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!
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We're taking a break from producing new stories, so in this episode we're featuring John Dryden's BBC series There's Something I Need to Tell You . It's a smart, suspenseful thriller that follows an ordinary couple whose vacation takes a very unexpected turn. After the first episode of the story, Jonathan talks with creator John Dryden about where the story came from, how he approaches audio drama, and the creative ideas behind his work. This story includes very strong language. Hear all five ep...
A woman with severe social anxiety discovers that an AI therapy tool designed to prepare her for life may be keeping her from living it. Written by Mary McDonnell, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Tallie Medel, Joy Lyn Shaw, Kimberly Chatterjee, Peter McNerney, Donald Chang, and Bill Rohlfing. 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’l...
Jonathan talks with writer Mac Rogers about our story "Let's Not and Say We Did." If you haven't heard the story yet, this episode contains SPOILERS, so you'll want to listen to the story first. Order your vinyl copy of Silvia's Blood and Moon Graffiti HERE. The records will only be available until supplies last. We are selling them for $50 each, and 100% of the proceeds go to pay the writers, actors, and production costs for our show. Support The Truth by subscribing to our ad-...
Jeff's open marriage is thriving, except for one problem: he can't bring himself to have sex with anyone other than his wife. Fortunately, his date has some ideas. Written by Mac Rogers, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Dennis Pacheco, Ann Carr, and Julia Schroeder. 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 o...
Jonathan talks with writer David Bluvband about our story "Midnight Screening." If you haven't heard the story yet, this episode contains SPOILERS, so you'll want to listen to the story first. Order your vinyl copy of Silvia's Blood and Moon Graffiti HERE. The records will only be available until supplies last. We are selling them for $50 each, and 100% of the proceeds go to pay the writers, actors, and production costs for our show. Support The Truth by subscribing to our ad-free ...
A daughter preparing a memorial for her late father sorts through his old video tapes, and begins to understand what his beloved neighborhood movie theater meant to him. Written by David Bluvband, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Chet Siegel, David Deblinger, Jim Wetzel, Jackie Hoffman, Sadie Mitchell, David Bluvband, Mary McDonnell, Mac Rogers, and Hunter Nelson. Support The Truth by subscribing to our ad-free feed . It’s $5, or $50 a year. Yo...
Jonathan talks with writer Hunter Nelson about our story "The Completist." And in the second half, Hunter talks with singer/songwriter Dustin Lowman about inhabiting the character of Garrett Solomon. If you haven't heard the story yet, this episode contains SPOILERS, so you'll want to listen to the story first. Order your vinyl copy of Silvia's Blood and Moon Graffiti HERE. The records will only be available until supplies last. We are selling them for $50 each, and 100% of the proceeds go to...
Two guys meet at a party and discover a shared obsession: an impossibly rare record by their favorite musician. Written by Hunter Nelson, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Josh Tobin, David Carl, Louis Kornfeld, Hunter Nelson, Mary McDonnell, Mac Rogers, Aimee Lutkin, and Michael Cullen. Featuring the songs “Ghost” and “Come Again,” written and performed by Dustin Lowman . Used by permission. You'll find full-length versions of the songs from this episode on our...
The Truth is taking a break right now, and we’ll be back with all-new stories in May. So we're introducing you to another podcast. After 8 years, the hit fiction podcast Alice Isn't Dead returns with a new sequel series, Don't Tell Alice. Available wherever you get your podcasts, and ad-free and a week early on their Patreon . 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 ...
The Truth is taking a break right now, and we’ll be back with all-new stories in May. So we're introducing you to another podcast. Love and Radio makes documentaries, these are all real people. They have a new series called "Blood Memory," and today we'll hear episode 1. You'll hear two women meet the same man in prison and walk away with decidedly different impressions of him. Listen to the 10-part series Love + Radio: Blood Memory wherever you get your podcasts. Support The Truth by s...
Object Piece is a radio drama recorded in a dried out lake bed in 1978. It's visceral and compelling, with incredible acting, and it was made by Erik Bauersfeld, one of the great audio dramatists of the late 20th century. First we'll hear the story, then we'll learn more about where it came from and how it was made. We'll talk to Randy Thom, whose 50-year career in film sound began with a job recording with Bauersfeld. We also talk with Jim McKee of Earwax Studios, who followed in Randy's footst...
A man searching for purpose discovers his compost pile has very strong opinions about productivity. Written by Mac Rogers, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Seth Lind, Kate Shine, Dan Chamberlain, Mac Rogers, Mary McDonnell, Hunter Nelson, Louis Kornfeld, and David Bluvband. Order your vinyl copy of Silvia's Blood and Moon Graffiti HERE. The records will only be available until supplies last. We are selling them for $50 each, and 100% of the proceeds go to pay the wr...
A group of teenagers go on late-night search for something no one’s sure is real. Written by Mary McDonnell, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Anna Aubry, Shenba Vairavan, Brendan Dewley, Jon Hudson, and Mary McDonnell. Recorded by Christian Cuciniello at Silver Sound in New York 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...
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 McDonne...
A struggling writer joins her wealthy friends for an extravagant dinner at a restaurant that charges more than money. Written by Louis Kornfeld, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Mary McDonnell as Cassandra, Tess Frazier as Missy, Joseph Medeiros as Sebastian, Colton Caulfield as Francis, and Chris Kipiniak as the waiter. 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 tha...
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 On this episode, special guest Neil Verma tries to show Jonathan what there is to love about old-time radio drama by playing him the classic 1948 drama The Thing on the Fourble Board by Wyllis Cooper . Here’s a link to Neil Verma’s essay about The Thing on the Fourble...
On a first date at the movies, a couple's discussion about wanting children is quickly overshadowed when the previews begin to mirror their deepest, most private anxieties about parenthood, career, and relationship changes. What starts as an awkward evening escalates into a shared, surreal nightmare as the trailers feature actors resembling them and their actual dialogue, leading to a shocking discovery that blurs the line between fiction and reality. The episode explores themes of commitment, fear of the future, and the unsettling nature of intrusive thoughts.
In a future society where laughter is a regulated, forgotten emotion, archivist Naomi Fern unearths a single "joke" from before the realignment. Defying institutional skepticism and rigid protocols, she embarks on a personal quest to understand its meaning. This journey leads her to an underground comedy club and a profound rediscovery of joy, challenging the very foundations of her orderly world.
A mother who listens, a father who can’t, and a boy who’s simply trying to say: Here I Am. This is a musical drama about connection, silence, and the act of listening. Written by Louis Kornfeld, with direction, sound design, and original music by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Ann Carr as Rosie, Peter Grosz as Tom, Danielle Delgado as Phyllis, and Seth Gilman as Jason. If you believe in what we do, in stories that reward listening, you can support The Truth by subscribing to our ad-free feed ...
A pinball obsessive is enlisted by the police to help lure a mob boss out of hiding, giving him a chance to prove that pinball isn't just a game. Written by Hunter Nelson, with direction, sound design, and original music by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by David Bluvband, Ben Rameaka, Samantha Nugent, Jordan Mahome, Drew Reilly, Sebastian Conelli, Josh Tobin, Bill Rohlfing, and David Deblinger. We're very excited to be making stories for you again! You can help make sure we're able to continue, b...
The episode presents two stories from The Truth's archive. "Sylvia's Blood" explores a young woman's dangerous fascination with her own blood, which attracts powerful and terrifying entities with horrific consequences. "Moon Graffiti" offers an alternate history of the Apollo 11 mission, imagining the conversation and fate of the astronauts if their lunar module crashed, leading to a tragic end. The episode also includes details on the podcast's fundraising campaign for a new season, offering limited edition vinyl and merchandise.
The grandson of a world-renowned art gallery owner falls in love with a performance artist. But when her performance piece becomes a crime scene, he has to team up with an art critic to investigate. Part 3 of 3. Written by Davy Gardner. Performed by Federico Rodriguez, Liz Leimkuhler, Ann Carr, Dmitry Shein, Amy Warren, Margaret Burrus, Woody Fu, and Hunter Nelson. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and @thetruthfiction on Twitter and Instagram . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...
The grandson of a world-renowned art gallery owner falls in love with a performance artist. But when her performance piece becomes a crime scene, he has to team up with an art critic to investigate. Part 2 of 3. Written by Davy Gardner. Performed by Federico Rodriguez, Liz Leimkuhler, Ann Carr, Amy Warren, Margaret Burrus, Dmitry Shein, Marisa Brau, Brian Morabito, Davy Gardner, Woody Fu, Zuri Washington, Mary McDonnell, and Louis Kornfeld. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and @thetruthfict...
The grandson of a world-renowned art gallery owner falls in love with a performance artist. But when her performance piece becomes a crime scene, he has to team up with an art critic to investigate. Written by Davy Gardner. Performed by Federico Rodriguez, Liz Leimkuhler, Ann Carr, Amy Warren, Margaret Burrus, Dmitry Shein, Marisa Brau, Brian Morabito, Davy Gardner, Hunter Nelson, and Woody Fu. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and @thetruthfiction on Twitter and Instagram . Learn more about...
When Jen gets an instruction manual specifically written for her boyfriend, she uses it to help both him … and herself. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by James Dwyer, Erin Bartley, John Trowbridge, Makena Miller, Cherie McMaster, and Sadie Mitchell. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and @thetruthfiction on Twitter and Instagram . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
A mechanic with a gambling problem has a chance to get out of debt by restoring his bookie’s vintage car. But first he has to deal with Ro. Written by Louis Kornfeld Performed by Jamie Rivera, Phoebe Tyers, Michael Cullen, Louis Kornfeld, and Hunter Nelson. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and @thetruthfiction on Twitter and Instagram . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Welcome to the 18th Annual Heat Meet, where hot sauce enthusiasts from all over the world gather to talk shop, sample new sauces, and—maybe, just maybe—see the face of God. Written by Hunter Nelson Performed by James Coker, Brandon Zelman, James Urbaniak, Dan Chamberlain, Marina Gasparyan, Geoff Ross, Abby Royle, Tallie Medel, Lida Darmian, Sharon Spell, Bill Rohlfing, Hunter Nelson, Mary McDonnell, Davy Gardner, and Louis Kornfeld. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and @thetruthfiction on T...
We’re taking a break right now, and we’ll be back in May with all new stories. But in the meantime, we’re featuring stories from the past that you may not have heard. For this episode, we’re re-releasing a story from 2013 called The Talk by Louis Kornfeld. A father comes to the rescue when three teenagers take things a little too far. Performed by Christian Paluck, Dmitry Shein, Willy Appelman, and Elana Fishbein. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and @thetruthfiction on Twitter and Instagra...
We’re taking a break right now, and we’ll be back in May with all new stories. But in the meantime, we’re featuring stories from the past that you may not have heard. For this episode, we’re re-releasing a story from 2013 called Keep Running, based an interview with listener Brian Foy. Brian donated money to our show (thank you so much Brian!), and in return, we took details from his life, and changed them to make a fictional story. It’s about a man running from Wisconsin to Indiana, and where h...
For this episode, we’re re-releasing a story from 2013 called Tough Crowd, about a stand-up comic competing with a speed-date event—based on a true story! Performed by Alejandro Kolleeny, Annemarie Cullen, Devin O'Neill, Megan Gray, Noel Dineen, Maddy Mako, Matt Shafeek, Shacottha Fields, Louis Kornfeld, and Elana Fishbein. Written by Louis Kornfeld, inspired by storyteller Adam Wade. We’re taking a break right now, and we’ll be back in May with all new stories. But in the meantime, we’re featur...
