Shows
Life In The Ted LaneAutumn Plans, HCBS Benefits Appeal, And Halloween Audio FunSend us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. Autumn brings momentum—and a little mischief. We’re sending a compact update packed with big announcements: real progress on a benefits appeal that affects daily life, and a creative sprint toward Halloween with a brand-new horror audio piece in the works. Think of this one like a voice note from friends on a crisp evening walk: quick, warm, and full of hints about what’s coming next.We share why a stipulated agreement with the Department of Human Services matters...
2025-10-2203 minLife In The Ted LaneBenefits, Gonzo in a Dress, and Upcycling; a Catch‑UpSend us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. A benefits renewal went sideways, and the fallout hit hard: cognitive rehabilitation therapy vanished, routines unraveled, and a household had to rebuild momentum from the ground up. We open the door on that process—what the county measured, what they missed, and why “not qualifying for nursing home care” doesn’t equal “no support needed.” You’ll hear the steps we’re taking to appeal, how we’re tracking needs in plain language, and the small scaffolds that keep a day moving when executive funct...
2025-10-0833 min
ADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitTying Up Loose Ends: Short Topics For Your Audio Drama Writing PracticeClick here to tell us what you think! Here are all the short yet important topics that don't justify their own episode, yet make a difference for writers. Ever wondered what truly stops creative writers from finishing their audio dramas? It's the invisible barriers we construct for ourselves. For our season finale, we tackle those stubborn obstacles head-on, offering practical solutions to help you move your scripts from perpetual development into production.Money concerns often top the list of excuses, but we challenge the notion that compelling audio drama requires significant funding. Some of the...
2025-05-3050 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitThe Power of Feedback: Transforming Your Audio Drama Through Table ReadsClick here to tell us what you think! Table reads are an essential tool for audio drama writers to hear their work aloud and gather feedback for improvement before production. The process helps identify issues with dialogue, pacing, and storytelling that may not be apparent on the page.• Type of table reads: in-person versus video conferencing, each with benefits and challenges• Finding participants: seek people with strong reading comprehension, not necessarily professional actors• Preparation: provide scripts 24+ hours in advance, include pronunciation guides if needed• Technical considerations: choose appropriate platforms, plan for time zones, p...
2025-05-231h 04Life In The Ted LaneLook For The Helpers: Endangered Zoo Babies, Arts for Autism Benefit, and a Health & Human Services AnnouncementSend us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. The animal kingdom delivers a profound lesson in resilience at the Philadelphia Zoo, where we witnessed history in the making. Four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise hatchlings—the first in the zoo's 150-year existence—represent an extraordinary conservation breakthrough. The parents, century-old "Mommy" and "Abrazo," demonstrate that it's never too late to contribute to species survival. These tiny miracles, initially weighing no more than chicken eggs, embody hope for a threatened species. Learn more about the Galapagos Tortoise Hatchlings at the Ph...
2025-05-2118 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitWriter Tools of the Audio Drama Trade - Part TwoClick here to tell us what you think! Hello!We continue our chat with...Brendon Connelly of CirclesEmily Inkpen of Alternative Stories and The Dex LegacyFlloyd Kennedy of Am I Old Yet? and Baked Off!Shannon K. Perry of Oz 9 and Audiotocracy Podcast Production.... about their writing tools of choice for audio drama scripts. Some strategies to keep in your back p...
2025-05-1740 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitAudio Drama Writing Software, Tools and Formatting: Won't Someone Protect the Widows and Orphans?Click here to tell us what you think! The day a software developer creates software for audio drama scriptwriters that has BBC Radio Drama-style formatting, the option to include line numbers on the script page, page numbers, and a reasonable price, a zillion scriptwriters will give them wads of money hand over fist. Until that fateful day, audio drama writers will debate which software, strategy, or tool spins their story into gold. Fortunately, ADWIT, The Audio Drama Writers' Independent Toolkit, gathers a cornucopia of experienced audio drama podcast writers to share their software and formatting e...
2025-05-0952 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitMastering Character Dialogue: Beyond the WordsClick here to tell us what you think! Welcome to another jam packed episode of ADWIT with Lindsay Harris-Friel and Sarah Golding!Dialogue is the lifeblood of audio drama, serving both the author's intent to move the plot forward and revealing what characters truly want. We explore how effective dialogue communicates information while entertaining the audience and avoiding the pitfalls of unnecessary exposition.• Good dialogue has two essential jobs: communicating what the author wants and what the character wants• Audio storytelling creates stronger physiological responses than visual media, according to research by U...
2025-05-0245 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitPlot vs. Pants? Try The Skort Method of Audio Drama Script Craft.Click here to tell us what you think! Sarah Golding and Lindsay Harris Friel dive into the great debate of audio drama writing: whether to meticulously outline your story or write by the seat of your pants. Though this debate may never be solved, Lindsay proposes a third option: the skort method. The skort method of story planning gives you the freedom of pantsing, helps you set up structure for an outline, and has pockets for later research. Outlining benefits writers because it shows the entire story structure, helps you set up plot twists, and conserves y...
2025-04-2631 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitCharacter Breakdowns That Jump Off the PageClick here to tell us what you think! Sarah and Lindsay explore how to craft character breakdowns that genuinely serve audio drama production, focusing on vocal qualities and core characteristics rather than irrelevant physical attributes and other animals. • Character breakdowns serve many key purposes including concisely guiding actors/casting directors, showing character relationships, and informing technical production choices if deftly employed.• Effective breakdowns include vocal qualities, status, relationships, and intentions rather than physical appearance• Consider what "singing voice part" might match your character (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone) or orchestral instrument a character might be to i...
2025-04-1850 minLife In The Ted LaneExploring Theater and Autism, Dismantling Vaccine Myths, and Honoring Jim Henson's LegacySend us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. Ted Harris invites us into his vibrant world as he shares his transformative journey at Theater Horizon, a professional theater offering specialized programs for people with autism. Through games, performance, and community, Ted's pursuing his Broadway dreams while developing crucial social skills. His enthusiasm radiates as he describes finding a place where he can truly express himself among peers who understand his experience.The conversation shifts to a passionate critique of how South by Southwest has evolved from championing independent ar...
2025-04-1234 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitFrom Idea to Outline: Make Your Audio Drama's Story SustainableClick here to tell us what you think! Ideas constantly surround us—emerging from single words, current events, or persistent questions. From Rajiv Joseph finding a newspaper article about a Bengal tiger killed by American soldiers (which eventually became a Broadway play starring Robin Williams) to Lynn Nottage crafting "Ruined" as a commentary on conflict minerals powering our smartphones, we examine how to refine these ideas into compelling fictional narratives using real-world connections.While concepts like Space Pirates might initially excite us as creators, what matters is premise—the underlying message giving a story significance beyon...
2025-04-1139 min
ADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitCALM WRITINGClick here to tell us what you think! GetStartedThe blank page stares back at you. Your fingers hover uncertainly. That familiar anxiety creeps in—but what if there was a better way to begin?Our latest episode delves into the sacred ritual of writing preparation—those crucial moments before creativity flows. We explore how simple affirmations like "I am ready" can mentally prepare you for the creative journey ahead. Your physical environment matters tremendously; we dis...
2025-04-0605 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitWhat Do Audio Drama Writers Want? Survey Analysis and Season 3 ForecastClick here to tell us what you think! Ever wonder what happens to all those brilliant audio drama ideas that never make it past the "what if" stage?After reviewing our listener survey (thank you to everyone who participated!), we've gained valuable insights into what you need most from ADWIT. The results were clear: 80% prefer straightforward, consistent episodes focused on practical writing advice rather than elaborate productions with fictional narratives. We hear you, and we're shaping our content accordingly!We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Discord server, a community space where...
2025-04-0438 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitADWIT Returns for a Third SeasonClick here to tell us what you think! ADWIT, The Audio Drama Writers' Independent Toolkit, returns for a third season! Sarah and Lindsay want to give you strategies and resources to write an audio drama or fiction podcast script from scratch, or improve your existing script. In Season 3 we have even more resources, recommendations, and references for you, plus panel discussions and leads to production information. Stay tuned, share and enjoy! Want to get in touch? You can send us a text message with the link at the top, email us at writersadwit@gmail.c...
2025-04-0401 minLife In The Ted LaneFin-tastic Adventures, Autistic Fire Hero, and Muppets vs. The LA WildfiresSend us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. Dive into an underwater journey as we recount our adventures at the Adventure Aquarium! We met fascinating marine animals, including sharks, hippopotami, and adorable blue penguins. Ted shares heartfelt insights about marine conservation and why nurturing our environment is crucial. We highlight a young hero with autism who took quick action during a fire emergency, showcasing real-life applications of safety skills that every family should know. Learn how autism helped him follow safety procedures without becoming overwhelmed. We also...
2025-02-2724 minLife In The Ted LaneEnchanting Cape May, Movie Magic, and Heartfelt CaregivingSend us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. Our first episode for the New Year captures a memorable journey through Cape May, highlighting delightful adventures, delicious eats, and festive places. We explore local history, and share personal stories. Next, we talk about Disney's Mufasa, and how much AI should be used in big-budget movies. We also tell you about Walt Disney World's plans for Muppet attractions, and Muppets 3-D. Then, we dive into the current state of autism caregiving, and our hopes for new adventures in 2025. • Overview of Cape...
2025-01-1551 minLife In The Ted LaneGoodbye Summer, Hello Fall, and Celebrating Legends: A Day of Thrills and ReflectionSend us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. Ever wondered what it feels like to navigate the twists and turns of the Lazy River at Ocean Oasis? Join us on "Life in the Ted Lane" as we recount our exhilarating adventure to Morey's Pier in Wildwood, New Jersey! Our day was packed with thrills, from the giant Ferris wheel to the spooky ghost ship. Plus, you'll laugh along with our amusing encounters, including some impatient kids and a little girl with a surprising disdain for mermaids. We wrap up our fu...
2024-09-2526 minLife In The Ted LaneSpring In The Ted Lane: Witty Tunes, Wooden Giants, and Building Blocks of ImaginationSend us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. Spring has sprung, and with it, our latest episode bursts into bloom, weaving the often-overlooked comic genius of Tom Lehrer into a whimsical tapestry that celebrates the season's playful spirit. Lehrer's satirical melodies have long tickled the funny bone, and it's a mystery why his Mark Twain Prize-worthy humor isn't more widely recognized. Meanwhile, Ted and I set out on an adventure that takes us to the Philadelphia Zoo, where we're greeted by the towering presence of Thomas Dambo's recycled wood troll st...
2024-04-2015 min
Marooned TunesJETHRO TULL - ROC FLOTEThe gang contemplates the world of Norse mythology and Ragnarök as NOT part of the MCU but as a part of Ian Anderson’s heritage. Plus, Symone asks for equal billing. The Writer: Lindsay Harris-Friel The Classical Musician: Ruth Dubb The Rock Guitarist: Vincent Friel The Pun Addict: Ian Williams And special guest star Symone the Wonderpup. Concept created by Vincent Friel and Brendan Carr. Sound design, title music, and engineering by Vincent Friel. For more information, visit our website at https://6630productions.com/marooned-tunes
2024-04-1550 min
Marooned TunesMICHAEL FRANTI - STAY HUMANIs Michael Franti the natural, inevitable joining or merging of Marvin Gaye and Gil Scott-Heron? The gang discusses this modern-day musical troubadour as he mines social justice causes for our listening pleasure. The Writer: Lindsay Harris-Friel The Classical Musician: Ruth Dubb The Rock Guitarist: Vincent Friel The Pun Addict: Ian Williams And special guest star Symone the Wonderpup. Concept created by Vincent Friel and Brendan Carr. Sound design, title music, and engineering by Vincent Friel. For more information, visit our website at https://6630productions.com/marooned-tunes
2024-04-0150 min
Marooned TunesHUSKER DU - ZEN ARCADEZen Arcade is the second studio album by American punk rock band Hüsker Dü, released in July 1984 on SST Records. The gang discusses how Hüsker Dü gained notice in the American music scene of the early 1980s as a fast, aggressive, hardcore punk band. And remember, there is no Husker Try. The Writer: Lindsay Harris-Friel The Classical Musician: Ruth Dubb The Rock Guitarist: Vincent Friel The Pun Addict: Ian Williams And special guest star Symone the Wonderpup. Concept created by Vincent Friel and Brendan Carr. Sound design, ti...
2024-03-1858 min
Marooned TunesTHE THE - HANKY PANKYThe English post-punk band re-imagined (not copied or covered) a slew of Hank Williams songs with their own modus operandi. The Writer: Lindsay Harris-Friel The Classical Musician: Ruth Dubb The Rock Guitarist: Vincent Friel The Pun Addict: Ian Williams And special guest star Symone the Wonderpup. Concept created by Vincent Friel and Brendan Carr. Sound design, title music, and engineering by Vincent Friel. For more information, visit our website at https://6630productions.com/marooned-tunes Don't forget to use our Libsyn code M-A-R-O-O-N-E-D to...
2024-03-0435 min
Marooned TunesELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA - TIME“Have you ever contemplated if ELO was essentially Jeff Lynne’s backup band, or are they the sum of their parts? The gang put their heads together to knock around that very idea.” The Writer: Lindsay Harris-Friel The Classical Musician: Ruth Dubb The Rock Guitarist: Vincent Friel The Pun Addict: Ian Williams And special guest star Symone the Wonderpup. Concept created by Vincent Friel and Brendan Carr. Sound design, title music, and engineering by Vincent Friel. For more information, visit our website at https://6630producti...
2024-02-1939 minLife In The Ted LaneNavigating the Holiday Bustle with Autism: Peddler's Village Magic, Support Crisis Insights, Plus: Shark Mysteries RevealedSend us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. Imagine strolling through a twinkling Peddler's Village, or the thrill of Broadway's lights reigniting after dark times. Join us as we recount the charm of a Pennsylvania hidden gem, where the holiday spirit meets artisanal shop discoveries. On a different note, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of navigating bustling spaces with autism, sharing strategies that help maintain calm amidst the chaos. This episode is for the explorer in you and for anyone looking to understand or manage sensory overload with gr...
2024-02-1425 min
Marooned TunesNINE INCH NAILS - THE DOWNWARD SPIRALThe gang scrutinizes the 90s and whether or not NIN is a parody band (spoiler alert: they’re not). The Writer: Lindsay Harris-Friel The Classical Musician: Ruth Dubb The Rock Guitarist: Vincent Friel The Pun Addict: Ian Williams And special guest star Symone the Wonderpup. Concept created by Vincent Friel and Brendan Carr. Sound design, title music, and engineering by Vincent Friel. For more information, visit our website at https://6630productions.com/marooned-tunes Don't forget to use our Libsyn code M-A-R-O-O-N-E-D to get up to...
2024-02-0554 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitGreetings from the year 2165.Audio drama and fiction podcasts aid free thought. Therefore, they must be eliminated before they can help people understand each other in a more entertaining way. The ADWIT Audience Survey is where you can nip this process in the bud. One randomly selected respondent will win a gift certificate to Libro.fm. All participants will receive a PDF explaining the story crafting method described in our December 25, 2023 episode. TIME TRAVELERS: THIS IS YOUR MOMENT. You can shape the future of The Audio Drama Writers’ Independent Toolkit. Take the ADWIT Audience Survey, so we know what wr...
2024-01-2900 min
Marooned TunesTHE MOUNTAIN GOATS - TALLAHASSEE“Symone The Wonder Pup starts to assert herself more as the gang talks about the deconstruction of a couple’s relationship while the unhappy duo are going through a messy relationship and their inevitable demise.” The Writer: Lindsay Harris-Friel The Classical Musician: Ruth Dubb The Rock Guitarist: Vincent Friel The Pun Addict: Ian Williams And special guest star Symone the Wonderpup. Concept created by Vincent Friel and Brendan Carr. Sound design, title music, and engineering by Vincent Friel. For more information, visit our website at https://6630product...
2024-01-2259 min
Marooned TunesARCADE FIRE - THE SUBURBS“The gang returns to the island after a break to discuss the banality of man, as long as it’s a reasonable commute from a major city, and if Thomas Wolfe is a pretentious wanker or not.” The Writer: Lindsay Harris-Friel The Classical Musician: Ruth Dubb The Rock Guitarist: Vincent Friel The Pun Addict: Ian Williams And special guest star Symone the Wonderpup. The concept was created by Vincent Friel and Brendan Carr. Sound design, title music, and engineering by Vincent Friel. For more information, visit our web...
2024-01-081h 18
ADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitIgnite Your Storytelling Spark for 2024: How to Plan a Season or Story Arc, Plus Coming Attractions and The ADWIT Audience SurveyClick here to tell us what you think! Getting ready to light a fire under your audio drama writing habits in 2024? Here's a method for planning your next season or story arc that breaks your season down into episodes, and episodes into moments, so you can make a story that matters, one storytelling beat at a time. We'll explore Dan Harmon's storytelling method in detail, and how Lindsay adapted it for her needs, making up a season and an episode. Plus, you'll learn about the ADWIT Audience Survey, and how you can shape the future of The Audio Dr...
2023-12-2620 minADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitAudio Drama Podfest, 11th Hour Audio Challenge, Small Cast Recommendations and a Sound Writing ExerciseClick here to tell us what you think! Where have Sarah and Lindsay been? Get ready for a quick update from ADWIT. Sarah brings you a helpful and less unwieldy than usual podcast conference for Audio Drama creatives, on the 4th of November. Meanwhile, the 11th Hour Audio Challenge casts a long dark shadow over Lindsay. Get ready for stories to chill your bones on 30th October. What can we do for you, as podcasters? What do you need from a podcast about how to make audio drama and fiction podcasts? Coming soon: The ADWIT...
2023-10-2711 min
Marooned TunesTOM WAITS - NIGHTHAWKS AT THE DINER Have you ever wondered about the magic behind Tom Waits' 1975 album Night Hawks at the Diner and the unique culture of late-night diners? Settle in with a cup of coffee as we take you on a captivating journey through Waits' iconic album, inspired by Edward Hopper's painting, and the fascinating world of those who inhabit diners after dark. We'll dive into the album's artwork and the persona Waits creates for his audience, all while analyzing his lyricism and vivid imagery. You'll also get a taste of the energy and spontaneity that Waits brings to the stage, the...
2023-07-1754 min
Marooned TunesRANDY NEWMAN / GOOD OLD BOYS Discover the untold stories behind legendary songwriter Randy Newman's incredible career and powerful songs. We take you on a journey through his early work with Metric Publishing Company, where renowned artists like Dusty Springfield, Gene Pitney, and Harper's Bazaar recorded his songs in the 60s. And, of course, we can't forget to explore his fourth album, Good Old Boy, and its star-studded guest list. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Randy Newman's Hollywood family, filled with film composers such as his uncles Alfred, Lionel, and Emil, and his four cousins Thomas, Maria, David...
2023-07-031h 06
Marooned TunesMIKE NESMITH / THE PRISON Imagine combining a book and an album in the 1970s to create a multimedia experiment. How would it turn out? This week, we reunited the gang to discuss Michael Nesmith's ambitious project that aimed to do just that! As the father of MTV and former member of the Monkees, Nesmith's groundbreaking idea sought to merge reading with music listening, but did it work? Join us as we delve into the 1970s world of multimedia projects and explore Nesmith's work's artistic reach and limitations. We don't just stop at Nesmith's album; we also dive into the larger world...
2023-06-1944 min
ADWIT: The Audio Drama Writers' Independent ToolkitShove Off The Rocks of Writer's Block: Resources to Energize Your Audio Fiction WritingClick here to tell us what you think! Lindsay's stuck in a rut. Sarah rows out to rescue her. Come along for a relaxing day at the beach, where we'll guide you through some resources to reignite your passion for writing! In this episode, we explore how reconnecting with nature, observing people and the environments around us, and trying different creative outlets can spark your imagination. We also share some amazing podcasts, writing prompts, and resources to help you improve your writing. Avanti!Image photographed by Tom Price, via Shutterstock Resources: Gabriel U...
2023-06-1833 minLife In The Ted LanePhilly Treasures, Hollywood Tensions, and Inspiring Muppet Magic: A Colorful Journey Through Art, Film, and Fair PaySend us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. Ever wanted to discover the hidden treasures of Philadelphia, learn about Hollywood labor tensions, and explore a heartwarming film project? We've got you covered! Join us as we share our thrilling experiences at the Magic Gardens, Museum of Illusions, and Philadelphia Zoo, where we met adorable red pandas and otters. Plus, get an inside look at Cherry Street Pier's amazing art store that supports the Arc of Philly organization and features the incredible work of cognitively challenged individuals.Hollywood is he...
2023-06-1537 min