Americo Alvarenga is a writer who has worn many hats in film, television, video games and comics. His latest project, a graphic novel called DirtBags that he co-created with illustrator Madison Lee (hear from her on episode #151), was recently released.

Americo is the person behind the story and the words for this engaging graphic novel that’s set in Lithgow, Australia. It features June and King, who have unique abilities and are up for the challenge of taking on the paranormal and urban legends that are attracted to small towns.

He’s originally from San Francisco, California but over a decade ago he followed his heart and moved to Canberra, Australia. Americo has continued honing his craft as a writer and sees comics as creative vehicles for exploring the ideas of what we can be if we only try.

On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Americo about what drew him to storytelling, how he gets a story idea out of his head and onto the page, and the value of collaborating with fellow creatives.

Say hi to Americo:
Instagram - @americo76 and @dirtbagscomic
Facebook - /Americo76
Threads - @americo76
Bluesky - @captainamerico

----
Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram: @creativepulsepodcast

Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Madison Lee is a professional illustrator, mangaka, graphic novelist and fine artist who is all about creating intricate, hand-inked pieces with a fantasy flair. She specializes in traditional, pen and ink illustrations with a mixed media twist.

She’s the founder of MadDog Ink and her most recent project is a 100% hand drawn, painted and lettered graphic novel called DirtBags that she co-created in collaboration with writer Americo Alvarenga (stay tuned to hear from him on an upcoming episode!). This comic was recently launched and they have been busy doing signings at shops, exhibiting at comic conventions, and meeting the people who are already loving the characters and the story.

On this episode, host Angela de Burger chats with Madison about why she wanted to handcraft every aspect of her new graphic novel and the value of collaborations for creative projects.

Say hi to Madison:
Website - maddogink.com.au
Instagram - @inkedbymadisonlee and @dirtbagscomic
TikTok - @inkedbymadisonlee
Patreon - /Maddogink

----
Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram: @creativepulsepodcast

Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

For episode #150, host Angela de Burger welcomes her brother Kevin Howe to the podcast. He’s a percussionist, composer and producer who specializes in reggae and West African percussion, and his musical journey has led him to learning and performing all over the world.

Kevin fell in love with playing the djembe over 20 years ago and since then he has studied with djembe masters and played with several bands. He is a founding member of Reggaddiction, an 11-piece reggae band that fuses the timeless rhythms of Jamaican reggae with Canadian influences.

Kevin is also a composer and music producer. He has recorded his songs in some of the most iconic studios in the reggae world, including Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica, which was founded by the legendary Bob Marley.

Playing live is still a thrill for him, and with 50+ shows per year, he gets to make music with friends and create incredible experiences for, and with, audiences near and far.

On this episode, Angela chats with Kevin about how he discovered his love for playing the djembe, his experience learning from djembe masters and community members in the Ivory Coast, his collaborations with fellow musicians, and his creative process when writing and recording songs.

Say hi to Kevin:
Instagram - @heydjembe

----
Creative Pulse Podcast socials:
Instagram: @creativepulsepodcast

Music credit: https://www.purple-planet.com