

The Truth
The Truth
The Truth makes short, cinematic stories meant to be listened to closely, like short films for your ears. Each episode is a brand new story with a new cast of characters, and a whole new world to explore. Some are suspenseful, others funny, or shocking, or uplifting. What you’re guaranteed is incredible performances, thoughtful writing, and detailed, immersive sound design that pulls you in and never lets go.
If you're new, some good starting places are: The Joke, Operation Skillshot, Here I Am, Dark End of the Mall, Silvia's Blood, or Can You Help Me Find My Mom.
Listening with headphones is recommended!
If you're new, some good starting places are: The Joke, Operation Skillshot, Here I Am, Dark End of the Mall, Silvia's Blood, or Can You Help Me Find My Mom.
Listening with headphones is recommended!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 14, 2012 • 17min
Mirror Lake
A couple goes in search of childhood memories.
Performed by Ed Herbstman, Lauren Ashley Smith, and Louis Kornfeld.
Story by Jonathan Mitchell with dialogue improvised by the actors. Produced by Jonathan Mitchell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 2, 2012 • 18min
The Modern Prometheus
What happens when a corporation becomes a person? In this satire by Tony Award-winning playwright Greg Kotis, we follow a company called Geneva Mutual that becomes a sentient being.
Performed by Louis Kornfeld, Rachel Hamilton, Tom Ligon, Chet Siegel, Amy Warren, Ed Herbstman, Christian Paluck, and Rupert Degas.
Produced by Jonathan Mitchell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 18, 2012 • 15min
The Death of Poe
Mathew Mercier, a passionate caretaker of the Edgar Allan Poe estate, shares his eerie experience intertwined with the writer's legacy. Listeners are treated to a chilling tale set during a haunted anniversary, where a mysterious visitor seeks to contact Poe’s spirit. The discussion takes a whimsical turn with quirky characters addressing a bizarre giant rat issue, merging dark comedy with literary references. A surreal encounter highlights struggles with identity, drawing poignant connections to Poe's emotional turmoil and storied past.

Oct 4, 2012 • 17min
Do You Have a Minute for Equality?
A canvasser gets the donation she needs, but it will cost her.
Performed by Chet Siegel and Tom Ligon, with Matt J. Weir, Quentin Loder, and Melanie Hoopes.
Written by Chet Siegel. Produced by Jonathan Mitchell, with sound design help from Brendan Baker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 20, 2012 • 14min
Domestic Violins
Experience the vibrant world of music and emotion as a violinist's performance takes center stage, revealing both strengths and weaknesses amid witty critiques. Discover the dynamic audition process at a Sydney conference where musicians shine and candid feedback fuels creativity. Dive into the domestic complexities of character interactions, exploring themes of love and unresolved tension. Lastly, hear how audience perceptions shape audio performances and ignite collaborative joy among artists.

Sep 5, 2012 • 14min
That's Democracy
A teacher gives his students lesson about democracy that they'll never forget.
Performed by Peter McNerney as Mr. Mohr, Russ Armstrong as Eric, and Alexis Lambright as Margaret, with Fiona Bradford, Teddy Shivers, Oscar Montoya, and Ben Jones as the principal.
Written by Louis Kornfeld. Produced by Jonathan Mitchell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 9, 2012 • 25min
Third Party
Mike Coleman is an independent candidate running for Congress, and he's finally getting some attention... from a serial killer.
Performed by Ed Herbstman, Chet Siegel, Rick Andrews, Nick Kanellis, Louis Kornfeld, Amy Warren, and Bryn Magnus.
Written by Ed Herbstman, and produced by Jonathan Mitchell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 20, 2012 • 25min
Human Intelligence
Written by Kurt Andersen, this story was originally heard on PRI's Studio 360. Narrated by Ed Herbstman, with John Ottavino as Nicholas, and Melanie Hoopes as Nancy. The story editor was David Krasnow. Produced and directed by Jonathan Mitchell. The unabridged version was published in Stories: All New Tales, an anthology edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 7, 2012 • 26min
In Good Hands
Urban explorers Emily Tarver, Alex Marino, Louis Kornfeld, Ed Herbstman, Christian Paluck, and Amy Warren venture into an abandoned subway platform, discover a mysterious underground setting with unique features, and remember a friend by the river. The podcast combines suspense, exploration, and heartfelt moments.

5 snips
May 24, 2012 • 15min
Total Transparency & Eye Contact
Chet Siegel, Ed Herbstman, and Louis Kornfeld discuss their improvisational piece Total Transparency, created in one take and edited. They explore the innovative storytelling methods behind Total Transparency and compare it to the fractured monologue of Eye Contact. The podcast delves into the philosophy of honesty, uncomfortable conversations, and the dynamics of improvised storytelling with a focus on human connections and perceptions.


