Well, here we are in Spain. I feel like I am just getting started, and I wish I had more new episodes yet to come, but we have come to the final episode of what’s turning out to be one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever done. I set out to make ten episodes for the first season of the podcast, and through a series of unfortunate events, lost two of them. That means that this is the final episode of my proof of concept, shakedown cruise, for what I hope will become a weekly series that runs for years.
I have learned so much during this process about myself, as a creator, producer, and host. I’ve learned a lot about promotion and marketing. I don’t know precisely how much XP I farmed through the whole thing, but I’ve gone up a couple of levels. I know how to do this, now.
I honestly don’t know what comes next. I’m going to have an all-hands meeting with the team to look at total downloads other metrics, and they will tell me if it looks like there is enough audience to attract sponsors and Patreon subscribers.
My gut tells me that it isn’t going to happen. I don’t feel it catching and growing the way I did with Tabletop. That’s probably because the podcast space is crowded, and even though I’m not necessarily competing with another audiobook podcast (I think I’m the only one), I am absolutely competing with every other podcast in the universe, because there is only so much time available, and those True Crime podcasts are pretty great. But I’m hopeful that my gut is filled with a lifetime of disappointment and sadness, so it’s not giving me truly useful advice. I’m hoping that I get good news, wihle bracing myself if it doesn’t come.
All of that said, if this is all I ever get to do, I am so happy and proud of this. I do not regret taking this chance, investing my time and money and spirit. From a creative standpoint, this is a huge success. I am so proud of my work, I feel so good about it, and I am so grateful that I am closer to my artistic self now than I was six months ago, entirely because this whole effort demanded that I give it everything I had to give. To get there, I had to really clean up and get rid of a lot of baggage and lingering bits of my former life as an on-camera actor. A wonderful and unexpected benefit of that (other than the genuine emotional healing and trauma recovery) is that I have a much clearer picture of who I am as a person and an artist.
I am supposed to be coy and play it cool, fake it ’till I make it and all that, but I am going to tell you, even though they all tell me I am not supposed to, that I want to do this podcast as my daily job more than anything. I want to feel the satisfaction of putting something good into the world, the joy and the rush and the art that only happens when I’m narrating audiobooks or working in animation. And since animation doesn’t seem interested in giving me feedback on a single audition going on for two decades now, I’m going to lean hard into narrating audiobooks.
If you’re in the audience for It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton, I need you to know how grateful I am that you’re trusting me with your time and attention. The world is on fire, everything is terrible, and we all desperately need to find as many moments of peace as we can. It’s my hope that I can tell you a story once a week, and for an hour or so, you can get a rest from all of *gestures broadly at everything*. I sincerely hope I can keep doing this for you (and for myself), and if I do, you’re the reason why.
And a very very very special thank you to everyone who supported me on Patreon. You are part of a very small group of people (much smaller than I anticipated) and I hope you enjoyed the things I shared specifically with you, as my way of saying thank you.
So enough about me, let’s get to the reason you’re here… this week’s hopefully not final episode of It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton!
Every single story I did is wonderful, and I love each one on its on merits for specific reasons. This week’s, however, is a stand out for me, among other great work. This story is almost a monologue, and I can see myself doing it as a one act play at the theatre where it is set, just down the road from here. Every story I narrate uses at least some of the skill I developed when I was an actor, but this one just demanded that I use all of them.
Actually, let me restate that: it gave me permission to feel the joy that actors must feel when they give a fulsome performance that goes all the way to the marrow of their creative selves. That was rad.
Our editors did some very gentle work on this, too, that fills out a bit of space and makes the whole thing just so much more than I even hoped it would be. I’m so excited to share this with all of you.
Here’s my intro:
This is the part of my introduction where I talk about the story you’re about to hear, where I write what I call “the magazine heading” which will help you press pause on the real world and come with me into Story Time. This part is challenging for me; I need to summarize just enough of the plot to entice you, without giving away anything important.
I’m struggling with this part more than usual today, because this story doesn’t fit neatly into any single category. It’s a ghost story, it’s a love story, it’s a gorgeous monologue that cries out to be staged in the real life theatre where the titular play is set. It is a beautiful way to wrap up our first season. There is nothing I can say about it now that adds anything to it, so I invite you to take your seat, because the house lights have come down, and we have to begin, if we are going to get to the End of Play.
You’re going to love this, I promise.
As always:
- Apple Podcasts
- PocketCast
- Spotify
- Pandora
- iHeart
- Amazon
- or grab the RSS directly from me right here.
You can also support the show on Patreon, where you’ll get the show with no ads, as well as some spiffy extras that all the cool kids are into these days.
Thanks, everyone. I’m so glad you’re here, and so grateful that you’re part of this.
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I just want to send a quick message and say thank you so much for each and every story that you have read and shared with us each week.
My wife and I have enjoyed listening it has become a weekly tradition of finding new things to do as we are listening be it gardening outside or just having lunch.
Each story has been enlightening and a new adventure to learn about. In fact I found myself talking about episode 6 just yesterday because it’s stuck with me. I know that episode 7 will do the same because it has caused me to look into that author.
It’s sad that there are three episodes missing I would love to have known what they were. I can only hope that they are redone and one day we get to experience those.
No matter the metrics, and no matter what the numbers say, we hope for more because each moment was enjoyable and we’re thankful each episode.
Thank you.
Wil, I have absolutely ADORED your podcast, and I’ll be heartbroken if it DOESN’T continue for years. You have such a gift for reading these fantastic pieces, and the fact that you clearly love them comes shining through. I would never have known the stories even existed if it weren’t for you. I usually listen in the car, and I had to pull over during the second half of “Brass Attending” because I could NOT pay attention to the road properly, I was so caught up. Whatever happens next, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for taking me on this wonderful journey. It’s been amazing. 🙂
I’ve been loving this podcast, and really hope you make more! The stories are fantastic, your narration has been delightful, and I really can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me having this little nugget of goodness to listen to in the sea of Overwhelm I’m living in right now. Please know your work is so very appreciated, and loved.
I have loved every story so far, and despite the glut of podcasts I’m subscribed to, this one gets bumped to the top to get listened to during lunch same day of release. I am sorry to hear that you lost some episodes, but I’ll be tuning in (or the podcast equivalent) for whatever comes next. ❤️
I’ve come to look forward to each Wednesday release. I’m a bit sad it’s over so soon and hope it’s only a pause and not an end. It takes time to build a base, so with a few episode count shorter than planned, please take that into account. And if that still falls short, what about a kickstarter for season 2? I doubt I could afford the cost to have you read to me personally but maybe we can all chip in for more. One time payments work far better for me than a subscription like patreon. (Sorry). Although how do you like horses? I could offer horse rides for narration.
Sir, I love listening to audio books. I loved your reading of the “Ready Player” series. My late brother and I would listen to audio books and then tell each other about our latest finds. He would have loved your new podcast. In fact I have found myself on a few occasions going oh I can’t wait till my brother hears this one. You brought something back that I thought I lost when he passed, so thank you. Plus to have access to a multiverse of genre’s read by a talent like your self is a fantastic find. I really do hope this takes off but know that if it doesn’t you still made people joyful with your art.
Opinion/unsolicited advice from random internet person:
Just like Tabletop, I think this is a really good idea that is its own niche and has the potential to really catch on. It probably needs time and a somewhat more aggressive promotion plan than you’re used to/comfortable with. The podcast landscape IS crowded, but a lot of it is political weirdos or one valence away from scuzzy reality TV (looking at you L.A. comedy podcast scene) and some of us are looking for things that are a bit more cerebral and community focused.
I don’t know what the overhead is to produce these episodes, but it could just need some time and polishing if you can keep doing it for a while. Maybe fire up your youtube channel and post a blooper real to promote it? 82 thousand eyeballs over there.
This! I’m not on social media much (he lied) but I do follow Wil on facebook, insta, and bluesky, and haven’t seen that much at all about SwWW (because algorithms, presumably – hey Wil, mastodon doesn’t have an algorithm!) over the last few weeks. Probably the most I’ve seen is actually on here, but I get an email every time there’s a new post on WWdN. I don’t really follow anyone on YouTube, but if Wil has >80,000 followers there, then yes, promote, promote, promote!
I’m normally not much of an audiobook person. I’m one of those people that sees nothing but blackness when I close my eyes and don’t really see pictures when I try to imagine things. As a result, I don’t always absorb audio fiction as well as I do when I read. I’ve been a fan of yours though since I was 13 back in 1988 so I decided to give this a chance.
I’m so glad I did. Your passion for this project really comes through in your performances and helped me get in to it as well. I loved each and every one of these stories (although I think the God of Minor Troubles and this one are probably my favorites) and they’ve stayed with me long after the episodes ended. You’re also the second only Patreon I’ve ever joined so I did try to put my money where my ears are. 😁
I truly hope you do get to do more episodes and I promise to be there for every one.
Oh no! Don’t count the metrics yet! We are just starting a 3 week road trip and saved all of them for the trip! Others may be doing the same for road trips over the summer! Mid September would give you more accurate figures.
This, also! I’ve three or four episodes still to go, that I’m saving for flights next month!
I have loved this series and hope to enjoy more.
First, I want to say that downloads don’t speak the whole story (even if YOU do!). I stream your podcast from Apple Podcasts. I don’t know if that gives you a metric or not. But I looked forward to every week’s story. They did indeed take me away from a job I hate and a world I no longer understand. They gave me hope for art and beauty. So yes, while I didn’t download, I listened.
I am not the person to give you advice. I am the co-host of a podcast I’ve been doing with my best friend for over six years. Tomorrow we record episode 335. We have almost no audience. We do it because we love doing our little show and because, at the end of the day, if nothing else, I will have created something and its evidence will be hundreds of conversations with my best friend about something we both love; movies. It’s about the making, the continuation. Yes, of course, if one is hoping to make a living out of a project, that’s another story. There’s that word again. But I can feel the joy you have when you write about your podcast. And at some point, that joy has to be seen for the value it has. Creating any kind of art is no guarantee. There may not be an audience (although I think you indeed have one), but that isn’t the reason one makes things. It’s because one has chosen beauty, creation and art.
I really hope you continue to tell us stories, but I’ll totally understand if you can’t. I just want to say thank you for those you told.
Be well,
-mike
Wil – thanks for investing your time and energy into this project and for sharing it with us. I’m among those who aren’t ready for the season to be over, and heartbroken this might be the end.
Your narration (as always) was SO good. And I really loved the fact that you were able to lift up authors and stories that never would have been on my radar. (Also a whole new appreciation for short stories – I totally need to check out those magazines and start paying more attention to anthologies.)
Thanks again. I’ll look forward to whatever might come next.
(If this comes out twice, please excuse me; it looked like it ate my first comment attempt.
For what it’s worth, downloads do not tell the whole story, even if you do. I stream your podcast every week on my way to work from Apple Podcasts. I don’t know if that adds to any kind of metric or not. If not, there may be a good many people like me who are listening that aren’t recorded. All I can say is that I looked forward to and enjoyed every story you told. You did indeed take me away from a job I hate and what’s going on in the world for a short time and I loved it. So thank you.
I am the wrong person to offer advice. I, too am a podcaster and have been making a podcast with my best friend for over six years. Tomorrow, we record episode #335. We have almost no audience. We make the podcast because it’s the act of creation, the idea of putting something out there and the knowledge that, at the end of all of this, if nothing else, I will have hundreds of recordings of my best friend and I having conversations about one of our favorite subjects; movies. It’s the act of creating, of choosing art, beauty and joy that counts most. It’s hard to realize the value of that joy, but it’s huge. Sure, if you’re trying to make a living with your creation, that’s a different story (there’s that word again). Still, when I read what you wrote above, I totally feel the passion you have for this project. And I think that echoes through every part of it. My best friend and I will continue to make episodes as long as we love doing it. I hope you will as well.
I hope you continue to make “Storytime with Wil Wheaton,” but I’ll totally understand if you can’t. Just wanted you to know that it means something to at least one more person.
Be well,
-mike
Love you, Wil!
I am not a podcast person. I normally need visual input, just listening to a text is usually not enough for me. My hearing and auditory processing issues make this complicated, I also can’t use ear phones or anything of the sort. And regular podcasts where there are lots of conversations happening tire me out considerably.
But I’ve been putting your podcast on via Spotify on my tv while I do quiet chores like hanging the laundry, and I’ve been finding it incredibly enjoyable and relaxing. Your voice is perfect to listen to and even though I still might miss some words or sentences, I can follow the stories more than I expected to. And of course they are great stories.
I haven’t been able to listen to everything yet so I am still looking forward to the rest. After that, I sincerely hope you will be able to continue. It is a wonderful project.
In any case, thanks so much for doing what you have done so far.
I sincerely love this series and will be lost if it doesn’t continue – I was late to find Levar Burton Reads and was so sad when it ended and elated when you jumped in. Please give it another season to catch on with others
Wil, I am happy for you that you took your shot here. I have to agree with others that it might be too small of a sample set to determine success yet. I’d recommend a few more if you had it in you to let it catch on a little more. Plus, I do agree that the YouTube blooper (or a behind the scenes) might be really useful too. Letting more people know you are doing this.
Either way and whatever you do, thanks. I’ve been riding with you for years and I am looking forward to your next audio book. I have enjoyed all of the ones I have heard and I do hear you.
Maybe someday our paths will cross again and I can buy you a coffee and sit quietly or laugh and talk about comic books and games. Either way, thanks for everything and I’ll still be here.
Too soon! I’m one of those annoying occasional podcast listeners, and typically save them for road trips. So even though I have yours subscribed, I’ll probably only listen to it this August.
I don’t know what it costs (time & effort) to produce each episode. But if it is possible to continue (even at a slower pace) your audience (of slackers like me) may slowly find you.
Thank you for giving us Storytime, I greatly enjoyed every single episode and I hope that there will be more to come! Funnily, I never knew your real voice, only the dubbed version of you in german on TV. So, listening to your actual self is a real treat for me. 🙂
Come what may, I’m glad you got to work on this, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your podcast! In fact, thanks to you, I have at least two new authors I’m keen to check out more stories from 😀 So I really, really appreciate the efforts you went to!
I also empathize. Not only have I spent the past thirty years trying to make writing fiction my full time job (and it hasn’t yet happened), but I tried really hard to make a go at becoming an audiobook narrator full-time when I was furloughed from my day job. Even got two books recorded, edited, and published. But I quickly discovered how that just wouldn’t pay the bills (especially medical insurance) and had to go back to a day job.
In any case, I’m crossing my fingers for you and hoping for the best!
I would love to listen to this podcast for the rest of the time we time we have left on this spinning garbage fire in space!
Have you thought about teaming up with another podcast, e.g. Drabblecast, to keep in the same mindset?
Excellent wow fantastic 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I really, really, REALLY hope you can keep doing this! Because you love doing it and we love listening.
Your stories are awesome! Love hearing them thanks for sharing
Okay! I am putting my positive energy on the table that It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton goes on for a good long time! These stories have been amazing! I also love listening to you narrate – period! A bit of info on me – I don’t as a rule, listen to podcasts. An very rare occasional one if there is a person or topic that catches my interest, but generally, I don’t bother. So many other things to listen to, like audio books. (Looking forward to the one you are currently wrapping up – no matter what it is.) Also, as a general rule, I don’t do Patreon for a number of reasons, biggest one being fixed income. But, I did both for It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton. We need things like this. Thank you!
Just finished the last episode and I can see the one man reading in the theater you described. I used to live in LA and this is definitely an LA story and I loved it. Thank you for putting your heart into this. I am trying to get more exercise these days and the only thing that has gotten me to put my running shoes on the last two times was knowing that “my good friend Wil” was going to read a story to me.
Wil, hoping you’ll excuse a slight digression from the topic just in the hopes of getting your attention, and if anyone reading this has a way of bringing this to Wil’s attention personally, I suspect he would want to know sooner rather than later.
The woman who actually outright invented the Travelers for Wesley Crusher – Diane Duane, screenwriter of “Where No One Has Gone Before” and author of several good Trek novels (the Rihannsu books, Doctor’s Orders, Wounded Sky) – just lost her husband, Peter Morwood, also a Trek author (Rules of Engagement and co-writing Romulan Way with Diane).
She needs help for burial expenses and some financial footing. Hoping you might see this and signal boost the details.
Of additional interest to you, Wil, is that she is also a fellow longtime “Trek professional on Tumblr”, so this link is legitimate: https://dduane.tumblr.com/post/783067867808776192/peter-morwood , on which a Ko-fi page is linked.
While I understand scammers abound on the Internet, I can with no qualifications assure you and others that this is the actual Diane Duane, as I am a significant fan of her other work as well (Young Wizards decalogy, which is a hidden and relatively unnown treasure) and participated in a project she ran when she fan-funded a third book in one of her series (cat wizards who need to time travel to save the British queen from being assassinated), and I have subscribed to her site’s RSS for honestly decades at this point. She’s been on that site (as was Peter) for decades of participation and interaction with her fans.
Oh no. Thank you for sharing this with me. I follow Diane on Tumblr, but I haven’t looked at my follows all week. I appreciate this.
Hello Mr Wheaton,
While I am on a little bit of Social Security, I do support a couple of artists even though it isn’t much. Most of the things that I qualify from these Patreon accounts I haven’t taken advantage of. I just like the idea that at least I am helping a little to support artists.
I, myself, am trying again to get at least one of my creative projects going. I have been doing research and trying to focus on this one project. So I really feel the pain of other artists who are just starting out, even those like yourself who has experience in the entertainment field. After all anything that is new for the individual is a journey into the unknown.
Sincerely,
Rod Lockwood
I love your podcast and I really really really hope it continues.
Are you familiar with the International Association of the Fantastic in the Arts? https://iaftfita.wildapricot.org/ We’re a group of academics and creative writers who work with speculative fiction. It’s a built-in audience and group of potential collaborators for something like this. I’m no longer an organizer for the conference, but I’m happy to provide more details if this is of interest.
Wil, I really enjoyed It’s Storytime and surprised myself by listening each week on Wed or Thursday when they came out. I have other podcasts I listened to, but I LOVED the bite sized stories. Not a huge commitment of an audio book (I also love audiobooks and listen to them frequently as well), but just a little amuse bouche that let’s you dip your toe into a story and get the satisfaction of an ending in just under an hour. Thank you for investing your time and energy into this. I hope it keeps going.
Hi Wil, I went by the screenname Petridish way-back-when, one of the original 50,000 monkeys. It’s been such a long time. I’ve been rewatching ST:TNG and feeling a lot of feelings. Remembering what I felt as a kid watching for the first time, what I felt as a young adult when the monkeys and wwdn were new and you’d begun sharing your life… and now, from the standpoint of middle age, watching the younger you and feeling for you, and me, and all the trauma we’ve been through and learned from. This parasocial thing is weird, but I want to tell you that your work has been meaningful and important to me the whole time. You represent a grounding source of love, hope, and goodness, and have done since we were both just lost kids. I hope you keep going with Storytime. It’s been a fun first season (I listen on Pandora, for what that’s worth).