Do you know you’re still an animal? How do you care for your animal? Listen and settle into sensation, instinct, quiet observation. Your body knows how to be animal, just listen, and draw it out.

This one’s gonna hurt. And that’s okay, pain is part of life. We all feel it, so let’s give it the grace of our attention.

Zareen is relatively new to the comics scene, but her clear ambitions and community-building projects are a beacon for artists living with chronic health and disability experiences. As a person with chronic pain and disabilities myself, I was so excited to connect with Zareen, and you’ll hear me reaching with my words toward things I haven’t yet imagined, because our shared experiences allow me to try.

I’d been told I need unwinding for my drawing parts, after years of habits and strain have wound me tight. What it means may be different for each of us, and this practice is a method to find out for yourself. Unwinding, for a long and happy life in drawing ✨

Today’s guest is MK Czerwiec, one of the stewards of the Graphic Medicine International Collective (GMIC) and co-host of the Graphic Medicine Podcast that I was a guest on this month. Podcast swap!

It turns out Maureen and I are very similar, which was an absolute delight for us - and I hope it will be for you too! 

We talk about Maureen’s new book, Sleepless Planet, the health term “exposome,” colonial-capitalist inventions of health and disease, perimenopause mistakes, neglected powers of breathing, birthing, and sleeping, and MORE. 

What movements do you do every day? What shapes and motions do you NEVER make?

What about when you're drawing?

This practice is a gentle space to observe your movement habits in drawing, to not judge them, and to play with other possibilities of motion and feeling.

Yumi is a comics artist, meditator, creativity leader, and lovely human being. On my first ever podcast interview, she kept asking ME questions! Such is her curiosity and supportive nature.

Our conversation roams between our (villain) origin stories, meditation, activism, personal and collective healing, and the many forms of creativity that happen in every day life.

DHPOD Episode 2: Listening Now (body awareness practice and guided meditation)

If you’re just starting to listen to your body, it’s gonna hurt.

Why? Because your body has been trying to get your attention, crying out in pain or numbing out in helplessness. The first thing you’ll hear, when you start listening, might be aaaaaaaallll that pain at once…

We were thrilled to partner with the Graphic Medicine International Collective (GMIC) for a 3 day online Graphic Medicine Summit between July 18-20, 2025. This summit featured comic readings, workshops and panel discussions, as well as the GMIC Graphic Medicine Awards. Artists, publishers and attendees joined from all around the world. It was an amazing experience and for anyone who missed it, the recordings can be enjoyed right here. 

Join us July 28th for a Field Guide to Graphic Literature Book Launch in Gainesville, FL with Tom Hart!

The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Graphic Literature gives readers unprecedented insight into the techniques of 28 of today’s most innovative creators of poetry comics, graphic narratives, and image-text hybrids. With original craft essays, corresponding exercises, and full-color examples of their work, each contributor offers reflection and instruction informed by their own methods and processes. Edited by Tom Hart @hutchowen and Kelcey Ervick @kelcey.parker.ervick@thirdhousebooks

If you’re going to be in Brooklyn, NY at the beginning of October, check out SAW instructors Jess Ruliffson and Beth Trembley as they separately discuss healing and graphic storytelling at the Brooklyn Book Festival!

Returning for the September edition of SAW student interviews, where SAW members discuss their experience as comics creators. Conducted by Donna Druchunas and featuring California-based artist, Naomi Volain.

“Once, years ago, while walking her dogs in the woods, Elizabeth found a dead body. “ Library Journal review of Look Again, a recent Graphic Memoir by SAW Graphic Memoir Instructor, Elizabeth Trembley.

This is the first in a series of interviews with SAW students discussing their experience as comics creators. Conducted by Donna Druchunas and featuring Minnesota-based graphic storyteller, Lynn Von Sien.

We all have different set-ups, different positions we like to be in when we draw, different places we like to work. Whatever your way of working, if you’re having BACK-PAINS, WRIST PAIN, NECK PAIN, or more, check out this great read!