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2021 Canon Aspec Audio Drama Character List

Hi! For asexual awareness week 2020, I put together a list of the audio-dramas I'd heard with canonically aspec characters (here). For 2021, I've revamped it with more details, more shows, more characters. For anyone scrolling past, I'm sorry, it's long.

Shows are in order of lead/major/minor/once-off, and then alphabetical order. This list is by no means complete, (there are a lot more out there!) just the ones that I’ve heard so far. Feel free to add your own, and I really appreciate being picked up on any mistakes I may've made!

Up to date as of: 24th October 2021 [Version 2: Fixed a spelling error. For those reading from the future, please be aware information was correct at the time of publishing, but may no longer be up to date]

The Alexandria Archives

"Home of the Alexandria Archives! Broadcasting @ 12 AM twice a month on Alexandria University student radio, the WHAU Signal!"

Tune in to Alexandria University’s favourite late night radio show for all the local news, weird goings-on, and a special spooky story from The Alexandria Archives! Episode one felt tedious and drawn-out the first time I heard it, but I’m glad I kept going. Amusing, spooky, and fun, though there's a persistent instance of cultural appropriation throughout (w*ndigo) that I’m really not a big fan of. Mini episodes with Gore and The Bobs are worth their own shout-out as well.

Finished • 39 Episodes + 20 Minisodes • 20-45 mins each • Average 25-30 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Unavailable

Character: “Morning Wood”/Allison Madera-Armitage. She/Her, Lead, Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

And 195

"A nonbinary magical runner with a passion for marathons who ends up crossing inter-dimensional portals when their terrible sense of direction leads them on unplanned detours. Literally. It’s such a nuisance when that happens during a race! But no worries: if they complete running those 42,195 km, they’ll come home. Of course, things are never quite as easy."

A short podcast about a marathon runner who slips realities and needs to run to get home again, conversing with the strange and curious locals and having bouts of introspection as they do. Audio quality is a little rough, but it has such an interesting concept, worldbuilding, and overall energy.

Finished? • 6 Episodes • 13-16 mins Each • Average ~15 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Unavailable • @and195podcast on Tumblr

Character: The Runner, They/Them, Lead, Panromantic Asexual, Creator Confirmed.

ars PARADOXICA

"When an experiment in a time much like our own goes horribly awry, Dr. Sally Grissom finds herself stranded in the past and entrenched in the activities of a clandestine branch of the US government. Grissom and her team quickly learn that there's no safety net when toying with the fundamental logic of the universe."

A modern-day physicist accidentally invents time travel and finds herself deep in government conspiracies in the 1940s. Cleverly done, really well made and acted, but if you struggle with time travel you might have some issues. People tend to find this a bit hit or miss, but I really enjoyed it; in fact, it's probably my favourite take on time travel ever.

Finished • 36 Episodes + 5 Bonus Episodes • 23-55 mins Each • Average ~30 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Available on the Website • @arsparadoxica on Tumblr

Character: Dr. Sally Grissom, She/Her, Lead, Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

The Beacon Podcast

"After surviving a dangerous encounter with a monster, Bee discovers she has the magical ability to control fire. Confused and with no heroic aspirations, she reaches out online to try and find others with impossible powers like hers - but finding them is only half the battle. Getting along and learning to protect everything important to them is another challenge altogether."

Anxious university student Bee discovers she has fire powers and starts a podcast to try and find others like her. Chaos ensues when she discovers she’s not the only odd thing on campus. Funny and endearing series with a wonderful cast of characters and some of my favourite friendship dynamics. The university setting is a great pick and I’m very hungry for more lore.

Hiatus • 24 Episodes + 13 Bonus Episodes • 17-44 mins Each • Average ~20 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Listed in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @thebeaconpodcast on Tumblr

Character: Bee, She/Her, Lead, Lesbian Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

Girl In Space

"Nothing fancy here -- just the simple audio diary of a girl in space. Also, there’s this weird and potentially ominous light in the distance that seems to be growing steadily closer. Listen for science, guns, trust, anti-matter, truth, beauty, inner turmoil, and delicious cheeses. It’s all here. In space."

The Girl in Space spends her days alone on a space station, running science, tending the garden, making cheese, and watching Jurassic Park. It’s pretty great. Be a shame if somebody were to ruin it. Clever, funny, sweet, smart, and occasionally brutal, Girl in Space is an absolute delight.

Hiatus • 13 Episodes + 1 Bonus Episode • 26-67 mins Each • Average ~35 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @girlinspacepodcast on Tumblr

Character: X, She/Her, Lead, Asexual, Hinted/Creator Confirmed.

The Godshead Incidental

"A letter that was never answered, a city full of gods, and one million pigeons."

In a city where gods are plenty and walk among people, an ordinary woman named Em writes a life advice column. Great writing, characters, audio, and lore, this podcast is only a few episodes in but already a personal favourite, and well worth keeping an eye on!

Hiatus • 5 Episodes • 31-38 mins Each • Average ~35 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Listed in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @godsheadincidental on Tumblr

Character: Imogen “Em” Chandra-Phankam, She/Her, Lead, Aromantic Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

Jar Of Rebuke

"Join in Dr. Jared Hel's journey as he works to re-discover his forgotten past and learns about various entities and anomalies within the small farm town of Wichton for an organization called 'The Enclosure'. With creatures and stories based upon real legends and lore within the midwestern United States, follow along as Jared tries to figure out the secrets of the town as well as the secrets of their own identity."

An amnesiac scientist who is notably bad at staying dead investigates weird happenings around the town they live in, eats a lot of tasty things, and makes some friends along the way. Taking the form of his audio journal, it has a great mix of intense, sweet, and really funny scenes, with fun worldbuilding and intriguing mystery. Fun and clever writing with a charming and mysterious selection of characters, and a very good dog.

Ongoing • 20 Episodes • 8-27 mins Each • Average ~20 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Listed in Episode Descriptions of Later Episodes • Transcripts of early episodes available on the website, or full unoffical transcripts at @jarofrebuke-transcripts • @jarofrebukepodcast on Tumblr

Character: Dr. Jared Hel, They/He, Lead, Greyromantic Asexual, Stated, Creator Confirmed • Christine Torres, She/Her, Minor, Lesbian Asexual, Creator Confirmed. • Dr. Gia Castillo, She/Her, Minor. Pan/Demiromantic Pan/Demisexual, Creator Confirmed • Dr. Milo Lomax, They/Them, Minor, Aromantic Questioning, Creator Confirmed.

Less is Morgue

"Less is Morgue is an award-winning comedy fiction podcast about Riley, a paranoid ghoul, and Evelyn, a cheerful ghost who died at a Nickelback concert in 2004. Together, they host a basement talk show where paranormal chaos is par for the course. Set in an alternate Tallahassee, Florida, where monsters are mundane and the supernatural is typical, you can expect a whirlwind of absurdist horror-comedy, more eccentric characters than you can possibly imagine, and a strangely touching story about friendship, found family, and personal growth."

A peppy, nickelback-loving ghost and a skeptical, flesh-eating ghoul host a podcast in said ghoul’s mom’s basement where they talk about anything and everything they might feel like. Humorous and plenty gorey, This podcast is very original and full of energy.

Ongoing • 34 Episodes • 15-62 mins Each • Average ~25 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Available on the Website • @lessismorguepod on Tumblr

Character: Riley Almanzor, They/Them, Lead, Asexual, Stated/Creator Confirmed.

Light Hearts

"A sitcom about queer people thriving in uncanny surroundings."

Light Hearts follows three friends who run a queer café/bar, and learn to live with the array of ghosts haunting it. Another wholesome, feel-good, light-hearted and fun podcast. Only a few episodes out so far but a good pick-me-up.

Hiatus? • 4 Episodes + 3 Minisodes • 18-33 mins Each • Average ~25 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @lightheartspod on Tumblr

Character: Kale, They/Them, Lead, Biromantic Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

The Magnus Archives

"Make your statement, face your fear. A weekly horror fiction podcast examining what lurks in the archives of the Magnus Institute, an organisation dedicated to researching the esoteric and the weird. Join Jonathan Sims as he explores the archive, but be be warned, as he looks into its depths something starts to look back…"

Easily the most popular podcast on this list, The Magnus Archives is a horror podcast which follows a new archivist as he tries to make sense of the strange and often horrific statements given to The Magnus Institute, an organisation which investigates the paranormal. A well written podcast, it is absolutely delightful to see all the seemingly unrelated stories connect up over time.

Finished • 200 Episodes • 17-37 mins Each • Average ~25 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Listed in Episode Descriptions • Unofficial Transcripts Available

Character: Jonathan Sims, He/Him, Lead, Biromantic Asexual, Alluded To & Creator Confirmed.

Mount Olympus University

"Pandora Wordsworth did not originally intend to go to Mount Olympus University. But when a series of unfortunate incidents make all other schools inaccessible to her, she finds herself with no other options than to go to this place she has never heard of. It is only upon arrival that she discovers MOU is the choice school for figures of mythology, legend, and lore, making her the only normal human among them. Now she must keep her secret while navigating nymphs, magic homework, and the irritating advances of Zeus. But it won't be easy. When you aren't special at Mount Olympus University, it's hard not to stand out."

A bizarre set of circumstances leads Pandora to be enrolled in a university she never applied to, and in charge of campus radio. Said university is the prestigious MOU, where the students are gods and figures of legend. Issue is, she doesn’t belong there. Cute and charming series with exciting characters and a fun take on some classic mythology.

Hiatus? • 27 Episodes • 8-15 mins Each • Average ~13 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Available on the Website

Character: Pandora Wordsworth, She/Her, Lead, Demisexual, Explicitly Stated.

Murray Mysteries

"A gothic-comedy audio retelling of Bram Stoker's Dracula"

A modern, queer (nobody is straight), podcast adaptation of Dracula! The most faithful adaptation I’ve ever encountered story and character personality wise, this show takes the form of Mina’s podcast instead of her diary. The dynamics are all very fun and real, and while you don’t have to have read Dracula to hear this, having done so adds a bonus layer to an already great show.

Ongoing • 33 Episodes • 7-12 mins Each • Average ~9 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @knovesstorytelling on Tumblr

Characters: Mina Murray, She/Her, Lead (S1) Biromantic Demisexual, Creator Confirmed • Jonathan Harker, He/Him, Lead (S2) Biromantic Asexual, Explicitly Stated • Dr. Jane Seward, She/Her, Major, Lesbian Demisexual, Creator Confirmed • Professor Van Helsing, She/Her, Major, Aromantic Pansexual, Creator Confirmed.

The Sheridan Tapes

"In 2018, famed horror writer Anna Sheridan disappeared, leaving behind only a box of mysterious cassette tapes. Detective Sam Bailey is tasked with piecing together what happened to Anna Sheridan from the seemingly impossible encounters she recorded, but as the scattered pieces of the puzzle come together, Bailey discovers that the picture is even stranger – and more dangerous – than it seemed."

In 2018, famous horror writer Anna Sheridan went missing and left behind a collection of strange tapes documenting her seemingly supernatural encounters. Listen along with an equally strange young detective as he tries to figure out what happened to her, and winds up far deeper into the story than he could’ve anticipated. A really fun horror-mystery with lots of great stories and engaging twists

Hiatus • 50 Episodes + 6 Minisodes • 20-47 mins Each • Average ~30 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Listed in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Available on the Website

Character: Samuel Bailey, He/Him, Lead, MLM Grey-Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

Sidequesting

"A fiction podcast about avoiding the main plot."

Rion is a fantasy adventurer like few others; they only do side quests! Sidequesting is fun, engaging, very queer, kid-friendly, ridiculously wholesome, and makes my heart so happy. This feel-good podcast does a new adventure every episode, making them perfect little pick-me-ups. Currently crowdfunding for it's third season.

Hiatus • 21 Episodes • 9-23 mins Each • Average ~15 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @sidequestingpod on Tumblr

Characters: Rion, They/Them, Lead, Biromantic Asexual, Explicitly Stated • Sam, He/Him, Minor, Aromantic Bisexual, Explicitly Stated.

The Silt Verses

"In this horror/fantasy serial drama, Carpenter and Faulkner, two worshippers of an outlawed god, travel up the length of their deity’s great black river, searching for holy revelations. As their pilgrimage lengthens and the river’s mysteries deepen, the two acolytes find themselves under threat from a police manhunt, but also come into conflict with the weirder gods that have flourished in these forgotten rural territories."

In a modern world where gods are both banned and commercialised, two devotees to an outlawed river god go on a pilgrimage. Beautifully written horror with great characters, tasty sound work, a healthy dose of body horror, and possibly the best worldbuilding I've heard in any podcast, rich and complex. I really like the approach to aromanticism here, which hits on so many of my own personal frustrations with how other people seem to view it.

Hiatus • 15 Episodes • 32-58 mins Each • Average ~40 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions 1-7, Unavailable After • Transcripts Available on the Patreon • @thesiltverses on Tumblr

Character: Sister Carpenter/Mallory Glass, She/Her, Lead, Aromantic, Stated/Creator Confirmed.

Starfall

"Starfall is a fantasy audio drama about the adventures of the Carouvel Traveling Acting Troupe - a theatre troupe that uses magical items to create illusions for their shows as they move around the Falstenian Empire. The story begins as the troupe is joined by Leona, a young warrior with a mysterious past and even more mysterious powers. With their new guardian in tow, the troupe traverses the continent, encountering the dangers of humans, fae, and greater forces alike, all while still trying to put on a good show."

Starfall is a very fun, character-centric fantasy with a unique premise, delightful soundwork, great lore and worldbuilding, and extremely endearing cast. It's still very new but I've enjoyed every episode of it.

Ongoing • 6 Episodes + Prologue • 17-43 mins Each • Average ~35 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @starfallpodcast on Tumblr

Characters: Leona, She/Her, Lead, Aromantic Bisexual, Creator Confirmed • Fel, He/Him, Biromantic Asexual, Creator Confirmed

Station to Station

"Dr. Miranda Quan's lab partner is MIA. But his notes, and a tape player that may contain his final words, have made it onto the research ship headed hundreds of miles into the North Pacific — along with a sinister secret that endangers everyone aboard."

After her friend and lab partner goes missing, leaving behind nothing but some strange tapes and rapidly vanishing memories, biochemist Miranda Quan tries to figure out what happened to him, and ends up drawn into a bizzare conspiracy on board a north pacific research vessel. Really well made with a fantastic cast of voices, but left off on a cliffhanger!

Ongoing • 6 Episodes + Prologue • 18-43 mins Each • Average ~27 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Reportedly on the Website, Thus Far Inaccessable • @s2s-podcast on Tumblr

Character: Miranda Quan, She/Her, Lead, Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

Arden

"On December 25th, 2007, movie star and heiress Julie Capsom crashed her car into a tree in Northern California, walked into a nearby clearing, and vanished, leaving behind a male torso in her trunk. 10 years later, reporter Bea Casely and private detective Brenda Bentley are going to reopen the case. Each has a personal tie to the story. Each thinks they know what happened. And each knows the other is going to screw this whole thing up. Join Bea, Brenda, and the rest of the Good People at Wheyface Radio as they attempt to answer once and for all: what happened to Julie Capsom?"

A fictional true crime podcast where each season is based on a few Shakespeare plays. The hosts, an ex-detective and a radio journalist, have a fun dynamic with equally chaotic but very different energies. It's very funny, well made, written, and acted, and although largely comedy does also cover and address some occasionally intense and serious topics. It's plenty queer, and this podcast also includes a great conversation about what the character’s asexuality means to her in context of relations and future, which I’m mentioning as it was really well done and cathartic to hear.

Hiatus • 25 Episodes + 6 Bonus Episodes • 37-71 mins Each • Average ~50-60 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Most Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Available on the Website • @ardenpodcast on Tumblr

Character: Rosalind Ursula, She/Her, Major, Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

The Blood Crow Stories (SS Utopia Storyline)

"Welcome, my darling. Do you like scary stories? So do we. The Blood Crow Stories is an anthology horror audio drama podcast, telling a new tale of terror every season.

Our first season highlights the story of the S.S. Utopia, a cruise ship in the early 1900's. Modern-day college student, Max, begins to do his thesis on the audio diaries of the passengers on the ship. What he doesn't expect are the horrors waiting for him among the tapes, and the true reason why the ship sank so mysteriously almost 100 years ago..."

This is the storyline for season 1, psychology Max decides to stream the interesting tapes his thesis project is about. Listen as life aboard the SS Utopia, a luxury escape from World War 1 on the open ocean, dissolves into chaos and horror. Lots of really interesting interpersonal relations and characters, enjoyable formatting, quality production, and delicious gore. The details listed below are exclusively for S1, but S4 is currently on hiatus. S2 (a religious horror western) was not my thing, but I loved the S3 storyline (cyberpunk with demons) and am curious where S4 (early cinema with ghosts, monsters, and cults) is going.

Finished • 20 Episodes + 2 Bonus Episodes • 19-38 mins Each • Average ~28 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms, but not Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Unavailable (Coming Soon?) • @thebloodcrowstories on Tumblr

Character: Leo Moretti, He/Him, Major, Heteromantic Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

The Bright Sessions

"Dr. Bright provides therapy for the strange and unusual; their sessions have been recorded for research purposes"

Therapy sessions for young people with superpowers. Not superheroes, just otherwise ordinary students. The Bright Sessions is well made, written, and executed, with a great cast of characters, and has long been a part of my recommendations list. There's a few follow-up podcasts too, which are now available on the main feed, but I'm just talking about the original here.

Finished • 64 Episodes + 11 Bonus Episodes • 12-53 mins Each • Average ~20 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Available on the Website • @thebrightsessions on Tumblr

Character: Chloe Turner, She/Her, Major, Panromatic Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

Campaign: Skyjacks

"Campaign is long-form actual play podcast. Our current series Campaign: Skyjacks takes place in an original setting inspired by folktales and classic adventure fiction. Join Liz Anderson, John Patrick Coan, Tyler Davis, Johnny O’Mara, and gamemaster James D’Amato as they tell a tale of daring sky pirates. … Also it’s basically an elaborate re-telling of Weekend at Bernie’s."

Skyjacks is only tabletop podcast on this list, 'cause I normally can’t focus on them, and follows a small group of sky-mercenaries (sky-pirates? Skyrates? Skyjacks.) on their various adventures. Outstanding worldbuilding, fun characters, gorgeous music, and giant birds. It’s so much fun hearing the GM and players get excited and build the world together. Additional shout-out to their kid-friendly sibling podcast Courier’s Call, which is about apprentices to an airbourne delivery service, because it’s ridiculously cute and has even more tasty lore.

Ongoing • 123 Episodes • 42 mins - 1hr 56 mins Each • Average ~1 hr • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Fan-Transcripts Available for E1-19 • @campaignskyjacks on Tumblr

Character: The Broker, He/They, Major (Arc 2), Asexual, Heavily Implied & Creator Confirmed.

Hello from the Hallowoods

"Come walk between the black pines! Your nightmarish host Nikignik presents a heartfelt horror show from the beautiful (and deadly) Northern Hallowoods. Tune in for weekly updates as a cast of LGBTQ+ survivors face twisted wildlife, the Instrumentalist, and other terrors in the forest at the end of the world."

A queer horror podcast that follows many people, in varying degrees of both human and alive, in their journeys in a the strange world of The Hallowoods, both alone and as they cross and merge paths. Amazing lore and worldbuilding, delightful narration and writing, clean audio and well-used music.

Ongoing • 48 Episodes + 5 Bonus Episodes • 17-47 mins Each • Average ~30-40 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings In Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Linked in Episode Desceiptions • @hellofromthehallowoods on Tumblr

Character: Walter Pensive, He/Him, Major. Heteromantic Asexual, Explicitly Stated • Friday, She/Her, Minor, Aromantic, Creator Confirmed.

InkWyrm

"Inkwyrm Magazine is an intergalactic fashion publication, bringing readers the newest looks from all over the universe. At the head of it all is Annie Inkwyrm, and directly behind her is Mella Sonder, AI caretaker and Annie’s PA. Along for the ride is an overzealous PR director, a perpetually unimpressed physician, and an AI that really needs to learn some ethics. Putting up with her boss is hard enough, but with the cutthroat fashion industry, and whatever is trying to kill everyone today, Mella and the gang have their hands full. One part sit-com, one part space opera, Inkwyrm is an audio drama for the truly fabulous."

Mella, the new AI caretaker for intergalactic fashion magazine InkWyrm, finds herself the new assistant to it’s editor as well. A lesbian sci-fi rom-com. It's worth noting the recording quality of early episodes, and some of the SFX, are a bit rough, though it improves later (start with episode 1 (redux)). The writing quality is top notch and super funny from the start, and I want to give a special mention to this podcast, because not only do they say “aromantic asexual”, it’s not just a single offhand comment; Robert’s asexuality is frequently referenced, and the subject (but not target) of various jokes in a way I found really validating as a listener.

Finished • 27 Episodes • 12-26 mins Each • Average ~15-20 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @inkwyrmpodcastt on Tumblr

Character: Dr. Robert Alphelion, He/Him, Major, Aromantic Asexual, Explicitly stated.

Khôra Podcast

"The women from the tale of Jason and the golden fleece face space monsters, reality TV stars, and the sometimes benevolent, mostly dangerous Olympus Corp as they take on the quest to return the Fleece to Colchis. It’s got pirates, it’s got sentient spaceships, and it’s All About The Ladies! It’s also very queer."

A sci-fi adventure following four greek mythological women who deserved better (Atalanta, Echo, Medea, and Medusa) on a space adventure inspired by and loosely adapted from Greek mythology. Outside of the mythology element (which is fun, too), Khôra is a very fun piece of sci-fi, and I personally found the translation to the new context very satisfying. I’m SO fond of all the characters and it's a delight to have such a mix of accents. Mic qualities do vary somewhat, but the effort put into the soundwork is top notch. Be sure to listen to the teasers first!

Ongoing • 14 Episodes + 2 Teaser Episodes + 2 Bonus Episodes • 30-45 mins Each • Average ~35 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Available on the Website • @khorapodcast on Tumblr

Character: Medusa, They/She, Major, Lesbian Asexual, Stated & Creator Confirmed.

Life With Althaar

"An epic science-fiction sitcom for your ears about an unlikely human/alien friendship in the unluckiest place in Human space. It is the mid-26th Century. John B, a humble repairman and "former human" (having lost his legal status as such), has left the Earth for mysterious reasons. He is perhaps the unluckiest being in Human space.

He has wound up at the Human Exchange Concourse, or the "HEC," once the site of Humanity's First Galactic Fair. It was the biggest flop in Human history. "The Fairgrounds" is perhaps the unluckiest place in Human space. You don't go there, you end up there.

John's luck seems to have changed when he gets a good apartment at an amazingly reasonable price only to find his roommate is Althaar, an Iltorian, who is determined to befriend a Human. (Iltorians are the kindest, nicest species in all known space, and natural diplomats, beloved by almost all, but their slightest presence causes Humans to instinctively respond with panic, fear, disgust, nausea, and loss of bodily functions).

Can a Human and Iltorian live together without one of them driving the other crazy?"

The above tells you all you need to know about the plot, but I will take a moment to praise the effort that has gone into this production. Startlingly long episodes, well-done binaural soundwork (wear headphones!), original music, unique and complex worldbuilding, full cast, subtley but consistantly queer, I could go on. It's worth noting the aspec rep is all aliens, but the frequent sentiment of "why are humans so obsessed with sex and romance?" is presented in such a way that I (and at least one other aroace) found it really relatable and cathartic.

Ongoing • 33 Episodes + 1 Musical Episode • 53 mins - 3 hrs 3 mins Each • Average ~1½-2½ hrs • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @geminicollisionworks on Tumblr

Character: Althaar, He/Him, Major, Aromantic Asexual, Creator Confirmed.

Love and Luck

"A queer slice of life romance story, with a touch of magic."

I don't normally care for romance as a genre, but this queer Australian romance, told in voicemails, had me very taken with the leads only a few short episodes in. Set in modern-day Melbourne, it features real community places and events. It also addresses real life issues faced by the queer community, so it has it’s stressful moments, but is for the most part is a super wholesome, high-community show, with just a touch of magic. It's well-written and cleanly made, and I very much want a Best of Luck bar in my own city.

Hiatus • 100 Episodes • 5-53 mins Each • Average ~10-15 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable, Occasionally Given Prior to the Episode • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @loveandluckpodcast on Tumblr

Characters: CJ, They/Them, and Ricardo, He/Him, Major, Alloromantic Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

Moonbase Theta, Out

"Moonbase Theta, Out – a sci-fi serial podcast by D.J. Sylvis"

Logs, updates, and messages from Moonbase Theta as they prepare for station shutdown and the return to Earth. But not everything about the situation is quite as it seems. S1 is the logs of the comms officer to his husband on earth, and from S2 it rapidly expands to an equally interesting cast of characters. This show easily delivers wholesome, hilarious, and emotionally devastating content, and it’s very fun to watch the situation reveal itself. It also has a notably compelling instance of an allo-aro character, and what her aromanticism means to her in life and relationships.

Ongoing • 42 Episodes + 15 Bonus Episodes • 6-56 mins Each • Average ~8 mins (S1), 25 mins (S2), 35 mins (S3) • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Available in Episode Descriptions • @monkeymanproductions on Tumblr

Character: Nessa Cheong, She/Her, Major. Aromantic Pansexual, Stated • Lark, She/Her, Once-Off (Before the Moon, Episode 2), WLW Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

Old Gods of Appalachia

"In the mountains of central Appalachia, blood runs as deep as these hollers and just as dark. Since before our kind knew these hills, hearts of unknowable hunger and madness have slumbered beneath them. These are the oldest mountains in the world. How dare we think we can break the skin of a god and dig out its heart without bringing forth blood and darkness? Old Gods of Appalachia is a horror-anthology podcast set in the shadows of an Alternate Appalachia, a place where digging too deep into the mines was just the first mistake."

I personally would not describe this podcast as an anthology, though it is most certainly horror and, very good. A folktaley vibe that builds to something epic and brilliant. Has an interesting tendency to treat all characters as very disposable, but never disrespectfully, which is a dynamic I’ve quite enjoyed. I also appreciate the creator's willingness to listen to feedback and try to do better in the future, especially on sensitive issues.

Hiatus? • 32 Episodes + 6 Bonus Episodes • 17-81 mins Each • Average ~30 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Available on the Website • @oldgodspod on Tumblr

Character: The Witch Queen, She/Her, Major, Aromantic Asexual, Stated.

The Penumbra Podcast (Juno Steel)

"At the Penumbra, you might follow Juno Steel, a brooding, sharp-witted private eye on Mars, as he tangles with an elusive homme fatale, tracks dangerous artifacts of an ancient alien civilization, and faces his three greatest fears: heights, blood, and relationships."

The noir-style adventures of a detective on future Mars. An exciting, hilarious, and exceedingly queer podcast, it is well made and acted, and a lot of fun.

Ongoing • 50 Episodes + 5 Minisodes• 17-61 mins Each • Average ~40 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Later Episode Transcripts Available on the Website • @thepenumbrapodcast on Tumblr

Character: Jet Sikuliaq, He/Him, Minor/Major, Aromantic Asexual, Stated.

The Penumbra Podcast (Second Citadel)

"Or you might enter the world of the Second Citadel, where the merciless Sir Caroline must corral a team of emotionally distraught all-male knights to defend their city against mind-manipulating monsters... even the ones they’ve fallen in love with."

The proudest knights in all of The Second Citadel go on various quests to prove themselves and protect the kingdom. Amusing and exciting, and well put together.

Ongoing • 33 Episodes + 3 Minisodes • 13-59 mins Each • Average ~40 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Later Episode Transcripts Available on the Website • @thepenumbrapodcast on Tumblr

Character: Talfryn, He/Him, Major, Aromantic Asexual, Stated.

The Six Disappearances of Ella McCray

"On March 20th, 2014, Ella McCray disappeared. There were six witnesses to her disappearance. Six conflicting accounts of what happened to her. Who is lying? Who is telling the truth? And what really happened to Ella?"

Shortly before her wedding at a lunch with her friends and family, Ella McCray vanishes. Everyone tells the exact same story, up until the moment she vanishes, they all vary wildly, describing impossiblies on the scale of aliens, time travel, mind control, etc. The strangeness only grows as they search for her. Interesting and engaging mystery with good sound work, but be prepared for a cliffhanger.

Hiatus? • 16 Episodes • 14-28 mins Each • Average ~18 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Available on the Website • Transcripts Available on the Website

Character: Jordan McCray, He/Him, Major, Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

The Stonesinger Chronicles

"Whisper is a young street thief who’d rather read than steal; Talee is an absent minded orphan with an uncanny memory and a penchant for making trouble. These unwilling partners find themselves bound in their journey: They’re going to Iro. They’re going to be mages. But before they can even leave the confines of Lakewall, troubles rise. Never mind breaking the mold and become mages: first they need to survive.

The Stonesinger Chronicles is a serial epic fantasy story. With a combination of enthralling and dynamic narration, selective but wonderful sound design, and a sweeping score that makes you feel like your riding through fields on a horse, or battling a Sovereign in a dark cave, The Stonesinger Chronicles pulls you in from the beginning till the very end and leaves you wanting more."

A brand-new podcast, The Stonesinger Chronicles has crisp sound design, great writing, curious characters, very tasty worldbuilding, and is full of magic, mystery, and political intrigue.

Ongoing • 3 Episodes + 1 Prologue • 25-60 mins Each • Average ~30 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Unavailable

Character: Talee, She/Her, Major, Aromantic Asexual, Stated.

The Strange Case of Starship Iris

"In 2189, Earth narrowly won a war against extraterrestrials. The Strange Case of Starship Iris is about what comes after. It's a story of outer space, survival, espionage, resistance, identity, friendship, found family, romance, and secrets. (Also, there’s jokes.)"

Violet Liu is the last surviving crew member of the Starship Iris, after the rest are killed in a shuttle explosion. Though probably not for much longer. After being picked up by a passing ship, she’s thrown into a high-stakes adventure, and quickly has to come to terms with who she can actually trust. Fantastic show with a fun cast and delicious found family.

Hiatus • 19 Episodes + 1 Minisode • 13-50 mins Each • Average ~35 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Linked in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @iriscasefiles on Tumblr

Character: Arkady Patel, She/Her, Major, WLW Grey-Asexual, Explicitly Stated.

This Planet Needs a Name

"Imagine a handful of scientists and engineers setting out to terraform a planet - a world - for the frozen people they've got in tow. Just a few people, carefully chosen, who will live out their lives building something they'll never see.

That's us. We're building a future.

A science fiction audio drama suitable for our times."

Humanity is sending ships out to terraform and colonise planets, to hopefully create better life for humanity. Here’s what might happen in a near-best-case scenario! Wholesome, thoughtful, and full of emotion and found family.

Hiatus? • 6 Episodes + 4 Prologue + 12 Minisodes • 43-60 mins Each • Average ~50 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions

Characters: Izley Kolian, They/Them, Major, Asexual, Stated • Cyrus Castillo Rodriguez, He/Him, Major, Demisexual, Creator Confirmed.

Tides

"Tides is the story of Dr. Winifred Eurus, a xenobiologist trapped on an unfamiliar planet with hostile tidal forces. She must use her wits, sarcasm and intellectual curiosity to survive long enough to be rescued. But there might be more to life on this planet than she expected. . ."

After being stranded on a tidal planet, xenobiologist Dr. Winifred Eurus must use all her wits and knowledge to survive, and gets a lot more work then she anticipated done along the way. Cleverly crafted, a biologically rich world to discover, and a wonderful set of characters. If you enjoy cool alien life, it is a must.

Hiatus • 12 Episodes + 7 Bonus Episodes • 20-35 mins Each • Average ~25 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Available on the Website • @tidespodcast on Tumblr

Character: Dr. Robert Montague, He/Him, Major, Demisexual, Explicitly Stated • Dr. Melissa Wang, She/Her, Major, Aromantic Asexual, Implied.

The Underwood Collection

"The Underwood Collection is a 5 season, 50 episode narrative detailing the supernatural happenings of and around The Usher Foundation, Washington, DC. Lurking behind the individual statements, though, are the private affairs of Head Curator Ulysses Bamba as well as the Curatorial and Archival staff, when the personal meets the horrific.

The Underwood Collection is a derivative, non-canonical, fan-made project derived from The Magnus Archives, an original horror podcast which is created and distributed by Rusty Quill Ltd."

A Magnus Archives fanmade spinoff set in America. The audio is not nearly as high-quality as the original, but the writing is good, and if you’re craving more statements, these are a mix of more silly and more scary than the original show, and take opportunity to explore the intersections of the fears. I especially like the approach to avatars. Also, more queer rep, and actually uses the words.

Hiatus • 20 Episodes + 4 Minisodes• 7-30 mins Each • Average ~20 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings In Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Unavailable • @pitchlibrary on Tumblr

Characters: Cassian Sedgwick, They/Them, Major, Aromantic Asexual, Creator Confirmed • Morgan Gaiman, They/Them, Major, Biromantic Asexual, Creator Confirmed • Lucy Murphy, She/Her, Once-off (Episode 8), Asexual, Explicitly Stated

Ungifts

"Four friends are on a sudden unexpected rescue mission - and sudden unexpected magic powers stand in their way."

Four friends take off on a journey to find their fifth after she is possessed by a magic amulet. They are given powers along the way, but they really don’t want them. Fun concept, can feel a little shaky at times, but I quite enjoyed it. The main 5 characters being voiced by just 2 people is an interesting effect. The banter is really fun.

Hiatus? • 10 Episodes • 10-45 mins Each • Average ~12 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Available on the Tumblr • @ungiftspod on Tumblr

Character: Trev, He/Him, Major, Biromantic Asexual, Creator Confirmed.

VALENCE

"An urban fantasy fiction podcast"

VALENCE follows Liam, a young magic user (or muse for short) in a city where magic is shunned and people are expected to suppress it. He’s got a lot of problems in his day-to-day life, but his family is one he hoped he’d never have to deal with again. Until he receives a very intriguing offer. Slow but interesting start that moves into some of the most fun character interactions I’ve seen in a while. Very intriguing and entertaining.

Hiatus • 24 Episodes + 1 Relaxation • 24-36 mins Each • Average ~27 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings In Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Available on the Website • @valencepod on Tumblr

Characters: Sarah Harris, She/Her, Major, Heteromantic Asexual, Explicitly Stated • Grace Chen, She/Her, Major, Aromantic Asexual Creator Confirmed • Nico Salvai, He/Him, Major, Arospec MLM, Explicitly Stated

The Vanishing Act

"An urban fantasy fiction podcast"

Absolutely wild podcast about a 1930’s German set designer’s obsession with a 200 year dead magician’s last trick: making an entire room of people vanish into thin air. As he travels the world seeking answers (and trying to get laid) we encounter a whole host of wonderfully/concerningly eccentric characters including an American conman, a handsome British author, a German scientist, and a duck. Well done sound design and never a dull moment. But also, a fair amount of sexual humor.

Hiatus • 12 Episodes • 33-61 mins Each • Average ~45 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Available on the Website • @vanishingpod on Tumblr

Character: Lilith von Hitzler, She/Her, Major. Aromantic Bisexual. Creator Confirmed.

Greater Boston

"Greater Boston is a bi-monthly full-cast audio drama that blends the real and the unreal, the historical and the fantastical. It all begins with the death of Leon Stamatis, a man for whom the least hint of uncertainty makes life unbearable. But by leaving the world, he has irrevocably changed it."

Set in an alternate universe Boston, a man gives up living on a rollercoaster and another attempts to turn a trainline into its own city. Watch how these events affect the people around them. Well made and entertaining, surreal yet weirdly grounded. It’s a bit slower, so my ADHD brain has trouble keeping focus sometimes, but it’s genuinely a very well made and written podcast. Worth listening just for Malory.

Hiatus • 38 Episodes + 43 Minisodes • 32-69 mins Each • Average ~38 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Desceiptions • Transcripts Available on the Website • @greaterblogston on Tumblr

Character: Melissa Weatherby, She/Her, Minor, Aromantic Asexual, Stated.

Station Arcadia

"Stories from a dystopian world where dieselpunk, steampunk, cyberpunk and solarpunk societies exist side by side, told through a radio station on a shifting island. Station Arcadia broadcasts diverse stories from across the land that together tell the story of a revolution, and hope in the face of a dying world. Also, it’s queer."

Some stories are stand alone, some are ongoing, many are connected, all are full of good writing and amazing worldbuilding. Very queer and underrated. Shoutout to the first explicitly stated Queer Platonic relationship I’ve ever encountered in media.

Hiatus • 25 Episodes • 16-35 mins Each • Average ~25 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings in Episode Descriptions • Transcripts Available on the Website • @stationarcadia on Tumblr

Character: Alice Harlow, She/Her, Minor/Reoccurring, Aromantic, Implied & Creator Confirmed.

Monstrous Agonies

"From werewolves in the doghouse to new ghouls at work, there's no problem too strange for this weekly advice segment, from the UK's only dedicated radio service for the creature community."

A supernatural/monster life and relationship advice podcast with possibly the most soothing narrator I’ve ever encountered, this podcast is an "agony aunt" radio-show style podcast which does a wonderful job exploring how creature communities might fit in to a world just like our own, and how this factors into daily life and various relationships, especially on cultural, familial, platonic and romantic levels. It really makes the most of it’s world and does some amazing worldbuilding while someone not explicitly naming the creatures it talks about. This is the only pod on this list where the aspec characters are unnamed, but has not one but TWO episodes featuring qpp discussion. Really cleanly made and oh so comforting.

Ongoing • 43 Episodes + 3 Minisodes • 10-20 mins Each • Average ~15 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @monstrousagonies on Tumblr

Character: Unnamed Vampire-Human Couple, They/Them and unknown, Once-Off (Episode 28), Alloromantic Asexual and Aromantic Allosexual, Explicitly Stated • Unnamed Bigfoot, Unknown, Once-Off (Episode 41), Aromantic Asexual

Supernatural Sexuality with Dr. Seabrooke

"A relationship and sex advice show for humans and monsters alike!"

Dr. Seabrooke runs a radio show where people can call in to get advice on romantic, sexual, and gender related conundrums. The hook being, this is a world where magic and supernatural creatures are just a normal part of life and society. Similar to Monstrous Agonies (above), but a human host, and lean toward romantic/sexual where MA is slightly more platonic/familial/romantic. As a note, this show contains fairly frequent discussion of sex, though there is nothing actually explicit, and it’s presented in a fairly informative (but not impersonal) way. I’m quite heavily sex-repulsed, and it caused me no issues. The conversations feel really organic, it’s great fun to see how they’ve explored how supernatural elements would play into interpersonal relations and daily life, and there’s loads of advice that can be applied in real relationships as well.

Hiatus • 22 Episodes • 16-24 mins Each • Average ~20 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions

Character: Alford, He/Him, Once-off (Episode 10). MLW Asexual. Stated/creator confirmed. And Ava, She/Her, Once-off (Episode 11). WLW Asexual. Explicitly Stated

Special Mentions

Sometimes it works a little different to "canon" and "not canon", which is cool too. These few are not "canon", but have been expressed in the show and addressed by the creators. You'll see what I mean.

Down

"Down is a 24-part science-fiction series from Definitely Human about an expedition into a newly-discovered Antarctic trench, dubbed The Bottomless Pit. The company-backed research submarine Virgil is elegant, state-of-the-art, and capable of withstanding enormous pressures. The same cannot be said for her crew."

A horror podcast about a submarine trip down a bottomless pit. Fun cast, really well written and sound designed, creative and extremely bingeable.

Finished • 24 Episodes • 10-24 mins Each • Average ~13 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Unavailable

Character: Dr Marion Straker, She/Her, Major, Aromantic. Marion states she has no interest in romance, which from the context lends to an aromantic interpretation. Creators say they will not confirm, but that it is a valid reading.

The Mistholme Museum of Mystery, Morbidity, and Mortality

"Hello, and welcome to the Mistholme Museum of Mystery, Morbidity, and Mortality. This Audio Tour Guide is aware that this is your first visit to the museum! On behalf of the Museum: Welcome! It’s a pleasure to have you with us here today. The Audio Tour Guide will be your window into the history of the museum and its exhibits today. Please note, that if you notice your version of the Audio Tour Guide behaving oddly, kindly ensure that you dispose of your Audio Device in the nearest incinerator at the earliest convenience."

The Mistholme Museum has you toured around a museum of strange artifacts by an incredibly sweet AI, who will tell you both about the item, and the story behind it. Amazing writing and narration that dips into both heartwarming and horror flawlessly, it features between 1 and 3 items an episode. Very creative and makes use of both original ideas and historic strangeness very well. Big on water, mirrors, changelings and doubles, and a healthy dose of subtle queerness.

Hiatus • 28 Episodes • 22-41 mins Each • Average ~25 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Listed at Beginning of Transcripts • Transcripts Linked in Episode Descriptions • @the-mistholme-museum on Tumblr

Character: The Audio Tour Guide. It/Its, Lead, Asexual. When asked, creator/writer Dom has stated that this reading was known to them while writing, has their love and blessing, and the ATG would be described as ace if it were human. However, as they themself aren't ace and don't intend to delve further into this, they note that it would "feel wrong, somehow" to claim it, and that they "don't want people to come to the show specifically for that kind of representation". They have also said "It's for Ace people to decide whether or not it counts as outright representation, not me, I think", and as I am ace (and the line given expresses a clear lack of sexual attraction both as an experience and an understood concept), I would confidently say it counts, however I wish to be as transparent as possible in Dom's intentions here.

Wooden Overcoats

"Rudyard Funn and his equally miserable sister Antigone run their family’s failing funeral parlour, where they get the body in the coffin in the ground on time. But one day they find everyone enjoying themselves at the funerals of a new competitor – the impossibly perfect Eric Chapman! With their dogsbody Georgie, and a mouse called Madeleine, the Funns are taking drastic steps to stay in business…"

Rudyard and Antigone Funn run a funeral home in the island village of Piffling. Not very well, mind you, but that doesn’t matter, because it’s the only one. Or, it used to be. Hilarious, high quality, and an interesting cast of characters, with a classic british comedy vibe.

Hiatus • 24 Episodes + 16 Minisodes • 31-64 mins Each • Average ~35 mins • Available on Major Podcasting Platforms and Spotify • Content Warnings Unavailable • Transcripts Unavailable • @woodenovercoats on Tumblr

Character: Rudyard Funn, He/Him, Lead, Asexual. One of the writers has said he writes Rudyard as ace, and it is fairly well suggested in the show, though it is not an established canonical fact.

I'd like to give a huge thanks to all the amazing content creators who have given not only incredible media, but the sort of representation I could never have imagined having. And a shout-out to all the amazing aro- and ace-spec folks I've met in the last two years, for being such amazing people and for enriching my life with all the different ways a person can be aspec. Y'all are amazing.

#ace #aro #canon aspec #podcast

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