
The Truth
THE TRUTH makes movies for your ears. They're short stories that are sometimes dark, sometimes funny, and always intriguing. Every story is different, but they all take you to unexpected places using only sound. If you're new, some good starting places are: Silvia's Blood, That's Democracy, Moon Graffiti, Tape Delay, or whatever's most recent. Listening with headphones is encouraged! We're a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.
Latest episodes

Jul 26, 2012 • 12min
Lucy and the Bike Girl
A story about Lucy and a woman with cystic fibrosis who find support online. It explores their challenges with societal judgments, balancing friendship and health concerns, and the emotional toll of maintaining physical distance for health safety.

Jun 20, 2012 • 22min
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.

Jun 7, 2012 • 23min
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.

May 24, 2012 • 13min
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.

Apr 25, 2012 • 16min
Tape Delay
The recording doesn't lie. Performed by Ed Herbstman & Tami Sagher, with Libby Geroge & Christian Paluck. Produced by Jonathan Mitchell, written by Jonathan Mitchell, Ed Herbstman, & Melanie Hoopes. Originally produced for This American Life. Production advisors: Peter Clowney & Kerrie Hillman. Special thanks: Ira Glass, Lisa Pollack, Jonathan Menjivar, and Chris Bannon. Recorded at WNYC, KCRW, Magnet Theater, and on location in New York City.

Apr 11, 2012 • 14min
Everybody SCREAM!!!
A humorous mishap at a cycling class leads to a narrative about emotional turmoil during a spin class, with themes of entitlement and insecurity. The story unfolds with intense criticism, exclusion from a group, and a sinister revelation involving a harmful cupcake. An injured person hesitates to seek medical help, conveying concern and support. The podcast explores the competitive dynamics and intense emotional experiences in a lively spin class.

Mar 20, 2012 • 17min
They're Made Out of Meat
Terry Bisson's classic short story "They're Made Out of Meat" originally appeared in Omni Magazine in 1991, and our audio version was produced for WNYC's Studio 360 in November 2011. We've re-mixed the story especially for this podcast, and it's followed by an interview with Bisson himself. The story was performed by Russ Armstrong & Miriam Tolan, and produced by Jonathan Mitchell.

Mar 6, 2012 • 17min
Interruptible
A taxi driver picks up a couple in Lower Manhattan on his anniversary, leading to unexpected events. The episode features diverse experiences, conversations about directions and brunch invites, comedic moments at a drive-thru, and reflections on relationships and interruptions.

Feb 14, 2012 • 13min
Eat Cake
Can coconut cake + random phone calls = love? Find out, when these two Valentine's Day traditions collide.
Produced by Jonathan Mitchell
Edited by Hillary Frank
Performed by Eliza Skinner, Birch Harms, and Curtis Gwinn
Additional voices: Pat Etchill, Jennifer Geller, Hillary Frank, and Jonathan Mitchell
Music by Jonathan Mitchell

5 snips
Feb 11, 2012 • 16min
Moon Graffiti
Episode #1: Moon Graffiti. In our pilot episode, we imagine what may have happened if the Apollo 11 mission ended in tragedy. Featuring performances by Matt Evans, Ed Herbsman, and John Ottavino. Inspired by a real contingency speech written in 1969 by William Safire for Richard Nixon titled “In Event of Moon Disaster."