Episode 401 – CXC 2023 Recap

Three weeks ago, Columbus, Ohio was the epicenter for cartoons, comics, animation and art. This was due to the annual Cartoon Crossroads Columbus festival. Hundreds of creators flocked to downtown Columbus to showcase their projects. On this episode of The PVDcast, I chronicle my trip to the festival. You’ll hear conversations with many creators who will share details on their awesome projects. Those creators are listed below:

  • Okell Lee – creator of Johnny Arcade
  • Whitney Wasson – creator of Sober Rabbit
  • Jamie Jones – creator of both The Baboon & Tales of MFR
  • Chad Bilyeu – creator of Chad in Amsterdam & The Re-up
  • Casey Van Heel – creator of Palooka, The Knights of the 5th Dimension & more
  • Bruce Chrislip – author of The Mini-Comix Revolution 1969-1989

Episode 400 – NHL 2023 Season Preview

Hockey season is almost upon us. The NHL will kick off the 2023-2024 season next Tuesday. Hockey enthusiast, Luc Landry, returns to The PVDcast to talk about the pending NHL season. We discuss many topics, including what off-season moves might payoff for teams, will Connor Bedard make a serious impact, what key players are already injured and news on some coaching and GM drama. Check out this episode and we promise that we won’t ask to look at your phone!

Episode 399 – The Gaming Mixologist

After a rough day at work, many people enjoy a nice drink to unwind. On this episode of The PVDcast, I’m joined by a guest that knows how to make a great drink. The Gaming Mixologist (Frankie Francis) joins me to talk about his new endeavor, creating video game inspired drinks. We talk about what the catalyst was for this idea and how he creates these drinks. Frankie also answers my questions about bartending and shares some funny stories from behind the bar. Lastly, Frankie and I discuss our love for pro wrestling, as Frankie is a huge fan! So, pull up a bar stool and enjoy this fun conversation about cocktails!

Episode 398 – Cartoon Crossroads Columbus

A huge celebration will be happening next week in Columbus, Ohio. This celebration highlights the past, present and future of cartooning, comics and animation. The Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) is this event, and I am joined on this episode of The PVDcast by Ben Towle and Craig Campbell, the co-chairs of the Programming Committee. We will discuss what their responsibilities are serving in that capacity. We also will chat about the various guests who will be attending the event. Lastly, we fill in the details on the massive amount of programming for CXC.

Episode 397 – Lee Xopher 2

Why do superheroes do what they do? Are their actions always for the right reasons? Could they simply want power and fame? On this episode of The PVDcast, my guest has some thoughts on superheroes’ motivations. My guest is independent comic creator, Lee Xopher. Altered Ego is his comic, and it features the tale of one individual’s wish to be a superhero, but for the right reasons. Lee has a Kickstarter campaign going on to produce issue #3 (see below). We discuss that Kickstarter, the origins of Altered Ego, other projects and much more!

Lee’s Kickstarter Info: https://tinyurl.com/48e6nxhw

Episode 396 – Tim Ellis (Giant Leap Toys)

On this episode of The PVDcast, I am joined by toy maker, Tim Ellis from Giant Leap Toys. Tim is a central Ohio toy maker, operating out of New Albany, Ohio. His current project is called Shogun Force and it is an homage to the Shogun Warrior toys and comics from the 1970’s. Tim discusses why he decided to make a “jumbo” action figure as well as the current Kickstarter campaign to help fund production of it (see link below). We also chat about Tim’s foray into making toys and we even reminisce about Tim’s favorite toys from his childhood.

Tim’s Kickstarter link: https://tinyurl.com/48fypwsj

Episode 395 – Bill Murphy (Fresh Monkey Fiction)

Ever wonder how toys are made? On this episode of The PVDcast, I am joined by a toy maker who uses his nostalgia to create some iconic toys. Bill Murphy from Fresh Monkey Fiction is that guest and we discuss the process for making toys. We also talk about Bill’s projects, including Eagle Force, Longbox Heroes, Naughty or Nice and many more. We end our conversation by taking a trip down memory lane with Bill sharing stories about his favorite toys.

Episode 394 – Power Con 2023

Toy collecting is a hobby many people enjoy. It can take us back in time to a simpler period in our lives, where all we needed was that one toy to make the world alright. On this episode of The PVDcast, I recap my trip to Power Con, an amazing toy convention. I speak to several toy enthusiasts, some of whom have their own toy lines. You will hear from Sean from Bobakhan Toys, Tim Ellis from Giant Leap Toys, John from Chicken Fried Toys, DJ Steve OD from Big Fun Columbus, YouTube star and historian Dan Larson from Secret Galaxy and author Pixel Dan. This episode is packed full of nostalgia that will have you wishing you still had your beloved GI Joes or Barbies.

Episode 393 – Benji Otte

Despite the current labor strife in Hollywood, some folks are still making movies. On this episode of The PVDcast, I am joined by one of those filmmakers still making films, Benji Otte. Marley is Benji’s latest film and we discuss all the aspects about making that movie. We also chat about Benji’s other films and his philosophy on filmmaking. If you have ever wondered about creating cinema, then this is one episode you need to hear.

Episode 392 – Summer Slam 2023 Review

The Pro Wrestling Pundits, DJ Joey Blayze and Ringside Rand, join me on this installment of The PVDcast to discuss Summer Slam. This huge WWE event took place last Saturday and it was filled with many highlights. We shall review the results of the matches and discuss our predictions that we made last week. We will also comment on the possible new storylines coming out of Summer Slam. What does the future hold for Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Chad Gable and many of the other WWE superstars?