Dead West: Gothic Western Audio Drama | Reno News

Devin Steffens drops his haunting new audio drama Dead West—a gothic Western where a sin-eating ghost-seer named Conrad Ward rides through Northern California’s eerie past, inspired by real places like Virginia City and Donner Lake. After two years of crafting this immersive, earworm-worthy tale, Steffens—also a voice actor—reaffirms why audio drama remains his favorite storytelling medium: it’s intimate, communal, and deeply rooted in oral tradition. Though radio dramas faded with TV’s rise, today’s creators are reviving the format with passion, not profit, thanks to accessible tech and tight-knit online communities like Discord. Enter TAFCON, the first major in-person gathering for audio drama makers, born from a need for real-world connection. Steffens missed this year’s event but plans to return—because for him, it’s not just about the story, but the shared craft with fellow creators, musicians, and friends. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/74a15e59192a99ba