Adult Bedtime Stories (But Not That Kind Of Adult)

We’re not big on podcasts this side of the world, but its thriving audio drama genre has more than meets the ear. We take a novice dive into the realm of narrative podcasts on the good, bad, and somewhat strange.

- Joy Ling

The City Council announces the opening of a new Dog Park at the corner of Earl and Somerset, near the Ralph’s. They would like to remind everyone that dogs are not allowed in the Dog Park. People are not allowed in the Dog Park.

It is possible you will see Hooded Figures in the Dog Park. Do not approach them. Do not approach the Dog Park.

The fence is electrified and highly dangerous. Try not to look at the Dog Park, and especially do not look for any period of time at the Hooded Figures. The Dog Park will not harm you.

And now, the news. – excerpt from Welcome to Night Vale pilot episode

We won’t be the first to tell you that there are too many podcasts out there. As of January, Podcast Insights estimates that there are more than 1.75 million different titles amounting to over 43 million episodes. There’s even a podcast on podcasts, and multiple podcasts on how to podcast.

Ask anyone for their perception of what the medium is and the answer will likely be something along the lines of a recorded radio show. The general attribution has also been why it’s often regarded as progeny to the live format, just one more on-demand option we’ve welcomed with wide-open arms. Currently, chat shows and news channels make up the most popular ones across streaming platforms.

SO WHERE DOES FICTION COME IN?