The Paris Review

S4E11 | Trial Run

Mar 13, 2024

In this episode, the story revolves around office conspiracy theories and a white supremacist hacker, creating a tense and mysterious atmosphere. The narrative explores relationships and struggles in a communal living space, with hints of ominous undertones and impending danger. The episode also delves into emotional turmoil and dream-like experiences, keeping listeners intrigued throughout.

37:51

Creator website

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The podcast explores workplace paranoia and conspiracy theories amidst a white supremacist hacker threat.

Character dynamics unveil personal turmoil and potential danger, creating a tense and foreboding atmosphere.

Deep dives

Encounter with Manny at the Building

Entering the lobby during a snowstorm, the protagonist encounters Manny, the security guard who served in the Marines. Manny's presence after a previous mass shooting had made tenants uneasy. Their interaction reveals Manny's cryptic conversation about historical events, unsettling the protagonist.

Introduction

5min

Intrigue Surrounding Mysterious Emails and Office Paranoia

4min

Navigating Relationships and Struggles

16min

Whispers of Intrigue

8min

Exploration of Inner Turmoil and Mysterious Sounds

6min

In Zach Williams’s “Trial Run” (issue no. 239, Spring 2022), an employee is subjected to two coworkers’ conspiracy theories when their office is targeted by an anonymous white supremacist hacker. The story is read by Michael Chernus, Danny Mastrogiorgio, and Gabriel Marin.

This episode was produced by John DeLore and Helena de Groot, and was mixed and sound-designed by John DeLore. Our theme song this season is “Shadow,” composed and performed by Ernst Reijseger.

Additional Links:

www.theparisreview.org/fiction/7873/trial-run-zach-williams

Subscribe to the Paris Review