We’re very thankful for all you contributors, sponsors and supporters this holiday, and from a thankful spirit comes full transparency. From the desk of our humor editor, Matt Otey, comes the latest news on what’s going on with the Toad.

It contains both sordid confessions and announcements of exciting frivolities. It shall both entertain and inform.

Special Halloween roundup: the spookiest new artwork we could find for the season. From issue 6 contributors and additional area creatives. Includes links to other archived Halloween features from 2019-2021!

Letter from the editor- a reflection on the influence of “Crowder Quill” founder Dan Richard- grandfather of the Toad’s own editor.

In issue 6 of The Joplin Toad magazine, we interviewed local indie rock act “Me Like Bees” about their soon-to-be-released album, navigating a pandemic as a band, adding a new member, and a whole lot more. This is the accompanying Q & A.

Catch our “Toad video store” 80s themed booth at Joplin artsfest Sept 16/17- and watch our themed commercial!

an overview of our upcoming lineup:

• Exhibit reception & mag release party at bookhouse cinema: Sept 15

• Issue 6 pre-orders & official release: Sept 16

• Toad video-store booth at Joplin artsfest: Sept 16/17

• “Fox World” release- the first offering from "Tiny Toad press

A special artist feature, just for St Patricks’ day: Brenna Hartnett and her Celtic Knotwork art! In our interview with Brenna, we show off her work and some behind-the-scenes shots from her home studio- and talk with her about her process, the influences of Ireland, incorporating modern themes into an ancient art form, and her upcoming book.

An editorial,

In artful haiku format!
Explaining why we make stupid jokes,
and why humor is so important to us all,
and why we choose to treat it as an art form.

NEW monthly challenge for our artist community,
+ time is running out for Vol 2, is 1 magazine submissions!

In this deeply personal essay, a local dad inspires both tears and laughter in his story about choosing joy in the midst of hardship. (happy ending included).

Three fresh poems to celebrate the season.

-Home is where the heart is

(but not literally because that would be weird) by Matt Otey

-Ham on plates by Allison Reichman-Bennett

-Cardboard by F.C. Shultz

A new children's story featuring Harriet the bunny, by local author April Brown.

Christmas (art) with the toad: holiday themed original illustrations from local artists!

If you’ve followed the toad for long, you’ve already seen Sergio’s 3D rendered illustration work. In this interview originally featured in issue 4, we find out more about Sergio scoring a million hits on his YouTube channel, his love of transformers, and the process behind his unique digital medium.

An announcement from the toad team: concerning our Christmas season content.

These poems haunt alleys, driveways and dreams...and even weave a darkly humored tale involving our editors’ corpse and a midwest vacation. Just...you’ll see...?

[from issue 4]: Jeremy Haun is, perhaps, one of Joplin’s best kept secrets. There are few other local creatives with as wide a global reach as Jeremy. His format is comics; he’s worked for Marvel, DC and Image, illustrating and writing for characters like Batwoman, Constantine, and the Avengers. His collection of personal projects are the really fun part though. In this interview, we talk through his new kickstarter project, his career path to this point, his collaborations with folks like our own Hurley’s Heroes shop owner Jason Hurley, his passion for storytelling, and why he unabashedly loves Joplin. And naps.

[PHOTO ESSAY] There’s no doubt- other than our memories of Boomtown Boomer’s radio voice, our most haunting local feature is the legendary “spooklight”. Read more about the legend & history of the unexplainable glowing orb- while taking in beautiful photography from historical archives and photographer Curtis Almeter.

From issue 3: Q & A with oil pastel artist Veronica Carr, who talks about her love for local nature, her exploration of a difficult medium, and balancing creative life with health.

From issue 3: Q & A w/ artist Jade Henning! Artwork gallery & new portraits by Curtis Almeter included.

Read our found records of real robot A. Joplin Tod and his desperate search for a job. [satire]

Our updates moving into fall 2021: PATREON launch, issue 3 release, and local events we’ll be a part of.

In this episode, our host Mark N. interviews abstract painter, Lori Marble- about overcoming brain surgery, trauma, imposter syndrome, and everything else that can get in the way of putting your art into the world.

Check out this new guest editorial from Rebecca Haines! In it, Rebecca explores the production of the play “Force of Nature” in Carthage, Missouri- and how art can surprise us when it entwines both expression and healing.

In our newest installment of “Raymonds’ Reviews”, Raymond Walter Harold Melvin reads (actual) reviews written about Joplins’ premiere newspaper- The Joplin Globe.

Issue 3 is almost here. Find out more about pre-ordering for a discount!

COMEDY VIDEO: Enjoy this random slow motion video of some of Joplin’s finest (for a film that will never actually exist).

[satire]: Is there a new Hershewe in town? insurance agent Joy Long has entered the picture as a competitor to Hershewe’s legendary double-billboard marketing strategy.

In this exclusive Joplin Toad interview, we talk with multimedia portrait artist Dace Youngblood- on her journey from Latvia to Joplin Missouri, her process, and her inspirations. Interview originally featured in issue 2 of our printed magazine.

In this episode, we bring together three total strangers with one fascinating trait in common: synesthesia. Synesthesia is a neurological condition in which information meant to stimulate one sense, actually stimulates several senses at once. This leads to multi-sensory experiences that are very unique to those with the condition.

This episode’s guests are Alan Melot, Aubrey Prunty, and Mindy Stohs. Let’s listen in!

Enjoy this quick set of Spring-themed poetry and artwork from some of our contributors!

In this Joplin music featurette, our toad music editor talks about a fresh band with a good ol’ classic country sound- Whisky Outlaws. Learn more about the duo and their brand new single, “Hollow Man”.

Our editor reflects with his own set of images from 10 years ago; plus we provide a quick directory for other resources highlighting the May 22, 2011 Joplin tornado.

In the 4th installment of “Raymonds Reviews”, Raymond Walter Harold Melvin reads actual reviews of Landreth Park.

1: today we begin accepting pre-orders for issue 2. We need your help! We’re half funded for the printing, thanks to our beautiful sponsors… now we need you guys to take us the rest of the way by pre-ordering your very own copy!

2: Ordering the newest copy is no longer our only option. We’re now offering a four tier subscription service for the toad, through a platform very similar to Patreon.

From the archives we give you our only Toad historical comedy video so far: the adventures of Thaddeus the pickler, read by our voice actors through a series of ‘found letters’ from the 1800s.

Joplin artists creatively interpret one of modern history’s most meme-able moments: Bernies Mittens

The Olivia apartments- one of Joplin Missouri’s most beloved and historic structures- is in a life or death struggle for redemption after vacant years and a structure fire last year. Now, there’s a chance to save it. Read personal memories about the building from councilwoman Christina Williams, and find out more of the buildings’ fascinating past from post art library executive director Jill Sullivan.

A valentine’s day short story, by local author Zach Spiering.

A consolidated collection of our entire “pain and perspective” series. Through 4 videos, 2 podcast episodes, and an essay, we listen in to our local residents of color as they talk through their stories and perspectives relating to the anti-racism events of the past year. This is a politically neutral series that invites everyone to listen and to learn as tough questions are thoughtfully explored.

Our exclusive interview with photog Aaron DuRall, about his journey from Joplin to NYC, his colorful “I Stayed Home” quarantine series, and his work spanning from street photography to shooting for Cosmopolitan mag. Includes images not originally included in printed issue!

Beginning in late 2020 and finishing out on Martin Luther King day 2021, the Joplin Toad has proudly produced and released a series of 4 videos and 2 podcast episodes on the topic of anti racism in Joplin and beyond.

This post contains the final 2 videos in that series- “what is the problem” and “Moving forward”.

A celebration of hope and the origins of the season. Enjoy these 2 poems from local authors

Waiting til Christmas Eve do your shopping? We totally gotcha covered. Check out Old Man Hackleman’s local shopping guide!

The continued adventures of cute little Harriet the bunny. Free children’s Christmas story with printable PDF!

Photographer Curtis Almeter photographs 12 Joplin subjects and asks each to describe their Christmas wish.

Local children’s book author Izzy B collaborates with the toad- this means new, printable Christmas coloring pages AND a kids book giveaway for the winner of our coloring contest!

Our Toad music editor introduces us to a young local artist with a romantic and catchy new track. Find out more about Niko! in this months’ music review!

IT’S HERE.

Here’s some stats, credits, pickup locations, spread previews, and a sneak peek at the table of contents. Find out more about print issue #1!

FALL is here, and so are some delightful seasonal writings and arts to help us fully appreciate Autumn in the Ozarks. Enjoy!

Week of Halloween, day 2: some horrific laughs to tickle your funny bones

SWEATER: Original poetry and illustration by Evangeline Keiser

In this new video series, we interview 6 respected and kindhearted residents of Joplin Missouri, all of whom love their city, inviting them to lend their thoughts and stories about being a person of color in these times and in this place. This is the first chapter in that series.

We gave our new music editor the happy task of collecting and interviewing talented musicians who either hail from or reside in the southwest Missouri area. Nathan began with a band that has Joplin roots and some crazy concepts…

Enjoy this feature, which includes a video and music track from Neon the Bishop!

The toad brings back a coloring book featuring some amazing drawings of historic Joplin buildings by local artist Lee Humphrey. Downloadable PDF included!

5 exciting new toad developments! Arranged as a countdown so you’ll read it it all…

New music editor, announcements on upcoming features, and a fresh preview of the cover for our first ever PRINTED ISSUE that’s in the works.

PODCAST SERIES: In the first phase of our “joplin listens” series about race, Jaron and Matthew use grace, humor, experience and wisdom to help us better understand what the BLM movement is, and what it isn’t, using a set of common debate questions as conversation points. They’ll clear up some common misconceptions and help us better love and understand our black and brown neighbors in Joplin- and everywhere.

This feature includes the newest music video from Joplin indie rockers Fox Royale; as well as a behind-the-scenes look at recording a song, making a music video, and marketing a band during a pandemic…

#fakebookfriday covers from children’ book author/illustrator Izzy B. Funny stuff.

$50 GIFT CARD PRIZE to the WINNER:

For everyone still stuck inside.
For everyone who needs to be a kid again, just for an hour or two.
For everyone who IS a kid.

Let’s make some kickass blanket forts.

For so long you said "We better because of your skin."
Then you said "We hate you because of your skin"
Now you say "Allow amnesia to take its toll and forget you have melanin."
In other words, "Forget the history of your kin."
Bang bang another casualty

A poem by a local African American, articulating what many of us are trying to understand
+ new art series and accompanying thoughts by the artist and the toad editor

This photo essay is a re-release that covers the aftermath of the Joplin Tornado in 5 categories: destruction, victims, volunteers, signs/humor, and rebuilding.

What a former Joplin resident learned about responding to disaster. Thoughts garnered from the aftermath of the May 22nd tornado, applied all over again in these new trying times.

A local emperor finds the very best in local deals. Time to be entertained…

A delightful haiku presentation of local activities, events and date ideas with categories for couples, families, and friends.

A sweet little Christmas poem and illustration.

Enjoy this special holiday edition toad mad lib- fill it out on your computer or print and share with your family or buddies for a laugh!

We put together a virtual gallery of local art that fits nicely within the themes of winter. These galleries are always a reminder of the incredible talent right here in Joplin Missouri. Take your time looking through them, and enjoy!

We’ve rounded up the finest news headlines this side of Turkey Creek.

a new take on a classic character- a reflective short story by Matt Otey.

an amusing blast from the past: Christmas shopping through the decades!

Want some serious winter vibes, carefully selected by some premiere Joplin musicians? Check out our Spotify playlist!

This is probably the cutest feature of this issue. Meet and fall in love with toadlee, a new character from Cody Martin!

Highlighting local videographer Ashton Edwards, with some very inspiring quick videos for all you creatives out there.

We sat down with the cover artist for Issue 4 and asked him some of our favorite questions about art and Nicholas Cage.

We’ll just say these are for your kids. Print them out and decompress with some crayons, Toadlee the Christmas toad and Clint the fruitcake!

We wanted to spend some getting to better know regular toad contributor Veronica Carr. So…we did.