What's The Story?

Bryan Farrell, Brian McCarthy, Ren Peir, Gerald Tobin, David Tatasciore

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).

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 1

    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.

    43 min
  2. EPISODE 2

    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.

    1 hr
  3. EPISODE 3

    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.

    1h 2m
  4. EPISODE 4

    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. - 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.

    40 min

About

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).