Central Illinois podcaster competing for $25,000 and a chance to appear with Ryan Seacrest

PEORIA (25News Now) - A Central Illinois comic book enthusiast who turned a second chance at life into a passion for podcasting is now competing for a national opportunity that could put him alongside one of the biggest names in radio.

David Griffin, better known as “Domesticated Dave,” is the creator and host of Soda Pop Comix, a podcast that explores comic books, storytelling, philosophy and current events.

Now, Griffin is competing in the national Top Host competition for a chance to win $25,000, produce a six-episode podcast with iHeartRadio and appear as a guest on Ryan Seacrest’s nationally syndicated radio show.

However, Griffin’s journey into podcasting began under circumstances far different from the spotlight he is now pursuing.

Griffin said he became seriously ill around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, eventually ending up on a ventilator.

He recalled hearing nurses discussing whether he would survive, an experience that changed his perspective on life.

Griffin said he made a commitment to himself and his two children with special needs that, if he survived, he would make the most of his second chance.

After recovering, he founded Soda Pop Comix out of concern that comic books and the industry surrounding them might disappear during the pandemic.

That passion eventually evolved into a weekly podcast, with Griffin and his team discussing everything from Marvel and DC Comics to broader conversations about life and society.

The podcast recently celebrated its 100th episode, a milestone Griffin said became even more meaningful when members of The Uncanny X-Cast, a podcast that originally inspired him, joined the celebration.

But the journey has not always been easy.

Griffin said he experienced significant personal and financial hardships while building the show, including losing his savings and spending time living in his car.

Despite those challenges, he said his two podcasting partners refused to let him give up.

“We never missed an episode. My two partners never let me miss an episode. And now everything is better,” Griffin said.

Griffin said the podcast was also created in response to the political and social divisions he witnessed following the last presidential election.

He wanted to build a welcoming space where people with different experiences, beliefs and perspectives could connect through a shared appreciation for storytelling.

That approach has helped the podcast develop an audience beyond traditional comic book fans.

Griffin said his team initially nominated him for the Top Host competition, something he admitted he was skeptical about when he first heard of it.

Since entering, he said he has bounced between second and third place in his competition group.

Although the contest offers a substantial cash prize, Griffin said winning would mean more than financial success.

He explained that he and his team would use some of the money to cover remaining expenses and donate to charities they support.

Griffin is also working on future comic book projects, including one titled Fragile, which he said will explore his experiences raising two children with special needs.

“This is a time capsule for my kids,” Griffin said of his work.

As he looks toward the next stage of the competition, Griffin hopes his experience will encourage others to pursue their own creative ambitions, regardless of their circumstances.

“I would tell them to find a mentor,” Griffin said when asked what advice he would offer someone afraid to pursue their dreams.

Griffin said mentorship and support from others played an important role in helping him reach this point.

For now, his immediate goal is advancing in the Top Host competition.

The next round of voting closes Thursday, Nov. 5, at 9 p.m. Central Time, with the top five contestants in each group moving forward.

Supporters can vote for Griffin through his official Top Host contestant page⁠.

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