The Truth

About

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 he...

Episodes

• The Completist 2026-05-07

  In "The Completist" episode of The Truth, two men meet at a party and discover a shared obsession for an impossibly rare record by their favorite musician. The episode features songs by Dustin Lowman.

• Don't Tell Alice 2026-04-16

  The Truth podcast is currently on break and introduces 'Don't Tell Alice,' a new sequel series from the fiction podcast 'Alice Isn't Dead.' It is available on all podcast platforms and ad-free a week early on Patreon.

• Love and Radio: Blood Memory 2026-04-02

  The Truth podcast features "Blood Memory," a series from Love and Radio. The first episode describes two women meeting the same man in prison and having different impressions of him.

• Object Piece 2026-03-19

  This episode features "Object Piece," a 1978 radio drama by Erik Bauersfeld and Drury Pifer, with performances by Bauersfeld and Gale Chugg. The episode also includes discussions with sound engineers Randy Thom and Jim McKee, and audio dra…

• BONUS: Inside "Garden of Evan" 2026-03-12

  Jonathan and writer Mac Rogers talk about the story "Garden of Evan." Listeners should be aware that this episode contains spoilers.

• Garden of Evan 2026-03-05

  In "Garden of Evan," an episode of The Truth, a man looking for purpose discovers his compost pile has very strong opinions about productivity. The episode is written by Mac Rogers and directed by Jonathan Mitchell.

• BONUS: Inside "The Spot off the Side of the Highway" 2026-02-19

  Jonathan discusses "The Spot off the Side of the Highway" with writer Mary McDonnell. The episode contains spoilers for the story.

• The Spot off the Side of the Highway 2026-02-12

  This episode of The Truth, titled "The Spot off the Side of the Highway," features a group of teenagers on a late-night search. The episode was written by Mary McDonnell and directed by Jonathan Mitchell.

• BONUS: Inside "Forward, Darkspeed!" 2026-02-05

  Jonathan talks with writer Hunter Nelson about the story "Forward, Darkspeed!". This episode contains spoilers, so listeners should hear the story first.

• Forward, Darkspeed! 2026-01-29

  This episode of The Truth, titled "Forward, Darkspeed!", features a sci-fi writer who inherits her mother's famous series. She must deal with the high expectations of continuing a popular story. The episode includes performances by Liz Lei…

• BONUS: Inside "Chez Vous" 2026-01-22

  Jonathan and writer Louis Kornfeld discuss the story "Chez Vous." This bonus episode from The Truth podcast contains spoilers.

• Chez Vous 2026-01-15

  This episode of The Truth, "Chez Vous," describes a writer who attends an extravagant dinner with wealthy friends at a unique restaurant. The episode features performances by Mary McDonnell, Tess Frazier, Joseph Medeiros, Colton Caulfield,…

• The Thing on the Fourble Board 2025-12-04

  Special guest Neil Verma joins Jonathan to explore old-time radio drama, specifically the 1948 classic "The Thing on the Fourble Board" by Wyllis Cooper. Neil Verma also discusses his essays and books on radio drama and narrative podcastin…

• The Projectionists 2025-11-20

  This episode of The Truth, titled "The Projectionists," describes a date night where movie previews become surprisingly familiar. The episode features performances by Julia Schroeder and John Sartori, with Bill Rohlfing as the Movie Narrat…

• The Joke 2025-11-06

  In this episode of The Truth, an archivist in the future finds the last surviving joke and risks her job to understand its meaning. Her journey leads her to discover forbidden laughter.

• Here I Am 2025-10-23

  This musical drama explores themes of connection and silence through a family struggling to listen to one another. It features performances by Ann Carr, Peter Grosz, Danielle Delgado, and Seth Gilman.

• Operation Skill Shot 2025-10-09

  In this episode of The Truth, a pinball enthusiast helps the police track down a mob boss. The story explores the protagonist's attempt to prove the significance of pinball, written by Hunter Nelson.

• Silvia's Blood and Moon Graffiti 2025-06-26

  This episode revisits two stories from The Truth: "Silvia's Blood," based on a Philip K. Dick story, and "Moon Graffiti," which was inspired by a speech written for Richard Nixon. The episode also includes information about the show's curr…

• Pariah No. 3 2023-07-13

  In the final part of the Pariah series, a man investigates a crime involving his partner's performance art piece with the help of an art critic. This episode is written by Davy Gardner and features a full cast.

• Pariah No. 2 2023-06-29

  In this second part of a three-part story, a gallery owner's grandson and an art critic investigate a crime scene involving a performance artist. The episode features an ensemble cast and was written by Davy Gardner.

• Pariah No. 1 2023-06-15

  In this episode of The Truth, the grandson of a prominent art gallery owner teams up with an art critic to investigate a crime that occurs during a performance artist's show. The episode was written by Davy Gardner and features a full cast…

• Instruction Manual for Jason 2023-06-01

  Jen finds an instruction manual for her boyfriend and uses it to improve their relationship. This episode of The Truth was written by Mary McDonnell.

• Degenerates 2023-05-18

  A mechanic struggling with gambling debt attempts to pay off a bookie by restoring a vintage car, while navigating his relationship with a character named Ro. This episode is written by Louis Kornfeld and features a full cast of performers.

• Heat Meet 2023-05-04

  In this episode of The Truth, enthusiasts gather for the 18th Annual Heat Meet to discuss and sample hot sauces. The episode was written by Hunter Nelson and features an ensemble cast performance.

• The Talk 2023-04-06

  The Truth presents a re-release of the 2013 story "The Talk" by Louis Kornfeld, featuring a father stepping in when three teenagers go too far. The show is currently on hiatus until May.

• Keep Running 2023-03-02

  The Truth features a re-release of the 2013 story "Keep Running," which was inspired by an interview with listener Brian Foy. The fictional story follows a man running from Wisconsin to Indiana and stars a cast including Peter McNerney and…

• Tough Crowd 2023-02-02

  In this episode, The Truth re-releases the 2013 story Tough Crowd, which follows a stand-up comedian competing with a speed-dating event. The episode features a full cast and was written by Louis Kornfeld, inspired by storyteller Adam Wade.

• The Mutiny 2023-01-05

  This episode features a re-release of the 2013 story "The Mutiny," which explores the power dynamics between a mother and her two children. The story was written by Elana Fishbein and features a cast including Melanie Hoopes, Asher Herbstm…

• Mall Santa 2022-12-20

  In this 2017 episode of The Truth, a disenchanted mall Santa encounters a surprise during SantaCon. The story, written by Louis Kornfeld, features a full cast of performers.

• Still On 2022-10-27

  The late-night talk show 'Still On' has a new, young, and innovative host who is allegedly cursed. This episode is written by Hunter Nelson.

• I'm Not That Guy 2022-10-13

  In this episode of The Truth, two former classmates who switched bodies in high school continue to live in each other's bodies ten years later. The story is written by Matthew Brian Cohen and features a full cast of performers.

• Mark the Creep 2022-09-29

  In this episode of The Truth, a man named Mark struggles with feelings of unworthiness fueled by voices in his head. The story is written by Louis Kornfeld and features a cast of five performers.

• Journey into Kalanu 2022-09-15

  In this episode of The Truth, a man on a sci-fi theme park ride encounters a superfan whose intense devotion leads to dangerous real-world consequences. The story was written by Hunter Nelson.

• Happy Happy 2022-07-21

  In this episode of The Truth, rock star Melanie Miles visits a mysterious bar trapped in the 1990s, offering her an opportunity to reconsider her past choices. The episode was written by Lana Schwartz and features a full cast.

• Snoop 2022-07-07

  Sienna discovers her crush's journal while housesitting, revealing unexpected secrets to her and her best friend, Monica. This episode of The Truth features performances by Kimberly Chatterjee, Julia Kelly, and Yoni Lotan.

• Swallowed 2022-06-23

  In this episode of The Truth, Jonah seeks answers from God while inside a whale, only to receive a response from an unexpected voice. It features performances by David Deblinger, Russell G. Jones, and Tom Ligon.

• Newts! 2022-06-02

  The first episode of the six-part surf rock audio drama Newts! premieres on The Truth. This series is created by Sam Jay Gold and Ian Coss, inspired by the science fiction of Czech author Karel Čapek.

• Thankless 2022-04-21

  In this episode, Abigail seeks assistance from her brother, a conspiracy-focused radio host, to help her sick mother. This audio drama is written by Louis Kornfeld and features an ensemble cast.

• Danslang 2022-04-07

  A visiting linguist attempts to study a complex language created by students at Newlin High before the school principal can eliminate it. This episode of The Truth features a full voice cast.

• About the Pond 2022-03-24

  In this episode of The Truth, twin siblings and culinary enthusiasts Emmy and Ross face an obstacle to their career goals when a rapidly expanding pond threatens their plans. Written by MJ Halberstadt, the story features a cast including M…

• What About Ruth? 2022-03-10

  In March 2020, Haviland visits her neighbor Ruth, who suffers from dementia, despite her parents' wishes for her to stay safe. This episode of The Truth was written by India Kotis and features a cast including Amara Leonard and Maggie Pist…

• The Best Truth Story Ever (so far)* 2022-02-23

  The Truth shares the winning story from a listener vote held during Radiotopia's Making Trouble week. The episode also features an interview with the writer of the selected story.

• The Truth 10th Anniversary Special 2022-02-11

  To mark the 10th anniversary of The Truth, listeners share their favorite past episodes. The show invites audiences to vote for the best story of all time on their website.

• My Perfect Dad 2022-02-03

  In this episode of The Truth, a father faces criticism from his son regarding his performance as a parent. The story is written by Louis Kornfeld and features performances by Tim Platt, Michael Cullen, Alex Dickson, Tanyika Carey, Dennis P…

• The Disruptors Part 2 2022-01-20

  In this episode of The Truth, Hayley encounters a man who seems kind, but events quickly turn against her. The episode is written by Mary McDonnell and features a cast including Tom Stephens, Louis Kornfeld, Margaret Burrus, Ryan Leach, an…

• The Grand Finale 2021-12-23

  This episode of The Truth, written by Jonathan Mitchell, is a story inspired by the life and stage acts of magician Doug Henning. Set in 1978, the performance features a large cast and focuses on the wonders of the universe.

• Here Lies Me 2021-12-09

  This episode of The Truth introduces "Here Lies Me," a scripted YA podcast from Hillary Frank and Lemonada Media about the adolescent experience. The drama features a cast including Ollie Grishaber, Michael Chernus, and June Diane Raphael.

• The Look-alike 2021-11-25

  In this episode of The Truth, a celebrity look-alike struggles to forge his own identity while constantly being compared to a famous actor. The story is written by Louis Kornfeld and features a full cast of performers.

• End of the Hum 2021-11-11

  In this fifth installment of The Hum series, Huck is held captive at the compound while Inez faces a difficult choice to reunite with her son. The episode is written by Mary McDonnell and features a cast of seven performers.

• Fruit of Knowledge 2021-10-28

  One year after their father's death, three siblings discover a tree growing from his grave that bears fruit and reveals a hidden family secret. Written by Grant Cohen, the episode features a full cast of performers.