Je Ne Sais Quoi: Absurd Short Fiction Podcast

Je Ne Sais Quoi: Absurd Short Fiction

Muffy Drake
Bravo, you’ve found it. Deadpan humor in witty, unrelated, non-sequitur short stories not devoid of literary merit and seared with absurdity. A ”Catcher in the Wry” vibe. Since you’re here, we might as well tell you: Muffy Drake has been honored by the National Audio Theatre Festivals, known as the Sundance of Audio Fiction. That’s right, Muffy Drake has been presented with several Gold Medals - and even a Platinum in 2023. And while we’re boasting, let’s mention our short stories have been published in entropy2, Reflex Fiction, Friday Flash Fiction, Bath Flash Fiction (3 rd Prize, October 2019), the Boston Literary Magazine and elsewhere. But for Absurd Short Fiction with friction, Muffy Drake is where it’s at. Welcome! If you like tongue- in-cheek humor, you’re in for a treat. One at a time, once a week. By the way, the French call tongue-in-cheek “pinch without laughing”. Because - get this - Muffy Drake is based out of Paris. Xavier Combe is a freelance translator and conference interpreter who teaches at the University of Paris X and has worked on French public radio for over 35 years. He has published 2 non-fiction books in French (one of them has won a prize) and quite a few op- eds in the French press. Sociolinguistics, not funny at all. If you want a laugh don’t go there. Jim Hall is a 2-time Peabody award winner for his work with a investigative team and the other half of Muffy Drake that’s based in the US. That’s right, Muffy Drake is a team of two who do the writing, narration, voicing, soundscaping and original music. The French have a saying: “Humor is the last bulwark before despair” (strange, yes, but it sounds better in French). We at Muffy Drake believe humor is the best medicine. So we humbly recommend you subscribe and download one MD a week. And if you enjoy what you hear, feel free to share with, well, one or two million of your closest friends. Website: muffydrake.com Contact: [email protected]
Superficial Intelligence
In this Special Edition of the Muffy Drake Podcast we explore all this new fangled technology and give it our Best with these really GIANT VACUUM TUBES and BLINKING DIODES and stuff. It's a Big Assist and Boost to our Low Brow Bearings... Song List:  1. Pocatello Radio 2. 1958 Rothschild Cabernet Blues 3. A Clear Choice 4. The Verdict is in...
Jun 5, 2024
11 min
The World is Not Perfect
In the time it takes to listen to this short story, you could boil dozens of eggs...but would they be PERFECT?  Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe-Sound Design by Jim Hall In other Breaking News! Muffy Drake is honored to announce that our short film GAMES PEOPLE PLAY is making its European Premiere in London on March 16th at the Crystal Palace International Film Festival. GPP was first heard on our podcast and now is a Finalist at the festival and will compete to take home the International Prize.  Check it out here:https://cpiff.co.uk/animation/ And, we just had the World Premiere at the DC Independent Film Forum in Washington, DC. So happy to be in attendance at the 25th Anniversary of this cutting edge event. In our block of animation was an Academy Award winner! How cool is that to share the screen with OSCAR caliber work...   Check it out here:https://dciff-indie.org
Mar 14, 2024
14 min
FUN FACTS
This episode "FUN FACTS" is dedicated to all of you out there who find themselves stuck, smack-dab in the middle of this thang we call the Human Condition... Written & Performed by: Xavier Combe Jim Hall Walt Wood
Feb 23, 2024
25 min
The Geiger Encounter
In this full episode of Muffy Drake, we explore encounters of the Glowing Kind. THE GEIGER ENCOUNTER-Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe.  WALT RANT-A portrait of the struggling artist. Written & Narrated by Walt Wood.   TWO KIWIS-A Love Story firmly planted in tender soil that isn't for the birds. Written by Xavier Combe with narration by Jim Hall.  MD Host-"Bobo" sets the table for the podcast and closes out the show.  Sound Design & Music by Jim Hall
Feb 13, 2024
19 min
TUBA WARS
In this episode, we take note of the last line of defense against the aliens who are apparently Green with Envy and finally go on the offensive... Then, Bobo tells us about Aunt Dot and her cats. A symphony of Cat Calls suddenly goes astray... Then, "Mordvin" takes center stage... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound design by Jim Hall
Jan 12, 2024
15 min
The Audition
Charlie Watts died and woe is us who miss his impeccable timing and driven sense of rhythm.  A couple years ago, The Rolling Stones conducted auditions to not replace this legendary rock musician, but rather to mend the broken hearts of band members who knew the beat must go on... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Soundscape Design by Jim Hall
Dec 30, 2023
8 min
Fat Fingers Jewelry Shop
Happy Holidays from Muffy Drake! In this bonus episode we explore Giacometti's Walking Man sculpture through the corpulent lens of the Fat Fingers Jewelry shop. Written by Xavier Combe Size 11 Ring character-Xavier Combe Size 13 Ring character-Jim Hall
Dec 25, 2023
5 min
HOMAGE (3 Chilling minutes)
Homage is a tribute piece to one of the most provocative raconteurs of the 20th century, if we can be Frank with you... Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Sound Design by Jim Hall
Aug 31, 2023
2 min
”Tom” (4 minutes)
Tom was a kind man. A thoughtful man. Tom was always thinking about others. Everyone thought they knew Tom, but did they? Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Music by Jim Hall
May 11, 2023
4 min
The French River (3 minutes)
Muffy Drake proudly presents: The French River This Franco-American short story leans in and meanders heavily with a French accent. MD is blessed to have Antoine Herbez narrate the piece.  Written by: Xavier Combe Soundscape design: Jim Hall
Mar 7, 2023
2 min
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