on Twitter Instagram and TIKTOK . Show Notes:
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Ep. 169 L.S. Johnson
02/28/2023
Ep. 169 L.S. Johnson
L.S. Johnson is a writer best known for her mixed genre books. Her work ranges from gothic novellas to fantasy to hints of horror. She's written over eight books and numerous short fiction pieces. In this interview, L.S. shares her experiences as an indie author, I learn about sensitivity editors, and L.S. shares her . You can follow L.S. on (@ls_johnson). Show Notes:
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Ep. 168 Michelle Ouellette
02/15/2023
Ep. 168 Michelle Ouellette
Michelle Ouellette is an illustrator, art director, and the co-founder of Yeah Haus, a mixed media production company. She has worked with a huge variety of clients including: Google, Discord, Adult Swim, and more. Like myself, Michelle is also part of a husband and wife team (her husband is the other half of Yeah Haus), and we absolutely dive into the ins-and-outs of working with your spouse. Michelle also shares how to become more business savvy when you are a creative, her experience with pitching shows to networks, and the importance of keeping up with your personal projects while balancing paying gigs. You can follow Michelle on Instagram and You can follow me, Liz Reed, on , , , and @cuddlesandrage. Show Notes:
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Ep. 167 Kassandra Heller
02/01/2023
Ep. 167 Kassandra Heller
Kassandra Heller is an amazing artist based in Los Angeles. She is currently one of the art directors for the Disney show Big City Greens. Previously, she worked as a comic designer for Bravest Warriors and Adventure Time. She also worked as a background painter on the Cartoon Network series Clarence. In my chat with Kassandra, we cover the art of creating a color palette, what it takes to be an art director, and working in animation. You can follow Kassandra on (@kassandraheller) and .
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Ep. 166 Virginia Newcomb
11/08/2022
Ep. 166 Virginia Newcomb
Virginia Newcomb is an actress and indie filmmaker. She's worked with directors Daniel Scheinert in The Death of Dick Long and Jim Cummings in The Beta Test. I am a huge fan of both films. I was delighted for the opportunity to talk with Virginia about her experience with working in both Los Angeles and Alabama. She is someone who has worked in the business for a long time and has stayed very flexible in making things work throughout her career. This is a great chat for any creative who is looking to stay in a creative field for the long haul. You can follow Virginia on Twitter () and Instagram () You can follow me on Instagram .
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Lizzie Special You Gotta Start Somewhere
07/25/2022
Lizzie Special You Gotta Start Somewhere
I share the baby steps I'm taking to getting back into creating full-time. It's been a long three year journey to get to this point. I am back in the saddle and ready to share what's working for me in this moment to create again without fear or anxiety.
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Write What Scares You Panel from Awesome Con 2022
07/13/2022
Write What Scares You Panel from Awesome Con 2022
This panel was recorded on June 5, 2022 at Awesome Con DC. Our panelists, Clay McLeod Chapman, L.S. Johnson, and Liz Reed, discussed tips for writing horror using your unique voice. We want to give a HUGE thank you to Fangoria for supplying the giveaways for our panel! Clay's Website: L.S. Johnson's Website: Liz Reed's Website (aka Cuddles and Rage) Fangoria
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Ep. 165 Jimmy Aquino of Comic News Insider Podcast
07/06/2022
Ep. 165 Jimmy Aquino of Comic News Insider Podcast
Jimmy Aquino is the host of the popular podcast Comic News Insider. He has been interviewing comic creators, actors, and all things pop culture since 2005. In this interview, Jimmy and I talk about MoCCA Fest 2022, his start in podcasting, and strange things that happen in New York. You can follow Jimmy on Instagram Show Notes Follow Liz or
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Ep. 164 Jenny Frison
05/13/2022
Ep. 164 Jenny Frison
Jenny is a comic book cover artist based in the Chicago area. I met Jenny during the pandemic and fell in love with her charm and hilarious stories on being the weird girl. In this episode, we chat about her career path into comics, how cons have evolved over time, and how to properly pronounce FRISON. You can follow Jenny on Instagram . Show Notes:
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Ep 163 Steve Orlando
03/18/2022
Ep 163 Steve Orlando
This episode I'm talking to writer Steve Orlando. Steve is best known for his work in comics. He has written for Batman, Wonder Woman, and most recently Loaded Bible—the Tim Seeley series first released in 2006 with Image Comics. Steve is an amazing writer and advocate for bringing new voices and artists into the world of comics. We need more people like Steve in all creative fields. In this episode, we chat about bringing back Loaded Bible, mentoring new talent, and of course wrestling! You can follow Steve on and @thesteveorlando. The first issue of Loaded Bible is out now. You can order it or even better grab it at your local comic book store. Show Notes:
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Ep. 162 Chogrin is Back!
03/04/2022
Ep. 162 Chogrin is Back!
Artist, writer, and animator returns to talk about his new toy with Kevin Smith and an updated version of his picture book Kid Del Toro! Follow Chogrin on and @Chogrin. Show Notes: You can follow me, Liz Reed, or on Instagram.
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Ep. 161 Steve Casino
02/08/2022
Ep. 161 Steve Casino
Steve Casino is an artist and toymaker. He is best known for his mixed media peanut sculptures. I've been following Steve for years on Instagram. He is a beast when it comes to creating art and engaging on social media. His work ethic is inspiring. In this episode, we talk about his process, death threats from angry internet trolls, and how he creates so much art in so little time! You can follow Steve on , , and Show Notes: This Week's Movie Pairing:
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Ep. 160 Sophia Glock
12/23/2021
Ep. 160 Sophia Glock
Sophia Glock is a writer and illustrator based in Austin, Texas. Her graphic novel memoir Passport was just released in November 2021. Passport is a coming of age story about a girl growing up in a foreign country with CIA agents for parents. The pitch line sounds like fiction, but this was real life for Sophia. Passport dives deep into the complexity of self discovery and family dynamics. It is a must read for young teens and older. You can follow Sophia on Instagram @sophiadrawsdaily. Show Notes
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Lizzie Special Where Have I Been?
11/01/2021
Lizzie Special Where Have I Been?
It's been a VERY long time since I've done a Lizzie Special—or really any episode updates. This episode I open up and share what's been going on while I've been away.
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Ep. 159 Gemma Files
08/31/2021
Ep. 159 Gemma Files
Gemma Files is a Canadian horror writer, journalist and film critic. I met Gemma when I was moderating a virtual panel for Fangoria. She's smart, funny, and knows her horror! In this episode, we discuss her latest horror anthology In That Endlessness, Our End, how publishing has changed over time, and her past job as a film critic. You can follow . Show Notes: Website https://amzn.to/3kvt160 https://twitter.com/gemmafiles https://youtu.be/RQX2wd0xNmI Movie Recommendation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC38BqP2_fI
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Ep. 158 Dave Perillo is back!
07/22/2021
Ep. 158 Dave Perillo is back!
Illustrator Dave Perillo is back! I caught up with Dave during pandemic times to talk about the fate of comic conventions and how managed work during the pandemic. It was great to have him back on the show. If you want to catch Dave's first appearance on the podcast then check out (wow he got on early!) You can follow Dave on I and !
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Ep. 157 Noodle and Bun Creators Gottfried Roodt + Lloyd Wilgen
06/23/2021
Ep. 157 Noodle and Bun Creators Gottfried Roodt + Lloyd Wilgen
Gottfried Roodt + Lloyd Wilgen are the creators of the wildly popular series Noodle and Bun (). I discovered Noodle and Bun on Tiktok and instantly fell in love with the expressive CG animation. Noodle and Bun got major traction on TikTok and now has over 4.3 million followers. In this interview, I discover how Noodle and Bun came to life, what it takes to create merchandise for your brand, and how to grow your audience after going viral. Check out Noodle and Bun on , , and . AND go grab some new Show Notes: Noodle and Bun Store https://www.noodleandbun.com/collections/plush Cartoon Brew interview https://www.cartoonbrew.com/apps/meet-the-animators-who-are-reaching-millions-of-viewers-on-tiktok-199436.html PolyCat https://www.polycat.com/ TikTok @nood_and_bun YouTube Channel Instagram @noodle_and_bun
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Ep. 156 Katie Skelly
06/10/2021
Ep. 156 Katie Skelly
Katie Skelly is a writer and illustrator based in New York. She's best known for her brightly colored graphic novels with strong giallo vibes. Her book Maids came out in 2020 from Fantagraphics and explores the true crime story of the Papin sisters. In this episode, we explore her film influences, the history behind Maids, and the indie comics community. You can follow Katie on Instagram (@skellyskellyskelly) and Twitter (@nurse_nurse). Like this ep? Check out ep. 143 with Small Press Expo Executive Director Warren Bernard. Show Notes: Website Buy Maids Twitter Instagram
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Ep. 155 Ray Harkins
05/04/2021
Ep. 155 Ray Harkins
Ray Harkins is the host of the podcast 100 Words or Less. He is also the lead singer for the melodic hardcore band Taken. I discovered Ray's podcast while looking for a show that covered creative collaboration. Ray's interviews with indie musicians and artists was just what I needed. His interviews are more like casual conversations that dive into the stories behind each guest's profession. With every episode, I find something to take away and apply to my own creative career, which is rare when you work in a creative partnership with you spouse! You can follow Ray on Twitter and Instagram @xpurposex. His podcast 100 Words or Less from iHeartRadio is available to stream everywhere (see the link below for details).
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Ep. 154 Jen Gubicza
04/14/2021
Ep. 154 Jen Gubicza
Jen Gubicza is an artist and designer best known for her faux taxidermy pieces. I first met Jen years ago at a craft show where she was vending with her shop Zooguu. I’m a huge fan of her work. I talked to Jen in the middle of the pandemic when all the shows were going online. We had a great chat about pivoting during a pandemic, how creators are finding new ways to collaborate online, and her work on the X-Men New Mutants movie. SHOW NOTES: @zooguu @zooguu
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Ep. 153 Jane Friedman
02/19/2021
Ep. 153 Jane Friedman
Jane Friedman is the author of The Business of Being a Writer. With over 20 years of experience in publishing, she is an expert in business strategies for writers. I discovered Jane's work through her blog years ago when I was about to publish my first book with HarperCollins. Her site was the only place that answered questions on every scope of being a writer, from getting your book sold, what to expect when working with an editor, and the concept of literary citizenship. I often find myself revisiting Jane's books every year as a reminder on what I can do as a writer to push forward when I feel stuck. Jane's wisdom speaks not only to new writers but also to those with decades of experience. You can follow Jane on Twitter @janefriedman and Instagram @janefriedman. Show Notes
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Ep. 152 Jess Guise
12/04/2020
Ep. 152 Jess Guise
Jess Guise is the lead singer for the folk-pop band . When I discovered her music, I fell in love with her lyrics, humor, and charm. In our chat, Jess shared her writing process and shifting gears as a creative during the pandemic. Definitely check out her video for It's one of the most clever music videos I've ever seen, and it truly showcases her eye for storytelling. You can follow Jess on Instagram @jess.guise. Show Notes
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Ep. 151 Clay McLeod Chapman
12/04/2020
Ep. 151 Clay McLeod Chapman
Clay McLeod Chapman is one of my favorite writers. His stories are weird, wonderful, and creepy. I first discovered his writing through past guest as I was binging . Clay's episode will make your skin crawl. Clay is a fellow Quirk Books cousin. His new book with Quirk, Whisper Down the Lane, is out April 6. You can it now (which I totally did and can't wait!). Show Notes
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Ep. 150 Russell Nohelty
12/04/2020
Ep. 150 Russell Nohelty
Russell Nohelty is a USA Today Best-Selling author, owner of Wannabe Press, and host of The Complete Creative podcast. I discovered Russell through his podcast and was pulled in by his vast knowledge of how to be successful in the world of self publishing. In this episode, Russell and I talk about publishing stats, genres with the biggest audiences, writing, and maintaining readers. Show Notes
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Ep. 149 Georgia Kriss
11/19/2020
Ep. 149 Georgia Kriss
Georgia Kriss is an Australian based animator and writer. Similar to past guest , I discovered Georgia's work on the FX show Cake! (seriously, great show and place to find the fun and the weird). Georgia's work spoke to me through its wit, fierce take on femininity, and style. In this episode, we talk pitching shows, giving projects time to breathe, and cats peeing on things. You can follow Georgia on . Show Notes:
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Ep. 148 Final Girls Part 3: Chloe Rice, Steph C, and Tracie Ching
10/26/2020
Ep. 148 Final Girls Part 3: Chloe Rice, Steph C, and Tracie Ching
Welcome to part three of three for our Final Girls special! In this episode, Tracie and I chat about our pieces then I talk with artists Chloe Rice and Steph C their art. Draw Me Like One of Your Final Girls is live at Spoke Art's sister gallery, Recess! Tracie Ching and I joined forces to co-curate the show. Final Girls (for short) celebrates horror from a female/femme perspective. The group show includes 60 female and queer artists with wildly different styles, ranging from pure horror to spooky-cute. Follow @Spoke_Art on and for more updates! View the . Chloe Rice Steph C Tracie Ching Liz Reed
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Ep. 147 Final Girls Part 2: Paige Reynolds, Ellen Surrey, Zi Xu
10/26/2020
Ep. 147 Final Girls Part 2: Paige Reynolds, Ellen Surrey, Zi Xu
Welcome to part two of three for our Final Girls special! In this episode, Tracie and I chat about curating the show then I talk with artists Paige Reynolds, Ellen Surrey, and Zi Xu about their pieces. Draw Me Like One of Your Final Girls is now live through 10/31 at Spoke Art's sister gallery, Recess! Tracie Ching and I joined forces to co-curate the show. Final Girls (for short) celebrates horror from a female/femme perspective. The group show includes 60 female and queer artists with wildly different styles, ranging from pure horror to spooky-cute. Follow @Spoke_Art on and for more updates! View the . Paige Reynolds Ellen Surrey Zi Xu Tracie Ching Liz Reed
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Ep. 146 Final Girls Part 1: Sara Deck, Allison Black, & Tracie Ching
10/26/2020
Ep. 146 Final Girls Part 1: Sara Deck, Allison Black, & Tracie Ching
This episode is part one of a three part special! On October 29th, Draw Me Like One of Your Final Girls opens at Spoke Art's sister gallery Recess! Tracie Ching and I joined forces to co-curate the show. Final Girls (for short) celebrates horror from a female/femme perspective. The group show includes 60 artists with wildly different styles, ranging from pure horror to spooky-cute. In this episode, Tracie and I chat about women in horror then I chat with artists Sara Deck and Allison Black about their pieces. Follow @Spoke_Art on and for more updates! View the . SHOW NOTES SPOKE ART Sara Deck rt Allison Black Tracie Ching Liz Reed
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EP. 145 Grant Kolton
10/23/2020
EP. 145 Grant Kolton
Grant Kolton is an animator, director, writer, and so much more that my fingers might fall off if I type it all out. I discovered Grant on Instagram while going down the animation hashtag rabbit hole. His animations first caught my eye through their loose yet controlled style. When I dove in deeper, I fell in love with his stories. They are dark, twisted, hilarious, and at times poignant. In this episode, we talk about pitching TV shows, developing shorts for FX's CAKE!, and his new animated short (out now on Vimeo). You can follow Grant on , & Show Notes / - Draw Me Like One of Your Final Girls
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Ep. 144 Brea Grant
10/16/2020
Ep. 144 Brea Grant
Brea Grant is an actress, filmmaker, writer, and co-host of the Reading Glasses podcast. She just released her new graphic novel, Mary: The Adventures of Mary Shelley's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter. I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy, and I loved it. Mary (for short) is a fast-paced read full of charm, mystery, and bada** women. In this episode, we chat Mary Shelley's life, writing love & monsters, and comics. You can follow . SHOW NOTES: t
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