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
7 snips
Jan 12, 2017 • 21min
MAG 47 The New Door
A bewildering tale emerges as Helen encounters a peculiar door that seems to defy reality, only allowing right turns and endless paths. A routine house viewing takes a terrifying twist when a grotesque entity confronts a real estate agent in a hall of mirrors. Tension mounts with the unsettling presence of a mysterious figure named Michael, leading to a shocking confrontation. Meanwhile, a gripping dialogue unfolds, questioning identity and existence in a haunting Victorian Gothic backdrop, leaving listeners eager for more.
8 snips
Jan 5, 2017 • 24min
MAG 46 Literary Heights
Herbert Knox, the owner of a bookshop in Chichester, shares his eerie experiences with a peculiar student named Mike, whose obsession with rare texts brings unsettling occurrences to the shop. He delves into the haunting legacy in the rare books community and reflects on the darker themes of obsession and legacy after losing a rival. Additionally, mysterious narratives intertwine with the charm of a unique perfumery, showcasing tantalizing scents inspired by podcast characters, adding an enchanting layer to the chilling tale.
4 snips
Dec 29, 2016 • 20min
MAG 45 Blood Bag
Dive into the chilling world of supernatural fears as characters confront their darkest anxieties. A research assistant reveals the struggles of working in malarial research, shadowed by personal setbacks and loss. The narrative unfolds with a dangerously ambitious synthetic blood project that ends in tragedy, raising critical questions about ethics in science. Meanwhile, the exploration of mysterious motivations among colleagues adds layers of complexity. Along the way, quirky ads for everything from organic cotton sheets to healthier groceries keep the mood light.
7 snips
Dec 22, 2016 • 22min
MAG 44 Tightrope
A reflective journey through childhood dreams takes a dark turn in a remote Russian village. A haunting circus experience stirs feelings of awe mixed with anxiety, particularly as tragedy strikes during a tightrope act. The narrative reveals a father's struggle to protect his children from unsettling memories of that night. The mysterious tapes left behind fuel frustrations and unanswered questions, as the team delves deeper into the potential dangers tied to these recordings. Tension builds in this exploration of the unspoken horrors that linger in their lives.
6 snips
Dec 15, 2016 • 18min
MAG 43 Section 31
Police Constable Basira Hussain shares her chilling experiences as a member of Section 31, the enigmatic unit investigating strange occurrences. She reveals the psychological toll on officers dealing with the paranormal, recounting her traumatic encounters that blur the lines of reality. Hussain sheds light on the secrecy surrounding sensitive cases and the ethical dilemmas officers face. Additionally, she discusses the investigation of a mysterious death, highlighting the challenges of navigating without authority oversight. A gripping dive into the paranormal side of law enforcement!
5 snips
Dec 8, 2016 • 23min
MAG 42 Grifter’s Bone
Jennifer Ling, a music writer who delved into the eerie world of the mysterious band Grifter's Bone, shares her haunting experience from a live performance in Soho. She recounts unexpected and unsettling occurrences that blur the lines between memory and the supernatural. The conversation dives into Grifter's Bone's infamous reputation, exploring themes of ambition, trauma, and the dark allure of their music. Ling's personal anecdotes reveal the emotional scars left by their performance, alongside the unsettling secrets tied to the band.
6 snips
Dec 1, 2016 • 26min
MAG 41 Too Deep
Dive into eerie tunnels as the head archivist confronts haunting secrets and emotional turmoil after a colleague's death. Their disorienting journey leads to unsettling discoveries and a panicked retreat. Meanwhile, unravel a mysterious murder case tied to these dark passages. Discover the whimsical world of a women-owned perfumery, offering imaginative scents inspired by the unfolding stories. The mix of corporate ads and personal growth adds a unique twist, encouraging a rethink of everyday tools and connections.
Nov 17, 2016 • 50sec
MAG S2 Trailer
“Make your statement. Face your fear.”Season 2 of The Magnus Archives will commence on the 1st December 2016.See you soon.(Trailer featuring SFX from Podsburgh,Inkington, JakLocke and previously credited artists via www.Freesound.org)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.
Oct 26, 2016 • 26min
MAG S1 Q&A
In a lively Q&A, the hosts dive into their journey from horror anthology to structured storytelling, revealing the creative process behind their chilling tales. They touch on the influences of M.R. James and the impact of personal fears in narrative craft. Practical insights into audio drama production are shared, alongside humorous behind-the-scenes challenges. They explore fan engagement and its role in shaping their series, all while teasing a special Halloween event and unique thematic scents inspired by their work.
Oct 12, 2016 • 25min
MAG 40 Human Remains
Tim Stoker, an archival assistant at the Magnus Institute, shares chilling accounts of a haunting infestation by the entity Jane Prentiss. This conversation uncovers the traumatic chaos and safety concerns experienced during this encounter. They also delve into the unsettling discovery of human remains, discussing the cultural and ethical implications of mortality. Personal narratives add depth to the discussion, leaving listeners to ponder the lingering mysteries of existence and the emotional weight of such experiences.
