Cryo Pod Tapes

03/01/2024

Episode 35 of Cryo Pod Tapes is finally out and available to download from all your favourite podcast platforms! 🎧 💪 😁

It took a while, but we got there in the end. Again, I do appreciate all your patience in waiting for this episode.

Usually by now I would be describing the general synopsis of the story in this episode, like a normal Cryo Pod Tapes episode, however, this simply isn't a normal Cryo Pod Tapes episode. (Then again, what is normal with any Cryo Pod Tapes episodes! 😅).

However, this time for this particular story, there is no general description for this story, you might say it isn't a traditional story. It is however, a gripping immersive experience you won't be expecting. So I implore you all, if you haven't listened to a Cryo Pod Tapes episode before, or even if you've listened to them all, listen to this one. Outer Reach Meditation a Transcendental Experience written by Nick Lay.

Don't let the name fool you though. You might just be lead into a false sense of security...😬

❗ CAUTION ❗

Do not to listen while driving or operating heavy machinery. 🎧 ⚒️ 💀

Listen to Episode 35 here: https://buff.ly/3h7XrL2

02/01/2024

Well, it's the first 2 days of 2024! Hope you had a lovely New Year Celebration and although it's very early days, I hope the new year is treating you all well. 💪 🥳 🍾

Tomorrow is Wednesday 3rd, which means if you remember, after being long overdue, Episode 35 of Cryo Pod Tapes is finally getting released and will be available on all your favourite podcast platforms at 5AM BST.

I appreciate all of you for your patience waiting for this episode and I apologise again for the long wait. 😅

The story in this episode is called Outer Reach Meditation, a Transcendental Experience and written by Nick Lay, who you may recognise for writing Episode 8's The Garden of Meat. Do not let the name fool you though, for this story is a little bit more unique than your average Cryo Pod episode.
So be careful if you listen to it, it may lead you into a false sense of security you may not be expecting...💀

Wednesday 5AM BST.
See you then.

27/12/2023

I would like to inform and apologize to our Cryo Pod Tapes audience for the delay in releasing the 35th episode of Cryo Pod Tapes which was originally scheduled for release today. However, due to various hindering factors, including production gig and the Christmas celebrations, I have decided to postpone the episode to the 3rd of January.

I understand the anticipation and that the episode had already been postponed before and I apologize for any disappointment caused. 😞

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Otherwise, I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and also hope you all have a great and Happy New Year! 🎄 🎅 🍾

08/12/2023

🎙️ 📚 Exciting times indeed!

Around 2 year years ago, during the first national lockdown of Covid, fellow voice actor, theatre performer and a good mate of mine, Brad Shaw started up a fundraising project called the Wonderland Challenge where he invited around 150 voice actors to narrate 1 minute from the famous story book, "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carrol with the money raised going towards the NHS. 🏥

Some of you who know Brad, also know that this challenge lead to the humble beginnings of Wonderland VO, the VO training site and community, founded by our man Brad here. A community I have been a part of since the very beginning and one of the best communities for VO's that exist today. (In my humble opinion).😅

And now this year, I'm proud to say that as a voiceover, I have had the honour of being one of those chosen be a part of The Wonderland Challenge 2!
An incredible project where this time, 175 pro voice actors are bringing "Alice Through The Looking Glass" to life, one chapter at a time.
And my chapter, Chapter 3, has just been released today, where you can hear me and my other VO friends bring our own unique voices to this beloved story and is available to listen to on all good podcast platforms. 🎧 😃

Here's a Spotify link for your convenience: https://buff.ly/4aaTeQ7

And this time, we are raising money for Cancer Research UK.
This is a charity who does incredible work every day trying to search for a cure for cancer for all those suffering with cancer today and for the prevention of future cancer diagnosis. It is an illness that is unfortunately still relevant today becuase the sad truth is, we ALL have experienced cancer in some shape or form, either directly or indirectly.

I myself had a grandmother who had cancer near the end of her life.💔

However, that's another reason why I feel proud to be a part of this project, because not only I am being a part of something great, I am at the same time giving my support to a cause that I wholeheartedly believe in.

A world without cancer.

So please. If you share that same belief, let's unite to support Cancer Research UK. Your contributions really do help save lives.
Please consider donating here: https://buff.ly/4195zjV

Lets help rid the world of this terrible disease! 💪 😁 🎙️

Thank you for your time. 😊

06/12/2023

❗ ❗ ❗ Cryo Pod Tapes News ❗ ❗ ❗

Firstly , my apologies for the lack of Cryo Pod posts, and secondly, my apologies for Episodes 35 not being made and released yet.

It has been particularly difficult to to make an episode recently due to a combination of going through a review process, and computer issues that I am planning to rectify.

Since taking some time off due to COVID, I have taken the time to review my current production workflow with how I make these episodes. Basically , finding out what I could do to make Cryo Pod Tapes better.

Technically, I'm always trying to make Cryo Pod Tapes better in some way, as each each and every episode is an opportunity to get better, not only in terms of production quality, but also my ability as a voice talent. However, every once in a while you have one of those times where you just got to lift the hood up and do a more thorough maintenance check than usual. And if you had to describe me in one sentence, this is basically me as a creative individual in a nutshell.

Much like an MOT for a car! 😂

Plus, with it being the last month of 2023, I figured it was about time for an overhaul of some sort.

For me though, this has meant looking into my voiceover approach, relearning some engineer techniques, adding some new plugins to my collection (which is always very exciting becuase I am such a plugin nerd!🤓) and with this new improved batch of ideas, stripping down my current production workflow and rebuilding it from the ground up.

So with that out of the way and becuase I have been going on for too long anyway, I would just like to finish up by informing you that yes, there will be a December Episode of Cryo Pod Tapes. The story is called Outer Reach Meditation a Transcendental Experience and written by Nick Ley, who is the Author responsible for Episode 8's The Garden of Meat in case you are wondering and will be intended for release on December 27th. It's a story fairly different compared to the rest of the stories on this podcast, but is nevertheless a very intriguing one in the realms of cosmic horror in its premise, and it also gives me the chance to try something a little more off-the-wall. 💪 🤪

Stay tuned for more info closer to the end of the month. And cheers for understanding and listening to me jabber on! 😅 🎙️ 🎧

Listen to Cryo Pod Tapes here: https://buff.ly/3h7XrL2

18/11/2023

Well, today is the day of the Vox Awards 2023, celebrating human performances in media this year.

I so would've liked to be there myself and have the chance to meet and network with you all, but even though I am stuck up here in cold cold Scotland unable to be there in person, I will most certainly be there is spirit. 😊

Oh well, there's always next year.

I'm wishing all the nominees the best of luck and I hope it's an enjoyable night for you all! 💪 😁 🎙️

15/11/2023

This is slightly different from what I usually post but I thought it was cool.

My chosen podcast distributor, Buzzsprout, has just added a cool addition to their website called Podroll. It's a new feature that allows me to create my own list of podcasts that I would personally recommended to my listeners.

Now see, the great thing about this new feature though, is that by creating my own list of podcasts, in a way, it also gives me the opportunity to show off the passion projects of other people I know who deserve more listeners than they get.

For example, if you would like to listen to a superbly written comedy drama about 4 bickering Vampire Ladies trapped in an English castle, then go listen to Vamps. Written and performed by the wonderful (and occasional Cryo Pod guest) Debs Wardle. 🎃 🧛

Or if you veer more toward the factual type of podcast and wish to learn while you listen, both Factoraly hosted by Bruce Fielding and How Do You Say That? (of which I was a guest on) by Mark Ryes are great fun podcasts to listen to, whether you're interested in facts, or listening to voice artists do funny reads. 🎙️ 😂

And you can find them all by simply going to https://buff.ly/3h7XrL2

This might sound like a bit of promotion thing, but really, it's just me supporting creators by talking about projects made by good talented friends of mine. I'm simply a supportive kind of creator.
Because in this industry, we all thrive by supporting each other.
Don't you agree? 💪 😊

31/10/2023

Happy Halloween Everybody!!! 🎃 🎃 🎃

Just in case you weren't aware already and are looking for a great podcast to listen to this spooky season, might I recommend Vamps, which has now released its first 2 episodes of its 4th and final season.

Not only is it written and performed by the lovely and talented Debs Wardle, but I also am chuffed to say that I had the great honour of producing it myself. And that honour just feels even more awesome to me since I was already a fan of Vamps and this being the final season, it only felt right to give the season the proper send off it deserves.

So trust me when I say, if you listen to it, you will enjoy it. 😊 📻

Huge Thank you Debs for giving me the opportunity to produce Vamps! I had a fun time on this project! 💪 😁

Listen to the podcast here: https://buff.ly/3Qj4z7E

Listen to Vamps on Spotify. Glizelda, Mariana, Ophelia, and Jean have been stuck in a castle together for a long time. A very, VERY long time... *** The characters in this podcast are vampires and behave as such. If you feel that you might find vampuric activites (screams from the dungeon, the odd s...

25/10/2023

The latest episode of the Cryo Pod Tapes Podcast, Episode 34's Living Will, written by Roger Ley, is now available on all major podcast platforms and more for all to listen to! 🎧 😁 💥

This gripping short story delves into the life of an old man on the brink of death, whose fate lies in the hands of a virtual version of himself.

Don't miss out on this short, but captivating tale of man struggle with mortality! ☠️ 🎧 🎙️

And on a lighter note, Cryo Pod Tapes would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween! 💪 🎃 🍺

Listen to Episode 34 here and enjoy:

One of the few podcasts dedicated to making Sci-Fi Horror and Cosmic Horror audio productions. Cryo Pod Tapes is an award nominated Cosmic Horror anthology podcast that takes original Sci-fi Horror and Cosmic Horror short stories submitted by writ...

23/10/2023

I regret to inform that there will no November episode and will have to be rescheduled for December instead. As is the norm nowadays, during this colder season leading up to winter, Covid is more prevalent. And I am unfortunately facing the challenges of Covid-19 and its impact on my ability to produce episodes on time. And as such, my voice isn't at full capacity as it usually is and I've temporarily lost partial hearing in my left ear as well as my sense of taste and smell also being affected. It is imperative to prioritize my health and well-being during this difficult time which will probably last another week or so. 😷

However, I do want to reassure everyone that the second Halloween episode of this month, Episode 34's Living Will by Roger Ley will still be released as scheduled this Wednesday at 5AM BST. Your understanding and continued support are greatly appreciated as I navigate through these circumstances. 🎧 💪 🤢

The decision to postpone the November episode was not an easy one, but it is crucial to prioritize my recovery and ensure that I can deliver the best content possible. The effects of Covid-19 vary from person to person, and unfortunately, it has impacted my ability to meet the original deadline.
As I work towards recovering from Covid-19, I am committed to resuming normal operations and delivering the November episode in December. I appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of adjustment. Rest assured, the delay will not compromise the quality and effort put into creating the episode. I am still determined to deliver an episode that surpasses the expectations of the previous one and make up for the unexpected postponement.

Once again, I express my gratitude for your continued support and understanding. It's somewhat strange that Covid still causes significant disruptions in various aspects of our lives, and that includes me and I guess that the reality of it. I remain dedicated to producing valuable and engaging content for my audience, and I look forward to delivering the postponed November episode in December. Thank you for understanding and standing by me during this challenging time.

You all stay safe and take care during these cold months ahead. And don't forget to stay tuned for Episode 34's release on all your favourite podcast providers in just 2 days time!

And Happy Halloween! 🎃 ☠️ 🎃

18/10/2023

Only 1 week left till Episode 35' Living Will by Roger Ley is released and available on all your favourite podcast platforms.

As normal, there is a short sample of the episode so you can get an idea of what to expect in this story. Again, just like in Lone Orbit, Roger delivers a story about a seeming normal subject but gives it a twisted alternative that will surely stop and make you think.

"Martin Riley leads as much a normal life as any other person, he marries, starts a family, divorces and of course like everyone else, he grows old. Now on his death bed, unable to eat, drink or talk, the decision of his end-of-life care is left to a software version of himself. A futuristic form of a living which he signed years before."

Full episode to be released Wednesday October 25th at 5AM BST.

13/10/2023

More Congratulations are in order to everyone involved with the Cryo Pod Tapes podcast! ❗ ❗ ❗

We have achieved an EXTRAORDINARY milestone by surpassing 1000 downloads on our very first episode! 💥 💪 😁

I know I have said it before, but I would like to say a huge thank you again to everyone who listens to this show, and every one of the amazing Authors and VA's that have participated in this project. You have all contributed to this achievement in some way, not just me, I've just made you all sound good! 😄

Remember though, we have 33 more episodes for you to listen to, plus another one in less than 2 weeks, so if you haven't heard the other 32, I would highly recommended you listen to the rest as well.

By listening to Cryo Pod Tapes, fans can delve into a domain of Cosmic Horror and Sci-fi Horror and savour a unique style of storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned cosmic horror enthusiast or someone who's just beginning to explore the genre, Cryo Pod Tapes has something for everyone. And there are a lot more stories that are just as awesome and stand out in their own unique way.
Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity and give the podcast a try today!

09/10/2023

Turns out I've been nominated for Best Human Performance in an Audio Drama/Podcast at the UK VOX Awards! 💥 🏆 😲

HOLY MOLY, yet another unexpected surprise ❗ ❗ ❗

This is the first time I've ever been nominated for one of these. And what's really cool is that my submission was my performance from the episode "Observation Part 1" on my podcast, Cryo Pod Tapes. And the only submission self-produced, which is doubly awesome for me! I mean, up there with the likes of Big Finish Productions?! From a producer standpoint, that is truly amazing I still don't believe it! 😅

I must say, going from Newcomer of the Year nominee at One Voice to Best Human Performance in an Audio Drama nominee all in the same year is something I really didn't expect!
I'd say that is an achievement worthy of celebration even if I don't win this award.
Even getting a nomination, shows that I am at least decent at what I do.

This Best Human Performance nomination is particular, is amazing because somebody out there thinks my skills as a voiceover are good enough to be nominated. And when you have something that's your own thing that gets peoples attention at an awards place like this, it's quite relieving in a way, because it means what I've made has been totally worth it up to this point.

I really can't write about my achievements without mentioning the wonderful people that have also played a part in this achievement of course! Such as my wonderful voiceover friends and the talented authors responsible for these awesome stories.

And of course, a great many congratulations to all the nominees whom I share this nomination with! 😁 🎙️ 😁

04/10/2023

BONUS Episode 33 with Author, Roger Ley is now out and available to download on all your favourite podcast providers. 💪 🎙️

Roger Ley is a novel and short story author born in London and educated in the U.K and Saudi Arabia. He worked as an engineer in the oilfields of North Africa and the North Sea, before pursuing a career in higher education. Teaching Mechanical Engineering and building navel engines. Now retired, he pursues his passion of writing stories, writing over 8 books to date that have been published and broadcast internationally. We talk about all of that, his story "Lone Orbit" that was featured on Cryo Pod Tapes and more in this 10th Conversation Episode.

Listen to the full episode here: https://buff.ly/3h7XrL2

02/10/2023

We've got 2 episodes planned for you this Halloween month. 🎃

Firstly, on October 4th at 5AM BST, we have the 10th Conversation Episode with Roger Ley, author of the short but poignant story set on the International Space Station, "Lone Orbit" published on Tape 21 of Cryo Pod Tapes. As well as beautifully narrated by Debs Wardle. We'll talk about his life, his stories including "Lone Orbit", his lessons learnt along his writing journey and more.

And the second episode for Halloween month with be coincidently another short story from Roger Ley. This time a short story called "Living Will", which explores an interesting and equally terrifying and futuristic take of a health power of attorney, where the only person who has the final say, is a software version of yourself, who is also keeping you alive. ☠️ 🎙️ 😲
Its a story about death that has all the dark, psychological, bleak traits of a Cosmic Horror story and I am looking forward to sharing it to you on October 25th 5AM BST.

With 2 episodes releasing in this very month, make sure you're tuned in on your favourite podcast player both for this Wednesday and Wednesday 25th.

And Happy Halloween! 💪 🎃 🎧

Here's a sample of my conversation with Roger on Episode 33 in the meantime.

27/09/2023

Did you enjoy that H.P Lovecraft classic on Episode 32 of Cryo Pod Tapes?

Wasn't Margaret Ashley's narration excellent?

I thought so! ☄️ 😁 💥

Anyway, we've got 2 episodes planned for you this approaching Halloween month. Firstly, we have the 10th Conversation Episode this time with Roger Ley, author of the short but poignant story set on the International Space Station, "Lone Orbit" published on Tape 21 of Cryo Pod Tapes. As well as beautifully narrated by Debs Wardle. Well talk about his life, his stories including "Lone Orbit", his lessons learnt along his writing journey and more and will be released on October 4th 5AM BST. Which is exactly a week from now.

And the second episode for Halloween month with be coincidently another short story from Roger Ley. This time a short story called "Living Will", which explores an interesting and equally terrifying and futuristic take of a health power of attorney, where the only person who has the final say, is a software version of yourself, who is also keeping you alive. ☠️ 🎙️ 😲

Its a story about death that has all the dark, psychological, bleak traits of a Cosmic Horror story and I am looking forward to sharing it to you on October 25th 5AM BST.

Here's a sample of my conversation with Roger in the meantime.

21/09/2023

Well, this was quite the surprise to find out! 😲 💥 😲 💥

So around 3 months ago, Cryo Pod Tapes was submitted to the first UK Independent Podcast Awards. Specifically to 2 categories, Best Horror/Supernatural Podcast of the Year and Best Podcast Artwork of the Year.

Sad to say though, we didn't get nominated for Best Horror Podcast, which is a bit disappointing and a little confusing. 🤨

However, we are very pleased to announce that Cryo Pod Tapes has been nominated Best Podcast Artwork of the Year Award! 😆 🙌 🍺

Not only have we been nominated for an award at the very first UK Independent Podcast Awards, this also marks the very first time Cryo Pod Tapes has been nominated by any podcast awards ever!! So I would say that is still quite the achievement that deserves celebration regardless. 🎙️ 💪 😁

Plus, it is awesome to know that all those many weeks and finances spent designing the new Cryo Pod artwork, were definitely well spent and amounted to something awesome like this!

15/09/2023

WAHEY!!

Today's the day my episode on the "How Do You Say That?" Podcast is now out for everyone to listen to! 💥 🎙️ 🎙️ 😁 😁 💥

I had a fun and interesting time with hosts Mark and Sam, talking about the myriad of different styles that's available to voiceovers. Listening to all 3 of us playing around with the 2 different scripts I brought was both very informative and even a little hilarious. 😂

It was also lovely and validating to hear from Mark and Sam, who are both veteran VO's compared to me, that I have a lot of talent and versatility in my voice, even in my character voices apparently.

Sometimes, I'm not sure if I'm very talented at all, so hearing stuff like that makes me think I must be on the right path at least.

Anyway, have a listen to the episode yourselves. And I do hope you enjoy it. And I hope I was a good guest Mark and Sam! 😅

Apparently I have a number to surpass from a certain David something, and I aim to beat him! 🤣

So spread the word folks, let's get it out there far-and-wide!!

Full Episode Here: https://buff.ly/46foZoH

13/09/2023

Okay, I know I said to wait till Friday for this other special surprise, but I just couldn't wait to tell you!

I have had the honour of being a guest on the "How Do You Say That?" Podcast with hosts and esteemed award-winning Voiceover duo, Mark Ryes and Samantha Boffin! 💥 😁 🎙️ 🎙️ 😁 💥

Yeah, I basically got myself on somebody else's podcast for once!
The first time I've been on another podcast other than my own actually.

"How Do You Say That" is a podcast for voice actors, actors, agents, coaches and directors with the intention of showing that there isn't just one way to read a script, but a magnitude of different ways! Each week trying out new scripts and off-the-wall wildcard styles with a brand new guest.

So this should be interesting to say the least. 😅

Here's a short trailer for my episode with Mark and Sam: https://buff.ly/3RgN6ij

The full episode will be released on Friday this week. So make sure you have a listen and show your support to Mark and Sam. They are lovely folks!

Quickly and easily listen to How Do You Say That?! for free!

12/09/2023

Okay folks, couple of announcements!

Firstly, Episode 32 of Cryo Pod Tapes is now available for all to listen! 🎙️ 💪 😁

I hope you all enjoy H.P Lovecraft's "Facts Concerning the Late Arthur Jermyn and His Family" with an enticing performance by talented VO, Margaret Ashley.

Listen to the full Episode here: https://buff.ly/3h7XrL2

And secondly, keep a look out this week for a particularly special surprise that will be released this Friday.

Hint: It's not related to Cryo Pod Tapes, however, it is a podcast. 😉 😁

11/09/2023

Only one day left till the release of Episode 32 folks.

This time, the voice of the lovely Margaret Ashley graces our ears as she performs for us another H.P Lovecraft tale, "Facts Concerning the Late Arthur Jermyn and His Family".
☄️ 💥 😲

Here's a little soundbite of the episode to give you an idea of what to expect.

See you tomorrow at 5AM BST! 😁

09/09/2023

Don't forget, Tuesday September 12th is the day Episode 32 of Cryo Pod Tapes drops on all major podcast platforms and more.

The story in this episode will be another H.P Lovecraft classic (one of the longest titles as well), "Facts Concerning the Late Arthur Jermyn and His Family".

And will be narrated by special guest narrator, Margaret Ashley.

So make sure you tune in to hear it on September 12th 5AM BST.

See you then. 👍

05/09/2023

Unfortunately, due to a combination of a rather overwhelming schedule and tiredness these last couple of weeks, the next Cryo Pod Tapes episode is going to be delayed by a week as well as the release schedule changed up a bit.

So instead of the Roger Ley story episode and interview episode releasing this month, those will be moved to October next month.

So for this month, Episode 32 will be the H.P Lovecraft story, "Facts Concerning The Late Arthur Jermyn and his Family" and will be narrated by special guest voice artist, the talented Margaret Ashley. And this will be released on September 12th 5am BST. So you're still getting an episode this month.

My apologies for this example of messy organisation, sometimes life just gets in the way.

Thank you for understanding. 😊

01/09/2023

Last week, I was approached by my good mate Moon, asking me if I wanted to produce an audio piece for a DnD Dungeon Master's campaign.

He also had the kindness of offering me 2 completely different characters to voice in this cutscene, one of them being a Dragonborn! 🎙️ 😀 🐉

I don't often get the chance to do fantasy projects, Let alone a DnD project!

So as you can imagine, I accepted the offer straight away! 🎧 😁 💪

I always try to work on any project I can get my ears to, even it is just a simple fun project to help out a friend of a friend. Because it's always an opportunity for me to hone in both my skills as a producer as well as my skills as a voice actor.

That, and I get to collaborate with talented like-minded creative individuals!

I ended up being quite proud of this project and I was so chuffed to hear that the Dungeon Master found it quote, "Absolutely Mint!" 💪 💪 💪 💥 💥 💥

In this cutscene audio, 5 villain characters are in a large command room where they discuss various regions in the kingdom that they run for their evil schemes, as well as discuss the fates of those who live in them.

As well as myself, this project also features the voice talents of Moon and Darensbourg.

Any feedback is appreciated! 🤟 💪

Huggins Moon Darensbourg