Into the Dark of the Woods

In the wake of the rising of Sleeping Bear, Sean and the rest of the dead try to get back to their normal routines and waiting. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sleeping Bear Dunes, the dead have concerns. There have been fewer and fewer of the bears and the collective ghosts are beginning to take notice. In the meantime...Sleeping Bear won't sleep forever. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We meet the Great Lakes Branch of the Esoteric Threat Containment Division, a branch of the Department of the Interior of the US. They get wind of something happening in the Pittsburgh area and send one of their agents to investigate.This Third Thursday featurette is episode 1 of the Pojectionist Booth exclusive series "The Et Cetera's". This is an 8 part series and you'll find it, as well as all of our Third Thursday features, on our Patreon page. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being a ghost on sleeping bear dunes means waiting, which is boring. But there are worse things. Sean remembers the times when the dead still had something to fear. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean reflects on his time on the dunes, summer rituals, and things that the dead have come to realize. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Sawyer knows he dead. He is waiting on the Sleeping Bear Dunes with the teeming dead for the day when a bear will appear and guide him to wherever his next destination is. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hitch and Hike have been recurring characters in Mikey's adventure on the other side of the Arch. Lets take a minute to meet these two sisters and see where they came from, and how they got to be who they are.This is a "Third Thursday" feature. Our Third Thursday shows come from any of our main three, Mikey and the Garden Arch, Engine of War, or Into the Dark of the Woods. They run for one month on the main feeds and you can gain access to all of them by joining our patreon at the $5/mo Projectionist Tier.Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer on Mackinac Island is winding to a close and Mark has one last moment with the old bridal he's been using all season. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever visited Mackinac Island you know how beautiful it can be. But in August, visitors start to feel the tick clock of the summer winding down and a "rain day" can dampen anyone's plans. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mackinac Island when the Fourth of July hits a weekend is chaos! Fireworks from Mackinaw City, St. Ignace and the Island intermingle and put on an amazing show. Mark is on his third season and this time he has a much different experience of Mackinac Independence Day than his first two trips to the island. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The legend of Johnny Appleseed is one celebrated all through states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. But there is a lesser known sojourn of the "barefoot wanderer" that took him north into Michigan for a brief time and had him plant for something other than just the settlers that were yet to come. This is our Third Thursday featurette for the month of May 2026. Enjoy this Third Thursday content until June and then find it in our "projectionist booth" on our patreon page and the link is included below. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Lilac Festival and the island is in full bloom. The fragrance of the purple flowers fills the air and Mark, third season now getting truly underway, uses the old bridle to do his tour. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Its Summer in Northern Michigan and the jewel of the North, Mackinac Island opens its doors and lets people in. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our family has settled into the house "Up North" and the house, in turn, has made the transition as smooth as possible. That's because the house has it's own agenda. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Betty, the youngest of the family, talks about how the move Up North has affected her and what the house has taught her. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This "Third Thursday" bonus from our Engine of War series seeds between episodes one and two and shows Kael as he starts his path. If you would like to start Engine of War - click here: Engine of War Episode 1 - Copperspire - Engine of War | AcastIf you are interested in Mikey and the Garden Arch - click here: Mikey and the Garden Arch Chapter 1 - Lazy Summer Days - Mikey and the Garden Arch | AcastIf you are interested in Into the Dark of the Woods - click here: The Bargain of the Field Episode 1 - Halloween Week - Into the Dark of the Woods | AcastPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James brings a teenage perspective to the move his family made from "Downstate" to "Up North" and what he's encountered in their new house. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura and her family have moved to Northern Lower Michigan from the south part of the state. Here, they have this new house and she's settling in and helping to make it a homePlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oscar and his family have found a new place in the North and are settling in. Things are falling into place and he's getting a fresh start on the future he's wanted. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the trailer of our brand new patreon exclusive show "The Et Cetera's" - First episode 4/2/26Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcel is alone, left with his memories and his love. He brings her back in the only matter he can, and he does what he can to keep her. Together. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Augustine and Marcel have found their place. Now, the only thing that is keeping them from their happily ever after is Augustine's pesky cough.This episode deals with themes of loss and mortality.Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcel is keeping house and Augustine is meeting her students. Our new couple is having a life that neither knew they always wanted. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcel and Augustine are starting their new lives together as husband and wife. She is securing work, he is securing their new lives together. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcel Emery has never stopped long enough for romance. Augustine Tremblay has never believed the right life would come from the right place. When they meet near the Soo in 1910, their courtship is brief, practical, and sincere — the first careful steps toward a home they will build together.Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Merrit family is on their way home. They are going to leave Christmas and all of it's weirdness behind and get back to their lives...but fire doesn't cage. Fire waits. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Merrits stay over one extra day but today isn't quite as idyllic as it was yesterday. Little things keep happening; breaking glass, stoves that overheat, engines running too loud, sparks being thrown off things.And then the laugh.This episode is written and performed by Bryan FosterPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Its been years since the fire that claimed the ornament factory in Christmas, Michigan. Now, just a sleepy little stop over of a town, we meet a lovely family traveling back to Wisconsin from visiting family in Cheboygan for the holidays. But the weather has other plans and they have to make a unplanned stopThis episode was written and recorded by Bryan Foster. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time has passed and few remember the fire of Bay Furnace. An ornament factory in the town of Christmas, Michigan brings prosperity and good tidings the year round. But one man, an old Cornish "Cousin Jack" was there when the fire laughed as it chased him and his cohorts through the woods. And he sees the flames in the kilns of the factory and knows the truth...fire doesn't cage. Fire waits.This episode was written and narrated by: Bryan FosterPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ground was frozen and a body lay stiff. There was no way to bury it. So the well meaning miners of Bay Furnace, MI let the fire take him. The fire took him....and kept him...This episode was written and performed by Bryan FosterPlease like, share and subscribe to this or any of Rust Belt Studio's three shows.Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our trio of students have made it out of the woods - but one of them, Jonah, is taking some of the woods back with him.This episode was written and performed by Bryan FosterThis is a Rust Belt Studio production.This concludes the Hermit of the Pines story arc. We're rolling directly into another story next week.Like, Share, Subscribe to help us out.Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our trio of students have had enough. This was just supposed to be a scenery shot, turned into a hunt for a mythic figure, turned into now a fight just to survive. Michigan winters have a way of doing that to a person. On their way back to their car, back to their homes, the woods take one more shot at making them permanent residents and the Hermit makes himself useful again.This episode is written and performed by: Bryan FosterPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The three students from Ferris State University have seen their quarry. They know he exists and they try to find him. But this is November and even though it may be early, it's still the Upper Peninsula and the lakes can effect the weather fast and hard. As these three are beginning to learn if you're not from the land, the land may have plans for you.This is a Rust Belt Studio ProductionThis episode was written and performed by Bryan FosterPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Into the Dark of the Woods is a Rust Belt Studio productionThe three students from Ferris State University head deeper into the woods, looking for confirmation that the Hermit is real, that he's what's leaving these "trades" to find. They find it, and more. This episode is written and performed by Bryan FosterJoin us on Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hermit of the Pines is the next story arc from Rust Belt Studio's "Into the Dark of the Woods" showWe meet three Ferris State film college students traveling north for some shots, some sounds, and some story. They find there way near Tahquamenon Falls where the pines hide a story as old as they are. This story was written and narrated by Bryan FosterJoin us on Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is "Bargain of the Field" episode 5 - the final episode. We come back to the present to see what happens to the Kallio's from the bargain that was made in the past.Into the Dark of the Woods is a Rust Belt Studio ProductionWritten and Narrated by Bryan FosterPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4 of "Bargain of the Field" brings us back to the past, back to Eno and his family. We watch as they try to carve out their piece of the land and see the land push back, trying to throw them out. We see why a man would make a deal and what that deal cost him.""Bargain of the Field" is a generational horror podcast set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This is a Rust Belt Studio production.This episode is written and performed by Bryan FosterPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We follow Eero and Anja, one enjoying everything the town has to offer with blissful ignorance. The other, feeling the growing dread of knowing that a deal was made and that prices are coming due"The Bargain of the Field" is a generational horror drama set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We follow the Kallio family from their roots coming over to the United States from Finland to their thriving farm today. Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eno Kallio, the patriarch of a small family, herds his wife and children on a ship bound for the new land. Hear their journey and see them find their new home."The Bargain of the Field" is a generational horror story set in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We're following a Finnish family as they find their way, and so much more.Into the Dark of the Woods is a Rust Belt Studio production: horror and folklore from the heart of the Midwest.💀 Written and narrated by Bryan FosterPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The frost came early that morning, slicking the Kallio fields with silver. The pumpkins sat in rows like fat lanterns, their skins shining where the sun caught them. Eero Kallio walked the rows in his flannel and boots, the cold on the air had nothing to do with the cold in his heart."The Bargain of the Field" is a generational horror story set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Kallio family must keep their pact with the soil, and soon, payment will be dueInto the Dark of the Woods is a Rust Belt Studio production: horror folklore from the heart of the Midwest.Written and Narrated by Bryan FosterPlease consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Into the Dark of the Woods, a Rust Belt Studio production. In this brief introduction creator Bryan Foster shares what's ahead - horror rooted in the Upper Peninsula. Follow the show for weekly episodes starting October 2025Please consider joining our Patreon: Rust Belt Studio | PatreonVisit us at: Rust Belt StudioThis is an original work of episodic audio fiction, produced and released as a podcast.It is not an audiobook or a reading of any previously published work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.