https://simplecast.com What's The Story? Originally released in 2017, What’s The Story? is the passion project of host Ray Elliott, a former magazine fact-checker, who quit his thankless job upon learning that the most popular episode of his favorite show – This American Life – was based on a fabrication. He decides that, at the end of the day, stories are more important than facts, and recruits three other reporters to join him in his effort to uncover “the best version of the truth.” Focusing on a new theme in each episode, the reporters take turns introducing and playing their pre-recorded segments, followed by in-studio discussions that develop into overarching series plot lines – such as one character's mysterious backstory, another's unrequited love, and everyone's frustration over not getting paid. In short, it’s a work of fiction about truth, and the sometimes extreme measures we take to find or avoid it. Although we began production long before entering this so-called era of post-truth, we can’t help but note the connection. Nevertheless, we don’t claim to make any profound statement (though if you find one, let us know). 2016-2021 What's The Story? en Mon, 17 Aug 2020 04:00:00 +0000 Fri, 10 Dec 2021 17:04:54 +0000 https://wts.simplecast.com What's The Story? https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/6322bfd8-e07f-4899-b306-f7b99e272a40/f0518f51-ad0e-425a-bdec-11df87ba0df6/3000x3000/wts.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://wts.simplecast.com serial Originally released in 2017, What’s The Story? is the passion project of host Ray Elliott, a former magazine fact-checker, who quit his thankless job upon learning that the most popular episode of his favorite show – This American Life – was based on a fabrication. He decides that, at the end of the day, stories are more important than facts, and recruits three other reporters to join him in his effort to uncover “the best version of the truth.” Focusing on a new theme in each episode, the reporters take turns introducing and playing their pre-recorded segments, followed by in-studio discussions that develop into overarching series plot lines – such as one character's mysterious backstory, another's unrequited love, and everyone's frustration over not getting paid. In short, it’s a work of fiction about truth, and the sometimes extreme measures we take to find or avoid it. Although we began production long before entering this so-called era of post-truth, we can’t help but note the connection. Nevertheless, we don’t claim to make any profound statement (though if you find one, let us know). Bryan Farrell, Brian McCarthy, Ren Peir, Gerald Tobin, David Tatasciore no https://feeds.simplecast.com/NzfNkv08 facts, public radio, parody, comedy, satire, journalism, fiction, field recordings, interviews, post-truth, storytelling, truth, what's the story? What's The Story? realwtspodcast@gmail.com 94e303c3-d4e3-4b8a-a0e3-3653c8aacfea The Truth Ray returns to his soul-crushing office job and is forced to reconsider the importance of facts. Stacey sends a dispatch from her post-podcast life. Phil finds a new worldview thanks to a no-nonsense self-help guru. And Blair embraces Destiny.

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Cast

Ray Elliott - Bryan Farrell

Phil O’Malley - Brian McCarthy

Stacey Tung - Ren Pier

Blair Clemens - Gerald Tobin

Mike the Engineer - David Tatasciore

 

Jeremy the Elf / Jeremy Beauregard - Dillon Geyselaers

Werner Airhorne - Bob Juergens

Destiny / Philippa - Christine Pineiro

 

Credits

Created by Bryan Farrell

Developed by Bryan Farrell and Brian McCarthy

Written by Bryan Farrell, Brian McCarthy, Gerald Tobin, and Ren Peir

Recorded, edited, and mixed by David Tatasciore

Sound design by David Tatasciore

Produced by Bryan Farrell and David Tatasciore

Theme song written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

Music

Phil's segment music written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

*originally published February 7, 2017

 

The stories, names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this podcast are made up or used fictitiously, for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual person (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is coincidental. Additionally, all company names mentioned within the podcast are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of any trademarks or other names in the program does not constitute or imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them in any manner whatsoever.

]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2020 04:00:00 +0000 realwtspodcast@gmail.com (What's The Story?) https://wts.simplecast.com/episodes/the-truth-QRLw_nlG Ray returns to his soul-crushing office job and is forced to reconsider the importance of facts. Stacey sends a dispatch from her post-podcast life. Phil finds a new worldview thanks to a no-nonsense self-help guru. And Blair embraces Destiny.

-

Cast

Ray Elliott - Bryan Farrell

Phil O’Malley - Brian McCarthy

Stacey Tung - Ren Pier

Blair Clemens - Gerald Tobin

Mike the Engineer - David Tatasciore

 

Jeremy the Elf / Jeremy Beauregard - Dillon Geyselaers

Werner Airhorne - Bob Juergens

Destiny / Philippa - Christine Pineiro

 

Credits

Created by Bryan Farrell

Developed by Bryan Farrell and Brian McCarthy

Written by Bryan Farrell, Brian McCarthy, Gerald Tobin, and Ren Peir

Recorded, edited, and mixed by David Tatasciore

Sound design by David Tatasciore

Produced by Bryan Farrell and David Tatasciore

Theme song written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

Music

Phil's segment music written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

*originally published February 7, 2017

 

The stories, names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this podcast are made up or used fictitiously, for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual person (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is coincidental. Additionally, all company names mentioned within the podcast are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of any trademarks or other names in the program does not constitute or imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them in any manner whatsoever.

]]> The Truth What's The Story? 00:40:14 Ray returns to his soul-crushing office job and is forced to reconsider the importance of facts. Stacey sends a dispatch from her post-podcast life. Phil finds a new worldview thanks to a no-nonsense self-help guru. And Blair embraces Destiny. Ray returns to his soul-crushing office job and is forced to reconsider the importance of facts. Stacey sends a dispatch from her post-podcast life. Phil finds a new worldview thanks to a no-nonsense self-help guru. And Blair embraces Destiny. post-truth, comedy podcast, self-help, fiction podcast, paternity test, field recording, public radio, truth, what's the story, interview, facts no full 4 1 b4baa54e-cd1f-4e67-ac56-ac97b7cba6dd Hidden Talents Ray uncovers some of his early forays into radio, and begins to doubt his abilities as a host. Phil rebounds with a bombshell at the worst possible moment. Blair returns to the scene of a crime, and attempts to correct an old wrong. And Stacey finally finds her voice.

-

Cast

Ray Elliott - Bryan Farrell

Phil O’Malley - Brian McCarthy

Stacey Tung - Ren Pier

Blair Clemens - Gerald Tobin

Mike the Engineer - David Tatasciore

 

Leslie Scoogins - Michael Howell

Police officer - Bob Juergens

Simone Davis - Alexis Lambright

Librarian - Jessica Leber

Ray’s Dad - Brian McCarthy

Gunther - Brian McCarthy

Today show reporter - Amanda Odmark

Local news reporter - Christine Pineiro

Lip sync competition host - Danny Pudelek

Peter Ruffian - Peter Rugh

Avery Ostweiler - Katy Zanville

 

Credits

Created by Bryan Farrell

Developed by Bryan Farrell and Brian McCarthy

Written by Bryan Farrell, Brian McCarthy, Gerald Tobin, and Ren Peir

Recorded, edited, and mixed by David Tatasciore

Sound design by David Tatasciore

Produced by Bryan Farrell and David Tatasciore

Theme song written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

Music

“Cratom Coma” by Soy

“Backed Vibes Clean” by Kevin MacLeod

“Whattya Say with Ray Elliott” written by Brian McCarthy

“Girl U Know It’s True” - music by Brian McCarthy, lyrics by Bryan Farrell, vocals by Ren Peir, recorded and mixed by David Tatasciore

Phil’s segment music written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

“Occupy My Heart” - music and lyrics by Brian McCarthy, vocals by Ren Peir, recorded and mixed by David Tatasciore

 

*originally published January 31, 2017

 

The stories, names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this podcast are made up or used fictitiously, for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual person (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is coincidental. Additionally, all company names mentioned within the podcast are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of any trademarks or other names in the program does not constitute or imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them in any manner whatsoever.

]]> Sun, 16 Aug 2020 04:00:00 +0000 realwtspodcast@gmail.com (What's The Story?) https://wts.simplecast.com/episodes/hidden-talents-0qEArv7Y Ray uncovers some of his early forays into radio, and begins to doubt his abilities as a host. Phil rebounds with a bombshell at the worst possible moment. Blair returns to the scene of a crime, and attempts to correct an old wrong. And Stacey finally finds her voice.

-

Cast

Ray Elliott - Bryan Farrell

Phil O’Malley - Brian McCarthy

Stacey Tung - Ren Pier

Blair Clemens - Gerald Tobin

Mike the Engineer - David Tatasciore

 

Leslie Scoogins - Michael Howell

Police officer - Bob Juergens

Simone Davis - Alexis Lambright

Librarian - Jessica Leber

Ray’s Dad - Brian McCarthy

Gunther - Brian McCarthy

Today show reporter - Amanda Odmark

Local news reporter - Christine Pineiro

Lip sync competition host - Danny Pudelek

Peter Ruffian - Peter Rugh

Avery Ostweiler - Katy Zanville

 

Credits

Created by Bryan Farrell

Developed by Bryan Farrell and Brian McCarthy

Written by Bryan Farrell, Brian McCarthy, Gerald Tobin, and Ren Peir

Recorded, edited, and mixed by David Tatasciore

Sound design by David Tatasciore

Produced by Bryan Farrell and David Tatasciore

Theme song written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

Music

“Cratom Coma” by Soy

“Backed Vibes Clean” by Kevin MacLeod

“Whattya Say with Ray Elliott” written by Brian McCarthy

“Girl U Know It’s True” - music by Brian McCarthy, lyrics by Bryan Farrell, vocals by Ren Peir, recorded and mixed by David Tatasciore

Phil’s segment music written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

“Occupy My Heart” - music and lyrics by Brian McCarthy, vocals by Ren Peir, recorded and mixed by David Tatasciore

 

*originally published January 31, 2017

 

The stories, names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this podcast are made up or used fictitiously, for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual person (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is coincidental. Additionally, all company names mentioned within the podcast are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of any trademarks or other names in the program does not constitute or imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them in any manner whatsoever.

]]> Hidden Talents What's The Story? 01:02:21 Ray uncovers some of his early forays into radio, and begins to doubt his abilities as a host. Phil rebounds with a bombshell at the worst possible moment. Blair returns to the scene of a crime, and attempts to correct an old wrong. And Stacey finally finds her voice. Ray uncovers some of his early forays into radio, and begins to doubt his abilities as a host. Phil rebounds with a bombshell at the worst possible moment. Blair returns to the scene of a crime, and attempts to correct an old wrong. And Stacey finally finds her voice. post-truth, comedy podcast, fiction podcast, hidden talents, singer/songwriter, activism, field recording, public radio, storytelling, truth, music industry, what's the story, occupy wall street, interview, facts no full 3 1 6e5c25ca-14a4-4c8c-b161-2f35e4bd0235 Subcultures Ray visits a podcasting convention, where he meets a subway conductor with his own show and a tech entrepreneur trying to make audio go viral. Stacey experiments with whisper therapy and learns something new about herself. Phil probes the essence of the universe by taking mushrooms on an empty stomach. And Blair uncovers the secrets of a sovereign community in the Shenandoah Valley.

-

Cast

Ray Elliott - Bryan Farrell

Phil O’Malley - Brian McCarthy

Stacey Tung - Ren Pier

Blair Clemens - Gerald Tobin

Mike the Engineer - David Tatasciore

 

John McClane - Nate Foster

Bill Gannon - himself

Jeremy the Elf / Jeremy Beauregard - Dillon Geyselaers

Gordon Bryant - Michael Howell

Fred Astereo - Brian McCarthy

Queenie McSteve - Brian McCarthy

Johnny - Brian McCarthy

Jeff Robertson - Jeff Rubin

Madras Shulani Birhyakti - Jeff Scherer

Natalia Whispers - Lauren Stripling

Louie the Subway Conductor - Scott Wiener

 

Credits

Created by Bryan Farrell

Developed by Bryan Farrell and Brian McCarthy

Written by Bryan Farrell, Brian McCarthy, Gerald Tobin, and Ren Peir

Recorded, edited, and mixed by David Tatasciore

Sound design by David Tatasciore

Produced by Bryan Farrell and David Tatasciore

Theme song written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

Music

“70 wah wah” by Bauchamp

“Raga Kirwani” by Soumitra Lahiri and Shailendra Mishra

“Prodigal Son” by Clifton Hicks

 

*originally published January 24, 2017

 

The stories, names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this podcast are made up or used fictitiously, for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual person (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is coincidental. Additionally, all company names mentioned within the podcast are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of any trademarks or other names in the program does not constitute or imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them in any manner whatsoever.

]]> Sat, 15 Aug 2020 04:00:00 +0000 realwtspodcast@gmail.com (What's The Story?) https://wts.simplecast.com/episodes/subcultures-TCFWk_pf Ray visits a podcasting convention, where he meets a subway conductor with his own show and a tech entrepreneur trying to make audio go viral. Stacey experiments with whisper therapy and learns something new about herself. Phil probes the essence of the universe by taking mushrooms on an empty stomach. And Blair uncovers the secrets of a sovereign community in the Shenandoah Valley.

-

Cast

Ray Elliott - Bryan Farrell

Phil O’Malley - Brian McCarthy

Stacey Tung - Ren Pier

Blair Clemens - Gerald Tobin

Mike the Engineer - David Tatasciore

 

John McClane - Nate Foster

Bill Gannon - himself

Jeremy the Elf / Jeremy Beauregard - Dillon Geyselaers

Gordon Bryant - Michael Howell

Fred Astereo - Brian McCarthy

Queenie McSteve - Brian McCarthy

Johnny - Brian McCarthy

Jeff Robertson - Jeff Rubin

Madras Shulani Birhyakti - Jeff Scherer

Natalia Whispers - Lauren Stripling

Louie the Subway Conductor - Scott Wiener

 

Credits

Created by Bryan Farrell

Developed by Bryan Farrell and Brian McCarthy

Written by Bryan Farrell, Brian McCarthy, Gerald Tobin, and Ren Peir

Recorded, edited, and mixed by David Tatasciore

Sound design by David Tatasciore

Produced by Bryan Farrell and David Tatasciore

Theme song written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

Music

“70 wah wah” by Bauchamp

“Raga Kirwani” by Soumitra Lahiri and Shailendra Mishra

“Prodigal Son” by Clifton Hicks

 

*originally published January 24, 2017

 

The stories, names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this podcast are made up or used fictitiously, for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual person (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is coincidental. Additionally, all company names mentioned within the podcast are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of any trademarks or other names in the program does not constitute or imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them in any manner whatsoever.

]]> Subcultures What's The Story? 00:59:40 Ray visits a podcasting convention, where he meets a subway conductor with his own show and a tech entrepreneur trying to make audio go viral. Stacey experiments with whisper therapy and learns something new about herself. Phil probes the essence of the universe by taking mushrooms on an empty stomach. And Blair uncovers the secrets of a sovereign community in the Shenandoah Valley. Ray visits a podcasting convention, where he meets a subway conductor with his own show and a tech entrepreneur trying to make audio go viral. Stacey experiments with whisper therapy and learns something new about herself. Phil probes the essence of the universe by taking mushrooms on an empty stomach. And Blair uncovers the secrets of a sovereign community in the Shenandoah Valley. post-truth, comedy podcast, fiction podcast, field recording, public radio, subcultures, storytelling, truth, asmr, what's the story, secession, interview, mushrooms, podcast convention, viral audio, facts no full 2 1 2a98dc79-63a9-469a-a073-c017a313cd7e Dream Jobs Ray assembles his team, and interviews the founder of the humanitarian organization Doctors Without MDs. Stacey helps a helicopter pilot tell his story of overcoming discrimination in the workplace. Phil explores the hobo life. And Blair profiles a mediocre basketball player who has found success abroad.

–

Cast

Ray Elliott - Bryan Farrell

Phil O’Malley - Brian McCarthy

Stacey Tung - Ren Pier

Blair Clemens - Gerald Tobin

Mike the Engineer - David Tatasciore

 

Momudu Kamara - Joseph Beya

Ryan Furlough - Josh Hurley

Dude - Josh Hurley

Old Italian Man - Josh Hurley

Tagalog interpreter #1 - Jessica Leber

Tagalog interpreter #2 - Daryll Moose

Kris Kastle - Brian McCarthy

Coach Ned Thompkins - Brian McCarthy

Rev. Jimothy Kastle - Gerald Tobin

Samantha Snyder - Raina Trider

Cheerleader - Katy Zanville

 

Credits

Created by Bryan Farrell

Developed by Bryan Farrell and Brian McCarthy

Written by Bryan Farrell, Brian McCarthy, Gerald Tobin, and Ren Peir

Recorded, edited, and mixed by David Tatasciore

Sound design by David Tatasciore

Produced by Bryan Farrell and David Tatasciore

Theme song written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

Music

“The Chase (Instrumental)” by I. Icardi; M. Cataldi; K. Walczyk / Proud Music Library

Phil’s segment music written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

Other

Clip of Ira Glass from This American Life episode “460: Retraction”

 

*originally published January 17, 2017

 

The stories, names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this podcast are made up or used fictitiously, for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual person (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is coincidental. Additionally, all company names mentioned within the podcast are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of any trademarks or other names in the program does not constitute or imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them in any manner whatsoever.

]]> Fri, 14 Aug 2020 04:00:00 +0000 realwtspodcast@gmail.com (What's The Story?) https://wts.simplecast.com/episodes/dream-jobs-3jyj1xMT Ray assembles his team, and interviews the founder of the humanitarian organization Doctors Without MDs. Stacey helps a helicopter pilot tell his story of overcoming discrimination in the workplace. Phil explores the hobo life. And Blair profiles a mediocre basketball player who has found success abroad.

–

Cast

Ray Elliott - Bryan Farrell

Phil O’Malley - Brian McCarthy

Stacey Tung - Ren Pier

Blair Clemens - Gerald Tobin

Mike the Engineer - David Tatasciore

 

Momudu Kamara - Joseph Beya

Ryan Furlough - Josh Hurley

Dude - Josh Hurley

Old Italian Man - Josh Hurley

Tagalog interpreter #1 - Jessica Leber

Tagalog interpreter #2 - Daryll Moose

Kris Kastle - Brian McCarthy

Coach Ned Thompkins - Brian McCarthy

Rev. Jimothy Kastle - Gerald Tobin

Samantha Snyder - Raina Trider

Cheerleader - Katy Zanville

 

Credits

Created by Bryan Farrell

Developed by Bryan Farrell and Brian McCarthy

Written by Bryan Farrell, Brian McCarthy, Gerald Tobin, and Ren Peir

Recorded, edited, and mixed by David Tatasciore

Sound design by David Tatasciore

Produced by Bryan Farrell and David Tatasciore

Theme song written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

Music

“The Chase (Instrumental)” by I. Icardi; M. Cataldi; K. Walczyk / Proud Music Library

Phil’s segment music written by Brian McCarthy, mixed by David Tatasciore

 

Other

Clip of Ira Glass from This American Life episode “460: Retraction”

 

*originally published January 17, 2017

 

The stories, names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this podcast are made up or used fictitiously, for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual person (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is coincidental. Additionally, all company names mentioned within the podcast are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of any trademarks or other names in the program does not constitute or imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them in any manner whatsoever.

]]> Dream Jobs What's The Story? 00:43:04 Ray assembles his team, and interviews the founder of the humanitarian organization Doctors Without MDs. Stacey helps a helicopter pilot tell his story of overcoming discrimination in the workplace. Phil explores the hobo life. And Blair profiles a mediocre basketball player who has found success abroad. Ray assembles his team, and interviews the founder of the humanitarian organization Doctors Without MDs. Stacey helps a helicopter pilot tell his story of overcoming discrimination in the workplace. Phil explores the hobo life. And Blair profiles a mediocre basketball player who has found success abroad. what's the story?, dream jobs, post-truth, comedy podcast, lady gaga, fiction podcast, this american life, field recording, public radio, scott carrier, storytelling, truth, what's the story, interview, ira glass, facts no full 1 1