Sat, 1 January 2022
It’s the Lost in Williamsburg Christmas Special! Ever wanted to part the curtains and see how Williamsburg’s world-famous Christmas wreaths are made every year? It’s a lot more sordid than you would ever imagine. Along with the usual apples, pine boughs, and pineapples, no Williamsburg wreath is complete without a generous helping of bitterness, envy, and jealousy. And this year, it leads to murder! Contains mild swearing Caroline Corney - Your Host Lydia Carter - Betty Miles Michelle Ford - Natalie Moore Garland Lancaster - Barley Prentis Walker Thompson - Waverly Prentis Meril Gerstenmaier - Karen Moody Debbie Smith as Derechia Davis Richardson - Cory Deborah Elder - Giselle Bordeaux Edward Glass - Mr. Randolph Canton Murphy- Timmy Joe Hertzler - Teddy Patrick Popek - Judge Debi Burcham - Marion Jennifer Ryan - Becca Jack Martin - Wreath Announcer Christa Leonituk - Tourist 1 Paul Hellyer - Tourist 2 Mike Murphy - Wreath Maker 1 Lynn Sikora - Wreath Maker 2 Liz Barnes - Wreath Maker 3 Pete Lutz - Wreath Maker 4 Daniel Fishbonius of the Chronosphere podcast - Wreathmaker 5 Rish Outfield and friends - Assorted Wreath Makers Written, directed, edited, and scored by Phillip Merritt ©2022 Phillip Merritt |
Sun, 18 March 2018
So this is it. The big super-sized finale that provides a closure of sorts to the Cats With Benefits/Old Country Road Killer storylines. Though Halloween night has ended (depending on how you define such things), there are still plenty of horrific things in store for the residents of Williamsburg. But what do a couple pieces of ugly old jewelry have to do with anything? I can’t tell you that, but I will say that not everyone makes it through alive to find out the answer!
Robert Mosby as Roger P. Shiffle Mike Turner as Ed Jackson Jalen Mouser as Toby Frank Battle as Mr. Toliver Ed Champion as Dr. Blevin Claudia Swain As Jordan Bales Claire Penix as Meghan Marshall Lynn Sikora as the nurse Philip Burcher as John Dunhill Linda Hertzler as Valerie Dunhill Susan Branch Smith as the unnamed ghost Jacob Wilson as Josh Ryder Reid Perkins as Caleb Souter Suzanne Douglas as Cynthia Souter Louise Menges as Margaret Souter Will Hausman as Dale Souter Austin Beach as Mr. Guest Sarah Golding as Mrs. Guest Daniel Turner as Zeph Metcalf Zoë Bowen Smith as Ally Burks Colleen Kennedy as Hexabeth Blackhard
Now that greasy thug Ed Jackson has gotten his grimy little hands on the weird object Valerie Dunhill stashed away at the old Dunhill farmhouse all those years ago (waaayy before she started secretly murdering tourists), what will happen to it? We’ll find out when Ed’s shady employer at the Historic Williamsburg Corporation, Mr. Toliver, finally makes an appearance. What could he want with the strange artifact? Hopefully nothing kinky.
Aaron, the lead singer for the majorly underappreciated college rock band Cats With Benefits has been missing for a couple weeks now. Unbeknownst to the band, the secret séance convened to contact Aaron in the afterworld has ended in a bloody mess. How badly were people hurt? Will CWB keyboardist Josh forgive WCWM DJ Caleb Souter for participating, or is it splitsville for Calosh? And why did Caleb go to the séance in the first place? He must have had a good reason.
So, the séance of William & Mary’s resident student psychic Meghan Marshall didn’t go that well. But she’s finally vindicated, right? She actually did commune with the dead. Didn’t she? Will her encounter with the alleged spirit of Hexabeth Blackhard leave her traumatized or enlightened? I’ve got five dollars riding on the answer.
Will the 18th century sorceress Hexabeth finally crawl her way out of two hundred years of darkness? Those crazy kids huddled in the attic of the Equator club certainly got much more than they bargained for when they started talking with the no longer living. Whatever happens, I’ll bet it will add an interesting new chapter to Hex’s diary.
A visit to the old family homestead, breaking and entering, a police escort...aged patriarch John Dunhill hasn’t seen this much excitement in years! It would have been even more exciting, but old friend Roger P. Shiffle was not receptive. When he recounts the family-friendly version of the night’s adventures to his comatose daughter Julie, will she so much as flutter an eyelid? A pro-tip for first time listeners: If you hear a ventilator, that means your in Julie’s room. And she still hasn’t revived.
I’m starting to think that B&B owner Margaret Souter is never going to leave her bed. When you’re as old as she is the slightest upset can derail your whole damn life. Maybe it was the hip operation. Maybe it’s the weight of knowing so many of Williamsburg’s secrets. Or maybe she’s tougher (and more manipulative) than we think. Her son Dale probably has an opinion on that. And now that he’s learned some the town’s secrets (via Hexabeth’s diary) what will he do with the knowledge?
Produced, directed, written and scored by Phillip Merritt Thank you to Freesound.org for the use of their creative commons sound effects. ©Phillip Merritt, 2018 |
Sun, 19 March 2017
Yes, it’s still Halloween night and yes, the seance is still going on. But before we hear how that turns out, why don’t we take a 250 year detour back to an earlier, chillier October evening in Williamsburg? Just for a bit though. Once the stars have aligned and all the owls have hooted their last hoots, it’s back to those crazy kids at the Equator. Will they finally make a supernatural connection with Aaron?
Mark Hutchens as Thomas Jefferson Cal Shuey as Richard Holcombe Pete Lutz as Gideon Blackhard Reid Perkins as Caleb Souter Calvin Glaspie as Ted Breanne Long as Bree Claire Penix as Meghan Marshall Colleen Kennedy as Hexabeth Blackhard Jacob Wilson as Josh Ryder Claudia Swain As Jordan Bales Christa Mouser as Tracy Daggett Debbi Burcham as Tanner Dennis Leonituck Jr. as Perry Michael Turner as Ed Jackson And Timothy Costelloe as Francis Fauquier
Thank you to Freesound.org for the use of their creative commons sound effects. ©Phillip Merritt, 2017
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Sun, 18 December 2016
It’s just about midnight on Halloween night! It’s also intermission time at the party and the member’s of our favorite rock band, Cat’s With Benefits (Josh, Lauren, Zeph and newest member Olivia), need a bit of alone time to decompress from the usual rock band stresses. Options include kicking back with a cold beverage or a secret rendezvous out back behind the bushes. Meanwhile, the show’s MC Caleb heads upstairs to Meghan’s seance because... you know...he’s open-minded. Concurrently, John and Roger have to deal with an interruption to their late night excursion to the abandoned homestead at Dunhill Farm. Things could get dicey. Simultaneously, over at the Williamsburg cemetery, some familiar faces make a reappearance. This podcast contains swearing Sivan Tobias as Casey Elizabeth Flatt as Lisa Nora Knight as Olivia Bryson Kat Turk as Lauren Tasky Philip Burcher as John Dunhill Robert Mosby as Roger P. Shiffle Christa Mouser as Tracy Dagget Rebecca Suerdieck as Tanner Reid Perkins as Caleb Souter Calvin Glaspie as Ted Breanne Long as Bree Claire Penix as Meghan Marshall Colleen Kennedy as Hexabeth Blackhard Jacob Wilson as Josh Ryder Claudia Swain as Jordan Bales Daniel Turner as Zeph Metcalf Alex Laney as Trevor Frederick Corney as Professor Jobriath And Djuna Knight as Julie Dunhill Additional voices provided by Jalen Mouser, Melissa May, Paul Hellyer and Mia Council Produced, directed, written and scored by Phillip Merritt Thank you to Freesound.org for the use of their creative commons sound effects. ©Phillip Merritt, 2016 |
Wed, 28 September 2016
It’s time for an intermission at the big Halloween party in downtown Williamsburg. Cat’s with Benefits’ first set went great and boy are those kids stoked! But could all that excitement be masking something? After all, their lead singer is still missing. Oh, and guess who picked tonight to finally make a reappearance. It’s Jordan, Aaron’s girlfriend (from way back in episode 3). Out on the Old Country Road, John and Roger’s quest to see the moon over the James is sidetracked when something odd happens. This podcast contains swearing. Tonight’s cast includes: Reid Perkins as Caleb Souter Jacob Wilson as Josh Ryder Kat Turk as Lauren Tasky Daniel Turner as Zeph Metcalf Nora Knight as Olivia Bryson Claudia Swain As Jordan Bales Claire Penix as Meghan Marshall Philip Burcher as John Dunhill Robert Mosby as Roger P. Shiffle Albert Heatwole as Pa Dunhill Alison Valenti Peabody as Ma Dunhill Caroline Corney as your host And Caroline Peabody as the young Valerie Dunhill Additional voices by Jalen Mouser and Paul Hellyer Produced, directed, written and scored by Phillip Merritt
Thank you to Freesound.org for the use of their creative commons sound effects. ©Phillip Merritt, 2016 |
Sun, 31 July 2016
It’s finally (!!!) time for the big Halloween show at the Equator, Williamsburg’s favorite college hangout, and the rowdy crowd of William & Mary students is about to find out if Cats with Benefits will perform or not. Will they get to hear the last song Aaron Seager wrote before his disappearance? Do they care? Show organizer and MC Caleb Souter is stressed out, but doing his best. Down the street, still anguishing over his daughter Valerie, John Dunhill hides out from the trick or treaters in the upstairs bedroom of his comatose daughter Julie. And after a strange, unexpected guest makes an appearance on the Dunhill’s porch, John tries to release some tension at the end of this windy and eerie night. Written, directed, scored and produced by Phillip Merritt The Girl Who Messed Me Up produced by Mike Puccio, vocals by John Demarzo It’s Not a Party (Until Someone Breaks Your Heart) vocals provided by Nathaniel Clemmons, Nora Knight and Julia Mosby Thank you to freesound.org and freemusicarchive.org for the use of their creative commons sound effects and music samples including: Lamprey - Through You Kellee Maize - The Fact Is Isidore Soucy - Quadrille Laurier Alliance - All Jason Shaw - Parting Glass PC-One - Division Also included are short snippets of songs under the Fair Use Doctrine. ©Phillip Merritt, 2016 |
Sat, 23 January 2016
Dale, spending the afternoon at the Historic Williamsburg Library looks to Valerie for some answers about that diary he’s been reading. He won’t like what he finds, but certain other townsfolk definitely will. And though Margaret knows more than anyone about the weird things going on in town, even she has a thing or two to learn about Hexabeth. Meanwhile, the three remaining members of Cats with Benefits, try to fill the open spot in the group’s roster (though never in their hearts). If you didn’t already send in your demo, it’s too late now. Martha Kandler Smith as Linda Written, directed, scored and produced by Phillip Merritt ©Phillip Merritt, 2016 |
Wed, 30 September 2015
Margaret Souter, still convalescing, is scouring the Virginia Gazette for local weirdness, when she receives a visit from and old...friend. Dale (Margaret's son) is still reading Hexabeth's Diary, and Hexabeth is still plotting her revenge, and young Thomas Jefferson is in for one last (possibly) surprise. Hopefully Valerie will help Dale make sense of everything. This podcast contains swearing Colleen Kennedy as Hexabeth Blackhard Written, directed, scored and produced by Phillip Merritt Thank you to Freesound.org for the use of their creative commons sound effects. ©Phillip Merritt, 2015 |
Tue, 28 July 2015
The best and brightest of Williamsburg continue their revelry at the Governor’s Palace. Of course the boys are looking forward to showing off, but they are in for a surprise when Cecelia shows everyone what she’s made of. Hexabeth continues to mess with Thomas Jefferson, but who or what is messing with Hexabeth? The end of the evening concludes with fireworks. Who doesn’t like fireworks? This episodes features the popular 18th century tunes, Sweet Isabelle and Tricky Minuet. This podcast contains swearing Colleen Kennedy as Hexabeth Blackhard This audio drama is written, directed, scored and produced by Phillip Merritt Thank you to Freesound.org for the use of their creative commons sound effects. The violin and flute solos are public domain recordings. ©Phillip Merritt, 2015 |
Sun, 17 May 2015
Dale digs deeper into Hexabeth’s diary. Hurt and angry over the conversation she has just overheard, Hexabeth prepares a strange brew to exact her revenge on Thomas Jefferson. But what is her plan? At the Governor’s palace, the townspeople gather for a grand ball to celebrate the colony’s latest military victory. And leaping ahead to the present day, Lauren asks Caleb (already stressed from planning the Halloween party) for a favor. This podcast contains swearing. Will Hausman as Dale Souter Colleen Kennedy as Hexabeth Blackhard John Shuey as Richard Holcombe Jakob Stalnaker as John Page Mark Hutchens as Thomas Jefferson Frederick Corney as Professor Jobriath Jack Martin as the Carriage Driver Cassandra Glaspie as Cecelia Blackhard Timothy Costello as Gov. Fauquier Simon Joyce as Mr. Benedict Reid Perkins as Caleb Souter and Kat Turk as Lauren Tasky
©Phillip Merritt, 2015 Thank you to Freesound.org for the use of their creative commons sound effects. |
Sun, 15 March 2015
Season 2 premier: Main Course After a traumatic night of lies, blackmail and murder, life goes on for the residents of Williamsburg. Well, at least for some of them. Josh, Lauren and Zeph try to forget their worries, even if it’s just for one lunch. At the HWC Library, Valerie makes a decision that will change everyone’s lives by opening a window on the past, where Thomas Jefferson and his college chums let loose after weeks of studying. Meanwhile, poor overworked, underappreciated Hexabeth toils away in the kitchen of the King’s Crown Tavern, cooking up a strange brew. This podcast contains swearing. Patrick Teague as the Waiter Jacob Wilson as Josh Ryder Kat Turk as Lauren Tasky Daniel Turner as Zeph Metcalf Linda Hertzler as Valerie Dunhill Will Hausman as Dale Souter Cassandra Glaspie as Cecelia John Shuey as Richard Holcombe Jakob Stalnaker as John Page Mark Hutchens as Thomas Jefferson Joseph R. Joyner the III as Dobbin Thomas Heacox as Artemis Paul Spivey as Finney Binola Mehtaji as Sophia Pete Lutz as Gideon and Colleen Kennedy as Hexabeth Blackhard ©Phillip Merritt, 2015 Thank you to Freesound.org for the use of their creative commons sound effects.
If you want to skip the first season and jump right in, just peruse the spoiler-filled synopsis below and you’ll be good to go. The Souters Dale and Margaret Souter, the last descendants of a once prominent Williamsburg family, are a mother and son who run a colonial B&B close to the Williamsburg historic district. Margaret is obsessed with all the strange goings on in Williamsburg’s past. When she’s not posting news clippings in her scrapbook and waiting for her broken hip to heal, she worries about Dale. She thinks Dale would be a good match for Valerie Dunhill. She also worries about her great nephew Caleb Souter, a student at the College of William & Mary who hosts a show on the college radio station. Poor Caleb’s parents are dead. The Dunhills John and Jessie Dunhill are both professors at the College of William & Mary. They have deep tidewater roots and a troubled marriage. They also have two daughters: Valerie and Julie. Both women live with their parents. Valerie works at the Historic Williamsburg Corporation Library, and Julie, who has been in a coma for decades, resides in the upstairs bedroom. One day at the library, Valerie gets a call. Ed, an agent of something only referred to as ‘headquarters’, requests Valerie’s help. They need to dispose of two recently deceased bodies. For an undisclosed reason, they want to make it appear as if the victims were killed by the old country road killer (who happens to be Valerie). Valerie doesn’t want her horrible past revealed, so she must go through with the assignment. Cats With Benefits CWB is a college rock band consisting of Aaron Seager, Lauren Tasky, Zeph Metcalf and Josh Ryder. One October afternoon, the band performs live in the studio of the college radio station. They discuss creepy local legends with the show’s host, Caleb Souter. After the performance, Aaron, the lead singer, goes missing! He (and one of his professors) has been attacked in a creepy old house in the Williamsburg historic district by the reawakened spirit of Hexabeth Blackhard. Almost dead, but not quite, the disembodied essence of Aaron Seager leaves his body behind and wanders the city helplessly until he meets the disembodied essence of Julie Dunhill, who tries to explain the situation. In shock, Aaron stumbles over to his old dorm where he discovers a vigil being held in his honor. His fellow Cats With Benefits perform an amazing, touching song in his honor. Aaron tries to communicate with his old friends, but can’t get through. The college psychic Meghan does pick up on a few weird vibes though. After the vigil, he follows his roommate Josh back to their dorm room. Caleb stops by, and unaware that they are accompanied by the disembodied essence of Aaron, seek comfort in each others arms. Later in the day,after a failed attempt by the ghost of Matthew Whaley to take over Aaron’s comatose body, Julie invites Aaron back to her house to sort things out. However, once Aaron’s barely breathing physical body is stabbed by Valerie Souter on the old country road, Aaron disembodied essence fades away. But to where? The 18th Century Crew Way back in Williamsburg in 1761, Thomas Jefferson and Professor Jobriath, an instructor at the College of William & Mary, plan a surprise exorcism of Hexabeth Blackhard, an alleged witch and owner of the King’s Crown Kitchen. Thomas is surprised however, when Professor Jobriath reveals that his real mission is to kill Hexabeth for that is the only way to truly end her reign of terror. In the ensuing fire, the professor, Hexabeth, and her indentured servant Sophia are killed. But not before Hexabeth vows revenge. Hexabeth’s daughter Cecelia survives, but she is devastated by her mother’s death and Thomas’ betrayal. What will she do?
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Sun, 5 October 2014
Ed and Jake, under the direction of headquarters, have brought Valerie and her knife Chloe out to the Old Country Road in an sick attempt to relive the past. But it’s not all about Valerie you know. Her mother has her own stuff to deal with. Not that you care. Back in the burg, the DE’s (disembodied essences) of Aaron and Julie are keeping watch over Julie’s comatose body, which is kept alive by the steady pulse of its trusty ventilator. What are two good-looking, bored young specters supposed to do while awaiting an uncertain future? Oh, and on the radio, Caleb has a special new track to play.
This podcast contains swearing.
Philip Burcher as John Linda Hertzler as Valerie Casey Johnson as Aaron Djuna Knight as Julie Caroline Peabody as young Valerie Reid Perkins as Caleb Tony Spunzo as Jake Joan Turner as Jessie Dunhill Mike Turner as Ed and as always, your host Caroline Corney
‘The Girl Who Messed Me Up’ was sung by John Demarzo and Mike Puccio and produced by Mike Puccio at Serenity Sound. All music written by Phillip Merritt.
©Phillip Merritt, 2014
Thank you to Freesound.org for the use of their creative commons sound effects. |
Sun, 17 August 2014
After giving Aaron a little surprise at her house, Julie is able to open up to Aaron about her past and reveal details about how she became a 'no-brainer'. Out on the Old Country Road, Valerie, Ed and Jake share a tense ride to an secret destination. This podcast contains swearing. Casey Johnson as Aaron Seager ©Phillip Merritt, 2014 Lost in Williamsburg is an all-new original, full cast, audio drama with music and sound effects. Please consider leaving a review or comments on iTunes. I'd love to hear from you! |
Wed, 30 July 2014
Aaron's quest to locate and return to his comatose body has led him here. To this freezer. In an abandoned kitchen once used by the Historic Williamsburg Corporation. What's inside? With the help of the ghost of Matthew Whaley, Aaron is about to find out. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Valerie can't find a way to get out of her 'dinner date' with Ed. What does he want, and will her dad make things awkward for them? This podcast contains swearing. Casey Johnson as Aaron Seager ©Phillip Merritt, 2014 Lost in Williamsburg is an all-new original, full cast, audio drama with music and sound effects. Please consider leaving a review or comments on iTunes. I'd love to hear from you! |
Wed, 2 July 2014
With the help of a new frenemy, Aaron Seager goes on a scavenger hunt of sorts. Still steamed about his vinyl windows, Dale Souter takes his mother’s advice when he goes to the Historic Williamsburg Corporation archive to pick up some research for her. And there are a couple of surprises in store this evening for Williamsburg librarian Valerie Dunhill. Her mom won’t be happy. This podcast contains swearing. Casey Johnson as Aaron Seager ©Phillip Merritt, 2014 |
Mon, 26 May 2014
Disoriented by his attack, his body taken who knows where, Aaron's disembodied essence makes its way down Duke of Gloucester Street and back to the campus. Will he make it in one piece?
This podcast contains swearing.
Casey Johnson as Aaron Seager
©Phillip Merritt, 2014 |
Mon, 26 May 2014
Things get real for Aaron and Professor Welsh as they explore the basement of the Smoot House, as a person of the past makes an unwelcome reappearance.
This podcast contains swearing.
Sarah Stafford as Professor Welsh
©Phillip Merritt, 2014 |
Mon, 26 May 2014
On such a beautiful day, who would be thinking about any impending darkness? Margaret Souter for one. Is it the operation or her fears that keeps her cooped up in her bedroom? Does Dale even care? Probably, but he has bigger shrimp to batter right now. During an afternoon walk, Aaron and Jordan experience a bit of friskiness interruptus, and Professor Welsh goes exploring.
This podcast contains swearing.
Louise Menges as Margaret Souter
©Phillip Merritt, 2014 |
Mon, 26 May 2014
After Aaron stumbles upon an emotional college vigil, he must come to terms with a devastating new reality. Josh, facing one of the most difficult days of his entire life, must lead the band through one more song and deal with two new relationships that will challenge him in very different ways.
This podcast contains swearing and adult situations.
Casey Johnson as Aaron Seager
Additional vocals on 'Broken and Battered and Blue' provided by Kat Turk and Mark Kendrick.
©Phillip Merritt, 2014 |
Sun, 25 May 2014
After a night of colonial terror, Thomas Jefferson and Cecelia Blackhard face a frightening new reality. And unbeknownst to them, the fiendish events of that terrible evening will have repercussions well beyond the 18th century, as a present-day radio announcer unwittingly unleashes a string of events that will soon spread dread and horror throughout the city of Williamsburg. Featuring the song ‘Lost in Williamsburg.’
This podcast contains swearing.
Mark Hutchens as Thomas Jefferson
©Phillip Merritt, 2014 |
Sat, 24 May 2014
Late night. Autumn. 1761. Professor Jobriath, an instructor at the College of William & Mary, heads to the Blackhard residence on the outskirts of Williamsburg, Virginia. Accompanied by his young student Thomas Jefferson, he faces an terrifying challenge. Sophia, an indentured servent, is not sure he's up to to the task. Down in the basement, horror ensues. Will evil prevail and who will pay the ultimate price?
Frederick Corney as Professor Jobriath
©Phillip Merritt, 2014 |
Lost In Williamsburg
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