Andrew Crabtree is a writer and producer whose work spans both narrative and branded content. He discovered his love of storytelling while building brands for his clients at StillGood Creative, a path that led him to tell his own story in The Void.
The Void is an original audio drama podcast brought to life with the help of his closest friends—a true grassroots project and labor of love.
As the writer of a fiction podcast, it’s probably no surprise that I enjoy narrative storytelling. So, this list won’t feature any news or talk shows. In podcasting, there are so many different and unique ways that creators find to immerse you in their narrative. There are no special effects or flashy visuals to distract you, only the story. It’s what I love about it, and why I chose to make The Void specifically as an audio drama. These shows aren’t all fiction, but they all tell a great story.
The Void
I grew up in the shadow of the Shawnee National Forest, a truly beautiful part of the world, but you always wondered: what if there was real darkness behind the pretty facade? Well, in our fictional town of Milton, that darkness isn’t just in your head—it lives in the woods. They call it The Void, a cursed expanse that surrounds the town, swallowing anyone who dares to leave. Be careful though, while the characters of The Void might be fictional, you might find yourself confronting your own reality and those things that bind you… My first foray into audio fiction, I’m pretty proud of what my closest friends and I were able to create together.
Brought to you by…
It might seem weird that the fiction writer is starting his list with a business themed podcast, but Brought to you by…, from Business Insider, was one of the first podcasts I ever listened to on a regular basis (back when it went by Household Name) and holds a special place in my heart. It’s the show that really opened my eyes (ears?) to how stories could be told via podcast. They found the most interesting stories to explain why brands find their way into our hearts.
Old Gods of Appalachia
This one is probably more in line with what you would expect from the guy that wrote The Void. The first fiction podcast I ever listened to was Wolverine: The Long Night. It was the show that taught me what an audio drama was. The show that taught me what the full potential of an audio drama could be was Old Gods of Appalachia. Capturing the intrigue and mystery of the dark forest, it’s a fantastic listen and a great place to start if you’re new to audio dramas.
Titanic: Ship of Dreams
For decades people have been fascinated by the story of the unsinkable ship, Titanic. I’ll admit I’m one of them. I was a kid when James Cameron’s film debuted and quickly became enamoured with the stunning beauty of the ill-fated liner. Whether you share my interest in the infamous shipwreck or not, this historical documentary, from the Noiser network, is masterfully crafted and well produced.
Camp Monsters
Try as we might to explain the world around us, and make it fit into the boxes we’re comfortable with, there are still those strange phenomena we don’t know what to make of. It’s an idea that runs through the writing in The Void. Camp Monsters tells these stories in such a cool way, like you’re cozying up to a good old-fashioned campfire on the edge of a dark wood. Even the most skeptical can enjoy the mystery and intrigue.
Dark Woods
If my love and appreciation for the audio drama format started as a small fire, Dark Woods was fuel for the flames. A standout cast and engaging story pull you deep into the California redwoods, each episode leading you into the next. I binged almost the entire season on a long flight and found myself immersed. If you’re looking for your next audio drama (after you finish The Void, of course) give it a listen.
Everyone Only
I’ve known Kyle Walton for a long time, and when I talk about “storytellers”, this is the guy. If you consume golf content, odds are you’ve seen one of Kyle’s videos at some point. He finds beautiful and unique ways to tell golf’s untold stories. The tagline for this show is “overheard conversations”, which fits it quite well. It’s comfortable and natural, just like sitting down for a round with your buddies after finishing the back nine. Before you finish the first episode, Kyle and his co-host Ryan Wagner will feel like your new best friends.
Short History Of…
Another podcast from the Noiser network, Short History Of… is a new find for me, but I’m tearing through it quickly. As the name suggests, each episode is a quick dive into a unique moment in history, but don’t be fooled. You may only spend one episode in each story, but it’s jam packed with research and engaging storytelling. Because each episode stands on its own, it’s a great one to check out if you don’t have the time to invest in something serialized.
Whistleblower
This deep dive into one of professional basketball’s darkest chapters is an exceptionally well produced documentary. Telling the story of the 2007 Tim Donaghy refereeing scandal, it expertly weaves interviews from key players, and even Donaghy himself, with carefully crafted narration. Again, this is one that’s easy to binge, and I would recommend it whether you follow the NBA or not.
SNAFU with Ed Helms
If you can’t tell, I do love a well told documentary, especially when the producers find creative and engaging ways to tell the story. Narrated by Ed Helms, he and the team at iHeart do just that. Each season focuses on a slightly offbeat and intriguing “screwup” in history. The tone is playful and I often find myself laughing out loud in the car with Ed’s delivery. The first season, diving into the Cold War mystery that is Able Archer 83, is a master class.
Nightingale
I’ll leave you with another fiction podcast. If you’ve listened to The Void, you can probably tell I love a good coming of age story. Nightingale is the story of three teens with cancer that find themselves in a mysterious new world, where they’re in for the adventure of their lives. It’s a family friendly show that I like to listen to with my kids on long trips.
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