In this episode of Talkin' Comics, AJ sits down with Jeff Haas — teacher, publicist, comic book creator, and host of the popular podcast Traverse the Stars — to talk about everything from indie comics and Kickstarter campaigns to growing a podcast audience.

We dig into:

How Jeff got started helping creators get interviews & publicity

The secrets to a successful Kickstarter campaign

The economics of paying comic artists fairly

Lessons learned from conventions & the importance of self-promotion

Jeff’s podcasting tips for hitting 1,000+ subscribers

And yes… we even talk aliens 👽

Whether you’re a comic creator, podcaster, or just love behind-the-scenes conversations with industry pros, this episode is packed with value and some laughs along the way.

📢 Follow Jeff Haas:

🔗 Traverse the Stars Podcast – @traversingthestars

🎙 Follow Talking Comics

✨ Special Mentions/Sponsors:

We thank everyone for watching and supporting!

Thank you to Amped Comics for partnering with us and offering you 10% off your order using code TCP10 https://ampedcomics.com/discount/TCP10

👉 Hit the Kickstarter “Remind Me” button to follow the project launch (coming early 2026). https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

👉 Subscribe to Talking Comics for more creator interviews, comics talk, and behind-the-scenes updates. https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_Podcast

✅ Subscribe for more interviews with comic creators and pop culture voices!

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⏱️ CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:50 – How Jeff Haas Got Started in Publicity

03:15 – Building Vector Publicity & Helping Creators

05:14 – Defining Success for Kickstarter Campaigns

06:13 – Turning Down Clients & Staying True to Your Values

07:31 – Pricing & Keeping PR Affordable

09:32 – Beyond Kickstarter: Other Projects Jeff Supports

10:10 – Lessons Learned Promoting Indie Films

13:24 – Jeff’s Comic Series: The End of All Terminus

14:42 – What’s “Fair Pay” for Comic Artists?

18:03 – AJ on Writing His Own Comic & Learning the Process

22:18 – Finding the Right Artist & Avoiding Scams

24:05 – Traverse the Stars Podcast – 4 Years & Growing

25:43 – Editing Challenges & Why Silence Matters

30:24 – Jeff’s Inspiration for Podcasting & Writing

34:39 – YouTube Growth Tips: Consistency & Shameless Promotion

39:26 – Comic Conventions, Tables & Press Passes

41:25 – What Jeff Wants Listeners to Know (Publicist Work & Podcast)

42:21 – Aliens: Do They Exist?

43:44 – Favorite Superhero: Green Lantern

47:22 – First Comics Jeff Read

48:29 – Which Comic Universe Would You Live In?

50:07 – Dream Superpower & Ideal Sidekick

52:02 – If Life Were a Comic Book: The Title

53:14 – Closing Thoughts & Future Collabs

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