The Truth

Hayley meets a nice man. Could the universe be giving her a break? Nope, it’s still against her. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by Mary McDonnell, Tom Stephens, Louis Kornfeld, Margaret Burrus, Ryan Leach and Davy Gardner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s 1978, and the world’s most famous magician wants to show you the true wonders of the universe. Written by Jonathan Mitchell. This story was inspired by the life and work of magician Doug Henning, and uses material that borrows heavily from his act. If you would like to learn more about Henning and his work, we have put a list of links on our website to books and videos used to research this story. Our story was performed by Billy Griffin, Jr., Amy Warren, Stephanie Rey, Michael Cumpsty, Adrián Burke, T.J. Mannix, Reza Nasooti, Louis Kornfeld, Michael Cullen, Rachel Botchan, Stefan Schuette, Mary McDonnell, Chris Kipiniak, Bill Rohlfing, and Eli James. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the first day of eighth grade, and God's got a crush on Noa. For this episode of The Truth, we’re introducing you to a fantastic new podcast from Hillary Frank and Lemonada Media. If you like what you hear, you can find the rest of the episodes by searching for “Here Lies Me” in your podcast app. From their website: “Here Lies Me from Lemonada Media is the first scripted podcast to convey the adolescent experience with realism. Author and award-winning podcaster Hillary Frank (The Longest Shortest Time) penned this fictional drama with dark humor, perfectly capturing the genuine, natural, and cringy teenage experience. It’s an immersive and sound-rich YA podcast for teen and adult fans of PEN15, Big Mouth, and Stranger Things.” Performed by a talented and hilarious cast including Michael Chernus (Orange is the New Black), June Diane Raphael (Grace and Frankie), W. Kamau Bell (United Shades of America), Rob Huebel (The Descendants), Stephanie Wittels Wachs (Last Day), teen actors, and introducing Ollie Grishaber as Noa. Here Lies Me contains themes of harassment, classism, sexism, racism, trauma, consent, and finding your voice. Here Lies Me The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A celebrity look-alike is trying to break away from his famous face and be taken seriously on his own. But it isn’t easy when the world only sees another Clooney. Written by Louis Kornfeld. Performed by Peter McNerney, Margo Seibert, Will Jacobs, Michael Cullen, Ashley Siflinger, Jon Bander, Chris Kipiniak, Joseph Medeiros, Thomas Whittington, Sophie Yalkezian, and Louis Kornfeld. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our fifth story from the post-apocalyptic world of the Hum, Huck is held captive in the compound while Inez must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice for a chance at seeing her son. This story is the fifth in the Hum series. If you haven’t heard them already, here are the first four: Episode 1: After the Hum Episode 2: Into the Hum Episode 3: Shadow of the Hum Episode 4: Echo of the Hum “End of the Hum” was written by Mary McDonnell. It was performed by Danielle Delgado, James Dwyer, Russell G. Jones, Marisa Brau, Louis Kornfeld, Jessica Morgan and Mary McDonnell. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year after their father’s death, three siblings find a tree growing directly out of their father’s grave, bearing fruit and an unbelievable family secret. Written by Grant Cohen. Performed by Anthony Franqui, Sharina Martin, Corin Wells, Craig Scott, Jennifer Fouche, Neil Tyrone Pritchard, and Franklin Ojeda Smith. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fed up fairy godmother decides to grant justice instead of wishes. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by Blanche Ames, Lida Darmian, Thomas Whittington, Reilly Wilson, Brandon Zelman, Joel Bernstein, Mary McDonnell, Louis Kornfeld, Nichole Hill, and Amy Warren. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matilda is selling artificial limbs at a call center, phoning random people in search of a sale. She wasn’t expecting one of the people to be her ex. Written by India Kotis. Performed by Stephanie Rey, Autumn Gomez-Tagle, Ekaterini Argerson, and Sebastian Connelli The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A down-on-his-luck teacher meets an alien. And suddenly the world wants to know what he has to say. Written by Louis Kornfeld. Performed by Dennis Pacheco, Joe Mullens, Liz Leimkuhler, Mark Gessner, Ekaterini Argerson, Nolan Constantino, Connor Ratliff, Rachel Botchan, Glo Tavarez, Stefan Schuette, and Nichole Hill. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An eight year old finds a stronger bond with the narrator of her favorite nature documentary than with any of the adults in her life. Written by Louis Kornfeld. Performed by Hannna Ardolino, Brian Morabito, Dominic Cuskern, Katie Harman, Jenny Lee Mitchell, and Nichole Hill The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fourth episode in “The Hum” series, Milly and Kaitlin finally find a community of people where they can live. It’s a welcoming community. But there are limits. This story is part 4 in an ongoing series. If you haven’t heard them already, please first listen to After the Hum, Into the Hum, and Shadow of the Hum. Written by Chris Kipiniak. Performed by Jessica Morgan, Marisa Brau, Chris Kipiniak, Danielle Delgado, Russell Jones, James Dwyer, Louis Kornfeld, Mary McDonnell, and Nichole Hill. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A woman thinks the universe is plotting against her. And she’s right. It is. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by Mary McDonnell, Louis Kornfeld, Margaret Burrus, Casey Wortmann, Tom Stephens, Ryan Leach, Alexis Pereira, Amy Warren, and Nichole Hill. Radiotopia is a network of creators who are able to follow their curiosity and tell the stories they care about the most. Show your support for my fellow Radiotopia shows during our Spring Fundraiser. Donate today at https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode, we share some of our favorite outtakes, go behind the scenes of The Truth, hear from writers Mary McDonnell and Louis Kornfeld, meet associate producer Nichole Hill, and answer listener questions. Radiotopia is a network of creators who are able to follow their curiosity and tell the stories they care about the most. Show your support for my fellow Radiotopia shows during our Spring Fundraiser. Donate today at https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liz can work a crowd. But can she read the room? Written by Chris Kipiniak. Performed by Sue Galloway, Sarah Mollo-Christensen, Brian Miskell, Alex Song-Xia, Michael Cullen, Neil Tyrone Pritchard, Patrick Noth, Erica Schroeder, Jake Hart, and Chris Kipiniak The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes descriptions of sexual acts, and an anti-semitic attack. Two grieving friends hope for a miracle. Neither of them is prepared for what they get. Written by Louis Kornfeld. Performed by Monica Wyche, David Deblinger, Dmitry Shein, Sue Galloway, Jeff Wucher, Sebastian Connelli, and Mary McDonnell. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest TikTok challenge seemed fun - until the people started disappearing. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by Jacob Cornell, Glo Tavarez, Jenny Gorelick, Kyle Gordon, Lida Damian, Rachel Weinstsky, Pedro Alocer, Tom Whittington, Mary McDonnell, and Nichole Hill. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A widower loses his horse and searches for something new to love. Written by Roney. Performed by Austin Pendleton, Josh Perilo, Tallie Medel, Dmitry Shein, Rachel Botchan, Kyle Gordon, Tommy Marshall, Thomas Whittington, Frankie Johnson, Sarah Reynolds, Nichole Hill, and Roney. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A sudden telepathic connection pushes an unhappy woman into the arms of her brother-in-law. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by Kimberly Chatterjee, Adrián Burke, Brandon Zelman, Ryan Karels, Amy Warren, and Mary McDonnell. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes very strong language, and descriptions of sexual acts. It is for adults only, and not intended for children. An ambitious Roman senator is ready to sacrifice anything for his career, when the emperor Caligula declares himself a living god. Written by Louis Kornfeld. Performed by Richie Moriarty, Joseph Medeiros, Michael Cumpsty, Danielle Delgado, Margo Seibert, Jake Hart, and Louis Kornfeld. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in 2015, twin brother and sister Josh and Joan Burns formed CrossBread, the hugely successful Christian Rap duo from Boronia in Melbourne's outer suburbs. This is their story. For this episode, we’re featuring another podcast, CrossBread from ABC Radio. You can hear the whole series on their website, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And after the story, we’ll talk with writer Declan Fay about the making of the series. CrossBread from ABC Radio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hardest thing about living in a post-apocalypse is the loneliness. But what you do to cope could make things worse. This story is the third in the “Hum” series. If you haven’t heard them already, please go listen to After the Hum and Into the Hum first. Written by Chris Kipiniak. Performed by James Dwyer, Michael Cullen, Chris Kipiniak, Jessica Morgan, Marisa Brau, Suzanne Toren, and Russell G. Jones. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An unexpected chance to be on a reality show lands Cat in a bizarre love triangle. As the story takes on a life of its own, her TV dreams devolve into a real-life nightmare. Written by Megan Stein. Performed by Rebecca Robles, Louis Kornfeld, Megan Stein, Michael Cruz Kayne, Chris Cafero, and Daniel Hubbard. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a group of misfit college students learn that their new roleplaying game affects the real world, opportunities abound. But there are consequences. Written by Timothy Cooper. Performed by Mark Gessner, Tallie Medel, Woody Fu, Ariel Gitlin, and Ed Herbstman. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been five years since her stroke, and Ann is still struggling to make new memories. But an ancient technique might be the key she needs to put her life back together. Written by Louis Kornfeld. Performed by Ann Carr, Dennis Pacheco, Amy Warren, Jake Smith, Liz Noth, Megan Stein, Timothy Cooper and Louis Kornfeld. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two best friends are part of a Christmas Eve Bitcoin heist, but things don’t go according to plan. Written by Anthony Del Col. Performed by Alex Dickson, Alex Song-Xia, Matt Jones, John Doman, and Sophie Yalkezian. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Appearances is “an audio mind trip about an Iranian-American woman, the family she carries around in her head, and the family that she wants to have.” It’s a wonderful new 10-part series from producer Sharon Mashihi, Mermaid Palace, and Radiotopia. For this episode, we’re playing the series Prologue. If you like what you hear, please go check out the whole series! You can find it here: https://mermaidpalace.org/appearances Or by searching for “Appearances” in your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A college student studying abroad learns about a romantic legend in Spain, but gets carried away trying to make it come true. Written by David Deblinger. Performed by David Deblinger, Eli Gelb, Maria Fontanals, Luis Carlos de La Lombana, Mercedes Clavel and Israel Ruiz. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A suburban mom discovers a sinister conspiracy at her local hair salon. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by Alex Dickson, Francesca Ferrara, Richie Moriarty, Amy Warren, Julia Kelly, Tara Copeland, Maggie Burke, Ariel Gitlin, Sophie Yalkezian and Mary McDonnell. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A mountain climbing couple gets caught in an avalanche. Will they survive? Will their relationship? Oh, and also—they’re not alone. Written by Davy Gardner. Performed by Margaret Burrus, Federico Rodriguez, Sue Galloway, Davy Gardner, Sophie Yalkezian and Sadie Mitchell. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a sitcom star is contacted by his long-lost relatives, he discovers that gaining a new family is a lot more than he bargained for. Written by David Ebert. Performed by David Ebert, Julia Kelly, David Koechner, Mark Gessner, Leslie Meisel, Amy Warren, Tom Stephens and Amanda Hunt. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the sky itself becomes deadly, survival depends on how much you can trust strangers. Written by Louis Kornfeld. Performed by Michael Cullen, Arthur French, Benja Kay Thomas, and James Dwyer, with Louis Kornfeld and Mary McDonnell. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a post-apocalyptic world, a young woman faces her fears of the outside world in order to save her sister. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by Marisa Brau, Jessica Morgan, James Dwyer, Gregory Jones, and Rachel Botchan. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When two actors on different coasts show up to a mysterious voiceover audition, a sadistic director keeps making things weirder. Written by Laura Grey. Performed by Liz Leimkuhler, Casey Jost, Chris Kipiniak and Bill Rohlfing. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A virtual reality company can send you anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. So when a celebrity uses it for escape and ends up finding love, he goes to great lengths to hang onto his new life. Written by Bob Raymonda. Performed by Chris Cafero, Tessa Hersh, Richie Moriarty, Mark Gessner, Nikki Thomas, Asher Herbstman, Amy Warren, Mary McDonnell, Davy Gardner, and Bob Raymonda. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A woman gets trapped in an inter-dimensional game show. To leave, she must win the game by figuring out what's wrong with her. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by Julia Kelly, Jeremy Bent, Bridgette Rizkalla, Billy Bob Thompson, Amy Warren, Richie Moriarty, Margaret Burrus, Bob Raymonda, Cara Ehlenfeldt, Mary McDonnell, and Jaime Lamchick. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When an artificial intelligence grad student becomes a finalist for a big robotics award, her empathic AI robot starts calling her a fraud, and she must figure out how to overcome its nasty, counterproductive feedback. Written by Kristy Lopez-Bernal. Performed by Erica Hernandez, Yoni Lotan, Erin Harland, Amy Warren, Josh Perilo, Ed Herbstman, Bob Raymonda, Margaret Burrus, Katie Hartman, and Nathan Min. Content warning: This episode contains depictions of anxiety and panic attacks. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Truth was live at On Air Fest in March 2020, with a performance of “The Hilly Earth Society” followed by a Q&A with writer Louis Kornfeld, actor Michael Cullen, and producer Jonathan Mitchell. Written by Louis Kornfeld. Performed live by Michael Cullen. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new app allows you to earn real money just by participating in social events. But what the events are—and who shows up—makes it difficult to know what’s real, and what’s just another gig in the gig economy. Written by Sarah Shachat. Performed by Louis Kornfeld, Rick Andrews, Leila Ben-Abdallah, Woody Fu, Mary McDonnell, Zach Valenti, T.J. Mannix, and Promises improv troupe. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A woman paid to ruin weddings decides instead to help a groom salvage his… and finds love along the way. Written by Mary McDonnell. Performed by Bianca Casusol, David Ebert, Thomas Whittington, Lila Newman, Juan Nicolón, Erin Bartley, Alli Brown, Mary McDonnell, Blanche Ames, Davy Gardner, Johnna Scrabis, Brandon Zelman, Elijah Crocker, Daniel Lempert, Jake Cornell, Casey McCormick, Amir Khan, Allison Kilkenny, Danielle Grace, and Promises improv troupe. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Kyra gets Beth an “enhanced emotional support” dog to help her get over her recent funk, the gift goes over a little too well. Written by Timothy Michael Cooper Performed by Tanyika Carey, Ellen Winter, and Fred Newman. CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes strong language and adult situations. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A son tries to make contact with his dad deteriorating in the throes of dementia. He makes new connections and discoveries, and as he says goodbye to his father, he is granted a long-awaited wish. Written and performed by David Deblinger. With Maggie Burke, Tomoko Miyagi, Neil Tyrone Pritchard, Louis Kornfeld, and David Aaron Baker. Music by Fred Johnson. This episode is based on a stage production originally created at Labyrinth Theater Company, directed and developed by Ben Snyder. This episode is part of a network-wide project to welcome Over the Road, Radiotopia’s newest show, into the family. CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes strong language. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After three friends make a mysterious yet simple choice, they must make sense of the inconceivable results. Written by Davy Gardner Performed by Erin Harland, Dennis Pacheco, Chris Cafero, Louis Kornfeld, and Nikki Thomas. CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes strong language. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eddie Doyle is being targeted by bots that are getting smarter all the time. Written by Louis Kornfeld Performed by Tom Ligon, Amy Warren, Louis Kornfeld, Tanyika Carey, Rebecca Robles, Rich Armstead, Jon Cook, Dmitry Shein, Timothy Cooper, Davy Gardner, Jamie Rivera, Sarah Shachat, and Nikki Thomas. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s difficult to convey who you are in a two-dimensional dating profile. So a brand new dating service brings you into the third dimension, allowing you to create a museum all about yourself. Written by Davy Gardner Performed by Ann Carr and Nicholas Richardson, with Johnna Scrabis, and Adelaide Kipiniak. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Atlantic Flight 702 has disappeared mid-flight between London and New York. Kaitlin Le, a college student whose twin brother vanished with the flight, has tasked herself with uncovering what really happened to the plane’s 256 passengers. For this special episode, we present the first episode of Passenger List, a mystery thriller from PRX’s Radiotopia. Listen to the full series at https://passengerlist.org The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you want to get from point A to point B, teleportation sounds like a good idea. But if you ever get the opportunity, just take a cab. Learn what happened to teleportation’s First Man. Written by Louis Kornfeld Performed by Peter McNerney, Hannah Chase, Nick Kanellis, Mary McDonnell, Leonard Lyzner, Dennis Pacheco, Chris Kipiniak, Davy Gardner, Adelaide Kipiniak, and Evan Barden. Make your mark. Go to radiotopia.fm to donate today. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eve, Jay, and Michael used to be close friends until life moved them in different directions. They are brought together by the death of an old friend Lilia, who reaches out from beyond the grave to meddle in their relationship. Written by Tim Platt Performed by Rebecca Robles, Elana Fishbein, Margaret Burrus, Tim Platt, Susan Jacks, and Peter Mills-Weiss The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rory, an influencer with over 2 million followers, discovers she has the incredible ability to rewrite history through social media. But what does having 2 million followers really mean if you have nothing to say? Written by Sam Reece Performed by Erica Hernandez, Ariel Gitlin, Chris Cafero, Jeremy Bent, Thomas Whittington, and Davy Gardner This episode contains strong language. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Down in the dusty crypt of The Truth, we uncover the remains of two haunting stories. In the first, a mother's most precious possession is discovered. In the second, a blood ritual conjures up angels... “Don’t Touch a Thing” was written by Louis Kornfeld, and performed by Amy Warren, Armando Diaz, Jackie Hoffman, Louis Kornfeld, and Noel Dineen “Silvia’s Blood” was adapted and produced by Jonathan Mitchell, based on the short story “Upon the Dull Earth” by Philip K. Dick. It was performed by Andy Moskowitz, Rebecca Robles, Diana McCorry, Ben Jones, and Al King. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The mysterious founder and CEO of a tech company is about to tell the world the secret of his latest product… and his past. Written by Luke Burns Performed by Richie Moriarty, Josh Perilo, Jon Cook, Daniel Hubbard, Frankie Johnson, Louis Kornfeld, Mary McDonnell, Jesse VandenBergh, Anthony Franqui, Dennis Pacheco, Mac Rogers, Amy Warren, Thomas Whittington, Elana Fishbein, Chris Thompson, and Bodywork Improv Ensemble This episode contains strong language and violence. The Truth Instagram Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices