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The Penumbra Podcast

At the Penumbra, you might follow Juno Steel, a brooding, sharp-witted private eye on Mars, as he tangles with an elusive homme fatale, tracks dangerous artifacts of an ancient alien civilization, and faces his three greatest fears: heights, blood, and relationships.

Or you might enter the world of the Second Citadel, where the merciless Sir Caroline must corral a team of emotionally distraught all-male knights to defend their city against mind-manipulating monsters…even the ones they’ve fallen in love with.

Or you might tune into the not-too-distant future of Thirst, a future America somehow even worse than the present, where four couples must survive a dangerous reality TV competition designed by a sadistic host and a cheerfully violent Algorithm.

These audio dramas and more await you in the Penumbra, dear traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay. (Start with “1.01: Juno Steel and the Case of the Murderous Mask” to follow the Juno Steel series, “1.09: Second Citadel – The Head of the Janus Beast” to follow the Second Citadel series, or “THIRST S1E1: Icebreaker” to listen to the Thirst series. Or, listen from oldest to newest to hear everything as we released it.)

The Penumbra is created and produced by Harley Takagi Kaner and Kevin Vibert. Follow us on Bluesky (@thepenumbrapod.bsky.social‬), Tumblr (@thepenumbrapodcast), TikTok (@thepenumbrapodcast), Instagram (@thepenumbrapodcast), or Facebook (The Penumbra Podcast).

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com

You can find all of our transcripts here. If you would like to view trigger warnings or SFX attributions, you can scroll to the end of the appropriate episode transcript: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1bnWLw5dTW4l9A0bmOMzEiy6XqqsXHHi_

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Copyright: © Harley Takagi Kaner and Kevin Vibert

Latest Episodes:

Announcements! Part 1 of "If Memory Serves" is finished, and help us make our next show, Thirst! Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Hi all!

Part 1 of If Memory Serves is finished over on The Penumbra: Special Edition, so what are you waiting around here for? Just head over to thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com and take in Juno's first case EVER as a PI!

Notes from this announcement:

1) Part 1 is over! It's a complete case and a perfect time to catch up on If Memory Serves.

2) To celebrate the end of Part 1, Harley and Kevin are going to have their first Livestream hangout on Saturday, 11/9 at 4 PM EST for Behind-the-Scenes subscribers to the Special Edition. We have an AMA system set up over there for you to log questions for us ahead of time, too!

3) All of the Patreon bonuses that are making it over to the Special Edition are now there, with fancy new organization and formatting to make things easier on you, so there's nothing tying you to Patreon anymore.

4) We'll be charging monthly on Patreon starting in December to recoup some costs, because we still don't have quite enough to start Thirst... or make rent, to be honest. If our stories have meant something to you, please, please make the jump over to the Special Edition as soon as you can. Thank you!

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old episodes, you will often hear us mention Patreon, which was our old platform and is no longer live. Please feel free to ignore!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If Memory Serves: A Juno Steel Mystery (Episode 1) Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

A young Juno Steel, new to being a private eye and intensely depressed after explosively losing his job at the HCPD, is deep under the spell of a street drug that allows him to relive his past. Encouraged by his trusty secretary, he takes on a strange case.

Part 1, Ch. 1-4.

You can find a transcript for this episode here.

If you'd like access to the rest of the audiobook episodes as they come out, plus all our existing bonus commentaries, production scripts, blooper reels, and more, you can find everything at The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION. We can't keep our production running without your support, so anything helps!

Narrated by:

Joshua Ilon as Juno Steel

Kate Jones as Rita

Harley Takagi Kaner as Sasha Wire

Regine Vital as Captain Hijikata

Kat Buckingham as Zahra Shale

Written by Kevin Vibert and Harley Takagi Kaner

Original music by Ryan Vibert

Trigger warnings:

- Self-harm and suicide

- Death

- War

- Abuse of power

- Medical abuse

- Drug use/abuse

- Physical injury and harm

- "Body horror"

- Dismemberment

- Gaslighting and manipulation

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old episodes, you will often hear us mention Patreon, which was our old platform and is no longer live. Please feel free to ignore!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First full episode of IF MEMORY SERVES now available on our new platform! Oct 06, 2024

Show notes

When Kevin and Harley decided to go full-time as podcasters and artists, they knew it was a big risk. Independent media by queer creators doesn't generally pull in the big bucks, but it’s important to them to make the most beautiful and heartfelt work possible and always pay the cast and crew a competitive rate. That’s why we are so grateful to you for considering signing up for The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION, which you can find at thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com. Depending on the monthly pledge you choose, you’ll gain access to early, ad-free episodes, behind-the-scenes bonus content like scripts and commentary tracks, livestreams with the creators, and more. Plus, starting on October 6, 2024, we will be releasing the audiobook, If Memory Serves: A Juno Steel Mystery, to this new platform ahead of its eventual public release, as a special preview for subscribers.

If you are already a supporter over on Patreon, thank you! The new platform will be making the transition over as seamless as possible for you: just head to thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com/patreons. All subsequent episodes of the audiobook, as well as the entire back catalog of bonus content, will be on the new platform. Make sure you cancel your Patreon subscription afterwards, as everything will be cleared out of Patreon in the next month.

If you choose to pledge any amount, please know that you’re not only supporting Harley, Kevin, and the crew, but you’re also helping to grow this community and provide access to those who may not be able to give. Thank you so much for your support. It means the world to us.

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old episodes, you will often hear us mention Patreon, which was our old platform and is no longer live. Please feel free to ignore!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 5 Q&A, including 10-minute teaser for IF MEMORY SERVES Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

Harley and Kevin answer Patreon subscribers' questions LIVE (hence the sub-par audio) with help from Joshua Ilon and Melissa DeJesus.

IF MEMORY SERVES will be released starting in October on our new paid platform. Details can be found here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/big-news-from-q-111733218

THIRST will begin release summer 2025 on our public podcast feed.

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old episodes, you will often hear us mention Patreon, which was our old platform and is no longer live. Please feel free to ignore!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Series Q&A on Patreon Sept 8, plus what's next! Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

Hi travelers, Harley here. I wanted to make sure that you knew about our upcoming series Q&A happening on Patreon this Sunday, September 8th, at 3:00 PM Eastern, for all of our Patreon supporters. Kevin and I will be answering questions live from those who attend, so make sure to come prepared with everything you’re still dying to know! The Q&A will be co-hosted by Joshua Ilon, who voices Juno Steel, and Melissa DeJesus, who voices Quanyii and also edits our scripts, so we’ll have representatives from both of our main series there too if you want to hit them with a few actor questions.

The Q&A will also be the very first time that we announce what’s coming next for you all as well as giving you a sneak preview, so if you want to be the first to know, make sure you attend at patreon.com/thepenumbrapodcast. It’s not too late to pledge to our Patreon at any level, and the livestream will be recorded in case you can’t make it. We can’t wait to see you there!

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old episodes, you will often hear us mention Patreon, which was our old platform and is no longer live. Please feel free to ignore!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5.28: Juno Steel and the Case Closed (Part 2) Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

Home is what you make it.

Thank you for joining us at The Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you've enjoyed your stay.

(Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)

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You can find all of our transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLddnnYamZuglgZc8pM2gqToPOwEBccM?usp=sharing

Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode.

On staff at the Penumbra:

Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and Outreach

Melissa DeJesus -- Script editing team

Harley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designer

Joelle Kross -- Transcriptionist

Noah Simes -- Production manager

Grahame Turner -- Script editing team

Kevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writer

Ryan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original music

Jeff Wright -- Graphic designer

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Attribution: Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

“Outside Bars Night Skopje Ambience” by damjancd https://freesound.org/people/damjancd/sounds/321616/

“Electronic club rave music” by TheoJT https://freesound.org/people/TheoJT/sounds/739962/

“suburb spring morning traffic 01 200314_0119.wav” by klankbeeld https://freesound.org/people/klankbeeld/sounds/560159/

“Confirm Beeps (No Delay)” by Dylan Kelk https://freesound.org/people/SilverIllusionist/sounds/664262/

“Bus ride.wav” by theplax https://freesound.org/people/theplax/sounds/614941/

“Seedy motel.wav” by MoveAwayPodcast https://freesound.org/people/MoveAwayPodcast/sounds/555375/

Battle Of Kandahar by coruscate (c) copyright 2024 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/Coruscate/67657

Shrimp Rich by septahelix (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/septahelix/59735 Ft: PerchanceMusic

Boring Walking Blues by Admiral Bob (c) copyright 2021 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/admiralbob77/63608 Ft: Rhonin

I Miss You (Techno Blues Remix) feat. Snowflake by Attic Ella (c) copyright 2014 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/Levihica/47589 Ft: Snowflake

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TRIGGER WARNINGS:

- Sudden loud noises

- Deception and gaslighting

- Alcohol use

- Drug abuse

- Theft

- Discussions of mortality

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old episodes, you will often hear us mention Patreon, which was our old platform and is no longer live. Please feel free to ignore!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5.27: Juno Steel and the Case Closed (Part 1) Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

Well, Juno Steel. Time's up. It's time to answer the question:

Who will you be next?

Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay.

(Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)

-------

You can find all of our transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLddnnYamZuglgZc8pM2gqToPOwEBccM?usp=sharing

Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode.

On staff at the Penumbra:

Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and Outreach

Melissa DeJesus -- Script editing team

Harley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designer

Joelle Kross -- Transcriptionist

Noah Simes -- Production manager

Grahame Turner -- Script editing team

Kevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writer

Ryan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original music

Jeff Wright -- Graphic designer

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Attribution: Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

“Outside Bars Night Skopje Ambience” by damjancd https://freesound.org/people/damjancd/sounds/321616/

“Electronic club rave music” by TheoJT https://freesound.org/people/TheoJT/sounds/739962/

“Fm Radio Static White Noise” by IcedPhoenix49 https://freesound.org/people/IcedPhoenix49/sounds/732435/

“suburb spring morning traffic 01 200314_0119.wav” by klankbeeld https://freesound.org/people/klankbeeld/sounds/560159/

“Confirm Beeps (No Delay)” by Dylan Kelk https://freesound.org/people/SilverIllusionist/sounds/664262/

--------

TRIGGER WARNINGS:

- Sudden loud noises

- Deception and gaslighting

- Alcohol use

- Drug abuse

- Theft

- Discussions of mortality

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old episodes, you will often hear us mention Patreon, which was our old platform and is no longer live. Please feel free to ignore!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5.26: Second Citadel--The World to Come (Part 3) Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

Given but one short and precious life, what world will you bring to bear?

Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay.

(Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)

-------

You can find all of our transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLddnnYamZuglgZc8pM2gqToPOwEBccM?usp=sharing

Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode.

On staff at the Penumbra:

Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and Outreach

Melissa DeJesus -- Script editing team

Harley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designer

Joelle Kross -- Transcriptionist

Noah Simes -- Production manager

Grahame Turner -- Script editing team

Kevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writer

Ryan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original music

Jeff Wright -- Graphic designer

--------

Attribution: Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

“Desolated Lands Atmosphere” by original_sound https://freesound.org/people/original_sound/sounds/365153/

“Tyrael - Sword Slice Flesh - 02.wav“ by SoundFlakes https://freesound.org/people/SoundFlakes/sounds/492254/

“Sword_cut_off_neck_or_slash_flesh_sounds.mp3” by Artninja https://freesound.org/people/Artninja/sounds/700234/

“Electronic Tanpura 3” by sankalp https://freesound.org/people/sankalp/sounds/155500/

“Avalanche.wav” by mystiscool https://freesound.org/people/mystiscool/sounds/7141/

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TRIGGER WARNINGS:

- Military action

- Gunfire and weaponry

- Sudden loud noises

- Death and injury

- Violence and threats of violence

- Violence and significant harm towards children

- Deception

- Abuse of authority

- Body horror

- Self-harm/self-destruction

- Fire

- Sexism and xenophobia

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old episodes, you will often hear us mention Patreon, which was our old platform and is no longer live. Please feel free to ignore!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5.25: Second Citadel--The World to Come (Part 2) Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

Above, a cataclysmic war to determine the fate of the Universe; below, an adventure deep into the bowels beneath an undersea palace; all while a traitor leads the enemy onward... and forces our heroes to make a terrible choice.

Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay.

(Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)

-------

You can find all of our transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLddnnYamZuglgZc8pM2gqToPOwEBccM?usp=sharing

Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode.

On staff at the Penumbra:

Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and Outreach

Melissa DeJesus -- Script editing team

Harley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designer

Joelle Kross -- Transcriptionist

Noah Simes -- Production manager

Grahame Turner -- Script editing team

Kevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writer

Ryan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original music

Jeff Wright -- Graphic designer

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Attribution: Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

“Infinite Storm.wav” by digifishmusic https://freesound.org/people/digifishmusic/sounds/41739/

“BombEplosion.wav” by Lord Razu https://freesound.org/people/Lord%20Razu/sounds/107792/

“Gripen bombingrun1.mp3“ by SoundLover16 https://freesound.org/people/SoundLover16/sounds/274303/

“Action Music Loop 2 "Hunted”” by MathewHenry https://freesound.org/people/MathewHenry/sounds/685597/

“small-spill-splash-pour-splat-paint.wav” by newagegroup https://freesound.org/people/newagesoup/sounds/344537/

“Welding Torch 2.wav” by Razzvio https://freesound.org/people/Razzvio/sounds/79576/

“nord_analog_howling_wind_storm.wav” by medialint https://freesound.org/people/medialint/sounds/11863/

“Creepy Dungeon Door Slam” by Hybrid_V https://freesound.org/people/Hybrid_V/sounds/320737/

“52pickup.wav” by FreqMan https://freesound.org/people/FreqMan/sounds/19906/

“Walking quickly in a river” by arnaud coutancier https://freesound.org/people/arnaud%20coutancier/sounds/320175/

“drop-cards.wav” by themfish https://freesound.org/people/themfish/sounds/45815/

“Moving the grave stone.With stone sand(5lrs,mltprcssng).wav” by newlocknew https://freesound.org/people/newlocknew/sounds/530268/

“shotgun_moving stones in stone river1_Sierra Albarracin_010921_David Albanes Bonillo_SONOTOMIA.wav” by Sonotomia https://freesound.org/people/Sonotomia/sounds/611887/

“Parking Garage - Walla, Man Scream” by soundadvices https://freesound.org/people/soundadvices/sounds/187290/

“Breaking bones 3” by studiobonk https://freesound.org/people/studiobonk/sounds/649117/

“Monster bite” by soundmast123 https://freesound.org/people/soundmast123/sounds/571967/

“Intense Gore Sound: Opening Chest Cavity” by MinecraftGamerLR https://freesound.org/people/MinecraftGamerLR/sounds/728695/

“Dinosaur Footsteps-01.wav” by jamesrodavidson https://freesound.org/people/jamesrodavidson/sounds/192365/

“Wet Meat.mp3” by RICHERlandTV https://freesound.org/people/RICHERlandTV/sounds/264184/

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TRIGGER WARNINGS:

- Military action

- Gunfire and weaponry

- Sudden loud noises

- Death and injury

- Violence and threats of violence

- Violence and significant harm towards children

- Deception

- Abuse of authority

- Body horror

- Self-harm/self-destruction

- Fire

- Sexism and xenophobia

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old episodes, you will often hear us mention Patreon, which was our old platform and is no longer live. Please feel free to ignore!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5.24: Second Citadel--The World to Come (Part 1) Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

The center of the Universe, mere hours before the battle that will determine its final fate. This is a war that not all will survive.

Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay.

(Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)

-------

You can find all of our transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLddnnYamZuglgZc8pM2gqToPOwEBccM?usp=sharing

Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode.

On staff at the Penumbra:

Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and Outreach

Melissa DeJesus -- Script editing team

Harley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designer

Joelle Kross -- Transcriptionist

Noah Simes -- Production manager

Grahame Turner -- Script editing team

Kevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writer

Ryan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original music

Jeff Wright -- Graphic designer

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Attribution: Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

“EK Cobra Pistol Crossbow.mp3” by Tairblenn https://freesound.org/people/Tairblenn/sounds/540406/

“MCU_or_movie_inspired_blade_stab_or_slash_flesh_sounds.mp3” by Artninja https://freesound.org/people/Artninja/sounds/700235/

Winterstorm II: A Cinematic and ambient soundscape - by Kjartan Abel.

Visit https://kjartan-abel.com/library to find free music for your next project.

This work is licensed under the following: CC BY-SA 4.0 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

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TRIGGER WARNINGS:

- Military action

- Gunfire and weaponry

- Sudden loud noises

- Death and injury

- Violence and threats of violence

- Violence and significant harm towards children

- Deception

- Abuse of authority

- Body horror

- Self-harm/self-destruction

- Fire

- Sexism and xenophobia

For early and ad-free episodes, production scripts, commentary tracks, blooper reels, livestreams with the creators, and much more, you can find The Penumbra Podcast: SPECIAL EDITION at: https://thepenumbrapodcast.supercast.com(In old episodes, you will often hear us mention Patreon, which was our old platform and is no longer live. Please feel free to ignore!)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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