Desert Skies Presents: The Liminal Lands

Host: Jared Carter
Release Date: January 29, 2025

Overview

In the episode titled "Desert Skies Presents: The Liminal Lands," host Jared Carter introduces listeners to a captivating new podcast series, "The Liminal Lands," created by his friend and fellow storyteller, Waymond Alexander. This episode serves as both a promotional piece and a teaser, providing insights into the thematic depth and narrative style of "The Liminal Lands." Through a blend of engaging narration and character-driven storytelling, listeners are invited to embark on a journey of survival, mystery, and the quest for family in a desolate, unfamiliar world.

Introduction to The Liminal Lands

Speaker A: Jared Carter
Timestamp: [00:00 – 01:21]

Jared Carter opens the episode by expressing his enthusiasm for sharing "The Liminal Lands" with his audience. He highlights the podcast's premise—a man thrust into a hostile environment, battling dangers while searching for his lost family. Carter emphasizes the show's blend of survival instincts, intrigue, and heartfelt moments, making it a labor of love that grows more engaging with each listen.

Notable Quotes:

• “Not only is it a show I love, it's created by a creator I personally admire who's also a dear friend.” [00:30]
• “Even though the subject matter is vastly different, there's a humor and heart to it that seems to find a common ground that speaks to both sets of our listeners.” [00:55]
• “This found footage style podcast is a labor of love that only becomes richer and more engaging the longer you listen.” [01:10]

Carter also mentions the interconnected fan bases of his own show and Waymond Alexander's, suggesting a seamless transition for listeners who appreciate heartfelt and humorous storytelling, regardless of genre differences.

Episode 1: Prologue or a Journey of a Thousand Miles

Speaker B: Narrator (Waymond Alexander)
Timestamp: [01:21 – End]

The bulk of the episode transitions into the first episode of "The Liminal Lands," narrated by Waymond Alexander. The listener is introduced to the protagonist, whose identity remains unnamed, as he embarks on a routine hunting trip that spirals into an unexplainable catastrophe.

Key Plot Points:

1. The Hunting Trip Gone Wrong:

   • The protagonist prepares for a hunting expedition in the Ouachita Mountains, a remote area portrayed as "way out there" even for Arkansas. He details the challenges of managing three young children and a spouse, highlighting the isolation of his predicament.
   • Quote: “With no cell phone reception, it's actually one of the charms.” [00:05:20]

2. The Accident:

   • While in his tree stand, the protagonist falls asleep, only to be awakened abruptly, possibly by nightmares or an unknown force. He experiences a severe fall, resulting in head wounds and a shattered phone screen, rendering him disconnected from the outside world.
   • Quote: “Sometimes too much is just too much. But after all of that, I didn't even have the energy to have a really good breakdown.” [00:10:15]

3. Realization of Isolation:

   • Upon waking, he discovers that his community has mysteriously vanished. Attempts to use vehicles fail, leading him to walk an estimated 50 miles back home over approximately 20 hours, only to find all the houses deserted.
   • Quote: “By the 9th or the 10th empty house, even someone as slow witted as me starts to figure out something's going on.” [00:15:45]

4. Survival Struggles:

   • Facing the absence of electricity and a lack of food, he consumes a can of ravioli but finds all his supplies spoiled, raising questions about the nature of time and reality in his current environment.
   • Quote: “I really just hope I only mean that figuratively and. And the smell doesn't actually cling to me for the rest of my life.” [00:20:50]

5. Existential Doubts:

   • The protagonist grapples with whether he is experiencing an afterlife or succumbing to madness. His reflections reveal a deep sense of loss and desperation to find his missing family.
   • Quote: “I came so close to losing it right then. Sometimes too much is just too much.” [00:25:30]

6. Encounter with the Unknown:

   • As he navigates the deserted landscape, he spots a red-tailed hawk, the first sign of life, which momentarily reassures him. However, he soon senses a menacing presence—an indescribably dark, panther-like creature that heightens his fear and urgency.
   • Quote: “I have never, ever seen anything so dark in my entire life.” [00:35:10]
   • Quote: “Whatever the hell it is, it isn't going to survive a couple of shots from some 12 gauge single aught buckshot.” [00:40:25]

7. Climactic Tension:

   • The protagonist prepares to confront the unknown entity stalking him, detailing his arsenal and plan to turn the tables. His resolve is tested by the oppressive darkness and the relentless pursuit of the creature.
   • Quote: “When the sun finally decides to come back up, I'm gonna turn the tables.” [00:45:00]

8. Final Plea and Cliffhanger:

   • The episode concludes with the protagonist making a desperate phone call to a neighbor, Jason, seeking help after realizing his immediate safety is compromised. The call underscores his vulnerability and sets the stage for future confrontations.
   • Quote: “As always, guys, thank you for listening. Until next time, beware of doorways.” [00:50:00]

Insights and Themes

Survival and Desperation: The protagonist's journey underscores the primal instinct to survive and the lengths one will go to protect and reunite with family.

Isolation and Madness: Extended isolation in a desolate environment blurs the lines between reality and hallucination, raising questions about mental stability in extreme situations.

Time and Reality: The distorted perception of time and the spoiling of food supplies hint at a manipulation of reality, suggesting supernatural or otherworldly forces at play.

Man vs. Unknown: The introduction of a mysterious, dark predator adds a layer of suspense and fear, embodying the unseen dangers that the protagonist must confront.

Conclusion

"Desert Skies Presents: The Liminal Lands" successfully sets the stage for an enthralling narrative filled with suspense, emotional depth, and intricate world-building. Jared Carter's introduction, coupled with Waymond Alexander's immersive storytelling, promises listeners a gripping experience as they follow the protagonist's harrowing quest through the liminal spaces between life and the unknown.

For fans of atmospheric and character-driven podcasts, this episode serves as a compelling invitation to explore "The Liminal Lands," promising episodes rich with tension, mystery, and the enduring hope of finding one's way back to loved ones.

Additional Resources:

• Club 86: Patreon
• Merchandise: Shopify Store
• Community Discord: Join Here
• Official Website: Desert Skies Podcast