First Two Episodes Of Red Frontier Podcast Released

To do podcast fiction the right way, you need to have all the right pieces to the puzzle. You'll first need a great script. That script must have narrative hooks that capture the ears of the listener. Then you'll need a director who understands podcasting. Then, an audio production team that can do a complete makeover on sound waves so that they create poetry in your ears.

Finally, you need terrific actors who can infuse their character with life even though the listeners can only hear and not see that character.

Acting in a fiction podcast is heavy lifting theatrically because actors' one and only tool is their voice. You can't pout, grimace, flirt with your eyes, or stare someone down. Your voice is your instrument in podcast acting. 

That's what makes Gimlet's new fiction podcast called Red Frontier, starring Betty Gilpin, so worth an earful. Gilpin is terrific as
Commander Taylor Fullerton and the rest of the cast is superb. It's clear that Gimlet has invested the resources to bring in a strong cast, who clearly perfect their craft for a superior sonic experience.

The podcast premiered Monday, June 14.

Gilpin is best known for her role as wrestler 'Liberty Belle' in the Netflix hit series Glow. Before that role, Gilpin played Dr. Carrie Roman in the Showtime drama TV series Nurse Jackie. 

In the podcast, Betty Gilpin plays Commander Taylor Fullerton, who is haunted by the mysterious tragedy that killed her crew as she alone endures their one-way mission to colonize Mars against all odds. 

Gilpin is joined by Finn Wittrock, Ashley Park, Charlie Barnett, Kara Young, and Maria Dizzia to fill out the cast. 

You can listen to the first two episodes here.

Gimlet has produced high-quality, dramatic audio storytelling - including buzzy shows such as Homecoming (with Catherine Keener and David Schwimmer from Friends) and Sandra with Kristen Wiig.  

Gimlet's success so far can be attributed to skilled writing, a keen sense for narrative excellence, and the budget and courage to hire exceptional actors.