{"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":"Kyle Valle & Erin Áine | Autonomous, Indie Horror & The Rise of Micro Horror","slug":"kyle-valle-erin-ine-autonomous-indie-horror-the-rise-of-micro-horror","published_at":"2026-07-04T14:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-united-states-department-of-nerds-podcast-6458372/kyle-valle-erin-ine-autonomous-indie-horror-the-rise-of-micro-horror","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-united-states-department-of-nerds-podcast-6458372","url":"https://share.transistor.fm/s/d209bee9","audio_url":"https://media.transistor.fm/d209bee9/823a3317.mp3","summary":"Kyle Valle and Erin Áine return to the USDN Podcast to discuss Autonomous , the innovative indie horror series helping launch Screamify's new Micro Horror format. After first joining the USDN Podcast in December 2025 to discuss ZombieCON Volume 1 , Kyle and Erin return to the Council to share the journey behind their latest project. We explore the evolution of Big Squid Productions, independent horror filmmaking, vertical storytelling, production challenges, working with Screamify, and what it takes to create original horror outside the traditional studio system. Whether you're an independent filmmaker, horror fan, or creator looking for inspiration, this episode offers an honest behind-the-scenes look at bringing ambitious ideas to life with passion, creativity, and determination. Topics Covered • Autonomous • Screamify Micro Horror • Independent Horror Filmmaking • Vertical Storytelling • Big Squid Productions • Behind-the-Scenes Production Stories • Independent Film Distribution • ZombieCON and Returning to USDN • The Future of Horror Storytelling Follow Kyle Valle & Erin Áine: ZombieCON Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zombieconmovie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zombieconmovie/ Big Squid Productions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigsquidfilms/ Kyle Valle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kykyv71/ Erin Áine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_aine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mewnownews/ Support USDN 📺 Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@USDN_Podcast 🌐 Linktree https://linktr.ee/USDN_Podcast 🛒 BCW Supplies https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=usdn Use Code: USDN We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. The USDN Podcast spotlights independent creators across comics, film, crowdfunding, and storytelling. The USDN Podcast -…","meta_description":"Kyle Valle and Erin Áine return to the USDN Podcast to discuss Autonomous , the innovative indie horror series helping launch Screamify's new Micro Horror…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":6827,"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/kyle-valle-erin-ine-autonomous-indie-horror-the-rise-of-micro-horror/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/kyle-valle-erin-ine-autonomous-indie-horror-the-rise-of-micro-horror.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}