The Truth

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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."