Tal is a voice actor, sound designer, and audio drama producer. They’re the creator of Re: Dracula, Sidequesting, What Will Be Here? and several other productions that can be found hiding under rugs and around corners. Their work has been featured in The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Vogue. Find out more or get in contact at talminear.com.
Are you an avid podcast listener that hasn’t tried fiction podcasts yet? This list is for you! Here are a handful of audio dramas that are perfect contenders to be your first audio drama listen. It’s like a charcuterie board for your ears. Pick one and jump in!
World Gone Wrong
If you’re scared of fiction podcasts, this is your starter show. It’s formatted just like a chat cast, so you’ll feel right at home. This podcast just happens to be set at the end of the world.
The Bright Sessions
This was one of the first audio dramas I listened to, and one of the reasons I fell in love with this medium. Listening feels like reading a YA novel, and I’d especially recommend it to older teens.
Shelterwood
One part gothic, one part found footage, and one hundred percent terrifying – check out this podcast if you want to be scared out of your pants and never look at houses the same way. Listening to this one feels like watching a horror movie.
Tales of the Echowood
Enter a twisted fairy tale realm and learn its lore. This show made me feel nostalgic for a world I’ve never been to. If you want a show that really leans into the audio medium, listen to this one.
The Boar Knight
If you want a podcast that feels like a saturday morning cartoon, check out The Boar Knight. It’s a family friendly musical extravaganza that’s especially great for kids.
The Amelia Project
Ever wanted to fake your death and disappear forever? There’s a secret agency for that. The Amelia Project is a truly absurd audio drama taking twists and turns you’ll never see. This show is great for people who want something unexpected and fun.
Janus Descending
This sci-fi/horror audio drama follows the arrival of two xenoarcheologists on a small world orbiting a binary star. Tragedy lovers, this one’s for you.
Starship Q Star
This is a hilarious and lighthearted sci-fi show riffing on the idea of an all female space crew. It’s only 6 episodes long, so if you want to dip your toes into audio drama, it’s a great first listen.
NIGHTLIGHT
Listening to this podcast feels like someone telling you a ghost story around a campfire. If you’re big into audiobooks, the narration style is the same here.
Carcerem
Here’s the pitch: in a land torn apart by a fear of magic, two young friends leave the only home they’ve ever known to find the one who could save them all. If you’re itching for some intense fantasy action, check out Carcerem.
The Goblet Wire
If you like weird, experimental media, this is the audio drama for you. I’m actually not going to explain anything about it. Go listen to something new. I promise you’ll have fun.
Someone Dies In This Elevator
If you want a wildcard of a show, check out SDITE. It’s an anthology, so every episode stands alone (and in this show, varies in genre and tone). You never know what kind of story you’re going to get.
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