Desert Skies, Chapter 26: The Inter State (Part 1)

Podcast: Desert Skies
Host/Creator: Jared Carter
Date: November 17, 2025
Episode Overview:
This episode delves into the next stage of the afterlife journey, as the main characters prepare to cross from the desert realm into the mysterious Forest Sphere. After a car mishap, the group is forced to walk through a metaphysical transitional zone known as the "Inter State." The episode explores themes of memory, self-doubt, the purpose of the Spheres, and the evolving friendships between the characters as reality becomes slippery in the liminal Inter State.

Main Theme & Purpose

• Theme:
  The episode is about transition—not just geographically, but emotionally and metaphysically—exploring what it means to move from one phase of existence to another. The liminal "Inter State" acts as both a literal and figurative space for characters to confront their pasts, relationships, and sense of self between realms.

• Purpose:
  To deepen the lore of the Desert Skies universe, explore the complex relationships among the central characters, and introduce tension and mystery as they journey into unknown territory—both externally and internally.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Learning to Drive (02:36–05:15)

• Setup:
  Corson learns to drive a car for the first time, under the advice of companions Mac and Tendi. The scene is comic but also symbolic of moving into new phases.
• Key Moment:
  The challenge of transitioning from walking to driving is compared to life's challenges, highlighting unfamiliarity and the need for trust.

“For a guy who spent his entire existence walking, making the transition to car driving is quite the challenge. But you’re getting there.” — Tendi (03:00)

2. Crash & Aftermath (05:15–08:21)

• Setup:
  The driving lesson goes awry, leading to a crash. The group checks on each other and discusses practicalities, like spare tires and how to get help.
• Insights:
  The state of their vehicle mirrors their own uncertainty and the fragile nature of transitions between realms.
• Comic Relief:
  The conversation about Cash's robot and human bodies.

“Bodies are foldable. Cash, pop her in. You can take her for walks every once in a while, stretch her out.” — Mac (07:13)

3. Approaching the Inter State (08:21–12:00)

• Setup:
  The group notices a shift in the landscape, marking the end of the Desert Sphere and the approach to the Forest Sphere.
• Discussion:
  Dialogue focuses on the mysterious nature of the Inter State, how Spheres connect, and what this liminal zone truly is (“not quite astral, not quite physical”).
• Memorable Descriptions:
  Comparing the scent of the Inter State to “chamomile” and “blueberry Pop Tarts.”

“Something different. Something that isn’t quite astral, isn’t quite physical. It’s like it exists somewhere out of space and time.” — Mac (10:35)

4. Walking Through the Inter State: Reflections on Life & Violence (12:01–15:01)

• Setup:
  The group decides to walk through the Inter State despite its unnerving atmosphere. Dialogue turns introspective.
• Major Insight:
  Tendi admits surprise and sadness about how violence dominates memories of Earth, compared to the afterlife.
• Vulnerable Exchange:
  • Mac expresses insecurity about his past life and asks if he was part of the violence.
  • Tendi reassures Mac, expressing that he’s “one of the sweetest men who ever lived.”

“When I think of Earth, I think I’m just surprised that violence is one of the main things that comes to mind.” — Tendi (13:42)

5. Shared Memories & the Evolution of Friendship (15:01–22:37)

• Setup:
  Mac and Tendi reminisce about their relationship, marked by Mac’s relentless teasing and Tendi’s persistence.
• Key Story/Flashback:
  • The “noodle arms” jokes, moments of frustration, and growing mutual respect.
  • Flashback to a time when Tendi confronted Mac about constant teasing, leading to deeper understanding and camaraderie.
• Heartfelt Moment:
  Mac admits envy, respect, and affection for Tendi, breaking through their former antagonism.

“You got staying power and, well, you’re smarter than me… the truth is, I’m a little jealous. You’re a lot younger than me. You’re more self-disciplined. You got one hell of a work ethic.” — Mac (21:25)

6. The Inter State’s Reality-Bending Effects (22:37–30:12)

• Setup:
  Mac and Tendi find themselves suddenly reliving vivid memories at the station instead of walking through the Inter State. They discover odd objects (like a box of “Squeez-its” and Whoppers candy) and realize they’re stuck in a memory loop.
• Unsettling Twist:
  An unfamiliar presence appears, referencing “Mother,” suggesting something—and someone—watches and manipulates the Inter State space.

“You didn’t notice something? This isn’t the Interstate. We’re in this memory. We’re at the station.” — Mac (29:36)

7. Emotional Vulnerability & the Weight of the Job (26:32–29:21)

• Flashback:
  Tendi, in tears, worries about travelers (specifically a woman, Rhea) whom he couldn’t help move on, feeling he failed her.
• Contrast:
  Mac admits sometimes he has to “turn it off” to survive emotionally, while Tendi is always deeply invested.

“What could I have done or told her that would have set her on the path to the next life? I failed. Don’t you understand?” — Tendi (27:17)

“I think I got a part of me that can, you know, turn it off. Otherwise this job would kind of drive me nuts.” — Mac (27:57)

8. Conclusion & Cliffhanger (30:12–31:01)

• Setup:
  Mac and Tendi acknowledge they’re trapped in memory by the Inter State’s strange influence. They plan to pass the time together with Whoppers, but are intercepted by a mysterious entity talking about “Mother.”
• Tension:
  Raises new questions—Who is Mother? What is the Inter State truly capable of?

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Driving Lesson Fiasco

• "Stop trying to drive with one foot on the brake and one foot on the accelerator.” — Tendi (03:00)
• “If I have one foot on each pedal, it allows me to press the brake quicker in the event I need to.” — Corson (03:10)

The Nature of the Spheres

• “I’ve always thought of them more like ideas... something outside the physical. Like a sphere of influence.” — Mac (10:14)

Reflection on Earth

• “When I think of Earth, I’m just surprised that violence is one of the main things that comes to mind when I think of it.” — Tendi (13:42)
• “I thought you were gonna say something like tollbooths.” — Mac (13:51)

Friendship Earned

• “You still care if I feel like I’m dumb or not?... I’m a little jealous. You’re a lot younger than me. You’re more self-disciplined. You got one hell of a work ethic.” — Mac (21:22, 21:25)

Memory Trap Realized

• “This isn’t the interstate. We’re in this memory. We’re at the station.” — Mac (29:36)

Important Timestamps & Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:36 | Corson learns to drive; analogies of transition | | 05:15 | Car crash and post-crash assessment | | 08:21 | Noticing the boundary between Spheres | | 10:02 | Discussion about what the Spheres “are” | | 12:00 | Entering the Inter State; immediate sensations and hesitation | | 13:42 | Dialogue on violence and the perception of Earth | | 15:01 | Mac and Tendi’s flashback memory; “noodle arms” jokes; first hints of change | | 21:25 | Mac’s confession of jealousy and admiration for Tendi | | 22:37 | Realizing they are not progressing—they’re reliving the past | | 26:32 | Tendi’s breakdown over failing a traveler | | 29:36 | Discovery: "This isn’t the interstate. We’re in this memory." | | 30:40 | Apparition of the mysterious entity referencing “Mother” |

Overall Tone

• Wistful, comic, introspective, mysterious, and at times surreal.
• The group’s banter—full of running gags and nicknames—contrasts with moments of deep vulnerability and philosophical pondering. As reality frays, a sense of suspense enters, raising stakes for the transition to the next Sphere.

For New Listeners

This episode balances its trademark wit with weighty existential questions, explores complex character dynamics, and uses a narrative twist to keep listeners questioning the boundaries between reality and memory in the afterlife. It is equal parts road trip comedy, metaphysical meditation, and sci-fi mystery—offering rich character development and leaving the story on a foreboding note as the protagonists realize they (and perhaps the listeners) may never fully know what waits in the “Inter State.”

Listen For:

• Friendship and forgiveness (15:01–22:37)
• Allegorical and literal transition scenes (08:21–12:00; 22:37–31:01)
• Lore hints about the Spheres and “Mother”
• Surreal, reality-bending sequences

Cliffhanger Warning: The episode ends with the main characters trapped in a memory, confronted by a mysterious figure, ratcheting up anticipation for Chapter 26, Part 2.