Special Episode: Change of Mind
Written and Directed by Gabriel Urbina. Story by: Lillian Holman, Cecilia Lynn-Jacobs, Sarah Shachat, and Gabriel Urbina.
Thanks to the generosity of our recurring donors on Patreon and the support of our friends at Spoke - the social audio app - we've been able to produce a special flashback episode, set during Captain Lovelace's first mission on board the Hephaestus. This is a truly unique production - not just our longest episode to date (over two hours!) but also one of our most ambitious, most intimate, and most twisted outings to date.
Please be advised this episode of Wolf 359 contains violence. Listener discretion is advised.
Captain Lovelace, commanding officer of the U.S.S. Hephaestus Station, is not having a great week. She's butting heads with Communications Officer Lambert, her pedantic second-in-command. Doctors Hui and Fourier, her astrophysicists, seem more interested in an upcoming stellar flare than in basic station safety. Her engineer, Fisher, is getting fed up with the constant bickering, and her chief science officer, Doctor Selberg, isn't exactly... dependable. But things really take a turn for the worse when her superiors at Command decide it's time to put her crew through a very special training exercise, one carefully tailored to get under their skin. Lovelace, Lambert, and the rest of the crew must come together if they hope to make it through the longest, strangest, and most dangerous day of their expedition so far. Plus, apoplectic fugue states, emotional decision-making, corporate acid trips, never-before-seen attractions, and work of real substance.
This episode features voice work by Beth Eyre, Ariel Estrada, Peter Coleman, and Mary Kate Wiles.
It also features Paradise Valley by Honey and the Sting. Listen to more of their work at their Bandcamp.
Episode 47: Into the Depths
Written by Gabriel Urbina and Directed by Gabriel Urbina and Mischa Stanton.
Please be advised this episode of Wolf 359 contains violence. Listener discretion is advised.
The crew of the Hephaestus's day just got a whole lot worse. The funeral they were holding was interrupted by one of the deceased seemingly coming back to life, their station is being battered by radiation, and Hera has gone offline. And - oh yes - the alien contact event they've been hearing so much about has only just started. It's going to take everything the beleaguered team has to weather the storm, deal with the two enemy prisoners in their midst, and come to grips with what's happened to Captain Lovelace. Plus, a chain reaction, trash duty, cool dental plans, the sacred tradition of "Nose Goes," and why we get into trouble.
This episode also features the voices of Kristen DiMercurio, Katie Speed, Reyn Beeler, and Zach Ehrlich. To listen to more of Mischa Stanton's work, check out ars Paradoxica and The Far Meridian.
Mini Episode 14: One of Them
Written and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Eiffel and Minkowski listen in on a tense discussion.
EPISODE 48: Theta Scenario
Written and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Please be advised this episode of Wolf 359 contains mentions of violence, death, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
As Eiffel, Minkowski, Hera, and Lovelace try to decide how to allocate their limited resources, Kepler finally reveals some of Goddard Futuristics's most deeply held secrets. Before the crew can consider the existential implications of these revelations, however, they'll need to deal with their own growing fears, insecurities, and personal conflicts. Plus, snake-filled pits, educated guesses, paradigm shifts, impractical human emotions, and the remainder of our musical program.
Tonight's episode features Julia Morizawa in the role of Commander Zhang. It also features The Waltz of the Flowers, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This interpretation of the piece comes courtesy of Musopen.
Episode 49: Out of the Loop
Written by Sarah Shachat and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
With the end of the Urania's repairs in sight, the crew is throwing all their energy into one final push. But as the finish line inches closer, Captain Lovelace begins to notice something strange. Work is mysteriously getting undone each morning, and certain events seem to be repeating themselves day in and day out. What is happening? And why does no one else seem to notice? Plus, hydraulic horsepower, horrific manipulation, highly unlikely events, the sledgehammer approach, and Hephaestus Crisis Dog Years.
Episode 50: The Hiccups Method
Written by Zach Valenti and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
It’s been a few weeks since the crew aborted repairs on the Urania, and they are no closer to figuring out how to satisfy the aliens' mysterious demands. If only they had someone on board who shared some sort of connection with these beings... But convincing Captain Lovelace to try and reach out to the alien presence for answers is only half the battle - they will have to really think outside the box in order to make contact. Plus, Borg network action, intergalactic twenty questions, Ouija boards, the Avatar State, and purely academic curiosity.
Episode 51: Shut Up And Listen
Written and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Space Monkey Radio proudly presents U.F.Overview: a new series that offers in-depth analysis on the possibility of alien contact, and explores the complex realities of communicating with non-terrestrial beings. What do we know? How do we know it? When will we know that what we're trying to know is something we can know? Join our two intrepid co-hosts as they ponder these questions. Plus, archive recordings, hapless civilians, nine-dimensional formats, the world's suckiest pleasure cruise, and the forefront of evil in thirty-two different star systems.
Episode 52: Constructive Criticism
Written by Sarah Shachat and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Following the fiasco that was his latest attempt at radio journalism, Officer Eiffel has retreated away from the crew, working long hours mostly by himself. Things take a turn for the worse, however, when a dangerous gas is accidentally released throughout the station. Quarantined in Hilbert's old lab while Hera works to undo the environmental damage, the crew and their prisoners resort to increasingly desperate means to fight off boredom, slow-simmering resentments, and Eiffel's growing insecurities about his place on the Hephaestus. Plus, tragic accidents, slight malfunctions, Franken-Nouveau decor, interjection-y glory, and a complete lack of moral compass.
This episode’s music features The Cello Sonata by Claude Debussy. This interpretation of the piece comes courtesy of Musopen.
Episode 53: Dirty Work
Written by Emma Sherr-Ziarko and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
This episode of Wolf 359 contains discussions of violence and death. Listener discretion is advised.
When Eiffel picks up signs of a transmission from deep space just hours before Hera's scheduled to go through an internal reset, the crew is divided on whether he should attempt to pursue it or not. But with only the autopilot for backup and an unexpected threat waiting in the wings, they soon discover they're more vulnerable than any of them realize. Plus, above average chimpanzees, horrifying threats of bodily mutilation, Plan C, rules of project management, and elaborate pranks to teach important lessons.
This episode's music features The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by John Harrison. This interpretation of the piece comes courtesy of Musopen.
Mission Mishaps: A Little Night Music
Written and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Mission Mishaps, Entry One. Hephaestus Formal Complaint #ARB062. Day 510. Eiffel tries to boost the crew's morale with a bit of sonic artistry appreciation.
This mini episode's music features Fur Elise by Ludwig Van Beethoven. It also featured Fantasy in C by Franz Shubert and The William Tell Overture by Gioachino Rossini. Both of these pieces come courtesy of Musopen. It also features Canon in D Major, composed by Johann Pachelbel and performed by Kevin MacLeod.
Episode 54: the WatchTower
Written and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Slowly floating towards Wolf 359, untethered and separated from everyone else on the crew, Officer Eiffel tries a radical approach to solving the aliens' riddle. However, it's only a matter of time before he realizes the situation might be more complicated, more unpredictable, and more dangerous than he ever imagined. Plus, a place where the sidewalk ends, very necessary drama, the immortal words of Marvin Gaye, a momentary road bump, and the express train to Grand Central.
This episode's music features Sonata Pathétique by Ludwig Van Beethoven. This interpretation of the piece comes courtesy of Musopen.
Mission Mishaps: The Space You're In
Written and Directed by Sarah Shachat.
Mission Mishaps, Entry Two. Hephaestus Mission Log #KWE824. Day 202. Eiffel tries to avoid his daily chores around the station.
Episode 55: A Place for Everything
Written and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Please be advised this episode of Wolf 359 contains disturbing content, threats of violence, and firearms. Listener discretion is advised.
Following Eiffel's sudden disappearance, Minkowski and the crew work overtime to try to locate their missing Communications Officer. But when they instead make contact with Command agents en route to the station, the team must make some very difficult decisions about how to handle this new threat. Plus, hands-on work, very slim chances, the kill squad, participation awards, and the image of God.
Mission Mishaps: You Want, I Solve
Written by Zach Valenti and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Mission Mishaps, Entry Three. Hephaestus Log #WME389. Day three-hundred and seventy-two. Eiffel encounters a stowaway.
MISSION MISHAPS: THE VELDT
Written by Sarah Shachat and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Mission Mishaps, Entry Four. Hephaestus Log #NOL858. Day four-hundred and eleven. Eiffel ventures into the greenhouse.
Episode 56: Idle Hands
Written by Sarah Shachat and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Please be advised this episode of Wolf 359 contains disturbing content. Listener discretion is advised.
Part one of two. With the crew brainwashed into doing their bidding and Hera forced to comply with her creator's wishes, Pryce and Cutter seem to be in complete control of the Hephaestus. But when a a small flaw in their plan and an unexpected opportunity present themselves, will Lovelace be able to fight back against Command and their agents? Plus, small island nations, friendly faces, new recurring nightmares, ice cream scoopers, and slow, painful, entirely avoidable deaths.
This episode's music features Gnossienne 1 by Erik Satie. This interpretation of the piece comes courtesy of Musopen.
Episode 57: The Devil's Plaything
Written by Sarah Shachat and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Please be advised this episode of Wolf 359 contains violence. Listener discretion is advised.
Part two of two. Newly released from Pryce's mental control, Eiffel works with Lovelace and Hera to try to save the rest of the crew. But as the situation becomes more and more volatile - and as their enemies get more and more suspicious - will the communications officer be able to retain his newfound freedom? Plus, commemorative plaques, security breaches, crossed wires, dexterous digits, and a fireworks show from the perspective of the fireworks.
Mission Mishaps: Lights Out
Written by Gabriel Urbina and Directed by Zach Valenti.
Mission Mishaps, Entry Five. Hephaestus Log #WYL320. Day four hundred and eighty-seven. Eiffel reads scary stories and hears something in the dark.
Episode 58: Quiet, Please
Written and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Please be advised this episode of Wolf 359 contains instances of violence and body horror. Listener discretion is advised.
Having freed themselves from Pryce's mind control, Eiffel, Minkowski, Hera, Lovelace, and Jacobi need to come up with a plan for how to escape from the Hephaestus. But their new scheme will force them to face a formidable challenge: getting through the Sol's security system, an obstacle unlike any they have ever faced before. Plus, nice blunt objects, partial intelligence, mischief specialists, traumatized breaking down, and the creepiest place in the star system.
Mission Mishaps: Cold Turkey
Written by Scotty Shoemaker and Directed by Gabriel Urbina and Emma Sherr-Ziarko.
Mission Mishaps, Entry Six. Hephaestus Log #TRK536. Day five hundred and fifty-three. Eiffel takes the lead on cooking dinner for the crew's second Thanksgiving on the Hephaestus.
Episode 59: Crash and Burn
Written by Zach Valenti and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Trapped with Kepler and Pryce on board a jettisoned pod from the Sol, Eiffel and Minkowski must find a way to avoid all manner of imminent death. Before too long, a delicate truce has been struck, as both sides try to find a way out of their predicament. But how long can a fragile ceasefire last in such a volatile situation? And will their respective allies on the Hephaestus come to the rescue... or throw yet another monkey-wrench into the proceedings? Plus, signature looks, Chinny-Chin-Chins, limited vocabularies, very motivational singing, and the "Life Ruiner of the Year" competition!
Mission Mishaps: No Complaints
Written and Directed by Zach Libresco and Noah Masur.
Mission Mishaps, entry seven. SI-5 surveillance log. Entry #FRD916. Kepler and Jacobi try to keep themselves entertained during a stakeout.
Episode 60: Terms and Conditions
Written by Sarah Shachat and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Please be advised this episode of Wolf 359 contains instances of violence and use of firearms. Listener discretion is advised.
With the wayward pod successfully recovered but Doctor Pryce still in the hands of the rebellious crew, Cutter must find a way to defuse an explosive hostage situation. Will the uneasy truces formed during the state of emergency last long enough for both sides to reach a diplomatic compromise? Or will Cutter and his operatives resort to more... extreme measures in an attempt to give the conflict a more permanent solution? Plus, a homecoming of sorts, supportive company culture, rashness, impulsivity, and a hell of a sunset.
Special Episode: Volte Face
Written and Directed by Sarah Shachat. Story by Sarah Shachat and Gabriel Urbina.
Thanks to the generosity of our recurring donors on Patreon we've been able to produce a special flashback episode, covering the history of Goddard Futuristics and the pasts of some of the series's main antagonists. Thank you so much to everyone that supported us and made this possible - this is a story that we thought we would never get to tell on the main show. Thanks to you, now everyone can visit a completely new part of the Wolf 359 universe in our second Special Episode: Volte Face.
Investigative reporter Andrea Nash is having a very good day. She's flown halfway around the world on a very special assignment: an exclusive interview with Marcus Cutter, the infamous Director of Communications for Goddard Futuristics. It's a shot at journalism greatness, and Nash intends to make the most of it. But as she gets closer and closer to unearthing the earth-shaking story she's after, her subject gets more and more defensive... and starts considering more radical means of eliminating the unwanted attention. Plus, terrors to work for, a big, honking private plane, the charms of analog recorders, things no monkey could ever manage, and the fiery intensity of a thousand burning suns.
This episode features voice work by Clemence Kim and David Rheinstrom.
Mission Mishaps: Happy Holidays
Written by Michelle Agresti and Directed by Gabriel Urbina.
Mission Mishaps, entry eight. SI-5 surveillance log. Entry #CRT004. Maxwell and Jacobi try to talk their way out of a mandatory assignment.
Episode 61: BRAVE NEW WORLD
Written and Directed by Gabriel Urbina, from a story by Gabriel Urbina and Sarah Shachat.
Please be advised this episode of Wolf 359 contains violence and the use of firearms. Listener discretion is advised.
Our finale episode. Faced with a choice between finally going home and stopping Pryce and Cutter's master plan, the crew of the Hephaestus heads towards their final confrontation with their enemies, their past selves, and each other. Plus, the Doug Eiffel Fastball Special, the lies we tell ourselves, another bad plan, cool stuff with robots, and one day more.
This episode also features the voice of Alan Rodi.