The Mysterious CHIRP – Details, episodes & analysis

In which Skip Tanner, code name "Lone Wolf", goes undercover and gets in over his head in this Spy vs. Spy stand-alone episode. Can Skip intercept the dead drop? And will he live to see Life Day? 

Our non-profit of the month is Mobile Mini Children Circus (MMCC Global), and organization close to TMC creator Holly Adams' heart. Since 2002, the Mobil Mini Children Circus has been empowering children through fun, resilience, and self-healing. At MMCC Global, we take children seriously.  We facilitate the discovery of potential and the development of social skills allowing diverse individual participation to unite the children in learning and playing in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh. To learn more and give support, go to https://mmccglobal.org/

CAST in order of appearance:

Jesika Cooney as RAVEN

Andrew Joseph Perez as Skip Tanner

Holly Adams as Nadia

Tai Bennett as Briggs, the Mission Voice

Holly Adams as Barley of Barley's Bodega and Penelope

Dee Alvis as Dorvin

Music by SuperGluorb and Jonah Rady, TMC theme music by Ryan Terrell, additional music provided by Riverside.fm

This episode is made possible by Carman Wilson Voiceovers. Thank you so much, Carman! You're brilliant, and congratulations on being selected for Building Doors!

In which we go deep with the kind genius that is Joe Dove, a passionate sci-fi podcaster and a terrific human.  Joe shares his journey into the world of sci-fi, influenced by his mother and Star Trek, and discusses the evolution of his podcasts, the importance of community, and the impact of sci-fi on personal growth. We touch on the role of technology in connecting communities, the significance of kindness, and round it all out with recommendations for sci-fi enthusiasts!

You can watch Joe's show, Captain's Quadrant at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCslqh8caGKYsFJc8pIFn5Mw  or  listen on Spotify, Apple podcasts and more!

Find more of Joe's wonderful work at https://www.2bescene.com/  for TV talk, reviews and more.

This month's non-profit is the Movember Foundation, dedicated to men's health, making a difference in mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.  https://us.movember.com/m/andrewjperez

Between the Seasons episodes alternate interviews with single-episode character adventures, and have minimal post-production.

The Mysterious CHIRP theme song is by Ryan Terrell, additional music from Riverside.fm.

The Mysterious CHIRP is a monthly science fiction podcast written by Holly Adams and the cast of TMC.

In which the unscheduled stop at the Stanley K Space Station leads to revelations at the circus show, and the plot thickens. Special Guest Stars: Dr. Erin MacDonald and JG Hertzler, both of the Star Trek franchise.

This month's non-profit is the Movember Foundation,  dedicated to men's health, making a difference in mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.  https://us.movember.com/

BLURB:

Purser Sammi Love has achieved a quiet yet fulfilling life as the certified accountant aboard the not very important Mysterious CHIRP traversing the Caprimulgiform galaxy. After another typical day reconciling ledgers, Sammi stumbles upon a shocking discovery (hint: it's a dead body). There's more than meets the eye on this regular old boat ship carrying mid-level merchants, a group of traveling players, and a small handful of minor dignitaries barely worth mentioning. The stakes are get-lost-in-space high and the quirky crew are in way too deep.

This laugh out loud sci-fi meets mystery will delight science experts, Star Wars fans, and diehard nerds alike as a sweet, charming, and marginally scientifically accurate portrayal of travel aboard a spaceship of accidental chaos. Featuring the voices of Sanya Simmons, Julienne Irons, and John G. Hertzler and creator Holly Adams in partnership with the sound design majors at Michigan Tech University, you can't miss a single minute of The Mysterious CHIRP (Sammi is counting on you).

CREDITS

Cast, In Order of Appearance:

Carman Wilson as Chief Mate Weathers McQueen

Jesika Cooney as R.A.V.E.N.

Shaun Scott as Jacelyn Mox

Sanya Simmons as Purser Sammi Love

Connor Fleming as Dadita

Susan Cooper as Fred

Andrew Joseph Perez as Skip Tanner

Tai Bennett as Malku

Stephanie Johnson as Xavia Schledhammer

Stephen Benedetti as Tumbler

Dan Pharis as Sevit

Jon Vertullo as Ian

Joey Steinhagen as Lieutenant Luke Canon

Dr. Erin McDonald as Dr. Svai Muir

NASA Physicist Dr. Robert Forsythe, as himself

Yasmin Tuazon as Professor Lomin

Holly Adams as Marchand Yaru

Farrah Haidar as Lony Gyver

JG Hertzler as Ambassador Bartok

Additional Voices provided by Rainey Alexiev, Logan Allore, Isaac Bowman, Luigi Casadei, Connor Crueger, Kaleb Fresonke, Brock Maloney, Otto Nelson, Christopher Plummer, Zayn Shafer, Brendan Sommer

Post-Production Team:

Sound Effects Designed by Madison Brown and Jack Summers,
Dialogue Editing and Soundscaping by Rainey Alexiev,
Music Composition by Jonah Rady and Ryan Terrell

Sound Supervision by Christopher Plummer and Music Supervision by Jeff Sherwood

This episode was mixed and mastered by Katelyn Roblee and Bella Dimiceli

The Mysterious CHIRP is a monthly science fiction podcast written by Holly Adams and the cast of TMC and produced by Shearwater Productions and Christopher Plummer at Michigan Tech University.

Episode 1:

In which our intrepid ship's Purser discovers a Fiscal Anomaly, questions about the Apollo 11 lead to a humblebrag conversation about all things cryo and condenser, and there's a vac tube emergency. Special Guest Star: Dr. Robert Forsythe, NASA physicist for Apollo 11-17, as himself.

This month's non-profit is 31 Backpacks, an organization that provides food and hygiene products for children in need in Copper County, MI. https://31backpacks.org/

BLURB:

Purser Sammi Love has achieved a quiet yet fulfilling life as the certified accountant aboard the not very important Mysterious CHIRP traversing the Caprimulgiform galaxy. After another typical day reconciling ledgers, Sammi stumbles upon a shocking discovery (hint: it's a dead body). There's more than meets the eye on this regular old boat ship carrying mid-level merchants, a group of traveling players, and a small handful of minor dignitaries barely worth mentioning. The stakes are get-lost-in-space high and the quirky crew are in way too deep.

This laugh out loud sci-fi meets mystery will delight science experts, Star Wars fans, and diehard nerds alike as a sweet, charming, and marginally scientifically accurate portrayal of travel aboard a spaceship of accidental chaos. Featuring the voices of Sanya Simmons, Julienne Irons, and John G. Hertzler and creator Holly Adams in partnership with the sound design majors at Michigan Tech University, you can't miss a single minute of The Mysterious CHIRP (Sammi is counting on you).

CREDITS:

Cast, in order of appearance:

Sanya Simmons as Purser Sammi Love
Jesika Cooney as R.A.V.E.N.

Carman Wilson as Chief Mate Weathers McQueen

Connor Fleming as Dadita

NASA Physicist Dr. Robert Forsythe, as himself

Stephanie Johnson as pub tender Xavia Schledhammer 

Dan Pharis as Sevitt

Stephen Benedetti as pub tender Tumbler

Susan Cooper as Fred

Joey Steinhagen as Lieutenant Luke Canon

Emily Babin as Junia Michaels

Shaun Scott as Jacelyn Mox

Andrew Joseph Perez as Skip Tanner

Jon Vertullo as Ian

Tai Bennett as Malku

Additional Voices provided by Rainey Alexiev, Logan Allore, Isaac Bowman, Luigi Casadei, Connor Crueger, Bella Dimiceli, Kay Fresonke, Brock Maloney, Otto Nelson, Isaac Nooe, and Zayn Shafer.

Post-Production Team:

Sound Effects Designed by Madison Brown and Jack Summers,
Dialogue Editing and Soundscaping by Rainey Alexiev,
Music Composition by Jonah Rady and Ryan Terrell

Sound Supervision by Christopher Plummer and Music Supervision by Jeff Sherwood

This episode was mixed and mastered by Katelyn Roblee and Bella Dimiceli 

The Mysterious CHIRP is a monthly science fiction podcast written by Holly Adams and the cast of TMC and produced by Shearwater Productions and Christopher Plummer at Michigan Tech University.

In which Chief Mate Weathers McQueen reinvents herself at the Paradise Resort for a much-needed getaway. Will she find romance? Intrigue? Or maybe... herself? 

Find out in this RomCom stand-alone episode as we follow McQueen to Planet Jemison, where anything can happen.

Our non-profit of the month is our partner-in-production, Michigan Tech University's Visual and Performing Arts Department. Visual and Performing Arts students and faculty make works of art that connect us with the world. Our students major in theatre, entertainment technology, and sound; minor in art and music; connect across disciplines; and engage with our community. Everyone is welcome here and there is something here for everyone. Learn more at https://www.mtu.edu/vpa/

CREDITS

In which we explore how the sound design students catapulted the sound for The Mysterious CHIRP out of the galaxy, and Christopher reveals some fun nerdy 'behind the scenes' info on how some sound effects are created!

We also discuss Christopher's sci-fi inspirations and recommendations, how science fiction explores human connection and the possibilities of technology, and the importance of collaboration. Mostly we just nerd out about sound.

This month's non-profit is Michigan Tech University, where our post-production sound design students are! 

"Degrees for tomorrow's needs. Find what makes you tick. Work hard. Change the world. With more than 125 degree programs to choose from, you'll be sure to find an academic home at Michigan Tech that suits your unique passions and strengths." Check them out at https://www.mtu.edu/

Short Christopher Bio:

Sound designer, audio engineer, immersive audio installation artist, theatre director, and Professor at Michigan Tech University, and with awards in all those things, Christopher Plummer is somehow one of the kindest, most compassionate people to work with that I've ever known (holly wrote this, not Christopher).

Between the Seasons episodes alternate interviews with single-episode character adventures, and have minimal post-production.

The Mysterious CHIRP theme song is by Ryan Terrell.

In this one-off adventure starring Lt. Luke Canon, we go noirishly rogue.

Planetside on Hot L 5, Canon is on the job, his handler Chandler is on his case, and the perp is on a crime spree. Join us in the hot city streets of Yorksburg, where a lonely gumshoe is just trying to do the right thing.

This month's non-profit is Running to Places. Running to Places (or R2P, as it's usually known) brings middle & high school students together from across Tompkins County and beyond to make friends and develop critical life skills through the art of theatre. Participation and tickets are 100% FREE. You can help by becoming our newest R2Patron. https://www.runningtoplaces.org/

CAST, in order of appearance:

Joey Steinhagen as Lt. Luke Canon

Connor Fleming as Chandler the Handler

Holly Adams as the snotty lady

Dee Alvis as Sindarin and VEEK.

Dialogue editing by Rainey Alexiev.

Music by Ryan Terrell and Jonah Rady. Additional sound provided by Riverside.fm

This episode is sponsored by the incredible Yasmin Tuazon, for which we are incredibly grateful. You can find Yasmin's directing and performance work at Graphic Audio.

In which we explore why "Murder is sometimes a laughing matter", science and character inspirations, and the role of sci-fi and mysteries in forwarding social justice.

We also discuss Mindy's latest series, the Deep Dish Mysteries, her fabulous character development, and the social themes woven into her narratives. 

Mindy reveals that her favorite sci-fi shows are Star Trek and Doctor Who, which shape her storytelling.

This month's non-profit is the Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry, serving families in Blacksburg and McCoy for over 35 years. The BIFP is run entirely by volunteers, and at this time, the needs of the community are greater than ever. Learn more by emailing bburgifp@gmail.com or at their website at https://blacksburginterfaithfoodpantry.org/

Short Mindy Bio:

Mindy Quigley is the author of two lighthearted mystery series. Her latest, the Deep Dish Mysteries (Minotaur-St. Martin's Press) was a Woman's World book club pick and has been featured in Parade, Milwaukee Magazine, and the Seattle Times.

Mindy's non-writing career is stranger than fiction, having taken her from the US to the UK, where she worked as the personal assistant to the scientist who cloned Dolly the sheep and as project manager for a research clinic founded by the author J.K. Rowling.

Between the Seasons episodes alternate interviews with single-episode character adventures, and have minimal post-production.

The Mysterious CHIRP theme song is by Ryan Terrell. Additional music courtesy of Riverside fm.

Episode 6: And They Would Have gotten Away With It Too

In which Sammi and the Scoobies find another anomaly, everyone (including criminals) off-boards at the space station Flying Caravanserai, and Sergeant Boorsha saves the day.

This month's non-profit is the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA). NAVA is a social impact non-profit association created to advocate and promote the advancement of the voice acting industry through action, education, inclusion, and benefits. NAVA also provides crisis funds. You can donate at https://navavoices.org/donate/.

BLURB:

Purser Sammi Love has achieved a quiet yet fulfilling life as the certified accountant aboard the not very important Mysterious CHIRP traversing the Caprimulgiform galaxy. After another typical day reconciling ledgers, Sammi stumbles upon a shocking discovery (hint: it's a dead body). There's more than meets the eye on this regular old boat ship carrying mid-level merchants, a group of traveling players, and a small handful of minor dignitaries barely worth mentioning. The stakes are get-lost-in-space high and the quirky crew are in way too deep.

This laugh out loud sci-fi meets mystery will delight science experts, Star Wars fans, and diehard nerds alike as a sweet, charming, and marginally scientifically accurate portrayal of travel aboard a spaceship of accidental chaos. Featuring the voices of Sanya Simmons, Julienne Irons, and John G. Hertzler and creator Holly Adams in partnership with the sound design majors at Michigan Tech University, you can't miss a single minute of The Mysterious CHIRP (Sammi is counting on you).

CREDITS

Cast, In Order of Appearance:

Dr. Erin MacDonald as Dr. Svai Muir
Carman Wilson as Chief Mate Weathers McQueen
Sanya Simmons as Purser Sammi Love
Jesika Cooney as R.A.V.E.N.
Joey Steinhagen as Lieutenant Luke Canon
Farrah Haidar as Lony Gyver
Cindy Kay as Sergeant Boorsha
Shaun Scott as Jacelyn Mox
Emily Babin as Junia Michaels
Susan Cooper as Fred
JG Hertzler as Ambassador Bartok of WARF, the water and air resources foundation
Andrew Joseph Perez as Skip Tanner
Connor Fleming as Dadita
Tai Bennett as Malku
Jon Vertullo as Ian
Dr. Robert Forsythe as Himself
Julienne Irons as DCI Ofelia Bridges
Holly Adams as Marchand Yaru
Yasmin Tuazon as Professor Lomin
Andrew Joseph Perez as the bored Med Tech
And Cheryl Holling as the Fussy Lady

Additional Voices provided by Rainey Alexiev, Isaac Bowman, Luigi
Casadei, Isaac Nooe, Otto Nelson, Christopher Plummer, Zayn
Shafer, and Brendan Sommer
Special thanks also to Christopher Miles for content consultation and overall nerd
awesomeness. This project is made possible in part with SOS grant funding from The Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County.

Post-Production Team:

Sound Effects Designed by Rainey Alexiev, Jack Summers, and Madison Brown
Dialogue Editing and Soundscaping by Rainey Alexiev and Jack Summers
Music Composition by Jonah Rady, Ryan Terrell and Alex Hernandez
Sound Supervision by Christopher Plummer and Music Supervision by Jeff Sherwood
This episode was mixed and mastered by Katelyn Roblee and Bella Dimiceli
With sound effects from freesound.com and soundsnap.com

The Mysterious CHIRP is a monthly science fiction podcast written by Holly Adams and the cast of TMC and produced by Shearwater Productions and Christopher Plummer at Michigan Tech University. 

Episode 5: May the 4th Be With You

In which a clandestine meeting offers new insights, an epic battle rages through the pub, and the suspects are held in storage closet AA-23.

This month's non-profit is The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. We provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.

BLURB:

Purser Sammi Love has achieved a quiet yet fulfilling life as the certified accountant aboard the not very important Mysterious CHIRP traversing the Caprimulgiform galaxy. After another typical day reconciling ledgers, Sammi stumbles upon a shocking discovery (hint: it's a dead body). There's more than meets the eye on this regular old boat ship carrying mid-level merchants, a group of traveling players, and a small handful of minor dignitaries barely worth mentioning. The stakes are get-lost-in-space high and the quirky crew are in way too deep.

This laugh out loud sci-fi meets mystery will delight science experts, Star Wars fans, and diehard nerds alike as a sweet, charming, and marginally scientifically accurate portrayal of travel aboard a spaceship of accidental chaos. Featuring the voices of Sanya Simmons, Julienne Irons, and John G. Hertzler and creator Holly Adams in partnership with the sound design majors at Michigan Tech University, you can't miss a single minute of The Mysterious CHIRP (Sammi is counting on you).

CREDITS

Cast, In Order of Appearance:

Carman Wilson as Chief Mate Weathers McQueen
Sanya Simmons as Purser Sammi Love
Dr. Erin MacDonald as Dr. Svai Muir
Joey Steinhagen as Lieutenant Luke Canon
Connor Fleming as Dadita
Jesika Cooney as R.A.V.E.N.
Tai Bennett as Malku
Jon Vertullo as Ian

Cindy Kay as Sergeant Boorsha
JG Hertzler as Ambassador Bartok of WARF, the water and air resources foundation
Farrah Haidar as Lony Gyver
Stephanie Johnson as Xavia Schledhammer
Stephen Benedetti as Tumbler
Andrew Joseph Perez as Skip Tanner
Yasmin Tuazon as Professor Lomin
Holly Adams as Marchand Yaru
Julienne Irons as DCI Ofelia Bridges
Emily Babin as Junia Michaels
Shaun Scott as Jacelyn Mox
And Susan Cooper as Fred
Special thanks also to Christopher Miles for content consultation and overall nerd
awesomeness.

Post-Production Team:

Sound Effects Designed by Rainey Alexiev, Jack Summers, and Madison Brown
Dialogue Editing and Soundscaping by Rainey Alexiev and Jack Summers
Music Composition by Jonah Rady, Ryan Terrell and Alex Hernandez
Sound Supervision by Christopher Plummer and Music Supervision by Jeff Sherwood
This episode was mixed and mastered by Katelyn Roblee and Bella Dimiceli
With sound effects from freesound.com and soundsnap.com

The Mysterious CHIRP is a monthly science fiction podcast written by Holly Adams and the cast of TMC and produced by Shearwater Productions and Christopher Plummer at Michigan Tech University.