"For the record, we're standing in front of what used to be New Olympus. Now it's a pile of ruins, mostly."
Earth collapsed, and those that survived had nowhere left to go. So they fled to the stars, to a patchwork research city that couldn't hope to save anyone. New Olympus was always going to fall apart, but it's citizens can't let go of the chance at starting again.
SPACE SPECKS is an audio drama about rebuilding in the ruins. Following a group of survivors, it explores what comes after your world falls apart, and the new constellations of connection found there — a central queerplatonic relationship is featured in the show, with all characters on the aromantic and/or asexual spectrum.
However, SPACE SPECKS needs a writer to tell the stories of our half-doomed survivors. If you're interested in collaborative worldbuilding, aro/ace + queerplatonic narratives, and finding hope in impossible circumstances, we'd love for you to apply. Call document here, & application here.
i just (FINALLY) listened to space specks..... its so yummy....... i'm chewing on it. it's in the front pocket of my overalls and i'm dragging it around everywhere i go. it's in my pillowcase tied to the end of a long stick and i've slung it over my shoulder.
and oh my GOd the aromanticism stuff :( augh:( ough oof ugh augh oufg ugh gogh fuck
This Audio Drama Sunday, we have some new additions to our list of Podcasts Against Apartheid. As always, thank you for taking the pledge to make your podcasts into AFZs.
If you can, please donate to Gaza Funds and E-Sims for Gaza.
Pictured (clockwise): @theichorousrotpod | EART(h) FM by @aclickbaittitle | Working Tidal by @deactivated-fish | @spacespeckspod | @vestaclinicpod
Sixth Door To The Left by @divinerodentiastudios | Vigil by Button Pods | @hinaypod | @souloperatorpod | @re-dracula | @signedvenus
Moonbase Theta, Out and MonkeyTales (not pictured) by @monkeymanproductions
Reflecting on Representation in Audio Drama (as a Creator)
It's a commonly sung praise of fiction podcasts that, because of the indie nature of the space, minority representation is much more commonplace, but I don't think I've heard much of what that looks like for creators on the other side, so I just want to talk about it a bit in regards to my personal experience, writing an upcoming audio drama and being physically disabled.
"Write what you know" is advice given far and wide, even beyond podcasting, so when working through the pre-canon impact the city collapse in SPACE SPECKS had on the population, a long-term injury seemed like a trail worth heading down. Thus one of the show's characters, Nora, was partially trapped underneath a collapsed wall after an explosion, with her partner forced to do a field amputation to get her to safety, and, in a broader sense, save her life.
As an amputee, just the idea of writing a character with an amputation was exciting — I've struggled to find any relatability to other amputees, in both fiction and in real life, due to the circumstances and type of amputation I had. Creating a character who's amputation was, like mine, traumatic, who struggles with phantom pain and her disability being minimized and not having a say in the medical decision, now having to relearn navigating the world with mobility aids has meant so much more to me than I ever expected it would.
We're both partial foot amputees (write what you know, right?) and for me, this came with a lot of strife that I'm now getting to explore through Nora. I didn't call myself an amputee for a very long time — I didn't think I "deserved" it, because you wouldn't ever be able to tell just by looking at me, because my healthcare team and my family told me I would be fine and would adapt to walking again and because, even in amputee spaces, I simply didn't have it as bad as others did, along with hundreds of other reasons.
In short, though, audio drama is allowing me to tell a story that I would otherwise probably continue to feel isolated within. Becoming an amputee was a huge shift in my life I've never shared with anyone, but now Nora's injury has the opportunity to help me and maybe help others feel seen and understood, (even if their circumstances may be different!) This is just an incredibly unique sort of catharsis I didn't expect to find in podcasting & I'm really grateful for the opportunities this space presents. :)
Here's a very early rundown of our characters - before they had names, we called them by letters to differentiate them! Have fun guessing who's who ;)
C who is trying to be a hero and knows that, regardless of their actions, it's a dead end. E who can't stop treating everyone like they're already dead. A who is fighting not to be lonely and is grappling with the fact that loneliness is staring them in the face. B who runs away from their problems and is running headfirst into this one. D who got left behind, who can't trust anyone including themselves.
@spacespeckspod : "A year has passed since the collapse of New Olympus, a space society created decades prior by the earth's governments looking to start a new life on an exoplanet. Doomed to fail from the start, New Olympus' citizens feared the end of the world once and witnessed the collapse of their safe haven a second time, left scattered in makeshift camps across the galactic wasteland, with no intent to return to the ruins of their former colony. However, one haphazard crew of survivors embarks on a brave—or foolish—journey to search for a still-missing friend amidst the wreckage."
We're counting down to episode release by highlighting one podcast a day. Check out this show on May 25th!
Live blogging of the Podcast Jam's Pilots (Part 2):
Again, I want to congratulate everyone that participated in the Podcast Jam. You created not just a story but a world using just sound waves in 72-ish hours, that's amazing!
8° Hello? Are you there?
I have so many questions about the world.
Race of people???
I really like Aiden's VA, they have a nice audiobook narrator voice. I also liked the reverb effect.
But what is with the freaking morality?
I know where Aiden is, he's in the US of A.
Wait, I wanted the tour :((
Hey Aiden, if you dont have a brother, dont crticize.
What did humanity did to you? Noooo.
Tbh, I was most intrigued by this project 'cause it had a similar premise to Eart(h) FM and wanted to see how it will diverged, and it left me a bit dissapointed. Part of that cause Eart(h) FM is a sorta tesis to the wrong idea that humanity is greedy and to all those other apocalyptic stories that further the myth.
Idk, I was expecting a couple of stories not about mythology but rather about Aiden and him connecting and making friendships that arent there anymore and mourning.
But hey, thats just me. Good job team!
9° Valvidian's Finest
Love the title sequence.
I like the heart of the ship sound, threatening but cozy.
I love Anna Maria.
What happened to poor Sam?
A small bear is a pretty accurate description of a cat.
Its name is Acorn!
Omg, they are saving the cat. Like Saving The Cat. Thats so funny.
Question: Is Sam human?
Tbh, I didnt understand the first half, or anything until the cat.
Oh no, that cat is expensive. Awww Slack, they have ethics.
Uuu, class comentary ♡♡
Nop, Anna did pop the "P".
Also, I love how each of the characters have a distinct voice.
Wait, so they hide the cat in a suit?
Omg, such cool music.
Peace & Love.
Ok, the what do we deliver at the end was a jump scare.
10° Space Specks
This reminds me of Eart(h) FM but from another perspective/pos. But like more Morbid.
Nice exposition.
Too many characters, aaa, I cant distinguished from one another.
Amputeee rep!
Omg, the stikes were raised so fast. Who is this friend?
I'm curious about this format. Who is recording, and why?
Three more nights I said, but I am bad at math, jejeje.
Idk who this person is saying all this pet names. But I love them.
What's your deal? They are a polycule my friend.
Nora: 'cause I can, 10/10.
That being said they became defensive too quickly. Idk, I think the conversation was a bit forced but they said the word QPR!! And tbh that's all that matters.
Weed is weed, I need that in a shirt.
Honey, I need to make a list of all the pet names. Idk, I like when ppl say pet names platonically and not condescendenly.
Sawyer, thats their name!
Future tech! Future tech!
I also think leaving nora is a terrible idea. They were like 5 or 7 in the group, someone can stay with them.
Wait, Sawyer is cowboy coded. I thought they were a doc.
Dog! Dog! DOG! 2024 is the year for podcasts dogs! Finally! There had been to many cats.
Aww Coral. I would have done the same.
A dog named Dog, 10/10 naming skills.
Hey, dont insult the dog. He is just scared. Dogs are loyal but also, yk, angry.
Wait, noooo. Dont shoot the dog.
So Chip is the doctor. Nooo, dont shoot him. Ah, they are living him alive.
Aliens? Ah no, just a human surviver.
Okay, so I still dont know how many characters are and now we've added another one.
Jean, dont.
Ah, the friend was Jean. Stake was finally saved.
Uuu, Real World Lore.
Nice editing Quills and Finch!
11° Working Tidal
Nice music, love some rock.
Uuu, hostel setting!
Poor Fisher they are so stressed.
Wait, so this is a case of if they get wet they turn back into mermaid form?
Question: Why do they need to hide? Like, is there an anti mermaid sentimaid?
Gills and shark teeth! Thats so cool... and sexy.
This person is so calm, I wish they could hold me and tell me all will be fine.
Aww, human dad? Mixed kid metaphor!!!?
Oh no, Mick(?) Lost their powers. Was it cause of love?
Wait, Erick and Mick (?) are Divorced?? Hey, Erick, whyyyyy, be more carefull.
This just became 10 levels more tragic.
They nailed the divorced dynamic.
Poor mom, she is also overworked. Let her sleep.
I feel cheated though, I tought this was going to be a comedy but is a family drama.
Fin, you are a disaster/pos.
Wave transition, so smooth!
*Down bad for your weed dealer*, hehehe.
Wait Riley is 16, aww.
Also Fin & Fisher really nailed the sibling dynamic of those two who are very closed in age.
Weed makes you wise.
"Actually I think is a dead body?" Said high and totally chill, is actually very funny.
NO, NEVER CALL THE COPS.
Lore? Lore? No lore :(
"Hey kids you are home in time for dinner. Whats with the unconcious person there?"
Bluey is canon in this universe.
Annete not Mick. Sorry.
Erick, why did you said that about your NEPHEW??
Okay, so magic and mermaids are known in this universe. Then why do they have to hide?
*She can stay?* Dont you live in a hostel.
Wait, Fisher named themself? Thats hillarious but better than if it would have been their parents.
What do you know Anette? Oh no, poor Marine or Marnie.
I am intrigued.
Wait, we are going to get two seasons!!!! Excited!!
12° Finder's Keeper
This creepy music is amazing.
This music is lulling me to sleep/pos.
No, dont insult coffee in my presence.
Okay, so exposition but exposition is incorrect but not actually.
Damn, this organization is abusive (?)
I really like the Keeper. They are like those detectives in Noir movies, and sound like they only survive from drinking and smoking/pos.
I thought she said, the "Poop" thing for a second (sorry).
Aww, the Keeper wants to protect them.
I really like the poof vfx.
I like the Here place. Nice sound.
The watchers, how did they get that much power?
How do ppl become finders & watchers?
NO, DONT SHAKE, DONT SHAKE.
I like this Elevator music. Finder agrees with me.
This is such a funny conversation. Love this transition scene.
Yeah, yeah. Nope, nope. Poor Keeper.
The music is so Coool. Like it is not basic creepy, if it makes sense? It has some pizzas and like little foleys that just add to it.
I could fell asleep to it/pos.
Something invaluable? Love, Peace, Happiness. Wait, adquired. Thats such a word.
Nah, keep with the semantics.
Oh, Time. That makes sense.
This man is so creepy in a fun way, props to the VA.
Wait, so not all of the clients are like this? I thought this was like a normal tuesday.
No, DONT SHAKE IT, DONT SHAKE IT.
Piano? Piano!?
So he is a shapeshifter. Why does that make him so evil tho?
Oh, so they are like Kidnappers or Eaters. I think they eat them.
Oh no, dont say Main Characters Syndrome. I can stand Hero's Journey but I draw the line at mc syndrome.
Hey, 70 is not old. No one under 80 can call themselves Old.
The percursions of this. So cool, like the clock but also the snare and kick box. Idk is so cool.
Wait, who did the Finder shoot?
Exactly, those are my questions.
13° Eart(h) FM
Too long. Wont listen to it.
14°Hamuel Burger and the American Dream
So tumblr deleted all my thoughts. But I just wanted to say this was so fun.
Asbestos reminds me of any gringo coming to a 3rd world country, especially the part of: "I thought earth will be more friendly / You tried to kill me".
Love how every alien influencer out there is trying to kill the us president. Will be me.
Really liked how they worked around having more characters without the need of more VAs and all of that through comedy.
I want to subscribe to Hams youtube channel.
The Farm boy just kicking the spaceship was 10/10.
