What the Niche
The goal is simple, listen to each other and hopefully we can change the world one conversation at a time.
Episode #38 - Benjamin Scrivens
In this week’s episode we had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Benjamin Scrivens. He is father, graphic designer and the owner/operator or the horror company Fright-Rags. During our conversation we discuss Ben’s love for the horror genre and how his love for the genre came to fruition. We also tackle the assumptions made about those who are deep into the world of horror. More specifically we address the misconceptions people have about those who make their living through the selling of horror themed memorabilia. We also discuss one of the more surprising reveals I’ve had from a guest and I can’t wait for you to hear it! Be sure to check out this delightful conversation with a wonderful human being!
Kasey Pierce - Episode #37
In this week’s episode we had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Kasey Pierce. She is a comic book creator, writer, editor and is a marketing guru for the industry. Currently she has a incredible series of comics out titled “Norah” and you can find at the link provided in the Guest Credits below. During our chat we discuss the difficulties of being a woman in the comic book industry which is predominately filled with men. Kasey also discusses the struggles of building your own brand and persevering through those tumultuous times to find your “niche.” I found our conversation to be inspiring and I immediately bought all of Kasey’s work I could find. I highly recommend you check out her outstanding stories and this fantastic conversation!
Episode #34 - Steve Squall
In this week’s episode we had the pleasure of sitting down with Steve Squall. He is a writer, photographer, filmmaker, and all-around talented artist. During our conversation we discussed Steve’s love for film and how he started from meager beginnings, splicing together video tapes and creating wonderfully unique pieces with his buddies. We also converse about the difficulties and pangs of being a director. He offers insights on how tough it can be to maneuver through the cinematic world where egos and artistic difference can be problematic. He elaborated on how he manages to do so with empathy and patience. We also talked about Steve’s inspirations for capturing images and stepping behind the camera which included some of the usual suspects like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and any of the works from Quentin Tarantino. He also spoke on how the world inspires his every creation. I found our conversation to be light-hearted and hilarious. Steve is an incredibly humble and talented human and I hope you enjoy our chat.
New Sketch Comedy Show - What the Skit
“Ridiculous, funny, and a complete waste of time!” Former President of the United States Barack Obama
The above quote (might not be an exact quote…he may not have even heard the show) tells you everything you need to know about this sketch comedy podcast. Our goal is to make our audience laugh using unique, clever, groundbreaking, amazingly innovative… Who are we kidding?! If you like penis and fart jokes then this will probably be one of your new favorite podcasts.
Parallel Colors
Check out the music video for the song called “Two Years, Three Minutes” which is featured in this week’s episode with Chase Bensing. The song is written and produced by Chase Bensing. I chose this particular song to showcase because I feel it really demonstrates the bands versatility and talent. Check it out!
Episode #28 - 2020 Be Gone Ye Devil!
In this episode we are joined by Braxton Gaither, Autumn Barefoot, Dusty Sutherland, Jed Brian, Kyle Tipton, Matt Clayton, Gil T. Wilson, Tabby Gray and Diandra Lazor.
Some of my favorite guests from 2020 joined us to share how they managed to get through one of the most difficult years in modern human history. They spoke of finding joy in little and large accomplishments, the value of friendship, and just an overall unwillingness to give up.
I hope this episode helps in providing a little positivity for those who have and continue to struggle as we navigate through a pandemic and a slew of other crazy things. Here is to hoping 2021 and all the following years bring all of my listeners opportunity and joy!
Episode #24 - Theater People #1
Halloween Bonus Episodes
In the first special episode we have a brand new frightening tale from Erick Chavez called “The Woman from the Creek.” Turn the lights down low and let the goosebumps take over with this spooky tale.
In the second special episode we present several tales from the Pandemic Players Hellacious Halloween. Aaron Whaley shares his reading of the terrifying story called “Escape.” Donna Schile contributes her reading of the haunting tale called “Mommy Sleeps in the Basement.”
Episode #23- The Women of Horror Part 3-Halloween Bonus
In this Halloween bonus episode we continue our exploration of the women of horror.
The first guest is Lydia Burris. She is a professor, horror aficionado and brilliant visual artist. During our conversation we discussed the negative perceptions held by those in the self-proclaimed fine arts world towards those who create dark art. We also discuss the disconnect between art school and the realities of making art a career that can allow an artist to make a living.
Our Next guest is Erica Kauffman. She is a small business owner, horror fanatic, graphic artist and t-shirt designer. In our conversation we discussed the negative perceptions men in the horror world often have toward the women who work in the industry. We also discuss one of Erica’s favorite experiences in the industry which allowed her to make a series of custom merchandise for the cast of the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Erica proves she is an absolute super fan of the horror genre and that she is one bad ass lady!
I loved chatting with these two awesome ladies and I hope you enjoy our conversations as well!
Background art by Nathan Thomas Milliner
Episode 22 - The Women of Horror Part 2
In this week’s episode we continue our dive into the wonderful world of women in horror.
Our first guest was the delightful Autumn Barefoot. She is a wife, hiker, and horror make-up and special effects artist. During our engaging chat we covered the changes the horror industry has undergone over the last 20 years and elaborated on how things like The Walking Dead have taken the make-up game to a whole new level. We also discussed how the continued perceptions of the horror genre tend to categorize those involved as, depressed or unhappy. Of course, we laid to rest those faulty notions with our cheery dispositions throughout this great chat.
The second guest we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with was Diandra Lazor. She is a self-proclaimed Nightmare on Elm Street expert, horror enthusiast, and fellow podcaster. Amidst our chat we discussed our varying passions for all things in the genre in general. We also discussed how she convinced everyone at her office job that she is a bad ass because of her unique costumes and affinity for the horror genre. We closed out our chat with her sharing a rather unnerving experience with demonic possession.
It was a blast sitting down with these two ladies and I hope everyone is gaining a new found respect for the women in the horror world!
Episode #21 - The Women of Horror Part 1
In this week’s episode we had the absolute honor and privilege to speak with four women from the world of horror!
The first of the four awesome ladies I spoke with, was Holly Crisler. She is an avid horror enthusiast, actress, and make-up artist. During our conversation we discuss the roles women play in the world of horror and how one of her greatest accomplishments was scaring the pee out of a young man as a haunt worker.
The next two guests I had opportunity to speak with were Leila Toba and Killarney Traynor. Leila is a stage and film actress who currently is living out her dreams in Hollywood. Killarney Traynor is a writer, stage actress, director and author of six books. Both of these ladies performed in a virtual adaption of Robert Louis Stevenson’s terrifying classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and we discussed the unique world of performing live theater online. Throughout our conversation we discussed the ways in which the horror genre can purvey a sense of hope for audience members. We also delved into the world of the varying folklore and terrifying goings on in the world including the figure of the Jinn from the Muslim culture.
Finally, our last guest is Tabby Gray. She is a mother, wife, and master of fright having worked at several local haunted attractions over the course of the last 15 years or so. In our chat we cover discuss the importance of inclusion in the horror and film world. Tabby also shares her favorite memory of scarring the crap out of visitors to her haunted attraction.
I hope everyone enjoys this awesome chat with these fantastic ladies of the horror world!
Episode #20 - Fright Night Film Festival
In this special edition of the podcast we ventured out to the Fright Night Film Festival in Louisville, Ky. We shared conversations with five different guests and talked with them about their varying contributions and obsessions with the horror genre.
My first guest is Santiago Cirillo. He is an actor, writer, and activist. During our discussion Santiago shares some incredibly heartfelt life experiences which led him to his current life trajectory.
My second guest is an actor and is also the writer and director of Unlisted Owner. His name is Jed Brian. During our conversation we discuss the difficulties of being an independent film maker and the origins of Jed’s love for horror.
The third guest on this cornucopia of horror wonders is Gil T. Wilson. He is a horror aficionado and self proclaimed Nerd of many things. Gil is a fellow podcaster and has his own show called The Nerd Up Podcast.
Last but not least, I have two fellas who are kind of a package deal. They are both heavily involved in the production and creation of a series of films. The first is called Wicked One and the conclusion of the story is called Wicked Ones.
The first person you’re going to hear from is my future BFF Roman Jossart. He is a writer, producer, editor, and one of the stars of the two films I mentioned. Our chat was an absolute blast and I am excited to have this fella in my friends group.
The second person you’re going to get in this section of the show is Tory Jones. Tory is a writer, producer, director and jack of all trades in the film biz. He is the man behind the Wicked Ones film franchise. I thought our conversation was thought provoking and insightful. I’m hoping I can weasel my way into work with these two awesome dudes in the future.
Episode #19 - The American HorrorPlex
In this week’s episode we have something very special! The podcast ventured outside the realm of the comfortable office chair and laptop which normally facilitate these conversations. Here we found ourselves in the midst of our guests niche. The American Horrorplex in Louisville, Ky. is where this week’s nightmarish chat takes place. We spoke with the owners of this fantastic haunt, Travis Boling and Matt Clayton. They each shared with us how the haunt came to be and how they actually met each other and later went on to get married. Each of them shared beautiful stories about their lives in the business and how they created something that goes far beyond simply looking for the next good scare. I also had the chance to converse with Scott Morgan, Emily Moss, and Lucian Thomes who each shared their reasons for working in the scare business, along with laying to rest some of the misconceptions people have about those who work in this business. I hope everyone enjoys this fantastic episode with a bunch of great people!
There is a gallery of images attached below for you to check out what they have to offer. Also, I’ve attached a link for their haunted attraction.
Fright Night Film Fest
I will be live and in person at the Fright Night Film Fest. There are going to be some great guests and some amazing films will be debuted. Come on out and join us for a great time!
Bonus Episode - The Cat and the Hummingbird
In this the first bonus episode of the What the Niche podcast I am presenting to you one of my guests work. He put together his very first self narrated short story and I am providing a platform for him to share his amazing work. The author and narrators name is Erick Chavez. The story is called The Cat and the Hummingbird. I hope everyone in the What the Niche audience enjoys this fantastic piece!
Majah Pane
Here is the video from Majah Pane’s new album Generation Z and the song is called Civil War. He was a guest on the podcast this week and is an incredibly talented up and coming artist.
Episode #8 - Marco Rudy
In this week’s episode I sit down to chat with Marco Rudy. He is a traveler, writer, and a comic book artist. In our conversation we discuss his journey of climbing to the top of the comic world and creating work for Marvel, DC, and other top tier companies. Marco talks about growing up in Mozambique and how his varying life experiences led to his finally venturing into the world of comic art. His story is an inspirational one and I hope everyone enjoys this episode!
Image Credit: Marco Rudy