{"podcast":{"title":"The United States Department of Nerds Podcast","slug":"the-united-states-department-of-nerds-podcast-6458372","podcast_index_feed_id":6458372,"rss_url":"https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-united-states-department-of-nerds-podcast","website_url":null,"image_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/3uR7wzHPN4OuGqAXjlJP-WKXevDcYxp6TefwvEFCYkI/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8xMDE0/NzI5MzBlZGRiOGQ2/MzFlNGI2NzJiMzc2/MTczOC5wbmc.jpg","author":"Datfeelin Podcast Network","episode_count":126,"summary":"USDN Podcast is a cinematic indie comics interview series hosted by the USDN_Chairman and the Council of Nerds spotlighting the creators, storytellers, and worldbuilders shaping the future of independent comics. Each episode dives beyond headlines into the real journeys behind the books from Kickstarter launches and creative struggles to the philosophies driving today’s indie storytelling movement. This isn’t about rumors or recycled news. It’s about the people creating the worlds. Through in-depth conversations, creator spotlights, and crowdfunding discussions, USDN explores: • The rise of indie comics • The business of crowdfunding • The art of worldbuilding • The realities of independent storytelling USDN is where indie comics come to life for the fans, by the creators, and powered by the community.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-31T02:20:16.542664+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-united-states-department-of-nerds-podcast-6458372"},"episode":{"title":"AHA! Episode 5 — The Bearer: Body Horror, Science, and Obsession","slug":"aha-episode-5-the-bearer-body-horror-science-and-obsession","published_at":"2026-04-16T14:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-united-states-department-of-nerds-podcast-6458372/aha-episode-5-the-bearer-body-horror-science-and-obsession","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-united-states-department-of-nerds-podcast-6458372","url":"https://share.transistor.fm/s/d58ee6c9","audio_url":"https://media.transistor.fm/d58ee6c9/b3b5d9b0.mp3","summary":"AHA! Episode 5 - The Bearer: Body Horror, Science, and Obsession In this episode of The USDN Podcast - where indie comics come to life , The Chairman sits down with Manoj Gedela and Lucas “Squidz” McKenzie to explore The Bearer , a chilling entry in the AHA! Horror Anthology . This conversation dives into the creative process behind a story that blends body horror, science, and obsession , following a scientist who pushes his own body beyond human limits in pursuit of something greater. Together, they discuss: The origins of The Bearer The role of science in horror storytelling The influence of real-world biology Visualizing transformation through art The balance between horror and meaning At its core, this episode explores a powerful question: 👉 What happens when the pursuit of creation becomes an act of obsession? 🎙️ GUESTS Manoj Gedela: https://www.instagram.com/_mgedela/ Lucas McKenzie: https://www.instagram.com/squidzmckenzie/ 🌐 FOLLOW USDN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usdn_podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usdepartmentofnerds 📩 BUSINESS / MEDIA INQUIRIES thechairman@usdnpodcast.com 📦 SUPPORT THE SHOW BCW Supplies: https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn Use Code: USDN Affiliate disclosure: USDN may earn a commission if you use our link or code. The USDN Podcast - where indie comics come to life.","meta_description":"AHA! Episode 5 - The Bearer: Body Horror, Science, and Obsession In this episode of The USDN Podcast - where indie comics come to life , The Chairman sits…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":4811,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-united-states-department-of-nerds-podcast-6458372/episodes/aha-episode-5-the-bearer-body-horror-science-and-obsession/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-united-states-department-of-nerds-podcast-6458372/aha-episode-5-the-bearer-body-horror-science-and-obsession.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}