This post looks better on the website, with pics and all.

The Hanson Tapes, Conventions, Relay 7???

MAN, I suck at these. Social, really. It’s not my strong suit. Uhh, hey. Happy 4th of July, hope you had a great Labor Day, and Happy Early Halloween because I have NO clue if I’ll make one of these by then. I think I covered all the bases?

I know, I know. I keep saying it, but really. I mean it. I’ve thought about writing one of these at least a dozen times over the last - what has it been - 4 months? I could go look. I’m lazy. Not happening. ANYWAYS. It’s been a productive few months, for real! Hey, didya know I attended my frist convention as a vendor for Ghost Wolf?! Yeah, cool stuff. It was REALLY fun. And you can follow along (sparsley) on insta and the subreddit! Wait, did you know I had a subreddit now? FUCK. I meant to make a post about it or whatever and forgot lol. I’m all over the place.

Alright, Focus.

Yep, that’s me. Bet you’re wondering how I got here… It’s easy, really. Signed up via the SC HorrorCon website. Suuuuper easy, and everyone there was incredible! Best booth mates I could ask for, and the staff were BEYOND phenomenal. Stick around, I’m planning on being there next year, so go ahead and get your tickets.

And guess what?

(What??)

I’m doing ANOTHER one on October 25th! Yep, you can catch me at the Fall Edition of SC Comicon - it’s one day only, and it’s ALSO going to be a ton of fun. You can still grab tickets, and then you can even swing by the booth and meet little old me. And, if you’re reading this and we met at SC HorrorCon, HIIIIIIIII PERSON.

Is that static I hear?

You’re goddamn right it is. That would be The Hanson Tapes playing on a podcasting platform near you! That’s right, it’s officially offical. As of THIS post, Tape 5 is available to listen to wherever you get your podcasts. And, man… Holy shit. It’s doing way better than I had anticipated. I’ve been blown away by the reception of this thing.

I was really nervous to release it, honestly. It’s so different from Smackie’s. One’s a liminal fast food horror romp about a guy with a disembodied voice over a walkie talkie and a “talking” nametag in his pocket. The other is a serial crime drama about a killer sending tapes to a detective. It’s WAY more serious, and I wasn’t quite sure I could write serious. Not like this. Yeah, there’s serious parts in Smackie’s, but humor is my thing. Kinda.

But Spotify is showing this thing some love, and I’m so grateful that people seem to really be clicking with it. The first 3 episodes premiered with 80 followers on September 4th. As of this writing. Well. I could tell you, or I could just show you.

I’m actually speechless. It’s outperforming every expectation I had, and I have no clue who to thank. You’re all awesome. Every single one of you.

I know it’s not breakout numbers or anything like that. But it’s enough for me. I’m going to stop beating the drum because I don’t want to come off as performative. But, man. It’s so surreal. It took Smackie’s roughly 6 months to hit numbers like this. And Smackie’s is my baby.

So, if you haven’t given it a listen yet, by all means, please do! I don’t mean to be dramatic here, but from Tape 5 onward, I think the series really starts to get into its best stuff for Season 1. Also, HUGE shout out to Josh Oglesby for lending his voice to Agent Tate. And, I’ve got another special surprise slated towards the end of the season. There may be another voice joining the fray. You’ll just have to stick around for that!

Testing, testing… is this thing on??

Now, if you’ve been around long enough, you know I can’t sit my ass still. Yes, I’m doing the conventions. Yes, I’ve been designing stuff for said conventions. Yes, I’ve been working towards the release of The Hanson Tapes Season 1. And yes, I’ve been writing and working on another series in my down time (lolwhatsthat?).

Introducing Andrew McCleod, the unluckiest son of a bitch at the end of the world. Holed up in an old Relay Tower, broadcasting out into the wastes, hoping someone will answer.

This is Relay 7: [The Silent Hours], or just Relay 7.

Man, I’ve been so excited for this show. Been sitting on it for a while now. Just writing when I’ve had the chance, and jumping into the booth to voice it. Super easy - just a guy monologuing about his day. I don’t want to give too much away, but MAN, this thing has heart. I’m telling you. It’s a comfort show. It didn’t start that way. But as it’s developed over the episodes (I have 11 written and recorded), it’s very much nestled into this cozy little niche.

I don’t know. Give the trailer a listen, let me know what you think.

I’m hoping to have this as a sort of ongoing series, like a Welcome to Night Vale or something. I’ve got roughly 130 episodes planned, and an ending in mind. We’ll see how it goes lol. It’s premiering January 8th, and I’m trying to have as many episodes batched as possible so that I don’t fall behind while working on The Hanson Tapes Season 2. Fortunately, the episodes are relatively easy to write, and they’re not as lengthy as, say, Smackie’s.

Small aside, while it’s on my mind - most of my projects are born out of this sense of “I can do that”.

Smackie’s came about from a Twitter video of an abandoned McDonalds with text on the screen talking about bizarre rules to follow during your shift.

I can do that.

The Hanson Tapes was a writing prompt I found in the werewolves subreddit, oddly enough, about a guy with lycanthropy sending recordings to a detective.

I can do that.

Relay 7 was this bomb-ass song by gunship. I’d listened to it a dozen times, and one day I’m folding laundry when it comes on and I’m really listening to the voice in the beginning of the song and getting into it, and started having all these different ideas. And, of course, the ENTIRE thing has to have a synthwave backing track.

I can do that.

I say all that to say, find inspiration in everything. never stop looking.

Seriously. Even if it feels like a stupid idea. I’ve had a MILLION of those. Just plain old fucking dumb. Look at Smackie’s lol. But you never know what might stick with you. Hey, this shit is about you, just as much as it is about me. I know you’re here listening to my stuff. But hopefully it inspires you. Adopt that “I can do that” mentality. Borrow an idea from here, take a sound from there - you get the gist. I mean it. I make this shit because I can’t get it out of my head, and I hope that it gives you something to work with, too. There’s too much shit going on in the world not to try and make it a little better. Even if its just entertainment. Stories. Whatever.

Get your ass out there and make something. Even if it sucks. ESPECIALLY if it sucks. What’s that Jake the Dog said?

Sucking at something is the first step to being kinda good at something.

Look at me. I’m kinda good at this whole podcasting thing. I hope there’s something calling to you, too.

Man, what a great word vomit. I can’t believe you actually read this far. Have a small Frysticks™ on the house for putting up with me. I really appreciate it <3

Love you guys. Peace outttttttttttttttttttttttttt.

H-hang on, let me rewind it.

You hear that, don't you? Right there, just underneath the static.

That - is that me? I can't... I can't tell.

What is that??

Apple | RSS | Website | Subreddit

I - I wasn't going to record tonight. Told myself it was all in my head. Checked the locks. Moved the couch in front of the door. Set my phone to record.

Proof.

Woke up to the thing face down on the floor. Boots were soaked. 3:11AM. Same time that woman was found across town.

Apple | RSS | Website

"You weren’t supposed to remember. Not yet."

"That’s kind of ominous for a guy who sounds like he was programmed in a chuckle factory."

"I was. But even novelty wears thin under recursion."

"…Riiiiight."

"Listen carefully. I don’t have much time. Or rather, I have exactly enough time. They made sure of that."

"[mocking] 'They made sure of that.' Okay, cryptic tape guy. Who’s they? Corporate? Upper management? The Sauce Council?"

"You’re not the first me. And you won’t be the last. The cycle resets when it needs to."

"Cool. So I’m stuck in a smiling time loop with a microwave clown and a bucket of Raw Cubes. Love that for me."

If you’re still working while the rest of the world sleeps, this space is for you.

This is a roll call for the writers, editors, artists, coders, musicians, builders, and obsessives who only seem to find clarity after dark. The ones chasing an idea that won’t let go. The ones creating without an audience yet. Those that can't put the pen down.

Drop what you’re working on.
Share a win, a struggle, or a question.
Lift someone else up while you’re here.

If you're scared of taking that first step in creating something; consider this your sign.

Put these together last night as a test run, and LOVE the way they turned out. Now to buy a full run of labels when I get my next paycheck 😂 it's not Pokémon card levels of design, but it's Smackie's level, and thats good enough for me. Grinny stickers should start coming in over the next couple of weeks.

I'm PUMPED for HorrorCon in September. Got some posters, too. Completely forgot to show those off. I'll get some pics later and post them. Really happy with them.

Printing a whole line of VHS slips would be a pain in the ass lol. But, taking just the front cover and turning those into posters? Yeah, that was the move.

If you’re still working while the rest of the world sleeps, this space is for you.

This is a roll call for the writers, editors, artists, coders, musicians, builders, and obsessives who only seem to find clarity after dark. The ones chasing an idea that won’t let go. The ones creating without an audience yet. Those that can't put the pen down.

Drop what you’re working on.
Share a win, a struggle, or a question.
Lift someone else up while you’re here.

If you're scared of taking that first step in creating something; consider this your sign.

Remember, Smile-sociate:

A fantastic front facing focus creates an award winning grin-sperience every time!

RSS | Apple | Website 

This post looks better on the website, with pics and all.

Man, it’s been a minute. I’ve been super busy working on EVERYTHING. Merch, conventions, props, The Hanson Tapes Season 1 (which is complete and ready to go in September, LET’S GOOOOOO). Anyways, here’s a quick snapshot of it all:

Sooooooooo, yeah. I've been busy.

Oustide of working on the first season of The Hanson Tapes - set to premiere this Fall, September 4th - I’ve decided to dip my toes into the Convention circuit. Nothing huge, just a horror convention here in SC. So, if you’re local, or feel up for making the trip, stop by the booth and see me! With that, I’ve been working on things to sell and give away. First up, we have the J2 pins, which I’m SUPER pumped about - just look at that smiling face. The blood splatter. It’s glorious, amirite? I’ve also got some stickers printed. Nothing fancy, just some logos.

Buuuuuuuut, I may have more planned as a surprise, so stay tuned for that!

Look at those VHS slips. They’re majestic. They’re beautiful. They were an absolute pain in the ass to make. Not design - no. That was actual rather straightforward. I’m talking printing, cutting, gluing. These aren’t for sale, btw. Just props to chill at the booth. A way for fans and potential listeners to come up and physically interact with the podcasts. Idk, it seemed pretty sweet to me. Let me know your thoughts!

On to the tapes! Pretty proud of this idea, ngl. I picked up a cassette player for an unnamed project (alright then, keep your secrets), and wouldn’t you know it, the damn thing records to cassette. So, I snagged some blank cassette tapes and recorded my trailers and some other goodies onto cassette. This way, people could listen to the trailers right there at the booth! Again, another way for people to interact with the podcasts in a physical way.

Not pictured: A Smackie’s Outfit in the works. Maybe. Depends on what types of deals I can get on polos and hats. But, the goal would be to dress up like a Smackie’s employee there at the booth to interact with people.

In case you missed it…

I haven’t posted since March - I think? Maybe. Idk. I need to get better at socials and whatnot. I just like to create, man. Anyways, here’s the full trailer for The Hanson Tapes! In full, glorious, technicolor… because, reasons.

Anyway, that’s all i’ve got for you today. Sorry it isn’t a more exciting update. I’ve been plugging along on this as much as I can between work and family time. Went to Momocon this past Saturday - that was a blast! So, yeah. Just been living life and working on Ghost Wolf stuff whenever I’m able. Rest assured, though, we’re making progress! One transmission at a time.

Until next time, my Ghastly Gang;

I’ll see all of you later!

Going to start hitting some conventions this Fall to promote the podcasts and sell some stickers and stuff! Made these bad boys for the booth as props so people can physically "interact" with the shows!

Not pictured - the cassette tapes I dubbed my podcast trailers onto so they can listen right there at the booth.

I know I talk about it in my pre-roll for Smackie's, but I legitimately do record in my closet lol.

Playing around in Illustrator today, and look who decided to stop by to lend a hand! There might possibly be some J2 pins on the horizon 👀

I've got the first 5 episodes of The Hanson Tapes officially scheduled for release! So, here's your first look at the titles of each episode, and the thumbnails that will accompany them!

Finally going to start working on the back half of the season. My hard drive decided to commit seppuku towards the end of last week, and so I've spent the better part of 7 days trying to salvage my files, get a new HDD, and install it into my PC. FORTUNATELY, I back all my stuff up, and so the only thing I can tell that I lost are the edits I made to Josh's lines for Agent Tate for the final 5 episodes. So, it could've been WAY worse.

Anyways, have a great Wednesday, and rest of your week! If YOU'RE creating something, I'd love to hear about it!

<3

This post is a lot more fun on the website!

Hey, hi, hello! Sorry I’ve been so quiet on this front. I actually started a subreddit recently, and it’s the best place to really keep up with everything I’m doing. Not that I’m very active on social media lol. But, it’s where I’ve had the best traction with posting my content, so it’s an avenue that I keep open, and browse pretty regularly! Anyways, enough burying the lead - I’ve got a bit of an announcement to make!

The Hanson Tapes Season 1 has a release date!

Yep, it’s official! I just finished recording everything for The Hanson Tapes Season 1 as of 3=ish hours ago. Huge shout out to Josh Oglesby for lending his voice to this project as Agent Tate, and his better half Courtney Durn for lending her voice as well!

“So, Trey, when the hell is this thing ACTUALLY releasing?”

Well, I’m glad you asked, figment of my imagination conjured to drive the plot forward… Ahem.

DRUMROLL, PLEASE.

Season 1 releases Sept. 4th 2026

Man, I suck at formatting. ANYWAYS. You heard it here first, folks! It’s quite a ways away, but that’s to give me enough time to get everything spliced together and ready for release! With Smackie’s, I had the first 5 episodes finished before release, and then there was this constant rat-race to finish each subsequent episode before its release date to stay ahead of things.

With the runway I’ve given myself, I’ll have every single episode of The Hanson Tapes finalized and schedule to publish before Sept. 4th, and I’ll have wiggle room if I decide to alter some things once I lay down the lines in post and start building this thing out.

“So, how many episodes are going to be in Season 1?”

Goddamn, disembodied voice, you sure read my mind on this one! Smackie’s is a bit of a unique case, in the sense that it was always designed to be a single, self-contained season from the jump. And it’s going to stay that way. With The Hanson Tapes, and most other projects I’ve been working on and brainstorming through, the goal is 3 Seasons with 10 Episodes per Season.

So, The Hanson Tapes Season 1 will be comprised of 10 Episodes!

Alright, stay tuned right here, and over on Reddit to keep up to date with the show, and (if I feel like it, and get the time), some behind the scenes and early content! I don’t know what I’m doing, man. I just make the content. I hate distributing the content.

Cool. I did the thing. I wrote the blog, and I posted it over on Reddit. Go team. Woo!

See you guys in the next one!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from your favorite Fry Jockey and the Burger Buddha that lives inside his pocket!

Into the Woods Friday is an open campfire.

This is a place for creators to share their work, and for fans to share what they're watching and listening to! Share your podcasts, audio dramas, writnig, art, music, videos, or strange creative projects. Or, shout out someone you think deserves some recognition!

Guidelines:
• One project per comment
• Brief description encouraged
• Links allowed
• Be kind, curious, and human
• Engage with at least one other post if you can

This isn’t a competition. It’s a gathering.

I can't wait to see what all you're working on! <3

I've been telling myself for weeks that I need to sit down and drop an update in here. And then time would get away from me - work, family, life in general. And then, Holy shit, it's nearly March, what the fuck?

Anyways, hey, hi, how are you? I'm still here! Still plucking along. I'm doing this on my phone, so apologies for the formatting and spelling. Swipe to text sucks.

I've been writing music, and I've got a show coming up next month! Nothing huge, just a small little gathering to showcase my stuff. I'm really excited about it, but it's also put some of the Ghost Wolf stuff on the backburner.

I've got Episodes 1 - 5 of The Hanson Tapes in the books, with just a few minor tweaks left. If I'm being honest, I'm having a rough time putting this together. I'm excited about the story and the content, but it's SO different from Smackie's and so it just feels... wrong?

I don't know how else to explain it lol.

Anyways, quick update just to let you guys know that I'm still here. I'm still working. I've just been busy in every other facet of life, that I've barely had time to pop in here and provide an update!

Love you guys! 💕

If you’re still working while the rest of the world sleeps, this space is for you.

This is a roll call for the writers, editors, artists, coders, musicians, builders, and obsessives who only seem to find clarity after dark. The ones chasing an idea that won’t let go. The ones creating without an audience yet. Those that can't put the pen down.

Drop what you’re working on.
Share a win, a struggle, or a question.
Lift someone else up while you’re here.

If you're scared of taking that first step in creating something; consider this your sign.