166 episodes

At the Penumbra, you might follow Juno Steel, a brooding, sharp-witted private eye on Mars, as he tangles with an elusive homme fatale, tracks dangerous artifacts of an ancient alien civilization, and faces his three greatest fears: heights, blood, and relationships.

Or you might enter the world of the Second Citadel, where the merciless Sir Caroline must corral a team of emotionally distraught all-male knights to defend their city against mind-manipulating monsters...even the ones they’ve fallen in love with.

These audio dramas and more await you in the Penumbra, dear traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay. (Start with "1.01: Juno Steel and the Case of the Murderous Mask" or "1.09: Second Citadel - The Head of the Janus Beast.")

The Penumbra is created and produced by Sophie Takagi Kaner and Kevin Vibert. Follow us on Twitter (@thepenumbrapod), Tumblr (@thepenumbrapodcast), or Facebook (The Penumbra Podcast).

You can find all of our transcripts here. If you would like to view trigger warnings or SFX attributions, you can scroll to the end of the appropriate episode transcript: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1bnWLw5dTW4l9A0bmOMzEiy6XqqsXHHi_

The Penumbra Podcast Harley Takagi Kaner and Kevin Vibert

    • Fiction
    • 4.9 • 2.9K Ratings

At the Penumbra, you might follow Juno Steel, a brooding, sharp-witted private eye on Mars, as he tangles with an elusive homme fatale, tracks dangerous artifacts of an ancient alien civilization, and faces his three greatest fears: heights, blood, and relationships.

Or you might enter the world of the Second Citadel, where the merciless Sir Caroline must corral a team of emotionally distraught all-male knights to defend their city against mind-manipulating monsters...even the ones they’ve fallen in love with.

These audio dramas and more await you in the Penumbra, dear traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay. (Start with "1.01: Juno Steel and the Case of the Murderous Mask" or "1.09: Second Citadel - The Head of the Janus Beast.")

The Penumbra is created and produced by Sophie Takagi Kaner and Kevin Vibert. Follow us on Twitter (@thepenumbrapod), Tumblr (@thepenumbrapodcast), or Facebook (The Penumbra Podcast).

You can find all of our transcripts here. If you would like to view trigger warnings or SFX attributions, you can scroll to the end of the appropriate episode transcript: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1bnWLw5dTW4l9A0bmOMzEiy6XqqsXHHi_

    5.17: Second Citadel--The Indomitable Duelist (Part 3)

    5.17: Second Citadel--The Indomitable Duelist (Part 3)

    Many centuries ago, three brothers in the Northern Wilds banded together to prevent a catastrophe... and ended up at the center of one instead. This is their story.
    Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay.
    (Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)
    -------
    You can find all of our transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLddnnYamZuglgZc8pM2gqToPOwEBccM?usp=sharing
    Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode.
    On staff at the Penumbra:
    Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and Outreach
    Melissa DeJesus -- Script editing team
    Harley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designer
    Joelle Kross -- Transcriptionist
    Noah Simes -- Production manager
    Grahame Turner -- Script editing team
    Kevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writer
    Ryan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original music
    Jeff Wright -- Graphic designer
    --------
    Attribution: Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.
    --------
    Trigger warnings:
    - Sudden loud noises
    - Violence and threats of violence
    - Genocide
    - Use of weapons
    - Fire
    - Harm to people and animals
    - Harm to children
    - Deception
    - Abuse of authority
    - Organized military assault


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Marvel Strike Force and use our code MAXPOOL for a great deal! https://tinyurl.com/7z7br82f


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 56 min
    5.16: Second Citadel--The Indomitable Duelist (Part 2)

    5.16: Second Citadel--The Indomitable Duelist (Part 2)

    For centuries, the Senate of the Northern Wilds has convened to discuss all the largest issues surrounding the Second Citadel... or the largest monster issues, at any rate. Today's debate: what is to be done with these two nosy humans who have stumbled into their most recent meeting, at a place where great power slumbers nearby.
    Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay.
    (Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)
    -------
    You can find all of our transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLddnnYamZuglgZc8pM2gqToPOwEBccM?usp=sharing
    Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode.
    On staff at the Penumbra:
    Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and Outreach
    Melissa DeJesus -- Script editing team
    Harley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designer
    Joelle Kross -- Transcriptionist
    Noah Simes -- Production manager
    Grahame Turner -- Script editing team
    Kevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writer
    Ryan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original music
    Jeff Wright -- Graphic designer
    --------
    Attribution: Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.
    “Creepy Ambience 01: Empty Sewer” by Xanco123 https://freesound.org/people/Xanco123/sounds/347302/
    “Playing with a milky slime” by CaKon https://freesound.org/people/CaKon/sounds/578854/
    “Royal sparkle whoosh centre.wav” by alexkandrell https://freesound.org/people/alexkandrell/sounds/170523/
    --------
    Trigger warnings:
    - Sudden loud noises
    - Violence and threats of violence
    - Genocide
    - Use of weapons
    - Fire
    - Harm to people and animals
    - Harm to children
    - Deception
    - Abuse of authority
    - Organized military assault


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Marvel Strike Force and use our code MAXPOOL for a great deal! https://tinyurl.com/7z7br82f


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 35 min
    Bonus commentary for "Juno Steel and the Blank Slate (Part 2)"

    Bonus commentary for "Juno Steel and the Blank Slate (Part 2)"

    Sneak peek at the $10 supporter tier on Patreon! This is a commentary that we made during Season 4 for the episode "Juno Steel and the Blank Slate (Part 2)," featuring Harley, Kevin, Alexander Stravinski, Chloe Cunha, and Joshua Ilon. If you'd like to hear more behind-the-scenes commentaries like this one, head to patreon.com/thepenumbrapodcast to find years' worth of content!


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Marvel Strike Force and use our code MAXPOOL for a great deal! https://tinyurl.com/7z7br82f


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 32 min
    5.15: Second Citadel--The Indomitable Duelist (Part 1)

    5.15: Second Citadel--The Indomitable Duelist (Part 1)

    In the Northern Wilds, three traitors to the crown plan their escape, but a terrible price is paid.
    In the Southern Frosts, two in love are twisted in a fight to the death, and they remember where it all began.
    Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay.
    (Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)
    -------
    You can find all of our transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLddnnYamZuglgZc8pM2gqToPOwEBccM?usp=sharing
    Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode.
    On staff at the Penumbra:
    Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and Outreach
    Melissa DeJesus -- Script editing team
    Harley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designer
    Joelle Kross -- Transcriptionist
    Noah Simes -- Production manager
    Grahame Turner -- Script editing team
    Kevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writer
    Ryan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original music
    Jeff Wright -- Graphic designer
    --------
    Attribution: Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.
    “Ice Block - Sliding, Crunching, Scraping.wav” by Percy Duke https://freesound.org/people/Percy%20Duke/sounds/420634/
    “Pick axe striking rocks #2.m4a” by guyburns https://freesound.org/people/guyburns/sounds/558412/
    “Snap_1234.wav” by Snapper4298 https://freesound.org/people/Snapper4298/sounds/177497/
    “Step.wav” by CGEffex https://freesound.org/people/CGEffex/sounds/95755/
    “Sword_cut_off_neck_or_slash_flesh_sounds.mp3” by Artninja https://freesound.org/people/Artninja/sounds/700234/
    “Ambience_Cave_00.wav” by LittleRobotSoundFactory https://freesound.org/people/LittleRobotSoundFactory/sounds/270387/
    “Rock Scrape 2.wav” by Benboncan https://freesound.org/people/Benboncan/sounds/74441/
    --------
    Trigger warnings:
    - Sudden loud noises
    - Violence and threats of violence
    - Genocide
    - Use of weapons
    - Fire
    - Harm to people and animals
    - Harm to children
    - Deception
    - Abuse of authority
    - Organized military assault


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Marvel Strike Force and use our code MAXPOOL for a great deal! https://tinyurl.com/7z7br82f


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 29 min
    5.14: Juno Steel and the Sixteen Tons (Part 2)

    5.14: Juno Steel and the Sixteen Tons (Part 2)

    “Okay, Steel. You caught him. Now what the hell are you gonna do with him?”
    Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay.
    (Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)
    -------
    You can find all of our transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLddnnYamZuglgZc8pM2gqToPOwEBccM?usp=sharing
    Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode.
    On staff at the Penumbra:
    Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and Outreach
    Melissa DeJesus -- Script editing team
    Harley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designer
    Joelle Kross -- Transcriptionist
    Noah Simes -- Production manager
    Grahame Turner -- Script editing team
    Kevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writer
    Ryan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original music
    Jeff Wright -- Graphic designer
    --------
    Attribution: Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.
    “Bad Beep (Incorrect)” by RICHERlandTV https://freesound.org/people/RICHERlandTV/sounds/216090/
    --------
    Trigger warnings:
    - Sudden loud noises
    - Deception
    - Suspicion and betrayal
    - Violence and threats of violence
    - Abuse of power
    - Medical abuse


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Marvel Strike Force and use our code MAXPOOL for a great deal! https://tinyurl.com/7z7br82f


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 37 min
    5.13: Juno Steel and the Sixteen Tons (Part 1)

    5.13: Juno Steel and the Sixteen Tons (Part 1)

    Deep in the Outer Rim, Juno has finally caught up with Peter Nureyev... but first he must infiltrate the halls of the mysterious Dokana Group.
    Welcome to the Penumbra, dear Traveler. We hope you enjoy your stay.
    (Trigger warnings can be found at the bottom of this episode description and at the end of the transcript.)
    -------
    You can find all of our transcripts here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OLddnnYamZuglgZc8pM2gqToPOwEBccM?usp=sharing
    Transcripts will come out along with the public release of the episode.
    On staff at the Penumbra:
    Ginny D'Angelo -- Head of Merchandise and Outreach
    Melissa DeJesus -- Script editing team
    Harley Takagi Kaner -- Co-creator, Head of Episode Development, Director, Sound designer
    Joelle Kross -- Transcriptionist
    Noah Simes -- Production manager
    Grahame Turner -- Script editing team
    Kevin Vibert -- Co-creator, Head of Operations, Lead writer
    Ryan Vibert -- Composer and performer of original music
    Jeff Wright -- Graphic designer
    --------
    Attribution: Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.
    “Sirens of Amygdala.wav” by ERH https://freesound.org/people/ERH/sounds/31041/
    “221112_2251_FR_BusyMarket.wav” by kevp888 https://freesound.org/people/kevp888/sounds/659632/
    “Footsteps, Muddy, E.wav” by InspectorJ https://freesound.org/people/InspectorJ/sounds/339325/
    “Golfclap.aif” by mattheos https://freesound.org/people/mattheos/sounds/116769/
    “Small clap” by kellieskitchen https://freesound.org/people/kellieskitchen/sounds/209989/
    “Jingle1.wav” by jochen1988 https://freesound.org/people/jochen1988/sounds/418887/
    “Jingle4i.wav” by jochen1988 https://freesound.org/people/jochen1988/sounds/420642/
    “Heads Turn” by Mr Smith from the Free Music Archive, under a CC BY license
    “Elevator Doors 1.wav” by Corruptinator https://freesound.org/people/Corruptinator/sounds/456889/
    --------
    Trigger warnings:
    - Sudden loud noises
    - Deception
    - Suspicion and betrayal
    - Violence and threats of violence
    - Abuse of power
    - Medical abuse


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Marvel Strike Force and use our code MAXPOOL for a great deal! https://tinyurl.com/7z7br82f


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 34 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
2.9K Ratings

2.9K Ratings

Teppy24 ,

Perfection

I don’t know how they do it. This podcast is so wonderful. Balanced between genres. Thrilling, sweet, hilarious, queer in all ways. Fantasy which flips the monsters vs humans narrative with romance and morality, noir detective space pirates. Heart pangs all around. Why isn’t it it more popular among audio dramas? Why isn’t audio dramas more popular among podcast listeners? Get aboard the Ruby 7, folks!

Jaybird4Hemlock ,

A cultural phenomenon

The Penumbra is one of those rare creations that deepens its connection to both the characters and the audience simultaneously over time, until listeners feel as though the characters are real-life figures in their lives. I’ve heard Penumbra listeners use these characters as examples for life lessons and refer to the plot points almost as historic fact. This is a testament to the full world that the creators have given us, and their courage to thread together stories that challenge and inspire our humanity.

It’s a good show, but maybe most importantly it’s a show that has created a community of listeners who engage with the material in a shadow of the phenomenons of Star Trek and Doctor Who. To join the Penumbra’s world is to join a community, and almost nothing is more important today.

mykah’s important opinions ,

just. phenomenal.

there’s just no place to start or end with this podcast. the creative energy that goes into and is actively appreciated in the creation of this podcast from so many unique and lovely artists is just baffling.

i am so thankful for the conversations i get to hear during the extras and q&a’s too. the co-creators’ advice about writing, mental health, and queer issues has been a great comfort and encouragement for me. the effort they put into exploring all sorts of identities and issues is entertaining while still retaining the more realistic sub context and details. i won’t go into too much detail but specifically the aromantic and asexual representation and its variety meant more to me than i thought it could.

i’ve never cried to a podcast until the penumbra but there was this great feeling of being seen at moments that i simply was too moved by.

aside from the diversity in topics and cast, there’s also a diversity in storytelling! they somehow find something to add every season or a new way to re-animate or bring back things from old seasons and just: wow! from the music to the type of narration and shift in character development, wow!

it may be that i’m simply weak to detective stories, but the penumbra as a whole is a touching project. it’s perhaps the first i see creators and characters so like me making and in a story that still explores those parts of them while also being a lot more. it is a boundless source of inspiration that i could talk about endlessly, i love it a lot, and i wish for the creators and everyone who’s worked on it the absolute best of the best. thank you so incredibly much!

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