The Antagonist is an independent blog that is writer-owned, writer-edited and writer-run.
In a world gone mad, maybe the antagonist isn’t necessarily the ‘bad guy.’ And what is the bad guy anymore, anyway? What’s Star Wars without Darth Vader? Who’s John McClane without Hans Gruber? We’re closer to Heinz Doofenshmirtz than Hannibal Lecter, but we’re going to call it like we see it and damn the torpedoes.
Editorial Staff

Thor Benander is the Editor-in-Chief of The Antagonist and a father of four. He’s a lover of ancient history, Greek food, and sports. He loves to travel and thinks that if libraries were the center of American society, many things would improve overnight. You can hit him up at hi*************@gm***.com.

Laura J. Burns writes books, writes for TV, and sometimes writes TV based on books and books based on TV. She will never, however, write a poem. She’s the managing editor of The Antagonist.

Orly Minazad is a freelance writer and regrets it every day of her life.
She moved to the States from Iran in 1991 with her family seeking better opportunities only to waste them earning a Masters in Professional Writing degree from USC which no longer exists, cost a lot of money, and for which she has nothing to show. No, she is not bitter at all. Why do you ask? Oh, you didn’t, ok. She lives with her husband and son in Los Angeles where she spends the day loading and unloading the dishwasher.

John Brown Spiers is a former academic and lifelong overthinker. He’s written many short things and abandoned many long ones. He grew up in the Midwest, currently lives in the South, and would get lost in a different forest every day if he could. He is trying very hard.

Dustin Waters is a writer from Macon, Ga, currently living in D.C. After years as a beat reporter in the Lowcountry, he now focuses his time on historical oddities, trashy movies, and the merits of professional wrestling.
Writing Staff

Allyson Arnone lives in New York, where she was born and raised. She likes short stories and long movies. When she’s not writing about Film & TV or conducting research for cultural institutions, you can find her making sure everyone knows she’s Italian.

Cindy Davis is a Writer and Editor-in-Chief at @oohlo_com, also seen @pajiba, @bust_magazine. Currently working on her first novel, Cindy seeks solace in science fiction and tales of darkness not her own.

Daniel Carlson is a lapsed film critic living in Houston, Texas. His work has appeared at Oscilloscope’s Musings, The Hollywood Reporter, Bright Wall/Dark Room, and more. He and his wife host a podcast called “How Have You Not Seen This?!”

Ella Carrol-Smith is a writer originally from Gettysburg, PA and yes, her parents are Civil War reenactors (no really, they are!). She’s worked on a few TV shows (Gotham, Hightown, Debris), and when she’s not procrastinating writing the next great American novel, enjoys riding horses, attempting to go hiking instead of just talking about going hiking, and playing with her adorable dog, Finnegan.

Emily Chambers has very strong opinions on very unimportant things and will fight you on those things for no reason. She’s been known to try to make friends by quoting Brockmire and John Oliver at you. She’s from Chicago and will remind you of that fact early and often. Do not feed the Emilys.

Juliana Farrell is a transformative coach and conscious business leader. Prior to this, Juliana’s background was in the Entertainment Industry, where she has worked as a Film and Television Producer in both New York and L.A. She was also formerly a high school teacher and is the co-author of two non-fiction books for teens. Juliana holds an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and a Master’s Degree from Teachers College Columbia University.

Nick Roskelly has spent a career in frantic newsrooms and hushed magazine cubicle farms. Now, he writes and edits from a porch with a pink ceiling in Chicago.

Orlando Bishop is a stand-up comedian, TV writer, film director, coach, human dynamo. This Brooklyn-born Yale graduate and Los Angeles resident covers everything from sports to film and television.

Petr Knava has come to peace with the imminent fall of civilization. He thinks that as long as dogs, beer, and the Before Sunrise movies survive, then maybe it all wouldn’t have been for nothing.

Sarah Robbins is Texas-born and raised but Miami is her current home. She likes sharp edges, especially when they’re on people. Eternally searching for the best omelet, the best roller coaster, and the best adult animation.

Simon deVeer is an ACSM, ISSA, Stronglifts & Precision Nutrition certified personal trainer in Los Angeles, California. He’s also a voracious reader & critical thinker, things many people don’t naturally associate with strength training. Simon creates a holistic multidisciplinary approach to fitness that cuts through the dogma & magical thinking that tends to dominate the fitness space. You can find out more at www.simonsaystraining.com.

Tebany Yune is a video game and tech writer for The Antagonist. She is but a simple soul who loves homemade pizza and happy dogs.

Thomas Ochs is the blog’s resident boomer. He lives in Iowa at the midpoint between What Cheer and Zwingle, roughly, in an old house straining to survive the ravages wrought by four children, a couple of dogs, and lots of cats. You may follow him on Twitter @MrBissonette.

Tracey Lynn Lloyd has been a writer, a marketer, and a sarcastic smartypants. She has a BA from Yale, and an MBA from Duke, even though she couldn’t tell you anything about finance. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her father and her cat, all of whom fight for control of the keyboard.

Tuesday Lachlan is a student by day and a ravenous fan of women’s soccer by night and by weekend and by any other time she can catch a game. A lover of eclectic playlists, funny people and awkward situations, Tuesday is always looking for the next Jodie Comer. Or Flo Pugh. Or Hayley Steinfeld. Or Leah Williamson. Or Alexia Putellas. Basically, exceptional women with great senses of humor. You need one to be a woman in this mad world.