The final chapter of my Jesse Blaze Snider origin story! After years of working as a writer in comics and entertainment, I decided it was time to try something completely different: becoming an independent publisher. I went after licenses from Disney and The Muppets, built projects of my own, but I was reinventing Evil Ernie for Dynamite, the character created by my personal friend and teenage mentor Brian Pulido, the straw that finally BROKE the camel's back and launched me into the independent world in the first place? Find out inside. This is the story of taking everything I’d learned as a writer and trying to build something that was entirely my own. The final chapter of the journey, from working for the industry to trying to begin a NEW industry.

On this episode of Coolest Alive, the story continues. In Part 3 of my origin series, I take you behind the scenes of my career as a professional writer, working with Marvel, DC, Disney, Pixar, The Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and just about every major publisher under the sun. I share how these opportunities came together, fell apart, and what it was really like working on some of the world’s biggest characters, and why the comic book industry that helped build my career also nearly broke me. This is the next chapter of the journey; the victories, the lessons, and the reality behind the dream.

On this episode of Coolest Alive, the story continues! In Part 2 of my origin series, I dive into how I discovered my passion for writing, the high school class that gave me the confidence to pursue it, and the winding road that led me into the comic book industry. From writing for Marvel’s Deadpool and Hulk to DC, creating Dead Romeo, penning a Batman inventory story, and working on Toy Story, The Muppets, and more, this is the behind-the-scenes story of how a lifelong fan became a professional writer. If you’ve ever wondered how careers in comics really begin, this chapter is for you.

Today’s episode is a special one. Years ago, when Coolest Alive was just getting started, I recorded the first chapter of my origin story, but almost nobody heard it. After a dentist appointment left my voice sounding a little off, I figured this was the perfect time to dust it off, revisit it, and finally give it the audience it deserves. In Part 1, I take you back to the beginning, sharing the people, experiences, triumphs, and challenges that shaped who I am long before the podcasts, comics, music, and everything else you’ve come to know me for. If you’ve ever wondered how I became the Coolest Alive, this is where the story begins.

From Smash to Supercharged, Jesse Blaze Snider takes a deep dive into one of the most consistently great bands in rock: The Offspring. In this episode of Coolest Alive, Jesse shares his personal journey with the band, revisits every studio album, highlights the biggest hits and hidden gems, and explores what makes Dexter Holland and company so special. From their unmistakable soaring vocals and razor-sharp sense of humor to decades of unforgettable hooks, discover why The Offspring have remained one of punk rock’s most reliable and entertaining bands for over 40 years.

Want to get into comic books but have no idea where to start? This episode of Coolest Alive is your complete roadmap. Host Jesse Blaze Snider shares more than 101 hand-picked recommendations covering Marvel, DC, Image, independent comics, graphic novels, and the greatest jumping-on points for legendary characters like Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, the X-Men, the Avengers, and countless others. Drawing from years of helping new readers through his “I Don’t Know Shit About Comics” convention program, Jesse breaks down exactly where beginners should start, how longtime fans can discover new favorites, and what makes comics one of the most rewarding storytelling mediums ever created. Whether you’re buying your very first comic or looking to rekindle your love of the hobby, this episode is the ultimate guide to falling in love with comic books.

Most people think the Multiverse began with Marvel movies, Spider-Verse, or modern science fiction, but the truth is far stranger. This week on Coolest Alive, Jesse Blaze Snider takes a deep dive into the real history of alternate realities, parallel worlds, and infinite universes. From DC Comics’ landmark “Flash of Two Worlds” and classic stories like The Man in the High Castle, to ancient religious texts, mystical traditions, psychological theories, and modern pop culture phenomena, we trace the evolution of one of humanity’s most fascinating ideas. Whether you see the Multiverse as science fiction, spiritual truth, philosophical thought experiment, or all three, this episode explores where the concept came from, how it evolved, and why we’re more obsessed with it today than ever before.

On episode #375 of Coolest Alive, host Jesse Blaze Snider takes you deep into the extraordinary musical journey of his father, the legendary Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER! From the anthems that defined a generation with TS to the heavier, darker edge of Widowmaker and even the unexpected corners of his songwriting career, including writing for artists like Celine Dion, this episode explores the full scope of a career built on fearless creativity, storytelling, and pure rock energy. But this isn’t just a biography; it’s a firsthand perspective. Jesse grew up inside the world of one of rock’s most iconic voices, and brings a personal, behind-the-scenes lens to the music, the moments, and the mindset that shaped it all. If you think you know Dee Snider, this episode shows you the full picture, and if you don’t, this is the perfect place to start.