Best Challengers Comics Conversation Podcasts (2025)

1
Soufiane “Souf” Bernoukh: Humor, Hoops, and Holy Buckets 48:18

Play Pause

7d ago48:18

48:18

Tom Frank, Bun B, and Jeffrey Sledge sit down with Soufiane “Souf” Bernoukh — the mind behind Halal Wrist and one of the most original voices in sports entertainment today. Souf shares how a childhood full of jokes, a late start in basketball, and the hustle of Division III ball shaped his creative path. He unpacks the creation of his signature tri…

1
IT'S ON THE BAG 1:12:03

8d ago1:12:03

1:12:03

IT'S ON THE BAG•It's a Thanksgiving miracle! •Minor distribution issues, per usual. •Our Corpse Tour re-cap. •The 2026 Angoulême International Comics Festival is on hold! •Would you want a video component to this podcast? •Daily (Wednesday) average transaction total. •Spending money on branded bags, boxes, and tape. •We'll miss you, Linda Pine. •Ho…

1
Elevating Filipino American Stories in Comics: Jean Munson Builds Community, Culture, and Healing Through Art and Activism 28:20

9d ago28:20

28:20

Jean Munson, a Las Vegas artist and activist, discussed her journey in creating Plot Twist Publishing, which started in 2016 to provide opportunities for young women in comics. She emphasized her memoir comics, inspired by her Filipino American experience, and highlighted the rarity of Filipino American comics creators in Las Vegas. Munson shared h…

1
Noochie: Roots, Reinvention, and The Power of the Porch 1:16:12

16d ago1:16:12

1:16:12

This week on Unglossy, Tom, Bun B, and Jeff pull up chairs with DC’s own Noochie—the mind, mic, and movement behind Live From the Front Porch. What starts as a freestyle on his stoop evolves into one of the most important new stages in contemporary culture, drawing everyone from Big G and Raheem DeVaughn to Robin Thicke, George Clinton, and Snoop i…

1
74 - How Does 'Black Arms to Hold You Up' Carry Humor, History, and Resistance at Once? | Ben Passmore 1:16:50

20d ago1:16:50

1:16:50

Ben Passmore closes out this season of The Truth in This Art. Ben Passmore (DAYGLOAYHOLE, Your Black Friend, Sports Is Hell, BTTM FDRS; contributor to The Nib) joins Rob Lee to discuss his new book, Black Arms to Hold You Up: A History of Black Resistance. An award-winning cartoonist whose work ranges from the fantastical to the autobiographical, P…

1
73 - How Did Precious Rubbish Take Shape? | Kayla E. (award-winning artist, Precious Rubbish, Fantagraphics) 1:17:24

27d ago1:17:24

1:17:24

Kayla E. joins The Truth In This Art to discuss Precious Rubbish. Kayla E. (award-winning artist, Creative Director at Fantagraphics, 2023–2024 Princeton Hotter Fellow) joins Rob Lee to discuss her debut full-length graphic memoir, Precious Rubbish. An award-winning artist whose practice spans comics and fine art—textiles, sculpture, video performa…

1
WHAT'S THE SCAM? 1:06:00

29d ago1:06:00

1:06:00

We're taking a break from the podcast after this episode. We will be back later in 2025, but we're not sure when, or how often. Thanks for your patience and for sticking with us! WHAT'S THE SCAM?•We do a lot of movie promotion for just about everybody that asks. •New Ennis/Epting graphic novel, PARTISAN! •We still don't really back Kickstarter proj…

1
Greg Street: Culture, Connection, and the Code of the South 1:15:47

1M ago1:15:47

1:15:47

Before algorithms and playlists decided what we liked, DJs like Greg Street were the algorithm — breaking artists, building cities, and defining what hip hop felt like. In this episode, Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank sit down with the legendary DJ and radio personality whose career runs through every chapter of Southern music history. From Mi…

1
72 - What's New With the Maryland Film Festival for 2025 | KJ Mohr 48:39

1M ago48:39

48:39

Professional film curator and educator KJ Mohr returns to The Truth In This Art to talk about the Maryland Film Festival (MdFF) and Baltimore’s indie film scene at the SNF Parkway! In the conversation we explore the 2025 Maryland Film Festival (MdFF)—what’s new, including the amazing new website and Festival Journeys—what still matters, and how a f…

1
AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT 1:11:12

1M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT•Halloween is just an excuse to talk about the Monster Cereal Mascots! •Corpse Tour guy deserves more than YOU! •Thanks, Patrons! •Funding offers. •The cost of store exclusive covers. •A new printing of an old Patrick comic book project. •When we used to exhaust ourselves hosting events. This episode is dedicated to giving ever…

1
FEED DROP - TALES FROM THE HOOD (1995) A Film Retrospective with Lea Anderson 1:20:02

1M ago1:20:02

1:20:02

Chill or Be Chilled. Let's Watch It Again is back! Rob Lee is joined by Lea Anderson to discuss the 1995 cult classic Tales from the Hood! Tales from the Hood (1995) is a Black horror anthology directed by Rusty Cundieff, framed by a late-night visit to a funeral home where a mortician guides three men through four supernatural morality tales addre…

1
71 - Make Something Pretty or Make Something Real? | Genesis Rodriguez 56:26

1M ago56:26

56:26

Genesis Rodriguez joins The Truth in This Art for her first public deep-dive into her work and process. A Philadelphia-area Latina mixed media artist known for blending bold color with striking realism, Genesis explores themes of femininity, natural beauty, and identity while bringing a thoughtful “emotional IQ” to both her visual art and emerging …

1
New Era Energy: VIBE Reloads + Two Mothers, One Aché Debuts 47:10

1M ago47:10

47:10

In this special drop, Tom, Jeff, and Bun B introduce Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue, a powerful new series from Merrick Studios about love, loss, and the courage to heal out loud. You’ll hear why this show matters, why it belongs on our network, and why Bun is stepping up not just as a co-sign—but as a future guest. Then we get into last w…

1
DAY 6,417 59:17

1M ago59:17

59:17

DAY 6,417It's Exhausting to Exist in That Space (alternate episode title) •Going to cons as kids vs going now. •The 6,417th day of Challengers and what that means for Patrick! •The earlier days of Challengers. •The end of Diamond Previews. •We are locked out of our Diamond account (for all that matters). •DC Comics is currently more additive to the…

1
70 - Street Art, Galleries and Who Defines Great Art in Philadelphia | Sean 'SK' Kinsey 1:00:16

2M ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Sean 'SK' Kinsey returns for his second appearance on The Truth in This Art! A Philadelphian visual artist known for blending a fine art sensibility with a street art aesthetic, Kinsey shares his thoughts on the power of art to reflect identity, honor community roots, and connect cultures in Philadelphia, the city that has shaped much of his work. …

1
SEVERAL POINTS OF ALIGNMENT 1:13:01

2M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

SEVERAL POINTS OF ALIGNMENT•Airport chat! But only the first part; we're back in the Podcastitorium ™ for most of the episode. •No name calling. •Digital marketing mail. •NYCC purchases •DC Next Level This episode is dedicated to NO KINGS!---------- This episode was partially digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #7…

1
Unglossy x Comic Culture: Multiverse 1:11:48

2M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

A stretch limo, three kids on bikes, and Pete Rock’s block—by the time the crew steps out, half the neighborhood’s there. That’s the energy of this Unglossy crossover: Tat Wza, Mickey Factz, Pete Rock, Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank colliding over comics, hip-hop, and the MCU with zero small talk. They go from childhood comics and bodega myst…

1
69 - Can Baltimore’s Art Help You Navigate Crooked Paths? | Ernest Shaw 1:05:59

2M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

Ernest Shaw returns for his second appearance on The Truth in This Art! A renowned muralist and educator, Shaw shares his thoughts on the power of art to reflect identity, preserve community history, and connect generations in Baltimore, the city that has shaped much of his work. In this episode, Shaw discusses how his West Baltimore upbringing inf…

1
68 - Who’s Shaping the Future of AI & Digital Community for Small Businesses? | Zina Verduzco 1:14:57

2M ago1:14:57

1:14:57

Zina Verduzco joins The Truth in This Art to explore how AI and digital innovation are transforming community and entrepreneurship for small businesses in Baltimore and beyond. With deep expertise across marketing, branding, and emerging technologies, Verduzco shares her journey from museum work to leading-edge digital marketing and AI development.…

1
CCC @ NYCC 1:39:21

2M ago1:39:21

1:39:21

CCC @ NYCC•Recorded entirely in New York City! •Very long car rides. •The Speech! •The rest of our New York Comic Con experiences. Mostly. This episode is dedicated to the oldest and dearest of friends.---------- This episode was NOT digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #753 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) I…

1
The Future Is Conversational: Cardi, Kimmel, and Football 1:14:00

2M ago1:14:00

1:14:00

No guest, no fluff—just Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge turning up the signal and turning down the noise. We kick off with what’s cooking at Merrick Studios (Unglossy, Mixed & Mastered, Our Love/Hate Relationship with Comic Culture, Pitch Lab) and why podcasts are becoming the new cable. Then it’s Cardi B at Trill Burgers and the rise of celeb…

1
A SPEECH IS JUST TALKING 1:04:16

2M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

A SPEECH IS JUST TALKING•Barry Mindster and the bonkers emails we get. •Who is Laura Lympus? •We're getting closer to having an actual plan for our New Your Comic Con •AEW + DC Comics = Our worlds colliding!! •Superman/Spiderman from DC and Marvel in 2026! This episode is dedicated to always standing up for those that cannot stan up for themselves.…

1
Michael Ford: Blueprints, Beats, and Belonging 58:28

2M ago58:28

58:28

This week on Unglossy, Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge sit down with Michael Ford, The Hip Hop Architect—a designer using rhythm and rhyme to reshape skylines. From leading tThe Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx to launching the Hip Hop Architecture Camp, Ford proves design can be culture, not just construction. He shares how rap lyrics inspire real…

1
67 - How Graphic Novels Are Redefining Education in Baltimore | Bmore Transform & GRAPHIC NOVEL FESTIVAL 1:13:52

2M ago1:13:52

1:13:52

Bmore Transform and Baltimore’s Graphic Novel Festival take center stage in this episode of The Truth in This Art. Guests Gab Sussman and Victoria Lebrón share how they are reshaping education and community through Bmore Transform’s abolitionist, decolonizing approach and the city’s premier Graphic Novel Fest—celebrating sequential art, uplifting Q…

1
66 - The Heart of the Shoe Muralist: How Wearable Art Became a Full-Time Calling | Akio Evans 1:21:35

2M ago1:21:35

1:21:35

Baltimore artist Akio Evans returns to The Truth in This Art for his second appearance, tracing his evolution from hobbyist customizer to full-time artist and self-defined shoe muralist. Evans shares how he moved beyond “customs” into shoe murals—wearable art that tells stories, carries meaning, and can move people to tears—by centering intention, …

1
ALL-MALE REVIEW 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

ALL-MALE REVIEW•Droning on about the same topics! All deliveries all the time! •We're heading to the New York Comic Con in 2 weeks! •It was a tiring Batman Day! •A 1-star review for not at all unrealistic entitled reasons! •We'll be getting Image books 27 days before bookstores! •Comics talked about in this episode: LUCKY DEVILS #5 SLEEP #5 VOYEUR …

1
#65 - What Drives Creative Evolution in the Kitchen? | Chef Chris Amendola of foraged. a hyper-seasonal eatery 49:32

2M ago49:32

49:32

Chef Chris Amendola of foraged. a hyper-seasonal eatery returns to The Truth in This Art, joining the rarified air as one of just a handful of three-time guests. Amendola shares his journey as an executive chef and restaurant owner, revealing how embracing change and curiosity keeps his creative vision fresh in the kitchen. He discusses building co…

1
Chris Shepherd: Houston, Hustle, and Taste 1:13:01

2M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

James Beard winner Chris Shepherd pulls up to Unglossy with Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank to talk real kitchen life—no foam, all flame. He traces the glide path from Tulsa dishwasher to Houston icon, why cooking clicked when school didn’t, and how using all five senses beats any recipe card. We dig into Underbelly’s whole-animal, write-the-m…

1
#64 - Who Shapes the Culture Behind the Mic? | Laiya St. Clair 1:11:02

3M ago1:11:02

1:11:02

Laiya St. Clair joins The Truth in This Art to share how she crafts culture from behind the mic as a celebrated radio and podcast personality, producer, and voice artist. St. Clair reflects on her transition from radio to the world of podcasting, exploring how her experiences in DC, Philly, and Baltimore continue to inspire her work. She discusses …

1
IT'S JUST COMIC BOOKS 1:09:21

3M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

IT'S JUST COMIC BOOKS•No podcasting backlash from last week. •Patrick was on WGN's Spotlight Chicago this week for Batman Day! https://wgntv.com/news/celebrate-batman-day-with-challengers-comics/ •How DC Comics is hindering our Batman Day. •Deadpool/Batman! •Our (lack o)f Local Comic Shop Day plans. •An unsent email. •20 New #1's for October 1st! •…

1
Hawaii Mike: Culture, Cannabis, and Connection 1:25:47

3M ago1:25:47

1:25:47

On this episode of Unglossy, hosts Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank welcome Hawaii Mike, a creative force whose journey spans road managing Mobb Deep to editing at The Source. Today, he is the founder of Chef for Higher, where hip hop, cannabis, and culinary arts come together to create community through dining. Together the crew reflects on th…

1
#63 - How To Find Your Tribe In Baltimore | Will Walker of A Tribe Called Run 54:47

3M ago54:47

54:47

Will Walker, founder of A Tribe Called Run, joins the podcast. Walker shares his personal journey from Cleveland to Baltimore, reflecting on how both cities' blue-collar spirit informs his approach to building community through running. A Tribe Called Run creates space for accessible runs, fitness events, and coaching, welcoming newcomers and exper…

1
#62 - Who Carries the Weight of The Piano Lesson? | Chinai Routté & Paige Hernandez of Everyman Theatre 53:03

3M ago53:03

53:03

Resident Company Member Chinai Routté and director Paige Hernandez return to The Truth in This Art to illuminate Everyman Theatre’s production of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson. Routté shares the transformative experience of portraying Berniece, the play’s powerful central character, and how her own life informs the role’s emotional depth. Hernan…

1
PUBLIC DISCOURSE 59:31

3M ago59:31

59:31

PUBLIC DISCOURSE•Hypothetical employee situations. •When our opinion doesn't matter. •Red Hood #1. •Another celebrity drop-by! This episode is dedicated to not using your words to hurt others.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #749 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: Ja…

1
Chef Teach: Hustle, Heat, and House of Mac 1:15:38

3M ago1:15:38

1:15:38

Chef Teach (Derrick Turton) pulls up to Unglossy with Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge to chart a wild route from Luke Records and Pitbull’s early grind to Miami’s cult-favorite House of Mac. We get into the origin of that legendary mac & cheese, the food-truck-to-brick-and-mortar leap, COVID pivots, DoorDash math, SOPs that save businesses, an…

1
#61 - What’s Shaping Small Press Expo (SPX) 2025? | Warren Bernard 1:00:27

3M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Executive Director of Small Press Expo (SPX), Warren Bernard, returns to The Truth In This Art podcast. Bernard shares insights into how planning, innovation, and community shape the road to SPX 2025. He reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities ahead, discussing how the evolving comics landscape and creative partnerships are driving the …