People I Think Are Cool

Andrea Tsurumi is an illustrator and cartoonist based in Philly. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Bleeding Cool, and 99U. Andrea has a new book out with Hic & Hoc called Why Would You Do That? It's a hilarious collection of comics that will take your imagination to quirky new places. In this interview, we talk about where she pulls inspiration for comics, working in publishing, and the weird things that go on in community pools. You can follow Andrea on Twitter & Tumblr, and grab a copy of Why Would you Do That? from Hic & Hoc's shop.

Leigh Luna is an illustrator/writer based in LA. She is currently working as a colorist for Amazon's animated show Danger & Eggs. Leigh has also done color and lettering for the Steven Universe and Adventure Time comics. In this episode, we talk about life as a freelance artist, how getting hit by a car inspired her to create the comic Canning Season, and what it was like working on Steven Universe with Boom!. You can follow Leigh on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.

Blake Hamilton is the co-founder of All the Wonders, a site celebrating everything children's literature through author/illustrator interviews, podcasts, behind the scenes videos, and more. In this interview, I talk to Blake about his career in film and television, the importance of storytelling, and the conversation that sparked All the Wonders with co-founder Matthew Winner. You can follow Blake on Twitter and check out All the Wonders on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Anna is a picture book illustrator based in NYC. She's illustrated books like World Rat Day, The Wrong Side of the Bed, A Big Surprise for Little Card, and many more. In this episode, we talk about her career change from graphic design into illustration, brainstorming puns for her Birds! project, and what it's like to illustrate a picture book. You can follow Anna on her website, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Facebook.

It's a Lizzie Special! In this episode I interview 10-year-old Maryn and 88-year-old Eileen on all things life. We talk about how opportunities for young woman have changed, the time Eileen got kicked out of a candy store for supporting FDR, and the good and the bad that comes with technology. The idea for this interview came from my annual Lizzie Special back in December where I outlined people I'd like to interview. Thank you so much to my friend Anna who connected me with the sweet and funny Maryn and Eileen. 

Truck Torrence, aka 100% Soft, is an LA based artist. He is known for his adorable kawaii inspired style. In this episode, we talk about creating emojis for Star Wars and getting notes from JJ Abrams, his next solo show, and how he creates his adorable characters. You can follow Truck on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Mister Hope is an UK based illustrator/writer who's unique style will instantly make you happy. I've been following his work for a long time and own a sweet Sylvestor Stallone Over the Top piece that Jimmy and I commissioned from him. In this episode, we touch on how Mister Hope found his signature style, having a baby at a convention, and how to say thank you on Instagram without sounding dull.    You can follow Mister Hope on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. 

Hugh creates the daily webcomic Crimes Against Hugh's Manatees. The comic started in 2010 when he was a stay-at-home dad seeking a creative outlet and quickly grew into a Tumblr sensation. In this episode, we talk about following each other for so long on social media, our love of comics, and finding time to make art. You can follow Hugh on Tumblr, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Angela Epley is a financial advisor based in Austin, Texas. She left her career in creative marketing a few years ago to follow her passion to help others get financially stable. In this episode, we talk about how to plan for leaving your day job to pursue a new career, best practices for freelancers, and most importantly how to manage your spending when your monthly income fluctuates. You can follow Angela on Twitter and Instagram. Please note: These videos are not intended to be used as individual advice. For individualized advice, please speak to the appropriate tax, attorney, or financial professional.  For more information about Per Stirling’s team of Financial advisors, please visithttp://perstirling.com/team/.   Investment Advisory Services offered through PER STIRLING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC., an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Brokerage services and securities offered through B. B. GRAHAM & COMPANY, member of FINRA / SIPC.  

Nasir Sobhani is The Streets Barber. During the week he cuts hair in a barbershop in Australia and on the weekends he offers haircuts to the homeless. His #CleanCutCleanStart movement went viral in 2015, leading to features on BuzzFeed, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, and more. In this episode, we talk about his journey into working with the homeless, how anyone can use their talent to contribute to their community, and the importance of connecting with people. You can follow Nasir on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. 

Bryan Young is a co-host on In The Mouth of Dorkness, a podcast covering all things geek and movies. In this episode, we talk about embracing what you love even when others don't, why our favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles change with age, and taking the leap into starting your own business. Also, I try and get Bryan to break down his obsession with the Power Rangers. You can follow Bryan on Twitter, Letterboxd, and Instagram.   AND if you love movies, you have to check out ITMODcast. I've interviewed all four co-hosts because I love ITMODcast so much. These guys dig deep with their love of film and share their personal stories at the same time. It's very addictive. Trust me. 

It's a Lizzie Special! It's like a year-end recap, but way cooler. In this episode, I give you updates on past guests from 2015 - they did a TON of amazing stuff - AND I tell you ten people I'd love to interview in 2016.   GUYS! Thank you for an wonderful year of podcasting. You're the best. This will be the last episode of 2015. I can't wait to share some new cool people with you next year.   HUGS! Liz

Abby Howard is the creator of the webcomics The Last Halloween and Junior Scientist Power Hour. She was also a finalist on Penny Arcade's webseries Strip Search. In this episode we talk about making a career out of webcomics, future plans for The Last Halloween, and running a successful Patreon. You can follow Abby on Twitter and Tumblr. 

Blain Hefner is a mixed media artist based in Texas. His work can be seen in gallery shows across the nation, including Hero Complex Gallery and Gallery 1988. In this episode, we talk about the inspiration for his sculptures, connecting with other artists, and the different mediums he uses for his amazing pieces. You can follow Blain on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter. 

Chris is the founder of Modern Vinyl, a website and podcast dedicated to all things vinyl and music. In this episode, we talk about Chris' experience hosting a panel at MondoCon 2015, the weirdest vinyls in his collection, and Modern Vinyl's newest addition to their podcast family, Pilot Study. You can follow Modern Vinyl on Facebook and Twitter and Chris on Twitter (He's private on Twitter but will totally add you. We talk about that too!).

Esther is the manager of Fantom Comics in DC. In this episode, we talk about leading and creating the programming for Small Press Expo, women in comics, and how animated Batman films aren't so kid friendly. Follow Esther and the adventures of Fantom Comics on Twitter and Facebook. 

Darren is the founder and co-host of the geek and movie podcast ITMODcast, aka In the Mouth of Dorkness. I listen to ITMODcast religiously and had to have Darren on the show. In this episode, we talk about starting a podcast, our love for the Alamo Drafthouse DC, and the time he asked Patton Oswalt to be a guest on ITMOD (there is a good chance it might happen too!). Follow ITMODcast on Facebook and Twitter.

Erica is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Minneapolis. I first met Erica at MondonCon 2015 and was mesmerized by her work. Some of her past clients include The Black Keys, Dave Matthews Band, and Surly Brewing. In this episode, we talk about her creative process, working long hours, and the need for more female designers. Follow Erica on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Instagram. 

Jonah Matranga (aka onelinedrawing) is a musician based in California. He's fronted bands like Far, Gratitude, and New End Original and contributed to releases by Thursday and Deftones. In this episode, we chat about the importance of being genuine with your work, how creative innovation can lead to sustaining your passion, and the importance of community. You can follow Jonah on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. 

Greg is the host of Debatable Podcast and All the Pieces Matter, a podcast about HBO's The Wire. In this episode, we talk about why it's important to have a creative outlet, landing interviews with big directors, and his comfort with tackling controversial topics. Follow Greg on Twitter @mistergreggles.