

The Magnus Archives
Rusty Quill
“Make your statement, face your fear.” The Magnus Archives is a weekly horror fiction audiodrama podcast examining what lurks in the archives of the Magnus Institute, an organisation dedicated to researching the esoteric and the weird. Join Jonathan Sims as he explores the archive, but be warned, as he looks into its depths something starts to look back… New episodes every Thursday produced by Rusty Quill, featuring guest actors, short stories, serial plots and more. The long awaited continuation The Magnus Protocol launched in January 2024. Season 2 of the Magnus Protocol is ongoing!This multi-award winning and record breaking epic horror anthology features elements of the supernatural and the eldritch while blending genres of horror, mystery, tragedy and romance in to a truly epic metaplot that has captivated millions and helped make The Magnus Archives the worlds most popular horror podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 9, 2025 • 16min
Sheeple Chase 2 - Spray it Ain't So
Plane spotting takes a dark turn as the hosts explore the chilling possibility of government experiments on civilians. They dive into conspiracy theories surrounding chemtrails versus harmless contrails, scrutinizing photographic evidence and mind control claims rooted in history. The discussion expands to weather manipulation and the potential unintended effects of contrails on global warming. Historical military trials raise eyebrows about chemical releases. Is it all fiction, or is there something lurking behind the clouds?

Oct 6, 2025 • 28min
RQ Network Feed Drop - The Grotto: 1: Buried Alive
In this chilling tale, Matt grapples with grief after a recent loss, turning to spelunking for distraction. Joined by his friend David, he explores a historic grotto adorned with mysterious graffiti. As they venture deeper, danger strikes in the form of a cave collapse, leaving Matt trapped and battling his fears. Amidst near-death experiences and haunting hallucinations of Emily, he struggles to confront his pain. The journey concludes in the hospital, prompting Matt to reflect on loss and whether he can face the darkness again.

Oct 2, 2025 • 18min
Sheeple Chase 1 - Dead Singer
Are your favorite celebrities really who they appear to be? Dive into the world of doppelgängers as the hosts explore wild theories about famous musicians. The infamous 'Paul Is Dead' rumor gets a skeptical analysis, while the Avril Lavigne replacement theory unveils bizarre claims and shaky evidence. They'll even touch on a disappearance rumor involving Mia Hill, weighing the motives behind these conspiracies. Ultimately, the hosts challenge the roots of these ideas and scrutinize the music industry's role in feeding fan paranoia.

Sep 22, 2025 • 47min
RQ Network Feed Drop - The Program audio series: Overclocking Part 1
This month we are featuring an episode of one of many exciting podcasts on the RQ Network: The Program audio series. The Program audio series is a dark science fiction anthology set in a future in which Money, State, and God have become fused into a single entity. The show focuses on ordinary people inhabiting this extraordinary world. And for them, it is not this future that is terrifying – it is our present. This is part 1 of an episode called Overclocking. It follows a group of characters in a disintegrating simulation embarking on a journey to the literal end of the world. You can find the episode transcript at programaudioseries.com/23-overclocking/ including credits and a list of references.The Program audio series is created and produced by IMS. Introduction and outro by Lowri Ann Davies.You can listen to the 2nd part of this brilliant episode by using this link.Or you can listen to The Program audio series on the Rusty Quill website, on Acast, on its official website, or wherever you get your podcasts.Content warningsConspiracy Existential threatDisappearancesArtificial IntelligenceSFX - Ticking Clocks, Laughing Creatures.For ad-free episodes, bonus content and the latest news from Rusty Towers, join members.rustyquill.com or our Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 3min
Hiatus Announcement - Season 2, Act 2
Lowri shares exciting news about a pre-planned break following the conclusion of Act 2. Fans can look forward to a six-episode spin-off titled Sheeple Chase, featuring conspiracy theories and conflicting motives. The team is also hard at work on Magnus Live: The Hilltop, a two-act stage play set to debut in London. With heartfelt thanks to supporters, they keep listeners engaged as they prepare for the return of The Magnus Protocol in 2026.

19 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 20min
The Magnus Protocol 50 - Deep Trouble
In this gripping discussion, The Archivist, a mysterious figure with ties to the Magnus Institute, shares unsettling truths while Melanie questions their identity. Voice actors Shahan Hamza and Beth Eyre delve into the chilling world of thalassophobia, recounting a nerve-wracking mission gone awry under an unhinged captain. They explore the psychological depths of loyalty, identity, and confronting personal shadows amidst rising threats. Expect tension, suspense, and a haunting exploration of memory in this captivating encounter.

6 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 30min
The Magnus Protocol 49 - Pipelines
Tim Fearon, known for his role as Augustus, joins to share insights about the intersection of history and personal choice. They dive into high-stakes discussions surrounding a mysterious artifact and its implications, revealing the weight of secrets in relationships. The tension escalates with an alarming situation at a Roman bathhouse, blending themes of curiosity and emotional connections to history. Fearon also touches on the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the struggles of connection and isolation.

Aug 25, 2025 • 54min
RQ Network Feed Drop – The Penumbra Podcast “Thirst”
This month we are featuring a feed drop from Thirst the new series recently launched on The Penumbra Podcast one of the brilliant shows on the RQ Network. This episode is called “Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 1: Icebreaker.” Thirst is a horror-satire about exploitative entertainment in a crumbling world, Introduction and outro by Billie Hindle. You can listen to the next exciting episode of Thirst by clicking on this link, or by searching for The Penumbra Podcast wherever you find podcasts, on the Rusty Quill website and at www.thepenumbrapodcast.com If you would like to support the creators of Thirst and The Penumbra and access behind-the-scenes content like production scripts, commentaries, blooper reels, and more you can find more information at The Penumbra Podcast: Special Edition.Cast:Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph and ClaudiaAmanda Egbu as Georgia WhittakerEleanore Cho Fellerhoff as Holliday Murdock and LydiaJoshua Ilon as Dennis CruzQuinn McKenzie as Capote Whittaker and DaveMelody Perera as Anouk KalharaStefano Perti as Dennis Lang and BillMarc Pierre as Sergeant Murdock and the “Confess Your Crimes” hostAlexander Stravinski as The Host and Marcus(Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)-------You can find all of the transcripts here. Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode and include all required SFX attributions.On staff at the Penumbra:Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and OutreachMelissa DeJesus -- Script editing teamHarley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designerJoelle Kross -- TranscriptionistNoah Simes -- Production managerGrahame Turner -- Script editing teamKevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writerRyan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original musicJeff Wright -- Graphic designer--------The triggers below may be relevant to episode 1 of Thirst or to the series as a whole. It is not comprehensive, but a more specific list of triggers is included with every episode. Please consider these as you decide whether Thirst is right for you:- Climate disaster/climate horror- Apocalyptic scenarios- Sudden loud noises- Violence and threats of violence- Abuse of power- Dictatorship, fascism- Characters speaking in ways that suggest prejudice of most kinds: homophobia, sexism, transphobia, racism, ableism, etc.- Body horror and gore- Violence towards animals- Illness, starvation, malnutrition, dehydration, etc.- Public humiliation- Depictions and descriptions of intense military violence- Coercion and manipulation- Sexual scenarios- Profanity- Unwanted sexual advances- Exploitation of people in need- Isolation and abandonment- Gaslighting/propaganda/organized attempts to misrepresent realityFor ad-free episodes, bonus content and the latest news from Rusty Towers, join members.rustyquill.com or our Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 20min
The Magnus Protocol 48 - Temporary Positions
Shahan Hamza, known for voicing Samama Khalid, and Sasha Sienna, who brings Georgie Barker to life, dive into a chilling narrative filled with confusion and fear as they explore a character's unsettling experience in an alternate reality. They discuss the psychological impact of dimension travel and the tension that arises when facing a looming world-ending threat. The conversation weaves themes of identity, friendship, and the weight of past choices, creating a captivating atmosphere that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

Aug 14, 2025 • 22min
The Magnus Protocol 47 - Repetitive Strain
CAT1RC4873-06052024-14062024distortion (cyclic) -/- retributionIncident Elements:· harsh language· gaslighting· domestic abuse· time loss· threats of violence/death· tattoos· SFX: children screaming(laughing/crying)Transcripts available at https://rustyquill.com/transcripts/the-magnus-protocol/You can find a complete list of our Kickstarter backers https://rustyquill.com/the-magnus-protocol-supporter-wall/Created by Jonathan Sims and Alexander J Newall Directed by Alexander J NewallWritten by Alexander J NewallScript Edited with additional material by Jonathan SimsExecutive Producers April Sumner, Alexander J Newall, Jonathan Sims, Dani McDonough, Linn Ci, and Samantha F.G. Hamilton Associate Producers Jordan L. Hawk, Taylor Michaels, Nicole Perlman, Cetius d’Raven, and Megan Nice Produced by April SumnerFeaturing (in order of appearance) Lowri Ann Davies as Celia RipleyAnusia Battersby as Gwen BouchardVera Chok as Ink5oulBillie Hindle as Alice DyerRobert Vernon as Heinrich UnheilmichDialogue Editor – Nico VetteseSound Designer – Meg McKellarMastering Editor - Catherine RinellaMusic by Sam Jones (orchestral mix by Jake Jackson) Art by April Sumner SFX from Tessa Vroom, Soundly and Freesound: planetcomedy, BaDoink, syntheffects, NecoKen1, LeeNath, vibritherabjit123, blaukreuz, CSXsonic, trcrocker68, missozzy, esmayorga, Ambient-X, Hammer_Hörspielschmiede, rsellick, felixblume, sonicquinn, Eneasz, FunWithSound, kyles, antoineopengwell as previously credited artistsCheck out our merchandise available at https://www.redbubble.com/people/RustyQuill/shop and https://www.teepublic.com/stores/rusty-quillSupport Rusty Quill by purchasing from our Affiliates;DriveThruRPG – DriveThruRPG.comJoin our community:WEBSITE: rustyquill.comFACEBOOK: facebook.com/therustyquillX: @therustyquillEMAIL: mail@rustyquill.com The Magnus Protocol is a derivative product of the Magnus Archives, created by Rusty Quill Ltd. and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share alike 4.0 International Licence. For ad-free episodes, bonus content and the latest news from Rusty Towers, join members.rustyquill.com or our Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.