It really is quite amazing, how far the podcast has come. For this once curious form of entertainment, one that appeared to be nothing more than a sounding board for folks that wanted to try a new form of communication, exploded into so much more. For now, it is a powerful way to have a discussion about the world and our lifestyle and topics that intrigue us. Not to mention, it went from being an outlier format to one of the most popular mediums out there. To the point where big-time celebs have their own podcast.

Not to mention, it is also a source of great entertainment since fiction-based podcasts are all the rage and explore unique plots that cannot be found elsewhere within the industry. If anything, unique storytelling is top of mind today, simply because Realm Media is about to release a brand-new fiction podcast that features a wonderfully original story, and features some heavy names and well, here are all the details on Power Trip, courtesy of Realm Media.  
​
‘Realm, the largest scripted podcast network, today released the trailer and announced casting for the Realm Original Power Trip, starring and executive produced by Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany (She-Hulk, Orphan Black). This new scripted comedy podcast, launching Thursday, July 21st, marks Maslany’s return to the world of audio following the successful release of two acclaimed Realm original podcasts based on her legacy franchise, Orphan Black.   
 
Written by Mary Hamilton, Power Trip also features Grammy-winning singer Lisa Loeb (“Stay”) in the role of Jane’s overbearing but well-meaning mother and Brendan Hines (Locke & Key, The Tick) as Bruce, a “perfect on paper” man that Jane meets on a dating app.  
 
This wry, dark comedy explores the life of Jane, an ordinary woman who always got the best seat on the struggle bus. But after receiving a healthy kidney hot off the black market, she discovers an uncanny ability to command those in her orbit to do exactly what she wants. Suddenly dating for the first time and with no concerns about overindulging in her new powers, Jane is living her best life, one with no limits. But now that she's getting everything she ever dreamed of, how will Jane know when she's gone too far???
 
Maslany said: “It was a joy to collaborate with Realm on such a funny, irreverent show. Power Trip is a great character piece, super inventive and at the same time embarrassingly relatable. I’m excited for people to go on the journey with Jane and I hope they have as much fun living inside her head as I did.”
 
Molly Barton, Realm’s founder and CEO, said: “Tatiana's talents are limitless as an actor and also as an executive producer. She brings depth and relatability to this character and has been an active participant in shaping our narrative and our approach to bringing this story to life - a story we believe will be one of the best listens of the year.”   
 
Power Trip episodes release weekly on all podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher, the podcast will also be available in full and ad-free on premiere day for subscribers to Realm+ and Realm Unlimited. 
 
Power Trip stars Tatiana Maslany. Written by Mary Hamilton, with additional writing by Cara Horner. Produced by Rhoda Belleza, Nicole Otto, Kailynn West, and Hayley Wagreich. Directed by Kailynn West. Executive produced by Molly Barton, Marci Wiseman, Julian Yap, and Tatiana Maslany. Starring Tatiana Maslany, Brendan Hines, Lisa Loeb, Zeke Alton, Dalal Badr, Jourdan Battiste, Andrew Call, Ella June Conroy, Timothy Fritz, Larissa Gallagher, Tanesha Gary, Dexter Hobert, Ray Hurd, Miriam Katz, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Kaylor Leigh, Courtney Lin, Vargus Mason, David Shattraw, and Mike Smith Rivera. Additional voices by the cast.’

Perhaps one of the most delightful aspects of this new era in audio entertainment, is that anyone can just join in on the fun. And what makes that so delightful, is the sheer fact that anyone joining in, has a real sense of freedom and fun surrounding their performance or their podcast or whatever storytelling medium they’re sharing with the masses and well… that really does energize and engage a listener and motivate them to finish the show and enjoy every single second of this labor of love. But what’s truly amazing, is that despite being bigger than ever… this type of entertainment is showing no signs of shying away from this.

Which is interesting since usually, when someone or something gets bigger, there’s a push to be ‘professional’. But this industry knows what people love the most about this type of show and rather than shy away… it’s doubling down and asking for big names to join in on the fun and let loose and be silly and for proof… then look no further than this announcement from Realm. For they informed the world that superstar skating legend Tony Hawk, will be joining The Co-Founder, to have a little fun with some guest performances and well… here are the all the details on Tony’s pending arrival in the audio drama world, courtesy of Realm.
​
‘Realm, the largest independent fiction podcast network with more shows in the top charts than any competitor, today announced that iconic skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk is set to perform in upcoming episodes of “The Co-Founder,” beginning July 7th. Hawk, recently the subject of an acclaimed documentary, “Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off,” will portray Anthony Hawk, a Silicon Valley overlord with exaggerated villainy and killer timing that you never saw coming.
 
Led by the voice talents of Alexandra Shipp (“Love, Simon,” “Tick, Tick … Boom!”) and Sunita Mani (“Scenes From a Marriage,” "GLOW"), the first five episodes of the hilarious and relatable workplace comedy podcast are now available to stream on all podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher, with new episodes premiering every Thursday.
 
In “The Co-Founder,” Valerie (Sunita Mani) and Juliet (Alexandra Shipp) are more than just best friends: with their video gaming business on the brink of failure, these two Silicon Valley start-up founders, both women of color,   are in need of a win. Between running out of capital and being treated like dirt during fundraising meetings with big-deal finance bros, it could be game-over. Until they come up with a hair-brained scheme to have their neighborhood barista, a white guy, pretend to be a third founder to help raise cash. 
 
It was only supposed to be one meeting where Random White Dude Toby Johnson would help the ladies clinch the investment cash. But one million dollars later, he shows no signs of going with grace. Instead,  when he reveals he has a scheme of his own to take over the company, hijinks and hilarity ensue.
 
“The Co-Founder” is a Realm production, starring Alexandra Shipp and Sunita Mani and co-written by Alexis Wilkinson, Alexa Wejko, and Mimi Mondal.’ 

It is definitely safe to say that the saga of Sherlock Holmes was far more influential upon modern storytelling than we give it credit. For in many ways, the always intelligent and aware, and slick Sherlock Holmes… set the standard for the cool and collected detectives we see in popular media now. For they are just as intelligent as that iconic gumshoe, they just happen to have technology to help them solve tough crimes. But what’s truly amazing about this saga, is that its influences extend well beyond Holmes and Watson and their ability to solve any crime.

For these stories also made popular, the enigmatic and charming villain. For Professor James Moriarty managed to uncomfortably charm readers everywhere with his own special brand of intelligence and a level of humanity that really wasn’t present in villains until he came along, and his legacy is so long lasting that he too helped to give rise to baddies that are molded in his image. In fact, he has done such an incredible job of captivating audiences everywhere… that new stories focusing just on him are still finding their way to television, film, print… and audio dramas, as evidenced by today’s announcement.

Because earlier today, Audible announced the release date for their upcoming Moriarty themed scripted podcast, Moriarty: The Devil’s Game. A delightfully original and unique story starring Dominic Monaghan that will arrive on Audible on July 7, and well… here are some updated details on this fascinating new adventure involving one of literature’s most iconic characters, and a trailer (located here), courtesy of Audible.

‘Performed by Dominic Monaghan, Bill Boyd, Phil LaMarr, Adam Godley, Curtis Armstrong, Josh Robert Thompson, Lindsay Whisler, Carlo Rota, Victoria Smurfit, Billy Harris, Rebecca Mader, and a full cast
 
Audible’s bold new addition to the Sherlock Holmes universe, Moriarty: The Devils Game, dares to ask: What if Holmes’ most villainous nemesis was actually an innocent man?
 
Featuring Dominic Monaghan (Lord of the Rings, Lost) in a riveting lead performance, Moriarty turns one of literature’s most famous rivalries on its head, recasting Professor James Moriarty as a desperate fugitive framed for murder–and hunted by dark forces who will stop at nothing to exploit his brilliance.
 
Moriarty finds the professor on the heels of an earth-shattering mathematical breakthrough–a formula so powerful, it can predict the future–and at the scene of a gruesome murder he must solve to prove his innocence. With London’s sprawling underworld as their battleground, Moriarty and Holmes match their peerless intellects to gain the ever-shifting upper hand. But as their duel escalates, so does the deadly cost of pursuing the truth. “What will it take to get your justice?” Dr. Watson asks an utterly ensnared Moriarty, “And if do you get it… what will you become?”
 
Vividly brought to life by a sensational cast and meticulously crafted sound design, Moriarty is a heart-pounding series filled with biting wit and shocking twists at every turn.
 
Listen closely–and assume nothing. The game is afoot.
 
Moriarty: The Devils Game was written and produced by Treefort Media.’

It really is quite amazing… how the audio drama is making quite the comeback. Because one would think in this era of peak television and big-time cinema, and distracting technology, that settling in to enjoy a story that requires perfect silence and focus… would be an outright impossibility. But audio dramas continue to gain in popularity, largely due to the fact that their production values have increased tenfold, and they now attract top-tier talent to sell the moment and to entertain. If anything, the wonder of the new audio drama and the talents they now can attract are top of mind today, for one important reason.
​
For earlier today, Audible reinforced exactly how popular they are and what kind of A-list talent they continue to attract by letting the world know that Ethan Hawke will be starring in a new original scripted drama from the network entitled, Fishpriest. Which will debut on Audible on May 19, 2022, and well… here are all the details on the latest top-tier audio drama from Audible, along with a trailer and a behind the scenes look at Ethan in action, courtesy of Audible.

'Ethan Hawke stars in the dark, thrilling, character-driven crime drama, Fishpriest, premiering Thursday, May 19 exclusively on Audible. Dripping with blood, drugs, violence, and murder, this cinematic Audible Original written by Mike Batistick is presented in eight-episodes with an intense, wall-to-wall sound design and grim and gritty performances at a fever pitch.
​
The Bronx, 1993. Crack is king. Crime is rampant. Tommy “Fishpriest” Barth - nicknamed after his weapon of choice, a club that’s meant to kill fish but works on people just fine - sees the chaos firsthand at Concourse Bail Bonds.

Today, Tommy’s a bounty hunter, but he was a cop up until two years ago, when an all-consuming undercover operation to bust one of the most notorious crime syndicates the city's ever seen - the Jamaican Shower Posse - destroyed his marriage, drove him to addiction, and cost him his badge.
Tommy thought he’d banished the JSP from the Bronx forever. But with the crack epidemic in full swing, they’re back - and they’re stronger. When Tommy’s ex-partner offers him a shot at redemption, he chooses to risk everything he’s rebuilt.

Will he survive this time?'

One would think that podcasts should have certain limitations when it comes to the stories they can tell. After all, podcasting is an audio based medium. One that should suffer from the same storytelling limitations that radio plays of years gone by used to suffer from. But the beauty of technology and innovation and quality storytelling, are quickly making it clear that podcasts can be far more than just a digital radio play of sorts. They can be dramatic; they can be terrifying and above all… they can be as innovative and breathtaking as any action epic on the small or silver screen and one company that is proving this to be the case… is Realm Media.

For they continue to push the envelope both storytelling wise and from an innovation standpoint when it comes to podcasting, and they are preparing to release another series that features top notch casting and one ambitious story entitled, Overleaper. Which is an espionage thriller starring Thora Birch and well, judging from the plot summary and the trailer to this series… it’s obvious that Realm not only has another hit on their hands, but they are going to provide us with the closest cinematic experience possible, and well… rather than just my word for it… here’s the trailer and a synopsis of this series to demonstrate the epic nature of this series before its 5/5/22 release date, courtesy of Realm.

‘Realm, the audio entertainment company with more fiction podcasts in the top charts than any other company,, today released the trailer for “Overleaper.” Filled with twists and turns, the espionage thriller tells the story of an American soldier who must stop her doppelganger’s plans to assassinate the President of the United States. The new 10-episode fiction podcast, starring the voice talents of ‘90s icon Thora Birch (“Ghost World,” “Hocus Pocus,” "The Walking Dead"), premieres Thursday, May 5 with weekly releases on all podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.
 
“Overleaper” centers on Special Forces Staff Sergeant Audrey Beach (Birch), a determined career soldier, rising through the ranks to the cream of the military crop. She doesn’t have much else in life besides her daughter Lydia, who lives with her ex-husband after a difficult divorce. But Audrey’s training could never prepare her for a top-secret mission in Afghanistan’s Herat Province, where she faces the impossible: her own doppelgänger from another universe locking her up and leaving her to die…and taking Audrey’s place in the process. 
 
The Overleaper is Audrey, but in her timeline, she has suffered far worse pain. Her daughter Lydia is dead— murdered in a tragic military mishap— and her quest for revenge led her to sacrifice her loyalty to the United States. A dangerous country in her dimension aided the her vengeful mission, for a price: replace the Audrey Beach in our world and assassinate the President, no matter the personal price. With nothing left to live for, the Overleaper agrees.
 
To defend the nation and protect her good name, the real Audrey must escape Afghanistan and traverse the globe, evading US authorities and international spies in order to thwart the Overleaper’s plan. 
 
“Overleaper” is a Realm production, written by Sam Boush. The podcast is produced for Realm Studios by Diana Pho, Fred Greenhalgh, and Hayley Wagreich, directed by Fred Greenhalgh and executive produced by Molly Barton, Marci Wiseman, and Julian Yap.

About Realm: 
Since the audio entertainment company’s launch in April 2021, nearly 90% Realm shows have reached the top 100 most popular fiction podcasts in the US, with more than 25% reaching the top 10.  Realm’s slate is anchored by #1 hit fiction podcasts and fan favorites like IF I GO MISSING THE WITCHES DID IT starring Oscar nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, ORPHAN BLACK: THE NEXT CHAPTER starring Emmy-winner Tatiana Maslany, MARIGOLD BREACH starring Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto; OUTLIERS narrated by Rory Culkin; BLACK FRIDAY with Fred Armisen; and MEMORY LANE, written by Sara Shepard, the New York Times bestselling creator of Pretty Little Liars. In 2022, Maslany will return to Realm as Executive Producer and star of the forthcoming dark comedy POWER TRIP.
 
Realm produces immersive stories with top-tier talent and companies from across the entertainment industry including franchise partners such as DC and Marvel on shows such as WONDER WOMAN: HEARTLESS and BLACK PANTHER: SINS OF THE KING starring Emmy-nominated actor William Jackson Harper. In 2023, Realm will release an all-new, original podcast from New York Times best-seller Charlaine Harris whose novels inspired the HBO mega-hit, TRUE BLOOD.
 
Realm was co-founded by former Penguin Random House executive Molly Barton and former Obama Administration Dept of Justice lawyer Julian Yap. Realm shows are available as podcasts everywhere, and on the Realm app, awarded “Best of the Year” by Apple. Follow Realm for updates on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. For more information, please visit https://www.realm.fm/. 
 
About Thora Birch:
 Thora starred on AMC’s THE WALKING DEAD as ‘Gamma’ opposite Samantha Morton, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Norman Reedus. Resuming her acting career right where it left off after going to school, Birch has numerous heavily praised recent films including playing Emilia Clarke’s sister ‘Jolene’ opposite Jack Huston and Johnny Knoxville in Phillip Noyce’s ABOVE SUSPICION (reuniting her with her director from PATRIOT GAMES and CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER), THE ETRUSCAN SMILE, starring opposite Brian Cox, Rosanna Arquette, and JJ Field, and the critically-acclaimed Plan B // A24 film THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO. Birch also recently starred in the Lionsgate thriller AFFAIRS OF STATE with David Corenswet, and portrayed software engineer ‘Morgan’ on Carlton Cuse and Ryan Condal’s hit series COLONY. 
 
Thora has won SAG Awards and multiple Young Artist Awards, and has been nominated for Golden Globe, Emmy, and BAFTA awards. Some of her most iconic roles include Enid in GHOST WORLD, Jane in AMERICAN BEAUTY, Teeny in NOW AND THEN, and Dani in HOCUS POCUS. Other classic films in which Thora has starred include MONKEY TROUBLE, ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, THE HOLE, and ALASKA. Thora has acted professionally since the age of 4 and a half.’

Over the course of the past few months, we’ve talked at length about how the Podcast is really transforming the entertainment landscape. In large part because it offers creative minds unparalleled freedom storytelling wise, the kind that blends together the wonder of radio serials of yore with the technology of present day. Allowing for stunning stories to come to life, ones that feature top-tier actors and are written by top-tier writers. Plus, it also doesn’t hurt that this transformative era for podcasting is being driven by visionary companies such as Realm Media.
​
Since they understand the potential of this format and are working hard to take it to a whole new level and they and the future of podcasting are top of mind today, because earlier… Realm made quite the announcement. In that they have signed Charlaine Harris, a New York Times Best Selling Writer, to write and produce a new podcast for their network. And well… that is news that speaks not only to how hard Realm is pushing to create bold new stories in the podcast format, but to how eager they are to tell incredible stories and their track record with podcasts… speaks volumes to the wonders that Charlaine will be allowed to create. So, without further ado, here are all the details on this wonderful announcement, courtesy of Realm.

‘Realm, the audio entertainment company that creates immersive original fiction podcasts and audiobook series, today announced a first-time alliance with best-in-class author Charlaine Harris to pen a to-be-named, multi-episode project set to launch in 2023. The announcement was made by Realm’s CEO and co-founder, Molly Barton. 
 
A prolific storyteller known for her ability to create new worlds and who made her mark with The Southern Vampire Mysteries, a provocative series of novels adapted into HBO’s mega-hit “True Blood,” Harris has sold close to 40 million copies over the course of her career as a novelist and is the only author to have ever had nine books at the same time on The New York Times bestseller list. 
 
Harris joins an impressive roster of established writers, playwrights,and emerging voices that have joined forces with Realm, a company that will celebrate the year-anniversary of their launch into podcasting this spring. In the coming year, Realm will release several anticipated shows including Power Trip, an original dark comedy podcast starring and executive produced by “Orphan Black” and “She-Hulk” star Tatiana Maslany and Marigold Breach, reuniting “The Good Place” co-stars Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto, which debuted March 28th.
 
Charlaine Harris said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be partnering with Realm on this all-new vampire narrative – although I can’t reveal too much right now, I will say that exploring these myths and legends for a podcast audience is incredibly exciting for me and I look forward to joining the Realm family as we take audio storytelling to new heights.”
 
Molly Barton, CEO and Co-Founder added: “Charlaine is an exceptional storyteller. Her scope of delicious work speaks to her uncanny ability to make audiences revel in the fantastical. We couldn’t be more thrilled that she has chosen Realm as her partner for her podcast debut— and as the place to debut a brand-new vampire story.”
 
In addition to “True Blood,” two other TV series were adapted from works written by Harris — NBC’s “Midnight Texas” and the “Aurora Teagarden” series for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. Her most recent novel, The Russian Cage, is the third of her Gunnie Rose series and combines elements of sci-fi, mystery and Western to create an alternate history set in a broken-up United States.
 
About Realm
Realm produces immersive stories while working with top-tier talent and companies from across the entertainment industry, like Fred Armisen (BLACK FRIDAY); Rory Culkin (OUTLIERS); Tatiana Maslany, Emmy-winning star and EP of the forthcoming POWER TRIP; MARIGOLD BREACH starring Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto; and franchise partners such as DC and Marvel on shows such as WONDER WOMAN: HEARTLESS and BLACK PANTHER: SINS OF THE KING starring Emmy-nominated actor William Jackson Harper.

From comedy to horror to sci-fi to thriller, there’s a Realm show for everyone. Since their launch in April 2021, over 80% of Realm shows have reached the top 100 most popular fiction podcasts in the US, with more than 25% reaching the top 10.

Realm was co-founded by former Penguin Random House executive Molly Barton and former Obama Administration Dept of Justice lawyer Julian Yap. Realm shows are available as podcasts everywhere, and on the Realm app, awarded “Best of the Year” by Apple.

Follow Realm for updates on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. For more information, please visit https://www.realm.fm/.

About Charlaine Harris
Charlaine Harris is a true daughter of the South. She was born in Mississippi and has lived in Tennessee, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Texas. After years of dabbling with poetry, plays, and essays, her career as a novelist began when her husband invited her to write full time. Her first book, Sweet and Deadly, appeared in 1981. When Charlaine’s career as a mystery writer began to falter, she decided to write a cross-genre book that would appeal to fans of mystery, science fiction, romance, and suspense. She could not have anticipated the huge surge of reader interest in the adventures of a barmaid in Louisiana, or the fact that Alan Ball would come knocking at her door. Since then, Charlaine’s novels have been adapted for several other television series, with two in development now. Charlaine is a voracious reader. She has one husband, three children, two grandchildren, and two rescue dogs. She leads a busy life. www.charlaineharris.com is her website.’

Check out what Christina won in her The Legend of Vox Machina prize pack! 

It really is quite amazing how far podcasting has come. Because this once niche hobby, went from basements to mainstream seemingly overnight and now anyone that has a desire to get their voice out into the world can do with ease and talk about whatever topic ignites their imagination or their passions. But while that alone is amazing, where the podcast truly shines, is in its ability to tell incredible and unique, and engaging stories.

Because this is the perfect place to experiment with storytelling and assemble adventures that neither books nor visual mediums can contain and one company that leads the way in bringing incredible story-themed podcasts to life is Realm. For they continue to break barriers and bring amazing tales to our headphones and earlier today they informed the world that they are ready to reunite a pair of old friends to star in their latest creation.
​
For it was announced that Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto will star in their new podcast, Marigold Breach, and well… here are all the details on this incredible new show and a trailer to build a little excitement for this engaging tale, courtesy of Realm Media.

‘Realm, the audio entertainment company behind #1 hit fiction podcast Outliers (narrated by Rory Culkin) today released the trailer for “Marigold Breach,” starring the voice talents of “The Good Place” co-stars Jameela Jamil (“She-Hulk”) and Manny Jacinto (“Nine Perfect Strangers”). Described as “The Mandalorian” meets “Her,” “Marigold Breach” takes listeners on a space adventure in which a soldier with no memory must rely on his AI implant to piece together the fragments of his past. The new 8-episode fiction podcast premieres March 31st with weekly releases on all podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. 
 
“Reuniting old friends has been such a fun element of working with Jameela and Manny on Marigold Breach,” says Molly Barton, CEO and Co-founder of Realm. “Their unique partnership echoes that of Lucan and Ven; hearing them bring these characters to life with such empathy and verve took my breath away.” 
 
In “Marigold Breach,” Lucan (Jacinto) has crash landed on a mysterious planet and only remembers his name, his rank, and that Ven (Jamil)---the wry AI implant speaking to him inside his mind—is the only thing keeping him alive.
 
As they search for answers about where they came from, they confront dangerous forces that threaten the safety of the planet’s civilians. But the most urgent threat of all lurks in the recesses of Lucan’s mind, kept hidden by Ven—if she were to reveal it, their relationship would change forever. 
 
“The fast-paced action and mystery of Marigold Breach make for an incredibly compelling story, but the true heart of this project is in the unfolding relationship between partners, which is why I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Jameela again,” says Jacinto.
 
Jamil adds: “I hope listeners will be as riveted as I was when I first read Joel Dane’s script. Ven is as complex and fierce a character as they come; bringing her to life in audio is hopefully the first of many iterations this story will have.”
 
Marigold Breach is a Realm Original Production, created and written by Joel Dane (Cry Pilot trilogy). Produced by Diana M. Pho, Fred Greenhalgh, and Hayley Wagreich. Directed by Fred Greenhalgh. Executive produced by Molly Barton and Marci Wiseman, Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto. Marigold Breach is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at Realm.fm’

It is definitely safe to say that the witch genre of storytelling, has grown a tad stale in the modern era. For these tales tend to be mired in formula through and through and tend to present themselves to audiences by way of three types of stories. Such as a coming-of-age tale where the allure of power is hotly debated or through a lighthearted romp that makes magic whimsical. Or the story is set long ago, when witchcraft was deemed to be a horrible act against God and atrocities were committed in the Lord’s name. Which are formulas that audiences do indeed flock to since they are tried and true and familiar. But alas, that does a disservice to fans of this genre since stagnancy allows for a genre to be forgotten or left behind.

But thankfully, there are some creative minds out there, working to revitalize the genre and find a new way forward for the witch in an era where we simply no longer believe in magic in the slightest. And one way that this is happening, is in the world of Podcasts. For Realm is now host to a new podcast series by acclaimed writer Pia Wilson entitled, If I Go Missing the Witches Did It, and this one is of note, simply because it is a revolutionary story, one that truly updates the witch genre for the 21st Century. A feat that this podcast accomplishes by way of several key storytelling elements, one of which, is by offering up a witch story that doesn’t use any of the aforementioned formulas in the slightest. Instead, this particular story is set in present day, and it introduces us to some everyday folks just trying to get by in the world, which is a stroke of genius.

Because that puts the listener at ease and allows them to immerse themselves into a world that they are quite curious about. For Jenna Clayton’s decision to spend her summer in Westchester, NY with her boyfriend, brings about all kinds of fascinating moments and observations, which we will get to in a minute. Because what matters more here, is that these moments with Jenna, allow for us to get to know her inside and out. Which in turn attaches us to her, to the point where we are fascinated with her hopes and dreams in life and that… allows for the witchcraft element of the story to outright blindside the listener. Because just like that, it is there, and it is haunting, and you simply must know what comes next because of its arrival and that really is an original twist. Since it presents witchcraft in an organic and palatable manner, and it plays upon our fears of the unknown and the wonder of this podcast, doesn’t end with this unique spin on the genre.

For this is also, a supremely cerebral story. One that harkens back to classic horror stories of the 1970s by using Jenna’s situation to offer up a bevy of social commentary on modern society. Because Jenna’s character is African American and by plunging her into Westchester for the summer, the story is able to explore what race relations look like in modern America and the nature of privilege, alongside some thoughts on class and capitalism and its pratfalls. Which are elements that give the audience a lot to chew upon since Pia’s commentary and observations on the matter are unfettered and raw and truly call out some of the major problems of our time that we continue to brush aside in the hopes that they will either go away or that someone else will fix them. Which makes this a poignant and powerful horror story, one that is sold by way of a stellar cast.

Because Gabourey Sidibe simply immerses herself into the role of Jenna and she plays her with a zest and zeal that sells every single moment. Lending a powerful sense of realism to this tale and she is complimented nicely by Sarah Natochenny, who brings a unique innocence to her character Elise, an acting decision that allows for more commentary to take place. What kind exactly... well… we won’t spoil that here, in fact, you’ve likely noticed that we’ve said very little about the details of this podcast and with good reason. Because this is the kind of brilliant and engaging story that you need to experience for yourself. So, if you’re looking for a dynamic reinvention of the witch genre of storytelling (or just a great story in general) swing by Realm, and give this fascinating and delightful story a listen. You’ll be glad you did.

There are very few things that bring me more joy that the works of Neil Gaiman, and this is no exception. Gaiman has been a favorite author of mine ever since I picked up his novel Nevermore. I have since gone out of my way to devour his works. When I heard his works were being adapted into Audiobook form, I nearly fainted with excitement. I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but for me, reading long periods is hard. For those who may not know I am legally blind, and while I can and do read normal printed books, I can’t binge read like I want to. The invention of digital books has helped that some and while helpful and amazing, it sometimes is still straining and exhausting. Which is why the audio adaptations have made me so unbelievably happy. 
​
I know that audio books are enjoyed by millions of people, as well they should, but for me it has been the best experience. Audio books have allowed me freedom in a way I have always craved. With Gaiman’s audio adaptation of The Sandman I was so much in love and now the second installment’s arrival has made my entire year. I have had a countdown going since it was announced, and if you know me, you know that means I have no patience. Well, the wait is finally over! I have never been happier to announce how amazing this audiobook is. Thank you to Audible for entrusting me with a chance to experience this adventure early, it was such a gift, this was truly an honor.

There is something just magical about the casting of the The Sandman: Act II. The voice cast is not just on point, it is as though each actor was made for this role. Kat Dennings as Death is pure magic. She embodies the character so amazingly it’s as though she was born to play this role. Not to mention anytime Michael Sheen and David Tennant are in a project together, you know it’s going to be the best thing ever. Add James McAvoy as Morpheus and an All-Star Cast and this audiobook is the single best audiobook to ever exist. I was blown away by the amount of talent in this. Audiobooks have not only become one of the fastest growing mediums over the past few years, but they have really changed storytelling with the inclusion of so many different voices. Audiobooks are no longer one reader, it’s a whole cast that make a whole show. I think it’s high time that audiobooks get their own award categories during the Emmys or the Oscars.

Right, so, what to expect? Well, The Sandman: Act II is a continuation of The Sandman, but it is an adapted collaboration of A Game of You, Season of Mist, and Fables and Reflections. Morpheus is still recovering from his imprisonment but believes he is completely fine, and we start with a family meeting where everyone else disagrees, as families tend to do. And as families also do, they remind Morpheus that he has things he needs to fix, mistakes he made long before he was ever captured, and that he should probably get right on that. Turns out, that, throwing someone into the pits of literal Hell for not dating you is kind of a super, not so good thing. Morpheus realizes this and does go to Hell to retrieve Nada and free her. Just, one, tiny minor issue. Lucifer has decided he no longer wants to rule Hell and lets Morpheus deal with it. 

Not going to lie, this is probably something I would do too. Also, Michael Sheen as Lucifer is my new favorite anything ever. Add David Tennant as Loki and this is just priceless. Gaiman narrates the work making it all that more special. Really, with Hell now as his problem Morpheus must figure out what to do. Beyond that is the return of episodic chapters that are near standalones. Emma Corrin makes her debut as The Witch Thessaly, Joanna Lumley as Lady Johanna Constantine, Brian Cox as Augustus, Arthur Darvill as William Shakespeare, and Laurence Bohhvard as Barbie, as well as so many more, delve into the world between worlds and a few worlds we know. The episodes or chapters that diverge from the main story of Morpheus focus on everything from historical Rome, England, The French Revolution and so much more. The character development that occurs in the second installment sets up for Act III very nicely.

When not falling in love with the story and characters, the visual settings are also stunning. It sounds weird to say visual settings when talking about an audiobook, but it’s completely true. This is so well done that the visual aspect is spot on. It all comes together as one seamless piece while expanding the world we’ve come to know and love. But how does it end? Does Nada end up forgiving Morpheus? Does Barbie defeat her mysterious adversary? Are Lucifer and Loki besties? Is there another family dinner? To find out what happens you’re just going to have to listen for yourselves. The Sandman: Act II is out on Audible today. Become an Audible Premium Plus member and gain access to stories for free! Audible is currently offering their Premium Plus accounts for free for 30 days, otherwise it’s only $14.95. Not bad for one of the most engaging ways to listen to books and stay tuned for more coverage of this amazing audiobook because this review just scratches the surface and there is so much more about this adventure that we need to highlight and celebrate.