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What's The Story?

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).
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Top 10 What's The Story? Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best What's The Story? episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to What's The Story? for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite What's The Story? episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

What's The Story? - The Truth

The Truth

What's The Story?

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08/17/20 • 40 min

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.

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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.

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What's The Story? - Hidden Talents

Hidden Talents

What's The Story?

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08/16/20 • 62 min

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.

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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.

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What's The Story? - Subcultures

Subcultures

What's The Story?

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08/15/20 • 59 min

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.

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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.

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What's The Story? - Dream Jobs

Dream Jobs

What's The Story?

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08/14/20 • 43 min

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.

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FAQ

How many episodes does What's The Story? have?

What's The Story? currently has 4 episodes available.

What topics does What's The Story? cover?

The podcast is about Facts, Fiction, Society & Culture, Comedy Fiction, Truth, Journalism, Satire, Storytelling, Comedy, Documentary, Podcasts and Interviews.

What is the most popular episode on What's The Story??

The episode title 'The Truth' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on What's The Story??

The average episode length on What's The Story? is 51 minutes.

How often are episodes of What's The Story? released?

Episodes of What's The Story? are typically released every day.

When was the first episode of What's The Story??

The first episode of What's The Story? was released on Aug 14, 2020.

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