Best Presented By Alex Grand Podcasts (2025)

1
Creig Flessel & Fred Guardineer interview by David Armstrong 34:05

Play Pause

10h ago34:05

34:05

David Armstrong interviewed Platinum and Golden Age great, Creig Flessel in 1998 on set at Long Island, New York about his early training in the Grand Central Art School, his entry into comic books in the mid 1930s with Vincent Sullivan on More Fun Comics for Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson's National Allied Publications, his covers for Detective C…

1
João Almeida on Grand Tours, Team Dynamics & That Pidcock Moment 1:11:17

6d ago1:11:17

1:11:17

Portugal’s finest export since the pastel de nata, João Almeida joins Matt Stephens for a brilliantly honest conversation that dives into the life and mindset of one of the most consistent GC riders in the modern peloton. Matt also digs into what it’s like sharing a team with superstars Tadej Pogačar, Juan Ayuso and rising talent Isaac del Toro. Do…

1
Chris Hall on his stupid bike challenges for Movember 1:25:30

20d ago1:25:30

1:25:30

Matt Stephens chats to ultra-distance bike racer, content creator and charity fundraiser Chris Hall about his recent challenges for Movember. Despite atrocious weather conditions, Chris completed a lap of Britain unsupported during the summer of 2025, learning valuable lessons along the way. With a history of severe depression, Movember is a charit…

1
Joe Simon & Vincent Sullivan interview by David Armstrong 36:36

1M ago36:36

36:36

David Armstrong interviewed Golden Age great, Joe Simon in 1998 on set at San Diego Comic Con about his entry into Hearst comic strips in the 1930s, comic books in Funnies Inc and becoming Timely/Marvel Comics' first editor, meeting Jack Kirby at Victor Fox comics, Wonder Comics with Will Eisner's Wonder Man, Eisner and Iger's split, creating Capta…

1
Emma Pooley on competitiveness, privilege and roast potatoes 1:11:54

1M ago1:11:54

1:11:54

Matt Stephens chats to Emma Pooley about her incredibly varied career, which spans from professional cycling through long distance running and triathlon, to a victory on University Challenge and some Geotech Engineering thrown in for good measure. The very definition of a multi-disciplinary champion, Emma talks candidly about her struggle to retire…

1
Amy Hudson on World Mental Health Day 2025 1:09:21

2M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Matt Stephens chats to Amy Hudson, known as amy.cycling.adventures on social media channels, about her struggles with mental health and the role cycling has had in her recovery. While working as a Mental Health Nurse for the NHS, Amy began suffering with anxiety and eating disorders, with thoughts of suicide. Her husband bought her a road bike, and…

1
The Silver Age Panel at San Diego Comic Con 2025: How Flash Saved the Comic Book Industry 44:59

2M ago44:59

44:59

In 1955, comic book companies were struggling to stay afloat after a rough five years of censorship, a changing readership, and the invention of television. During an editorial meeting at National Periodical Publications, somebody suggested bringing back the company’s superheroes. National settled on a redesign of an old character—The Flash—and the…

1
Filippo Conca on how winning the Maglia Tricolore changed his life. 1:02:13

2M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Filippo Conca races in the Maglia Tricolore with UCI WorldTeam Jayco–AlUla - but just three months ago, that seemed like a distant dream. Out of contract at the end of 2024, he found salvation in SWATT club, an Italian amateur team known for offering cyclists a fresh start with a mix of road and gravel racing. In this podcast, Filippo explains how …

1
Vuelta a España Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 3 Vingegaard looks good in red (Stages 16 - 21) 49:51

3M ago49:51

49:51

With his unique mix of mayhem, tangents and honest analysis, Matt Stephens looks back on the final week of the 2025 Vuelta Ciclista a España drawing this season’s Rest Day Reflections mini series to a close. There was redemption for Egan Bernal, Pidcock on the Podium, a birthday Kuss, and of course the great Dane dominating the race with Vingegaard…

1
Vuelta a España Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 2 Ayuso’s contract, Chennaoui’s theme song, Pedersen’s anatomy (Stages 10 - 15) 54:55

3M ago54:55

54:55

From Juan Ayuso’s contract to Mads Pedersen’s anatomy, Matt Stephens leaves no stone unturned in his analysis of stages 10 to 15 of the 2025 Vuelta Ciclista a España. With the race in the balance, this informal look back at the previous week of racing is the perfect rest day listening. Expect the usual from Matt however, as he gets distracted by Or…

1
Vuelta a España Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 1 Mini Giro, Máximo Vuelta! (Stages 1 - 9) 1:06:57

3M ago1:06:57

1:06:57

Fresh from the TV studio, Matt Stephens reflects on the first nine stages of the 2025 Vuelta Ciclista a España as they happened. Expect expert opinions on a jam-packed first week of racing that included everything from a mini Giro d’Italia to a sprint finish with a disqualification. And since this is Matt’s podcast, you can also expect him to provi…

1
The Many Hands of Bill Finger SDCC 2025 Panel 45:12

3M ago45:12

45:12

Panel description: Before Gotham had shadows, writer Bill Finger cast them. Comics scholar Alex Grand (*Understanding Superhero Comic Books*) moderates a lively conversation with Athena Finger (Bill’s granddaughter and advocate), historian Bill Field (Field of Comics), and playwright/filmmaker Leonard Schwartz (Bill Finger: Rise of the Bat), and no…

1
Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift Rest Day Reflections 2025 - Return of the GOAT, and a star is born 1:10:41

4M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

Reporting from the mix zone, the motor bike, and a McDonald’s, Matt Stephens brings us a unique look at the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2025. After hot-footing it from stage 19 of the men’s race, Matt didn’t want to miss a beat of the women’s competition. And what a race it turned out to be. With so much French interest in their homegrown ride…

1
Rob Liefeld Biographical Interview Part 2 by Alex Grand 2:04:28

4M ago2:04:28

2:04:28

Rob Liefeld returns to the CBH podcast talking about Youngblood hitting its stride, Extreme Studios becomes a hothouse of new series: Brigade, Bloodstrike, and nearly two dozen more, all while he mentors rising talents Dan Fraga, Norm Rapmund and more. Mounting costs inside Image spark sharp discussions with Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, and Mark Silves…

1
Tour de France Rest Day Reflections 2025 - Stages 16-21 Wrapping up a rollercoaster of a Grand Tour 50:39

4M ago50:39

50:39

Live from behind the scenes at the Tour de France, Matt Stephens shares his experience of the final week of racing at the men’s competition before jetting off to watch the Femmes. In this episode you can expect the usual shenanigans alongside some more detailed race analysis and a reflection on how the Tour de France unfolded. So if you like a cock…

1
Tour de France Rest Day Reflections 2025 - Stages 11-15 Has the race already been won? 58:13

5M ago58:13

58:13

He’s armed with a portable recorder and he’s still not afraid to use it! Matt Stephens is back at the Tour de France 2025 to bring us a series of vignettes from behind the scenes, as well as his thoughtful reflections on how the men’s race has been ridden over the course of stages 11-15. So if you like thoughtful reflections, panic in ski gondolas …

1
Tour de France Rest Day Reflections 2025 - Stages 1-10 A relentless and breathtaking first week of racing 1:04:44

5M ago1:04:44

1:04:44

From behind the scenes at the 2025 Tour de France, Matt Stephens has got his portable recorder at the ready to capture the atmosphere, and his own reactions to the biggest men’s bike race in the world. From the grand depart in Lille to the unpredictability of Bastille day, there are a whopping ten stages to get stuck into. So if you like tiny toile…

1
Don McGregor Career Interview with Alex Grand & Jim Thompson Part 4 1:22:57

5M ago1:22:57

1:22:57

Alex Grand and co-host Jim Thompson interview Don McGregor on his career in a final fourth of a four parter discussing his work with Dean Mullaney at Eclipse, Ragamuffins, working at DC Comics with Nathaniel Dusk, Julius Schwartz, Dragonflame with David Anthony Kraft, work for hire with Marvel, Black Panther's Quest for Marvel Comics Presents, Dete…

1
Giro Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 4 Plot Twists and Drama (Stages 16 - 21) 50:09

6M ago50:09

50:09

After what many are describing as the best Giro d’Italia of all time, Matt Stephens looks back at the final week of action from stages 16 - 21 2025. Stepping out of the TNT Eurosport Discovery TV studio to record his clips, Matt’s reactions are immediate, honest and fresh - with takeaways from each stage that retell the story of the grand tour in h…

1
Don McGregor Career Interview with Alex Grand & Jim Thompson Part 3 1:24:48

6M ago1:24:48

1:24:48

Alex Grand and co-host Jim Thompson interview comic writer Don McGregor, in a third parter on discussing Black Panther fighting the KKK, antagonism with editorial, Archie Goodwin & Jim Shooter, the personal issues he was dealing with in the middle to later 1970s that affected his writing output, writing Michael Golden's first Marvel work, Dagger, a…

1
Giro Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 3 Time Trials and Taxidermy (Stages 10 - 15) 43:05

6M ago43:05

43:05

Looking back at stages 10 - 15 of the Giro d’Italia 2025, this special episode of Sigma Sports Presents Matt Stephens Unplugged is another fantastic installment of his Rest Day Reflections mini series. After each stage of the Giro, Matt pops out of the TV studio to give us his raw reflections on how the race went that day. Expect wet and wild time …

1
Giro Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 2 Pass the Pink Jersey (Stages 4 - 9) 43:12

7M ago43:12

43:12

Live from Stockley Park, Matt Stephens steps out of the TNT Eurosport Discovery TV studio and delivers his opinions on the Giro d’Italia as it happens. In this episode, Matt reacts to a thrilling week of racing when the Giro landed on Italian soil, as he focuses on stages 4 - 9. There was a little bit of everything to reflect on; flat stages with f…

1
Giro Rest Day Reflections 2025 - 1 Travel Days and Duvet Picnics 33:06

7M ago33:06

33:06

For the 2025 edition of the Giro d’Italia Matt Stephens has a live in-studio role providing commentary and analysis for TNT Eurosport Discovery. But he’s taken his pod-mic along and will give us his daily reactions to each stage, right after it happens. In this episode, Matt looks back at the first three stages in Albania, which saw some pretty hec…

1
Paul Double on his journey from almost quitting to his first World Tour stage wins 56:48

7M ago56:48

56:48

Matt Stephens chats to Paul Double about his journey from development rider at Zappi’s Racing Team to winning World Tour stages for Jayco AlUla. Unlike recent trends, Paul’s route to the top tier of pro cycling has been a steady development over many years of racing through the ranks, only signing his first World Tour contract at 28. He’s a gritty,…

1
Mark Ditko and Mort Todd Ditkoverse Interview 2025 1:03:36

7M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

Ditkoverse publications are here: http://www.igg.me/at/ditkoverse1 Alex Grand speaks with Steve Ditko’s nephew, Mark Ditko, and longtime Ditko collaborator Mort Todd about their DitkoVerse publishing venture, a project dedicated to “remastering” and re-presenting classic Steve Ditko stories in high-quality editions . They describe their upcoming In…

1
Boru McCullagh on riding around the world for mental health 1:05:20

8M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Matt Stephens chats to Boru McCullagh about his incredible bikepacking trip around the globe. When he started out, Boru had a fixed route and planned to ride as quickly as possible, but he soon realised that was not the way he needed to do things. In this podcast he explains to Matt how his outlook on bike riding changed when he realised the bike w…

1
Jeroen Swart on his role as UAE Team Emirates XRG Head of Performance 1:08:50

8M ago1:08:50

1:08:50

Matt Stephens chats to UAE Team Emirates XRG’s Head of Performance Jeroen Swart about his role on the team, and how he helped transform them into one of the most successful sports teams in the world. With fascinating insights into the importance of applying scientific knowledge in a way that fosters team spirit and personalised approaches to coachi…

1
Will Eisner interview by David Armstrong 32:55

8M ago32:55

32:55

David Armstrong interviewed Golden Age great and Graphic Novelist, Will Eisner in 1997 on set at San Diego Comic Con about the early history of comic books, comic strip reprints, his entry into comics, WOW What A Magazine!, his partnership with Jerry Iger, the growing concept of early comic books with original material, starting the Eisner and Iger…

1
Danni Shrosbree on gravel racing to the point of hallucination 1:06:33

9M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

Matt Stephens talks gravel racing with former British Gravel Champion Danni Shrosbree. The accomplished former road racer turned to gravel during lockdown and never looked back. Within a couple of years she had become one of the best gravel racers in the world, winning Badlands in the pairs category with her partner Bradley Shenton, finishing 4th a…

1
Lars van der Haar on control, Cyclocross, and cockerels 1:10:27

9M ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Matt Stephens chats all-things cyclocross with Dutch superstar Lars van der Haar. The Baloise–Trek Lions rider is a former U23 World Champion, won the European Championships twice, and shared the elite podium with the likes of Pidcock, Van Aert and Van Der Poel. So there’s no better expert to comment on how the sport is changing in terms of both th…

1
Jerry Ordway Power Hour Interview by Alex Grand & Filippo Marzo 54:56

9M ago54:56

54:56

Alex Grand & Filippo Marzo interview Jerry Ordway for an hour in a co-interview process where the english version is here at Comic Book Historians, and the italian version is at Comics Reporter. Jerry is asked about his DC Comics career highlights from the 1980s through the 2000s with All-Star Squadron and Infinity Inc with Roy Thomas, Crisis on In…

1
Toms Skujins on bike racing, ice hockey and potatoes 1:07:45

10M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

Matt Stephens chats to Toms Skujiņš about his hugely impressive results in recent seasons, with the Lidl-Trek rider coming second at last year’s Strade Bianche, and finishing 4th in the road race at the UCI World Championships in Zurich. The former Latvian national champ is suited to long and hard days in the saddle, and has high hopes for the 2025…

1
Alex Yee on his nail biting Olympic Gold and learning from failures 1:01:40

10M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Matt Stephens chats to Alex Yee about his illustrious triathlon career, where he became only the second man to win both Olympic gold and the World championship in the same year for the standard distance triathlon. Now his sights are set on running a marathon in 2025, Matt is keen to learn how training is going, and what time he’d be happy to finish…

1
Bob Hall, Comic Artist, Writer & Actor Interview Part 2 by Alex Grand & Jim Thompson 1:31:04

10M ago1:31:04

1:31:04

Alex Grand and co-host Jim Thompson interview Bob Hall part 2, from his early days as a comic reader, his University education in Theatre, his turned in first work for Charlton Comics, studying at the John Buscema Comic Art School, getting into Marvel under editor Archie Goodwin, then under new editor-in-chief Jim Shooter, the Yellowjacket Wasp sto…

1
Laura Kenny on absolutely loving life after bike racing 1:00:27

10M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Matt Stephens welcomes the first Dame he's ever had on the podcast in a wonderfully uplifting conversation with Laura Kenny. As Britain's most decorated female Olympian, Laura needs no introduction. But how she has embraced life since hanging up her wheels is something we could all learn from. Enjoying the freedom to use her own voice and to truly …

1
Bas Tietema on targeting the Tour de France 1:10:09

11M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Matt Stephens chats to Bas Tietema about his incredible journey from promising young pro cyclist with a podium at Paris-Roubaix Espoirs, to falling out of love with racing, only to fall back in love with cycling as a fan. While following the tour de france from his tent at the roadside, Bas made some amazing YouTube content with friends and got the…

1
Craig Yoe Biographical Interview by Alex Grand 2:49:49

11M ago2:49:49

2:49:49

Craig Yoe’s biographical interview highlights his creative journey through personal struggles and reinvention, who transforms adversity into creativity while remaining true to his innovative spirit. He discusses his graphic novel Woman & Man+, a psychedelic reflection on leaving the U.S., a painful divorce, and using art therapy to rebuild his life…

1
Robbie McEwen on his controversial rider safety opinion 1:17:52

12M ago1:17:52

1:17:52

Matt Stephens chats to Robbie McEwen about his highlights of the 2024 season, and whether Tadej Pogacar can be beaten in 2025. The Australian fast man sprinted to his fair share of victories over his illustrious career; none more memorable than his first grand tour stage win in 1999, which came at the Champs Elysees - a story he retells with humoro…

1
Oscar Onley on the importance of consistency at World Tour level 1:09:43

12M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

Matt Stephens chats to DSM-Firmenich PostNL rider Oscar Onley about his sharp rise to the top step of the World Tour podium. The young Scottish rider had a setback at the 2023 Vuelta Espana, but could focus solely on his recovery thanks to the faith his team showed in him by offering him a long contract. He has since gone on to race a fantastic sea…

1
Bob Hall, Comic Artist, Writer & Actor Interview Part 1 by Alex Grand & Jim Thompson 1:36:09

1y ago1:36:09

1:36:09

Alex Grand and co-host Jim Thompson interview Bob Hall, from his early days as a comic reader, his University education in Theatre, his turned in first work for Charlton Comics, studying at the John Buscema Comic Art School, getting into Marvel under editor Archie Goodwin, then under new editor-in-chief Jim Shooter, the Yellowjacket Wasp story, Squ…

1
Joe Blackmore on stepping up a level and never looking back 1:14:51

1y ago1:14:51

1:14:51

Matt Stephens discusses a trailblazing first season at pro level for Joseph Blackmore, which saw him jump up a level from Conti Tour to Pro Tour for Israel Premier-Tech. He had a string of fantastic results along the way, including the general classification and points jersey at the tour de l’Avenir, he also won the tour of Rwanda, tour of Taiwan a…

1
David Millar on second chances and the role of the bike in his recovery 1:19:54

1y ago1:19:54

1:19:54

Matt Stephens chats to David Millar about retirement, maturity and finding solace in the quiet life. The former British national champion won multiple stages and wore the leader's jersey of all three grand tours during his illustrious career. In a candid and honest conversation, David opens up about his recent alcohol problem, and how the bike play…

1
Frank Frazetta Phone Interview by Steve Ringgenberg 24:08

1y ago24:08

24:08

In today's special episode, Alex Grand and Bill Field delve into a fascinating phone conversation from August 27, 1994, between comic book historian and writer, Steve Ringgenberg and the legendary fantasy artist Frank Frazetta. Steve Ringgenberg, known for his deep knowledge and contributions to the comic book industry, chats with Frazetta about hi…

1
Victor Campenaerts on his switch to Visma Lease a Bike 1:11:45

1y ago1:11:45

1:11:45

Matt Stephens discusses career highlights with Victor Campenaerts, including his UCI Hour Record and that amazing victory on stage 18 of the 2024 Tour de France, which he credits to the joyous psychological boost that came with the birth of his son. Recorded in the off-season, Victor is about to move from Lotto Dstny to Visma Lease a Bike, where he…

1
Nathan Van Hooydonck on second chances and new beginnings 1:04:48

1y ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Matt Stephens chats to Nathan Van Hooydonck about the heart attack that changed his life forever, prematurely ending his professional cycling career for Team Jumbo Visma. Having enjoyed a hugely successful career with highlights that include helping Jonas Vingegaard win the Tour de France in 2023, he is now embracing life as a business development …

1
Rob Liefeld Marvel Biographical Interview part 1 by Alex Grand 1:38:19

1y ago1:38:19

1:38:19

Alex Grand interviewed Rob Liefeld for the Comic Book Historians Podcast, a key figure in the revolution of comic books in the 1990s, known for his intense storytelling and artistic impact. The conversation focuses on Liefeld’s approach to comics, particularly his efforts to inject fun and boldness into his work, drawing inspiration from his inner …

1
Tiffany Cromwell on the new challenge of gravel racing 1:05:41

1y ago1:05:41

1:05:41

Matt Stephens chats to Tiffany Cromwell about her impressive road racing career and her switch to gravel racing in recent years. The Canyon//SRAM pro has some great advice for anyone getting into gravel, and lives by the rule of constantly challenging herself. Having set up events in her homeland of Australia and her partner Valtteri’s homeland of …

1
Jim Mooney & Marv Levy interviews by David Armstrong 47:00

1+ y ago47:00

47:00

David Armstrong interviewed Golden & Silver Age great, Jim Mooney in 1997 on set at San Diego Comic Con about his entry into pulp magazines like Weird Tales, meeting Julius Schwartz and Mort Weisinger, entering comic books in the early 1940s with Fiction House, Ace Magazines and Timely, meeting Golden Age publishers like Victor Fox, entering DC Com…

1
Tour De France Femmes Unplugged 2024 - The narrowest of margins! 58:48

1+ y ago58:48

58:48

Back in France with his portable recorder, Matt Stephens brings us clips from behind the scenes at the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift 2024. From the grand depart in the flatlands of Holland to the hilly Ardennes and onto the high mountain finale of Alpe D’Huez, the biggest grand tour on the women’s calendar was like a week-long ramp test. And whi…

1
Irwin Hasen & Harry Lampert interviews by David Armstrong 45:54

1+ y ago45:54

45:54

David Armstrong interviewed Golden Age great, Irwin Hasen in 1999 on set at San Diego Comic Con about his entry into comic books in the late 1930s, illustrating sports figures for newspapers including an interesting experience at the Daily Worker, working for Harry Chesler, covers for DC Comics, rivalry with Shelley Mayer, contributing to the Justi…