Advertise on podcast: Cheap Chills - On Art and Monsters

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cheapchills.substack.com I’m trying a new technique to quickly animate things by using screen capture and a new feature in Adobe Fresco. It’s a way to add some quick motion when you don’t have all day. Let me know what you think. *If this looks at all complicated its because I insisted on having an animated background and separate head for my character.

Apologies for the long gap between episodes. I’ve been chipping away at a few of my favorite kind of projects; the ones that don’t pay. So this podcast has had to take a back seat. It may come back at some point or may not. Follow me on Instagram at Cheapchillsfanclub and do me a kindness? Check out my Twitch channel, Cheapchills to see what’s next. This episode is really a break from a break because I have a special guest with a new book coming out. Mattie Lubchansky is an Ignatz award-winning graphic novelist. Their new book Simplicity comes out July 29. It’s a vibrant new graphic novel about a timid academic sent out from the walled dystopian security territory of New York City to investigate a cult in the wilds of the Catskill Mountains. Mattie and I talk about telling stories as an indie comic creator, political cartoons, podcasting about local government (corruption) and so, so much more! We did forget to talk about monsters though so at the halfway point I’ll tell you about a movie I just saw that really hit different; the 2017 Japanese stop-motion film, Junkhead. Get Simplicity More at mattielubchansky.com Watch Junkhead free on Tubi, Kanopi, and Hoopla This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

For this episode I’m joined by Anders Nilsen, the artist and author of ten books including Big Questions, The End, Poetry is Useless and Tongues. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Poetry Magazine, Kramer's Ergot, Pitchfork, The New Yorker and elsewhere. On Art: We get into everything from pre-visualizing comic page layout to how Tin-Tin comics feel like plays. On Monsters:The two of entered into a challenge. To watch that movie that we’ve been avoiding our whole lives and compare our thoughts and feelings. For Anders, it was John Carpenter’s 1982 film The Thing which he had seen around age 13 and not since. For me it was The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. We also get into Repo Man, Harold and Maude and a whole lot of Terry Gilliam talk (Brazil, Time Bandits, Fisher King). More from Anders- andersbrekhusnilsen.com Ben’s portfolio - benwalkerstorey.com Below are some affiliate links. You can help support the show by clicking through at no extra expense to you. Thanks! Get The Thing on DVD/Blu-ray The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on DVD/Blu-ray The Fisher King on DVD/Blu-ray Brazil on DVD/Blu-ray Time Bandits on DVD/Blu-ray This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

Welcome back to Cheap Chills: On Art & Monsters. This week I’m joined by cartoonist Drew Rausch, co-creator of the comic, Sullen Grey as well as Eldritch! We talk about evolving art styles, David Lynch‘s influence on creators and all the time we spent watching gratuitous nudity on HBO even with our parents! Plus, what’s more terrifying or having a child who will cross the street in a busy intersection one day? We get into the weeds on what is “scary” in movies and real life. Find Drew: https://drewrausch.com https://www.instagram.com/drewrausch https://bsky.app/profile/drewrausch.bsky.social And check out MEGA BIG TIME, my vintage pop culture collaboration with my wife Amanda of IrreverentFinery, We’re @megabigtime on Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

This week’s episode is a rerelease of my chat with Josh Herbolsheimer. You may know him from all the work he’s done with the epic toy company, Super 7 or from his appearances on The Toys that Made Us. He’s also a dad, husband, artist, monster and tokusatsu lover, and he’s an old friend from our Art School days. So there’s lots to talk about and it’s worth a revisit! Josh on Instagram: @jjoshuajh Cheap Chills is now on Patreon! Check out the perks of supporting Cheap Chills on Patreon (aside from keeping us commercial free!) Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

In this episode of Cheap Chills: On Art and Monsters, we sit down with artist and YouTuber BeeJayDel (AKA BeeJay DeLong) to talk about escaping the 9-to-5 and making money as an artist—without relying on employers or clients. Beejay shares why he dropped from studying graphic design early on, instead focusing on illustration and how he’s thriving despite the rise of AI-generated art. From selling physical products and custom digital brushes to growing his YouTube channel, he’s found ways to keep creative control while providing for his family.On the horror side, we dive into the movies that left a lasting impression on BeeJayDel—Tobe Hooper’s The Funhouse and the chaotic genius of Gremlins 2. From carnival creeps to corporate mutants, we break down what makes these films so memorable. Whether you’re an artist looking to make a living on your own terms or a horror fan who loves deep dives into cult classics, this episode has something for you! -Stay spoooooky! More on BeeJay DeLong: “BeeJay DeLong (BeeJayDeL for short) is an illustrator and graphic designer living in Northwest Ohio. He can also be found over on his YouTube channel, “Let’s Draw With BeeJayDeL,” where he makes tutorials for artists of all ages and skill levels! BeeJay’s style is known for its cartoon aesthetics, bold lines, and bright colors!” beejaydel.com youtube.com/@BeeJayDeL Cheap Chills is now on Patreon! Check out the perks of supporting Cheap Chills on Patreon (aside from keeping us commercial free!) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

This second half of my chat with Kepi has us talking about (of course) monsters and how their underlying metaphors work so perfectly for songs about misfit, teenage angst. We also talk about love, chemistry, break-ups, the synchronicity and other mysteries of the Universe. And what about Bob Wilkins (of KTVU Creature Features) and his alter ego as Captain Cosmic? The universe truly is a strange and wondrous place. Kepi on Instagram Kepi's Patreon Kepi on FB Cheap Chills is now on Patreon! By joining you will get access to Cheap Chills watch parties! Once a month I’m hand-picking a movie and watching it along with y’all. There’s a chat feature on the side and maybe even video from me and special guests. Asteriks, I’m still working out the kinks on that stuff. Our first watch will be March First, its Psychomania A.K.A the Death Wheelers. You’ll also get some behind the scenes looks at my art-makin’ step-by-steps of my process and even extra podcast audio tidbits. So Join the Cheap Chills Fan Club over on Patreon and let’s keep this thing going! or just Buy me a Coffee!! (if you would be so kind...)buymeacoffee.com/cheapchills Thank you and StaAaAay Spooooky! -Ben This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

Hello! This week's guest is my friend, pop-punk Legend and artist, Kepi Ghoulie! Kepi founded Groovie Ghoulies in 1983 and has gone on to tour around the world with the band and solo. Kepi has run with too many punk bands to mention. They opened a bunch of times for The Cramps and there ARE stories. Kepi's still recording solo and touring, so catch him at the next show in your town! Kepi took up painting in the 2000s and we talk about why he started focusing on selling Art at his shows over CDs. We also talk about learning to show up and do YOUR best as an artist regardless of how many are watching. And how important it is to express yourself regardless of your skill level. Plus Kepi has some tips on how to get your Tom Petty records for cheap!  Kepi on Instagram Kepi's Patreon Kepi on FB .................... Cheap Chills is now on Patreon! By joining you will get access to Cheap Chills watch parties! Once a month I’m hand-picking a movie and watching it along with y’all. There’s a chat feature on the side and maybe even video from me and special guests. Asteriks, I’m still working out the kinks on that stuff. Our first watch will be March First, its Psychomania A.K.A the Death Wheelers. You’ll also get some behind the scenes looks at my art-makin’ step-by-steps of my process and even extra podcast audio tidbits.  So Join the Cheap Chills Fan Club over on Patreon and let’s keep this thing going! or just Buy me a Coffee!! (if you would be so kind...)buymeacoffee.com/cheapchills Thank ya! -Ben This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

Welcome back! This week’s episode is a shorty, first about having “too many” creative pursuits and how they really can all come together in unpredictable ways. Then we take a minute or 10 to go through my “Continue Watching” list (mostly) on Tubi and I’ll tell you some quick thoughts on why I will or won’t be finishing these movies and shows. Not to spoil everything but it’s: Ninja Terminator —> https://tubitv.com/movies/592879/ninja-terminator Space 1999 —> https://tubitv.com/series/3253/space-1999 The Bat-Woman (1968) —> https://tubitv.com/movies/100029264/the-batwoman The Great Yokai War —> https://tubitv.com/movies/100014758/the-great-yokai-war The Bat People (1974) —> https://tubitv.com/movies/100011938/the-bat-people Frogs (1972) —> https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/fr This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

Ben here, also sometimes known as Cheap Chills and this is Cheap Chills: On Art and Monsters. My guest for this episode is author and youth mentor Shawn Pryor. He’s written over 40 books, his latest being Kaiju Unleashed. So Shawn and I cram as much Japanese giant monsters and Tokusatsu TV hero-talk as we can fit in a one hour podcast! We also talk about the arts industry as a whole, how it’s already being affected so much by AI and what kind of future is out there for creative young people. Find Shawn Pryor Shawn on Instagram ALSO! I’m sure you’ve heard about the fires that are still going on in Southern California. They have affected a lot of good people, including recent guest and friend of the podcast Dave Wasson. He lost his home in Altadena and just today he posted pictures of his family literally sifting through the ashes of their life. It’s heartbreaking. If you would like to help out Dave and his family, his friend set up a GoFundMe page- https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dave-wasson-rebuild-after-fire You can also send general support to those affected by donating to verified fundraisers on this page- https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california Thank you. Here’s where to find some of the films, etc. we get into in this episode: *Some of the links below are affiliate links, so I may get a royalty on sales at no extra expense to you. Thanks for supporting the show! * Kaiju Unleashed, Shawn Pryor: https://amzn.to/3Eiclws * Watch Spectreman on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxggNZmk73g&list=PLWwbiDzEvsEmD9vtv8cN9zeKmq6RBnzDh * Kamen Rider Vol. 1 DVD: https://amzn.to/3WD1WBE * Shin Godzilla: https://amzn.to/4jDblmD * Watch Akumaizer 3 on Archive.org: https://archive.org/details/akumaizer-3-collection-06/%5BBunny_Hat_Raw%5DAkumaizer_3_16_(30F1B8F2).mkv * Godzilla vs. Kong: https://amzn.to/4hfoaBU * Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire: https://amzn.to/4hBwzQ1 * King Kong vs Godzilla, 1963: https://amzn.to/3Ct1EXf * Seven Samurai: https://amzn.to/3CrIuRE * Yojimbo: https://amzn.to/3PV1c79 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

Welcome to part 2 of my talk with illustrator and cartoonist Robb Mommaerts. In this second half of our discussion, we talk mostly about monsters and other stuff that stood out from our childhood. Things like Star Wars creatures, Halloween sequels, Revenge of the Nerds, Satanic panic, Thundar the Barbarian, The Herculoids (which is which??) American ninja movies, and “Who would win in a fight between ___ and ___?” debates. And in a very special Let’s Check in with Ben, I talk about having difficulties seeing and prioritizing projects and tasks. What is important to do first and when are “done”? Find Robb at: robbmommaerts.com More of Ben at: Cheapchillsfanclub.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

This week’s guest is Robb Mommaerts. We talk about art school, starting out as a graphic designer, Wisconsin, those magical, late night horror TV shows of the late 80s like Monsters and Tales From the Darkside. Robb Mommaerts is a cartoonist and illustrator who always hoped that his hobby of doodling bizarre creatures in school notebooks would eventually turn into a career. From his basement dungeon, he’s been hopping between the realms of children’s book illustration, comic books, game art, and character design. He’s recently had the opportunity to illustrate The Monstrous Adventures of Mummy Man and Waffles and The Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat series, written by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth. Before that he completed eight picture book titles and provided artwork for several top-selling tabletop game projects. He lives in Wisconsin with his wife, two kids, and a dog. *******If you dig the show and want to support us, please Subscribe and leave a review wherever you get podcasts.You can now call and leave a voicemail about whatever you want! Do you have art/career questions? want to recommend a movie? Do you have memories of a "Lost Movie" you need help tracking down? Tell Ben about it at-speakpipe.com/cheapchills****************** This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

Welcome back everybody! This very special episode is a conversation with comic-book artist, Patrick Carson Sparrow. Its also a candid chat between two people who yes, are artists who love monsters but are also middle-aged dads, trying to figure out how to get all the needs met, and sometimes struggle with mental health issues.  So we talk about fatherhood, marriage, ADHD, day jobs, depression, anxiety and how we manage to get any of our personal art done.So this is a trigger-warning that the subject of self harm, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, come up and if you’re not in a good place to be hearing about that, maybe turn us off at the half-hour mark.  988 is the number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Talk to anyone about it, really! We also talk about Batman (the dark, effed-up version) Conan the Barbarian, and Bryan Cranston (the Walter White and the Malcom Dad versions).  ******* If you dig the show and want to support us, please leave a review wherever you get podcasts. You can now call and leave a voicemail about whatever you want! Do you have art/career questions? want to recommend a movie? Do you have memories of a "Lost Movie" you need help tracking down? Tell Ben about it at- speakpipe.com/cheapchills ****************** This podcast is now hosted on Substack! If you want to see more of Ben's art process and hear solo episodes on having an art career, how to overcome obstacles, etc. subscribe to the Substack. Its all FREE for now!  substack.com/@benwalkerstorey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

*STAY TUNED AFTER THIS EP! a track from the David Hartman (as Zorgon) Electronica album, D1m3n51on X This week I’m joined by Director and Storyboard Artist, David Hartman. He’s the Director of the 2016 film, Phantasm: Ravager. Plus 25 years worth of other film  and Television work like Godzilla: the Series, Astroboy, Jackie Chan Adventures, Laser Fart and the animated video for Rob Zombie’s American Witch. Just to list a few. He’s also done storyboarding and artwork for Tenacious D, Bubba Ho-Tep, the Boondocks, Tranformers Prime, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, Extreme Ghostbusters and John Dies at the End and more.  Above all(?) He’s a phenomenal artist who loves to draw monsters! *** ON ART: We talk about the benefits of drawing first thing in the morning, keeping your dogs away from your Apple Pencil, the disturbing drawings and destroyed toys of our childhoods, and how storyboarding on Bubba Ho Two led to David directing the 2016 film Phantasm Ravager. Plus a boatload of movie geek talk about Mario Baba Inframan YOR: the Hunter from the Future, Legend of Boggy Creek, Yeti: Giant of the 20rh Century. And David made short films for Dan Harmon, and Rob Schrab’s Channel 101. We talk about that too! ON MONSTERS: At an early age, David had a run-in with a Bigfoot-like creature known as the Minnesota Iceman. Is the term “run-in” a wild exaggeration? Listen and find out! ******* If you dig the show and want to support us, please leave a review wherever you get podcasts. You can now call and leave a voicemail about whatever you want! Do you have art/career questions? want to recommend a movie? Do you have memories of a "Lost Movie" you need help tracking down? Tell Ben about it at- speakpipe.com/cheapchills Ben's new brush pack Build a Goth Boy is available, Free! Go to buymeacoffee.com/cheapchills  If you'd like to leave a lil' tip while you're there, that would be amazing too! More brushes, T-shirts, stickers and stuff at the Cheap Chills Etsy shop. ****************** Music for the Cheap Chills Podcast by Badger Meyer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com

Reed Randolph is an animation artist, most recently working as a character designer on Exposing Kittens.  This week Ben's chatting with  Reed about how he went from working as a teenage Scare Artist in the famous steel factory-turned haunted house, Sloss Fright Furnace to designing for an indie Dark Ride. In between he worked with Jim Henson Company, desiged concept art for Blippi’s Treehouse and went to Ringling College of Art (not necessarily in that order!) The guys talk about going to art school and whether its still recommended for young artists these days. What’s it like to pitch a "dark ride" to IAAPA? (The Global Association for the Attractions Industry) What's the best paint for black-light artwork? Reed has stories about that too!  ******* If you dig the show and want to support us, please leave a review wherever you get podcasts. You can now call and leave a voicemail about whatever you want! Do you have art/career questions? want to recommend a movie? Do you have memories of a "Lost Movie" you need help tracking down? Tell Ben about it at- speakpipe.com/cheapchills Do you draw digitally and like FREE stuff? Ben's new brush pack Build a Goth Boy is available free at his Buymeacoffee. If you'd like to "Buy me a Coffee" that would be amazing too!  buymeacoffee.com/cheapchills More brushes, T-shirts, stickers and stuff at the Cheap Chills Etsy shop. ****************** Music for the Cheap Chills Podcast by Badger Meyer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cheapchills.substack.com