Complete list of Fiction Podcasts - Listen & Review on Goodpods
Browse the complete list of Fiction Podcasts on Goodpods
If you're a fan of storytelling and enjoy immersing yourself in the realms of imagination, Goodpods has an extensive collection of fiction podcasts that will transport you to captivating worlds and keep you engaged with compelling narratives. From gripping crime dramas to epic fantasy adventures, these podcasts offer a diverse range of fictional stories to satisfy every taste. Here, we present a comprehensive full list of fiction podcasts available on Goodpods, ensuring that your journey into the world of make-believe is a truly unforgettable experience.
Comprehensive List of Fiction Podcasts
Goodpods provides a comprehensive list of fiction podcasts that cater to a wide range of storytelling preferences. Whether you're a fan of mystery, fantasy, science fiction, or historical fiction, these podcasts offer immersive narratives that captivate and entertain. Let the power of storytelling transport you to new worlds and ignite your imagination. If you are looking for the best fiction podcasts head over to our leaderboards to see the top-rated & listened-to podcasts on Goodpods. So, grab your headphones, explore the fiction podcasts on Goodpods, and embark on a journey filled with excitement, suspense, and the sheer joy of fictional storytelling.
314 Episodes
|
Avg Length 25m
|
Latest episode 7 days ago
Twice-monthly community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, where every conspiracy theory is true. Turn on your radio and hide. Never listened before? It's an ongoing radio show. Start with the current episode, and you'll catch on in no time. Or, go right to Episode 1 if you wanna binge-listen.
316 Episodes
|
Avg Length 24m
|
Latest episode 6 days ago
“Make your statement, face your fear.” A weekly horror fiction podcast examining what lurks in the archives of the Magnus Institute, an organisation dedicated to researching the esoteric and the weird. Join Jonathan Sims as he explores the archive, but be warned, as he looks into its depths something starts to look back... New episodes every Thursday produced by Rusty Quill, featuring guest actors, short stories, serial plots and more. The Magnus Protocol launches in January 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
330 Episodes
|
Avg Length 72m
|
Latest episode 6 days ago
Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy from My Brother, My Brother and Me have recruited their dad Clint for a campaign of high adventure. Join the McElroys as they find their fortune and slay an unconscionable number of ... you know, kobolds or whatever in ... The Adventure Zone..
38 Episodes
|
Avg Length 13m
|
Latest episode 3 days ago
Rom Zom Com Podcast following a Couple surviving the Zombie Apocalypse AND their Marriage One Ep at a time!
108 Episodes
|
Avg Length 30m
|
Latest episode 6 days ago
In the mountains of central Appalachia, blood runs as deep as these hollers and just as dark. Since before our kind knew these hills, hearts of unknowable hunger and madness have slumbered beneath them. These are the darkest mountains in the world. How dare we think we can break the skin of a god and dig out its heart without bringing forth blood and darkness? Old Gods of Appalachia is a horror-anthology podcast set in the shadows of an Alternate Appalachia, a place where digging too deep into the mines was just the first mistake.To learn more about Old Gods of Appalachia, visit our website at www.oldgodsofappalachia.com, and be sure to complete your social media ritual and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @oldgodsofappalachia, or Twitter and Tumblr @oldgodspod. If you'd like to support the show, you can join or Patreon at www.patreon.com/oldgodsofappalachia, or support us on Acast at supporter.acast.com/old-gods-of-appalachia. You can also find t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and other Old Gods merch in our shop at www.teepublic.com/stores/oldgodsofappalachia.Old Gods of Appalachia is a production of DeepNerd Media and is distributed by Rusty Quill. All rights reserved. Get Build Mama a Coffin, Black Mouthed Dog and other exclusive content on Patreon!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/old-gods-of-appalachia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
138 Episodes
|
Avg Length 32m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
Every Monday our guest tells us What The F*** They Want. Simple concept for a simple podcast.
703 Episodes
|
Avg Length 76m
|
Latest episode 3 days ago
The NoSleep Podcast is a multi-award winning anthology series of original horror stories, with rich atmospheric music to enhance the frightening tales.
56 Episodes
|
Avg Length 44m
|
Latest episode 16 days ago
Do not fear the dark, fear what darkness brings... Arkham Private Investigator Arthur Lester wakes up with no memory of who he is or what has happened, only a nameless, eerie voice guiding him through the darkness.Blind, terrified, and confused, his journey will lead him towards a series of mysteries in the hopes of understanding the truth of what has transpired.As cosmic horrors seep into the world around, Arthur must ask himself whether this entity truly seeks to help him, or are its intentions more...MalevolentMalevolent is produced, written, edited, performed, scored & created by Harlan Guthrie. This podcast contains mature themes, explicit language, bodily horror, violence, otherworldly terror and death. Listener discretion is advised. Full transcripts of every episode are available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
476 Episodes
|
Avg Length 45m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
Arnie Niekamp fell through a dimensional portal behind a Burger King into the fantastical land of Foon. He's still getting a slight wifi signal, so he uploads a weekly podcast from the tavern the Vermilion Minotaur where he interviews wizards, monsters and adventurers. It's a major discovery!
104 Episodes
|
Avg Length 28m
|
Latest episode 1 month ago
Explore the far reaches of the world’s horrors in the audio drama podcast The White Vault. Follow the collected records of a repair team sent to Outpost Fristed in the vast white wastes of Svalbard and unravel what lies waiting in the ice below. This Fool and Scholar production is intended for mature audiences.
76 Episodes
|
Avg Length 47m
|
Latest episode 8 days ago
When Gloria took a waitressing job at a diner outside of Phoenix, she didn't realize she was now an employee of Midnight Burger, a time-traveling, dimension-spanning diner. Every day Midnight Burger appears somewhere new in the cosmos along with it's staff: a galactic drifter, a rogue theoretical physicist, a sentient old-timey radio, and some guy named Caspar. No one knows who built Midnight Burger or how it works, but when it appears there's always someone around who could really use a cup of coffee. "When the waves of the universe crash unrelentingly, when the stars seem indifferent to your plight, suddenly there is a diner." We open at 6.
148 Episodes
|
Avg Length 22m
|
Latest episode 16 days ago
SERIES COMPLETE. Start with episode 101. Dr. Bright provides therapy for the strange and unusual; their sessions have been recorded for research purposes. Visit www.thebrightsessions.com for more information and additional content. Created by Lauren Shippen
74 Episodes
|
Avg Length 26m
|
Latest episode 4 months ago
Welcome to Omega Star 7, a cluster of wild stars in the Sometime, Somewhere. Omega Star 7 is a truly unique audio drama that draws inspiration from the realms of Science Fiction, Westerns, and Space Operas. Immerse yourself in a fusion of Melancholic Drama and Sardonic Dark Humor, creating a truly unique and immersive experience. Each season unveils a new and interconnected tale, woven into the fabric of a larger narrative. With evolving, immersive, and experimental productions, a talented full cast of actors, and original music. Omega Star 7 invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey. Prepare to enter expansive landscapes, intricate characters, and unexpected twists that await you in this growing audio adventure. STORIES: Season 1 : The Ballad of the Wayfarer [Complete] Season 2: The Ballad of the Outlander [Complete] Season 3: Tales from the Sometime, Somewhere Vol 1 [Complete] Season 4: Tales from the Sometime, Somewhere Vol 2 [Complete]
34 Episodes
|
Avg Length 27m
|
Latest episode 1 year ago
Atlantic Flight 702 has disappeared mid-flight between London and New York with 256 passengers on board. Kaitlin Le (Kelly Marie Tran), a college student whose twin brother vanished with the flight, is determined to uncover the truth. Passenger List is a mystery thriller podcast from PRX’s Radiotopia.
369 Episodes
|
Avg Length 32m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
A Weekly Horror Podcast where two life long best friends Alec Lawless & Erik Mazurick discuss everything about horror films. Join us for a variety of guests and plenty of spooky surprises. Each film is decided by an evil wheel of horror, which movie will they discuss? Only the wheel knows!
52 Episodes
|
Avg Length 25m
|
Latest episode 2 years ago
The Black Tapes is a weekly podcast from the creators of Pacific Northwest Stories, and is hosted by Alex Reagan. The Black Tapes Podcast is a serialized docudrama about one journalist's search for truth, her subject's mysterious past, and the literal and figurative ghosts that haunt them both. Do you believe?
76 Episodes
|
Avg Length 24m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
A UK based audio drama set in a nightmare ridden, apocalyptic world. An unknown horror grips the country, forcing most of the remaining population into shelter. Tune into the broadcasts from Bunker A:12 and join Professor Ryan as he endeavours to find answers in the wreckage. [Explicit content/Discretion advised] For credits and content warnings visit: wakeofcorrosion.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32 Episodes
|
Avg Length 22m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
When a relic from his past is rediscovered, folklore professor Jeremy Bradshaw puts his life on hold to solve the mystery. Along the way, he’s helped by people who challenge everything he believes in, and ultimately tries to answer the question: can the past be rewritten? A supernatural thriller for your ears, starring Misha Collins, Melissa Ponzio, and Alan Tudyk. Created by Aaron Mahnke and written by Lauren Shippen.
115 Episodes
|
Avg Length 28m
|
Latest episode 1 month ago
Unwell, a Midwestern Gothic Mystery is a new audio drama from HartLife NFP. Releases every other week during season. Lillian Harper moves to the small town of Mt. Absalom, Ohio, to care for her estranged mother Dorothy after an injury. Living in the town's boarding house which has been run by her family for generations, she discovers conspiracies, ghosts, and a new family in the house's strange assortment of residents.
285 Episodes
|
Avg Length 65m
|
Latest episode 1 day ago
The study of the paranormal has a long, fascinating, and controversial history. Best friends and hosts Ryan and Jordan explore the depths of metaphysical phenomena, ufology, cryptozoology, and all manor of unsolved mysteries through a time-honored tradition: the campfire story. If you’re fascinated by all things Fortean; if you love stories of ghosts, UFOs, cryptids, and the occult this show is for you.
109 Episodes
|
Avg Length 45m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
Welcome to The EverTrending Story! Frankie and Garret will discuss and choose various topics that were trending, and proceed to write a fictional story utilizing those topics. Every story will have a theme, and while there may be some continuations, each story will bring something new and fun to the table.
102 Episodes
|
Avg Length 27m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
Life's not easy for Doug Eiffel, the communications officer for the U.S.S. Hephaestus Research Station, currently on Day 448 of its orbit around red dwarf star Wolf 359. He's stuck on a scientific survey mission of indeterminate length, 7.8 light years from Earth. His only company on board the station are stern mission chief Minkowski, insane science officer Hilbert, and Hephaestus Station's sentient, often malfunctioning operating system Hera. He doesn't have much to do for his job other than monitoring static and intercepting the occasional decades-old radio broadcast from Earth, so he spends most of his time creating extensive audio logs about the ordinary, day-to-day happenings within the station. But the Hephaestus is an odd place, and life in extremely isolated, zero gravity conditions has a way of doing funny things to people's minds. Even the simplest of tasks can turn into a gargantuan struggle, and the most ordinary-seeming things have a way of turning into anything but that. Wolf 359 is a radio drama in the tradition of Golden Age of Radio shows. Take one part space-faring adventure, add one part character drama, and mix in one part absurdist sitcom, and you get Wolf 359.
912 Episodes
|
Avg Length 39m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
From creator Jon Grilz, a collection of the most famous and disturbing creepypastas and urban legends in the world. Listener discretion is advised. Story requests can be made on Instagram @creepypod or via email at [email protected]
23 Episodes
|
Avg Length 29m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
On a lonely highway between life and the next life there's one last stop that we all have to make. Desert Skies Astral Plane Fuel and Service Station serves travelers as they embark on their journey through the celestial spheres. Meet the Attendant, the Mechanic, and C.A.S.H. Register. Together, they'll make sure you're prepared for the ride. All episodes written and produced, and all characters performed, by Jared Carter. Club 86: https://patreon.com/desertskies Merch: https://desertskies.myshopify.com Discord: https://discord.gg/7fuUU78mUh Website: https://desertskiespodcast.com/
81 Episodes
|
Avg Length 76m
|
Latest episode 7 days ago
Are you ready to rock? More importantly, are you ready to roll?! Welcome to No Quest for the Wicked, a story driven actual play podcast! Currently in our first campaign using Paizo’s sci-fi space opera system, Starfinder, in a homebrew setting. Starring Ryan Dwyer, Terry Klopfenstein, Dain Miller and Niall Spain.
28 Episodes
|
Avg Length 17m
|
Latest episode 7 months ago
One house, five apartments, six very different residents, all trapped in one never-ending email chain... This is Dear Bastard! – the award-winning scripted narrative comedy, featuring warring neighbours and their passive-aggressive group emails, as featured on the BBC. Subscribe by visiting https://linktr.ee/dearbastard or search for 'Dear Bastard Podcast' on Twitter or Instagram. -- Cast Amy Gilbrook as 'Gaby'/'Daphne', Laurian Clemence as 'Rolene', Lewis Moore as 'Barry', Maggie Marie Casto as 'Dana', Ruaridh Mathieson as 'Robbie', Sebastian Romaniuk as 'Trevor', Sophie Handy as 'Gill'.
55 Episodes
|
Avg Length 18m
|
Latest episode 1 year ago
A truck driver searches across America for the wife she had long assumed was dead. In the course of her search, she will encounter not-quite-human serial murderers, towns literally lost in time, and a conspiracy that goes way beyond one missing woman.
623 Episodes
|
Avg Length 31m
|
Latest episode 7 hours ago
Come relax with the #1 Sleep Podcast. Our unique stories help calm the mind and relax the body. Press play, it's time to Get Sleepy... Become a premium member for access to bonus episodes and ad free listening.
198 Episodes
|
Avg Length 21m
|
Latest episode 5 days ago
The Amelia Project is a secret agency that fakes its clients' deaths, then lets them reappear with a brand new identity! A black comedy full of secrets, twists... and cocoa. The series starts as a succession of interviews with clients who want to fake their deaths, then slowly a larger narrative begins to emerge... Each episode tells its own story, but we recommend starting with Season 1.
22 Episodes
|
Avg Length 22m
|
Latest episode 3 years ago
Ten years ago, over three hundred men, women and children disappeared from a small town in Tennessee, never to be heard from again. In this podcast, American Public Radio reporter Lia Haddock asks the question once more, "What happened to the people of Limetown?" Limetown is produced by Two-Up, the producers of 36 Questions, The Wilderness and Shipworm.
201 Episodes
|
Avg Length 26m
|
Latest episode 1 month ago
Listen to the entire epic series, which follows Survivors in Los Angeles after the world has been turned upside down. It begins with “A Story of Survival” which spans from Chapters 1-48. Our survivors band together, fortify a safe haven known as the Tower, and discover that the Infected are far from the biggest threat they will have to face.The adventure continues with two mini-series:“Lockdown” - A small group of inmates and prison guards are trapped in the T-block at Twin Towers Jail. They are forced to work together and find a way to escape while the rest of the world ends around them.“Goldrush” - Set 17 years after the main events of “A Story of Survival”, this is a recollection story that describes the efforts of the four Soldiers as they attempt a side mission to retrieve a suspected stash of gold bullion.Our newest season is “We’re Alive: Descendants”:The story of survival continues; the fight is not over.18 years after the Outbreak, the world is starting to re-organize and rebuild, but many different forms of humanity are still struggling to survive in the aftermath. Nicholas Tink grew up in the shadow of his father- the late, great, Saul Tink. Little does he know that deep in the places where infected dwell, another descendant lies waiting. Content Warning: This podcast contains descriptions of graphic violence, sexual references, and strong language. Listener discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40 Episodes
|
Avg Length 62m
|
Latest episode 1 month ago
An actual play TTRPG podcast that is done by professionals who—wait, this says UNprofessionals. Hmm. Well, it’s a podcast I suppose. It is done by some monsters, and they roll dice. And it also thinks its an old timey radio show! Join us on the first season of our FateCore powered adventure, as we explore The Uncanny Valley—an eerie world of fantasy, cowboys, and steam power!
31 Episodes
|
Avg Length 25m
|
Latest episode 1 year ago
In the bustling streets of New Orleans, a tour guide and a palm-reading outcast team up to unravel the mystery behind cases of sudden insanity besetting the city. The Call of the Void is an indie science-fiction podcast produced by Acorn Arts & Entertainment.
82 Episodes
|
Avg Length 33m
|
Latest episode 7 months ago
Tanis is a bi-weekly podcast from the Public Radio Alliance, and is hosted by Nic Silver. Tanis is a serialized docudrama about a fascinating and surprising mystery: the myth of Tanis. Tanis is an exploration of the nature of truth, conspiracy, and information. Tanis is what happens when the lines of science and fiction start to blur... S
270 Episodes
|
Avg Length 30m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
Having trouble sleeping? Join Yoga and meditation teacher Kathryn Nicolai for bedtime stories where nothing much happens to help you relax and sleep peacefully. The stories are a soft landing spot for your mind. Rather than letting your brain race through the same thoughts you’ve been chasing all day, we are taking a detour to a calm and comfy place. We tell the story twice and go a bit slower the second time. You can find our book, "Nothing Much Happens," in over 20 languages. Request your local bookseller to shelve it: https://bit.ly/Nothing-Much-Happens
27 Episodes
|
Avg Length 36m
|
Latest episode 7 months ago
When Carly Parker’s friend Yumiko goes missing under very mysterious circumstances, Carly’s search for her friend leads her headfirst into a ancient mysterious game known only as Rabbits. Soon Carly begins to suspect that Rabbits is much more than just a game, and that the key to understanding Rabbits, might be the key to the survival of our species, and the Universe, as we know it.
86 Episodes
|
Avg Length 10m
|
Latest episode 2 days ago
Our family members are not always who we think. When Eleonore Richland exposed her father’s dark legacy, she vowed to clean up the family business – and hired her half-brother, Santino Reyes, to help her do it. But old habits die hard. In the shocking new third season, Eleonore reckons with what her father always taught her growing up: medicine is a bloody business. From Wondery, the makers of “The Shrink Next Door” and “Dr. Death,” Blood Ties stars Gillian Jacobs (Community, Love), Christian Navarro (13 Reasons Why), and Peter Stormare.All episodes are available now. You can binge the series ad-free on Wondery+ or on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription.
104 Episodes
|
Avg Length 44m
|
Latest episode 6 days ago
Are you afraid of the dark? Maybe you should be... SCARY STORIES is an audio horror anthology featuring world premieres and new adaptations. Our stories may include graphic descriptions of gore or terrifying events. Please listen at your own risk. scarystoriespod.com youtube.com/@scarystoriespod @scarystoriespod Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scarystoriespod/support
107 Episodes
|
Avg Length 53m
|
Latest episode 2 months ago
A dorky adult gives goofy, sometimes insightful commentary on Television shows/movies and middle-grade & YA books for the casual listener. Some original stories included.*For An Adult Audience. May contain some mature language. Discretion advised.
207 Episodes
|
Avg Length 48m
|
Latest episode 7 days ago
A monthly reading and conversation with the New Yorker fiction editor Deborah Treisman.
124 Episodes
|
Avg Length 48m
|
Latest episode 1 day ago
Real Dictators is the award-winning podcast that explores the hidden lives of history's tyrants. Hosted by Paul McGann, with contributions from eyewitnesses and expert historians. New episodes available one week early for Noiser+ subscribers. You'll also get ad-free listening and exclusive content. To find out more about Noiser+, head to noiser.com/subscriptions. For advertising enquiries, email [email protected] Production: Joel Duddell, Miriam Baines, Tom Pink, George Tapp, Dorry Macaulay, Cian Ryan-Morgan, Joseph McGann. Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink. We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/real for £100 sponsored credit.
194 Episodes
|
Avg Length 22m
|
Latest episode 9 hours ago
THE TRUTH makes movies for your ears. They're short stories that are sometimes dark, sometimes funny, and always intriguing. Every story is different, but they all take you to unexpected places using only sound. If you're new, some good starting places are: Silvia's Blood, That's Democracy, Moon Graffiti, Tape Delay, or whatever's most recent. Listening with headphones is encouraged! We're a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.
92 Episodes
|
Avg Length 16m
|
Latest episode 1 month ago
After a rough year, I thought I would move to the East Coast to get some fresh air and try something new... I can't explain it, but something about the new house and this whole state feels...off. For business inquiries, please email [email protected] us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CellarLetters?fan_landing=truewww.thecellarletters.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 Episodes
|
Avg Length 27m
|
Latest episode 1 year ago
A cosy murder mystery set in Wales during a very boring apocalypse. Life in Prosperity heights during the apocalypse is boring. That is until the day-to-day tedium is shattered by murder! Serial slacker Jack Davies and his housemate‘s, Kara and Geraint, set out to solve the crime. Will Jack be able to concentrate long enough to find the murderer? Will Kara kill Jack before they even find the killer? Will Geraint‘s English neighbours ever learn to pronounce his name correctly? Find out, in the first series of Gather the Suspects.
48 Episodes
|
Avg Length 31m
|
Latest episode 4 years ago
Archive 81 is a fiction podcast about horror, cities, and the subconscious. New episodes will be released every other Wednesday. Start from "01 - A Body In A New Place"
42 Episodes
|
Avg Length 17m
|
Latest episode 7 months ago
Join parapsychologist and radio broadcaster Dr. Malcolm Ryder as he helps those who suffer the supernatural on his call-in radio show.
254 Episodes
|
Avg Length 30m
|
Latest episode 4 hours ago
Imaginary Worlds sounds like what would happen if NPR went to ComicCon and decided that’s all they ever wanted to cover. Host Eric Molinsky spent over a decade working as a public radio reporter and producer, and he uses those skills to create thoughtful, sound-rich episodes about science fiction, fantasy, and other genres of speculative fiction. Every other week, he talks with comic book artists, game designers, novelists, screenwriters, filmmakers, and fans about how they craft their worlds, why we suspend our disbelief, and what happens if the spell is broken. Imaginary worlds may be set on distant planets or parallel dimensions, but they are crafted here on Earth, and they’re always about us and our lived experiences.
76 Episodes
|
Avg Length 19m
|
Latest episode 3 months ago
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is a high-quality serial mystery story for middle graders, performed by actual kids. Think Goonies, meets Spy Kids, meets Stranger Things for 8-12 year-olds. Listen along as eleven-year-old Mars Patel and his pals JP, Toothpick, and Caddie set out on an audacious adventure in search of two missing friends. The mysterious tech billionaire Oliver Pruitt might have a thing-or-two to say about their quest, because as he likes to say, To the stars! In fact, that’s just where they might be headed... For more great shows, visit GZMShows.com.
50 Episodes
|
Avg Length 22m
|
Latest episode 2 months ago
Academy Award® winner Rami Malek stars in this apocalyptic thriller as a small-town radio DJ fighting to protect his family and community after the power grid goes down nationwide, upending modern civilization. Season 2 picks up after Simon’s family escapes. Upon crossing paths with an old family friend, Wren (played by Aja Naomi King), recounts her experience getting out of Boston... but can she be trusted? What truths remain to be uncovered about the origins of this blackout? Produced by QCODE and Endeavor Content. Created by Scott Conroy. Season 1 stars and is executive produced by Rami Malek. Written by Scott Conroy. Directed by Shawn Christensen. Season 2 stars Rami Malek and Aja Naomi King. Written by Jeremy Novick. Directed by Stefanie Abel Horowitz and Jeremy Novick. BLACKOUT is presented by Sonos. Discover sound made easy at Sonos.com.
47 Episodes
|
Avg Length 17m
|
Latest episode 5 months ago
Care & Feeding of Werewolves is a dark modern fantasy audio drama. The setting is the real world reflected through a tarnished mirror where the local doctor faces hexes instead of malpractice suits, neighbourhood graffiti consists of magical sigils, and no one is exactly what they seem.