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Hell Gate City

Hell Gate City

By Kevin Berrey

Award-winning comedy sci-fi series about the intertwining lives of a ragtag bunch of dreampunks in a futuristic cyberpunk hellhole NYC; from Kevin Berrey. Season 2 is live. New episodes Blursdays!
It's free to👂 but not to make. Get extra rizz as a member, plus bonus audio tales like these every fortnight: https://www.patreon.com/hellgatecity
📄, 📧, 📀: hellgatecity.com
Chat with the gang on Discord⁉️
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9. Don't Look Back (Part 1 of 2)

Hell Gate CityMay 21, 2021

00:00
14:35
21. Prosthesis A

21. Prosthesis A

Support on patreon.com/hellgatecity!

Join us on Discord? ... https://bit.ly/hgc-discord

Follow Kevin on Twitch to catch the full show listen-through with Director's Commentary https://www.twitch.tv/hotcomic/schedule

Uploaded for Patrons in 24-bit, 48k audio in a special mix preserving the full dynamic range. The bonus tales for this chapter are “Centaur (Heather’s Story)” and “General Blonkers”.


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(This show contains provocative ideas and violence intended for audiences who have reached puberty. To avoid spoilers, we have placed specific content warnings at the very end.

⬇️)

It’s free to 👂, but not to make. Instead of relying on ads and sponsors, we reward direct listener support from listeners like you in exchange for mind-meltingly delightful bonus tales and and each episodes new original soundtrack music. Starting at less than 20¢ a day, those who join NAILS (Neo Amsterdam's Inner Legion Syndicate) get an exclusive and intensely fun ‘Glitch in the Waitrix’ bonus story with every free episode, enriching and expanding the journey.

The next higher tier includes other cool extras like prereleases of episodes and music when timing allows and a license to stream the award-winning documentary Shadow of a Bout. And all members get access to chillaxing soundtrack music, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and more — only on Patreon: patreon.com/hellgatecity

,

Email us at hellgatecity AT proton DOT me

(Also, read transcripts on Spotify.) CREDITS

Screaming Panda Presents “Prosthesis A” (Episode 21), the eleventh chapter of Hell Gate City Season 2. “Prosthesis A” was written, performed, and produced by Kevin Berrey, who also composed its original soundtrack and episode art. Plus, licensed under CC BY 3.0: * Future City ambience - https://freesound.org/s/502896/ * 372197__original-sound__error-bleep-4.mp3 * url: https://freesound.org/s/372197/ CC BY 4.0: * 235740__copyc4t__tf-robotic-hit.flac * url: https://freesound.org/s/235740/ * 235749__copyc4t__tf-sci-fi-sweep.flac * url: https://freesound.org/s/235749/ * 266334__ktoppmod__transformer-slowdown-03.aiff * url: https://freesound.org/s/266334/ * 378218__spoonsandlessspoons__interesting-tech-4.mp3 * url: https://freesound.org/s/378218/ * 613660__common-hamster__objmisc-crackle-vaping-e-cigarette.wav * url: https://freesound.org/s/613660/ * 613663__common-hamster__airbrst-spray-can-pressure-hiss.wav * url: https://freesound.org/s/613663/ . . CAUTION: Stop scrolling now if you wish to avoid spoilers in the content warnings. . . . . Content warnings for this episode include: gruesome surgery, violence, bigotry, antisemitism and religious persecution, gender discrimination, the ravages of war, mass murder, bombings and explosions, severed limbs, assault, nerve endings, mental abuse and torture (sleep facts), robbery, brutal extortion


Feb 16, 202435:51
FULL GLITCH: Moms of Mars V2
Jan 25, 202406:04
OUT OF WORLD – RE: Prosthetic Butts
Jan 06, 202405:32
20. Debt (Side B)

20. Debt (Side B)

Support on Patreon for the glory and the goodies here – ⁠https://bit.ly/hgc-patreon⁠!
Screaming Panda Presents Episode 20. “Debt (Side B)”, the tenth chapter of Hell Gate City Season 2.
(Content warnings are at the end to avoid spoilers.)
“Debt (Side B)” was written, performed, and produced by Kevin Berrey, the sinning composer of its original music and artiste of its episode art. Additional music by Cheska Navarro. See bottom for SFX credits.
The bonus tale for this chapter was “Centaur (Heather’s Story)” (Glitch in the Matrix 20), but that has been bumped up to the 21 slot, making the new Glitch 20 a mystery. But whatever it is, it’ll be available to subscribers in the Bonus Audio Tales Collection on Patreon. And if you like the absence of ads during this show, support me on Patreon (https://bit.ly/hgc-patreon) so I can keep making it. Get started for as little as twenty American pennies a day.
Even if you can only support us for a month, join today so we can hit 25 subscribers by the end of 2023, thus forcing me to create a rad alternate ending to our Halloween Special “Baba Yaga O’Riley”, inspired by that song everyone calls Teenage Wasteland.
Plus, I’ll thank you in a credits shoutout so epic the neighborhood kids will come knocking on your door begging for a selfie.
Send a kind word, question, or comment to:
hellgatecity@proton.me
TL;DR: We need to increase our handful of Patrons. So if 20 cents a day within your means, yo. Where you at? Join up, Sun. Not in the father-son way, but in the ‘you are the celestial ball of flaming gas illuminating our world way. Or, if you don’t do subscriptions, buy me a coffee? You know where the link’s at. Show notes: ko-fi.com/hellgatecity
While you’re at it, shoutout your love of the show on a social media platform of your choice. No one gets hurt when you do this. It’s just one big win. Tell me why you listen. Urge me to keep going. I am only human, after all.
Special thanks to our day-one Damiens and now-Baker’s-Dozen of Patrons: In December alone, NAILS (Neo Amsterdam’s Inner Legion Syndicate) added our newest member UnjustGuardian!, as well as Mike Gran, Tasha Le Mel, Moss, and free members Rebekah, Charles Wilner and Andressa Tonello.
Do join us on Discord – bit.ly/hgc-discord – where we chum it up in the group chat. You’ll meet fellow listeners, meme to your heart’s content, and see pictures of vinyl records I’m listening to – which critics agree is 832% more exciting than watching paint dry.
And if you’ve never listened to the credits before, just know that patrons get exclusive weekly Glitches – the short-but-sweet bonus tales riffing on each episode’s theme and occasionally adding depth and backstory you can’t get on the main feed, plus soundtrack music, behind-the-scenes content, director's notes, field recordings, and more. Like this.
I’m hooking up every paid subscriber till year’s end with a link to stream my newly-released CINE Golden Eagle Award-winning feature documentary Shadow of a Bout.
Also, see the Art Gallery for Ace Tier – bit.ly/art-4-aces
For more information visit http://⁠hellgatecity.com ⁠
Join us on social media: @hellgatecity (bluesky: https://bit.ly/hgc-bsky)
And keep rating the show on Spotify; some of you are mensches and have already moved the needle from 3.9 to 4.2 stars. Let’s catch up to the 4.9 stars it has on Apple. Heck, let’s do 5.
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Additional Sound:
Licensed under CC BY 4.0:

Circuit breakers by newlocknew – freesound.org/s/555769/
flashlight 2.wav by PanxoZerok

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STOP SCROLLING NOW TO AVOID SPOILERS
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Content warnings for this episode include: gruesome violence, cancer, getting friend-zoned, financial oppression, a deathmatch gameshow, suffering in a virtual disembodied purgatory, psychological abuse, verbal abuse and manipulation, assassination, burnt hair, assault, climate collapse, discussion of population collapse, and learning one’s parents are not who they say they are.
Jan 01, 202435:20
OUT OF WORLD – Indebted Butts

OUT OF WORLD – Indebted Butts

A jolly good end of 2023 to you, denizen!


Join me for our celebration of the show’s third birthday with a full director’s commentary-laden listen through of the show with Q&A and hijinks on MY birthday! 


Follow me on Twitch, save the date, and set the reminder at the following link for Saturday, the 27th of January 2024 at 1pm EST. Click: https://www.twitch.tv/hotcomic/schedule?seriesID=d423d4ed-bb57-49c9-8b50-32959a53f869


If you’re in need of solace, I get it. I’ve lost two friends this month and I’m still processing everything. You might appreciate my recent public Patreon post titled, “Jolly Holidays”. It addresses the push-pull of family gatherings and our attempts to martial merriment.


With that said, I hope you’ve been enjoying Season 2 – Codename COMPANION. “Debt” (Side A), the 19th episode blasted out to patrons on Saturday and everyone else on Sunday; and, like the rest of this season, I believe it represents some of my best work. May it brighten your day or ease you into a cozy night by the glow of a yuletide fire (or mobile device), whatever best warms your heart.



Have you shared Hell Gate City with a friend or likeminded group chat?


I recommend sharing this trippy YouTube video version of “Cypher” and that you subscribe to our youtube while you’re at it.


And, if you have enjoyed the show, and it’s within your means, subscribe to our Patreon and join the community for a whole bundle of goodies


Paying patrons get access to a growing library of ‘Glitch in the Matrix’ bonus tales, sacred tunes, deluxe scripts, and more… like my award-winning feature documentary, Shadow of a Bout. For everyone who subscribes till the end of the year – regardless of the tier – you get a copy.

All hell-hackers who joined in 2023 will get a private youtube link – you’ll just need to have a youtube account, which is automatic if you have a gmail.


Also, for the next few days only, you can just buy Shadow of a Bout outright for $9.95 a 66.7% discount, to make it as easy and accessible as possible for those who’ve wanted to see it and share it with friends.


And, I’m extending the offer till year’s end that if you join as a free member to our Patreon, I’ll shoot you a link to a free bonus tale (Just have an email address and join before 2024!). 

As mentioned, we currently have 12 patrons (🙏 you rock!) — a 140% increase since the launch of S2 — and if we can get to 25 paid subscribers by year’s end, I’ll create a rad alternate ending to our Halloween Special “Baba Yaga O’Riley”, inspired by that song by The Who folks call Teenage Wasteland.


Rate and review the show on Spotify and Apple! For the rest of 2023 if you shoot me a screenshot of your review or five-star rating, or even post it on socials and tag me, I’ll shoot you a link to the uncut version of this tale.

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve poured my heart and soul into this show… I’d feel silly if more people never got the chance to bask in all of its facets. Which is why you can finally preview all ‘Glitch in the Waitrix’ bonus episodes crafted for members of our Patreon here.


Futokoro-gatana (‘secret advisor’ in Japanese) – Let’s workshop! Consult with me on the phone. Plus, you’ll get a free copy of the handy Guide for Audio Dramatists e-book

Ace – Request the original artwork for a given episode and it will be held for you upon signing up and sent to you shortly after you pay for the second month. Actually, no. I just decided this today especially for listeners. This is ONLY if you sign up before January 2024 – you can acquire a piece of original episode art after paying for just the first month. So, half off.

See the public Art page on Patreon (LINKED in the show notes as with all of these suggestions of links I’ve mentioned). There you’ll find detailed images, media, dimensions, and availability. (+ Includes all benefits of Futokuro-Gatana).

Dec 29, 202320:44
19. Debt (Side A)

19. Debt (Side A)

Support on patreon.com/hellgatecity

Award-winning comedy sci-fi audio series about a ragtag bunch of denizens struggling to survive a cyberpunk hellhole NYC The bonus tale for this chapter is “Randy” (Glitch in the Waitrix 19), available on our Patreon.


Join our community on the discord (there's a free bonus tale hiding there): https://bit.ly/hgc-discord ! Uploaded for Patrons in lossless WAV, 24-bit, 48k audio (This show contains provocative ideas and violence intended for audiences who have reached puberty. To avoid spoilers, we have placed specific content warnings at the very end. ⬇️)

It’s free to 👂, but not to make. Instead of relying on ads and sponsors, we reward direct listener support from listeners like you in exchange for mind-meltingly delightful bonus tales. Starting at less than 20¢ a day, those who join our NAILS (Neo Amsterdam Inner Legion Syndicate) get an exclusive and intensely fun ‘Glitch in the Waitrix’ bonus story with every free episode, enriching and expanding the journey. The next higher tier includes other cool extras like prereleases when timing allows and a license to stream the award-winning documentary Shadow of a Bout. And all members get access to chillaxing soundtrack music, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and more — only on Patreon: patreon.com/hellgatecity

Or, buy me a coffee https://ko-fi.com/hellgatecity

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Or, venmo me some bucks https://account.venmo.com/u/KevinBerrey


Credits

"Screaming Panda Presents “Debt" Side A (Episode 19), the ninth chapter of Hell Gate City Season 2. Keep an eye out for Side B. “Debt” was written, performed, and produced by Kevin Berrey, the indebted composer of its original music and episode art.

Email us at hellgatecity AT proton DOT me

(Also, read transcripts on Spotify.) . . CAUTION: Stop scrolling now if you wish to avoid spoilers in the content warnings. . . . . Content warnings for this episode include: violence with a harpoon blowgun, stabbing, a taser-like device, breaking and entering, assault, invasive surgery and nervous system hijacking, paper cuts, the ghost of Ernest Hemingway, theft, coercion, emotional abuse, themes of death by poisoning, discussion about the existence of holographic pornography that's impossible to mute, mental illness, gaslighting, government-sanctioned torture via sleep deprivation, AI-enabled neglect + emotional manipulation, themes of hallucination and psychosis



Dec 24, 202327:51
Winterlude

Winterlude

Join us on patreon.com/hellgatecity!


(Content warning at the bottom to avoid spoilers)


Credits

All content created and performed Kevin Berrey except intro theme song by the ever-talented Cheska Navarro.

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Content warning: Dangerous effects of sleep deprivation and other types of financial debt that can impact one's health

Dec 08, 202308:09
18. Cowardice

18. Cowardice

SUPPORT on patreon.com/hellgatecity!


Join the gang on Discord 🤝 https://bit.ly/hgc-discord


Award-winning comedy sci-fi audio series about a ragtag bunch of denizens struggling to survive a cyberpunk hellhole NYC

"Cowardice" (Episode 18) is the 8th episode of Hell Gate City Season 2. In it, you'll find the fourth and final part of Zellie's kidnapping operation gone wrong – Baby Nap. Also, Stone Stew, Story 4, Part 2. And, an old friend (or two?) from Season 1's early episodes reappears. Can you guess who?
(To avoid spoilers, see specific content warnings at the very end. ⬇️)
Preview its companion bonus tale “Extraction” (and all other Glitches in the Matrix) here: https://bit.ly/glitches-in-the-matrix. Or, join the Inner Legion ⤵️ Please Note:

It’s free to 👂, but not to make. Help us continue to eschew ads by directly supporting the show in exchange for mind-meltingly delightful extra stories that enrich the journey! Join NAILS (Neo Amsterdam's Inner Legion Syndicate) for as little as 20¢ a day. The next higher tier includes prereleases and an hour-long feature documentary. All get chillaxing soundtrack music and more — only on Patreon: patreon.com/hellgatecity

Email us at hellgatecity AT proton DOT me

Follow us on socials @hellgatecity. Get more info at ⁠

! S2 transcripts: Spotify App or https://www.youtube.com/@HellGateCity (Subscribe!)

Credits

Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City Created by Kevin Berrey, who also wrote, performed, edited, and produced “Cowardice”; visit kevinplease.com & @berrey on socials. Sound design and music by Mr. Berrey unless otherwise noted. Additional Sound: Licensed under CC BY 3.0: * Cape-Swoosh by https://freesound.org/s/161415/ * 380746__original-sound__tension-riser-2.wav by https://freesound.org/s/380746/ CosmicD: * dark wire - https://freesound.org/s/33499/ * 33702__CosmicD__bald_snake.wav - https://freesound.org/s/33702/ * 37574__CosmicD__slowblip.wav - https://freesound.org/s/37574/ * machine_ultracore_sound - https://freesound.org/s/376792/ * sackit.wav - https://freesound.org/s/33489/ Licensed under CC BY 4.0: * Shapes in the dark by gis_sweden - https://freesound.org/s/693519/ * hover-car-fly-by-1.wav by turquoisehexagony - https://freesound.org/s/705666/ Taira Komori: * swing3.mp3 - https://freesound.org/s/215023/ * sword_battle_loop.mp3 - https://freesound.org/s/215037/ . . CAUTION: Stop scrolling now if you wish to avoid spoilers in the content warnings. . . . . Content warnings for this episode include: gruesome violence, physical combat, poisoning, financial oppression, murder, deadnaming, burglary, kidnapping, theft, psychotic hallucinations, psychological terror, death by organ failure, martyrdom, suffering in a virtual disembodied purgatory, psychological abuse, verbal abuse and manipulation of kids by adults, assassination, paralyzing taser-like attacks, assault, breaking and entering, and child neglect, control, and coercion.

Dec 03, 202329:52
A Free Bonus Tale Awaits You...
Dec 01, 202306:22
OUT OF WORLD — RE: Thankful Butts
Nov 23, 202304:52
17. Courage

17. Courage

Support on patreon.com/hellgatecity or the show's kaput!

"Courage" (Episode 17) is the 7th episode of Hell Gate City Season 2. Have some. In it, you'll find the third and penultimate part of Zellie's kidnapping operation gone wrong – Baby Nap. Also, Stone Stew, Story 4, makes a debut. The bonus tale for this chapter is “Aftermath” (Glitch in the Matrix 17), available on our Patreon – patreon.com/hellgatecity Uploaded for NAILS (our Patrons) in high-resolution audio. (This show contains provocative ideas and violence intended for audiences who have reached puberty. To avoid spoilers, we have placed specific content warnings at the very end. ⬇️)

Award-winning comedy sci-fi audio series about a ragtag bunch of denizens struggling to survive a cyberpunk hellhole NYC

...from The World’s #1 German-Jewish Comedian with Narcolepsy (uncontested); Season 2 – Codename: COMPANION has begun!

It’s free to 👂, but not to make. Because I've nixed ads and sponsors, I reward your financial support. Starting at less than 20¢ (USD)/day, those who join the Inner Legion (Patreon) get an exclusive and intensely fun ‘Glitch in the Matrix’ bonus audio story with every new episode, circa weekly. The higher tier includes other cool extras like prerelease episodes, chillaxing soundtrack music, and more — only on Patreon: http://patreon.com/hellgatecity 4.9 stars on Apple and only 3.9 stars on Spotify?! Rate and review us to combat the haters.Right this wrong! (Also, get transcripts there.) Join Discord today for a a free bonus tale! (It will vanish soon.)

Get more info at ⁠http://hellgatecity.com⁠.

In Detail Season 1

After a dream-streaming device intended to increase ratings accidentally broadcasts his repressed memories of an eldritch murder, radio jockey Kirby Bevins must overcome dark forces and folly to solve the crime before he becomes the next victim.

Season 2

The next chapter ushers listeners into the phantasmagorical side of Neo Amsterdam like never before by way of a recording – for quality assurance purposes – of a customer support call from a denizen trapped in a metaverse gone awry.

Email us at hellgatecity AT proton DOT me

Credits

Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City Created by Kevin Berrey, who also wrote, performed, edited, and produced “Courage”; visit kevinplease.com & @berrey on socials Sound design and music by Berrey

Licensed under CC BY 3.0: * candy wrapper ball.wav by rubenvvuuren; https://freesound.org/people/rubenvvuuren/sounds/594417/ * 33702__CosmicD__bald_snake.wav & dark_wire.wav by https://freesound.org/s/33702/ * candy wrapper unwrap A. by volivieri https://freesound.org/people/volivieri/sounds/37180/ * 376347__original-sound__expansion-8.wav by original_sound https://freesound.org/s/376347/ Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/): * Minimal Tech Background Music - MTBM01 by gis_sweden https://freesound.org/people/gis_sweden/sounds/696385/ * Dropping Compost Bag on Floor.wav by F.M.Audio - https://freesound.org/people/F.M.Audio/sounds/547583/ . . CAUTION: Stop scrolling now if you wish to avoid spoilers. . . . . Content warnings for this episode include: violence with swords, guns, daggers, and bladed chopsticks, emotional abuse, themes of death by poisoning, wet dreams, oblivion, mental illness, anxiety, paranoia, blood, stabbing, AI-enabled neglect + emotional manipulation, dismemberment, themes of hallucination and psychosis


Nov 17, 202329:45
Intermission II – Threat from Within

Intermission II – Threat from Within

Support Hell Gate City on Patreon or the show will end. Also, you'll get sweet bonus audio stories with every episode – plus something else you have to see to believe here: https://bit.ly/hgc-patreon


Content warnings: This episode is rather different than our usual fare and has an extended segment discussing some personal matters about the author. Also, Nazis.


Credits:

Created by Kevin Berrey with an outro theme song by Cheska Navarro


For more info, visit http://hellgatecity.com

And, since we have 4.9 stars on Apple Podcasts and only 3.9 stars on Spotify, rate the heck out of us on Spotify to combat the haters and right this wrong now! ... https://spoti.fi/3Zrk6Xa

Nov 08, 202322:43
OUT OF WORLD – RE: Lion Butts

OUT OF WORLD – RE: Lion Butts

Have you voted for Hell Gate City in the Audio Verse Awards? TL;DR: Take a minute and pick at least 1 new show on page one, then vote Hell Gate City in the Existing Production category here: https://bit.ly/av-2023-vote

"Courage" (Episode 17) is slow-cooking in the oven. It'll be served up momentarily. In the meantime, here's a special prerelease tune from the soundtrack to give you a taste of the kind of goodies our Patrons get in the Inner Legion.

Patrons got a lossless high-resolution cut of the song... Actually, they also got an 'illegal' version of the song that Spotify won't let me post. In fact, part of the reason this whole episode is delayed is I've tried to upload multiple pieces of content today and they're all getting auto-deleted due to something Spotify doesn't like. They won't tell me specifically what it is, LOL.

In the microcosm of the original song, you would have gotten almost the entire story of the episode. But we're not allowed to have fun. Hang tight. E17 is coming soon... The Glitch in the Matrix bonus tale that goes with it is "Aftermath" available only on – you know.

Support us on Patreon: https://bit.ly/hgc-patreon

Oct 26, 202305:48
16. Bat

16. Bat

Behold the sixth episode of Hell Gate City Season 2 – "Bat". It hath dropped in the night like guano from our only mammalian friends who can fly without aerospace technology. In it, you'll find a conclusion to Story 2, Rose-colored Blindfold. And Story 3, Baby Nap, continues in part two.


(Content warnings at the bottom to avoid spoilers.) 


You're invited to join the conversation on Discord and chat with our growing community here: https://bit.ly/hgc-discord  


Note: The version uploaded for NAILS is in higher-resolution audio.


Credits:

Screaming Panda Presents “Bat” (Episode 16), the sixth chapter of Hell Gate City Season 2. “Bat” was written, performed, and produced by Kevin Berrey; he also created its original music and episode art. The Glitch (in the Matrix) bonus tale for this chapter is “Pedestal”. It’s available on the show’s Patreon at https://patreon.com/hellgatecity.

We forbid ads and sponsors in order to give you the best listening experience. Instead, we rely upon people like you to make a small pledge of financial support. The only catch is it will be inconceivable to keep the show going, ad-free, on a weekly basis, without increasing our current handful of Patrons.

Starting for as little as 20¢ a day, Patrons get exclusive weekly Glitches – the short-but-sweet bonus stories capping off each episode and adding a twist on the theme, plus pre-release soundtrack music, behind-the-scenes content, director's notes, field recordings, and more. The next tier up, Dreamwalker, gets two prerelease episodes just about every Thursday in the form of next week's show and glitch.

For more information visit ⁠hellgatecity.com⁠ or email us at hellgatecity@proton.me. Join us on social media: @hellgatecity. And rate the show on Spotify to right the wrong of our 3.9-star rating—compared to 4.9 stars on Apple? What's going on there?


baby 3.5 month breath licensed with CC BY 3.0 DEED - m3fuss https://freesound.org/people/m3fuss/sounds/179413/


Content warnings for this episode include violence against police, vampirism, the full sexual spectrum of bats, human waste, transhumanism, bigotry, kidnapping, violent combat with sharp weapons, prowling, crime, hallucinatory technology, virtual life after death, and sleep neglect

Oct 20, 202326:52
OUT OF WORLD - RE: Bat Butts

OUT OF WORLD - RE: Bat Butts

Dear Denizen, I share with you a sketch of the cover art for "Bat" (Episode 16). The episode, like this sketch, is in process and will hit the public feed ASAP. The finished cover art, on the other hand, is available on our public Patreon page, which has a brand new 'Community' you can easily join (and it functions not unlike Discord). Join our Patreon Community for FREE to see the finished "Bat" cover art and kibbitz with fellow listeners and members of Neo Amsterdam's Inner Legion Syndicate (NAILS) here now: https://patreon.com/hellgatecity Oh, and, yeah, you can also become a subscribing member on our Patreon by joining the other NAILS in Subscribing, which starts at less than two American dimes a day and is the only way to access all of our weekly Glitch in the Matrix bonus audio tales. Plus, you'll be exalted for supporting the show so we can keep going and growing without ads, which, who wants those? Ads lick dirty butts. And, without NAILS, nothing holds together. Become one today. Anyway, that's it. Let these notes serve as a transcript for now. There are rumors that Spotify will soon begin supplying auto-transcription services, so that'd be swell... We'll see. Check out all the above stuff, join our community, and enjoy the fun Ep. 16 art here. General info: http://hellgatecity.com Email: hellgatecity AT proton DOT me Kevin Berrey produced everything in this episode, including the music and art. And, last but not least, tell us in the Spotify Q&A: What's the weirdest insult you've ever been called by someone?
Oct 12, 202303:13
Intermission

Intermission

Join us: http://patreon.com/hellgatecity 


Today is picture day! Only it’s not regular pictures, these ones will be of the inside of my body. And so, we will be having an intermission until next week. Hang in there. And enjoy this slight return to two of the matters we left unresolved in Episode 11. Time to loop back around and take a closer look. 


Credits

This Episode was written, recorded, performed, scored, and produced by Kevin Berrey. 


For more info, visit http://hellgatecity.com

Oct 05, 202305:32
15. Fugazi

15. Fugazi

Time for some new vocab. Fugazi, fugazy, fukazy... Ring a bell? Don't worry. It will. It's Episode 15, the fifth of Hell Gate City Season 2.


Scroll to the end for content warnings.



Screaming Panda Presents “Fugazi,” Episode 15 of Hell Gate City. Fugazi was written, performed, and produced by Kevin Berrey, who also composed the music and the episode art. The Glitch in the Matrix bonus story for this chapter is “Goldmine.” It’s available on the show’s Patreon at patreon.com/hellgatecity. As you should know by now, we forbid ads and sponsors. Instead, we rely upon people like you, to make a small pledge of financial support to keep the show going, ad-free, on a weekly basis, which will be inconceivable without increasing our current handful of Patrons.

Starting with as little as 18¢ a day, Patrons get exclusive weekly Glitches – the short-but-sweet bonus stories capping off each episode and adding a twist on the theme, plus pre-release soundtrack music, behind-the-scenes content, director's notes, field recordings, and more. In fact, next tier up, Dreamwalker, gets two prerelease episodes every Thursday in the form of next week's show and glitch.


For transcripts, visit hellgatecity.com.


Join us on social media: @hellgatecity


Rate the show on Spotify to right the wrong of our 3.9-star rating, compared to 4.9 stars on Apple! What's going on there?!

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SPOILER ALERT: SCROLL NO FURTHER UNLESS YOU ARE READY TO SEE SPOILERS IN THE CONTENT WARNINGS BELOW.

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Content warnings for this episode include: themes of war and death, a bloody teddy bear, a bomb, oblivion, psychotic hallucinations, AI-enabled neglect + emotional manipulation, dismemberment, dismemberment by a gigantic jellyfish beast, jellyfish stings, public nudity, unwanted sexual advances, the threat of drowning, adultery/cheating, the afterlife, suffering in a virtual disembodied purgatory

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Sep 28, 202315:44
14. Bee

14. Bee

A new hivemate arrives in "Bee", so be ready. The sweet Glitch in the Matrix bonus tale that goes with Episode 14 like peanut butter goes with honey is "Guardian" (Glitch 14); you may ingest it with your ears by joining the Inner Legion (patreon.com/hellgatecity). New episodes AND glitches Thursdays! This one's for the not-so-busybodies out there. Be cool. Be happy. Just be. Can you guess the theme? Herein, we return to the Downsideup with Zandra in Story 2. It gets a little messy. To avoid spoilers, we've placed specific content warnings at the very end. ⬇️ ...from The World’s #1 Half-German-Jewish Comedian with Narcolepsy (uncontested); Season 2 (codename: COMPANION) is under way. It’s free to 👂, but not to make. Instead of relying on annoying ads and sponsors, we reward listener support from the Inner Legion (our Patreon). Starting at less than 20¢ (USD) a day, those who join the Legion get an exclusive and intensely fun ‘Glitch in the Matrix’ bonus audio story every week. The higher tier includes other cool extras like prerelease episodes, chillaxing soundtrack music, and more — only on Patreon: http://patreon.com/hellgatecity Follow us on socials @hellgatecity. Get more info at ⁠http://hellgatecity.com⁠. Reach out to us if you have questions about transcripts (now available on Spotify) or just want to tell us what you like about the show. And, since we have 4.9 stars on Apple Podcasts and only 3.9 stars on Spotify, rate the heck out of us on Spotify to combat the haters and right this wrong now! Credits Screaming Panda Presents “Bee,” episode 14 of Hell Gate City, and the 4th in Season 2, COMPANION. Bee was written, performed, produced, and scored by Kevin Berrey. The Glitch (in the Matrix) bonus story for this chapter is called “Guardian.” You may listen to it on the show’s Patreon at patreon.com/hellgatecity. It revisits Alfreda and the gargoyle from our first episode. Because we publish without ads or sponsors, our supporters keep this show going. In return, patrons get weekly bonus stories, behind-the-scenes content, prereleases, music, and, eventually, exclusive merchandise. . . CAUTION: Stop scrolling now if you wish to avoid spoilers in the content warnings. . . . . . Content warnings for this episode include: themes of imprisonment, abduction, purgatory, topic of death by allergic reaction to bee stings, bee population collapse, oblivion, mental illness, threatened animal abuse, anxiety, paranoia, denial of medical care, AI-enabled neglect + emotional manipulation, dismemberment and death by slow digestion in the belly of a beast, jellyfish stings, public nudity,  police violence via tasing, threat of drowning, themes of hallucination and psychosis, self-hate, homophobia, adultery/cheating


Sep 21, 202318:47
13. Mask

13. Mask

Here are just a few of the things you'll find in "Mask" (Episode 13), around which orbits the Patron-exclusive bonus audio tale "Unmasked" (Glitch 13):

• 1970s Interior Design by Earthlings

• Frustratedly Asked Questions

• Nudes


(Content warnings are at the end to avoid spoilers.)


"Mask" is the third episode of Hell Gate City Season 2. It finds our anti-hero caller #3715 neck deep in so many metaphorical masks he can barely see straight. If you think that's rough, wait till you delve back into Story 1, Ambush, featuring the ever-blunt Alfreda and a new... creature. Throw on your rose-lasered cyber visor for the second tale from the downsideup, denizen. It's recommended that Damiens listen while naked – your call, obvi!


Credits

Screaming Panda Presents “Mask,” the 13th episode of Hell Gate City, and the 3rd in Season 2. Mask was written, performed, produced, and scored by Kevin Berrey. The Glitch (in the Matrix) bonus story that goes with this chapter is called “Unmasked” and is available on the show’s Patreon at patreon.com/hellgatecity.

For transcripts, visit hellgatecity.com.

Follow us on social media – @hellgatecity

And if you liked the show, take a moment to rate and review it on Spotify where we have 3.9 stars compared to 4.9 stars on Apple... What? Right this wrong!

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SPOILER ALERT – content warnings follow.

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Content warnings for this episode include: themes of death and the afterlife, oblivion, mental illness, anxiety, paranoia, imprisonment, kidnapping, denial of medical care, AI-enabled violence + alienation + emotional manipulation, wrongful arrest, corporate-sponsored brutality, a blow to one’s genitals, deadly multi-story falls, non-consensual mind-swapping, public nudity, tasing, hallucinations

Sep 14, 202320:08
12. Tabula

12. Tabula

The mysterious customer from call record #3715 returns in the next chapter of Hell Gate City Season 2 – COMPANION. New episodes drop EVERY Thursday, with weekly ⁠bonus stories on Patreon!⁠ (N.B., Stupendously, Thursdays shower an inordinate amount of rewards upon Patrons in the Dreamwalker tier. They get to time-travel one week into the future and binge: A) Next week's prerelease episode *and* B) next week's 'Glitch in the Matrix' bonus tale... C) If for some glodforsaken reason they have fallen behind > a week, then they get to rip through FOUR veritable peaches of audio deliciousness. Suffice it to say, when you saunter 'cross the river of dreams, Thursday = Blursday (in the best way)!!! (We avoid spoilers by asking that you scroll to the end for content warnings.) "Tabula" (Episode 12) ushers listeners into the phantasmagorical side of Neo Amsterdam like never before by way of a recording – for quality assurance purposes – of a customer support call. The caller? A disgraced denizen in a metaverse gone awry. Cruise the seamy underbelly of a virtual world beyond the veil. Credits Screaming “Tabula,” episode 12 of Hell Gate City. “Tabula” was written, performed, and produced by Kevin Berrey, who also drew its cover art and composed its music. The Glitch (in the Matrix) bonus story that goes with this chapter is called “Gum Witch” and is available on the show’s Patreon at patreon.com/hellgatecity. Facts We forbid ads or sponsors. Instead, pledges from subscribing listeners keep our show going. For 18¢ a day, supporters get a weekly microdose of fun from Glitches in the Matrix, our bonus audio shorts after each episode. Plus, they get access to behind-the-scenes content, Q&As with the team, a chillaxing soundtrack collection, music prereleases, never-released song demos, director's field notes, an exclusive channel on Discord for discussing Glitches and insider tips, and more. The Inner Legion provides. You'll be extra grateful to have a crew in your sector come the next Cyber Purge. Once you're in the Legion, all you'll need to do is darken the door of any dingy — or chic — establishment in Hell Gate City and you'll garner untold reverence, respect, and awe. Denizens will salute you. Dwellers will follow your lead. And yes, Dendricks will envy your rizz, you courageous and steadfast members of the Neo Amsterdam Inner Legion Syndicate (NAILS). Because without NAILS, nothing in this town holds together. Follow us on social media: @hellgatecity For transcripts and more, visit ⁠⁠http://hellgatecity.com⁠⁠ And if you're liking the show, be a mensch and rate and review it on Spotify and Apple *right now*! 🌁 🌁 🌁 SPOILER ALERT: Beware... If you fail to stop scrolling now, you will risk seeing spoilers in content warnings below. 🌉 🌉 🌉 ❗️ ‼️ ⁉️ ⚠️ Content warnings for this episode include: themes of death and the afterlife, alienation, mention of murder by demon beast, nausea, depression, severe poverty and homelessness, the battery of a mime, a lost tooth, a bloody facial tissue, job loss, abandonment, imprisonment, restraints, state-sponsored violence, non-consensual mind-swapping
Sep 07, 202314:20
11. Unboxing

11. Unboxing

"Unboxing" kickstarts Season 2 of Hell Gate City with a question. What would you do if you found a recording of a customer support phone call placed by someone you know after they died? Who is the mysterious customer from call record 3715? And who sent the creepy Polaroid and the stack of 50 discs to a rando teenager in Queens, NY? In this introductory episode, Kirby stands in as Virgil, guiding listeners and laying the groundwork for a cyber-odyssey into a phantasmagorical underworld like no other. Prepare to get prepared for S2 (codename: COMPANION).

The Glitch (in the Matrix) bonus audio story that goes with this chapter is titled “Boxed In.” It’s available on the show’s Patreon. New episodes Thursdays!

(To avoid spoilers, one must scroll to the end for content warnings.)

It's free to👂 but not free to make. Get the weekly Glitch bonus story when you 🤜 subscribe ➡️ https://www.patreon.com/hellgatecity


About the Show On the surface, Hell Gate City is an epic audio drama offered in the style of a local radio show for the fictional metropolis of Neo Amsterdam. But as the show’s host plumbs his unconscious mind using a Cyber Lucidity Dream-streamer on-air, he encounters a sinister web of evil stretching from his past into the present. Will he pick up the thread and follow it into the unknown, or stick with the program?
Season 1 After a dream-streaming device intended to increase ratings accidentally broadcasts his repressed memories of an eldritch murder, radio jockey Kirby Bevins embarks on a journey where he must overcome dark forces and folly to solve the crime before he becomes the next victim.
Season 2 What would you do if you found a recording of a customer support phone call placed by someone you know *after* they died? Season 2 shares the footage.
Content warnings for this episode include themes of death and the afterlife, alienation, medical neglect, crippling insurance debt, mention of serial killers, murder by a demon beast, abandonment, abduction, corporate malfeasance, body-snatching, and nonconsensual mind-swapping.

Answer this week's question for Episode 11 on Spotify or using our email 📧 hellgatecity@proton.me:
What caused the "blue light over New York” in December of 2018? (Wrong answers only!)

Sep 06, 202317:23
Trailer: Season 2 – Codename COMPANION

Trailer: Season 2 – Codename COMPANION

Hell Gate City Season 2 has begun with "Unboxing" (Episode 11). TRANSCRIPT AT END

Hell Gate City is the award-winning comedy fiction audio series about a ragtag bunch of denizens struggling to survive a cyberpunk hellhole NYC.

Celebrate Thornton Thursdays with:
• New Episodes for Every Listener!
• Glitch in the Matrix Bonus Tales for Members of the Inner Legion!!
• Prereleases of next week's Episode and Bonus Tale for Dreamwalkers!!!


Join the Inner Legion and micro-dose these nuggets of fun for as little as 18¢ a day:
patreon.com/hellgatecity

(We put specific content warnings at the bottom of show notes or the end of transcripts to avoid spoilers.)

Show Synopsis
On the surface, Hell Gate City is a rollicking audio saga about the community served by a local radio show for the fictional megacity Neo Amsterdam. It’s a genre-bending dark comedy with a heavy emphasis on cyberpunk themes, especially as applied to questions about the nature of consciousness, memory, and dreams. Hence, dreampunk.

News
As of August 2023, all listeners should embark on the listening journey by starting here – the fully reimagined Episode 0. "Cypher – Sabotage Exposed!". Then, proceed chronologically to Episodes 1, 2, 3, and so on.

Season 2 – Codename COMPANION just launched in September 2023 with "Unboxing" (Episode 11). And COMPANION truly kicks into gear with the first 'proper' episode, "Tabula" (Episode 12).

Season 1
After a dream-streaming device intended to increase ratings accidentally broadcasts his repressed memories of an eldritch murder, radio jockey Kirby Bevins must overcome dark forces and folly to solve the crime before he becomes the next victim.

Season 2
The next chapter ushers listeners into the phantasmagorical side of Neo Amsterdam like never before by way of a recording – for quality assurance purposes – of a customer support call from a denizen trapped in a metaverse gone awry. Cruise the seamy underbelly of a virtual world beyond the veil.


We love to hear from listeners. Feel free to email us at hellgatecity AT proton DOT me

To learn more, including where to find transcripts, visit hellgatecity.com

Stay rested, dream-hackers. You're going to need it.



TRANSCRIPT
0:00-0:10 – You receive a disturbing recording of a customer support call made by someone after they died. What do you do?

0:10-0:20 – The award-winning dreampunk podcast returns to answer the question in Season 2.

0:20-0:30 – Begin the journey as if some poor schlub’s digital afterlife depends on it. Listen to Hell Gate City, episode 11, right now.
Aug 31, 202300:30
Teaser — Season 2

Teaser — Season 2

Teaser for COMPANION
Visit
hellgatecity.com. Support the show! Rate and review on Spotify, Apple, Podchaser, and wherever else they let you. And make sure to follow/subscribe so you don't miss out on this exciting new release.

Credits
Screaming Panda Presents: COMPANION
Written, performed, and produced by Kevin Berrey – kevinplease.com
Music composed by Cheska Navarro – www.cheskanavarro.com/

Transcript:
KIRBY: Howdy, hell-hacker. Kirby here to announce a new program coming your way. But first, a bit of local news.
Dust off your Kraken plague respirator and mask up when you head out today. The air of Hell Gate City is nearly opaque with purmple haze. That’s purmple – it’s like purple, but tastes grapey. But don’t be fooled, grape heads. Purmple haze has pummeled the air quality index to a hazardous 499. So, look out for increased murk drifting south from fires consuming the largest grape flavor-producing plant, most Canadrian forests, and several sick burns of Strayhorn, my best friend from third grade. He probably deserves a break after being continually roasted for encouraging his brother’s pet ferret to bite my calf years ago. Hit me up if you’re listening, Stray.
And now, our announcement. COMPANION is a new show winding up to blast directly into your brainlink this summer. Seeing as it’s top secret, I can only say this. It involves at least three things: a person from Hell Gate City entering the Underworld, a mindboggling customer service experience, and a Honduran bat.
That’s the skinny, Amsterdenizinny. Oh, and, COMPANION hits different if you’re done with Season 1. So finish listening to our award-winning first season if you haven’t. And get ready for a wild ride. CMP – COMPANION – is coming soon to our feed.
Till next time. May the sticky proboscis of a humongous flame gorgon dispatch your town’s crooked game warden. Bevins, wowee-zowee-Maui-owee-out.
Jun 17, 202302:37
10. Don't Look Back Again, Dummy (Part 2 of 2)

10. Don't Look Back Again, Dummy (Part 2 of 2)

Warning: This episode is violent. It may not be suitable for young children or the faint of heart. The time has arrived to bring Season 1 to a close, and what better way than by the gnashing of teeth and spilling of blood? No need to answer that. It's a family affair. We rejoin father and son in Seneca Park for Part 2 of 2. This is the season finale. And in it, we learn some shocking details about Kirby's past. Thornton tells all. You might not believe your ears. Support the resistance rebels by subscribing, rating, and reviewing our show. Share it with a like-minded soul. Every little bit helps! We need the momentum only you can contribute to power into Season Two. So much more is planned in our tale from the urban cyber hellscape that is Neo Amsterdam. You won't want to miss one iota. Patreon. Join forces with us if you can help out. It truly benefits everyone. And so, we give special thanks to the _Lord_ – our first patron, Lord_Entropy, as well as: Izza, Manji, What-A-Rush Collins, Bliquer, DJ L.E.L., Çamster & Bob for joining our resistance legion on Patreon. We welcome your patronage if you like the show and want us to keep making it here: http://bit.ly/hgcc-patron. Thank you for supporting funny sci-fi that doesn't suck. Hack into Kirby's cyberdeck and socials: Twitter Instagram Tumblr Facebook Connect Join our Discord Server! Join our Reddit Community! Escape social media hell – sign up for my email list here. Credits   Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City  Created by Kevin Berrey   Written, performed, edited, and produced by Kevin Berrey, online at kevinplease.com and on socials @berrey Sound Design and Audio Post Production by Dom Storrs, on the web at domstorrs.com, and on social media @dom_storrs   Original music and theme song composed by Cheska Navarro, online at cheskanavarro.com and on social media @cheska_yo   For more information, visit hellgatecity.com.
Aug 07, 202116:34
9. Don't Look Back (Part 1 of 2)

9. Don't Look Back (Part 1 of 2)

Strap on your Dream-Streamer headset, hell-hacker. You're entering part 1 of a two-part season finale that will launch the show in a new direction — a serial story arc for Season 02, about which we are very excited. Join father and son Thornton and Kirby Bevins for a walk in the park. It ain't a walk in the park, if you know what I mean. Thornton reveals a shocking secret about Kirby's past. Kirby doesn't believe it. Some confessions are just too wild to be accepted. Will he take Dad seriously, or is ol' Thornton too sick to think straight? At least one thing is certain. After this, everything changes. Don't feed the abandoned zoo animals. And look out for demon beasts while you're in the woods. Maybe it's polar bears? Whatever it is, something's stalking Neo Amsterdenizens, and it's not nice. So if you're down for a rough ride through Hell Gate City, jack into your cyber-deck right quick. Soak up the data stream before Ascension goes bats**t and vacuums us into the sky. Bevins out. IMPORTANT: We appreciate every listener. We thank you for sticking with us. And we humbly beg you to like, rate, review, and follow our show – hold up a lantern for others in the darkness. Of course, not everyone can afford to support, but join forces with us if you can help out. It truly benefits everyone. And so, we give special thanks to the Lord_ – our first patron Lord_Entropy, as well as: Izza, Manji, What-A-Rush Collins, Ben-Yeezy, Bliquer, DJ L.E.L., Çamster & Bob for joining our resistance legion on Patreon. We welcome your patronage if you like the show and want us to keep making it here: http://bit.ly/hgcc-patron. Thank you for supporting funny sci-fi that doesn't suck. Connect Escape social media hell – sign up for my email list here. Hack into Kirby's cyberdeck: http://hellgatecity.com/ Join our Discord Server! Join our Reddit Community! Follow Twitter - bit.ly/hgcctwt Instagram - bit.ly/hgccins Tumblr - bit.ly/hgcctmb Facebook - bit.ly/hgccfbk Credits Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City Created by Kevin Berrey Sound Design and Audio Post Production by Dom Storrs, on the web at domstorrs.com, and on social media @dom_storrs Original music and theme song composed by Cheska Navarro, online at cheskanavarro.com and on social media @cheska_yo Written, performed, edited, and produced by Kevin Berrey, online at kevinplease.com and on socials @berrey For more information, visit hellgatecity.com.
May 21, 202114:35
8. Destroy Before Listening

8. Destroy Before Listening

Love is a noun, a nickname, a type of shack, a god, an emotion, a verb, and a score of zero in cyber-tennis (how’d they arrive at that one?). Warning: this episode contains provocative content intended for listeners with ≥ adolescent maturity. All things are not what they seem. I, Kirby, look slightly fatter than last week. Yet, my bloat is just a bellyful of apologies for the delay of this episode. As you'll see with your ears, we got our boat rocked in the making of it. What's in this episode? Hypothetically, your partner has their central nervous system threaded into an entirely new body – what would that entail? Let's just say a lot. Even in Neo Amsterdam, bodies don't grow on trees. When a body pops up, and the city council doesn't quite know what to do with it, circuits fry. Turns out there's a lot of insensitive folks out there trying to put us in a box. They try to define us. And if we resist, they may try to confine us. Pray it ain't solitary cyber-confinement. That smarts. I hope that clears it up! Oddly, this show is brought to you by S.T.U.A.R.T., Streaming Terms of Use Across All Registered Trans-media. That's the blanket license every listener automatically agrees to in Neo Amsterdam. Know when you click "I Agree" before using an app? That's it. You have unwittingly signed a contract with a heap of shadowy mega conglomerates. Many of you do not know what that contract entails. S.T.U.A.R.T. requires us to listen to all corporate messaging. What if we don't? Will they get us?? Just play the dang episode. Anyhoo, if you have skipped an ad lately and are worried about repercussions, listen closely and stay on guard for the oncoming BUSS (this, too, will make sense). Bevins out. IMPORTANT: We give thanks first and foremost to the Lord, our first patron Lord_Entropy, as well as: Isa, xManjix, What-A-Rush Collins, Ben-Yeezy, Bliquer, DJ L.E.L., Çamster & Bob for joining the resistance on Patreon. If you like the show and want us to keep making it, we welcome your patronage, too. Hop aboard at http://bit.ly/hgcc-patron. Like, rate, review, and follow – be the lantern for others in the darkness. Thank you for supporting funny sci-fi that doesn't suck. Jack into Kirby's cyberdeck and follow us on socials here for surprises: hellgatecity.com Credits: Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City Created by Kevin Berrey Written, performed, edited, and produced by Kevin Berrey, online at kevinplease.com and on socials @berrey Sound Design and Audio Post Production by Dom Storrs, on the web at domstorrs.com, and on social media @dom_storrs Original music composed by Cheska Navarro, online at cheskanavarro.com and on social media @cheska_yo Additional music by the ever-talented Kevin Durr, on the web at hearandnowsounds.com, and on socials @kev_durr – licensed use of song “Vague Motion” For more information, visit us here.
Apr 09, 202115:37
7. The Cyber-Purge

7. The Cyber-Purge

It’s the third month of the year, so you know what that means. The Governing Authority Group’s (GAG) annual Cyber-Purge is upon us. Watch your partners and your pets. I know I did. If you’ve seen a dusky blue teacup poodle, caged or otherwise, please alert the station.

It’s been a tough year all around, and to think, we kicked off the Kraken-virus plague during last year’s Cyber-Purge without even knowing it.

Many a cyborg fell to a dweller’s knife that day. All that, only for the poor under-tunnel dweller and her family to fall ill to the Kraken by week’s end. Unbelievable. If you’re cyber-enhanced, look out, cybo. If you’re a normal organic person, be on your guard, orgo.

And, please, let’s all honor our pledges to the nannies and mannies who’ve stayed home to guard progeny during this trying time.

One badass way to do that is to join our club. First, it’s decidedly pro-nanny. Second, it’s chock-full o’ special benefits for members who are down for the cause. Lastly, it’s easy and practically painless to be a patron and help us keep making the show. Where's the secret clubhouse? Anyone worth their sodium supply will be lurking here.
Warning: this episode contains provocative and violent content intended for listeners with ≥ adolescent maturity.

Thank you for supporting funny sci-fi that doesn't suck.

Connect

Escape social media hell – sign up for my email list here.
Hack into Kirby's cyberdeck:
hellgatecity.com/
Join our Discord Server!
Join our Reddit Community!


Follow

Twitter - bit.ly/hgcctwt
Instagram - bit.ly/hgccins
Tumblr - bit.ly/hgcctmb
Facebook - bit.ly/hgccfbk



Credits

Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City

Created by Kevin Berrey

Written, performed, edited, and produced by Kevin Berrey, online at kevinplease.com and on socials @berrey

Sound Design and Audio Post Production by Dom Storrs, on the web at domstorrs.com, and on social media @dom_storrs

Original music composed by Cheska Navarro, online at cheskanavarro.com and on social media @cheska_yo

Additional music by the ever-talented Kevin Durr, on the web at hearandnowsounds.com, and on socials @kev_durr – licensed use of songs “First Things” and “Be Calm With”

And music by the virtuosic Aaron Jones, on the web at soundcloud.com/thecandlemambo, and on socials @thecandlemambo – licensed use of song “Cloud City Intro”
Mar 19, 202121:48
6. Radio Apeshot

6. Radio Apeshot

Dream a little dream with me, Kirby Bevins. Join us as we go hip-deep into my psyche, and, girl, it gets messy. Total radio apeshot. If you thought you knew ol’ Kirb up until now, think again. One Cyber Lucidity plunge and you’ll be swimming in a sea of intrigue, dark figures, and dangerous encounters.
Warning: This episode contains provocative and violent content intended for listeners with ≥ adolescent maturity. It includes bodily fluids and themes of assault, neglect, and child abuse.

That’s all before we tune in to the return of cyber-fan favorite, Dendricks' Corner, brought to you by Meg’s List. You heard me right. All lies therein. You’ll find the truth shivering next to a frigid Sex Bot, as per yoozsh.

Every time you tune in it fills us with gratitude and nutrient-rich chemicals. Subscribe like your life depends on it. I wouldn’t know anything about that, but better safe than sorry. Yeparoonie!

If you like the show and want us to keep making it, we welcome your patronage. Hop aboard our Patreon here.

Thank you for supporting funny sci-fi that doesn't suck.

Connect

Escape social media hell – sign up for my email list here.
Hack into Kirby's cyberdeck:
hellgatecity.com/
Join our Discord Server!
Join our Reddit Community!

Follow

Twitter - bit.ly/hgcctwt
Instagram - bit.ly/hgccins
Tumblr - bit.ly/hgcctmb
Facebook - bit.ly/hgccfbk



Credits
Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City
Created by Kevin Berrey
Sound Design and Audio Post Production by Dom Storrs, on the web at domstorrs.com, and on social media @dom_storrs
Original Score composed by Cheska Navarro, online at cheskanavarro.com and on social media @cheska_yo
Written, performed, edited, and produced by Kevin Berrey, online at kevinplease.com and on socials @berrey


Jack into Kirby's cyberdeck and follow him on socials for surprises: hellgatecity.com
Mar 03, 202122:01
5. Psycho Helmets On
Feb 16, 202116:13
4. Hot Metal Dobermans

4. Hot Metal Dobermans

Dear hell-hackers: I, Kirby Bevins, blame Mayor Boccaccio's Blackguard Cyber-Squad for intercepting Episode 04 through a sidewall. Do not be alarmed! We circumvented the fire-block. Hang tight and stay vigilant. Be ready for the new microchipped vaccine – it packs a secret punch.

Speaking of secrets, guess our guest today and you could win tickets to see the Vapor Games. Also, we feature a world-exclusive note from Qwerty Ping, a noted domestic terrorist-cum-interim Congressional Speaker. Also, just listen. Or, don't if you're sensitive about a little political satire. It's going to be a digi-doozy. -Kirby If you like the show and want me to keep making it, you might blow your brainlink to bits just listening to the cornucopia of weekly bonus audio tales you'll get when you join the Inner Legion here: https://bit.ly/hgc-patreon

Thank you for supporting funny sci-fi that doesn't suck. 

Connect

Escape social media hell – sign up for my rare email list here: ⁠https://bit.ly/kevin-comedy⁠


Cyberdeck:

  • Join us on Discord! 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/hgc-discord⁠
  • Twitter - ⁠https://bit.ly/hgcctwt⁠
  • Instagram - ⁠https://bit.ly/hgccins⁠
  • Facebook - ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/hgccfbk⁠⁠
  • Bluesky – ⁠https://bit.ly/hgc-bsky⁠
  • Tumblr - ⁠https://bit.ly/hgcctmb⁠
  • Reddit – ⁠https://www.reddit.com/r/hellgatecity/⁠  Credits Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City Created by Kevin Berrey, who also wrote, performed, and produced “Hot Metal Dobermans”; visit kevinplease.com & @berrey on socials. Score and sound design by Berrey with additional music, as follows. Songs licensed (with infinite gratitude) from the following geniuses you should know: “Star Talk” - https://soundcloud.com/thecandlemambo/star-talk by Aaron Jones “Crosstalk (Exploded View)” https://soundcloud.com/thecandlemambo/crosstalk-exploded-view by Aaron Jones Follow: https://soundcloud.com/thecandlemambo “Lizdad” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpLJQQ2wXS0 by RE Follow: https://rerecording.squarespace.com/ “w00t” - https://bobostertag.bandcamp.com/album/w00t by composer Bob Ostertag and artist John Cooney Used under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Follow: https://bobostertag.bandcamp.com/ Song : Plinian - Retro Gaming Version [Royalty Free] Music provided and produced by LonePeakMusic from Freebies, released July 5, 2019 Produced & Composed by Guillaume Brouhon https://lonepeakmusic.bandcamp.com/track/plinian-retro-gaming-version Used under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode For more information, visit http://hellgatecity.com.

  • Follow, rate, and review because why do we have 4.9 stars on Apple and only 3.9 stars on ⁠Spotify⁠??? Help right this wrong!

    Feb 05, 202116:49
    3. Hangman's Hangnail

    3. Hangman's Hangnail

    Kirby revisits President Gorp’s alleged cyber-coup last week. Who helped it? How? What happened? Why? It came to a head, actually about 15 heads. They rolled off several Centurian Cenators and a slew of Representatives unlucky enough to be caught in the melee. Host Bevins remains undaunted even as the F.I.B. and pint-sized hate machines pursue him for crimes he swears he never even computed. Rumors of Alby, the man-eating albino alligator in Old Haarlem develop into something sinister. And a surprising revelation about the "Weatherby's Wīnd-back" radio drama series casts a pall on the franchise. Do not wander aimlessly in Mini-Italy as a known culprit’s violent apprehension looms imminent. Brought to you by C.A.M.M.iE. If you like the show, want us to keep making it here, and can muster up two American dimes in change per day, be the change we need to keep it going and growing (I promise we'll hook you up with super cool bonus tales, tunes, and more) here: https://bit.ly/hgc-patreon Thank you for supporting funny sci-fi that doesn't suck. Jack into Kirby's cyberdeck:

    Credits: Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City Created by Kevin Berrey Written, performed, edited, sound designed, and produced by Kevin Berrey, who also composed original music; online at kevinplease.com and on socials @berrey This episode also features the work of generous and talented sound designers, namely: - “Pouring coffee.wav” https://freesound.org/people/Rico_Casazza/sounds/538932/ by Rico_Casazza  https://soundcloud.com/ricocasazza is licensed under CC0 1.0: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ - - “office-door-open-close” https://freesound.org/people/harri/sounds/9389/ by harri bionic https://freesound.org/people/harri/ is licensed under CC BY 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ - - “Women’s Shoes 3” https://freesound.org/people/OwlStorm/sounds/151207/ by Ashe Kirk / Owlish Arts https://freesound.org/people/OwlStorm/ is licensed under CC0 1.0: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ - - “swords_fight_1.wav” https://freesound.org/people/leechlights/sounds/180026/ by leechlights is licensed under CC BY 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ - - “Sword sheath v1” https://freesound.org/people/apolloaiello/sounds/328158/ by apolloaiello https://freesound.org/people/apolloaiello/ https://freesound.org/people/kev_durr/ is licensed under CC BY 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ - - “SwordClash.wav” https://freesound.org/s/518992/ by Amaiguri is licensed under CC0 1.0: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ - - “Metal_Hit_02.wav” https://freesound.org/people/dheming/sounds/197398/ by Derek Heming of Hedron Soundworks dheming at freesound https://freesound.org/people/dheming/ is licensed under CC BY 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ - - “Swords Clash - High Quality #2” https://freesound.org/s/364530/ By Christopherderp https://freesound.org/people/Christopherderp/ is licensed under CC0 1.0: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ - - For the latest news, join the Inner Legion.

    Jan 18, 202116:14
    2. Running Up That Hill

    2. Running Up That Hill

    It's free to listen but not free to make. Learn how to access mind-boggling new bonus tales every week – before Ascension goes batsh*t and vacuums us into the sky – here: https://bit.ly/Join-NAILS⁠


    (Content warning: provocative ideas and violence intended for audiences who've hit puberty.)

    Follow, rate, and review on ⁠Spotify⁠ where we have only 3.9 stars compared to 4.9 stars on Apple – WTF... Can you help right this wrong?!

    In This Episode Kirby Bevins finds himself on the lam (lamb?). He's now hiding out in a dingy capsule, trying to keep it together. He will not be cowed by the goon squad. Where to run?


    Connect

    Credits: Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City Created by Kevin Berrey Written, performed, edited, sound designed, and with original music by Kevin Berrey; online at kevinplease.com and on socials @berrey Additional sound: Licensed under CC BY 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  - “Howling Wind on Backdoor Porch” https://freesound.org/people/kev_durr/sounds/318780/ and “Mgreel - crank_spray paint_alum can_reel to reel_shower_door_winding clock_mgreel.wav” https://freesound.org/people/kev_durr/sounds/426284/ by Kevin Durr / Weave of K. https://freesound.org/people/kev_durr/ - “Weapon manipulation. Part1_32_96(compx2,limtr,Eq,transshpr,dnsr).wav” https://freesound.org/people/newlocknew/sounds/523199/ , “Swish hit.Deadly blow (13lrs).wav” https://freesound.org/people/newlocknew/sounds/528855/ and “Spaceship compartment door.With pneumatics(8lrs,mltprcssng).wav” https://freesound.org/people/newlocknew/sounds/546922/ by newlocknew https://freesound.org/people/newlocknew/ - “Mechanical Servo Tremolo” https://freesound.org/people/PatrickLieberkind/sounds/208900/  by PatrickLieberkind - https://freesound.org/people/PatrickLieberkind/ - “Metal_Hit_02.wav” https://freesound.org/people/dheming/sounds/197398/ by Derek Heming of Hedron Soundworks dheming at freesound https://freesound.org/people/dheming/ - “A Dart Being Thrown” https://freesound.org/people/theguitarmanjp/sounds/435004/ by @ComicJohnPowers https://freesound.org/people/theguitarmanjp/ - “Nasty Knife Stab.wav” https://freesound.org/people/Aris621/sounds/435238/ by Aris621 - “parantaja1 - health recovery instrument 1” https://freesound.org/people/markkuyp/sounds/345538/ by Markku Yli-Pentilä markkuyp https://freesound.org/people/markkuyp/ Licensed under CC0 1.0: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/  - “blowgun - pipeblow - dart shotting” https://freesound.org/people/ramonmineiro/sounds/531973/ by ramonmineiro https://freesound.org/people/ramonmineiro/sounds/531973/ - “Robot machine transform.wav” https://freesound.org/people/michael_grinnell/sounds/512478/ by michael_grinnell https://freesound.org/people/michael_grinnell/ - “Spinning reel.wav” https://freesound.org/people/tosha73/sounds/509902/  by tosha73 https://freesound.org/people/tosha73/ - “Slicing through flesh” 504615__neospica__slicing-through-flesh by NeoSpica of https://twitter.com/cybergnose_cafe


    Jan 02, 202112:60
    1. Pilot

    1. Pilot

    It's free to listen but not free to make. For top-secret content, (e.g., a new 'Glitch in the Matrix' Bonus Audio Tale every week during Season 2) enlist in the Inner Legion (our Patreon) and secure the future today. Or, just pop in: https://bit.ly/Join-NAILS


    (Content warnings at the end to avoid spoilers)

    Can't join, but still want to support? Follow, rate, and review on Spotify where we have only 3.9 stars compared to 4.9 stars on Apple – right this wrong!


    Join us on Discord 👉 ⁠https://bit.ly/hgc-discord⁠


    Series Description In this rollicking sci-fi comedy podcast, a radio host stuck in a dystopian cyberpunk version of NYC live-streams his nightmares for ratings. All hell breaks loose.


    In This Episode – Pilot Kirby's back, hosting a regular unencrypted episode of Hell Gate City Companion, a community radio show for the denizens of Neo Amsterdam. But what appears to be an audio drama offered in the style of a local public broadcast roils beneath the surface with an as-yet unidentified menace—also, emotionally needy demon-possessed swords. Connect

    Escape social media hell – sign up for my email list here

    http://berreycomic.com/sleepwithkevin.com/

    For all other info including transcripts, hack into Kirby's cyberdeck and enter the hellscape: http://hellgatecity.com/ Credits: Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City, created, written, and performed by Kevin Berrey, who composed the music and produced the sound design; online at kevinplease.com and on socials @berrey

    This episode also features: Licensed under CC0 1.0 – “Pouring coffee.wav” https://freesound.org/people/Rico_Casazza/sounds/538932/ by Rico_Casazza  https://soundcloud.com/ricocasazza “Women’s Shoes 3” https://freesound.org/people/OwlStorm/sounds/151207/ by Ashe Kirk / Owlish Arts https://freesound.org/people/OwlStorm/ “SwordClash.wav” https://freesound.org/s/518992/ by Amaiguri “Swords Clash - High Quality #2” https://freesound.org/s/364530/ By Christopherderp https://freesound.org/people/Christopherderp/ Licensed under CC BY 3.0 – “office-door-open-close” https://freesound.org/people/harri/sounds/9389/ by harri bionic https://freesound.org/people/harri/ “swords_fight_1.wav” https://freesound.org/people/leechlights/sounds/180026/ by leechlights “Sword sheath v1” https://freesound.org/people/apolloaiello/sounds/328158/ by apolloaiello https://freesound.org/people/apolloaiello/ “Metal_Hit_02.wav” https://freesound.org/people/dheming/sounds/197398/ by Derek Heming of Hedron Soundworks dheming at freesound https://freesound.org/people/dheming/ For more information, visit hellgatecity.com


    (Content warnings for this episode include mentions of plague, authoritarian governments, police state brutality, disappearances, hunger and food scarcity, goblins, the eating of a horse after putting it down, demons and demon-human relationship discrimination, government coercion and oppression, gender bias and animosity in the workplace, swashbuckling, misogyny, ageism, violence

    Dec 12, 202021:12
    0. Cypher — Sabotage Exposed!

    0. Cypher — Sabotage Exposed!

    Start listening to begin the award-winning comedy sci-fi audio series about a ragtag bunch of denizens struggling to survive a cyberpunk hellhole NYC.

    Join us on Discord! 👉 https://bit.ly/hgc-discord

    (This show contains provocative ideas and violence intended for audiences who have reached puberty. To avoid spoilers, we have placed specific content warnings at the very end. ⬇️)

    From The World’s #1 Half-Jewish Comedian with Narcolepsy (uncontested), aka Kevin Berrey. Meanwhile, Season 2 – Codename: COMPANION has begun with Episode 11. So, don't delay.

    It’s free to 👂, but not to make. Instead of relying on annoying ads and sponsors, we reward listener support. Starting at less than 18¢ a day, those who join The Inner Legion get an intensely fun ‘Glitch in the Matrix’ bonus audio tale every week! Members in the next higher tier nab other cool perks like prerelease episodes and glitches a week in advance. And all members get access to collections of chillaxing soundtrack music, pistil pics, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and more — only in The Inner Legion: patreon.com/hellgatecity


    About Episode 0

    "Cypher — Sabotage Exposed!" marks the beginning of Season 1 and introduces Kirby Bevins, Lonni Paysinger, and a motley cast of characters as they struggle to survive the predations of the looming technopolistic hellscape they call home in the month before "Pilot" (Episode 1). An unannounced visitor forces Kirby and the WNAD staff to take drastic measures. An awkward run-in with a raccoon during a Helloween celebration lands Kirby in the ER. Has his six-year-long bout of amnesia come to an end? An investigation into it begins.


    Season 1

    After a dream-streaming device intended to increase ratings accidentally broadcasts his repressed memories of an eldritch murder, radio jockey Kirby Bevins must overcome dark forces and folly to solve the crime before he becomes the next victim.


    Season 2

    The next chapter ushers listeners into the phantasmagorical side of Neo Amsterdam like never before by way of a recording – for quality assurance purposes – of a customer support call from a denizen trapped in a metaverse gone awry. Cruise the seamy underbelly of a virtual world beyond the veil.


    Email us! hellgatecity AT proton DOT me


    To learn more, including where to find transcripts, visit http://hellgatecity.com


    Credits

    Screaming Panda presents Hell Gate City

    Created by Kevin Berrey, who also wrote, performed, edited, and produced “Cypher”; visit http://sleepwithkevin.com & @berrey on socials

    Sound design and additional music by Berrey with original score composed by Cheska Navarro.

    We have 4.9 stars on Apple and 3.9 stars on Spotify – right this wrong and rate us on Spotify now!

    Additional sound: Licensed under CC BY 3.0:

    hospital_IV_machine.wav by gezortenplotz - https://freesound.org/people/gezortenplotz/sounds/19553/# Footsteps_Cane_hitting_Pavement.wav by Tdude9000 - https://freesound.org/people/Tdude9000/sounds/138328/# Entering a building, riding an elevator by Halfofthesky - https://freesound.org/people/Halfofthesky/sounds/455871/#

    Licensed under CC BY 4.0: Mini Robot Movement by EminYILDIRIM - https://freesound.org/people/EminYILDIRIM/sounds/54

    Content warnings for this episode include gun violence, gunshot SFX, animal and demon attacks on humans, humans fending off a rabid animal, alienation, amnesia, mental illness, gaslighting, hospital drug abuse, neglect, job and health insurance loss, emotional abuse, civil rights abuses, state-sponsored violence, censorship, and coercion

    Dec 10, 202043:17
    ENTERING Hell Gate City

    ENTERING Hell Gate City

    A radio jockey in the future uses a new gizmo to live-stream his nightmares for ratings. All hell breaks loose.

    Hell Gate City is the award-winning comedy fiction audio series about a ragtag bunch of denizens struggling to survive a cyberpunk hellhole NYC.

    Celebrate Thornton Thursdays with:
    • New Episodes for Every Listener!
    • Glitch in the Matrix Bonus Tales for Members of the Inner Legion!!
    • Prereleases of next week's Episode and Bonus Tale for Dreamwalkers!!!
    Join the Inner Legion and micro-dose these nuggets of fun for as little as 18¢ a day: patreon.com/hellgatecity
    (We put specific content warnings at the bottom of show notes or the end of transcripts to avoid spoilers.)

    Show Synopsis

    On the surface, Hell Gate City is a rollicking audio saga about the community served by a local radio show for the fictional megacity Neo Amsterdam. It’s a genre-bending comedy with a heavy emphasis on cyberpunk themes, especially as applied to questions about the nature of consciousness and dreams. Hence, dreampunk.

    News

    As of August 2023, all listeners should embark on the listening journey by starting here – the fully reimagined Episode 0. "Cypher – Sabotage Exposed!". Then, proceed chronologically to Episodes 1, 2, 3, and so on.

    Season 2 – Codename COMPANION just launched in September 2023 with "Unboxing" (Episode 11). And COMPANION truly kicks into gear with the first 'proper' episode, "Tabula" (Episode 12).

    Season 1

    After a dream-streaming device intended to increase ratings accidentally broadcasts his repressed memories of an eldritch murder, radio jockey Kirby Bevins must overcome dark forces and folly to solve the crime before he becomes the next victim.

    Season 2

    The next chapter ushers listeners into the phantasmagorical side of Neo Amsterdam like never before by way of a recording – for quality assurance purposes – of a customer support call from a denizen trapped in a metaverse gone awry. Cruise the seamy underbelly of a virtual world beyond the veil.

    We love to hear from listeners. Feel free to email us at hellgatecity AT proton DOT me

    To learn more, including where to find transcripts, visit http://hellgatecity.com

    Stay rested, dream-hackers. You're going to need it.
    Dec 09, 202000:30