Feed drop! Heathbound Episode One: Telemachus

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Strange Case of Starship Iris Episode: Feed Drop! Hearthbound Episode One: Telemachus
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host/Author: Jessica Best (Procyon Podcast Network)

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Introduction

In the latest episode of The Strange Case of Starship Iris, host Jessica Best announces a brief hiatus for the show's third and final season, slated to pause on August 28th before returning with full-length episodes on September 11th. During this hiatus, she introduces a captivating new side story titled "Hearthbound," described as a queer folk, musical, audio drama that serves as a post-apocalyptic retelling of Homer's Odyssey. Jessica highlights the evolution of the show's cast and their personal milestones, emphasizing the creative expansion into Hearthbound with its rich narrative and musical elements.

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Hearthbound Episode One: Telemachus

Plot Summary

"Telemachus" follows Odessa, the protagonist, as she navigates the desolate landscapes of a post-apocalyptic North America. Her journey is fraught with challenges as she scavenges for vital components to keep her ship, the Alby, operational. During one of her salvage missions, Odessa encounters Zhou Tiang, a fellow traveler burdened by the weight of past conflicts and the longing to reunite with his wife, Penelope.

Throughout the episode, Odessa grapples with maintaining her vessel's functionality while dealing with the emotional toll of her quest. Her discovery of a semi-functional actuator and the subsequent failure to procure an RF amplifier highlight the constant struggle for survival in this harsh environment. The encounter with Zhou Tiang introduces a complex relationship dynamics, as both characters navigate trust and companionship amidst the ruins.

The episode also delves into Odessa's interaction with a stray dog, whom she affectionately names Mac. This bond provides a semblance of comfort and companionship in her solitary journey, underscoring themes of friendship and found family.

Character Development

• Odessa: A resilient and determined individual, Odessa's primary goal is to return home to her wife, Penelope. Her resourcefulness is evident in her ability to salvage essential parts, but her vulnerabilities surface through her exhaustion and moments of doubt. Her relationship with Mac and Zhou Tiang reveals her capacity for forming deep connections despite the surrounding adversity.

• Zhou Tiang: Introduced as a weary traveler, Zhou's backstory is hinted at through his longing for Penelope and his struggles with past warfare. His interactions with Odessa suggest a shared history of loss and a mutual desire for redemption. His character embodies the themes of perseverance and the quest for home.

Musical Elements

"Hearthbound" is interwoven with poignant musical pieces that reflect the internal states of the characters:

• Zhou Tiang's Song ([04:04] - [07:52]): A melancholic melody that delves into his memories and the cost of war. Lyrics like, "There's no honest wage in war. When we tally up the cost in bones," emphasize the futility and personal loss endured.

• Odessa's Song ([11:15] - [15:08]): Expresses hope and reassurance amidst despair, with lines such as, "Everything's gonna be all right," showcasing her role as a pillar of strength for those around her.

• Finale Song ([19:37] - [23:46]): A haunting reflection on war and the desire for peace, concluding with a heartfelt plea, "Maybe then I can finally find the way back home."

These musical interludes not only enhance the emotional depth of the narrative but also serve as character introspections, deepening the listener's connection to Odessa and Zhou.

Themes

• Survival and Resilience: The characters' relentless pursuit of resources amid a post-apocalyptic backdrop underscores the instinctual drive to survive.

• Identity and Purpose: Odessa and Zhou's journeys are as much about physical survival as they are about finding their place and purpose in a fractured world.

• Friendship and Found Family: The bond between Odessa, Zhou, and Mac highlights the importance of companionship and support systems in overcoming adversity.

• Hope and Redemption: Despite the bleak setting, the characters' unwavering hope fuels their quests for redemption and reunion with loved ones.

• War and Its Aftermath: Reflecting on the consequences of conflict, the narrative explores themes of loss, guilt, and the long-term impacts of warfare on individuals and communities.

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Notable Quotes

1. Zhou Tiang on the Cost of War ([04:04] - [07:52]):

   "There's no honest wage in war. When we tally up the cost in bones."

2. Odessa's Assurance ([11:15] - [15:08]):

   "Everything's gonna be all right."

3. Zhou Tiang's Longing for Home ([15:08] - [22:01]):

   "But maybe then I can finally find the way back home."

4. Climactic Moment ([19:37] - [23:46]):

   "No more crusades to be won. I don't need a brave new world. Just a kinder one."

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Conclusion

Episode One of Hearthbound masterfully blends narrative storytelling with musical introspection, presenting a compelling retelling of the Odyssey through a post-apocalyptic lens. The interactions between Odessa and Zhou Tiang, coupled with their personal struggles and hopes, lay a strong foundation for the series. As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a sense of anticipation for the unfolding journey, eager to witness how these characters navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

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Production and Acknowledgments

Hearthbound Episode One features the talents of:

• Joe Chang as Odessa
• Amy R. Surratt as Paulie
• Pete Lang on guitar

The episode is created, written, and produced by Joe Chang, directed by Jack Tuohy Kalk, with music direction by Ginger Dolden. Sound design and editing are handled by Levi Sharp, and additional dialogue editing by Anna Kelly Redridge and Amador L. Rodriguez. Music production, additional engineering, and mixing are managed by Pete Langtow. Production is overseen by Charlotte Muth and Nico Fox, with special thanks to Multitude Studio and illustrator Anya Baz.

For more information and to stay updated, visit hearthboundpod.com.

Note: The creators acknowledge and honor the traditional lands of the Go Chute people, emphasizing the importance of stewardship, resistance, and renewal.

Transcript

[Lifelock Sponsor]

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[Jess]

Hi folks, writer and executive producer Jess here. The third and final season of the Strange Case of Starship Iris is taking a short hiatus August 28th. We'll be dropping the final mini episode and then we'll be back with full length episodes on September 11th. A lot has changed in the nine plus years we've been making this show. Actors have moved, become parents, completed PhD programs, changed their names, and in the case of Zhou Tiang, who played Other Violet, created an extremely cool new show of their own. Hearthbound is a queer folk, musical, audio drama and a post apocalyptic untelling of the Odyssey. The series follows Zhou Qiang's Odessa across the Great Basin region of North America as she tries to get home to her wife Penelope, encountering strange and colorful characters along the way. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then cheers because it's definitely mine. Come for hearing the Telemachus actually pronounced the right way, and stay for the affecting music and impeccable vibes. Today we have episode one for you, but more are available right now. If you like what you hear, follow Hearthbound on your podcatcher of choice and leave the show a review and a rating while you're at it. Now here is episode one. Telemachus.

[Zhou Tiang]

Set her back to walk the stone.

[Lifelock Sponsor]

Hearthbound Episode 1 Telemachus will she find.

[Zhou Tiang]

Her way back home?

[Odessa]

There's Vega. See her on good nights like this. You can see Altair too if you follow that line of stars over It's a good night. I found an actuator today that's only about half junk. It'll need to be scrubbed to death before I'll know if it works. I almost picked up an RF amplifier, but it rusted to pieces in my hand. Ran into some folks during salvage. They told me they came from the other side of the salt flats, but didn't say where they were headed. Neither did I. One of them passed me the smallest pouch before they left. It was saffron. Suppose she thought I needed it more than they did. I gave her my rifle. The hammer is buried a few hundred Miles back. But the metal will still be good for trade. I've been working on something. It's late, but I figure you're probably still awake anyways.

[Zhou Tiang]

Remember those early days Before I knew what to say? You took my hand and pulled me to the ground There among the seeds we found I built our bed and you wove your crown Remember the ones who came Ghosts wanted something for the pain they took my hands and bound up their hounded souls Let them in to stay like their friends of old Our roots grew deep and strong and whole dream enough for a fool or two this fool will raise it up for you and if you ever ask me again no, no matter what the gods portend I'll follow you until the.

[Odessa]

Very end.

[Zhou Tiang]

Remember when we parted ways There was so much left to say I took your hand and asked if you'd wait for me you said lover, here I'll be and when you're back I promise you'll see our forest.

[Odessa]

For the trees.

[Zhou Tiang]

Runaways of ash and dust in a world that's gone to rust Dreaming of for a floor too until this fool comes back to you no matter how no matter when no matter what the gods portend Though the mountains crack and the rivers run dry I know I'll see you once again I know I'll see you once again.

[Odessa]

I.

[Zhou Tiang]

Know I'll see you once again.

[Odessa]

Again yeah, I. Morning. There's an old wreck a couple miles east. I saw that. Didn't look picked clean yet. I should go back and see what I can scrounge up. Alby's running on fumes and I still need to see if she'll even take to the new actuator. I'm worried about the old girl. Her engine is running pretty black. I should pack and clean the respirator. Just get up. What?

[Zhou Tiang]

Ow.

[Odessa]

What the hell are you doing out here?

[Zhou Tiang]

Just come on. I'm not gonna hurt you.

[Odessa]

Come.

[Zhou Tiang]

Come here.

[Odessa]

It's okay.

[Zhou Tiang]

Good. That's good.

[Odessa]

Okay. Yep. There we go. It's okay. You're safe. Come here.

[Zhou Tiang]

Look.

[Odessa]

Look what I got for you. Oh, man. What am I gonna do with you? You have a name, buddy? Kind of look like a Mac. How's that sound? Hey.

[Zhou Tiang]

Hey.

[Odessa]

Here, boy. Yeah, I feel you. Scrawny little guy, aren't you? I wonder how long he's been out there. I think he's supposed to be some kind of cattle dog. A blue healer, maybe, under all that muck. Hey. Yeah, you like that, don't you?

[Zhou Tiang]

Don't you? Hey. Friend of mine. Everything's gonna be all right? Hey, friends of mine? I'm just glad to have you by my side? Your heart is heavy? Your feet are wearing you down? You were alone? But look how that's come around? Guess that means we fight? Left to be found? Everything's going to be all right? Everything's going to be all right? Everything's gonna be all right? Everything's gonna be all right? Hey, friends of mine? I know you gonna be just fine? Hey, friends of mine? We're looking pretty good for the end of times? You and I? We've made it this far? Skin and teeth and whistles in the dark? All this way just to get back to the start? Everything's gonna be all right? Everything's gonna be all right? Everything's gonna be all right? Everything's gonna be.

[Odessa]

All right? Back to work. Well, the wreck was a huge bust. There was a man. I could hear him dragging something around, so I followed his trail through the depot. He had a sled piled high with crap. Cracked flat screens, rusted instant pots. One of those flamingo inner tubes. He was already looking at me when I turned the corner. I couldn't tell if he was sizing me up or if he thought I was a hallucination. But he walked right up to me, right up to. To my face. It took him a minute with his sled and a leg that looked like it was scraped together from bike parts. He looked me hard in the eye and then he reached for me. I froze. His nails were chipped and dirty, and it looked like at one point he had painted them. He smelled like mesquite and mulch. He didn't touch me or anything. Just backed up slowly after a moment and made his way back out. I stayed and dug around for a while. It was all the same kind of leftovers that you get used to seeing again and again. Mildewed shoe soles. The thick, heavy round glass from the bottom of bottles. Parts that never imagined they'd outlive their use. Hey, baby boy. I'm talking to your mama. She's gonna be so excited to meet you. You come to say hi? She probably can't hear us right now because we're so far away, but you never know. You know what? Maybe tomorrow we can go looking for another amplifier. And if we can get Alby up and running, maybe the receiver will power up and she'll be on the other end trying to reach us this whole time. How's that sound, huh? Sounds good. Yeah, I thought so. All right, come on. I got you hey.

[Joe Chang]

Looks like it's cleared up again.

[Odessa]

Let's go outside, huh? Come on. What are you doing? What are you doing? Why are you like this? God, I miss you. I miss you so much. I can't do this. I can't. I'm so tired. I'm just so tired. Hey, buddy.

[Zhou Tiang]

Hey.

[Odessa]

I'm okay. It's all good, bud. Everything's fine. See.

[Zhou Tiang]

It comes so easy. The pride before the drop. You make your way to the precipice? With every intention to stop. Best laid plans of mice and men. Troy is burning once once again.

[Odessa]

Troy is burning once again.

[Zhou Tiang]

There's no honest wage in war. When we tally up the cost in bones. I'll count them till my hands are sore. And maybe then I can finally find the way back home. I thought I could be a dam for the tide. But for the ones who are still to drown. It doesn't matter that he tried. The kids are asleep. On fields of trampled wheat. Will these hands never be clean? Cause there's no honest wage in war? When we tally up the cost in bones. I'll count them till my hands are torn. And maybe then I can finally find the way back home. No more flesh to unfurl. No more crusades to be won. I don't need a brave new world.

[Odessa]

Just a kinder one.

[Zhou Tiang]

I don't ask for grace. I don't ask for an alibaba. When the righteous can never see beyond Any end they can justify. So if the fates have come to collect? They can have their bound. The flesh. Cause there's no honest wage in war. When we tally up the cost in bones. I'll count them till they set me free. And maybe then I can finally be with Penelope. Mac. Mac. Take it easy, bud.

[Odessa]

I need to. Hey, Mac, chill. All right, all right. Coming through again. You doofus. Shotgun.

[Zhou Tiang]

Huh? Fair enough.

[Odessa]

You ready? Me neither. This is it. I'll be. Don't me. Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on. Hello? Someone there?

[Zhou Tiang]

I'm. I'm sorry.

[Odessa]

Sorry. Can you repeat that? I'm having trouble picking up your frequency.

[Zhou Tiang]

Hi.

[Odessa]

Are you there? Shit. Come on, old girl, Gimme something. Are you still there? Yes, I'm here. I'm right here.

[Zhou Tiang]

Who are you?

[Odessa]

I'm. I'm Nobody.

[Zhou Tiang]

If there's a stranger. All alone.

[Lifelock Sponsor]

Hearthbound Episode 1 Telemachus features the voices of Joe Chang as Odessa Amy R. Surratt as Paulie Odessa's guitar by Pete Lang to Hearthbound is created, written and produced by Joe Chang directed by Jack Tuohy Kalk Music directed by Ginger Dolden Sound design and editing by Levi Sharp Additional dialogue editing by Anna Kelly Redridge and Amador L. Rodriguez Music Production Additional engineering and mixing by Pete Langtow Production managed by Charlotte Muth and Nico Fox. Special thanks to Multitude Studio and our illustrator, Anya Baz. Stay in touch with us on hearthboundpod.com you get home safe now, you hear.

[Zhou Tiang]

You may wonder but never know Will she find her way back home?

[Joe Chang]

Hi Joe here so so much of Episode one comes from riding through and camping in the deserts of Utah, which we know today to be the traditional land of the Go Chute people. To learn more about the Goshu, you can visit their website at CTGR US now. Through the course of this show, Odessa travels across lands that I loved as a child, land with a complex history of stewardship, theft, resistance and renewal. Its borders were porous as people and communities roamed with the seasons and made contact with each other. So an acknowledgement of that history can never replace learning or engaging with the work tribes do today to rematriate and revitalize the land. My only hope is to offer a place to start. This show could not be what it is today without Mark Solinger, who has been a wonderful source of insight, support and dread RPG sessions. He and Dan Powell last year released Generation Crossing, a concept album about an 800 year journey to a distant planet and the society that forms during that voyage. You can catch me on the track Spacewalk, so definitely start from the beginning. Learn more at generationcrossing.com Last but not least, I wrote this show with Emily Wilson's translation of the Odyssey by my side. If you haven't experienced this Homeric epic in its written form before, I highly recommend Wilson's translation. That's all for now. Thank you for listening to Hearthbound, the.

[Odessa]

Fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.