What It's Like To...

What It's Like To Write "Bizarro" Cartoons

November 15, 2022 Season 4 Episode 8
What It's Like To...
What It's Like To Write "Bizarro" Cartoons
Show Notes

Not many people's resumes include "pediatrician, medical philanthropy consultant, and cartoon writer"... but Dr. Cliff Harris clearly is a man of many talents.  In this episode, he shares how he got started in cartooning (including a very special childhood story involving "Peanuts" creator Charles M. Schulz); how he got connected with "Bizarro" creator Dan Piraro; and how his careers in medicine and philanthropy affected his writing.  

We walk through specific cartoons and discuss how Cliff was inspired to write them (he even tests Elizabeth on a word puzzle!); links below.

This is a story about much more than just cartooning.  Cliff takes us on a journey of discovery, self-awareness, and finding joy.

Cliff's "Bizarro" cartoons mentioned in this episode:

  • https://www.dropbox.com/s/7nsft0klehinzfj/Address.JPG?dl=0
  • https://www.dropbox.com/s/hnbpuezlbdbta08/Grape%20Nuts.jpg?dl=0
  • https://www.dropbox.com/s/bdgh1l612dd8of2/4%20to%20104.jpg?dl=0
  • https://www.dropbox.com/s/xoabwpuolugkg4m/Air%20Guitar.JPG?dl=0
  • https://www.dropbox.com/s/5h0smjn1ec8fuwu/Analogy.gif?dl=0
  • https://www.dropbox.com/s/j1j7j43362525ub/Bizarro%2010-24-21%20WEB.jpg?dl=0

Dan Piraro's graphic novel: https://peyotecowboy.net/ 

In this episode:

Cliff's story of talking with Charles M. Schulz as a child (02:02)
How he connected with Dan Piraro of "Bizarro" (06:51)
Connection between hard times and good joke writing (10:38)
A second link to Charles M. Schulz (13:35)
Going through various cartoons and explaining them (20:20)
Describing word puzzles (29:55)
Leaving the practice of medicine (35:17)

Want to know more about Cliff Harris?

  • email him at: doctorcliffharris@yahoo.com


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