In this episode of Geek Freaks, host Frank sits down with the brilliant S. G. Blaise, author of The Last Lumenian series, and fandom development expert Jenny Stevens. Together, they dive into S. G.’s fantasy sci-fi world, exploring its rich characters, found family dynamics, and the incredible fan connections S. G. has built through immersive storytelling. They also discuss the upcoming release of S. G.’s fifth book and what it's like to bring her universe to life at Comic-Con events. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi, fantasy, or strong female characters, this episode is a must-listen!

Timestamps and Topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Meet S. G. Blaise and Jenny Stevens
• 00:33 – Jenny’s Work in Fandom Development
• 01:38 – S. G. Blaise Breaks Down The Last Lumenian World
• 02:25 – The Complexity of Friendships in the Last Lumenian Series
• 03:09 – Relating to Young Readers Through Real-life Struggles
• 05:34 – How Personal Experiences Shaped the Last Lumenian Series
• 08:00 – Blending Sci-Fi and Fantasy in S. G.’s World
• 09:16 – Introducing the Gods: Order and Chaos
• 17:53 – Worldbuilding: From Character to Culture
• 22:32 – The Magic of Connecting with Fans at Events
• 33:00 – Upcoming Virtual Book Tour: How You Can Participate

Key Takeaways:

• S. G. Blaise’s Last Lumenian series is a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy, perfect for fans of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Princess Bride.
• The themes of found family and personal growth resonate deeply with fans, particularly younger readers.
• S. G.’s writing is heavily influenced by her real-life experiences, including navigating grief, friendship struggles, and finding where she belongs.
• Fans are essential to S. G.’s world, and she creates immersive experiences both in her books and at events like Comic-Con.
• The upcoming fifth book in the Last Lumenian series will release in December, with a virtual book tour kicking off soon.

Quotes:

• "I like to call the Last Lumenian series Star Wars meets Lord of the Rings meets Princess Bride." – S. G. Blaise
• "The more she encounters these problems, the more she realizes that she is so much more than she imagined." – S. G. Blaise on her protagonist Lila
• "What S. G. does is allow these fans to be comfortable in their own space with her about the book. That is incredibly unique and very special." – Jenny Stevens

Call to Action:
Love this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Geek Freaks on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a review, and share this episode with your friends using the hashtag #GeekFreaksPodcast. Your support helps us continue to bring you the best in geek culture!

Links and Resources:

• Visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com for all the latest news discussed in this episode.
• Follow S. G. Blaise and get updates on the Last Lumenian series at sgblaise.com.
• Sign up for S. G. Blaise’s newsletter for exclusive access to her virtual book tour.

Follow Us:

• Facebook: TheGeekFreaksPodcast
• Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast
• Twitter: @geekfreakspod
• Threads: @geekfreakspodcast
• Patreon: GeekFreaksPodcast

Listener Questions:
Got a question or topic you’d love us to cover in future episodes? Drop us a line at GeekFreaksPodcast.com, and you might hear your suggestion in an upcoming episode!

Apple Podcast Tags:
Geek culture, sci-fi, fantasy, worldbuilding, S. G. Blaise, found family, comic con, fandom development, writing, young adult fiction, virtual book tour, Jenny Stevens, book release, author interview

In this episode, we sit down with David Howard, the brilliant mind behind Blood World: Phoenix Throne. We explore the expansive universe of his comic, where humanity's future hangs in the balance, caught between the competing visions of unchecked mutation, genetic engineering, and transhumanism. David dives into the story’s core, drawing inspiration from classic sci-fi and fantasy like Game of Thrones, Dune, and Mass Effect. We also get behind-the-scenes insights into his creative process, character development, and what’s next for Blood World.

Timestamps and Topics:
00:00 - Introduction and welcome
00:14 - David Howard on Blood World: Phoenix Throne and its universe
02:00 - Inspiration from sci-fi classics and modern technology
04:50 - Factions and political tension in Blood World
08:05 - The power struggle in the Ganymede monarchy
11:29 - Themes of sacrifice and societal reflection
15:20 - Building a collaborative vision with artists
19:00 - The pacing and cliffhangers in Blood World
22:48 - How you can get a copy of Blood World: Phoenix Throne

Key Takeaways:

• Blood World: Phoenix Throne explores a far-future where humanity faces critical choices about its evolution—mutation, genetic engineering, or transhumanism.
• The story is deeply inspired by modern sci-fi and classic fantasy, mixing political intrigue with futuristic technology.
• David Howard emphasizes the collaboration process with his artists, which helped bring his vivid world to life.
• Themes of power, tradition, and progress versus preservation resonate throughout the comic, making it a reflection of today's societal struggles.

Quotes:

• "The whole universe is about three competing visions for the future of humanity—mutation, genetic engineering, and transhumanism."
• "For all of our advancements by 2587, we're still fighting about many of the same things—religion, power, food, resources."
• "It’s a collaboration. When I write, I want to give vivid sensory descriptions so that the artist can feel it and bring it to life."

Call to Action:
Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Share your favorite moments on social media using the hashtag #GeekFreaksPodcast, and let us know what you’re most excited to see in Blood World.

Links and Resources:

• Stay up to date with all the latest news at GeekFreaksPodcast.com.
• Follow David Howard and his journey in creating Blood World: Phoenix Throne via the links in the description.
• Get your copy of Blood World: Phoenix Throne soon on the M1 Worldcom website!

Follow Us:

• Facebook: Geek Freaks Podcast
• Threads: @geekfreakspodcast
• Patreon: Geek Freaks Podcast
• Instagram: Geek Freaks Podcast
• Twitter: @geekfreakspod

Listener Questions:
Have questions for David or topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes? Send them our way, and you might hear them on the next show!

Apple Podcast Tags:
Geek culture, Blood World, Phoenix Throne, David Howard, Sci-fi comics, Transhumanism, Game of Thrones, Dune, Mass Effect, Cyberpunk, Comic books, World-building, Factions, Political intrigue

In this episode, Frank Lourence sits down with two professional cosplayers, Ash and Elee, to discuss the world of cosplay, from their first introductions to the craft to the challenges of balancing creativity with practicality. They share insightful tips on how to get started, manage cosplay projects, and maintain a sense of community. Listeners will also hear about their experiences at conventions, competing in masquerades, and creating intricate costumes. Whether you’re new to cosplay or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone in this episode!

Timestamps and Topics:
00:00 - Introduction and Meet the Guests
00:28 - Ash and Elee’s First Cosplay Experiences
03:01 - Theater Craft vs. Cosplay: What’s the Difference?
05:55 - Favorite Fandoms and Community Support
07:36 - Standing Out in Cosplay Competitions
10:03 - Balancing Comfort and Costume Design at Conventions
11:42 - Prop Challenges: Preparing for Conventions
15:30 - Traveling with Cosplays and Props
18:00 - Finding Materials in Unexpected Places
22:00 - Turning Cosplay Skills into a Career
26:00 - How to Start Cosplaying: Tips for Beginners
30:00 - Navigating the Cosplay Community: Boundaries and Etiquette
38:09 - Best Practices for Convention Photography
43:00 - Upcoming Conventions and Competitions

Key Takeaways:

• Cosplay Journey: Both Ash and Elee shared their unique paths into cosplay, from theater production to competitions.
• Creativity Meets Project Management: Crafting multiple costumes requires project management skills, from planning timelines to managing materials.
• Community Love: The cosplay community is incredibly supportive, with cosplayers often finding encouragement and help from fellow fans.
• Con-Ready Cosplays: Ash and Elee offered practical advice on balancing comfort and aesthetics, especially when traveling for conventions.
• Career Prospects: While Elee prefers to keep cosplay as a hobby, both discussed the potential to turn cosplay skills into a professional career.
• Cosplay Photography Etiquette: Always ask permission before taking photos and make sure to tag the cosplayer in your posts.

Memorable Quotes:

• “When you go to a con, you’re essentially managing a production of multiple costumes for yourself and sometimes others. It’s a skill cosplayers don’t even realize they have!” – Elee
• “If you want to start cosplaying, it’s okay to buy your first costume. There’s no one right way to cosplay, and everyone begins somewhere.” – Ash
• “The cosplay community is incredibly welcoming. We’ve all walked so Gen Z could run, creating better boundaries and more inclusive spaces.” – Ash

Call to Action:
Don’t forget to subscribe to Geek Freaks Podcast on your favorite platform! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it on social media using the hashtag #GeekFreaksPodcast. We’d love to hear about your cosplay experiences, so tag us in your photos and let us know what you think!

Links and Resources:
For all the latest news discussed in this episode, visit GeekFreaksPodcast.com. Be sure to follow our guests on social media for more cosplay inspiration and tips!

Follow Us:

• Facebook: Geek Freaks Podcast
• Twitter: @geekfreakspod
• Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast
• Threads: @geekfreakspodcast
• Patreon: Geek Freaks Podcast

Listener Questions:
Got a question or a topic you’d like us to discuss in future episodes? Send them our way, and we’ll feature them in upcoming shows!

Apple Podcast Tags:
cosplay, conventions, creativity, project management, theater craft, cosplay competitions, Geek Freaks, community, cosplay photography, cosplay tips, Geek culture

In this exciting episode, Frank sits down with Daniel Rohmer, the talented director, writer, and creator of the thrilling series Chaser. They dive into the unique premise of Chaser, which follows a video editor who gains the ability to re-edit the last 24 hours of his life, creating unexpected ripple effects. Daniel shares insights into the creative process behind the series, the challenges of directing, and the intricate art of editing. With themes of perfection, human imperfection, and embracing collaboration, this episode offers a deep look at both the series and the behind-the-scenes efforts that brought it to life.

Timestamps and Topics:

• 00:00 – Introduction and welcome to Daniel Rohmer
• 00:25 – What Chaser is all about: A video editor who can re-edit the last 24 hours
• 01:12 – Balancing sci-fi and horror elements in the show
• 02:45 – Daniel’s inspiration for making a film editor the protagonist
• 03:03 – The solitary nature of editing and its impact on creativity
• 05:52 – The unseen power of editors in storytelling
• 09:00 – The collaborative process with lead actor Russ Russo
• 12:04 – Themes of perfection and embracing human flaws in Chaser
• 16:08 – Working with Amazon Prime for Chaser’s distribution
• 17:35 – Potential future seasons of Chaser and what’s next for Daniel

Key Takeaways:

• Chaser explores the power of a video editor to re-edit the last day of his life, leading to unforeseen consequences.
• The show balances sci-fi and horror elements while remaining grounded in realistic character development.
• Daniel Rohmer’s experience as an editor influenced the story, drawing on the often solitary nature of editing and the control editors have over a film’s final tone.
• Collaboration is key in filmmaking, and Daniel credits his cast, especially lead actor Russ Russo, for bringing depth and nuance to the project.
• The main theme of Chaser is the acceptance of human imperfection, a message Daniel admits he also struggles to live by daily.

Quotes:

• “Chaser is about a video editor who can re-edit the last day, but soon the world starts going haywire.” – Daniel Rohmer
• “As an editor, you know more about the actors than they even know about themselves.” – Daniel Rohmer
• “Film is such a collaborative art form. You hire people and trust them to do their job, and that’s what makes the final product great.” – Daniel Rohmer
• “The theme of the series is to embrace your imperfections because that’s what makes us human.” – Daniel Rohmer

Call to Action: Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends on social media using #GeekFreaksPodcast to keep the conversation going.

Links and Resources:

• Watch Chaser on Amazon Prime

Follow Us:

• Facebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast
• Twitter: twitter.com/geekfreakspod
• Instagram: instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast
• Threads: threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast
• Patreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast

Listener Questions: Do you have any burning questions for our future guests or topics you'd like us to cover? Send us your questions, and we might feature them in an upcoming episode!

Apple Podcast Tags: Chaser, Daniel Rohmer, video editing, Amazon Prime, sci-fi series, horror series, filmmaking, TV production, collaboration in film, perfectionism, human flaws, editing techniques, Geek Freaks Podcast

In this episode of Geek Freaks, Frank Lourence sits down with Joshua Lastine, a seasoned entertainment lawyer based in Beverly Hills. Joshua shares insights into the often overlooked but critical world of entertainment law, discussing his role as a dealmaker for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. From the intricacies of contract negotiations to the impact of the recent Hollywood strikes, Joshua provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep the entertainment industry running smoothly. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or just curious about the legal side of Hollywood, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge and fascinating stories.

Timestamps and Topics:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Joshua Lastine and his career in entertainment law
• 00:01:18 - The role of a transactional entertainment lawyer in Hollywood
• 00:02:43 - Navigating the complexities of dealmaking in the entertainment industry
• 00:06:05 - The impact of the Hollywood strikes on actors and writers
• 00:08:19 - Changes in Hollywood over the last decade, from traditional TV to streaming
• 00:11:05 - The rise of YouTube and TikTok as major entertainment platforms
• 00:13:33 - The shift towards niche audiences in the digital age
• 00:17:01 - The importance of building and maintaining industry connections
• 00:19:02 - Expanding legal practice beyond Los Angeles to international clients
• 00:23:03 - Behind-the-scenes stories from major projects like The Simpsons and Avengers: Age of Ultron
• 00:27:01 - Common legal pitfalls for new content creators
• 00:29:32 - Starting a law firm during the pandemic and the future of entertainment law

Key Takeaways:

• Entertainment law is crucial in ensuring that all aspects of production, from contracts to rights management, are handled professionally.
• The Hollywood landscape has shifted dramatically in the last decade, with streaming services and digital platforms playing a more significant role.
• Building and nurturing industry connections early in your career can lead to long-term success.
• Content creators should be proactive in seeking legal advice as soon as they start making a significant income from their work.
• Flexibility and adaptability are key in both legal practice and content creation in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.

Quotes:

• "Everything that appears on screen has to have had a contract at some point." — Joshua Lastine
• "Hollywood is a very small town; the connections you make early on can pay off years later." — Joshua Lastine
• "The biggest amateur mistake is not being vocal enough about what you need." — Joshua Lastine

Call to Action: Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to subscribe to Geek Freaks on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a review, and share this episode with your friends using the hashtag #GeekFreaksPodcast. Your support helps us bring you more exciting content every week!

Links and Resources:

• Visit Geek Freaks Podcast for all the latest geek news and updates discussed in our episodes.
• Follow Joshua Lastine on social media : https://lastineentertainmentlaw.com/

Follow Us:

• Facebook: The Geek Freaks Podcast
• Threads: Geek Freaks Podcast
• Instagram: @GeekFreaksPodcast
• Twitter: @GeekFreaksPod
• Patreon: Geek Freaks Podcast

Listener Questions: Got a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Send it our way! We love hearing from our listeners.

Apple Podcast Tags: entertainment law, Hollywood, streaming services, YouTube, TikTok, content creators, legal advice, Marvel, The Simpsons, Geek Freaks.

In this exciting episode of Geek Freaks, we sit down with Aaron Davies, the brilliant mind behind the new podcast, Fandom Portals. As part of the Geek Freaks Network, Fandom Portals is dedicated to uniting fans from various communities and celebrating the vibrant world of fandoms. Aaron shares his journey, insights into fandom culture, and the inspiration behind his podcast. Tune in to discover what makes fandoms so special and why you should join the Fandom Portals community.

Timestamps and Topics:

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:13 About Fandom Portals
• 00:26 Guest and Community Insights
• 00:33 Celebrating Fandoms
• 00:46 Call to Action

Key Takeaways:

• Aaron Davies introduces his new podcast, Fandom Portals, which focuses on celebrating and uniting various fandom communities.
• Fandom Portals is a part of the Geek Freaks Network and aims to share insights and deep dives into different fandoms.
• The podcast brings in guests to discuss their favorite fandoms and the community spirit that binds them.
• Aaron emphasizes the importance of community and the hard work involved in producing engaging content.

Quotes:

• "Fandom Portals is a podcast focused on fandoms, uniting social media threads, Instagram, and alike, and sharing your thoughts, your opinions, and then doing deep dives on the fandoms you love."
• "It's just a place of celebrations you should be joining in."
• "Let Aaron know that you appreciate the work he's putting out there. And I'm telling you guys, it's a lot of work and that would be really beneficial."

Call to Action: Don't miss out on the latest episodes of Fandom Portals! Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode on social media using the hashtag #FandomPortals. Your support helps us bring more exciting content to the geek community.

Follow Fandom Portals: https://linktr.ee/fandomportals

Listener Questions: We love hearing from our listeners! Send in your questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes. Your input makes our show even better.

Apple Podcast Tags: Geek Culture, Fandoms, Podcast Interview, Aaron Davies, Geek Freaks Network, Community Building, Social Media Fandoms, Celebration of Fandoms, New Podcast, Geek Freaks

Tune in to discover the magic of fandoms with Aaron Davies and the Fandom Portals podcast!