A young girl’s fantastic dream to be a doctor sends her into the middle of political realities of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Plus – the story of the first dog to travel around the world and the hottest alien takeover of all time.

Round Trip

A young girl’s fantastic dream to be a doctor sends her into the middle of political realities of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

This story contains scenes of domestic abuse and gun violence, please take care while listening.

Thank you, MJ Fièvre, for sharing your story with us! You can read more about MJ’s childhood in Haiti in her memoir: “A Sky the Color of Chaos” And she’s working on a book series that uplifts Black women and girls – check out all that and more at badassblackgirl.com

Produced by David Exumé, original story score by Lalin St. Juste. Music and sound design for opening story by Druuvy.

The Dog that Went Around the World

The story of the first dog to travel around the world (and refuse a free steak).

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score & sound design by Leon Morimoto.

Bionic Blondes

The hottest alien takeover of all time.

This story was originally written by Kelly Link, and comes from her collection, Stranger Things Happen. It was adapted, directed, and produced by Mark Ristich and Eliza Smith. Voice ActorsL Glynn Washington and Joyce Lee.

Season 16 - Episode 29

When Michelle moves into The Gearbox on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, she meets a new dance partner. And in Yauco, the mountain is alive. It knows you. It is aware of you. And when you pass, it will not let you leave unforgotten.

This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform, episodes drop weekly. If you want more supernatural fun, check out Spooked on YouTube.

The Gearbox

When Michelle moves into The Gearbox on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, she meets a new dance partner.

Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Doug Stuart.

Spirit of the Mountain

In Yauco, the mountain is alive. It knows you. It is aware of you. And when you pass, it will not let you leave unforgotten.

Thank you Adam, for sharing your story with us.

Produced by Erick Yáñez, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Season 16 - Episode 28

He’s slick, slippery, sweet-talking his way past the guards and straight into a superfan’s dream. He’s the stuff of legends, he’s Super Bowl Rick. And meet his counterpart… Tom Garvey. The man who lived inside the walls of his favorite stadium, Phantom-of-the-Opera style. It’s Pittsburgh vs Philly in an epic sports story-off.

This episode contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

STORIES

Super Bowl Rick

He’s slick, slippery, sweet-talking his way past the guards and straight into a superfan’s dream. He’s the stuff of legends, he’s Super Bowl Rick.

Thank you Rick Steigerwald for telling us your story!

When Rick returned home following the Super Bowl , he shared his story with the Pittsburgh Press - check out the 1979 article! Rick retired after a 39 year career in steamfitting and now serves as the Pennsylvania Boxing Commissioner. He’s a three time former Golden Gloves Boxing champion and longtime referee, and was just inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame this past year.

Big thanks as well to Ryan O’Shea who originally interviewed Rick and the late Steeler Jack Deloplaine on his Youtube channel.

Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.

A Vet in the Vet

For years, Tom Garvey lived every sports fan’s secret dream: he lived inside the walls of his favorite stadium, Phantom-of-the-Opera style.

Thanks Tom, Jud Bertholf, and John Grossman!

Read Tom’s story in his memoir The Secret Apartment and his autobiographical novel Many Beaucoup Magics.

Produced by John Fecile, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.

Season 16 - Episode 27