Geek Freaks Interviews

Dan "Kilby" Kilby is playing Survivor 51 on CBS right now, and when he's off the island he runs Noodle Goose Games, an accessibility-focused studio out of London, Ontario. In this full conversation he walks through building the company from a late-night idea with co-founder Karen, his rule that every game should be fun as a board game before it gets art and sound, and what Balatro, Blue Prince, and Vampire Survivors teach indie developers about getting noticed.Kilby has spent more than a decade hosting online Survivor-style games, puzzle games, and matchmaking shows for friends, and that background shows up in how Noodle Goose works. The studio's first project was a crisis-skills escape room for autistic youth, and its games still use social deduction to teach real-world critical thinking. He and Frank get into paying for development with live event profits, why he plays more on his Switch 2 than his PC, the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 publishing story, why he thinks the A24 model applies to games, and the cat-powered word puzzle game Noodle Goose is bringing to Kickstarter.Chapters0:00 Meet Dan "Kilby" Kilby0:57 How Noodle Goose Games Started Over Noodles5:36 Designing Games for Autistic Youth10:40 Growing the Team and Funding Games Without Loans13:47 Why Indie Devs Have to Market First19:07 Is It Fun on Paper? Playtesting with Balatro and Breath of the Wild26:45 Switch 2, the PlayStation Vita, and Where Indies Sell33:00 Discoverability Tips for New Developers43:29 Layoffs, A24, and Why Now Is a Good Time for Indies55:55 What's Next for Noodle Goose GamesKey TakeawaysKilby and Karen turned their free online games and dating shows into a business, incorporating Noodle Goose in a three-day push to meet a funding deadline after Kilby was laid off.Their programming for autistic youth uses games like Among Us and Mafia to teach that people sometimes lie, and how to spot a rip-off.Noodle Goose pays for game development with event profits and grants and avoids loans, so a commercial flop wouldn't put the studio at financial risk.Kilby tests every idea stripped down to its core loop. He points to Nintendo prototyping Breath of the Wild as a top-down NES-style game to check whether it was fun.His discoverability advice: keep posting and adjusting, figure out what makes your game distinct, and court small streamers whose audiences actually listen.He argues that big publishers walking away from mid-size games leaves room for indies, the same way A24 grew after the Fox merger.Quotes"Why not try to turn that into a business?" (Dan "Kilby" Kilby)"Some people are mean, some people are bad and are trying to take advantage of you. And here's how you spot those things." (Dan "Kilby" Kilby)"The best games, honestly, you go back and you're like, they're fun with the sound off." (Dan "Kilby" Kilby)"The only difference between a painter and a not painter is whether they paint." (Dan "Kilby" Kilby)"If you make a game good enough, you just need a couple people to play it." (Dan "Kilby" Kilby)Links and ResourcesGeekFreaksPodcast.com is the source of all news discussed across the Geek Freaks Network.Noodle Goose Games, including the playable prototype of its upcoming word puzzle gameArcade Pizza, Kilby's video game podcastWatch Kilby on Survivor 51, Wednesdays on CBSFollow Geek FreaksInstagram: @GeekFreaksPodcastTikTok: @GeekFreaksPodcastTwitter: @GeekFreaksPodThreads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastSend Us Your QuestionsWho should sit down with us next? Send guest ideas, questions for Kilby, or your own indie game pitches to [email protected], or leave them in the comments.

LA Comic Con CEO Chris DeMoulin joins Frank and Thomas to tell the story of a convention that exists because two fans couldn't get San Diego Comic-Con tickets. He gets into working with Stan Lee, why the LACC main stage sits in the middle of the show floor, and what Halloween weekend means for families heading to the LA Convention Center October 30 through November 1.Chris came over from running Licensing Expo in 2012 and has led the show since 2018. He walks through how fan surveys decide the guest list, how a full cast reunion like the Lord of the Rings hobbits comes together, why anime and gaming are taking over the West Hall, and what roughly 350 fans bought into when LACC let them invest in the company. Thomas also reveals he's one of those 350.Chapters0:00 Intro1:21 How LA Comic Con Started3:15 Fan-First Design and the No Hall H Main Stage6:11 The Octopus, the Branding, and Working With Stan Lee8:38 Halloween Weekend and Indoor Trick-or-Treating11:21 Booking Guests and Cast Reunions19:27 Anime, Akiba Station, and a Bigger Convention Center25:09 Artist Alley and Indie Creators28:31 Fans Become Owners33:03 Charity Panels and Comics and Cancer35:38 Advice for First-Timers and FamiliesKey TakeawaysLACC was founded in 2011 by fans who were shut out of San Diego Comic-Con. Chris joined in its second year from the trade show world and took over running it in 2018.The main stage sits in the middle of the South Hall floor so fans never wait hours to see a panel. Close to 12,000 people watched the Lord of the Rings cast there.On Halloween weekend, exhibitors hand out free candy to anyone in costume, and the show wraps around 4 p.m. so families can still trick-or-treat at home.Guest booking starts with post-show fan surveys, and conversations with talent can begin two years out. The team is already talking to people about 2027.Anime and gaming now fill the West Hall, Akiba Station is expanding this year, and a connected 750,000 square foot convention space is coming after the 2028 Olympics.Artist Alley will have close to 800 artists this year, and The MIX brings unreleased indie games for fans to play.About 350 fans invested in LACC through its crowdfunding round, and Chris says around 40 percent of attendees each year are at their first con.Quotes"The studios kind of drive the content down there. I think the fans drive the content for us." - Chris DeMoulin"If you picked up our show and moved it to Dallas or Atlanta or someplace else, it shouldn't make any sense. It should make sense to Angelenos." - Chris DeMoulin"The Avengers made the world safe for nerds." - Chris DeMoulin"One person's obscure is another person's treasured memory." - Chris DeMoulin"The stories change. The technology with which we consume the stories changes. But the relationship of the fan to the story doesn't change." - Chris DeMoulinSourceSee you at the Con: https://www.comicconla.com/ Support the ShowIf you got something out of this one, subscribe so you don't miss the rest of our LA Comic Con coverage, and leave a rating or review wherever you listen. Then send this episode to the friend who has never been to a con and keeps saying "maybe next year." #GeekFreaksPodcastFollow UsInstagram: @GeekFreaksPodcastTikTok: @GeekFreaksPodcastTwitter: @GeekFreaksPodThreads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastListener QuestionsHeading to LA Comic Con this year? Tell us which panel you're planning around, or send us your first con story. Questions, reactions, and topic ideas for future episodes are always welcome at [email protected].

Danny Trejo stopped in the middle of a video game recording session to tell Keith Arem he wanted to make a comic together, and that moment became Year of the Devil, a five-issue supernatural action-horror graphic novel starring Trejo as Diego, a warrior bound to the Devil. Keith Arem (Call of Duty, The Exiled) and Chris Yates (Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol) join Frank to talk about building the story from Trejo's family history, his tattoos, and his lifelong love of history.The conversation covers how Diego stays himself across five historical eras, why Etzel is more than a plot device, and how the team approached the Toxcatl massacre with help from historian Matt Torres. Keith and Chris also talk about Frank Mazzoli's interior art, the macuahuitl they plan to build and test on conquistador helmets, and why publishing through PCB Entertainment lets them run riddle contests with the Devil and surprise fan meetups at Trejo's Cantina in Hollywood.Chapters0:00 Meet Keith Arem and Chris Yates0:47 How Year of the Devil Came Together4:10 Where Danny Ends and Diego Begins7:31 Etzel, the Devil, and the Heart of the Story15:00 Five Eras and the Four Horsemen20:37 Built for Games, Film, and Beyond23:11 Aztec History and Cultural Authenticity29:08 Frank Mazzoli's Artwork31:07 PCB, BackerKit, and Trejo's Cantina SurprisesKey TakeawaysYear of the Devil started when Danny Trejo, recording for the Like a Dragon games, saw Keith's graphic novel The Exiled with Wesley Snipes and asked to make one of his own.Diego carries Trejo's tattoos and attitude, and the Devil's mark on his body changes each time he kills one of the Four Horsemen.Diego dies and returns younger in each issue, landing in a new real-world era, while Etzel and Death act as his conscience between lives.Every cover artist on the book is of Latino descent, and historian Matt Torres consulted on the Aztec weapons, language, and relationships.PCB builds every property with games, animation, and film in mind, and Keith says they are already fielding those calls but refuse to treat the book as a cash grab.Publishing independently through BackerKit lets the team run fan experiences like the Devil riddle contest at San Diego Comic-Con and exclusive drops at Trejo's Tacos, Trejo's Donuts, and Trejo's Cantina.Pull Quotes"We really felt like it had to have something like some dirt under the fingernails." (Chris Yates)"He's not really a clean superhero. He's super violent. He's flawed, and he's haunted, and he's also searching for this redemption path." (Keith Arem)"What's interesting about a comic book is that the story doesn't progress unless you turn the page." (Keith Arem)"Sometimes a story is better told when you read it, and sometimes it's better when you watch it, and sometimes it's better when you play through it." (Keith Arem)"He made Diego feel like a part of this world. It felt like it was seamless, instead of just insert Danny Trejo." (Chris Yates, on artist Frank Mazzoli)Links and ResourcesGeekFreaksPodcast.com is the source for all news discussed on the podcast.Back Danny Trejo's Year of the Devil on BackerKit: https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/pcb-entertainment/danny-trejo-s-year-of-the-devilSupport the ShowIf you enjoyed hearing how Year of the Devil came together, subscribe to Geek Freaks Interviews and leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps new listeners find the show. Know someone who grew up on Machete and From Dusk Till Dawn? Send them this episode and tag us with #GeekFreaksPodcast.Follow UsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@geekfreakspodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/GeekFreaksPodThreads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast

Ken M from the Ocho Duro Parlay Hour joins Frank to unpack how ODPH started, why the long title became “the O.D.P.H.,” and what it takes to keep a show thriving for years. We get into releasing that first episode on Memorial Day 2017, the shift toward video, editing choices that keep conversations human, and how community support has changed since the early “podcast Twitter” days. Ken also shares a favorite New York Comic Con memory and talks about leadership at Nerd Initiative and what’s next. 00:00 — Meet Ken M and the ODPH origin story, including an early detour and why the show finally launched in 2017. 01:25 — Naming the show: craps “hard 8,” parlay, and why they shortened it for listeners. 04:41 — Rehearsals, buying gear, and the decision to ship on Memorial Day 2017. 05:57 — “Day and night”: how episode one compares to today and crossing 800 episodes. 08:03 — Still nervous sometimes, and why that spark matters; an NYCC moment with Scott Snyder. 13:19 — Money talk and podfade: expectations, Patreon, and why consistency wins. 17:19 — From retweet rings to real support: how the community evolved. 22:38 — Video vs audio: what changed after 2020 and why audio isn’t going anywhere. 31:16 — Editor in Chief in 2023, creative freedom, and moving on in good standing. 42:11 — Editing philosophy: keep the “ums,” fix the facts, sound natural. Ship it before it’s “perfect.” Momentum beats perfection, especially early on. It’s normal to feel some nerves. That’s part of what keeps interviews exciting and honest. Audio isn’t dying. Video grew fast after 2020, but audio remains a core, durable medium. Edit for clarity, not polish. Keep natural cadence and correct only what truly needs it. Community has matured. Shoutouts with substance beat retweet loops every time. Consistency over vanity metrics. Focus on craft and cadence to outlast podfade. “The audio will be here till the end of time.” “If we make it sound too perfect, people are going to think it’s not.” “If your goal is all monetary, you’re in the wrong business.” “He has a fantastic podcast. You need to check it out.” (Scott Snyder at NYCC) Enjoying the episode? Follow and subscribe, leave a quick review, and share this one with a friend using #GeekFreaksPodcast. It helps more listeners find the show.Check out more from Ken and ODPH: https://odphpodcast.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastThreads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastGot a question for Frank or a topic you want covered next week? Send it to us on social or through the site and we may feature it on an upcoming episode.TV & Film, Entertainment News, Interviews, Podcasting, Geek Culture, ODPH, New York Comic Con, Editing Tips, Video Podcasting, Community BuildingTimestamps and TopicsKey TakeawaysQuotesCall to ActionLinks and ResourcesFollow UsListener QuestionsApple Podcast Tags

Voice actor Eliah Mountjoy joins us to talk about bringing the Winter Soldier to life in Marvel Rivals, why Bucky’s duality resonates with him, and what it actually takes to nail lines when you’re alone in the booth. We get into the craft behind anime dubbing, how directors guide performance in fast-moving game sessions, and his thoughtful stance on where AI helps and where it harms. He closes with grounded advice for anyone thinking about voice acting as a career. 00:00 Intro and why Eliah’s Bucky leaves a mark on players 00:55 How he landed Winter Soldier and learned it was Bucky mid-callback 02:22 Building a take that isn’t a Sebastian Stan voice match 05:20 Playing a century-old, battle-worn hero with real baggage 06:05 Community with the Rivals cast and that “donut video” origin story10:21 Recording solo vs ensemble and learning to “act to no one”12:20 Why fast sessions still feel grounded, plus getting scripts early14:15 Calibrating banter vs in-battle reads with the director’s context15:14 What Eliah brings to Bucky from real-world tactical training 19:15 Quiet confidence vs “flip mode” for big moments and ults 20:25 The Bucky stories he still wants to tell with Natasha 21:17 Dubbing anime: timing, intent over mimicry, and “spoken-word karaoke” 29:59 AI in voice work: the line in the sand, compensation, and the uncanny valley 36:30 Practical steps for aspiring voice actors: classes, improv, and knowing your “why” Winter Soldier wasn’t a voice-match job. Eliah built a take rooted in Bucky’s history and weight rather than mimicking the MCU. Real tactical training informed his performance: calm, capable, and dangerous until it’s time to flip the switch. Directors matter. Fast, line-heavy sessions still feel truthful when context is clear and actors get material in advance.In anime dubbing, timing rules everything. He aims to match intent, not the original voice. On AI, the bright line is human performance. Use tools without replacing actors, and protect credit and compensation to avoid hollow, uncanny results. If you want to voice act, start acting. Take classes, do improv, study the craft, and be honest about your motivation. “Voice acting is acting… you have to find a way to do that with your voice.” “He’s the killer of killers… and very relaxed until it’s time to ramp it up.” “We have to find a way to protect human performance and the people who bring it to life.” “I try to match the intent, not the exact voice.” If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, rate us, and leave a short review. Share the episode with a friend and tag your post with #GeekFreaksInterview so we can find it.All news discussed on our shows comes from GeekFreaksPodcast.comElia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliahmountjoy/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastThreads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/Got a question for our next guest or a topic you want us to cover? Send it to [email protected] or DM us on Instagram or Twitter.TV & Film, Pop Culture, Interviews, Voice Acting, Marvel, Anime, Video Games, Entertainment NewsTimestamps and TopicsKey TakeawaysMemorable QuotesCall to ActionLinks and ResourcesFollow UsListener QuestionsApple Podcast Tags

Voice actor Jordan Reynolds joins Geek Freaks to unpack his role as Adam Warlock in Marvel Rivals, how he built the character’s calm, reliable presence, and what it takes to deliver clean, useful callouts that help players in the moment. He talks audition mindset, working with voice director Michael Sirieix at Brightskull Studios, and shaping performance to match gameplay. We also get fun stories from his early days on the Warner Bros. lot, meeting Crispin Freeman, and his World of Warcraft gigs, from Highmountain Tauren to the mead-obsessed Dr. Brandt.00:00 Welcome and setup. Adam Warlock in Marvel Rivals is top of mind.01:13 The audition grind and why booking one feels great.02:18 Avoiding “vanilla” reads and the “submit it and forget it” mindset.04:35 Building Adam’s voice as a hopeful, stable anchor within game limits.05:24 Banter vs barks and keeping warmth in slower lines.08:26 Playing a methodical healer and letting that inform delivery.09:34 Working with voice director Michael Sirieix at Brightskull Studios.12:05 Making “Born Again” crystal clear for teammates while keeping emotion.17:43 World of Warcraft roles, from Highmountain Tauren to Dr. Brandt in The War Within.19:40 Pitch shifting, finding old lines, and fans spotting his work.23:56 First in studio gig at Warner Bros., “Countdown to Geostorm,” and meeting Crispin Freeman.Adam Warlock’s voice sits in a steady, reliable pocket that uplifts the team even when the action spikes.Functional clarity matters. Short barks like “Born Again” must be instantly readable and still feel human.Great sessions balance instincts with direction from the studio to align reads with gameplay needs.Auditions should reflect what resonates with you. Chasing every note leads to safe reads that blend in.“Submit it and forget it” helps you stay sane when audition volume is high.Early studio moments matter. That first WB lot gig and meeting heroes like Crispin Freeman fueled the journey.In WoW, he has credits from Highmountain Tauren to Dr. Brandt’s mead mission in The War Within.“He is hopeful, he is uplifting, and he’s an anchor.”“Everything is very clinical, methodical.”“Submit it and forget it.”“Countdown to Geostorm in five, four, three, two, one.”If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with a friend. Tag us with #GeekFreaksPodcast so we can highlight your post.Show hub and news source: GeekFreaksPodcast.comAll news discussed on our podcast is sourced from GeekFreaksPodcast.com.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastThreads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/Got a question for Jordan or a topic you want us to cover next time? Send it our way, and we’ll feature your question in a future episode.Apple Podcast tags: Geek Freaks, Jordan Reynolds, Marvel Rivals, Adam Warlock, Voice Acting, World of Warcraft, Brightskull Studios, Michael Sirieix, Crispin Freeman, InterviewTimestamps and TopicsKey TakeawaysQuotesCall to ActionLinks and ResourcesFollow UsListener Questions

Frank sits down with developer and former podcaster Alex Austin to talk about BitCade, a podcast app for iOS and Android that blends listening, creator monetization, and a built in social feed. Alex explains how token based unlocks, short term subscriptions, and low cost in app ad slots help indie shows earn, why BitCade values follow back over follower counts, and how the platform plans to grow with video, live features, and community moderation. Frank also announces a giveaway for 28 Years Later codes on BitCade and Alex pledges to sponsor an extra prize. They wrap with trends across TikTok, YouTube, and video podcasting, plus Alex’s side quest running a trading card shop.00:00 Introduction and guest welcome00:18 Alex returns to the mic00:34 What BitCade is and how Apple Podcast search powers discovery00:52 Monetization with token bundles and bonus galleries01:52 Three and six month gallery unlocks02:22 Why add a social feed and how it differs from typical platforms03:10 Keeping networks small and easy to filter03:53 Rewarding mutual follows instead of chasing follower counts04:07 Bot fatigue and why engagement beats vanity numbers05:00 TikTok vs Twitter and centering creators in the feed05:32 How podcasters can use the social feed daily05:52 Indie ad slots, token costs, and seven day placements06:59 Extra promo in the feed and merch link options07:28 Frank’s results after buying a trending slot08:03 Giveaway on BitCade for 28 Years Later digital codes08:36 Alex adds a sponsored prize under fifty dollars09:14 What is next for BitCade and scaling with creators09:57 Live streams as a likely premium feature10:11 Building an in house RSS API as usage grows10:46 Plan to donate most net profits to rotating charities after recouping costs11:12 Community voting on monthly charities and regional focus13:00 Moderation approach and future network admin roles14:58 Keeping the community welcoming and inclusive16:00 Algorithm whiplash and follower fatigue16:45 Video uploads, bandwidth realities, and premium bitrates18:39 YouTube’s share of podcast consumption and what it means19:33 Why audio still rules for listeners who multitask20:26 Trend planning and real world data use21:28 Alex’s trading card shop and pack pulling stories23:33 The shop with the giant wizard and a dream location25:43 Geek culture catch up and casting chatter28:04 How to reach Alex inside the app and episode closeAlex will sponsor an additional prize under fifty dollars to boost the giveaway.Roadmap items include live streaming as a premium feature and a homegrown RSS API to handle scale.After recouping development costs, Alex plans to donate most net profits to charities chosen by the community, potentially by region.Moderation focuses on safety, verified podcaster admin tools, and daily checks to keep the feed clean and welcoming.Video podcasting demand is growing, but audio remains the primary way most people listen while doing other tasks.“It should be about the content and about the podcaster.”“We reward follow back, not follower counts.”“If you are serious about podcasting, grab an indie ad slot and make it work for you.”“Once I make my principal back, I want to give the net profits to charity.”“Audio is still king for listeners who multitask.”GeekFreaksPodcast.com for news mentioned on our shows and network updatesFind BitCade in the iOS App Store and on Google PlayNeed help claiming your show on BitCadeMessage Alex Austin inside the appFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastThreads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastWhat creator tools or features would help you most on a podcast app

In this episode of Geek Freaks, we continue our conversation with the crew from Distance Nerding. Liam, Jen, and Matt (aka Graveyard) join us to share how their live show has evolved since its start in 2020, the importance of networking in the podcasting world, and how community engagement fuels their growth. From their origins in online fandoms to running a safe space for geeks to hang out, the team opens up about the challenges and benefits of going live, their favorite fandoms, and their ambitious future plans. We also wrap things up with some fun “Geek Box” questions, revealing the fictional worlds they’d live in, the franchises they’d reboot, and their ultimate comfort shows.00:00 Introductions to the Distance Nerding crew01:00 Lessons learned from years of podcasting02:00 Networking and building a geek community04:00 How the hosts joined the show and their unique backgrounds06:00 What makes Distance Nerding’s community different07:00 Balancing niche passions like horror and sci-fi09:00 The benefits of going live and engaging with chat11:00 Conventions and in-person fan interactions12:00 Live streaming vs. pre-recorded content14:00 Handling live show challenges and improv moments16:00 In-person vs. online podcasting dynamics18:00 Post-pandemic podcast advantages19:30 Future goals for Distance Nerding23:40 “Geek Box” question – Fictional universes they’d live in28:40 “Geek Box” question – Franchises they’d reboot or continue33:38 “Geek Box” question – Comfort TV shows and movies39:10 Closing thoughts and where to find Distance NerdingNetworking is essential to building and sustaining a podcast community.Live streaming encourages organic bits, ongoing jokes, and strong audience connections.The team blends niche fandoms, from horror to sci-fi, creating a well-rounded geek space.In-person convention appearances help expand their reach beyond the live chat.Post-pandemic podcasting has opened doors for remote hosting without losing audience engagement.Creative future plans include live play RPG content with immersive sound design.“Networking is so vital, especially when you’re trying to build community. That’s a big part of podcasting nowadays.” – Liam“We’re a lot more casual… it’s how you talk to your geek friends about random matchups.” – Matt (Graveyard)“Live is better for off-the-cuff moments. That’s when we’re at our most ourselves.” – Jen“I want the terror back in Nightmare on Elm Street. Bring back the fear.” – Matt (Graveyard)“Ted Lasso is my go-to feel-good show when I’m feeling down.” – LiamIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Geek Freaks on your favorite podcast app, leave a review to help others discover the show, and share this episode with your fellow geeks. Use #GeekFreaksPodcast when posting about the episode so we can join in on the conversation.Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all the latest geek news and full episode archives.Facebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastThreads: threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastPatreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastInstagram: instagram.com/geekfreakspodcastTwitter: twitter.com/geekfreakspodWhat fictional universe would you want to live in for a year? Send your answer to us through social media or our website for a chance to be featured in a future episode.Apple Podcast Tags:Distance Nerding, geek culture podcast, live podcasting, podcast community building, networking for podcasters, horror fandom, sci-fi fandom, comic book fandom, convention culture, post-pandemic podcasting, live streaming tips, geek interviews, podcast improv, comfort TV shows, fictional universesTimestamps and Topics:Key Takeaways:Quotes:Call to Action:Links and Resources:Follow Us:Listener Questions:

In this powerful episode of Geek Freaks, we sit down with Cindy Mich—award-winning journalist, indie filmmaker, author, and founder of the Art Is Alive Film Festival. Cindy opens up about her roots in writing, the transition into broadcasting, and how she's building platforms to elevate unheard voices. From launching her own magazine, Elegant Expressions, to writing a screenplay for Holocaust survivor Ben Lesser, Cindy shares how personal loss, deep compassion, and sheer determination have shaped her career.This conversation is packed with insights on independent media, the realities of the film festival world, and how storytelling can create real change.Timestamps and Topics:00:00 Welcome and intro to Cindy Mich00:54 Cindy’s origin story and early influences02:13 Breaking into journalism without a degree03:10 Staying authentic in the age of social media04:18 Jumping into broadcasting via Blogtalk Radio05:50 Looking back on 450+ interviews06:53 Radio vs. podcasting in the modern era08:13 Why writing is still Cindy’s first love09:03 Choosing the right medium for a story10:24 The mission behind Elegant Expressions magazine11:56 Giving voice to indie filmmakers, small businesses, and survivors13:13 How journalism shaped Cindy’s approach to filmmaking15:09 Bridging the gap between media and film17:35 The growth of Art Is Alive Film Festival19:02 Hybrid distribution model and outreach21:29 Long-term community building through festivals23:18 Debunking film festival misconceptions25:22 Creating lasting connections through collaboration27:01 The evolution of Cin’s Chat Corner29:07 Cindy’s work with Holocaust survivor Ben Lesser31:01 Writing Ben’s screenplay and preserving legacy33:06 Balancing projects after personal loss35:28 Healing through storytelling37:43 Cindy’s personal legacy and final adviceKey Takeaways:Cindy built a successful media career through authenticity, persistence, and a commitment to elevating others.Art Is Alive isn’t just a festival, it’s a launchpad for indie creators looking to break through the noise.Independent filmmakers often don’t understand the business side—Cindy is actively helping them learn.She’s currently writing a screenplay about Holocaust survivor Ben Lesser, guided by trust and respect for his voice.Personal grief led her to deepen her mission to lift up others who feel invisible.Memorable Quotes:🗣️ “Words are magic. They can make people feel, inspire, and move forward.”🗣️ “If you’re not seen, you’re forgotten. My job is to make sure that doesn’t happen.”🗣️ “Never do anything for money. Do it because it matters.”Call to Action:Enjoyed this conversation with Cindy Mich: https://cindy-mich-award-winning-journalist.yolasite.com/Subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode using #GeekFreaksPodcast. Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for the latest geek culture news.Follow us on social:📱 Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast📘 Facebook: Geek Freaks Podcast🧵 Threads: @geekfreakspodcast🐦 Twitter: @geekfreakspod💸 Support us on Patreon: Geek Freaks PatreonHave a question or want to be featured on a future episode? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on any of our socials.Apple Podcast Tags:Cindy Mich, Art is Alive Film Festival, indie film, journalism, Elegant Expressions, podcast interview, Holocaust survivor, Ben Lesser, public access TV, indie filmmakers, Geek Freaks, inspirational stories, filmmaking journey, media careers, podcast guest, creative storytelling, geek culture

This week on Geek Freaks Interviews, actor and producer Chris Maher joins Frank to talk about balancing passion and practicality in the film world. From his early days in Omaha theater to earning an economics scholarship in China, Chris shares how his unlikely journey shaped the way he builds a career in indie film. They dive into Nova, his upcoming sci-fi romance that’s grown from a short to a full feature, and talk about his business-minded approach to acting, producing, and investing in his own work. Chris also gets candid about rejection, screen tests, self-funded stunts, and why a headshot and a good class can change your career.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and intro00:40 – Chris’s acting roots in Omaha01:48 – Almost became a veterinarian02:25 – Why he left the arts to study business05:00 – How modeling brought him back to acting06:31 – What Nova is and how it evolved into a feature09:00 – Producing the feature and finding cast10:25 – Differences between shorts and features12:26 – Editing, logistics, and post-production15:05 – Using his background in economics and crypto to fund films17:06 – Favorite genres: comedy, action, and the struggle of being “big” on camera20:01 – Doing his own stunts (yes, even jumping out of a car)21:38 – Constantly auditioning, staying positive23:00 – When a role is written just for you24:11 – What it’s like being flown in for a screen test27:10 – Best advice for new actors (hint: headshots and classes)30:58 – Upcoming projects: Boardwalk Winter, Vindicator, Hack JobKey Takeaways:Nova is a passion project being developed into a feature after sweeping festivals.Chris’s economics degree helps him invest smartly in indie films.He emphasizes that auditioning is the real job, and consistency is key.His favorite genre to perform is comedy, but he has major respect for dramatic subtlety on camera.Acting classes aren’t just educational—they’re networking gold.Doing your own stunts might be easier if you grew up without a smartphone.Quotes to Pull:“Auditioning is the real job. Filming is the reward.”“Shorts are practice. Features are war.”“This business is about longevity. Talent matters, but business acumen keeps you in the game.”“They wrote the role for me. That’s the dream.”Call to Action:Enjoy the conversation? Subscribe, rate, and review Geek Freaks Interviews wherever you get your podcasts. Tag us with your favorite moment using #GeekFreaksInterviews and check out Chris’s projects like Nova and Boardwalk Winter.🎙️ Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all our latest news and episodes.Follow Us Online:Facebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcastInstagram: instagram.com/geekfreakspodcastTwitter: twitter.com/geekfreakspodThreads: threads.net/@geekfreakspodcastPatreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastSend in Your Questions:Want us to ask your question on the next interview? Message us on socials or through the contact form at GeekFreaksPodcast.com.Apple Podcast Tags:Chris Maher, Nova Movie, Indie Actor Interview, Sci-Fi Film, Acting Advice, Boardwalk Winter, Vindicator Film, Geek Freaks Interviews, Indie Film Hustle, Acting Career Tips