The Truth

Eric/Erik Bowersfeld, pioneering radio dramatist who created and performed in Object Piece. Randy Thom, award-winning film sound designer who cut his teeth recording the piece. They discuss a 1978 location-recorded radio drama made in a dried lake bed. The conversation covers the tense performed story, the bold choice to record on location, and the gritty technical and live-sound decisions that shaped its power.

Mac Rogers, audio drama writer behind Gideon Media hits like The Message, talks about creating Garden of Evan. They trace the compost-origin idea, influences from 1970s Doctor Who and folk horror, and the shift from horror to absurd comedy. Conversations cover vocal choices for the compost, sound design, and what Evan’s slow restart says about starting over.

Harlow (played by Kate Shine), a practical partner who starts household composting, and Evan (played by Seth Lind), an aimless man obsessed with finding purpose through compost, explore a surreal compost crisis. They encounter talking compost, escalating obsession, domestic tension, a cleansing ritual, and finally a quieter acceptance of small, honest work.

Mary McDonnell, writer and storyteller behind "The Spot off the Side of the Highway," shares her inspiration and creative choices. She discusses the spot as a character, shaping a passive, vanishing threat. Conversations cover sudden loss, regret and forgiveness, shifting friendships as teens grow up, and why ambiguity can feel like emotional truth.

Justin, an exuberant teenager whose stunt sparks the crisis; David, a distraught friend wrestling with loss; Kat, a skeptical and emotional anchor; and Soph, the organizer who drives the night. They debate a local legend, test the spot with sparklers, and face a sudden disappearance that strains loyalties and truths.

Hunter Nelson, a writer known for multiple stories for the show, discusses his story "Forward, Darkspeed!" and his approach to craft. He talks about where the idea came from and how stories become treated as sacred or commercial property. They explore editorial pressure, authorial voice, balancing surprise with inevitability, and how sound and mic choices shape storytelling.

A sci-fi writer inherits her mother’s legendary series and faces the impossible expectations that come with carrying a beloved story forward. Written by Hunter Nelson, directed and Sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Liz Leimkuhler as Laika , Michael Cullen as George, Jacob Williams as Jack, Hunter Nelson as Dan, Brian Morabito as Lincoln Server, Danielle Delgado as Louella Torvesson, Autumn Gomez-Tagle as Nicole, Louis Kornfeld as the Moderator, and David Bluvband and Mary McDonnell as the Fans. Support The Truth by ⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribing to our ad-free feed⁠⁠⁠⁠. It’s $5, or $50 a year. You’ll get every story without interruption, but more than that, you’ll be supporting the survival of our show. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠⁠thetruthpodcast.supportingcast.fm⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on... ⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BLUESKY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠THREADS⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠REDDIT⁠⁠⁠⁠ To learn more about our show, go to our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠thetruthpodcast.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louis Kornfeld, a writer and occasional actor known for his story 'Chez Vous,' dives deep into the tale's imaginative concept. He reveals the quirky inspiration behind a restaurant where patrons literally eat themselves. Kornfeld discusses the development of Cassandra's character, showcasing her relatable insecurities and how they shape the narrative. He explores themes of social anxiety and modern narcissism, emphasizing emotional depth over horror. The conversation also highlights the unique sound design that enhances the experience, making for a thoughtful reflection on storytelling.

In this captivating tale, Mary McDonnell voices Cassandra, a struggling writer who finds herself in a surreal dining experience at a lavish restaurant where payment exceeds currency. Tess Frazier plays Missy, Cassandra's supportive friend and bride-to-be, organizing the extravagant dinner. The menu is a mystery, featuring bizarre dishes served by surgical teams. As love blooms with a proposal, tension rises when the bill arrives, sending Cassandra into a panic. Humor and heartfelt moments intertwine, highlighting the absurdity of their evening.

Neil Verma, a scholar of audio drama and media studies at Northwestern, dives into the 1948 radio classic The Thing on the Fourble Board. He explores the unique narrative grammar of old-time radio, emphasizing how it evokes intimacy through sound. The duo discusses whether this vintage format resonates with modern audiences and unpacks Willis Cooper's storytelling patterns, including themes of environmental revenge and invisibility. Verma relates trilobite fossils to the ephemerality of radio, highlighting the materiality of listening in an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.