Episode 30 - Somewhere Better III || Hymns for the Road

Summary

Hymns for the Road – Episode 30: Somewhere Better III

Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host/Author: Hodgepodge Audio
Description: Four survivors of a magical apocalypse embark on a road trip through the fantasy wasteland that once was America. Filled with mischievous and often malicious otherworldly creatures, strange and esoteric survival rules, and impossible, dreamlike landscapes, the world has become both indescribably beautiful, and ruthlessly, indiscriminately deadly.

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Episode Overview

In Episode 30, titled "Somewhere Better III," the narrative intensifies as the group grapples with the decision to either remain in their current sanctuary or embark on a quest to find a rumored "somewhere better." This emotional installment delves deep into the characters' internal conflicts, their bonds, and the harsh realities of their post-apocalyptic world.

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Key Discussions and Plot Developments

1. Daily Life and Preparations

The episode opens with Silver and Amber discussing Silver’s ongoing art project and the state of their makeshift home.

• Silver (00:35): "It's coming along. Almost all done. I'm glad the walls of this place are flat enough to paint on. Just wish I had some real paint."

• Amber (00:45): "Meh. Your charcoal concoction seems to be holding up."

Their conversation transitions to the truck, a critical asset for their survival and potential escape.

• Amber (00:35): "It's been fine. I haven't done anything in a couple days."
• Silver (02:01): "How's working on the truck?"

2. The Passage of Time and Emotional Stagnation

Silver reflects on the time they've spent in their current location, emphasizing the cyclical nature of their existence.

• Silver (01:26): "Gotta know when the equinoxes and solstices are."
• Amber (01:30): "How many has it been?"
• Silver (01:30): "13. Since we first found it."

Despite the passage of time, both Silver and Amber express a sense of emotional dormancy.

• Silver (01:50): "Do you feel any different?"
• Amber (01:56): "Neither do I."

3. Introduction of Glass and Aster

Glass and Aster engage in a lyrical exchange, highlighting their magical transformations and the changing dynamics within the group.

• Glass (03:18): "I know you belong to somebody new but tonight you belong to me..."
• Aster (04:27): "It's the spring equinox. I'M at the height of my power."

Their conversation underscores the ongoing changes each character undergoes, both physically and emotionally.

4. The Debate: Stay or Leave

A central theme of this episode is the group's deliberation over remaining in their current safe haven or venturing out in search of a better place.

• Copper (12:43): "The truck is fixed."
• Copper (12:49): "I got the engine running two days ago. Everything works. It just needs gas."

Copper emerges as the proponent for leaving, fueled by hope and a desire for safety beyond their immediate surroundings.

• Copper (13:28): "There is a somewhere better."
• Silver (14:20): "We're never going to escape it. We can't. It's all around us."

The contrasting viewpoints between Copper and the rest of the group create a palpable tension.

• Silver (15:02): "To run from it forever, or we can accept that it's a part of us."
• Copper (14:42): "But if we stay here, we'll change faster. We'll lose our humanity. We'll die faster."

5. Emotional Farewells and Departure

Ultimately, Copper decides to leave, leading to heartfelt goodbyes that underscore the depth of their relationships.

• Copper (19:43): "I've already made my decision."
• Silver (20:05): "You know I'd keep you if I could."
• Copper (20:20): "But I wanted to find it with you."

The departure scene is laden with emotion:

• Glass (21:35): "I'm really gonna miss you, Copper. And I hope it's everything you're looking for when you find it."
• Amber (22:48): "I just don't get how you could leave like this."
• Copper (23:07): "I wish it didn't have to be like this."

In a poignant moment, Silver reassures Copper:

• Silver (23:22): "I'm sure we will."
• Copper (23:30): "I love you."
• Silver (23:31): "I love you."

6. Closing Reflections

As Copper departs, the remaining members reflect on their shared experiences and the uncertain future ahead.

• Silver (25:57): "It's beautiful today."

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Notable Quotes with Attributions and Timestamps

• Silver (00:35): "It's coming along. Almost all done. I'm glad the walls of this place are flat enough to paint on. Just wish I had some real paint."
  Discussing his artwork and the scarcity of resources.

• Copper (15:10): "We're not giving up. Our priorities are just changing. I'm tired of focusing on surviving. I want to focus on you."
  Expressing a shift in priorities from mere survival to valuing relationships.

• Silver (16:14): "Copper, you want to help me put the paint away?"
  Attempting to maintain normalcy and cooperative spirit despite the looming departure.

• Copper (24:35): "Goodbye, Silver."
  Marking the final farewell between close companions.

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Character Insights and Development

Silver:
Silver exhibits a blend of creativity and resilience. His dedication to art serves as a coping mechanism amidst chaos, reflecting his desire to preserve beauty in a devastated world.

Amber:
Amber's initial disinterest in labors like fixing the truck symbolizes a weariness with perpetual survival tasks. However, her participation in communal activities highlights her underlying commitment to the group's well-being.

Glass & Aster:
Their interactions reveal the magical and mutable nature of their existence. As entities undergoing seasonal transformations, they embody the theme of change, both external and internal.

Copper:
Copper emerges as the catalyst for change, advocating for proactive steps toward a better future. His internal conflict between safety and the unknown drives the episode's emotional core.

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Concluding Thoughts

"Somewhere Better III" masterfully balances the mundanity of survival with profound emotional stakes. The episode poignantly captures the struggles of maintaining hope and humanity in a fractured world. As Copper embarks on his solitary journey, the remaining members are left to contemplate their paths forward, emphasizing the enduring bonds forged in adversity.

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Additional Information

Narration and Credits:
The episode concludes with a heartfelt narration crediting Anna McGuire as the writer and producer, alongside the voice talents Maurice Thomas (Silver), Pau Panganibon (Glass), Grizz Sibonek (Amber), Tabitha Bardol (Copper), and Justice Washington (Aster). Original music by Joshua David Mitchell enriches the storytelling experience.

Featured Hymns:

• "Tonight You Belong to Me" by Billy Rose and Lee David
• "Polaroid Picture" by Frank Turner

Stay Connected:
Listeners are encouraged to sign up for the newsletter at hodgepodgeaudio.com and support the creators on Patreon.

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This summary aims to encapsulate the emotional and narrative essence of Episode 30, providing a comprehensive overview for both returning listeners and newcomers to "Hymns for the Road."

Transcript

[Silver]

Sa mm.

[Amber]

Silver.

[Silver]

Amber.

[Amber]

How's it coming?

[Silver]

It's coming along. Almost all done. I'm glad the walls of this place are flat enough to paint on. Just wish I had some real paint.

[Amber]

Meh. Your charcoal concoction seems to be holding up.

[Silver]

What do you think? I've been working on the Mountains of the Clouds since you left.

[Amber]

Looks terrible. Start over.

[Silver]

And how's the truck?

[Amber]

I wasn't working on the truck. I was helping Copper set up the ritual stuff in the fridge.

[Silver]

I'm surprised any of them have taken any of our offerings out of that thing. With how dusty y'all leave it all the time.

[Amber]

Don't look at me. It's Glass and Copper's job.

[Silver]

Where is Glass?

[Amber]

Sitting in their tree. Probably making out with Aster or something.

[Silver]

If they're smart, they'll be making something to put on the altar.

[Amber]

They've already got stuff. I bet you're still keeping track of the days.

[Silver]

Gotta know when the equinoxes in the solstice are.

[Amber]

How many has it been?

[Silver]

13. Since we first found it.

[Amber]

Wow. Feels like so much longer than that.

[Silver]

Feels shorter to me. Pass me that towel.

[Amber]

Here. Do you feel any different?

[Silver]

Nah.

[Amber]

Neither do I.

[Silver]

You sound anxious.

[Amber]

Well, shouldn't we feel different after being in one place for two weeks? You used to think we could barely stay for more than overnight.

[Silver]

I like to think I'm learning. Maybe it don't happen as quick as we thought. Or maybe it's already happening and it just don't hurt.

[Amber]

Oh, you're not worried?

[Silver]

As long as the three of you are safe. Nah, I ain't worried. How's working on the truck?

[Amber]

It's been fine. I haven't done anything in a couple days.

[Silver]

That right?

[Amber]

Yeah. I kind of lost interest.

[Copper]

Hmm.

[Amber]

So now I'm chilling.

[Silver]

There's plenty you could do. Amber. Busy day today.

[Amber]

You can't let me take a break for 5 seconds?

[Silver]

Silver, has anybody patched up that hole by the back window yet? No. Why don't you do that?

[Amber]

Yeah. All right. Fine. If you see Glass around, tell them I want to talk to them.

[Silver]

I will.

[Glass]

I know you belong to somebody new but tonight you belong to me Although we're a part you're a part of my heart but tonight you belong to.

[Copper]

Me.

[Glass]

Way down by the stream how sweet it will be once more just to dream in the moonlight, my honey I know with the dawn that you will be gone by tonight you belong to me look at you. You're enormous.

[Aster]

It's the spring equinox. I'M at the height of my power.

[Glass]

Yeah, and you're at the height of my tree, too.

[Aster]

I don't even have to hover to reach you. Look, I'm standing right on the ground.

[Silver]

Mm.

[Glass]

Plus, you've got all these new arms now.

[Aster]

I can pick up all your friends at once if I wanted.

[Glass]

Oh. I wonder how they work. You didn't have four when I met you.

[Aster]

I'll shed them by the time the fall equinox reaches us. I change with the seasons. Like all things.

[Glass]

I guess it's just not as noticeable when we change.

[Aster]

You seem to have changed. Yes.

[Glass]

Yeah, I can see farther than I used to and better in the dark. And sometimes I wake up a few inches off the ground. Oh, and look. We feel right here. There are bumps on either side. I think I might be growing horns or something.

[Aster]

I hope you're feeling well with all that.

[Glass]

I do. I feel fine. I. I don't feel any different inside. I still feel like me.

[Aster]

I'm glad.

[Glass]

But I know you're not gonna let me talk about what I'm going through without talking about what you're going through.

[Aster]

Oh, I'm also feeling fine. I can sing a little. I couldn't do that before. It feels nice.

[Glass]

Sure does.

[Aster]

And sometimes I talk when no one is around. Even in my own meadow. I'm not sure why because I'm not talking to anyone.

[Glass]

Yeah, that's normal. Oh, everybody does that.

[Aster]

It confuses me.

[Glass]

It confuses us, too. But you're singing. And you're getting better.

[Aster]

This doesn't come very naturally to me.

[Glass]

We'll have to keep working on it. Then.

[Aster]

I suppose we can.

[Glass]

I'm writing a poem to put with the offering tonight.

[Aster]

I'd like to see.

[Glass]

Stop looking over my shoulder. You'll see it later.

[Aster]

Just a peek.

[Glass]

No, you have to wait.

[Aster]

But someone else might take it before me.

[Glass]

Then I'll tell you what it said.

[Aster]

Fine. Have it your way. I suppose I'll just starve until then.

[Glass]

I suppose you will. H. I assumed you would be the only one taking things off of our altar today. It seemed like you're the only one in the area.

[Aster]

I'm not really. But most in this area aren't terribly interested in you.

[Glass]

That's good. I guess.

[Aster]

I've been negotiating with the others to keep this place as safe as it can be.

[Glass]

Thank you, Aster. That means a lot.

[Aster]

But there's nothing I can do about the land itself. It's going to do what it likes with you.

[Glass]

I'm afraid we'll try not to hurt it.

[Aster]

I'd like to show you something, if that's all right.

[Glass]

Of course.

[Aster]

Hold on.

[Glass]

You could give me a little more of a warning next time.

[Aster]

My apologies. I thought you were getting used to it.

[Glass]

I'm getting used to flying. I'm not quite used to being up so high.

[Aster]

It's right below us. The thing I wanted to show you, Aster.

[Glass]

My eyesight is getting better, but it's not that good yet.

[Aster]

Oh. I'll take us down.

[Glass]

Whoa.

[Aster]

I've been very busy the last few days preparing for tomorrow.

[Glass]

They're beautiful. There are so many.

[Aster]

Oh, you flatter me.

[Glass]

Oh, I'm not flattering you. I'm being honest. This is amazing, Aster. It kind of reminds me of the meadow you took me to when we first met.

[Aster]

It is. They all are. My meadow is every meadow.

[Glass]

I wonder how far we are from the shack. I would love to show the others.

[Aster]

You can pick some if you'd like.

[Glass]

Oh, well, I assumed you wouldn't like that.

[Aster]

Just be gentle and don't take more than you need. It seems like something's wrong.

[Glass]

I miss Silver Scards. They drew a field like this. Someone.

[Aster]

Then I suppose it's a good thing we don't need them anymore. Glass.

[Glass]

This is it, isn't it? You don't have to be so nervous. I know you're not going to answer. It's just. It's like I looked up and I can feel my life suddenly.

[Aster]

I'm sorry. Not accustomed to this yet.

[Glass]

Just ask Esther.

[Aster]

How does it feel?

[Glass]

Better.

[Copper]

In the stillness of the moment it takes for a Polaroid picture to capture our faces forever the world has turned the touch on its axis and the only concern Everything Looking good. Yep. So, honey, I just need a little time to take a little time with today to savor all the triumph and tragedy before.

[Amber]

Did you see Glass anywhere?

[Copper]

No, I was finishing up with the fridge. I had to scrub a lot to get all the dirt off the outside.

[Silver]

Good luck. That thing ain't never gonna be cleaned.

[Copper]

Yeah, fridges aren't exactly built to be outside. Wow, Silver, that mural looks beautiful.

[Silver]

Thank you, darling. I don't usually like my own work, but I think this one's all right.

[Amber]

Shut up, Silver. Your art is always great.

[Silver]

Well, thank you, guys. Welcome back, darling.

[Copper]

How's Aster?

[Glass]

What?

[Copper]

I said, how's Aster?

[Glass]

No, they're great. They're wonderful. They're busy doing spring stuff. Lots to do today, apparently.

[Amber]

Too busy to help with chores.

[Glass]

Well, they got us that Hatchet, didn't they? Doesn't that count as help?

[Amber]

They didn't get us the hatchet. They just told us what to put in the fridge in exchange for it.

[Silver]

That thing is still the strangest vending machine I ever used.

[Copper]

Glass. Is your poem done?

[Glass]

Sure is.

[Amber]

Is it another love sonnet?

[Glass]

Oh, shut up.

[Silver]

Yes, the springs are going to love it, darling.

[Copper]

I think I feel good about this one. We've got a lot of good stuff. Maybe they'll even give us gas for the tank.

[Amber]

Yeah, well, it's not like we have to leave right away.

[Copper]

I don't mean tomorrow or anything. I meant maybe the next day. Once we see what we get from the ritual.

[Amber]

Uh huh.

[Silver]

Maybe we should be grateful for what we found here, Copper. No rush to leave right away, Silver.

[Copper]

We're sleeping on a concrete floor in a shack that doesn't even have glass in the windows.

[Amber]

It's better than sleeping over the bump in the backseat of the old car.

[Copper]

It isn't safer.

[Silver]

How do you know?

[Copper]

Because. Well, because it isn't.

[Glass]

We haven't seen anybody hostile since we got here.

[Silver]

The fridge out back gives us real food.

[Amber]

The roof of the shack doesn't leak.

[Copper]

Well, it's spring. Of course. Things are good now. But what about summer?

[Amber]

It's not summer yet.

[Silver]

We don't know what really happens during the summer. Summer, Copper. We don't know how we make it through every year.

[Copper]

We know there are fires.

[Glass]

We'll dig a moat and fill it with water from the creek.

[Copper]

What if it floods?

[Amber]

We can make sandbags.

[Silver]

We've got all spring to prepare if we want to stay for a while.

[Copper]

How long?

[Silver]

I don't know, Copper.

[Copper]

Maybe a long time until the truck is fixed.

[Amber]

The truck is fixed.

[Copper]

What?

[Amber]

I got the engine running two days ago. Everything works. It just needs gas.

[Glass]

And Daster's pretty sure we can get gas from somebody.

[Copper]

Well that's great. That means we can go. We can actually leave. Finally. We can go looking for it again. I have a good feeling about this year, you guys. I know we can find the somewhere better this time. And we have all that extra storage in the flatbed, so we'll. What? Why are you all looking at me like that?

[Glass]

I don't think there is a somewhere better, Copper.

[Copper]

There is.

[Amber]

We looked for it for years on a rumor.

[Copper]

It's not a rumor. Somebody told me it's real. And I know they weren't lying.

[Aster]

Who?

[Copper]

What?

[Silver]

Who told you about the somewhere better?

[Copper]

The same. It was the same person who told you, I think.

[Silver]

Why don't you? Sit down, darling. We've seen other people out here, haven't we?

[Copper]

Yes.

[Silver]

It is not all bad, is it? Some of them are happy.

[Copper]

I don't want to be happy. I want to be safe.

[Silver]

From what?

[Copper]

From all of it. From the folk. From all of this.

[Silver]

We could try to be safe here.

[Copper]

No, we can't.

[Silver]

Says who? Copper. We're never going to escape it. We can't. It's all around us. That's the lot we got dealt. So we can run from it forever, or we can accept that it's a part of us.

[Copper]

But if we stay here, we'll change faster. We'll lose our humanity. We'll die faster.

[Silver]

I don't know. I think I'd rather be happy for a shorter time than miserable for a long one.

[Copper]

You can't say that. You can't just give up, Copper.

[Glass]

We're not giving up. Our priorities are just changing. I'm tired of focusing on surviving. I want to focus on you.

[Amber]

Out here. I feel like I've gotten something back that I thought was gone forever.

[Glass]

And I'm changing, sure, But I feel more grounded than I ever felt in the car.

[Amber]

I can't remember the last time I was happy.

[Copper]

We don't need to be happy. We need to be alive.

[Glass]

What's the. The difference, driving around like that? We weren't alive. We were just existing.

[Copper]

That doesn't make sense.

[Silver]

The world is going to take us eventually. I love all of you. I want to enjoy the time I have left. I'm tired of running, Copper. Aren't you?

[Copper]

I don't know what else to do.

[Amber]

Neither do I. We can figure it out together.

[Silver]

We're going to start getting ready for supper. You want to help?

[Amber]

I chopped the wood. I want an easy job.

[Glass]

I can get the stove started.

[Silver]

Copper, you want to help me put the paint away?

[Copper]

Yeah.

[Glass]

Let go of the little distractions.

[Copper]

To.

[Glass]

The ones that you love.

[Silver]

Cause we won't come here this time next year.

[Glass]

So why.

[Silver]

You can take a picture of us.

[Amber]

Take a Polaroid.

[Glass]

Let's go. Off the little.

[Copper]

They don't hear me. You know it's out there, don't you? It has to be. There has to be a place where it makes sense, where it doesn't hurt. It still hurts here. It's always going to hurt here.

[Silver]

So in the stillness of the moment, make sure you take a Polaroid picture and keep it with you forever to remind yourself that everything changes. But there was this one time. There was this one time where things were.

[Glass]

Sa.

[Copper]

It's.

[Silver]

So. When did we lose you?

[Copper]

A while ago, I think.

[Silver]

There ain't nothing we could do about it?

[Copper]

No. There's gas in the truck. I checked last night. I've already made my decision.

[Silver]

We wish you made a different one.

[Copper]

Me, too. But I can't stay here.

[Silver]

You know I'd keep you if I could.

[Copper]

I have to move on, Silver.

[Silver]

I know.

[Copper]

I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry, Silver.

[Silver]

Oh, it ain't your fault, darlin'I.

[Copper]

Didn't find it.

[Silver]

You'll find it for yourself someday.

[Copper]

But I wanted to find it with you.

[Silver]

You're sure you can't stay?

[Copper]

I can't.

[Silver]

I know. I just had to ask.

[Copper]

I don't want to go alone.

[Silver]

You're not alone. You'll always be with us. But I think the others deserve to say goodbye. Don't you?

[Copper]

Yeah. I'm sorry. I was. I was scared to tell them.

[Glass]

Silver, come on.

[Amber]

We deserve to sleep in after yesterday.

[Silver]

Out here, y'all.

[Copper]

Copper, I have to go.

[Silver]

They're right. They gotta move on. It's time.

[Glass]

Really? You have to?

[Copper]

I have to. I'm sorry, Glass.

[Glass]

Hey. Don't be sorry, copper. Don't be sorry.

[Copper]

You're. You're happy I'm leaving?

[Glass]

No, I'm not happy you're leaving. I'm happy I got to meet you. I am so happy I got to meet you. Even if. Even if it was shorter than we wanted. It's better than never knowing you at all. And, um. I think I knew this was coming.

[Copper]

I don't. I don't want to leave.

[Glass]

But you have to. I know. You don't need to explain. But I'm really gonna miss you, Copper. And I hope it's everything you're looking for when you find. I wish you could have stayed a little longer, Squeaker.

[Copper]

Me too.

[Glass]

You're right here. Okay. Right here.

[Copper]

Yeah. Amber.

[Silver]

Bye, Amber.

[Amber]

I just don't get how you could leave like this.

[Copper]

I can't stay here, Amber.

[Glass]

I know.

[Amber]

I know that. I just. It's not going to be the same without you.

[Copper]

I'm sorry. Yeah.

[Glass]

Me too.

[Copper]

I wish it didn't have to be like this.

[Glass]

Yeah.

[Silver]

Come here. All of you.

[Copper]

Maybe someday we'll find our way back to each other.

[Glass]

I'd like that.

[Silver]

I'm sure we will.

[Copper]

I love you.

[Silver]

I love you.

[Copper]

Love you.

[Silver]

You need help with the truck?

[Copper]

I think I've got it.

[Silver]

You've got enough. There's nothing else you need?

[Copper]

There's nothing I need. Silver.

[Amber]

You have to jiggle the key sometimes and the passenger window doesn't roll down.

[Copper]

Thank you, Amber.

[Glass]

Here, for you.

[Copper]

I love this poem.

[Glass]

I know. Squeaker.

[Copper]

Silver?

[Silver]

Yeah, baby.

[Copper]

I think I'm ready.

[Aster]

All right.

[Glass]

Good luck out there, Copper. Thanks for coming with us.

[Copper]

Goodbye, Glass. Goodbye, Amber.

[Glass]

Bye.

[Copper]

Silver. Papa, you won't forget me?

[Silver]

Never.

[Copper]

Promise?

[Silver]

I promise.

[Copper]

Goodbye, Silver.

[Silver]

Goodbye, Copper. It.

[Amber]

I need some help making breakfast.

[Glass]

Happy to offer mine.

[Silver]

It's beautiful Today.

[Narrator]

Hymns for the Road was a podcast written and Produced by Anna McGuire. Starring Maurice Thomas as Silver, Pau Panganibon as Glass, Grizz Sibonek as Amber, Tabitha Bardol as Copper, and featuring Justice Washington as Astor. Original music by Joshua David Mitchell. This episode's hymns are Tonight yout Belong to Me by Billy Rose and Lee David and Polaroid Picture by Frank Turner. To stay informed about new shows and to celebrate old ones, sign up for our [e-mail] or support our work on Patreon.com Hodgepodgeaudio thank you so, so much for listening.