The Cartoon Pad

Rich Sparks: Black Socks, Bad Ideas, and the Comedy of Imperfection This week on The Cartoon Pad, Marty and Shaw welcome the wonderfully unclassifiable Rich Sparks—cartoonist, musician, testicle enthusiast, and one of the most delightfully strange voices in modern gag cartooning. If you’ve stumbled across Sparks on Facebook or in places like The New Yorker, Air Mail, American Bystander, or Weekly Humorist, you already know: his cartoons arrive like a tonic in a sea of sameness.We dive into Rich’s peculiar visual universe—mid-century characters in horn-rim glasses, men inexplicably wearing black socks and dress shoes while otherwise naked, and the eternal comic truth that imperfection is funnier than perfection. Along the way we discuss cartoon influences (M.K. Brown, Everett Peck, Cal Schenkel), the mysterious durability of tardigrades, and why pudgy, vulnerable humans make better comedy than flawless ones.Rich also shares his unusual path into publishing cartoons—selling from his very first New Yorker batch, yet originally planning a career in illustration instead of gag cartoons. We talk sketchbooks, Facebook as a public cartoon laboratory, and the slow grind of finding your line after years of hating your own drawings.Plus: Chicago trivia, band life in power-pop groups, trade-journal illustration gigs, the lost art of drawing weird things that make people slightly uncomfortable—and Rich’s new collection Horseshoes and Tardigrades: And other drawings by Rich Sparks, a book packed with the kind of offbeat, beautifully odd humor that only Sparks seems able to deliver. Come for the cartoon craft, stay for the socks-and-shoes philosophy of comedy. Follow Rich on Facebook or Instagram (@rich.sparks) for a steady stream of wonderfully inappropriate cartoons.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Tom Toro: Soft Lines, Sharp Jabs, and Jokes that Whisper Before They Wallop! This week on The Cartoon Pad, Bob (in spirit, he's away), Shaw, and Marty welcome Tom Toro—the New Yorker stalwart whose gentle washes and calm, cat-like characters set up sneakily subversive gags. We get into process (ideas first, then drawings that don’t overact), the long grind of early submissions, and the craft of making captions optional without losing the punch. We roam the canon and the shop talk: playing with tropes (the Grim Reaper’s better lines), New Yorker fact-checks in the wild (left-handed infields, mayflies, and a note about lion manes you have to hear to believe), and cover art (those Thanksgiving turkeys in Groucho glasses). Tom also dives into kids’ books (Crocodiles Need Friends Too), where the figures get friendlier but the humor still bites. Plus: Barsotti and Ziegler lore, WC Fields detours, accordion-theft home invasions, and Tom’s new collection And to Think We Started as a Book Club (Andrews McMeel; distributed by Simon & Schuster)—a perfect palate-cleanser between your book club’s 500-page epics. Find Tom at tomtoro.com and on Instagram. Buy his book hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Bold Lines, Pocket Gags, and a Cat from the ’70s! This episode of The Cartoon Pad, Bob and Shaw beam across the pond to Margate—15 floors up, sea view included—to visit the brilliantly dry and dangerously efficient Jeremy Banx. You’ve seen Banx’s sharp, caption-light missiles in Private Eye, Punch, the Mail on Sunday, and most famously the Financial Times, where he files a daily pocket cartoon—yes, daily—often with about an hour to nail the drawing after the greenlight. No pressure! We talk the craft, the toolkit, and the grind. Along the way: why tiny newsprint murders fussy cross-hatching, how a “pocket cartoon” wedges perfectly where writers ran out of words, and why simplicity isn’t simple—it’s ruthless editing. There’s Brit-vs-Yank banter, a quick detour through British comedy DNA, and a love letter to gag cartoons that travel without captions. Banx also teases current side quests: a book project called “’70s Cat” (think minimal, mischievous, delightfully mew-sic), plus a film script and a novel collab—because one daily deadline apparently wasn’t enough. Come for the shop talk, stay for the chessboard with no legal moves, and leave wanting to throw away half your lines. Find Banx on Instagram/BlueSky/Twitter at @banxcartoons.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Today’s guest is the great John Cuneo—an illustrator so beloved, his sketchbooks should come with a warning label (and possibly a therapist’s number). You’ve seen his brilliant, bizarre, and sometimes blush-worthy work in The New Yorker, Esquire, and The Atlantic Monthly. Of course, Michael only wants to talk about the naughty bits. Bob tries to keep things classy. Chaos ensues.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This episode of The Cartoon Pad welcomes cartoonist, comic and author Jason Chatfield, His new book with Scott Dooley, "You're not a real dog owner until..." is out now. We chat with Jason about his Process Junkie substack and how his mitigation of social media lets him be much more social! Get the book! https://www.jasonchatfield.com/store/signed-copy-of-youre-not-a-real-dog-owner-untilBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This time on the Pad we chat with Hollywood go-getter, the multi-talented Don Young! From humble beginnings in Toronto, to NYC for acting in TV & Film, to Hollywood, selling screenplays to Carl Reiner and playing pool with Sammy Davis Jr. (after acting together in Cannonball Run). Hanging out with Hannah & Barbara, and chatting with Fara Fawcett about theater... Don has some STORIES! Plus he wrote for Inspector Gadget, Marty's favorite childhood show. He's got a new YA series called THE 4MIDABLES! GO GO Gadget check it out!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

On today’s Cartoon Pad, the award-winning New Yorker cartoonist, author, teacher, TED Talk speaker and film producer and director, Liza Donnelly. Her new film project Women Laughing is a featured kickstarter now, check it out and get some great perks! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/womenlaughingfilm/women-laughingBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

‘Get Back,’ the episode the public has been hankering for. The boys are back to discuss art and the craft of gag cartooning but never do quite get to it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This holiday episode of The Cartoon Pad offers yuletide greetings, lots of myrrh, some occasional chuckles, and a lot holiday cheer!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This episode of The Cartoon Pad, the boys do a solid for the writing & cartooning community by having on Substack superstar, James Breakwell (Exploding Unicorn) share his newsletter tips. https://explodingunicorn.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This episode on The Cartoon Pad we chat with cartoonist, playwright, film maker, and author Brandon Hicks. Brandon's cartoons have graced the pages of The American Bystander, National Lampoon, and Weekly Humorist. His new book 'The History of Human Achievement: A Beezle, Buzzle, & Barb Book' is out now.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

You asked for it, you got it: Two Aussies who have to both be stand-ups, both work for The New Yorker, and both have a new book coming out…humorists Scott Dooley & Jason Chatfield. Pick up the hilarious book, "You're Not A Real Parent Until..." today! More info at https://yourenotareal.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Thurber, Thurber, Thurber. That’s all we talk about. Acclaimed poet, bestseller, illustrator and Thurber scholar, Michael Rosen, joins the podcast for this must listen to for any gag cartoonist.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This episode of The Cartoon Pad welcomes the talented, funny, and so interesting Sarah Morrissette. From California to a Greek island to a hippie commune in Northern CA, then finally to Vienna, Sarah has many fascinating tales and we were happy to get to chat with her about her life and work. Her cartoons have appeared in Air Mail, Alta, American Bystander, Funny Times, Weekly Humorist, and many others. See her lovely paintings and all her cartoons at https://morrissette.at/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Jets, nibs, poop…we cover it all on this very special episode of The Cartoon Pad starring New Yorker cartoonist, Lars Kenseth. See more of Lars' work at https://www.larskenseth.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

In this episode The Cartoon Pad welcomes author and cartoonist Ali Solomon who shares her secrets of success. Bob and Shaw remember some old New Yorker cartoon editors and how they might have received form rejections from Ali as an intern. Marty adds more sound effects to the show. See Ali's work and links to all her books at https://www.ali-solomon.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

The guys catch up on all things cartooning. Shaw's interruptions of Bob finally erupt and Marty plays with his new sound effects machine. It's one to miss! Also we praise recent cartoons and mentions by Dave Gomberg, Drew Panckeri, Hilary Campbell, Nick Downes, Sam Gross, and Jason Chatfield. Image is Bob's most recent in The New Yorker!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

In this episode of The Cartoon Pad, rocket-scientist-turned-New Yorker-cartoonist, Pat Byrnes chats with Bob and Michael about cartoons and his new business The Drawing Board.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

New Yorker cartoonist Drew Dernavich and host of the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest Paul Nesja come on the show to talk cartoons and their new project together at Nesja Press! https://nesjapress.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

The decorated author and New Yorker cartoonist, Ken Krimstein talks about his interesting journey from advertising and teaching to illustrating the most important movements in history.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Special installment sharing memories of the late master George Booth with New Yorker cartoonist David Borchart.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

A special Charles Addams episode with producer, writer and the director of the Tee and Charles Addams Foundation, H. Kevin Miserocchi. Warning: Contains adult content to hopeful boost ratings.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Special Halloween episode featuring Frankenstein cartoon collector, writer, producer and co-founder of ADDAMSFEST, the annual Charles Addams Festival, Ron MacCloskey.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

The new National Cartoonist Society’s Gag Cartoonist of the Year recipient, Chris Weyant, pays the boys a visit on the Cartoon Pad, which at the top of the show promised to be better.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Mick Stevens is one of the best gag cartoonists of our generation and he discusses his process and his body of work on this special episode of The Cartoon Pad.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This episode on The Cartoon Pad is cartoonist, illustrator and book maker Dan Misdea! His work has appeared in The New Yorker, Air Mail, Narrative, Reader’s Digest, Weekly Humorist, and The Funny Times. He has a new children’s book coming out next year with Penguin, the big publisher not the flightless bird. See his work at https://danmisdea.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Cartoonist Teresa Burns Parkhurst is sharp, kooky and a whole load of fun on this latest episode of The Cartoon Pad Podcast. We cover killer fruits and greeting cards—this is a must listen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

The Cartoon Pad is back on track with one of the hottest cartoonists right now, Ivan Ehlers, most famous for his work in MAD magazine, The New Yorker and pushing everyone's envelope, whatever that means. See his work at https://www.instagram.com/ivan_ehlers/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

The first Cartoon Pad episode focused on publishing with special guest illustrator/writer Mike Cavallaro (Free Speech Handbook, Nico Bravo) who shares trade secrets. Must listen for anyone breaking into the book business. Check out all of Mike's work! http://www.mikecavallaro.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Special episode of The Cartoon Pad for anyone inspiring to be an editorial cartoonist. Award-winning editorial cartoonist Bill Bramhall of The New York Daily News shares his insight into his craft.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This episode The Cartoon Pad welcomes MAD illustrator Ed Steckley! Ed is an amazing caricaturist and illustrator, his new book, "Rube Goldberg and His Amazing Machines" (written by Brandon T Snider) is out now! He discusses his beginnings, his time at MAD as well as his many Rube Goldberg books! See all of Ed's work here https://www.edsteckley.com/ and get his book here https://amzn.to/3H2sCkUBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

The pad goes LIVE to answer cartoon questions. Bob discusses cartoon tropes and Shaw balances a cat on his neck. You won't want to miss this one.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This episode on The Cartoon Pad the guys welcome Too Much Coffee Man, Shannon Wheeler to share his colorful stories of his career- creating legendary underground comics, operas, books, and loads more! Pick up some of his work at http://www.tmcm.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This week The Cartoon Pad has on the new Gag Cartoonist of the Year winner as recently selected by the National Cartoonist Society, Ellis Rosen. Ellis is a wonderfully talented New Yorker cartoonist, and his new book, with Jon Adams, 'Send Help' A collection of marooned cartoons, is available now. LINK: https://amzn.to/3rxizjvBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

One of the most prolific cartoonists in the New Yorker, Michael Maslin comes on the show to chew the fat about everything cartoon-eccentric from Peter Arno to his own cartooning today. Topics range from James Thurber to Charles Addams to stacking wood. Must Listen to Cartoon Pad!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This episode of The Cartoon Pad chats with cartoonist, author, and comedy performer Hilary Campbell! We discuss her lifelong obsession with true crime, which led to her new book, "Murder Book" Out now. See more of her work at http://www.cartoonsbyhilary.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

One of the most prolific and decorated in cartooning, Peter Kuper, hangs out at the Cartoon Pad to explain why he is so driven and so dog-gone politically charged. Check out all of his books, see his work, and upcoming events at https://www.peterkuper.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This episode of The Cartoon Pad we chat with comic book writing icon Ron Marz! He's truly a master of comic multi-universes, well known for his work on Silver Surfer and Green Lantern, as well as the Marvel vs DC crossover and Batman/Aliens. He also worked on the CrossGen Comics series Scion, Mystic, Sojourn, and The Path. At Dark Horse Comics he created Samurai: Heaven and Earth and various Star Wars comics. Marz’ current project is RESOLUTION— an epic tale of an outer-space corps of heroes who return from their world of solitude to bring a former arch-nemesis to justice. RESOLUTION is an epic new tale by the masters of cosmic storytelling, presented as an oversized hardcover graphic novel.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

BONUS CONTENT: A Cartoon Pad mini podcast recording drama queen co-host Bob Eckstein’s dismay at co-host Michael Shaw’s appearance on the competing Cartoon Caption Contest podcast and why Michael can’t be interesting on HIS own podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This episode of The Cartoon Pad welcomes the amazing Marisa Acocella. Marisa, who after being an art director at a major Madison Avenue ad agency went on to become a New York Times bestseller and renown New Yorker cartoonist. She is also a very active philanthropist, creating a foundation to help breast cancer patients. Her new book 'The Big She-Bang: The Herstory of the Universe According to God the Mother' is available now.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Today’s episode the Cartoon Pad answers the question, where in the world is Matt Diffee? The beloved speaker, writer, cartoonist and The Rejection Collection editor, Matt Diffee shares what he's been up to on this special 100th Anniversary Episode (if you don’t count the other 90 episodes we still need to tape.).Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This very special episode The Cartoon Pad talks to Jessica Ziegler, the Marketing Director of the CartoonStock and daughter of cartoon great Jack Ziegler. The talk veers away from cartooning to the Pixies, the Beatles and running Michael over in a Volkswagen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This week's guest, Ron Barrett is at the top of the children’s book mountain and one of the most accomplished cartoonists in the business. He has done 26 books for children and adults and appears regularly in the New York Times. His work has been exhibited around the world including in the Times Best Illustrations of the Past 20 Years exhibit at the Society of Illustrators. His 'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs' has been selected one of the NY Times Ten Best Illustrated Books and sold over six million copies and was made into two motion pictures. Ron was a mainstay of The National Lampoon, creating many pieces including its most popular comic strip, Politenessman, as well as being the last Art Director. His wonderful illustrations can be seen in the new book, 'The Witch Demands a Retraction: Fairy Tale Reboots For Adults' by Melissa Balmain, available now.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

The Cartoon Pad welcomes cartoon great Sam Gross. Do not listen and operate heavy machinery during this one. Must-hear life lessons from the Great One.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

The great Mort Gerberg drops by and talks about his decorated career as a writer, illustrator and cartoonist and shares how he celebrated his 90th birthday skiing in a blizzard. A great episode as there is very little Bob or Michael included in this one.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This week cartoonist, illustrator, stand-up and actor Jason Chatfield talks about starting out in the outback of Australia to become a star on TV and in the cartoon community, becoming the youngest ever President of the National Cartoonists’ Society, getting Covid and his cool Chis Rock story. To see Jason's work and books go to https://www.jasonchatfield.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

Cartoon great and performer Victoria Roberts drops by the Cartoon Pad to share stories of her fascinating career. Hosts Michael Shaw and Bob Eckstein are still working out kinks on their podcast and have not killed each other yet. Follow Victoria Roberts on @TNYcartoonistVR and see her work at victoriaroberts.net.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This week the Cartoon Pad talks with the one and only Sam Viviano of MAD magazine fame and misfortune. We delve into Sam’s start, his acclaimed career and his take on MAD’s end.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This week the guys welcome one of England’s finest artists––cartoonist and graphic novelist Carol Issacs. From London, Carol discusses her award-winning multi-media project, The Wolf of Baghdad, performing with Sinead O’Connor and the Indigo Girls. Carol is known throughout the cartoon world as The Surreal McCoy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.

This week the guys celebrate the launch of the Cartoon Pad with one of the best gag cartoonists of our generation, Nick Downes. Nick discusses his work process and shares a couple of war stories from being a ghost writer for Charles Addams to his years at National Lampoon to creating the most iconic cartoons of the past twenty years.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-cartoon-pad--4859856/support.