Icon Presents

Support - Go Fund Me https://www.gofundme.com/f/where-even-shadows-fear-to-tread-indie-film What does it take to build a film production company completely outside the Hollywood system — from pre-production to post-production, scriptwriting to sound design — on a shoestring budget with no studio backing? Jarrod Christman and Daniel P. Riley from Rising Tide Media Group join Icon Presents to answer exactly that. Rising Tide's mission is simple and ambitious at the same time: create a thriving creative ecosystem for independent artists who are making great work and getting zero support from the established industry. They handle everything in-house — scripting, production, sound design, mastering — and use their own projects as proof of concept that this model actually works. Their first project, The Ballad of Missouri Bill, was a period piece shot on a genuine shoestring budget — in real snow, during COVID restrictions — about a lawman seeking adventure and revenge after a traumatic event. It was proof that you don't need a studio to tell a compelling story. You need a vision and the willingness to figure it out. Now they're back with their next project — Even Shadows Fear to Tread — a serial killer thriller with a premise that immediately grabs you: the first three victims aren't random. They're retired special operators. Elite fighters. And someone is taking them out one by one. We get into the full concept, the GoFundMe campaign raising funds to start production, and why they chose to go directly to the community to fund this one. The conversation gets bigger from there. We dig into the risk-averse nature of major studios, why Hollywood keeps failing audiences with bloated budgets and recycled ideas, the concept of "failing forward" and why learning from failure is the only real path forward for independent creators, and Eric July's Rippaverse as a blueprint for what happens when you stop waiting for permission and just build. This one is for every creative who's been told their idea is too risky, their budget is too small, or their audience doesn't exist yet. 📍 Support the GoFundMe for "Even Shadows Fear to Tread" — link in description 🎬 Watch "The Ballad of Missouri Bill" on major streaming platforms 🌐 iconpresentspodcast.com for more interviews with independent musicians, comic creators, writers, and filmmakers Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the creatives building something out of nothing.

Phillip joins Icon Presents to walk through a creative journey that started with his father telling him to become a pharmacist — and ended with him working on projects like Neopets and Call of Duty: Black Ops at Fox Next. He talks about the grind of art school, watching animation jobs get outsourced to South Korea in real time, pivoting to video games, and then pivoting again during COVID when he picked up Genshin Impact, started streaming, and accidentally built a community around himself. That community eventually became Project Egg Roll — his podcast with his mods and co-hosts — and if you've never heard of it, this episode is your introduction. Then things get spicy. We get into the current Hollywood representation debate — specifically the casting of Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy in The Odyssey, what the historical context of that character actually means, and why race-swapping established characters keeps generating backlash while other diverse casting choices land without controversy. Phillip breaks down the difference between authentic representation and performative casting, and why PR and media training for actors matters more than most people realize. From there it's full pop culture mode — Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, why Jonathan Kent's death in that film fundamentally breaks Superman's character, the Batman vs Superman debate, which Spider-Man actor actually got it right, and why the DC Universe keeps losing ground to Marvel despite having better source material on paper. Plus — Phillip shares his thoughts on Ripperverse Day, his 13-book collection, and whether he'd start a segment reviewing books sent to him by people he politically disagrees with. 📍 Follow Phillip Chan and Project Egg Roll for more pop culture conversations 🌐 iconpresentspodcast.com for more interviews with independent musicians, comic creators, writers, and filmmakers Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the creatives building something out of nothing.  @projecteggroll   @mrphillipchan2  

​ @CarrowBrown  is a writer, editor, print production coordinator, convention rep, talent manager, and whatever else the Rippaverse needs her to be on any given day. Her job title? "I'm just the person at Rippaverse." But before we get into the Hachette deal, Rippaverse Backyard, Dirty Deeds, or any of the projects she's been building — there's something more important to address first. Since the last time  @CarrowBrown  was on Icon Presents, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. And the way she found out is one of the most jaw-dropping stories we've had on this show — not because of the diagnosis itself, but because of what came after. She found the report in her own patient portal before her doctor ever called. The referral for her biopsy got sent to the wrong place. Twice. She spent weeks navigating a broken medical system, tracking down her own care, following up on paperwork that kept disappearing into the void — all while still working, still writing, still showing up for the Rippaverse every single day. And then she came back on Icon Presents — not to be pitied, but to catch us up on everything she's been building. We get into the full expansion of the  @Rippaverse  the Hachette Book Group distribution deal, what it means for indie comics hitting mainstream retail shelves, and the growing Rippaverse Backyard all-ages imprint — including Carrow's own kids titles "It's Fine Moms" and "Yaira's First Flight," and her ongoing mission to convince Eric July to let her write a Brian Solari story about integrity for children. We also break down Dirty Deeds, the fan-favorite character Rynlin, and what it takes to be the person holding an entire independent publishing operation together while also being a writer, editor, and the person who talks to the printers. Carrow Brown is one of the most honest, funny, and genuinely compelling guests we've had on this show. This one is not to be missed.
📍 Follow Carrow Brown on X: @Ripperlory ✍️ Editing services and more: carobrown.com 📚 Find her work at rippaverse.com 🌐 iconpresentspodcast.com for more interviews with independent musicians, comic creators, writers, and filmmakers Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the creatives building something out of nothing.

Andrew Rodriguez  @CaffeinatedWolfe  is back on Icon Presents — and this time the Rippaverse has some serious news to share. Andrew, Creative Manager and Lead Editor at the Rippaverse  @Rippaverse  returns to break down everything that's been happening since we last spoke: the success of Blue Shift (the origin story for his speedster character Zephyr), the full release of Arcstream False Start, and the story behind why they renamed the project from Blue Shift to Arcstream to better connect with a shonen manga audience. It's a case study in knowing your audience and not being afraid to make a bold call for the right reasons. Then there's the big one: the Rippaverse has landed a distribution deal with Hachette Book Group — one of the largest book distributors in the world — opening the door to big box retailers and international markets. Andrew breaks down what that actually means for an independent comic publisher, why a deal like this is almost unheard of for a company as young as the Rippaverse, and how platforms like Ripasend are creating real pathways for independent creators that didn't exist before. We also get into the state of DC under James Gunn (cautious optimism, with receipts), the ongoing Spider-Man debate (Garfield vs. Maguire vs. Holland — Andrew makes his case), the upcoming Exclave crossover event, and the Great War of Separation that ties the entire Rippaverse universe together. Andrew closes with a direct message to independent creatives: start writing, start publishing, and stop waiting for permission. The tools are there — platforms like Rippasend and a deal with Hachette prove the pipeline now exists. Also mentioned: Tales from Twisted Ravens (a young readers book benefiting comics for kids in hospitals), Andrew's Harry Potter deep-dive YouTube channel Room of Requirement, and upcoming Rippaverse animation projects with some exciting voice actor names in the mix. 📍 Follow Andrew Rodriguez and the Rippaverse for new releases and events 🎙️ Check out Ripasend for independent comic stories from creators like Andrew 🌐 iconpresentspodcast.com for more interviews with independent musicians, comic creators, writers, and filmmakers Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the creatives building something out of nothing.  @youngrippa59  TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro + welcome back Andrew Rodriguez 2:30 – Andrew's role: Creative Manager and Lead Editor at the Rippaverse 5:00 – Zephyr: creating the Rippaverse's first solo speedster character 8:00 – Blue Shift: the origin story and fan response 11:00 – Blue Shift → Arcstream: the name change decision explained 15:00 – Appealing to a shonen/manga audience 18:30 – The Hachette Book Group deal: what it means for indie comics 22:00 – Getting independent comics into big box retailers and international markets 25:30 – How rare is this deal for a young company? 28:00 – The Rippaverse universe: the Great War of Separation explained 32:00 – The Exclave crossover event and Isom's role 35:00 – DC under James Gunn: Superman, Supergirl, and cautious optimism 39:00 – The Spider-Man debate: Garfield vs. Maguire vs. Holland 44:00 – The Gwen Stacy scene and why Garfield's chemistry hits different 47:00 – Advice for independent creatives: write, publish, build your name 50:00 – Ripasend: the platform connecting indie creators to real distribution 53:00 – Tales from Twisted Ravens: comics for kids in hospitals 55:00 – Room of Requirement: Andrew's Harry Potter YouTube channel 57:00 – Upcoming Rippaverse animation projects and voice actor news 59:00 – Where to find Andrew and the Rippaverse

Today we sit down with Jay David the creator of the new pirate story titled "Daughters Revenge" and  follow his journey that has caused him to have the title of the Forest Gump of the internet. Finding himself in unexpected situations, his attitude of ceasing each opportunity you're presented with makes Jays story one of charm and inspiration. 

In this episode of Icon Presents, Antwon Haynes sits down with Andrew Rodriguez, creative manager and rising writer at Rippaverse Comics, to talk about his debut project — Blue Shift Tryouts. Andrew introduces us to Zephyr Arlen, a super-powered teen navigating school, family secrets, and identity in the world of Blue Shift. He shares how his experience in retail taught him to understand what audiences want, and how that’s shaped his storytelling philosophy. They dive into the importance of creating younger, relatable heroes to engage the next generation of readers, and why manga's influence is worth studying. He also opens up about the explosive launch of Rippaverse the power of community, and how Blue Shift might become a central part of the universe if fans respond. Whether you're a comics fan, creator, or someone thinking about jumping into storytelling, this episode highlights the power of new voices and fresh stories in indie publishing.

In this episode of Icon Presents, Antwon Haynes sits down with artist and storyteller Irene Strachoski, creator of the independent comic series Fiendish. Known for her detailed world-building and sharp visual storytelling, Irene shares how she went from working on Archer to creating a deeply immersive fantasy epic—complete with original languages, layered character arcs, and dark, myth-inspired themes. Irene opens up about the creative freedom and financial challenges of indie publishing, the thought process behind designing Fiendish’s cast of characters, and how she built the constructed language Nanasa. She also talks about the future of Fiendish—including the possibility of an anime adaptation—and gives her honest take on AI in art, calling for transparency and preserving the value of human creativity. Whether you're a comic creator, world-builder, or just love fantasy done right, this episode offers deep insight into the process and passion behind independent storytelling.

In this powerful episode of Icon Presents, Antwon Haynes interviews actor, author, and former U.S. military interpreter Fahim Fazli. Born in Afghanistan, Fahim shares the extraordinary path that led him from escaping war to building a life in America as a working actor and patriot. Fahim opens up about his decision to join the U.S. Marines as a translator after 9/11, his struggles and perseverance in Hollywood, and his roles in major films like Iron Man and Superman. He also reflects on fatherhood, personal growth, and his desire to build bridges between cultures through storytelling. This conversation explores resilience, gratitude, and the belief that even after unimaginable loss, a meaningful life can be built through service, creativity, and hope. Fahim’s book Fahim Speaks is available now, and his latest project, The Face of Hope, is currently in development.

Amazing Painter Cliff Cramp shares his journey as a artist and some of his favorite pieces from #starwars #lordoftherings #lotr and more. Checkout his work at www.cliffcramp.com

In this episode of Icon Presents, host Antwon Haynes sits down with Mexican visual artist Tehani Farr, whose powerful work has been featured on over 30 comic book covers — including collaborations with Stranger Comics and actor Sebastian Aguirre.
Tehani shares her experience breaking into the industry, being underestimated early in her career, and how she proved herself through resilience and raw talent. From the show floor at San Diego Comic-Con to her own art studio, she reflects on the balance between creativity, personal identity, and mental wellness.
They also dive into her artistic influences, her fascination with darker character themes, and her advice to aspiring artists: prioritize your well-being and keep creating, no matter the noise.