Episode 11 - Back Together

Summary

Trap Street - Episode 11: "Back Together"

Release Date: September 6, 2024
Hosts/Creators: Tony Martinez and Michael P. Greco
Starring: Michael P. Greco as Josh Mayfield, Lindsay Elston as MC Henderson, Kirsten Rutherford as Psychic

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Introduction

In Episode 11, titled "Back Together," of the gripping podcast Trap Street, listeners are plunged deeper into the enigmatic journey of Josh Mayfield, an unemployed gamer who becomes entwined in a web of mystery following a cryptic email. This episode masterfully weaves suspense, character development, and pivotal revelations that propel the overarching narrative toward a climactic confrontation.

Plot Overview

The episode commences with Josh Mayfield, portrayed by Michael P. Greco, interacting with a concierge at his hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. Seeking recommendations for lunch and leisure, Josh engages in a friendly exchange that subtly hints at his underlying turmoil. The dialogue with the concierge not only sets the scene but also introduces elements that foreshadow future events, such as the mention of a small fire at the Maritime Museum ([01:57] Josh Mayfield).

Shortly after, Josh visits a psychic, an encounter that proves to be both unsettling and prophetic. Despite his skepticism, the psychic delivers ominous messages, predicting that Josh is "destined to fail" ([06:58] Psychic). This interaction deepens the mystery surrounding Josh's predicament and the significance of the red-haired woman with green eyes from the initial email.

A pivotal moment occurs when Josh confides in Richard, a new acquaintance, revealing his sense of responsibility in averting a looming disaster: "I'm the only person who can help. They're depending on me. You could say the whole world's depending on me, but they just don't know it" ([08:44] Josh Mayfield). Richard's counsel, including the Maori expression "Kawa e mate feke mate uraroa" ([09:53] Richard), urges Josh to persevere despite his fears and doubts.

As the narrative progresses, Josh returns home only to encounter MC Henderson, leading to a dramatic revelation. MC accuses Josh of disappearing into a "street that isn't real" and reveals that someone is chasing him ([18:11] MC Henderson). This confrontation serves as a catalyst, merging past and present storylines and setting the stage for the impending resolution.

Character Development

• Josh Mayfield: Throughout the episode, Josh's internal struggle becomes more apparent. From his initial attempts to seek normalcy through interactions with the concierge to his vulnerability during the psychic reading, Josh embodies the quintessential reluctant hero burdened by unforeseen responsibilities.

• Psychic: Serving as a harbinger of doom, the psychic's unsettling predictions add layers of tension. Her ability to perceive “strong and very, very bright” colors ([03:28] Psychic) and her foreboding messages challenge Josh's skepticism and hint at supernatural elements at play.

• Richard: Introducing a grounding presence, Richard acts as both a confidant and advisor. His wisdom, encapsulated in quotes like "Don't die like an octopus, die like a hammerhead shark" ([10:03] Richard), provides Josh with the necessary encouragement to face his challenges head-on.

• MC Henderson: The sudden appearance of MC Henderson transforms the episode's trajectory. Her confrontation with Josh not only ties back to previous episodes but also unravels critical plot points regarding Josh's disappearance and the mysterious street.

Key Themes and Insights

• Fate vs. Free Will: Josh's interactions with the psychic and his subsequent revelations raise questions about destiny and the power of individual choice. Is Josh merely a pawn in a larger scheme, or does he possess the agency to alter his fate?

• Identity and Purpose: Struggling with purpose after his father's death ([08:30] Josh Mayfield), Josh's journey reflects a quest for identity and meaning. The responsibility thrust upon him serves as a catalyst for self-discovery and growth.

• Supernatural and Reality: The blurred lines between the supernatural and reality are evident in Josh's experiences. The psychic's visions and the enigmatic street he encounters challenge the characters' perceptions of what's real.

Notable Quotes

• Psychic ([06:48]): "You've been chosen to restore balance to a difficult situation."

• Richard ([10:03]): "Don't die like an octopus, die like a hammerhead shark."

• Josh Mayfield ([08:44]): "I'm the only person who can help. They're depending on me. You could say the whole world's depending on me, but they just don't know it."

• Richard ([09:53]): "Kawa e mate feke mate uraroa."
  Translation: "Don't die like an octopus, die like a hammerhead shark."

• MC Henderson ([18:22]): "Josh, I was there the night you disappeared. I saw you walk into a street that isn't real."

Conclusion

"Back Together" serves as a pivotal chapter in Trap Street, seamlessly blending suspenseful storytelling with profound character arcs. As Josh faces mounting pressures and confronts enigmatic figures from his past and present, listeners are left on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the secrets that bind the fate of Ocean Bay and potentially, the entire human race. The episode adeptly balances narrative progression with thematic depth, setting the stage for future revelations and escalating the stakes in Josh's quest to save the world.

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Produced by: Tony Martinez and Michael P. Greco
Cast:

• Michael P. Greco as Josh Mayfield
• Lindsay Elston as MC Henderson
• Kirsten Rutherford as Psychic

*Remember, in the world of Trap Street, "maps have secrets." Stay tuned for more unraveling mysteries in the next episode.

Transcript

[Josh Mayfield]

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[Richard]

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[Josh Mayfield]

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[Richard]

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[Josh Mayfield]

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[Richard]

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[Josh Mayfield]

Post a job for [e-mail] achieve LinkedIn. Your next great hire is here.

[Concierge]

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[Josh Mayfield]

From the creators of StrangeAir. This is Trap street.

[Psychic]

Episode 11 back together.

[Josh Mayfield]

Hi, my name is Josh Mayfield. I'm in room 516.

[Concierge]

How can I help you?

[Josh Mayfield]

I was thinking about getting some lunch and then maybe taking a walk around the area. Do you have any recommendations?

[Concierge]

As a matter of fact, I do. As a client of our hotel, I can suggest a few options that will present you with a sizable discount.

[Josh Mayfield]

That sounds crazy good.

[Concierge]

Am I correct in assuming you're an American?

[Josh Mayfield]

You are.

[Concierge]

Then you should visit the White Lady. They serve a kiwi version of your American hamburger, which is quite delicious. Magic ingredient is beetroot.

[Josh Mayfield]

Beetroot?

[Concierge]

That's right, beetroot. And when you're done, take a stroll down towards the harbour and visit Natural Melt. They have the best Hokey Pokey ice cream in the city.

[Josh Mayfield]

Does it have a magic ingredient?

[Concierge]

Yes.

[Josh Mayfield]

Is it beetroot?

[Concierge]

It's caramelized honeycomb.

[Josh Mayfield]

Oh, sounds perfect.

[Concierge]

And take some time to explore the harbor. It's quite lovely. But you might want to avoid the Maritime Museum. I was told they had a small fire this morning.

[Josh Mayfield]

Got it. Thanks for all this. I really appreciate your help.

[Concierge]

Oh, I almost forgot. I have a coupon here for a complimentary visit to this rather unique establishment.

[Josh Mayfield]

You're kidding.

[Concierge]

I understand your surprise, but the locals are quite fond of her. It might be an adventurous way to end your day of sightseeing.

[Josh Mayfield]

Hello? Anyone home?

[Psychic]

Welcome to Psychic Vision.

[Josh Mayfield]

Hi, I'm Joshua.

[Psychic]

Josh Mayfield. Huh, The American.

[Josh Mayfield]

Wait, the hotel called and told you I was coming, right?

[Psychic]

Yes, of course. I was not trying to impress you with my ability to guess your name. I was just saying hello.

[Josh Mayfield]

No, I get that. We're good.

[Psychic]

Will you be so kind as to wash your hands right over there?

[Josh Mayfield]

Sure, no problem.

[Psychic]

Allow me to explain how I work. I do not use runes or crystals or anything like that. I simply hold your hand and share my impressions.

[Josh Mayfield]

I'm thinking I should be honest. I don't really believe in this stuff.

[Psychic]

This will not affect our time together. And thanks to your hotel, the reading won't cost you anything more than an online review, so you might as well be open to it. Who knows? The world is full of surprises.

[Josh Mayfield]

Tell me about it.

[Psychic]

Please, have a seat. Allow me to hold your right hand. Oh, that was quick. The connection usually takes a bit longer. I'm seeing colors. They are strong and very, very bright.

[Josh Mayfield]

Do.

[Psychic]

Do the colors red and green mean anything to you?

[Josh Mayfield]

Josh, how can you possibly know that?

[Psychic]

I don't know anything yet. They are just colors.

[Josh Mayfield]

I've been thinking about someone who has red hair and green eyes.

[Psychic]

I see. And this is someone new, huh? Someone who just entered your life. Is that right?

[Josh Mayfield]

Yes, it is.

[Psychic]

A woman your age. She's close to the water, and the two of you are attracted to each other. But.

[Josh Mayfield]

But? But what?

[Psychic]

There is another man.

[Josh Mayfield]

No, I don't think so.

[Psychic]

No. He is not a rival for her affections. This man is different. This is someone who scares you, who could hurt.

[Josh Mayfield]

Who could. What?

[Psychic]

I'm sorry. He's gone. Give me your left hand.

[Josh Mayfield]

Hey, what happened to your accent?

[Psychic]

Your left hand, please.

[Josh Mayfield]

Sure. Here.

[Psychic]

This doesn't make sense. How long have you been in Auckland?

[Josh Mayfield]

I arrived this morning.

[Psychic]

Have you visited the Maritime Museum?

[Josh Mayfield]

No. The concierge said they have some kind of fire.

[Psychic]

I see a strong connection between you and that fire.

[Josh Mayfield]

Do you know what happened?

[Psychic]

Yes. It's rather unusual. The museum has a collection of antique maps, and they were used by sailors hundreds of years ago. And earlier today, every single map burst into flames.

[Josh Mayfield]

Thanks. I should go.

[Psychic]

Not yet. I'd like to try something else.

[Josh Mayfield]

Tarot cards.

[Psychic]

I rarely use these. But my impressions with you have been solely about the past and the present. I can't see your future.

[Josh Mayfield]

Is that a bad thing?

[Psychic]

Please shuffle these cards in any manner you wish. Then choose one, just one, and place it face down between us.

[Josh Mayfield]

And will that card help you see my future?

[Psychic]

Perhaps.

[Josh Mayfield]

I'm gonna freak out if it's the Death card.

[Psychic]

Ah. The Death Card does not mean death in the literal sense. It predicts an ending. So it could be the death of a relationship or a career or something like that.

[Josh Mayfield]

Got it. Still crossing my fingers for anything but justice.

[Psychic]

Yeah. It means you've been chosen to restore balance to a difficult situation. That sounds good, but the card is upside down.

[Josh Mayfield]

That sounds bad.

[Psychic]

This means you are not ready for the challenge. It means what?

[Josh Mayfield]

Tell me.

[Psychic]

It means you're destined to fail.

[Richard]

Why aren't you eating?

[Josh Mayfield]

Sorry, I'm a little distracted.

[Richard]

That lamb's a national dish. It's a little pricey, but who cares? Your friend Richard's paying. Eh?

[Josh Mayfield]

That's funny.

[Richard]

Here, have some more, Sav. It might help loosen you up.

[Josh Mayfield]

Thanks.

[Richard]

You should be stoked, mate. By this time tomorrow, you'll be on a plane heading home.

[Josh Mayfield]

I just wish it was sooner.

[Richard]

Is Auckland that dreadful?

[Josh Mayfield]

No. No, of course not. It's a beautiful city.

[Richard]

So what's the rush? What's calling you home?

[Josh Mayfield]

It's hard to explain.

[Richard]

Kiwis are understanding people and we rarely pass judgment. So go ahead. I'm here to listen.

[Josh Mayfield]

Well, for the last five years, I've lived without direction. No career goals, no relationship goals, nothing. I've just wandered around constantly making the wrong choices and getting lost.

[Richard]

Did something happen five years ago?

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah. My dad died.

[Richard]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Josh Mayfield]

And now I'm in a position where I have to make the right choices or a lot of people are going to suffer.

[Richard]

How do you mean?

[Josh Mayfield]

On my way from the US to New Zealand, I met a super intelligent group of people who told me something that's happening right now. Something really bad.

[Richard]

What? What's happening?

[Josh Mayfield]

And I'm the only person who can help. They're depending on me. You could say the whole world's depending on me, but they just don't know it.

[Richard]

That sounds a bit sus.

[Josh Mayfield]

I don't know what that means.

[Richard]

It means you sound suspicious.

[Josh Mayfield]

Seriously? I'm not.

[Richard]

Alright then. The whole world is depending on you to fix this mysterious problem. Got it. So what's your concern? That you might get lost and make the wrong choice?

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah, something like that. Do you believe in psychics?

[Richard]

That's a hard no.

[Josh Mayfield]

A psychic just told me I'm destined to fail.

[Richard]

And you believe this person?

[Josh Mayfield]

I don't know what to believe. I just get the feeling she's right.

[Richard]

Really?

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah, really.

[Richard]

Sounds like you're giving up before the fights even start started.

[Josh Mayfield]

That might be true then.

[Richard]

I know a choice Maori expression you should keep in mind. Kawa e mate feke mate uraroa.

[Josh Mayfield]

What's that?

[Richard]

Don't die like an octopus, die like a hammerhead shark.

[Josh Mayfield]

I don't want to die like anything.

[Richard]

Why do Americans always take everything so literally?

[Josh Mayfield]

I'm just saying.

[Richard]

Listen to me, Josh. An octopus offers no resistance when captured, it just gives up. But a hammerhead, that beast will fight to the very end, to the point that when you fillet it fresh, the meat still quivers.

[Josh Mayfield]

So what does the quote mean?

[Richard]

It means don't give up, no matter how hard the struggle.

[Josh Mayfield]

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[Concierge]

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[Josh Mayfield]

I get that Richard hired you to take care of me, but you don't have to walk me all the way back to the hotel.

[Richard]

I'm off the clock, mate. And this might shock you, but I'm actually having a good time.

[Josh Mayfield]

You must be easy to please, because I feel like I've been a total drip.

[Richard]

Most of the men I meet are obsessed with themselves. That gets exhausting. But you, you haven't been clear about the specifics, but you seem to have some real concerns on your mind and I find that attractive.

[Josh Mayfield]

Thanks.

[Richard]

I think you just need a little more confidence.

[Josh Mayfield]

The confidence of a hammerhead shark.

[Richard]

Exactly.

[Josh Mayfield]

Well, here we are. Home sweet home.

[Richard]

It is a sweet hotel, isn't it?

[Josh Mayfield]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Very nice.

[Richard]

How's your room?

[Josh Mayfield]

It has a great view of the harbour.

[Richard]

Really? I'd love to see it now. It's now or never. The hotel shuttle is taking you to the airport tomorrow morning. So this is the end of the road for us.

[Josh Mayfield]

I know, but it's late and you're probably tired.

[Richard]

Josh.

[Josh Mayfield]

What?

[Richard]

Don't be a muppet.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah, you lost me again.

[Richard]

Do you get what it means when a woman says she'd like to see your room?

[Josh Mayfield]

Oh. Oh.

[Richard]

I grew up in Auckland, so I don't really need to see another great view of Tamaki Harbour. Trust me, I've seen it.

[Josh Mayfield]

That makes sense.

[Richard]

Why are you so nervous?

[Josh Mayfield]

It's not that I'm nervous, I just.

[Richard]

Can I Ask you a personal question?

[Josh Mayfield]

Uh, yeah, go ahead.

[Richard]

Are you a virgin?

[Josh Mayfield]

What?

[Richard]

It's fine if you are. You wouldn't be my first.

[Josh Mayfield]

I am not a virgin.

[Richard]

So why are you hesitating? Don't you find me attractive?

[Josh Mayfield]

I think it's safe to say that every man on the face of the planet finds you attractive.

[Richard]

But.

[Josh Mayfield]

There'S someone back home.

[Richard]

Ah.

[Josh Mayfield]

I'm sorry.

[Richard]

No worries. My heart will go on.

[Josh Mayfield]

Thanks for understanding.

[Richard]

I just broke up with someone and I thought some commitment free fun would be fun.

[Josh Mayfield]

And I'm leaving tomorrow, so I'm about as commitment free as they come.

[Richard]

Exactly. So how long have you been together?

[Josh Mayfield]

Actually, we've just met, so we're not really together. At least not yet.

[Richard]

But that there's potential.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah. Yeah, in a major way. Does that sound lame?

[Richard]

No, it sounds wonderful. I hope it works out. I hope it all works out. And one more thing.

[Josh Mayfield]

What's that?

[Richard]

Good luck saving the world.

[Josh Mayfield]

Foreign. Thanks for coming out, everyone. Most of you already know the good news, but there's someone here who'd like to make the official announcement. Mc, come on up.

[MC Henderson]

Thanks, McGee. As of today, the Ocean Bay Museum has full landmark status. And here's more good news. The plate will be ready just in time for the holidays. That should add a little extra spice to everyone's eggnog. I'd like to point out that we didn't just save an old building, we saved a piece of American history. And that matters. That's important. And it sets an example. And on a personal note, now that the fight is over, I can go back to school knowing my. My. Josh.

[Josh Mayfield]

Mc, are you okay?

[MC Henderson]

Yes, sorry. I am. I got distracted. What was I saying? Oh, I know. I was saying that thanks to your hard work, I can go back to school without having to worry about my grandmother's map falling apart. And I can't begin to tell you how happy that makes me. So thanks for all your hard work. You guys are the best.

[Josh Mayfield]

Is something wrong?

[MC Henderson]

No, no, I'm fine.

[Josh Mayfield]

Congratulations to you.

[Concierge]

Well done.

[MC Henderson]

Thanks, Charlie.

[Richard]

Great job, mc.

[MC Henderson]

Thank you.

[Josh Mayfield]

Surprise.

[MC Henderson]

Where have you been?

[Josh Mayfield]

New Zealand. And someplace else. What? It's a long story. Maybe we should go back to your place and we can.

[MC Henderson]

Are you crazy? I want answers, and I want them now.

[Josh Mayfield]

It's a men's room, lady.

[Concierge]

What the hell?

[MC Henderson]

Everyone out.

[Josh Mayfield]

Okay.

[Concierge]

Okay.

[Josh Mayfield]

Why are we in the public bathroom? Ow.

[MC Henderson]

I thought you were dead.

[Josh Mayfield]

Good news. I'm not.

[MC Henderson]

Josh, I was there the night you disappeared. I saw you walk into a street that isn't real.

[Josh Mayfield]

You were there.

[MC Henderson]

And who is that man chasing you?

[Josh Mayfield]

I get that you have a lot of questions.

[MC Henderson]

Just tell me what happened. Tell me right now.

[Josh Mayfield]

I met the map makers. Trap street was written and directed by Tony Martinez.

[Psychic]

The show was produced by Michael P. Greco and Tony Martinez. Starring Michael P. Greco as Josh Mayfield. Lindsay Elston as MC Henderson. Featuring Kirsten Rutherford.

[Josh Mayfield]

Thanks for listening.

[Psychic]

We'll be back soon. And remember, maps have secrets.

[Josh Mayfield]

The Fable and Folly network where fiction producers flourish. Welcome to the Strata. There's two of them following me. I know that for sure.

[Richard]

Hand over the package and we'll let you go.

[Josh Mayfield]

You'll let me go? Oh, that's cute. The first bullet hits me in the chest, sends me staggering back a step. All right, you. Look out. Let's go. Move it. Yeah. Run.

[Concierge]

That's it.

[Josh Mayfield]

And spread the word.

[Concierge]

Don't mess with rust.

[Josh Mayfield]

Ever. Anyone who tries is gonna. Oh, forget it.

[Concierge]

The Strata. In a dystopian city, an aging courier.

[Josh Mayfield]

Is forced to go into business with an underworld ganglord in order to pay.

[Concierge]

For the treatment that keeps him alive. Check out the Strata anywhere.

[Josh Mayfield]

You listen to podcasts.