Today, J.C chats with writer/producer/director Kent Nichols, who in 2005 — along with co-creator Douglas Sarine — debuted a very strange, very funny and what would soon become a very influential video podcast called “Ask A Ninja.”

Since 2005, the show has been downloaded more than 100 million times, and has helped Kent and Douglas launch projects in mainstream publishing and filmmaking — including the recently-released The Ninja Handbook, and the upcoming remake of the awesome cult classic comedy, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. Kent chats about both of those projects here today.

Also in this interview, Kent discusses the beginnings of “Ask A Ninja” — which was originally envisioned as an animated project — its success, finding one’s way in the filmmaking and new media spaces and a lot more. Whether you’re a fan of “Ask A Ninja” or an aspiring creator, Kent provides plenty of insight into the creative process, and the business of entertainment.

Find Kent Nichols on the World Wide Everywhere*:

• AskANinja.com, home of the video podcast
• KentNichols.com, Kent’s personal blog (a must-read)
• AskANinjaBook.com, for all things The Ninja Handbook
  
• Fans.AskANinja.com
• Call the Ninja’s cell phone via SayNow
  

PROMOS:

• The Skeptical Viewer
• AriseBiology.Chipin.com, benefiting author/teacher Chris Lester’s biology class
• The Legion Of Lethargic Super Geeks
• Piggy Moto, All Star Boar Band
  

Coming next week: The return of J.C.’s 7th Son: OBSIDIAN short story antholgy!

*Yes, this line was shamelessly swiped from an AAN episode.

While Douglas and Kent Nichols (whose own UltraCreatives interview will debut tomorrow) are credited as co-creators of the show, the Ninja reveals in this interview how he recruited the duo to bring Ninja Knowledge to the world, after receiving permission from ninja Grand Master Kudamono to do so.

Douglas and the Ninja also discuss the success and history of the “Ask A Ninja” podcast, the awesomeness of being a ninja, and the now-available The Ninja Handbook, the official guide to becoming a near-ninja (which was painfully transcribed by Douglas and Kent). The book is the embodiment of all that is Awesome.

During this interview, the Ninja also reveals the name of his ninja clan, the design of his clan’s flag, how his life has changed since the podcast debuted … and shares all of this wisdom while doing battle with fierce creatures.

Find Douglas and The Ninja on the World Wide Everywhere*:

• AskANinja.com, home of the video podcast
  
• AskANinjaBook.com, for all things The Ninja Handbook
  
• Fans.AskANinja.com
• Call the Ninja’s cell phone via SayNow
  

In the episode intro, J.C. announces the imminent return of 7th Son: OBSIDIAN, and that it will conclude in three weeks.

PROMOS:

• The John Payne Fancast
• The Earth Brakiri War, a fan-created Babylon 5 game
• The Questers From Effpiem, available at JackMangan.com

Coming tomorrow: The second “Ask A Ninja” UltraCreatives interview with Kent Nichols!

*This line was shamelessly swiped from an AAN episode.

There have been some tremendous developments in Mur’s career since she last appeared on the show back in February. J.C. and Mur discuss her novel Playing for Keeps, and how it was recently purchased by indie publisher Swarm Press for mainstream release. Mur also chats about the reactivation of her “Stories of the Third Wave” podcast, her ambition to rush the Amazon.com charts on August 25 and much more. It’s a fun, fascinating interview.

Find Mur Lafferty on the World Wide Everywhere:

• The “portal” site for all her creative projects, Murverse.com
• The official Playing for Keeps website, PlayingForKeepsNovel.com
• The Amazon.com product page for Playing For Keeps (but PLEASE wait until Aug. 25 to purchase!)

In the intro to this episode, J.C. also explains just where the hell he’s been for the past three weeks, what commitments have kept him from releasing 7th Son: OBSIDIAN content, and when that content will return to the feed. (Hint: It’s goddamned soon.)

As promised, here are links to some important sites (including MINE, J.C.’s new pop culture blog project) and some writing he’s done in recent weeks.

• MINE, the new pop culture blog from Myxer.com
• What is MINE? MINE is yours
• Help spread the MINE meme
• Please help fellow Beta Clone and artist Carlos Weiser become a pro-published comic book artist!
• On Twitter, and the Great Unfollowing of 2008
• Learning from King and Whedon, and getting out of the ghetto

In this terrific chat, Tee and Pip discuss their new promotion called “Double Trouble,” and how you can help them make an impact at Amazon.com on August 8th. It’s a double whammy of awesome.

Find Tee Morris and Philippa Ballantine on the World Wide Everywhere:

• All the skinny on the Double Trouble promotion
• Tee Morris’ website: TeeMorris.com
• Morris’ Billibub Baddings podcast novel
• Link to the free PDF of The Case of the Pitcher’s Pendant: A Billibub Baddings Mystery
• Philippa Ballantine’s website: PJBallantine.net
• Ballantine’s Chasing the Bard podcast novel
• Like to the free PDF of Digital Magic

J.C. serves up a teaser regarding future author announcements (free swag is coming!), and encourages folks to visit JohnAlphaForPresident.com to snag a free “John Alpha ’08″ bumper sticker…

PROMOS:

• The Elmocast
• Sci-Fi Surplus
• Hell to Hell podcast novel

Coming up tomorrow in the podcast feed: A fun OBSIDIAN short-short starring the cast of The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd!

Matt is the author of Brave Men Run: A Novel Of the Sovereign Era, a groundbreaking novel that was released in several forms — including print — in 2005. Now nearly three years later, independent publisher Swarm Press has picked up the novel for mainstream release. In this conversation, Matt chats about Brave Men Run and how he’s promoting it. He also shares his scrappy artistic roots and how they greatly influenced his lifelong “Do It Yourself” philosophy.

Coolest of all, Matt announces some exclusive information about his ambitious plans to rush the Amazon charts on July 13 (the book’s release date), the incredible all-day event he has planned … and something truly special that he hasn’t yet announced in the podosphere. It’s history making stuff, and you’ll hear about it here first in this UltraCreatives interview.

Find Matthew Wayne Selznick on the World Wide Everywhere:

• MattSelznick.com
• BraveMenRun.com (find a sample chapter here)
• Brave Men Run podiobook
• PURCHASE BRAVE MEN RUN ON JULY 13!

In the “talky talk” introduction to this episode, J.C. Hutchins reveals some developments in his own creative world, including:

• An upcoming interview on OnThePod, and a recent interview on Slice of Sci-Fi
• An update on where he stands in the editing process of the new novel he’s co-writing, Personal Effects: Dark Art
• The release date for the new novel, and how that affects the release of 7th Son: Descent
• A not-so-coy reveal on who’s “blurbing” the book

Coming up next in the podcast feed: FINALLY, the two “Voices From the Darkness” episodes J.C. owes listeners, and then more 7th Son: OBSIDIAN goodness as we roll into mid-week!

PROMOS:

• Brazilianisms Podcast
• ScatterPod: Dark
• Backseat Producers

J.R. is a writer, photographer, singer, podcaster, blogger, contortionist and performer. She’s incredibly gifted at all of these art forms, many of which skew toward the fantastical and horrific. In this interview, J.C. and J.R. Blackwell talk not only talk about her many projects, but also what  informs and unifies her creative style throughout these different media. It’s an incredible conversation, and J.C. was thrilled to have her on the show.

Find J.R. Blackwell on the World Wide Everywhere:

• JRBlackwell.com
• BlackwellVisions.com
• 365 Tomorrows website
• 365 Tomorrows podcast
• J.R. Blackwell’s Flickr site
• J.R. Blackwell’s 365 Days photo project

This is the first of two UltraCreatives interviews for this week. Watch the feed on July 1, when J.C. drops his interview with Matthew Wayne Selznick, author of the novel Brave Men Run.

Coming up in the podcast feed: Two “Voices From the Darkness” fan-created 7th Son: OBSIDIAN episodes, and then the first part of Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff’s epic OBSIDIAN story.

PROMOS:

• The Random Encounter Show
• MacMod podcast
• Lost Falchion podcast novel

Chris Miller is the co-founder of Podiobooks.com, a lead developer at Mahalo.com, a writer, podcaster and a personal friend. J.C. considers Chris Miller one of the kindest and smartest people he’s ever had the privilege to meet. This interview conversation covers the gamut: topics include Chris’ writing and podcasting, but the centerpiece of this conversation focuses on programming. You’re going to enjoy the twists and turns this conversation takes.

Find Chris Miller on the World Wide Everywhere:

• Unquiet Desperation
• The Secret Lair
• Shadowdance
• Podiobooks.com
• Mahalo.com

In the intro to this episode, J.C. explains why he won’t be on Twitter for a while, and suggests that you reach him here via blog comment, email or by calling the Clone Line at 206-984-2566.

PROMOS:

• The Parsec Awards
• The Metamor City podcast novel
• Chasing Shadows podcast novel

Cory is best-known as a pioneer in the Open Media movement and the “giving it away is okay” philosophy — releasing free versions of his fiction to evangelize and enhance the exposure of his printed work. He’s a trendsetter and visionary in this field. In addition, Cory is an activist, consumer advocate, and a co-editor for the culture blog, BoingBoing.net.

In this interview, Cory chats about his career as a writer, his activism, and Little Brother, which debuted in bookstores last week. Stick around after the interview: you’ll hear an excerpt from the novel, which is also available as a DRM-free audiobook from Random House Audio.

Find Cory Doctorow on the World-Wide-Everywhere:

• Cory’s personal blog, Craphound.com
  
• Little Brother in print
• Little Brother DRM-free audiobook (a Random House Audio first!)
• BoingBoing.net

Also mentioned in this episode:

• J.C. Hutchins has completed rewrites on his new novel (nicknamed “Code Phantom”)!
• The novel debuts next March
• Expect a full announcement regarding Code Phantom in the weeks ahead
• Later this week in a “Beta Clone Army Update” podcast, J.C. will explain why he’s been mum about the project so far

Spiffy reminder: The groundbreaking 7th Son: OBSIDIAN short story anthology debuts later this month! Catch up by listening to J.C.’s sci-fi thriller 7th Son podcast novel trilogy, found here.

But within podcasting, Mark is best known as an author, and one of the first three “inventors” of the podiobook. In early 2005, his book, The Pocket and the Pendant, debuted alongside the works of Scott Sigler and Tee Morris, and set a standard for story and production quality that’s still heard today.

J.C. chats with Mark about The Pocket and the Pendant, how he wrote and podcasted it … and also discusses some of his business ventures, and how they helped shape his novel writing career. Best of all, Mark has an exclusive announcement for the podcasting community and beyond. The UltraCreatives Interview Series is the first announcement of this anywhere, and J.C. was thrilled that Mark came on the podcast to share the news.

Expect a “Beta Clone Army” update episode later this week.

Find Mark Jeffrey on the World-Wide-Everywhere:

• Official website for the Max Quick series
• The Pocket and the Pendant at Podiobooks.com
• Mahalo.com

Promos:

• Mark’s exclusive announcement
• The ScotchCast

In the podcasting community, Jared is best-known for his “Stories from Free Planet X” podcast. J.C. Hutchins and Jared speak at length about that and his other creative endeavors. It’s a hoot, and you’ll learn a lot about the life of a multi-faceted artist.

There’s tons of news for listeners to learn about, including coverage in The Washington Post and the groundbreaking “audience participation” invitation for all 7th Son listeners for the 7th Son: OBSIDIAN short story anthology … but there’s no time to do it in this episode. Expect an informal “Beta Clone Army Update” episode in a day or two.

Find Jared Axelrod on the World-Wide-Everywhere:

• JaredAxelrod.com
• The Voice of Free Planet X
• Aliens You Will Meet

Promos:

• Spiritual Tramp blog
• Magic Wood Works blog

Chris has been a blogger for the past 10 years, is well-respected in the blogging and social media space, and is renowned for his accessibility, excellent writing, and ability to connect with his audience. Chris often evangelizes about social media trends — and we get into that in the interview — but J.C. also asks about Chris’ personality and world view, and the philosophies that power his daily life and adventures in social media.

The recording is a little noisy; through the miracle of Skype, J.C. chatted with Chris while Chris did some work at a coffee shop. The cheerful ambience adds to the listening experience. Enjoy the conversation!

Sites mentioned in this interview:

• Find Chris Brogan at ChrisBrogan.com
• PodCamp
• CrossTech Media
• Utterz
• Chris’ SXSW “Enter Sandman” Karaoke Apocalypse performance (Video #1 … Video #2)

Subscribe to the free UltraCreatives Interview Series podcast — and J.C.’s free sci-fi podcast novel trilogy, 7th Son — by visiting the Podcasting Primer page. Be sure to watch the short “C²G (click, click, get)” video for easy-peasy instructions on how to quickly subscribe to this award-winning content.

This week’s episode of UltraCreatives is sponsored by Audible. Begin your free trial today — and receive a free audiobook — by visiting AudiblePodcast.com/UltraCreative.

J.C.’s intro chatter includes:

• A big “thank you” to listeners who are spreading the word about Scott Sigler’s novel INFECTED, and its April 1 debut in bookstores everywhere. Continue to evangelize! Let’s get Scott on The New York Times bestseller list!
• Thanks to your feedback, J.C. will post informal “audioblog”-style updates in the podcast feed. Expect these to focus on his creative projects.

Promos:

• Scott Sigler’s INFECTED
• ClonePod podcast
• Flipping Channels podcast

Sigler has blazed new trails in publishing by podcasting his novels for the past three years … and now, just days away from the debut of his novel INFECTED in bookstores everywhere, Scott discusses his professional drive, his creative inspirations, his unique story in publishing, the INFECTED release … and even what frightens him.

This is a must-listen interview with the master of horror podfiction!

Links mentioned in the interview:

• ScottSigler.com
• Podiobooks.com
• InfectedNovel.com

Two calls to action in this week’s intro!

1. Would you like to hear informal “audioblog”-style podcast updates from J.C. Hutchins about his upcoming fiction projects? Send him an email and tell him so!
2. Spread the word for Sigler! Share this episode’s shownotes URL with your friends, family members and bloggers you admire. Tell them about Scott’s success story, and encourage them to evangelize this interview (which provides an excellent introduction to Scott and his work) on their own blogs. Let the world know about the April 1 release of INFECTED in bookstores everywhere!

Subscribe to the UltraCreatives Interview Series podcast — and J.C.’s free sci-fi podcast novel trilogy, 7th Son — by visiting the Podcasting Primer page. Be sure to watch the short “C²G (click, click, get)” video for easy-peasy instructions on how to quickly subscribe to this award-winning content.

Promos:

• SOBcon 2008
• Second Floor Lounge
• On the Podcast and Podcast Junky podcasts
• Persistent Spirit podcast novel

(Note: J.C. is aware that there’s a very brief “voiceover remnant” from the last UltraCreatives interview in this podcast. The interruption is two seconds long, and shouldn’t detract from your listening experience.)

Equally important, Guy shares practical insights on identifying worthwhile creative/business ideas, public speaking and more. This one’s a must-listen, folks.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Truemors.com
• Alltop.com
• Guy Kawasaki’s blog

Subscribe to the free UltraCreatives Interview Series podcast — and J.C.’s free sci-fi podcast novel trilogy, 7th Son — by visiting the Podcasting Primer page. Be sure to watch the short “C²G (click, click, get)” video for easy-peasy instructions on how to quickly subscribe to this award-winning content.

This week’s episode of UltraCreatives is sponsored by Audible. Begin your free trial today — and receive a free audiobook — by visiting AudiblePodcast.com/UltraCreative.

Pre-interview chatter notes: J.C. enlightens listeners on these cool topics…

• His new day gig at Myxer.com (Read more about how he landed the job in this blog post.)
• The groundbreaking 7th Son: OBSIDIAN short story anthology, coming in May

Promos:

• Scott Sigler’s Infected (in bookstores April 1)
• The world premiere of the Steampunk Spectacular promo
• The Secret Lair
• Into the Blender

Seth chats about his writing career, how he came to love the crime fiction genre, how his profession as an English teacher influences his writing (and vice versa), and more. It’s a fun, forthcoming interview by one of the biggest names in podcast fiction. There’s plenty to learn here for aspiring writers and fans of great, gritty fiction.

Find Seth Harwood on the ‘net:

• SethHarwood.com
• JackWakesUp.com
• Jack Wakes Up on Amazon (Remember: purchase on March 16, “Palms Sunday”)

Promos:

• PodCulture
• Diabetic In Candyland
• YourCre8tivity.com – Creative Adventures

During the chat, Jason explains the creative and business philosophies powering Mahalo.com, the creativity an entrepreneur needs to succeed, his personal drive (and the life experiences that defined it), and more. The interview is enlightening for aspiring entrepreneurs, or people pursuing any creative endeavor.

Links mentioned in this interview:

• Mahalo.com
• Calacanis.com

In addition, J.C. mentions the Blogger & Podcaster magazine cover story featuring him and fellow podcast novelists Scott Sigler and Mur Lafferty. Find the online version of the article (written by “The Bitterest Pill” host Dan Klass) at the Blogger & Podcaster website.

For newcomers to JCHutchins.net, welcome! Learn how to subscribe to J.C.’s 7th Son podcast novel thriller trilogy by visiting the Podcasting Primer page. For more info about 7th Son and its awesome fans, view this Summer 2007 media kit PDF.

J.C. and Mur talk about that, her first memories as a writer, what allured her to podcasting, and more. Of particular interest are her thoughts on her Heaven series of audio novellas, and the conclusion of her hit podiobook, Playing for Keeps. The interview is about 90 minutes long, but Mur’s conversation and anecdotes are stellar, and well worth the listen.

Find Mur’s work here:

• Playing for Keeps podiobook
• Heaven audio novellas
• MurLafferty.com

If all goes according to plan, next week’s guest will be entrepreneur and Mahalo.com founder Jason Calacanis.

During the chat J.C. and Jeff talk about PULVER.TV, the ultracreative drive of entrepreneurs, his passion for amateur radio, and a whole lot more. The conversation is both insightful and inspiring, and anyone with a creative streak will enjoy it.

Check out the great content at Pulver.TV here, and be sure to subscribe to his blog at JeffPulver.com.

Matt discusses his forthcoming short story collection The Next Fix (available from Apex Publishing in late March), his creative philosophy, current and future work … and gobs more.

You can check out Matt’s work at these fine online establishments:

• His personal website
• Variant Frequencies
• The Failed Cities Monologues at Podiobooks.com
• Apex Book Company (see also: Apex Digest)
• Murky Depths magazine

In the intro, J.C. talks up the new Fan Community section, plans for future podcasts, the new LOL7thSon photo gallery and more. Hella good times in this episode. Brace yourself for a “Real Genius” reference.

Promos:

• Transistor Rodeo podiobook
• Morning Call Time
• Apocalypse novel

In the interview, Patrick and Matt tell J.C. how they came to the film industry, the collaborative nature of movie-making, working with Fillion and Sackhoff, and much more. These guys embody J.C.’s “UltraCreatives” concept to the core, and it was an honor to have them on the podcast.

How can you help spread the word about White Noise 2?

• Podcasters: Toss the link to this interview in your podcast feed; J.C. will happily take the bandwidth hit. Direct link can be found here. (Standard MP3; interview duration: 1:36:23; file size: 88.3 MB — 92596195 bytes)
• Bloggers: Promote the interview on your site, and include a link to the audio interview. Link is here.
• Listeners: Contact friends and family about the film, and include a link to this blog page, or a direct link to the audio interview. Interview link is here.

Other links mentioned in the interview:

• White Noise 2 fan site
• Amazon link to White Noise 2 for purchase
• White Noise 2 page at Netflix

PLEASE support the hard work of Patrick, Matt and the rest of the White Noise 2 cast and crew by spreading the word and purchasing a copy of the film. Thanks!

In this interview, Stackpole chats about the podiobook release of his novel Fortress Draconis, his career, and more. Find out more about Stackpole and his work at StormWolf.com. Stackpole also co-hosts the Dragon Page Cover to Cover podcast.

Also mentioned in this interview is Stackpole’s brilliantly-crafted The Pulling Report.

Promos:

• Into the Dark
• Insomnia Radio
• Crescent
• Jack Palms 2: This Is Life

Find out more about Olivier and Missing Pages at www.Speaking-Pictures.com.

Listeners curious to learn more about Butoh dance (mentioned in the interview) can visit its Wikipedia page.

Missing Pages was inspired by the French film, La Jetée. Learn about the film at IMDB and Wikipedia.