About the host, Maria (she/her)
Hi! I’m Maria, and I’m a professional podcast host & interviewer AND I’m also an indie cartoonist — I love talking to other cartoonists about what they’re up to and what’s on their minds, so I thought I’d put my two worlds together and interview cartoonists.
As a podcaster & interviewer: I am a professional podcast host with a daily show in the technology sector (T-Minus Space Daily). In addition to hosting a daily show, I have guested in a number of major technology podcasts and have also had recurring guest appearances on NPR segments. I’ve interviewed NASA astronauts and administrators (as they are sometimes both), philosophers, authors, engineers, fashion designers, futurists, skeptics… and of course, artists! On the complete opposite end of the spectrum of professional podcast work, I also have a very UNprofessional, raucous podcast I’ve been doing for several years with a good friend of mine (Sticky Pickles).
As an artist: I’ve been bringing my comics to shows since about 2014. (As with so many of us… been making them as long as I can remember.) I’ve tabled a few times at MICE, and won both a mini-grant and honorary mention from MICE, as well as a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for my comics work. I have contributed to published anthologies, some zines, and have also done some cartooning work on a freelance basis for corporate clients. And I had an awesome time taking Paul Karasik’s summer graphics novel workshop in 2019 at the Center for Cartoon Studies. I tend to focus on memoir-style work but also dabble in science fiction. (You can find out more about my cartooning work here.)
My personality is jovial and open, and I take my role as a host very seriously. I aim to embody the full meaning of the word "host," not just for my listeners but also for my guests. I'm not interested in making anyone look bad or feel bad, I want whoever I interview to have a great time.
My name is Greek, and it is pronounced "ma-REE-ah var-MAH-ziss."
Instagram: @mvarmazisart.