6 - E6 - Reunion

Summary

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American Afterlife – Episode 6: Reunion

Podcast: American Afterlife (Gamut Podcast Network)
Date: May 26, 2026
Main Cast:

• Scarlett Estevez as Cielo
• Joshua Messnick as Lucas
• Additional voices: Tammy (Teresa), Art (Commanding Officer), others

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Overview of the Episode

In “Reunion,” the harrowing journey of Cielo, a Mexican immigrant navigating the ruins of a post-apocalyptic Oregon, comes to a tense, emotional head. After a catastrophic earthquake, Cielo’s fight for survival is compounded by the desperate search for her mother amid militia chaos, shifting allegiances, and fragmented memories. The episode explores themes of trauma, maternal bonds, and resilience, as Cielo confronts both physical and psychological dangers within the shattered landscape.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cielo’s Interrogation and Traumatic Flashbacks

Timestamp: 03:05 – 05:23

• The episode opens with Cielo (Scarlett Estevez) being pressed by Lucas and a commanding officer (Art) about the events at the “repo camp,” focusing on her mother’s presence and the mysterious deaths at the compound.
• The officers question Cielo’s background:
  • “Your mom was active on a lot of dark websites.” (Lucas, 03:19)
  • Cielo reflects on her strained relationship:
    • “I can't be trapped in here with you anymore. ... I'm sick of all of this. I'm sick of you.” (Cielo, 03:45)
• Lucas negotiates for one more night to obtain Cielo’s full story before the authorities plan to send her "back over the border."
  • “I promise you, I can get it all tonight. Give me one more night.” (Lucas, 05:34)

2. Desperate Search for Her Mother & Unraveling the Repo Community

Timestamp: 06:16 – 10:44

• Cielo’s memories and fears blur with present danger; she’s traumatized by abandonment and longing to save her mother.
• Tammy/Teresa is revealed to have unique knowledge about the repo, describing Cielo’s mother (“Tinky”) as an elder among the women:
  • “Your mom is the only elder, the only one of us who’d been pregnant, at least all the way.” (Tammy, 07:16)
  • “She’s Adam’s eyes and ears.” (Tammy, 07:41)
• The repo “recovered” women are actually kidnapped, revealing the exploitative and violent nature of this new militia:
  • “Some woman they recovered didn’t need convincing to stick around. But others, namely me, aren’t as smitten with the new way of life the repo are selling.” (Tammy, 07:50)

3. Planning the Rescue: Allies and Arsenal

Timestamp: 08:46 – 11:15

• Cielo and Teresa uncover a hidden arsenal, suggesting a violent confrontation is inevitable.
• Teresa’s motivations become clear—her goal is not just survival but revenge:
  • “It wasn’t about me. Not to Teresa. It was about revenge. I was just the excuse.” (Cielo, 10:44)
• Cielo’s determination remains fixed:
  • “We have to save her.” (Cielo, 11:01)
  • “I can talk to her. Just let me get to her.” (Cielo, 11:10)

4. Infiltration, Confrontation, and Chaos

Timestamp: 11:31 – 18:19

• Teresa and Cielo sneak into the repo compound. The house’s decrepitude mirrors the collapse of order.
• Cielo’s psychological turmoil heightens as she’s confronted by the smell and sight of violence and death.
• Gunfire erupts, and Cielo’s actions blur between self-defense and trauma response:
  • “I don't even remember pulling the trigger.” (Cielo, 14:51)
• A moment of high tension unfolds:
  • “She has a gun.” (Tammy, 14:57)
  • “I’m here to save you. Save us from what?” (Cielo, 15:01)
  • “Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck.” (Tammy, 15:28)
• Cielo is torn between escape and the need to find her mother, culminating in a violent showdown:
  • “Teresa took one shot and finished what my mother started. I saw Adam hit the ground.” (Cielo, 17:44)

5. Fragments and Uncertain Conclusions

Timestamp: 18:19 – 20:38

• Cielo experiences memory gaps from passing out, possibly due to infection or trauma.
• She recalls someone (likely her mother or a caretaker) administering medication—antibiotics that save her life:
  • “I remember the feeling of warm hands touching me... cool water. I drank and drank.” (Cielo, 18:30–19:16)
• Lucas interrogates Cielo about the nature of the violence, trying to shape the narrative:
  • “Are you sure you're remembering this right? Memories can be tricky in situations like this.” (Lucas, 19:54)
  • The possibility remains that Cielo’s actions were self-defense.

6. Release and Bittersweet Resolution

Timestamp: 22:05 – 22:49

• Lucas covertly releases Cielo, giving her directions and risking his own safety:
  • “If you head down this path, take your first left... stick to the tree line... you’ll make it back to Eugene.” (Lucas, 22:07)
  • “I don’t know how to thank you.” – “Then don’t.” (Cielo & Lucas, 22:32)

7. Cielo’s Closing Reflection

Timestamp: 22:58 – 23:39

• Cielo sums up the episode’s emotional cost and enduring hope:
  • “My leg is throbbing. There’s a kind of weight on my heart. But they both feel like they’re healing. Or they will, with time… I learned how to live, how to survive. But how long can you last out there alone? I know you’re still out there, Mom. I know I will find you. And when I do, I know you’ll be waiting for me.” (Cielo, 22:58–23:39)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I can't be trapped in here with you anymore. I don't want to be stuck in your sad, pathetic little life any longer. I'm sick of it. I'm sick of all of this. I'm sick of you.”
  — Cielo (03:45)
• “No, later. You can have until then. I want this to be over with. I have a trip to Cancun on Wednesday.”
  — Commanding officer/Art (05:51)
• “It wasn’t about me. Not to Teresa. It was about revenge. I was just the excuse.”
  — Cielo (10:44)
• “I don't even remember pulling the trigger. I just... the aftermath.”
  — Cielo (14:51)
• “My leg is throbbing. There’s a kind of weight on my heart. But they both feel like they’re healing. Or they will, with time.”
  — Cielo (22:58)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Key Moment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:05 | Lucas questions Cielo about her mother and previous events | | 05:23 | Commander discusses what will happen to Cielo | | 07:02 | Tammy/“Tinky” discussion; Cielo learns about her mother’s role | | 08:56 | Discovery of a hidden arsenal | | 10:44 | Cielo recognizes Teresa’s motives: revenge, not rescue | | 14:41 | The break-in, gunfire, and violence escalate | | 17:44 | Teresa “finishes what my mother started,” killing Adam | | 18:30 | Cielo’s memory of being saved (antibiotics, caretaker) | | 19:54 | Lucas interrogates Cielo about her memory and self-defense | | 22:07 | Lucas aids in Cielo's escape | | 22:58 | Cielo's closing reflection and vow to find her mom |

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Tone & Style

The episode is somber, suspenseful, and intensely personal—conveying both the visceral terror of survival and the ache of seeking family in a broken world. Dialogue is raw and direct, with bursts of violence and tender compassion. The episode maintains a sense of immediacy and unreliability, paralleling Cielo's fractured memories and moral uncertainty.

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Summary for New Listeners

“Reunion” is a turning point for Cielo, blending fragmented recollections, intense emotion, and the blurred lines between victim and survivor. The episode delves deep into themes of familial love, trauma, and the destructive power of crisis, leaving listeners questioning what is real and what merely needs to be survived. In the end, Cielo’s journey remains unfinished but newly fueled by hope and determination—a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, even amid devastation.

Transcript

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Hi, it's Scarlet Estevez or Cielo from American Afterlife. Thank you so much for listening to this audio drama. It's been wonderful seeing all your positive comments about the series and we really appreciate every single one. We actually hit number one in the fiction and drama podcast charts on Apple, which has been incredible to see. If you haven't already, I would really appreciate it if you give us a review on Apple or Spotify. And guess what? Now we're giving away three pairs of American Afterlife socks designed by me and made by our partners, Pair of Thieves. As a thank you. Check out the link in the description for more details on how to get your socks. Please enjoy this full uninterrupted episode after this short ad break.

[Pair of Thieves Ad Voice]

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[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

From Geico Subconscious News I'm Tammy Racing thoughts broadcasting from your brain. You think you live in a pretty safe place, but you just heard about a break in four miles away which isn't close, but it isn't far either. You know our palpitations is on the scene.

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

I sure am, Tammy, and I don't Even know why I drove out here? Because as you know, you got customized renters insurance through Geico. So your stuff is.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Oh, well, that's great. Any sign of crime there, Art?

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

Just some light littering, Tammy.

[Lucas]

But like they say, a little litter

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

can lead to a lot.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Wise words. It feels good to worry less. It feels good to Geico.

[Narrator]

Welcome to the podcast American Afterlife. This audio drama unfolds episode by episode. So to get the full experience, we recommend starting from the beginning. If you haven't caught up yet, now's the perfect time to go back and listen from the start. Previously on American Afterlife.

[Lucas]

So you saw your mom at the repos camp. Were you expecting to see her there?

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Of course not.

[Lucas]

Really? You know we have files on her. The way they read, I'm not so surprised.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

What's that supposed to mean?

[Lucas]

Your mom was active on a lot of dark websites.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

She loved the tv, the radio, and eventually her phone. I helped her save up for it. I wish I never did. Cielo, do you have that 300? I got a letter in the mail today. When were you gonna tell me about this?

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Mom?

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Where's all the money that I've been giving you? I don't like what's happening to you.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Your clothes, your language, your hair.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I can't be trapped in here with you anymore. I don't want to be stuck in your sad, pathetic little life any longer. I'm sick of it. I'm sick of all of this. I'm sick of you. Cielo. Cielo. I spent the next month wondering where she was, whether she was alive, how I could find her. Now I wish I never did.

[Narrator]

You're listening to American Afterlife, a podcast series based on the best selling book by Pedro Hoffmeister. Episode 6 reunion.

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

Let's hear the good news.

[Lucas]

Evening, Charles. Sir.

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

Speak.

[Lucas]

I do happen to have an update that could qualify as good news.

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

Stop teasing my cock. Let's go. Sure.

[Lucas]

Well, it sounds like her mother was there with the repo.

[Pair of Thieves Ad Voice]

And?

[Lucas]

And, well, it explains why Cielo was there.

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

Explains why we don't need a why. We need the what. What the fuck happened to explain why a compound full of a dozen men are now dead and this one random illegal is alive? I'm done with this. Lucas. Tell mom you're moving back in. Polish up your resume. Kiss your savings goodbye. We'll take Cielo from here.

[Lucas]

What's going to happen to her?

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

She's headed home. Overnight delivery back to Eugene.

[Lucas]

But the town is in ruins back

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

over the fucking border. Dumb shit.

[Lucas]

Sir, you can't I mean, you can do anything you want. I mean that. I know what she's been through and she's close to telling me. I swear to you. I promise you, I can get it all tonight. Give me one more night,

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

Dawn. We'll pack her up and drag her away at dawn. No, later. You can have until then. I want this to be over with. I have a trip to Cancun on Wednesday.

[Lucas]

Dawn. Got it.

[Narrator]

No.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Don't leave me.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Cielo.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Don't leave me.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Cielo, can you hear me?

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Don't leave me alone. Don't leave me alone. Don't leave me alone.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Hey, keep quiet. What the hell is going on? You said you saw your mother.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Which one was she?

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

The. The one with the raspy laugh and the glasses. She's short, stout, kind of waddles when she walks.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Tinky?

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

What the fuck is a Tinky?

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Lower your goddamn voice. Tinky was kind of like my midwife.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Excuse me? My mom. I thought you were a doctor.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Nurse. But it wasn't like that. All the women in the repo are young, Tinky. Your mom is the only elder, the only one of us who'd been pregnant, at least all the way. She and Adam had this thing going on.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Adam? I've heard that name. He was on the boat when they

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

tried to kill me. Yeah, you can thank your mother for that one. She's Adam's eyes and ears. Some woman they recovered didn't need convincing to stick around. But others, namely me, aren't as smitten with the new way of life the repo are selling.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

What do you mean recovered?

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Kidnapped. We need to keep moving. Let's get you up. This is the spot. In this hollow tree. Help me clear this brush. Christ, it's heavy. Help me with this shit. This isn't the first aid kit. Open it up. Let's find out what's inside.

[Lucas]

Oh.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Whoa.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

What's in there?

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

An arsenal.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

All right, onto plan B. I didn't

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

like the look in her eye. The way she picked up each gun in the box and turned it over, letting the moonlight glint across the barrels and the rounds of ammo. Old timey revolvers, semiautomatics, like police carry. Some kind of machine gun that looked like the letter T with the pack of the bullets sticking way far out on the handle.

[Lucas]

The magazine.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Which magazine?

[Lucas]

No, that's what it's called. A magazine.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Why is it called that?

[Lucas]

Well, I mean, I don't know. It just is.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

It's a stupid name.

[Lucas]

Sorry. Keep going.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

What are you doing? Teresa?

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

The Meds you need. The real meds are all inside the house.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I'll be fine. I'll be fine. Maybe the first aid kit is still buried out here somewhere. If we keep looking.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

The wound's infected. Can you feel it throbbing yet? Is the pain spreading up your leg? I know right where it is. I can get in, get out, no problem.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Let's just go right now.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

You won't make it, honey. And I won't be far behind you. No. This is what's going to happen. We'll wait until sunset, then bust in there, find you the medicine, get you healthy, and we free everyone. All the women in there. Those repo assholes won't see it coming. I can't wait to see the look on those faces. Like they're seeing a ghost.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

It wasn't about me. Not to Teresa. It was about revenge. I was just the excuse. But I knew she was going in there whether I agreed to it or not. Fine. I'll help you. But I have one condition. Shoot my mom. We have to save her.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Tinky's deep in it, hon. I don't think she's going to want to.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I can talk to her. Just let me get to her.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

You got it. Now how about you get some rest? We have some time to kill before sundown.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I tried to get some sleep, but every time I closed my eyes. Don't leave me alone. Teresa found a stick, used the pocket knife I took off her ex husband or whatever and carved off the bark and tied it around my leg like a splint. I guess it kinda helped. Made the time go by, at least. When it was dusk, Teresa led me around the back of the house. It was this big ran shackle thing. Looked like it had been built in pieces. Like when they kept adding new rooms or whatever when they needed space. She led me around to where we could see the screen door. Sat there in the trees for a second, holding that gun with the long, you know, like magazine or whatever. Stared at the door. Had this weird smile come over her face. Not a nice smile. Not one I liked. She stayed that way for a long time. Then she turned to me and said,

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

we'll go in through the kitchen. That makes the most sense for us. If we're spotted, there's a chance they'll just assume we're part of the women. I'll make sure the coast is clear. Then you come in behind me. I'll take you. They're not coming this way.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Breathe. Good.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

All right, let's get this over with. In and out.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Wait. How will I know when I should follow you in?

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

You'll know. See you in a second.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I got this. I got this. I got this. I got. I should have turned and run right then, but all I could think about was my mom. I walked into the kitchen, and there was this smell. Like old meat. Kind of rotten, but also another smell. A familiar one. I didn't know how to put my finger on it until I turned the corner and saw a body just lying there, twisted up, mangled. Dead. It was the smell from that French guy's house. The smell of blood.

[Lucas]

Who the.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Oh, my God. I'm so sorry. I just.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

You.

[Lucas]

You.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I don't even remember pulling the trigger. I just. The aftermath.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

She has a gun. No.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Listen, I. I won't hurt you.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

She killed Jacob.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I'm here to save you. Save us from what?

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Help. Stop. All right.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Shh, shh. Please be quiet. I'm sorry.

[Lucas]

Then what happened? Cielo,

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I need a second.

[Lucas]

We. We don't have a second. What happened next?

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I dragged myself away from those two women and found myself right by the front door. I could see the trees swaying gently in the night air. All I needed to do was take a few steps and I could be out there. I could be gone. But then I heard.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Tinky.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Don't shoot.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

I have your daughter. She's here with me.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I didn't think. I just ran towards Theresa's voice, towards the gunfire, towards the danger, towards my mother.

[Pair of Thieves Ad Voice]

Shoot the bitch, Tinky.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

She pulls that trigger and you're dead, too. Adam.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I found them in this big, ugly living room. Teresa had her gun against the head of some guy. And the guy from the boat who threw her in. Adam. That. There was another person on the other side of the room. Someone small, with her own gun aimed right at Teresa. I knew it was her, but it still took me a minute to recognize her. Like my brain didn't want me to. You're lying. Shoot her. That's when she saw me. Cielo. That's when my leg gave out from under me. I collapsed to the ground, and I got. I guess I caused enough of a distraction that Adam managed to twist himself away from Teresa. And. For a moment, I thought I was dead. Then I heard my heartbeat pounding in my ears. And when I looked up, my mother was gone. Adam was screaming in pain, and his arm was gushing blood. I'll kill her. I'll kill the bitch.

[Lucas]

Tiki, you fucking.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Teresa took one shot and finished what my mother started. I saw Adam Hit the ground. Watched his blood seep across the wood floor towards me. But there were more members of the repo in this house. And she wasn't done yet. My memory is spotty after that. I must have passed out.

[Lucas]

So that's all you can remember until the National Guard found you and brought you back there?

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Well.

[Lucas]

Well what?

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I don't know. I remembered one other thing, but maybe it was a dream. I remember the feeling of warm hands touching me. Holding my head. Something in my mouth. It was cool. In my days, I thought it was a pebble. I tried to spit it out, but the hands wouldn't let me. Then cool water. I drank and drank.

[Lucas]

An antibiotic.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

When I opened my eyes, no one was there. The whole house was silent. Except for. I let my eyes close. Let the sleep take me again.

[Lucas]

So you didn't have anything to do with the deaths?

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

There was the one guy who surprised me and.

[Lucas]

Think hard, Cielo. Are you sure you're remembering this right? Memories can be tricky in situations like this. Are you sure he didn't attack you first?

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Maybe. Maybe he did.

[Lucas]

Right. Good. And your mom? Is she. Did she?

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I don't know. But I can hope. Are you gonna get that?

[Lucas]

I. You're very brave, Cielo.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I know.

[Lucas]

Let's get you home.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Foreign.

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[Lucas]

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[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Ugh.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I love my vrbo. For the location.

[Lucas]

Good reason.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

Oh, and for the pool.

[Tammy (Geico Ad Voice)]

Cause pools are cool.

[Lucas]

I feel the love. Book a VRBO that's loved by guests. If you know you VRBO looking for the perfect rental. Discover top rated stays loved by guests. Rated highest by real guests through authentic reviews. These traveler loved stays are recognized by the details that matter most and validated by real experiences. Choose confidently from rentals you can trust. VRBO book now a vacation rental loved by guests. Right through here. Keep your head down. There are cameras.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

What are you doing?

[Lucas]

I'm not really sure. If you head down this path, take your first left. Keep going three miles or so. You'll hit a road. Stick to the tree line. Eventually you'll make it back to Eugene.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

What will they do once they realize that bureaucratic mishap.

[Lucas]

Happens all the time.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

It feels good to be outside.

[Lucas]

I know it does. Now go.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

I don't know how to thank you.

[Lucas]

Then don't.

[Pair of Thieves Ad Voice]

Just go.

[Art (Geico Ad Voice)]

Time's up for you, shithead.

[Lucas]

Yes, sir. About that.

[Scarlet Estevez (Cielo)]

My leg is throbbing. There's a kind of weight on my heart. But they both feel like they're healing. Or they will. With time, I'm heading back to Eugene to search through the cracks of the earth. I learned how to live, how to survive. But how long can you last out there alone? I know you're still out there, Mom. I know I will find you. And when I do, I know you'll be waiting for me.

[Narrator]

You've been listening to American Afterlife at Audio drama by Benstown McVeigh Podcast Network production in association with Aurora Productions and in partnership with Gamut Podcast Network Based on the best selling book by Pedro Hofmeister. Presented by Pair of Thieves. Produced by Dave chachi, Dennis, Mike McVeigh and William Stewart. Directed by William Stewart Podcast adaptation written by River Donahay and Alison Dwyer. Based on the best selling book series American Afterlife by Pedro Hofmeister Published by Crooked Lane Books. Featuring Scarlett Estevez as Cielo, Joshua Messnick as Lucas and Ted Evans as Charles. Additional voices by Estefania Padilla, Phil Levitt, Jacob Urbanek, Angelaine Santana, Megan Vasquez Narration by Sean Andre Sound design by Jacob Urbanek Studio engineers Darren Silva and Megan Vasquez Production manager and marketing, Susan Aksu Magarian Additional marketing, Robbie Gessel if you enjoyed American Afterlife, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and following us on Spotify.