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Voiceteam feels and Team Chartreuse Rec list!
Voiceteam 2020 ends tomorrow and it feels like the last day of summer camp. Since May first I have been in the most collaborative, friendly, creative, and wildly productive fandom space I have ever had the pleasure of participating in. Voiceteam divided nearly 100 podficcers and podfic fans into eight teams who collectively made around a thousand pieces of fanwork in just 4 weeks ranging from fanart, cosplay photos, filk, playlists, and podfics of all kinds. It challenged us to try things we had never done before, from new editing styles, to recording outside, to roping in non-podfic friends, to incorporating nonhuman noises. It encouraged us to work together both within our own team and across all teams. It rewarded us for leaving comments on each other’s work and generally just celebrating and loving everything that everyone was doing. I am so glad I got to be part of this, and I can’t wait to be part of it again! If you want to find out more about Voiceteam, check out the challenge on Twitter and here on Dreamwidth ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
voiceteam, or visit the Ao3 collection of all the teams work.
I had the pleasure of being part of Team Chartreuse, with these 12 other members: Kess,![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
secretsofluftnarp, chantress, CompassRose, lunatique, justaphage, Bisexualshakespeare aka TheArcher, lunate8, Luninarie, Barbex, saffronbunbaker, and alixtii. It was an honor and a delight to get to play and make things with this team these past four weeks! I am so glad we already have plans for future collaborations :D
In addition to making twice as much podfic in the past month as what I usually produce in a full year, I also LISTENED to more podfic than I have in years. Here is a rec list of some of my favorite things, all projects in which at least one of my team members participated, some old stuff, some shiny new works from Voiceteam. Please enjoy!
Your Shadow At Evening, Rising to Meet You, written by Raven (singlecrow), read by CompassRose.
16 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Official Nasa “Journey to Mars” posters
Ship: None
Summary: Two older women (original characters) who helped found the first Mars colony reflect on their work and legacy.
Rec reason: I clicked on it because I was intrigued by theS concept and was delighted by the rich little sci-fi story I discovered. Compass Rose gives such an emotional performance, and the added sound effects and music make it very immerse.
Content warnings: None
He Who Is Made of Iron, written by EternalLibrary, read by CompassRose
13 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: The Queen's Thief
Ship: Aristogiton/Costis, Eugenides/Costis, Kamet/Costis
Summary: Tea reminds Costis of his childhood. This story relates several different times he encountered it in adulthood and the emotions and memories it brings to the surface.
Rec: This story feels so in tone and in character with the book series it made me want to re-read one of the books, and also made me wish Compass was the audiobook narrator!
Content warnings: None
Behind the Pod: Season 1, Episode 5, by Kess
25 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: podfic meta
Summary: Highly prolific podficcer Kess talking about disability and podfic, the podfic community, and podfic as art.
Rec Reason: I listened to this episode at a point when I was really wanting to make more podfic but struggling with feeling like it wasn't the best use of my time; this moving ode stirred up all of the reasons why I love podfic, helped me move past some reservations, and made me want to make more podfic!
Content warnings: None
Syndication written by Unpretty, read by Kess
8 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Garfield
Ship: Jon/Garfield if you squint
Summary: Jon Arbuckle made a terrible deal to an eldritch creature in exchange for his success.
Rec Reason: This story is terrifying and hilarious. It recasts Garfield as a otherworldly demon with an insatiable appetite who Jon has unwittingly chained himself to. I have 100% accepted it as canon.
Content warnings: Horror
The Ballad of Pots and Pans written by 6th_Magnitude, read by Kess, Chantress, Barbex, and Luninare, with other lines read by Team Chartreuse
1 hour 10 minutes, rated Mature
Fandom: The Witcher
Ship: Geralt of Rivia/ Jaskier
Summary: Geralt has never properly listened to Jaskier's songs. Until one day he does, and he realizes that all of the love songs are about him. He has to decide what to do with this information.
Rec Reason: This is probably the biggest project we took on as a team and even though I only had one line in it I am so proud of how it turned out! It includes three different singing parts, as well as original music composed for this story by one of our team members. Even if you are only on the barest periphery of the Witcher fandom I recommend giving this story a listen, for it's musings on different types of love, friendship and legacy.
Content warnings: None
Don't Swallow The Cap written by atrata, read by Secretsoflufnarp, Aethel, Blackglass, Elaineofshalott, Luvtheheaven, Reena_jenkins, Shmaylor, Silverandblue, and Wingedwords
17 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Brooklyn 99
Ship: Kevin Cozner/Raymond Holt
Summary: Holt and Diaz have to take extreme measures to capture a burglar masquerading as a pet therapist. Set in S5, sometime after Safe House.
Rec Reason: This story is SO FUNNY, and so perfect. It could absolutely be the plot of an actual B99 episode without a single change. Every reader captures their character would delightful accuracy, with Secretsoflufnarp's Captain Holt as the star of the show.
Content warnings: None
I Am The Night written by Chash, read by Secretsofluftnarp, Aethel, Blackglass, Luvtheheaven, Reena_jenkins, Shmaylor, Silverandblue, and Wingedwords
13 minutes, rated Gen
Fandoms: Brooklyn 99, generic Batman
Ship: none
Summary: A new vigilante rises in New York City. The official position of the NYPD is that he's a criminal. Jake Peralta thinks he needs a sweater.
Rec Reason: Another hilarious story, this one about the NYPD worrying about the health, safety and financial security of their new “helper” without realizing that he is, in fact, a millionaire in a costume. With almost the same cast as the above story, this fic now fleshes out what I'm starting to think of as the B99 podficverse. I hope for more installments!
Content warnings: None
Bakes To Die For written by Longpig, read by Secretsofluftnarp, Aethel, Luvtheheaven, Reena_jenkins, Shmaylor, Silverandblue, and Wingedwords
38 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Great British Bakeoff, Terry Pratchett vibes
Ship: none
Summary: While digitizing the BBC archives, an intern who asked to remain anonymous discovered a transcript of a lost episode of the Great British Bake Off. The paper could neither be photocopied nor scanned as all the copies came out blank; and the actual footage was never found.
Rec Reasons: I was in stitches the whole time I listened to this. A woman who has died on Christmas even challenges Death to a bakeoff for her soul, and the result is as full of bad puns and baking prowess as any GBBO episode- except with a lot more than a cake stand at stake!
Content warnings: None
Garder Le Silence, written by TheArcher, read by Hangebokhan
6 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Harry Potter
Ship: none
Summary: In a cottage, a young newlywed waves her wand and throws words at the radio. Finally, a voice comes through. Welcome to Potterwatch.
Rec Reason: This piece was created as a collaboration between the writer (from Team Chartreuse) and a podficcer who not only made one normal version of this radio episode of Potterwater, but four other alternate versions of different families hearing and responding to the episode. It's such a smart concept and use of audio media!
Content warnings: None
Filk: Malfoy in the Bathroom written and performed by TheArcher
5 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Harry Potter
Ship: none
Summary: A loving re-write of Michael in the Bathroom from Be More Chill to be instead about Draco Malfoy circa HP book 6.
Rec Reason: This both a fantastic re-write of the song, and also a wonderful song in it's own right! Gorgeously song, something I would listen to over and over.
Content warnings: None
Filk: What Comes Next? written and performed by TheArcher
2 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Meta
Ship: none
Summary: A beautiful re-write of the Hamilton song that perfectly captures the bittersweet feeling of this amazing month long challenge ending. I think all of us who did VoiceTeam feel like we were at podfic summer camp. We've bonded with our cabin mates, made inside jokes, shared secrets, built things together, adore the camp councilors (the mods), we've all traded addresses and promised to keep in touch and none of us want this thing to end. TheArcher has a gorgeous voice and this song made me emotional :')
Content warnings: None
Oral Not!Fic: Haunted Houses, a conversation between Akikotree, Justaphage, Lunatique and TheArcher (with transcript)
40 minutes, rated Teen
Fandom: Harry Potter
Ship: none
Summary: Five Houses that were haunted and one that wasn't. A collaborative notfic recorded for VoiceTeam2020.
Rec Reason: This is the first time I had been involved in a “not fic”, which basically ended up just being a super fun conversation between four of us about the potential for a story about the hauntedness of various Harry Potter locations, and a repeating theme of characters leaving these haunted houses only to return to them, or be forced to return, at a later date. Could this be the first episode of a podcast series? Absolutely.
Content warnings: None
A Set of Limericks in Yellow-Green, written by CompassRose, read by Akikotree, Kess, Lunatique, Saffronbunbaker, SecretsofLuftnarp, and TheArcher
6 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: meta
Ship: None
Summary: A set of eight limericks written by Compass Rose, as fan art of Team Chartreuse's mascots- chartreuse the liqueur, and chartreuse the color!
Rec Reason: This was something that came together totally naturally during the first week of Voiceteam when our team was still all getting to know each other. Compass started writing the limericks, we decided someone should podfic them, then we decided we should ALL podfic them, then we decided it should be a multi-voice, and I volunteered to edit it despite having never edited a multi-voice before! In addition to that one of our teammates composed an original theme song (!!!) which I included in full. It was my first time making a blooper real- just a lot of firsts and a lot of joy in this small silly piece :D
Content warnings: None
Five Things Sandoval Won't Tell You (And A Few Others He Will Not Shut Up About) written by Nary, read by Chantress
9 minutes, rated Mature
Fandom: Oglaf webcomic
Ships: Ivan/Sandoval, Mistress/Sandoval, Sandoval/various others
Summary: Sandoval was not appointed Lord High Ambassador of the Xoan Nation to the Court of the Mistress of the Skintillating Tower because of his innate diplomatic gifts, or for personal services to his Supreme Erectness the Tyrant of Xoa, or in order to prevent him from providing even more personal services to the Tyrant's nubile twin daughters...
Rec Reason: I am a long-time reader of the silly fantasy porn comic Oglaf, and it had NEVER occurred to me to look for fic of it because how could you do the story justice without the artwork? Well, look no further, this story in Chantress's sexy drawl perfectly capture the tone and mood of the comic and fit in some plot and feelings amidst all the smut. A job well done!
Content warnings: Minor character humorous death.
In The House Of Dust, written by Kindkit, read by Chantress
15 minutes, rated teen
Fandom: Epic of Gilgamesh
Ship: Enkidu/Gilgamesh
Summary: Men and cities are made of clay and turn to dust. At the end of his life, after Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh ponders his life, his story, and power of writing things in clay.
Rec Reason: This hits me in the feels the same way as the last song from "Hamiliton". There's something so human and poignant about wanting to be remembered after we die. Hearing a story about someone who wanted to be remembered AND WAS gives me tingles.
Content warnings: Grief and death.
Jack Zimmermann is a Masochistic Fuckwit, written by PorcupineGirl, read by Justaphage
1 hour 10 minutes, rated Teen
Fandom: Check Please!
Ship: Eric “Bitty” Bittle/Jack Zimmerman
Summary: Bitty decides to go home for Thanksgiving his sophomore year - so he can come out to his parents. When Coach Bittle is in denial, the boys in the Haus decide that Bitty needs to bring a boyfriend home for Winter Break. A boyfriend chosen from the very attractive ranks of SMH, of course. Why does Jack volunteer? Because he's a masochistic fuckwit, that's why.
Rec Reason: This is a DELIGHTFUL story. It just walks that line of being painful versus being hilarious, with Jack just getting deeper and deeper into his uncomfortably desirable role. All of the dialogue and the character decisions felt so very true to the comic, and I love this as an alternate first kiss/start of dating for them. Very well performed!
Content warnings: None
Interview with Margaret Lodestone, Bovine Magnet Vet, written by Facingthenorthwind, read by Akikotree, Kess, Lunatique, CompassRose, Saffronbunbaker, Chantress, and Secretsofluftnarp
5 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Beef and Dairy Network podcast
Ship: None
Summary: In just the last half-century, the bovine industry has discovered an incredible cure for hardware disease, and Margaret Lodestone sat down with the Beef and Dairy Network Website to tell us all about it.
Rec Reason: This story is so silly. I wasn't previously familiar with the fandom but it was pitched to me as “the joke is that everything is cows”. Truly. It's very funny even with (or perhaps especially with) no further context!
Content warnings: None
Theories of Divination written by Wisedomeagle, read by Alixtii
9 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Ship: None
Summary: Rupert Giles doesn't believe in divination, but he goes to see a fortune teller anyway.
Rec Reason: This is just a really nice small peek into Giles' life before he met Buffy, when he was still living in London and had no idea what was in store for him.
Content warnings: None
Anthony J Crowley, Retired Demon and AirBnb Superhost written by TheOldAquarian and read by BabelGhoti, Carboncopies, CompassRose, Elrohir, GodOfLaundryBaskets, Jet_pods, Justapage, Literarion, Olive2read, podfic_lover, Rindle, Semperfiona, sPODghetti, and TheArtOfLife
23 minutes, rated gen
Fandom: Good Omens
Ship: Crowley/Aziraphale
Summary: What are you supposed to do when you've been fired from your sweet job in Hell for thwarting the schemes of Satan, you've got a swanky flat in Mayfair, and you're looking for an excuse to spend all your time in someone else's bookshop? Obviously, you turn to the dubious world of short-term vacation rentals. The resulting Airbnb property has been variously described as "an instagram trap," "a vampire den but make it botanical," and "the weirdest bed and breakfast in the shared history of beds and breakfasting."
Rec Reason: This might be my favorite Good Omens podfic ever?? Told entirely in AirBnb reviews of guests who have stayed in Crowley's apartment, it highlights some of the most ridiculous aspects of a human trying to be comfortable in a place designed by a demon.
Content warnings: None
Waste Not, Want Not, written by Carmerthen and Motetus and read by Secretsofluftnarp, Aethel, ElaineofShalott, Reena_jenkins, Shmaylor, Silverandblue, and Wingedwords
16 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Star Wars original trilogy
Ship: None
Summary: Imperial Sanitation Specialist Yaran Avoset discovers a jam in Death Star garbage compactor 3263827. His superior is not amused. Fortunately, a resourceful man can go far in the Imperial Navy. Or, how the Death Star got dianogas.
Rec Reasons: Told in a serious of internal memos, reports and letters home, this hilarious story tells of one man turning a wretched problem into a golden opportunity. I don't want to spoil it by saying more- just go listen!
Content warnings: None
Falling But Not Losing, written by a_person_with_a_book read by Barbex
16 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Greek Mythology
Ship: Persephone/Hades
Summary: We know one version of the love story of Persephone and Hades. The one where Hades watches the beautiful Persephone from afar, before kidnapping her into his realm. But what if there was another twist to the tale? What if she fell?
Rec Reason: This is a thoughtful alternate version of the first encounter of Persephone and Hades which gives Persephone a lot more choice and agency. I love Barbex's performance of this story, which has a lot of energy and liveliness. It took me right back to hearing the Greek myths for the first time in my childhood!
Content warnings: None
The California Zephyr written by Phosfate read by Lunate8
35 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Welcome to Nightvale
Ship: Cecil/Carlos
Summary: So... just where was Carlos during "Cassette," anyway? Follow-up to “Cassette,” as has been mandated by the City Council, and somewhere before “Condos.” But no spoilers for “Condos.” Except that you are now spoiled if you did not know “Condos” existed. You just can’t win. You will never win. You are surrounded. Surrender now.
Rec Reason: This is a wonderful little story about Carlos returning to Nightvale aboard the California Zephyr train, chatting with an Amish friend, worrying about Cecil, and then deciding to break into his apartment because (even though he basically lives there) because he's too nervous to just call or text. Lunate8 went the extra mile by recording ON A REAL TRAIN to get the perfect background sound. I loved it very much went I listened to it, but it also felt so familiar... which I assumed was because it captures the tone of the show really well... then I noticed that I had left a comment on this podfic BACK IN 2017! But just as good on a second listen :)
Content warnings: None
The Story, written by Kass, read by Lunate8
6 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Firefly
Ship: None
Summary: "Everyone needs light in the darkness. 'Specially out here in the black."
Rec Reason: This is a little slip of a story about Shepard Book asking Mal's permission to hold a Christmas service onboard the ship. Mal agrees, but is annoyed about it. I love the way Lunate8 read all the characters, and it left me wanting more.
Content warnings: None
And last but not least, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite of my solo projects from this week:
Time is the Enemy, Time is the Guide, written by Starfishstar, and read by Akikotree
8 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Call Me By Your Name
Ship: Elio/Oliver
Summary: “Imagine,” Elio says. “In twenty years, do you think we’d still be here?” Or: late at night on the bench in the garden with Elio, Oliver thinks about time.
Rec Reason: I chose this story because it was set outside in the garden, and I wanted to try recording outside for the first time. As I read it I completely feel in love with this little missing scene, it's a sweet meditation on the briefness of summer and the importance of this time for both Elio and Oliver.
Since You Ask Me for a Tale of Magic, written by Starfishstar, and read by Akikotree
10 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme
Ship: None
Summary: Well, since you ask me for a tale of magic, I do have one account you may find…enchanting.
Rec Reason: I was absolutely delighted to find such a great story for such an obscure fandom, with blanket permission no less! It feels exactly like a skit from the show. I was able to incorporate several music queues from the show, and I also found the PERFECT clip to include at the end. I'm very proud of the final result.
October 28th 1901, written and read by Akikotree
20 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: The Night Circus
Ship: None
Summary: I found something recently in the attic of my grandparent’s house- a letter from Elise McBride (my great-great aunt, on my mother’s side) to Freidrick Thiessen. I know Thiessen was a great lover of the Night Circus, and connected with its early history. Elise’s letter mentions that he collected letters from other rêveurs, and a hope that he will add her letter to his collection. The letter is dated October 28th, 1901. My guess is that Elise McBride never posted the letter (there is no stamp on the envelope) because she heard of his death before it could be mailed. I found the letter carefully folded up inside a light blue envelope with a pattern of a labyrinth sketched on the front. Tucked in along with the letter was a single black circus ticket.
Rec Reason: This is a re-pod of the first podfic I ever made, and also the only story that I have both written and recorded. One of my teammates, Nuitarie, composed a piece of original music for it which is MAGICAL. It's getting close to my five-year podfic anniversary so I was really pleased to be able to revisit this story.
I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU SHOUT OUT to the mods,klb, cantarina, and forzandopod, who have made this whole month just wonderful. What a good idea, and what good timing. This has been the most fun I've had in fandom in a long time- maybe ever? I've moderated things in the past and I know that it is SO MUCH WORK- a thousand thank yous for doing such a good job, pouring your heart into it, and bringing a ton of joy to many many people. You all rock. I can't wait for Voiceteam 2021!!
voiceteam, or visit the Ao3 collection of all the teams work. I had the pleasure of being part of Team Chartreuse, with these 12 other members: Kess,
secretsofluftnarp, chantress, CompassRose, lunatique, justaphage, Bisexualshakespeare aka TheArcher, lunate8, Luninarie, Barbex, saffronbunbaker, and alixtii. It was an honor and a delight to get to play and make things with this team these past four weeks! I am so glad we already have plans for future collaborations :D In addition to making twice as much podfic in the past month as what I usually produce in a full year, I also LISTENED to more podfic than I have in years. Here is a rec list of some of my favorite things, all projects in which at least one of my team members participated, some old stuff, some shiny new works from Voiceteam. Please enjoy!
Your Shadow At Evening, Rising to Meet You, written by Raven (singlecrow), read by CompassRose.
16 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Official Nasa “Journey to Mars” posters
Ship: None
Summary: Two older women (original characters) who helped found the first Mars colony reflect on their work and legacy.
Rec reason: I clicked on it because I was intrigued by theS concept and was delighted by the rich little sci-fi story I discovered. Compass Rose gives such an emotional performance, and the added sound effects and music make it very immerse.
Content warnings: None
He Who Is Made of Iron, written by EternalLibrary, read by CompassRose
13 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: The Queen's Thief
Ship: Aristogiton/Costis, Eugenides/Costis, Kamet/Costis
Summary: Tea reminds Costis of his childhood. This story relates several different times he encountered it in adulthood and the emotions and memories it brings to the surface.
Rec: This story feels so in tone and in character with the book series it made me want to re-read one of the books, and also made me wish Compass was the audiobook narrator!
Content warnings: None
Behind the Pod: Season 1, Episode 5, by Kess
25 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: podfic meta
Summary: Highly prolific podficcer Kess talking about disability and podfic, the podfic community, and podfic as art.
Rec Reason: I listened to this episode at a point when I was really wanting to make more podfic but struggling with feeling like it wasn't the best use of my time; this moving ode stirred up all of the reasons why I love podfic, helped me move past some reservations, and made me want to make more podfic!
Content warnings: None
Syndication written by Unpretty, read by Kess
8 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Garfield
Ship: Jon/Garfield if you squint
Summary: Jon Arbuckle made a terrible deal to an eldritch creature in exchange for his success.
Rec Reason: This story is terrifying and hilarious. It recasts Garfield as a otherworldly demon with an insatiable appetite who Jon has unwittingly chained himself to. I have 100% accepted it as canon.
Content warnings: Horror
The Ballad of Pots and Pans written by 6th_Magnitude, read by Kess, Chantress, Barbex, and Luninare, with other lines read by Team Chartreuse
1 hour 10 minutes, rated Mature
Fandom: The Witcher
Ship: Geralt of Rivia/ Jaskier
Summary: Geralt has never properly listened to Jaskier's songs. Until one day he does, and he realizes that all of the love songs are about him. He has to decide what to do with this information.
Rec Reason: This is probably the biggest project we took on as a team and even though I only had one line in it I am so proud of how it turned out! It includes three different singing parts, as well as original music composed for this story by one of our team members. Even if you are only on the barest periphery of the Witcher fandom I recommend giving this story a listen, for it's musings on different types of love, friendship and legacy.
Content warnings: None
Don't Swallow The Cap written by atrata, read by Secretsoflufnarp, Aethel, Blackglass, Elaineofshalott, Luvtheheaven, Reena_jenkins, Shmaylor, Silverandblue, and Wingedwords
17 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Brooklyn 99
Ship: Kevin Cozner/Raymond Holt
Summary: Holt and Diaz have to take extreme measures to capture a burglar masquerading as a pet therapist. Set in S5, sometime after Safe House.
Rec Reason: This story is SO FUNNY, and so perfect. It could absolutely be the plot of an actual B99 episode without a single change. Every reader captures their character would delightful accuracy, with Secretsoflufnarp's Captain Holt as the star of the show.
Content warnings: None
I Am The Night written by Chash, read by Secretsofluftnarp, Aethel, Blackglass, Luvtheheaven, Reena_jenkins, Shmaylor, Silverandblue, and Wingedwords
13 minutes, rated Gen
Fandoms: Brooklyn 99, generic Batman
Ship: none
Summary: A new vigilante rises in New York City. The official position of the NYPD is that he's a criminal. Jake Peralta thinks he needs a sweater.
Rec Reason: Another hilarious story, this one about the NYPD worrying about the health, safety and financial security of their new “helper” without realizing that he is, in fact, a millionaire in a costume. With almost the same cast as the above story, this fic now fleshes out what I'm starting to think of as the B99 podficverse. I hope for more installments!
Content warnings: None
Bakes To Die For written by Longpig, read by Secretsofluftnarp, Aethel, Luvtheheaven, Reena_jenkins, Shmaylor, Silverandblue, and Wingedwords
38 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Great British Bakeoff, Terry Pratchett vibes
Ship: none
Summary: While digitizing the BBC archives, an intern who asked to remain anonymous discovered a transcript of a lost episode of the Great British Bake Off. The paper could neither be photocopied nor scanned as all the copies came out blank; and the actual footage was never found.
Rec Reasons: I was in stitches the whole time I listened to this. A woman who has died on Christmas even challenges Death to a bakeoff for her soul, and the result is as full of bad puns and baking prowess as any GBBO episode- except with a lot more than a cake stand at stake!
Content warnings: None
Garder Le Silence, written by TheArcher, read by Hangebokhan
6 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Harry Potter
Ship: none
Summary: In a cottage, a young newlywed waves her wand and throws words at the radio. Finally, a voice comes through. Welcome to Potterwatch.
Rec Reason: This piece was created as a collaboration between the writer (from Team Chartreuse) and a podficcer who not only made one normal version of this radio episode of Potterwater, but four other alternate versions of different families hearing and responding to the episode. It's such a smart concept and use of audio media!
Content warnings: None
Filk: Malfoy in the Bathroom written and performed by TheArcher
5 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Harry Potter
Ship: none
Summary: A loving re-write of Michael in the Bathroom from Be More Chill to be instead about Draco Malfoy circa HP book 6.
Rec Reason: This both a fantastic re-write of the song, and also a wonderful song in it's own right! Gorgeously song, something I would listen to over and over.
Content warnings: None
Filk: What Comes Next? written and performed by TheArcher
2 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Meta
Ship: none
Summary: A beautiful re-write of the Hamilton song that perfectly captures the bittersweet feeling of this amazing month long challenge ending. I think all of us who did VoiceTeam feel like we were at podfic summer camp. We've bonded with our cabin mates, made inside jokes, shared secrets, built things together, adore the camp councilors (the mods), we've all traded addresses and promised to keep in touch and none of us want this thing to end. TheArcher has a gorgeous voice and this song made me emotional :')
Content warnings: None
Oral Not!Fic: Haunted Houses, a conversation between Akikotree, Justaphage, Lunatique and TheArcher (with transcript)
40 minutes, rated Teen
Fandom: Harry Potter
Ship: none
Summary: Five Houses that were haunted and one that wasn't. A collaborative notfic recorded for VoiceTeam2020.
Rec Reason: This is the first time I had been involved in a “not fic”, which basically ended up just being a super fun conversation between four of us about the potential for a story about the hauntedness of various Harry Potter locations, and a repeating theme of characters leaving these haunted houses only to return to them, or be forced to return, at a later date. Could this be the first episode of a podcast series? Absolutely.
Content warnings: None
A Set of Limericks in Yellow-Green, written by CompassRose, read by Akikotree, Kess, Lunatique, Saffronbunbaker, SecretsofLuftnarp, and TheArcher
6 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: meta
Ship: None
Summary: A set of eight limericks written by Compass Rose, as fan art of Team Chartreuse's mascots- chartreuse the liqueur, and chartreuse the color!
Rec Reason: This was something that came together totally naturally during the first week of Voiceteam when our team was still all getting to know each other. Compass started writing the limericks, we decided someone should podfic them, then we decided we should ALL podfic them, then we decided it should be a multi-voice, and I volunteered to edit it despite having never edited a multi-voice before! In addition to that one of our teammates composed an original theme song (!!!) which I included in full. It was my first time making a blooper real- just a lot of firsts and a lot of joy in this small silly piece :D
Content warnings: None
Five Things Sandoval Won't Tell You (And A Few Others He Will Not Shut Up About) written by Nary, read by Chantress
9 minutes, rated Mature
Fandom: Oglaf webcomic
Ships: Ivan/Sandoval, Mistress/Sandoval, Sandoval/various others
Summary: Sandoval was not appointed Lord High Ambassador of the Xoan Nation to the Court of the Mistress of the Skintillating Tower because of his innate diplomatic gifts, or for personal services to his Supreme Erectness the Tyrant of Xoa, or in order to prevent him from providing even more personal services to the Tyrant's nubile twin daughters...
Rec Reason: I am a long-time reader of the silly fantasy porn comic Oglaf, and it had NEVER occurred to me to look for fic of it because how could you do the story justice without the artwork? Well, look no further, this story in Chantress's sexy drawl perfectly capture the tone and mood of the comic and fit in some plot and feelings amidst all the smut. A job well done!
Content warnings: Minor character humorous death.
In The House Of Dust, written by Kindkit, read by Chantress
15 minutes, rated teen
Fandom: Epic of Gilgamesh
Ship: Enkidu/Gilgamesh
Summary: Men and cities are made of clay and turn to dust. At the end of his life, after Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh ponders his life, his story, and power of writing things in clay.
Rec Reason: This hits me in the feels the same way as the last song from "Hamiliton". There's something so human and poignant about wanting to be remembered after we die. Hearing a story about someone who wanted to be remembered AND WAS gives me tingles.
Content warnings: Grief and death.
Jack Zimmermann is a Masochistic Fuckwit, written by PorcupineGirl, read by Justaphage
1 hour 10 minutes, rated Teen
Fandom: Check Please!
Ship: Eric “Bitty” Bittle/Jack Zimmerman
Summary: Bitty decides to go home for Thanksgiving his sophomore year - so he can come out to his parents. When Coach Bittle is in denial, the boys in the Haus decide that Bitty needs to bring a boyfriend home for Winter Break. A boyfriend chosen from the very attractive ranks of SMH, of course. Why does Jack volunteer? Because he's a masochistic fuckwit, that's why.
Rec Reason: This is a DELIGHTFUL story. It just walks that line of being painful versus being hilarious, with Jack just getting deeper and deeper into his uncomfortably desirable role. All of the dialogue and the character decisions felt so very true to the comic, and I love this as an alternate first kiss/start of dating for them. Very well performed!
Content warnings: None
Interview with Margaret Lodestone, Bovine Magnet Vet, written by Facingthenorthwind, read by Akikotree, Kess, Lunatique, CompassRose, Saffronbunbaker, Chantress, and Secretsofluftnarp
5 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Beef and Dairy Network podcast
Ship: None
Summary: In just the last half-century, the bovine industry has discovered an incredible cure for hardware disease, and Margaret Lodestone sat down with the Beef and Dairy Network Website to tell us all about it.
Rec Reason: This story is so silly. I wasn't previously familiar with the fandom but it was pitched to me as “the joke is that everything is cows”. Truly. It's very funny even with (or perhaps especially with) no further context!
Content warnings: None
Theories of Divination written by Wisedomeagle, read by Alixtii
9 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Ship: None
Summary: Rupert Giles doesn't believe in divination, but he goes to see a fortune teller anyway.
Rec Reason: This is just a really nice small peek into Giles' life before he met Buffy, when he was still living in London and had no idea what was in store for him.
Content warnings: None
Anthony J Crowley, Retired Demon and AirBnb Superhost written by TheOldAquarian and read by BabelGhoti, Carboncopies, CompassRose, Elrohir, GodOfLaundryBaskets, Jet_pods, Justapage, Literarion, Olive2read, podfic_lover, Rindle, Semperfiona, sPODghetti, and TheArtOfLife
23 minutes, rated gen
Fandom: Good Omens
Ship: Crowley/Aziraphale
Summary: What are you supposed to do when you've been fired from your sweet job in Hell for thwarting the schemes of Satan, you've got a swanky flat in Mayfair, and you're looking for an excuse to spend all your time in someone else's bookshop? Obviously, you turn to the dubious world of short-term vacation rentals. The resulting Airbnb property has been variously described as "an instagram trap," "a vampire den but make it botanical," and "the weirdest bed and breakfast in the shared history of beds and breakfasting."
Rec Reason: This might be my favorite Good Omens podfic ever?? Told entirely in AirBnb reviews of guests who have stayed in Crowley's apartment, it highlights some of the most ridiculous aspects of a human trying to be comfortable in a place designed by a demon.
Content warnings: None
Waste Not, Want Not, written by Carmerthen and Motetus and read by Secretsofluftnarp, Aethel, ElaineofShalott, Reena_jenkins, Shmaylor, Silverandblue, and Wingedwords
16 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Star Wars original trilogy
Ship: None
Summary: Imperial Sanitation Specialist Yaran Avoset discovers a jam in Death Star garbage compactor 3263827. His superior is not amused. Fortunately, a resourceful man can go far in the Imperial Navy. Or, how the Death Star got dianogas.
Rec Reasons: Told in a serious of internal memos, reports and letters home, this hilarious story tells of one man turning a wretched problem into a golden opportunity. I don't want to spoil it by saying more- just go listen!
Content warnings: None
Falling But Not Losing, written by a_person_with_a_book read by Barbex
16 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Greek Mythology
Ship: Persephone/Hades
Summary: We know one version of the love story of Persephone and Hades. The one where Hades watches the beautiful Persephone from afar, before kidnapping her into his realm. But what if there was another twist to the tale? What if she fell?
Rec Reason: This is a thoughtful alternate version of the first encounter of Persephone and Hades which gives Persephone a lot more choice and agency. I love Barbex's performance of this story, which has a lot of energy and liveliness. It took me right back to hearing the Greek myths for the first time in my childhood!
Content warnings: None
The California Zephyr written by Phosfate read by Lunate8
35 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Welcome to Nightvale
Ship: Cecil/Carlos
Summary: So... just where was Carlos during "Cassette," anyway? Follow-up to “Cassette,” as has been mandated by the City Council, and somewhere before “Condos.” But no spoilers for “Condos.” Except that you are now spoiled if you did not know “Condos” existed. You just can’t win. You will never win. You are surrounded. Surrender now.
Rec Reason: This is a wonderful little story about Carlos returning to Nightvale aboard the California Zephyr train, chatting with an Amish friend, worrying about Cecil, and then deciding to break into his apartment because (even though he basically lives there) because he's too nervous to just call or text. Lunate8 went the extra mile by recording ON A REAL TRAIN to get the perfect background sound. I loved it very much went I listened to it, but it also felt so familiar... which I assumed was because it captures the tone of the show really well... then I noticed that I had left a comment on this podfic BACK IN 2017! But just as good on a second listen :)
Content warnings: None
The Story, written by Kass, read by Lunate8
6 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Firefly
Ship: None
Summary: "Everyone needs light in the darkness. 'Specially out here in the black."
Rec Reason: This is a little slip of a story about Shepard Book asking Mal's permission to hold a Christmas service onboard the ship. Mal agrees, but is annoyed about it. I love the way Lunate8 read all the characters, and it left me wanting more.
Content warnings: None
And last but not least, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite of my solo projects from this week:
Time is the Enemy, Time is the Guide, written by Starfishstar, and read by Akikotree
8 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: Call Me By Your Name
Ship: Elio/Oliver
Summary: “Imagine,” Elio says. “In twenty years, do you think we’d still be here?” Or: late at night on the bench in the garden with Elio, Oliver thinks about time.
Rec Reason: I chose this story because it was set outside in the garden, and I wanted to try recording outside for the first time. As I read it I completely feel in love with this little missing scene, it's a sweet meditation on the briefness of summer and the importance of this time for both Elio and Oliver.
Since You Ask Me for a Tale of Magic, written by Starfishstar, and read by Akikotree
10 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme
Ship: None
Summary: Well, since you ask me for a tale of magic, I do have one account you may find…enchanting.
Rec Reason: I was absolutely delighted to find such a great story for such an obscure fandom, with blanket permission no less! It feels exactly like a skit from the show. I was able to incorporate several music queues from the show, and I also found the PERFECT clip to include at the end. I'm very proud of the final result.
October 28th 1901, written and read by Akikotree
20 minutes, rated Gen
Fandom: The Night Circus
Ship: None
Summary: I found something recently in the attic of my grandparent’s house- a letter from Elise McBride (my great-great aunt, on my mother’s side) to Freidrick Thiessen. I know Thiessen was a great lover of the Night Circus, and connected with its early history. Elise’s letter mentions that he collected letters from other rêveurs, and a hope that he will add her letter to his collection. The letter is dated October 28th, 1901. My guess is that Elise McBride never posted the letter (there is no stamp on the envelope) because she heard of his death before it could be mailed. I found the letter carefully folded up inside a light blue envelope with a pattern of a labyrinth sketched on the front. Tucked in along with the letter was a single black circus ticket.
Rec Reason: This is a re-pod of the first podfic I ever made, and also the only story that I have both written and recorded. One of my teammates, Nuitarie, composed a piece of original music for it which is MAGICAL. It's getting close to my five-year podfic anniversary so I was really pleased to be able to revisit this story.
I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU SHOUT OUT to the mods,
klb, cantarina, and forzandopod, who have made this whole month just wonderful. What a good idea, and what good timing. This has been the most fun I've had in fandom in a long time- maybe ever? I've moderated things in the past and I know that it is SO MUCH WORK- a thousand thank yous for doing such a good job, pouring your heart into it, and bringing a ton of joy to many many people. You all rock. I can't wait for Voiceteam 2021!!