Audio Drama Debuts: Soft Fell the Snow
Welcoming new audio fiction podcasts at the close of 2018
Thus, 2018 comes to a close (finally — did that feel like fifty years to anyone else?). Just because December is the holiday month for many doesn’t mean podcasters have taken the month off; I mean, just think of all the Christmas specials! Below, you’ll find some of the intrepid fiction podcasts that debuted in December, bringing cheer and hope to our hearts — though some of the spookier ones are definitely best listened to huddled in blankets with only the tree lights on.
In our continued dedication to the world of audio drama podcasts, this monthly series brings you notable new debuts. Catch up on November’s list here.
Standard Docking Procedure
This pilot for a hopepunk, science-fiction workplace sitcom hits all the right laughter buttons. Pseudopolis Station is a space docking and refueling station with aspirations to become a tourist destination. While following the wacky hijinks with an impressive cast, Standard Docking Procedure keeps their “no bummers” rule firmly in mind for how they frame their comedic adventures. Julia Schifini (Tides, Spirits) shines as Tiff, whose only job is to dock and undock ships without major catastrophe. You can probably imagine how well that goes for a bored station relations manager.
The Prickwillow Papers
Reminiscent of some of the young adult fantasies of my youth, the Prickwillow Papers follows a recently graduated mage who’s living back home with her parents in Prickwillow due to a scarce hiring industry in her field (I’ve been dragged). Prickwillow is boring, small, and frustrating, until Sylda makes a new, very unusual friend. This show is proving to be an adorable, fun addition so far, with a colorful world seamlessly built into the background.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
If you’re looking for an extreme tearjerker, Regina Moriarty’s 3-part miniseries written for the Crisis homelessness charity is just the ticket. Chris O’Dowd voices a father trying to hide his circumstances from his son, who comes to spend the night with him on Christmas Eve. It’s a rough listen, but it will hopefully help spread some awareness of Crisis’ mission in the UK.
Meteor City
Ten years ago, Detroit was struck by a meteor. Now, journalist Bianca returns to her hometown to do an article on the anniversary, staying in Meteor City, the New Detroit built next to and upon the ruins of old Detroit. Meteor City is vibrant with life, even though everything around Bianca feels a little dead. The mysteries quickly pile up in this opening episode, making Meteor City a podcast to keep your ears on. It’s important to note that creators Madelyn, Angel, and Ernesto Dorta made it a central goal for the podcast to be truly diverse and inclusive.
The Six Disappearances of Ella McCray
Ella McCray has disappeared on the eve of her wedding, and no witness can agree on how it happened. Told through the interview tapes of a frustrated investigator, Jamie Killen’s newest supernatural podcast is creepy and weird, and has Killen’s trademark moment of “wait, what?” in the very first episode. Six Disappearances wouldn’t be as stellar as it is without its superb voice actors, including actors-to-watch Lucille Valentine, who voices Ella’s best friend July, and Veletta Marshall, who voices Detective Larkin.
Code 10–33
I have been waiting for more buddy cop style podcasts, and Code 10–33 delivers exactly that. It’s got the gruff, gravelly-voiced captain, the reluctant lieutenant paired with the fresh-faced young cop on a homicide case, and the oddball crime that’s probably out of their depth: men, blackmailed for several years prior to their deaths, are found murdered in their homes. This podcast aims to subvert the buddy cop classic expectations, so if you’re curious, strap in and watch where you step.
Have You Seen Me?
If your best friend went missing, what would be your first reaction? Ophelia Joy’s is to try and find her friend, Kitty Scott, in the small town of Amsterdam, Ohio. Ophelia has spent a long time with Kitty investigating local legends and urban myths. Now, armed with a tape recorder and her intimate knowledge of Kitty, Ophelia sets out to completely ignore the sheriff’s recommendation and find her friend‚ who she knows is still in town.
The Narrow Caves
Horror magazine Fangoria has released their first podcast, based on a script by S. Craig Zahler and starring Vincent D’Onofrio. When Walter and Ruby meet in 1983, they do not like each other at all. Nevertheless, they are inexplicably drawn to one another, and they soon realize their shared dreams and thoughts have something to do with the mystery of the woods in Ruby’s home. The Narrow Caves uses tried and true descriptive sound design methods found in works like Starcalled, pairing a narrator describing actions, sometimes matched by foley, with a full cast to set up a chilling horror story.
Forest Guide
Forest Guide follows Shiloh, a grad student who’s lost in a poetry program that doesn’t want to support his desires to work in alternate forms. It’s a four-part miniseries that blends fantasy with reality and is partly based on creator Jack Pevyhouse’s experiences in an MFA program and in life. It’s beautifully designed and spends the right amount of time in the real world with Shiloh and his relationships with different people, before guiding him through the forest of self-realization and overcoming trauma.
1865: The Audio Drama
Available only on Stitcher Premium, 1865 is a political thriller that takes place immediately after the assassination of President Lincoln. It deals with the search for John Wilkes Booth and the ascension of Johnson to the presidency in lushly designed soundscapes and sweeping and memorable scoring. If you’re looking for amazing historical fiction, with a heart-stopping performance from Jeremy Schwartz as Edmond Stanton, 1865 might be just the audio for you.
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