Podcast Spotlight: Palimpsest

Audio dramas, or fiction podcasts, are continuing their moment — hopefully indefinitely. There’s loads more experimentation and creativity happening in this genre than their non-fiction counterpart. Wil Williams recently counted down her favorite audio drama podcasts, but we’re adding another to your radar: Palimpsest.

Palimpsest is a serialized spooky podcast with an emotional edge. Fans of The Black Tapes or The Big Loop will likely see elements they like in the podcast, albeit in a longer anthological format. The first season, 10 parts, wrapped up earlier this year but producers Jamieson Ridenhour and Hayley Heninger are already busy working on a follow up season with new characters and storylines.

Discover Pods caught up with Ridenhour and Heninger to talk about the state of audio drama podcasts, the ones that inspired Palimpsest, and their plans for the future. See below for the Q&A.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

Discover Pods: How’d you get into podcasting?

Jamie: I’ve been a fan of audio dramas for years, and I really wanted to try my hand at it, mainly because it seemed like an interesting challenge as a writer. And I thought a single-voiced audio drama would be a great way to explore my favorite literary device: the unreliable narrator. I had worked with Hayley in the world of live theater, and I approached her about trying our hand at a podcast. She is also a big podcast fan, and it didn’t take much to convince her.

DP: In your own words, why should listeners tune into Palimpsest?

Jamie: Because it’s not just creepy (though it is), but also has an emotional punch to it. Anneliese is haunted in a lot of ways, and peeling back those layers is fun and intriguing. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll hide under the covers and hope you’re alone. You won’t be.

DP: Are there audio dramas out there that inspired Palimpsest?

Jamie: It didn’t directly inspire it, but hearing Alice Isn’t Dead was what first suggested the idea of a single actor telling a story directly to an audience to me. I love Joseph Fink’s pacing and the way he hits several themes in each episode while keeping the primary narrative moving forward. That one definitely showed me a possible path.

DP: Any plans for a season two or a spin-off? Where do you hope to take Palimpsest?

Jamie: Season Two is already being planned. It’ll be a brand new story, brand new character, but exploring the same themes of memory, identity, and hauntings.

Hayley: Palimpsest’s next season will be set in a different time and place. I’m hoping to leave no trace of Anneliese in my voice.

DP: What’s the most difficult part of podcasting for you?

Hayley: For me, as with any other mode of art, it’s probably finding the delicate balance between getting in and out of my head; the struggle of getting over insecurities, the fear of being unprepared or inadequate. More specifically to a single-narrator podcast, it was sometimes tricky to believe that if I can see it, I can convey it. The script needed to grow into a mental map. With theater or film, you memorize the words then bring them to life with your bodily and facial expressions (etc.), but here it was somewhat reversed. I’m not saying I always nailed it, but the best takes were the ones where I could hold focus long enough to watch it all happen in my mind, vividly.

DP: What podcasts are you listening to now?

Jamie: Lots! I love The Bright Sessions, Victoriocity, and The Big Loop. My favorite is Wooden Overcoats, which I love with a great and mighty love.

Hayley: I’m two episodes shy of being current with Welcome to Night Vale, and I’ve recently restarted Alice Isn’t Dead, while still dabbling in any other show out of Night Vale Presents. I’m also excited for more Girl in Space.

DP: Anything else you’d like to add?

Hayley: Music adds so much to the listening experience. I feel lucky to have Ian Ridenhour on our team and look forward to what he adds to the upcoming season. Also, the audio drama community is so warm and welcoming. We appreciate the shares and listens from other podcast creators and reviewers. It’s a great environment for new stories to be heard. Thank you!