The Truth
by The Truth
The Truth makes short, cinematic stories meant to be listened to closely, like short films for your ears. Each episode is a brand new story with a new cast of characters, and a whole new world to explore. Some are suspenseful, others funny, or shocking, or uplifting. What you’re guaranteed is incredible performances, thoughtful writing, and detailed, immersive sound design that pulls you in and never lets go. If you're new, some good starting places are: The Joke, Operation Skillshot, Here I Am, Dark End of the Mall, Silvia's Blood, or Can You Help Me Find My Mom. Listening with headphones is recommended!
Episodes
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Falling Tree
On this episode, we're sharing two stories from Falling Tree, a new podcast from acclaimed audio producers Eleanor McDowall and Alan Hall. Drawing on nearly 30 years of radio-making, Falling Tree showcases inventive documentaries, experimental audio, and adventurous storytelling. “Everything,...
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A Noble Beast
Jason has a werewolf problem, and he needs eight weeks of therapy to get his career back on track. Written by David Bluvband, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by James Dwyer, Matt Pozzuolo, Danielle Delgado, David Carl, Alex Nader, Mary McDonnell, and Michael Cullen....
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Okay, New Plan
It was the perfect plan for a heist. Until it all fell apart. Written by Mac Rogers, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Amy Warren, David Carl, Brandon Zelman, Erica Hernandez, and Jon Hudson. Support The Truth by subscribing to our ad-free...
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The Back Row
Jake is on a flight to an important business conference, but it turns into an increasingly strange and surreal journey that challenges everything he believes about getting ahead. Written by Hunter Nelson, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Josh Tobin, Ben Rameaka,...
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Higgenbaum's Mitzvah
We’ll have some brand new stories for you in September. But for this episode, we're introducing you to a podcast that I really love, the writing is very inventive, thoughtful and at times bizarre. It’s called Higgenbaum’s Mitzvah, which tells you nothing about the show. So to help you understand...
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BONUS: Inside "Do-Over"
We’ll have some brand new stories for you in September. But in the mean time, here's an episode about where these stories come from and the ideas inside them. In the first half, Jonathan talks with writer Mary McDonnell about our story "Do-Over." If you haven't heard the story yet, this episode...
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Remembering Tom Ligon
Tom Ligon, one of the core performers of The Truth, died on June 26, 2026, at the age of 85. In this episode, we remember Tom's remarkable career on stage, in film, and on television, and share his final performance for The Truth, Robocalls. After the story, you'll also hear my favorite thing Tom...
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There's Something I Need to Tell You
We're taking a break from producing new stories, so in this episode we're featuring John Dryden's BBC series There's Something I Need to Tell You. It's a smart, suspenseful thriller that follows an ordinary couple whose vacation takes a very unexpected turn. After the first episode of the story,...
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Do-Over
A woman with severe social anxiety discovers that an AI therapy tool designed to prepare her for life may be keeping her from living it. Written by Mary McDonnell, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Tallie Medel, Joy Lyn Shaw, Kimberly Chatterjee, Peter McNerney…
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BONUS: Inside "Let's Not and Say We Did"
Jonathan talks with writer Mac Rogers about our story "Let's Not and Say We Did." If you haven't heard the story yet, this episode contains SPOILERS, so you'll want to listen to the story first. Order your vinyl copy of Silvia's Blood and Moon Graffiti HERE. The records will only be...
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Let's Not and Say We Did
Jeff's open marriage is thriving, except for one problem: he can't bring himself to have sex with anyone other than his wife. Fortunately, his date has some ideas. Written by Mac Rogers, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Dennis Pacheco, Ann Carr, and Julia Schroeder....
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BONUS: Inside "Midnight Screening"
Jonathan talks with writer David Bluvband about our story "Midnight Screening." If you haven't heard the story yet, this episode contains SPOILERS, so you'll want to listen to the story first. Order your vinyl copy of Silvia's Blood and Moon Graffiti HERE. The records will only be available...
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Midnight Screening
A daughter preparing a memorial for her late father sorts through his old video tapes, and begins to understand what his beloved neighborhood movie theater meant to him. Written by David Bluvband, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Chet Siegel, David Deblinger, Jim...
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BONUS: Inside "The Completist"
Jonathan talks with writer Hunter Nelson about our story "The Completist." And in the second half, Hunter talks with singer/songwriter Dustin Lowman about inhabiting the character of Garrett Solomon. If you haven't heard the story yet, this episode contains SPOILERS, so you'll want to listen to…
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The Completist
Two guys meet at a party and discover a shared obsession: an impossibly rare record by their favorite musician. Written by Hunter Nelson, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Josh Tobin, David Carl, Louis Kornfeld, Hunter Nelson, Mary McDonnell, Mac Rogers, Aimee Lutkin,...
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Don't Tell Alice
The Truth is taking a break right now, and we’ll be back with all-new stories in May. So we're introducing you to another podcast. After 8 years, the hit fiction podcast Alice Isn't Dead returns with a new sequel series, Don't Tell Alice. Available wherever you get your podcasts, and ad-free and…
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Love and Radio: Blood Memory
The Truth is taking a break right now, and we’ll be back with all-new stories in May. So we're introducing you to another podcast. Love and Radio makes documentaries, these are all real people. They have a new series called "Blood Memory," and today we'll hear episode 1. You'll hear two women…
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Object Piece
Object Piece is a radio drama recorded in a dried out lake bed in 1978. It's visceral and compelling, with incredible acting, and it was made by Erik Bauersfeld, one of the great audio dramatists of the late 20th century. First we'll hear the story, then we'll learn more about where it came from...
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BONUS: Inside "Garden of Evan"
Jonathan talks with writer Mac Rogers about our story "Garden of Evan." If you haven't heard the story yet, this episode contains SPOILERS, so you'll want to listen to the story first. Order your vinyl copy of Silvia's Blood and Moon Graffiti HERE. The records will only be available until…
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Garden of Evan
A man searching for purpose discovers his compost pile has very strong opinions about productivity. Written by Mac Rogers, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Seth Lind, Kate Shine, Dan Chamberlain, Mac Rogers, Mary McDonnell, Hunter Nelson, Louis Kornfeld, and David...
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BONUS: Inside "The Spot off the Side of the Highway"
Jonathan talks with writer Mary McDonnell about our story "The Spot off the Side of the Highway." If you haven't heard the story yet, this episode contains SPOILERS, so you'll want to listen to the story first. Support The Truth by subscribing to our ad-free feed. It’s $5, or $50 a...
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The Spot off the Side of the Highway
A group of teenagers go on late-night search for something no one’s sure is real. Written by Mary McDonnell, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Anna Aubry, Shenba Vairavan, Brendan Dewley, Jon Hudson, and Mary McDonnell. Recorded by Christian Cuciniello at Silver Sound...
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BONUS: Inside "Forward, Darkspeed!"
Jonathan talks with writer Hunter Nelson about our story "Forward, Darkspeed!" If you haven't heard the story yet, this episode contains SPOILERS, so you'll want to listen to the story first. Support The Truth by subscribing to our ad-free feed. It’s $5, or $50 a year. You’ll get every...
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Forward, Darkspeed!
A sci-fi writer inherits her mother’s legendary series and faces the impossible expectations that come with carrying a beloved story forward. Written by Hunter Nelson, directed and Sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Liz Leimkuhler as Laika , Michael Cullen as George, Jacob Williams...
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BONUS: Inside "Chez Vous"
Jonathan talks with writer Louis Kornfeld about our story Chez Vous. If you haven't heard Chez Vous, this episode contains SPOILERS, so you'll want to listen to the story first. Support The Truth by subscribing to our ad-free feed. It’s $5, or $50 a year. You’ll get every story without...
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Chez Vous
A struggling writer joins her wealthy friends for an extravagant dinner at a restaurant that charges more than money. Written by Louis Kornfeld, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Mary McDonnell as Cassandra, Tess Frazier as Missy, Joseph Medeiros as Sebastian, Colton...
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The Thing on the Fourble Board
Support The Truth by subscribing to our ad-free feed. It’s $5, or $50 a year. You’ll get every story without interruption, but more than that, you’ll be supporting the survival of our show. Go to: thetruthpodcast.supportingcast.fm On this episode, special guest Neil Verma tries to show Jonathan...
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The Projectionists
A date night takes a surprising turn when the movie previews become a little too familiar. Written by Davy Gardner, directed and sound designed by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Julia Schroeder and John Sartori, with Bill Rohlfing as the Movie Narrator. And as the movie actors: Nikki Thomas…
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The Joke
When an archivist in the future finds a single surviving joke, she risks her job to uncover its meaning, discovering forbidden laughter along the way. Written by Mary McDonnell, with direction, sound design, and original music by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Betsy Helmer, Josh Tobin, John...
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Here I Am
A mother who listens, a father who can’t, and a boy who’s simply trying to say: Here I Am. This is a musical drama about connection, silence, and the act of listening. Written by Louis Kornfeld, with direction, sound design, and original music by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by Ann Carr as Rosie,...
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Operation Skill Shot
A pinball obsessive is enlisted by the police to help lure a mob boss out of hiding, giving him a chance to prove that pinball isn't just a game. Written by Hunter Nelson, with direction, sound design, and original music by Jonathan Mitchell. Performed by David Bluvband, Ben Rameaka, Samantha...
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Silvia's Blood and Moon Graffiti
On this episode, we're presenting two of our favorite stories: Silvia's Blood was originally released in 2014, and is based on a short story by Philip K. Dick titled, "Upon the Dull Earth." Moon Graffiti was the first episode of our show, which began in 2012. It was inspired by a speech written…
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Pariah No. 3
The grandson of a world-renowned art gallery owner falls in love with a performance artist. But when her performance piece becomes a crime scene, he has to team up with an art critic to investigate. Part 3 of 3. Written by Davy Gardner. Performed by Federico Rodriguez, Liz Leimkuhler, Ann Carr,...
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Pariah No. 2
The grandson of a world-renowned art gallery owner falls in love with a performance artist. But when her performance piece becomes a crime scene, he has to team up with an art critic to investigate. Part 2 of 3. Written by Davy Gardner. Performed by Federico Rodriguez, Liz Leimkuhler, Ann Carr…
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Pariah No. 1
The grandson of a world-renowned art gallery owner falls in love with a performance artist. But when her performance piece becomes a crime scene, he has to team up with an art critic to investigate. Written by Davy Gardner. Performed by Federico Rodriguez, Liz Leimkuhler, Ann Carr, Amy Warren,...
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Instruction Manual for Jason
When Jen gets an instruction manual specifically written for her boyfriend, she uses it to help both him … and herself. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by James Dwyer, Erin Bartley, John Trowbridge, Makena Miller, Cherie McMaster, and Sadie Mitchell. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and...
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Degenerates
A mechanic with a gambling problem has a chance to get out of debt by restoring his bookie’s vintage car. But first he has to deal with Ro. Written by Louis Kornfeld Performed by Jamie Rivera, Phoebe Tyers, Michael Cullen, Louis Kornfeld, and Hunter Nelson. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com…
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Heat Meet
Welcome to the 18th Annual Heat Meet, where hot sauce enthusiasts from all over the world gather to talk shop, sample new sauces, and—maybe, just maybe—see the face of God. Written by Hunter Nelson Performed by James Coker, Brandon Zelman, James Urbaniak, Dan Chamberlain, Marina Gasparyan, Geoff...
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The Talk
We’re taking a break right now, and we’ll be back in May with all new stories. But in the meantime, we’re featuring stories from the past that you may not have heard. For this episode, we’re re-releasing a story from 2013 called The Talk by Louis Kornfeld. A father comes to the rescue when three...
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Keep Running
We’re taking a break right now, and we’ll be back in May with all new stories. But in the meantime, we’re featuring stories from the past that you may not have heard. For this episode, we’re re-releasing a story from 2013 called Keep Running, based an interview with listener Brian Foy. Brian...
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Tough Crowd
For this episode, we’re re-releasing a story from 2013 called Tough Crowd, about a stand-up comic competing with a speed-date event—based on a true story! Performed by Alejandro Kolleeny, Annemarie Cullen, Devin O'Neill, Megan Gray, Noel Dineen, Maddy Mako, Matt Shafeek, Shacottha Fields, Louis...
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The Mutiny
We’re taking a break right now, and we’ll be back in May with all new stories. But in the meantime, we’re featuring stories from the past that you may not have heard. For this episode, we’re re-releasing a story that we made back in 2013 called The Mutiny, about the power dynamics between two...
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Mall Santa
A disenchanted mall Santa gets a surprise gift from SantaCon. This story was originally released in 2017. It was written by Louis Kornfeld, and performed by Tom Ligon, Chris Dwane, Anna Neu, Bianca Casusol, Jimmy O’Connell, Kevin Cobbs, Louis Kornfeld, Kerry Kastin, and Becca Schall. Casper…
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Still On
Long-running late-night talk show “Still On” just got a new host. He’s young, innovative… and cursed. Written by Hunter Nelson Performed by Molly Thomas, Ed Herbstman, Jamie Newell, Louis Kornfeld, Kelsey Bailey, Hunter Nelson, Brandon Zelman, Michael Cullen, Bill Rohlfing, Thomas Whittington…
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I'm Not That Guy
You know the story: back in high school, a jock and a nerd switched bodies. Except now it's ten years later... and they still haven't switched back. Written by Matthew Brian Cohen Performed by Seth Lind, Jeremy Bent, Betsy Kenney, Randy McKay, Drew Reilly, Joel Bernstein, Zuri Washington, Amy...
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Mark the Creep
Mark thinks he's unworthy of his wife's affection. At least, that's what the voices in his head keep saying.... Written by Louis Kornfeld Performed by Andy Bustillos, Julia Meinwald, Lila Newman, Tessa Hersh, and Tony Chen Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and @thetruthfiction on Twitter and...
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Journey into Kalanu
On a theme park ride dedicated to a sci-fi mega-franchise, a man meets a superfan whose love of fantasy is about to put them both in real danger. Written by Hunter Nelson. Performed by Peter Grosz, Alex Dickson, Billy Bob Thompson, Erica Schroeder, Zuri Washington, Jake Hart, Nathan Crisci, Erik...
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Happy Happy
There are a million things rock star Melanie Miles would like to have done differently. And a visit to a mysterious bar trapped in the '90s finally gives her the chance. Written by Lana Schwartz Performed by Erin Harland, Jon Cook, Anna Suzuki, Maya Deshmukh, Alex Song-Xia, Ryan Leach, Evan…
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Snoop
While housesitting for her crush, Sienna finds his journal. But reading it uncovers a little more than she—or her best friend Monica—was expecting. Written by Mary McDonnell Performed by Kimberly Chatterjee, Julia Kelly, and Yoni Lotan. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and @thetruthfiction…
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Swallowed
Jonah’s been swallowed by the whale, and he isn’t sure why. But as he prays to God for answers, a different voice responds. Written by Brielle DeMirjian Performed by David Deblinger, Russell G. Jones, and Tom Ligon. Find The Truth at thetruthpodcast.com and @thetruthfiction on Twitter and Instagram.
About this show
The Truth makes short, cinematic stories meant to be listened to closely, like short films for your ears. Each episode is a brand new story with a new cast of characters, and a whole new world to explore. Some are suspenseful, others funny, or shocking, or uplifting. What you’re guaranteed is incredible performances, thoughtful writing, and detailed, immersive sound design that pulls you in and never lets go.
If you're new, some good starting places are: The Joke, Operation Skillshot, Here I Am, Dark End of the Mall, Silvia's Blood, or Can You Help Me Find My Mom.
Listening with headphones is recommended!
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The Truth
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