Maskwork by Gregory Leadbetter

Within the crowded landscape of audio fiction, Alternative Stories and Fake Realities carves out a distinct and thoughtful space. It functions as the flagship anthology for the Alternative Stories production collective, but it feels more like a curated library of sound. Each episode is a departure into a different crafted world, built from collaborations with working poets, novelists, and dramatists. You might find yourself immersed in a complete, atmospheric radio play one week, and the next be listening to a poignant piece of short fiction or a revealing excerpt from a novel. The texture of the podcast is deliberately varied, reflecting the many forms that storytelling can take when it’s freed from the page. Beyond simply presenting finished works, there’s a curiosity about the origins of creativity. The producers delve into the folklore, myths, and ideas that spark writers’ imaginations, offering a glimpse behind the curtain of the creative process. This is complemented by interviews with the authors themselves, providing context and connection. Furthermore, the anthology occasionally opens its doors to feature compelling content from sister podcasts within the Alternative Stories network, ensuring a consistently fresh and diverse listening experience. It’s a podcast for anyone who appreciates the craft of narrative in all its forms, from the traditional to the experimental, always delivered with a focus on the power of the spoken word.