The Penumbra Podcast
by Harley Takagi Kaner and Kevin Vibert
At the Penumbra, you might follow Juno Steel, a brooding, sharp-witted private eye on Mars, as he tangles with an elusive homme fatale, tracks dangerous artifacts of an ancient alien civilization, and faces his three greatest fears: heights, blood, and relationships. Or you might enter the world of the Second Citadel, where the merciless Sir Caroline must corral a team of emotionally distraught all-male knights to defend their city against mind-manipulating monsters...even the ones they’ve fallen in love with. Or you might tune into the not-too-distant future of Thirst, a future America somehow even worse than the present, where four couples must survive a dangerous reality TV competition designed by a sadistic host and a cheerfully violent Algorithm. These audio dramas and more await you in the Penumbra, dear traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay. (Start with "1.01: Juno Steel and the Case of the Murderous Mask" to follow the Juno Ste
Episodes
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THIRST S1E27: A Grain of Salt
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 27: A Grain of Salt. A last-ditch attempt to escape the madness. Cast: Marge...
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THIRST S1E26: May the Best Man Win
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 26: May the Best Man Win. The contestants scramble to get their bearings in a...
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THIRST S1E25: Rerun
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 25: Rerun. Do you ever get the feeling that all of this has happened before?...
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THIRST S1E24: Say Yes
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 24: Say Yes. Jedediah does some convincing. Cast: Tooky Kavanagh as The...
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THIRST S1E23: The Reunion Episode
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 23: The Reunion Episode. You're playing the game but I might still get...
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THIRST S1E22: We'll Be Right Back
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 22: We'll Be Right Back The contestants make a run for it. Cast: Marge Dunn…
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THIRST S1E21: Mister Crowley
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 21: Mister Crowley Things get very personal. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine…
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THIRST S1E20: Blindfold
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 20: Blindfold The ultimate loser loses. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph…
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THIRST S1E19: The Edit
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 19: The Edit A glimpse at what the audience sees. The contestants discover…
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Check out: The Gentleman From Hell
Three private detectives investigate the mystery of Cold Sparrow - a town that's entire population disappeared without a trace over twenty years ago. Together, the detectives seek to unravel the town's mysteries and find the enigmatic Benjamin Veers, an eccentric billionaire who resided in the…
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THIRST S1E18: The Man Behind Me
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 18: The Man Behind Me. The living contestants finally get the chance to…
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From The Penumbra Special Edition: Wet Hot American Doomsday, Episode 10 (with Harley Takagi Kaner and Kevin Vibert)
As we enter the last couple weeks of our spring break, here's an episode of our companion podcast, "Wet Hot American Doomsday," normally reserved for Supercast and Patreon supporters only! Harley and Kevin took the opportunity of our tenth episode of Thirst to talk about the making of the show....
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OOPS! All Commercials! (THIRST commercials episodes 1-17)
All the in-universe commercials from the first 17 episodes of THIRST, now compiled in one place. Ever wanted to just sit down and immerse yourself in the experience of flipping channels in the worst possible timeline? Want to get your friend to listen to Thirst but having them start with a full...
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From The Penumbra Special Edition: Wet Hot American Doomsday, Episode 4 (with Joshua Ilon)
Since we're on spring break from releasing Thirst episodes, please enjoy this episode of our companion podcast, "Wet Hot American Doomsday," normally reserved for Supercast and Patreon supporters only! We talked with Joshua Ilon (Dennis Cruz) about the events of Thirst episode 4, "Duck!", as well...
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THIRST S1E17: We Both Shall Live
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 17: We Both Shall Live. Here comes the.... Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph...
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Check out: How I Died S1E1
For more, listen to How I Died. For tickets to our live reading of If Memory Serves: A Juno Steel Mystery on November 21, 2026, visit: https://therockwell.org/calendar/the-penumbra-podcast/ Join us at The Rockwell, home of our first two live shows, in Somerville, MA, for Joshua Ilon's...
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THIRST S1E16: Cutthroat
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 16: Cutthroat. A nature hike turns violent. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine…
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THIRST S1E15: Base, Part 2
You can find early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 15: Base, Part 2. Missed connections and some unexpected bonding. Cast: Marge...
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THIRST S1E14: Base, Part 1
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 14: Base, Part 1. Misunderstandings, mistrust, and odd couples. Cast: Kat Buckingham as the Chill Pill Announcer Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Valentina Ride Quinn McKenzie as Capote Whittaker Melody...
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THIRST S1E13: Last Meal
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 13: Last Meal. When the rules are broken, there will be consequences. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Tooky Kavanagh as The Algorithm Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Valentina Ride Quinn McKenzie as Capote Whittaker Melody…
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Check out: Derelict S1E1
You can subscribe and listen to more episodes of Derelict here. For tickets to our live reading of If Memory Serves: A Juno Steel Mystery on November 21, 2026, visit: https://therockwell.org/calendar/the-penumbra-podcast/ Join us at The Rockwell, home of our first two live shows, in Somerville…
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Thirst S1E12: Prehistoric Reality
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 12: Prehistoric Reality. The contestants try to figure out whether they can trust one another. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Valentina Ride Jamie McGonagill as the Pleasant Voice Quinn McKenzie…
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THIRST S1E11: L'enfer
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 11: L'enfer. The third elimination challenge begins. Cast: Anjimile as Three-Time Grammy Award Winner Sal Butcher Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Valentina Ride Tooky Kavanagh as The Algorithm Quinn...
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Thirst S1E10: Billboard Row, Part 2
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 10: Billboard Row, Part 2. The contestants gather more information, but their interpersonal relationships suffer. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Valentina Ride Joshua Ilon as "Dennis Cruz" Tooky...
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Check out: [REDACTED] S1E1
[REDACTED] S1E1: False Start (Part 1) —-------------- Introducing [REDACTED]; from Athan (The Grotto) and Jamie Petronis (The Cellar Letters) Following the death of his twin, failing actor Jacob Kane assumes his late-brother’s life in hopes of a fresh start. Instead of finding stability, Jacob...
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THIRST S1E9: Billboard Row, Part 1
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 9: Billboard Row, Part 1. Anouk tells a story about her childhood. A rule is changed. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Valentina Ride Eleanore Cho Fellerhoff as "Holliday Murdock" Joshua Ilon as...
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THIRST S1E8: Stained
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 8: Stained. The second elimination challenge is completed. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Valentina Ride Eleanore Cho Fellerhoff as Holliday Murdock Sarah Gazdowicz as the Fix-Your-Face Announcer...
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THIRST S1E7: Homosexual Romantic Tradition
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 7: Homosexual Romantic Tradition The loophole in the challenge is exploited, but not all of the contestants are happy about it. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Valentina Ride and the Cash For…
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THIRST S1E6: Sexy Singles In Your Area
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 6: Sexy Singles In Your Area The forest reveals itself. Two new contestants are introduced and the next challenge begins. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Valentina Ride Eleanore Cho Fellerhoff as...
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THIRST S1E5: Out There In the Hills
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 5: Out There in the Hills After the results of "The Newlywed Maim," the contestants decide to take drastic action. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph and Suspect 2 Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Eleanore Cho Fellerhoff as Holliday Murdock Joshua Ilon as the...
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THIRST S1E4: Duck!
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 4: Duck! The contestants play "The Newlywed Maim." Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Eleanore Cho Fellerhoff as Holliday Murdock and Mom Joshua Ilon as Dennis Cruz and the Canadian Soldier Tooky Kavanagh as The Algorithm Quinn...
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We need your help to keep making THIRST, plus subscription sale on Supercast and Patreon
Please consider supporting us however you can, whether that's monetarily or by talking about us online. We want to keep making THIRST more than anything, and we can only do it with you help. If you want to subscribe, you can get the Supercast discount in perpetuity here:...
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THIRST S1E3: Love Is a Four-Letter Word
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 3: Love Is a Four-Letter Word. The first game is revealed. Cast: Ginny D'Angelo as Siobhan Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph Josephine Moshiri Elwood as Valentina Ride Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Eleanore Cho Fellerhoff as Holliday Murdock Joshua Ilon as…
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THIRST S1E2: Behind Closed Doors
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 2: Behind Closed Doors. An interlude before the real fun begins. What are couples really like in private? Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph and Wet-Park Announcer Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Eleanore Cho Fellerhoff as Holliday Murdock and Scientist 2...
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THIRST S1E1: Icebreaker
Can't Tear My Eyes From You, Chapter 1: Icebreaker. Hoping to win a grand prize that promises safety and security in frightening times, a young couple prepares to join a reality TV competition. Cast: Marge Dunn as Raine Randolph and Claudia Amanda Egbu as Georgia Whittaker Eleanore Cho Fellerhoff...
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THIRST trailer
This trailer is best viewed in its video form on any of our social media accounts: Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, or Bluesky. Episode 1 of THIRST is now available ad-free for early access subscribers over on The Penumbra Podcast: Special Edition, along with our large backlog of bonus content. (We...
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First listen: THIRST, a new audio drama from the Penumbra
What would you do for love, $100,000,000, and a house far away from the sea? Original music by Harrison M. Beck. For tickets to our live reading of If Memory Serves: A Juno Steel Mystery on November 21, 2026, visit: https://therockwell.org/calendar/the-penumbra-podcast/ Join us at The Rockwell,...
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Spilling the tea on some big news ahead of Thirst!
Jolly good news, eh wot? As always, you can support us over at The Penumbra: SPECIAL EDITION. For tickets to our live reading of If Memory Serves: A Juno Steel Mystery on November 21, 2026, visit: https://therockwell.org/calendar/the-penumbra-podcast/ Join us at The Rockwell, home of our first…
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Check out Desert Skies, a sci-fi/fantasy audio drama!
Listen to Desert Skies here or anywhere you get your podcasts. For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old...
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If Memory Serves: A Juno Steel Mystery (Episode 2), PLUS: Announcements and Subscription Sale
Enjoy episode 2 of the audiobook for If Memory Serves: A Juno Steel Mystery, and if you want to join us for our post-audiobook livestream Q&A on April 5th at 7 PM EST, you can subscribe for 15% off now at thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com! ----- Juno reconnects with an old friend. On the trail of…
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Upcoming events: Drag Bingo, Storytime with Kevin, and THIRST!
Hello, travelers! Harley Takagi Kaner here with an update about some upcoming events we’re hosting over on The Penumbra Podcast: Special Edition. We’ve got our first ever Drag Bingo event at 5 PM Eastern on February 16th for our supporters at the The Penumbra Podcast: Special Edition! We’ve been...
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Teaser for total hunk hours in If Memory Serves, Part 2
This is a short, pretty spoiler-free preview of our Juno Steel novel If Memory Serves. If you want access to the audiobook AND to give us the funding to make sure our next podcast Thirst happens, you just have to pledge at any level over at thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com. Nearly four hours of...
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Announcements! Part 1 of "If Memory Serves" is finished, and help us make our next show, Thirst!
Hi all! Part 1 of If Memory Serves is finished over on The Penumbra: Special Edition, so what are you waiting around here for? Just head over to thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com and take in Juno's first case EVER as a PI! Notes from this announcement: 1) Part 1 is over! It's a complete case and a...
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If Memory Serves: A Juno Steel Mystery (Episode 1)
A young Juno Steel, new to being a private eye and intensely depressed after explosively losing his job at the HCPD, is deep under the spell of a street drug that allows him to relive his past. Encouraged by his trusty secretary, he takes on a strange case. Part 1, Ch. 1-4. You can find a...
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First full episode of IF MEMORY SERVES now available on our new platform!
When Kevin and Harley decided to go full-time as podcasters and artists, they knew it was a big risk. Independent media by queer creators doesn't generally pull in the big bucks, but it’s important to them to make the most beautiful and heartfelt work possible and always pay the cast and crew a...
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Season 5 Q&A, including 10-minute teaser for IF MEMORY SERVES
Harley and Kevin answer Patreon subscribers' questions LIVE (hence the sub-par audio) with help from Joshua Ilon and Melissa DeJesus. IF MEMORY SERVES will be released starting in October on our new paid platform. Details can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/big-news-from-q-111733218...
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Series Q&A on Patreon Sept 8, plus what's next!
Hi travelers, Harley here. I wanted to make sure that you knew about our upcoming series Q&A happening on Patreon this Sunday, September 8th, at 3:00 PM Eastern, for all of our Patreon supporters. Kevin and I will be answering questions live from those who attend, so make sure to come prepared…
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5.28: Juno Steel and the Case Closed (Part 2)
Home is what you make it. Thank you for joining us at The Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you've enjoyed your stay. (Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.) ------- You can find all of our transcripts here:...
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5.27: Juno Steel and the Case Closed (Part 1)
Well, Juno Steel. Time's up. It's time to answer the question: Who will you be next? Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay. (Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.) ------- You can find all of our...
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5.26: Second Citadel--The World to Come (Part 3)
Given but one short and precious life, what world will you bring to bear? Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay. (Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.) ------- You can find all of our transcripts...
About this show
At the Penumbra, you might follow Juno Steel, a brooding, sharp-witted private eye on Mars, as he tangles with an elusive homme fatale, tracks dangerous artifacts of an ancient alien civilization, and faces his three greatest fears: heights, blood, and relationships.
Or you might enter the world of the Second Citadel, where the merciless Sir Caroline must corral a team of emotionally distraught all-male knights to defend their city against mind-manipulating monsters...even the ones they’ve fallen in love with.
Or you might tune into the not-too-distant future of Thirst, a future America somehow even worse than the present, where four couples must survive a dangerous reality TV competition designed by a sadistic host and a cheerfully violent Algorithm.
These audio dramas and more await you in the Penumbra, dear traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay. (Start with "1.01: Juno Steel and the Case of the Murderous Mask" to follow the Juno Ste
Hosted by
Harley Takagi Kaner and Kevin Vibert
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