Creative Commoners

Wherein we discuss antiheroes, a reaction to the pure, often flawless, heroes we covered in the previous episode. Whether vulnerable, flawed, or otherwise riddled with vices, we discuss a litany of antiheroic characters, including Dexter, Hannibal Lecter, Roland from “The Dark Tower” series, Han Solo, and Michael Corleone. We explore what makes antiheroes realistic, relatable, and sometimes quite annoying. Elsewhere, Chris wonders if there can be a non-living hero, Allison explains Walter White’s absence from the show, and Corey has a date with The Dead. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein we talk about heroes, protagonists, and main characters that exist in popular literature and movies. We consider mostly the “White Hat” or pure heroes, such as Superman, James Bond, and Luke Skywalker, but also analyze The Bride from Kill Bill within the context of the Hero’s Journey. Elsewhere, Chris belts out his falsetto, Allison starts going through The Change, and Corey doesn’t want the teens to dance. Theme music by Latché Swing. “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler can be purchased on iTunes.

Wherein our hosts talk a lot about history’s creative influence and a little about politics. Corey introduces Thomas Jefferson as the inventor, archaeologist, and baller that he was. Allison explores the intersection of formality and casualness in our society. Chris wonders what time periods have been a source of creative inspiration. And all around the Creative Commoners high rise, the clouds of a bitter election choke the airwaves with nasty attack ads. Theme music by Latché Swing. “Friendly Day”, “Satiate”, “Constancy Part Two”, and “Villainous Treachery” by Kevin MacLeod. “Stars and Stripes Forever” performed by The U.S. Marine Corps Band. Cranking sound […]

Wherein it was Halloween Night, so of course our hosts and listeners share another spooktacular batch of stories. From cold lakes and clowns to razor blades and revenge, hear tales that will chill your blood and songs that will leave you in hysterics. A wonderful round of applause goes to Justin Wasson, Craig Wessel, Scott Weaver, Greg Holbus, Kate Jenkins, D.F. Hall, Whit Heintz, and Hollie Heintz for their submissions. One-eyed Maestro by Kevin MacLeod. Halloween Main Theme Title by John Carpenter. Freedom by Unknown Artist.

Wherein our hosts talk about Story Forge, a creative character and story building card deck created by BJ West.  Story Forge provides an inventive way to invigorate your creative energy and have some fun with developing ideas. Using a few of the suggested layouts, our hosts unravel the tale of Allistar Krum, the frail, old protector of a mysterious object known as The Blackbird. Lend us your ear to find out how it evolves! Elsewhere, Corey admits to a Kickstarter addiction, Allison stretches for a writing marathon, Chris sings an old ditty, and BJ’s true identity is revealed. Theme music by Latché […]

Wherein our hosts discuss how we review and critique creative works. They discuss what makes a good review, how factors such as review bombs can throw off the numbers, whether creators should respond to negative reviews, the influence of social media, and the role of the professional critic in today’s metacritic world. Elsewhere, Corey attends a nerd conference, Chris takes on Forbes magazine, and Allison reveals her most widely-panned story. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Allison and Chris chat about their projects for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), geek out over Borderlands 2, and get thrown for the movie Looper. They explore character development and storytelling through video games and how those elements relate to writing fiction. Elsewhere, Allison wishes for the return of Pepsi Clear (Right! Now!) and Chris reveals two shocking secrets about his father. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Corey and Allison discuss upcoming projects, the controversy of paid reviews, and recent news made by author J.A. Konrath. We hear about an animation project by friend of the show Paul Fini, Corey’s foray into game development for NaGaDeMon, and Allison’s current book-in-progress and the likely sequel for her NaNoWriMo project. Elsewhere, Konrath’s ears are burning. And so are Chris’s. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein our hosts defy the very technology conspiring against them to produce an almost complete show about food. The gang chats about the creative aspects of making food, why taste has such a power over us, and what technology has done for our cuisine. Allison converts favorite recipes to her new meat and dairy-less diet. Corey talks about his wife’s ventures in cake decorating. Chris explores how molecular gastronomy can transform food in exciting ways. Elsewhere, an old friend stops by unexpectedly. Theme music by Latché Swing. Godzilla sound effects by TheHBS91.

Wherein we continue our conversation with Jason Carl Ruddy, this time to discuss video games and the gaming industry. We talk about some frustrating trends from the giants, such as Activision Blizzard, EA Games, Valve, and Rockstar, as well as rise of the independents bringing games and apps like Skyrim, Kerbal Space Program, Super Meat Boy, and Kingdom Rush. Oh, and we gush over the zombie survival mod Day Z. Theme music by Latché Swing. 8:15 Kargosu by Hayvanlar Alemi. Gas attack by freesound.org. Godzilla sound effects by TheHBS91.

Wherein Ian Thomas Healy joins us again, this time to discuss the release of his newest Just Cause novel, “The Archmage.” We also hear about his publishing imprint Local Hero Press, talk about the business of writing, and explore a gaggle of superhero tropes. Elsewhere, Chris becomes addicted to HeroMachine, Corey gets sweet swag, Allison reveals her secret identity, and Ian evades the Prude Patrol. Theme music by Latché Swing. “The Archmage” cover image courtesy of Ian Thomas Healy.

Wherein we share a wonderful collection of listener-submitted tales that follow from the story prompt “The teacher turned to her class and smiled.” We even have a surprise, famous submission that’s all too shocking. Elsewhere, the gang shares updates on their latest creative works, and it’s all so very… titillating. Theme music by Latché Swing. NewsSting by Incompetech. Crowd noise by lonemonk.

Wherein we sit down with Jason Carl Ruddy, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Art and Strategy, a design firm located in Tokyo. Jason shares his insights into the advertising industry, what makes brilliant design, his creative roots, living and working in Japan, and of course, how to survive Godzilla attacks. And we learned how to REALLY pronounce Adidas. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein our hosts ruin the endings, surprises, or themes of several movies, books, and TV shows. Ample warning is given at the top of the show, so listen closely and decide if you want to forge on or miss great content, such as a surprising Corey-Allison smackdown, gripes about Shamalamadingdong, the lure of the spoil, and more Acahellyeah awfulness that you secretly cannot get enough of. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein the gang freaks out over the genre of horror. Spanning movies and books, our hosts discuss the differences in terror and horror, delight in the anticipation and revelation, seek out the internal and external monsters, and gripe over how every horror movie seems to mess something up. It’s a fickle genre! Elsewhere, Chris pines for the perfect dreadful experience, Corey wimps out, and Allison needs the hiccups scared out of her. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein the gang discusses the genre of comedy. From George Carlin and Jerry Seinfeld, to Tina Fey and Louis C.K., our hosts tip their hats to influential comedians and their craft. They delve into the philosophy of comedy, its commentary on society, the role of truth, and how it challenges our ideas and beliefs. Elsewhere, a war stirs between Anglophiles and Anglonostics. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein the gang discusses the genre of tragedy. From Oedipus and Hamlet, to Anakin and Max Payne, our hosts explore the nature of and interest in all manner of tragic hero. Somehow the talk turns to villains and sociopaths, including Magneto, Hannibal, and George Lucas himself. Elsewhere, Harry Potter SPOILERS lurk within. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Chris and Allison delve into their shared creative history. Allison cringes through a short story she wrote for their high school literary magazine, Chris reveals the sci-fi opus he wrote in study hall, and then our hosts discuss two collaborative projects that involved heavenly wars, dying windmills, and a psychotic priest. Meanwhile, Corey sends messages from his nerdy cleansing ritual. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein Allison and Chris manage to neatly dovetail a ridiculous range of topics, including the Bermuda Triangle, Derp Latin, old-timey insults, Devon Sawa, mother issues, and a newly discovered layer of the atmosphere. Meanwhile, C.L. Bishop phones in from a secret island base with news of galactic proportions. Theme music by Latché Swing.

Wherein the a capella sensation known as Acahellyeah makes a triumphant return! The gang shows off a cool app called Songify, belts out some impromptu tunes from their forthcoming album, Acahell to the Acahizzy, and talks about the creative influence of music and some great musicians in the world. Elsewhere, your eardrums are grossly offended.