From the Creators of Trap Street

Summary

Trap Street: "From the Creators of Trap Street" – Podcast Summary

Podcast: Trap Street
Hosts: Tony Martinez & Michael P. Greco
Episode: From the Creators of Trap Street
Date: October 9, 2025

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Overview

This episode serves as a cross-promotion and narrative introduction to Strange Air, a successful audio drama from the creators of Trap Street. The hosts share the premise and impact of Strange Air, then present the atmospheric and gripping first episode. The story revolves around Malcolm Smith, the beloved host of a late-night paranormal radio show who mysteriously vanishes on air, and his daughter Chase, a film school student investigating his disappearance ten years later. The episode explores themes of loss, mystery, the supernatural, and the search for closure.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Strange Air

[00:02 – 01:37]

• Mike (actor of Josh Mayfield on Trap Street) introduces Strange Air, highlighting its popularity (over one million downloads, featured by Apple & Spotify).
• Premise:
  • Malcolm Smith, host of a paranormal radio show, vanished without explanation mid-broadcast ten years ago.
  • His daughter, Chase, now a film student, creates a documentary to seek answers about her father's fate.
• Notable casting: Patrick Fabian (Better Call Saul) as Malcolm; Natalie Lander (Grey’s Anatomy, 911 Lone Star) as Chase.

2. First Episode of Strange Air: Immersive Radio Broadcast

[01:37 – 07:50]

• The show opens with Malcolm Smith welcoming listeners to the unknown, focusing on the supernatural ("the mysteries behind the veil").
  • Malcolm’s Philosophy:
    • The world isn’t drained of mystery—wonder still exists for open minds.
    • "They no longer see the doors that lead us to a secret world. Are your eyes open?" (Malcolm, 02:00)
• First caller, Peter from North Hollywood, recounts ghostly visits from his deceased mother—solid apparitions and temperature drops.
  • Malcolm treats every caller with empathy and respect, reinforcing the show's approach to the paranormal: open-minded, non-judgmental, and welcoming.

3. Strange Air’s Impact and Sudden End

[05:24 – 07:50]

• Narration shifts to documentary style.
  • Strange Air builds a devoted, outsider fanbase ("Strange Crew"), is syndicated nationally, and spawns merchandising.
  • Malcolm’s inclusive tone creates a home for those deemed “out there.”
• The show’s shocking ending: Malcolm Smith's unexplained on-air disappearance during a broadcast.
  • "Three years after the first broadcast, Strange Air was picked up for national syndication... Malcolm Smith was able to attract fans in metropolitan cities, the deep south, farming communities, and even had one extremely loyal fan in the swamps of Louisiana." (Narrator, 06:54)

4. The Final Broadcast — The Disappearance

[07:50 – 10:07]

• Replays of Malcolm’s final moments:
  • Callers share personal encounters (including a Bigfoot rescue in Washington state).
  • During a call, Malcolm suddenly disappears. No video evidence; the studio had a single exit.
• Immediate response: engineer witnesses the empty studio, prompting police and media scrutiny.
• All avenues—investigators, psychics, family—fail to explain the disappearance.

5. Chase Smith — The Daughter’s Perspective & Investigation

[10:07 – 18:38]

• Switch to Chase's narration:
  • Reflects on public and personal reactions to her father’s disappearance.
  • Sets out to document her search for answers.
  • Scenes highlight her film school life, friendship dynamics (including humorous banter about pizza and Fellini), and creative process.
• Emotional core: Chase’s struggle with grief, hope, and identity ("I still miss you. All right, enough. This is supposed to be a gratitude journal, not a bitch session." – Chase, 16:41).
• Notable Quote:
  • "The world breaks everyone and afterward some are strong at the broken places." (Chase quoting Hemingway, 17:37)
  • Chase’s journey is framed as both a personal healing process and a search for truth.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "They no longer see the doors that lead us to a secret world. What about you? Are your eyes open?"
  — Malcolm Smith, [02:00]
• "That’s the worst part, Malcolm. When she’s here, I get the feeling she wants to communicate. But her mouth never opens."
  — Peter (Caller), [05:09]
• "Malcolm Smith vanished from the face of the earth. One moment he was on the air in the middle of a sentence, and the next moment he was gone. But we all know that’s impossible. Human beings don’t just disappear into thin air. Or do they?"
  — Narrator (Chase), [10:10]
• "I think he believed more in the possibility than the reality."
  — Chase, on her father’s beliefs, [12:57]
• "The world breaks everyone and afterward some are strong at the broken places."
  — Chase quoting Hemingway, [17:37]
• "I’m starting to think all the work I’m putting into my documentary is helping me get stronger. I’m not there yet, but I’m on my way."
  — Chase, [18:11]
• "And there’s one more thing. I’m going to find my father."
  — Chase’s final, resolute statement, [18:37]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – 01:37: Mike introduces Strange Air and its premise
• 01:37 – 07:50: In-universe radio show launch, paranormal call-ins, introduction to Malcolm Smith
• 07:50 – 10:07: Last broadcast, Malcolm’s disappearance, narration on the incident
• 10:07 – 12:11: Chase’s documentary voiceover, reflections on what happened after
• 12:11 – 15:02: Chase’s film school life, creative discussions, and banter
• 15:02 – 18:38: Chase’s gratitude journal, emotional reflection, and resolve

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Tone and Style

• The episode blends eerie, mysterious storytelling with heartfelt, authentic character moments.
• Combines faux documentary, found audio, and slice-of-life drama, grounded by an empathetic, conversational style.
• The show uses humor, nostalgia, and emotion, especially in Chase’s story and relationships.

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Summary Conclusion

"From the Creators of Trap Street" offers a compelling sampler of Strange Air, a thoughtful drama about the lure of the unexplained and the personal toll of unresolved loss. Through vivid radio reenactments, first-person narration, and snippets of everyday life, the story sets up a multi-layered investigation into both the paranormal and the pain of missing loved ones. With memorable writing, engaging performances, and an open-hearted approach to the unknown, the episode cements Strange Air as a must-listen for fans of narrative audio mysteries.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, this is Mike. I play the role of Josh Mayfield on Trap Street. If you enjoyed the show, please check out our first audio podcast. It's called Strange Air. As of now, the show has over 1 million downloads. It was featured as new and noteworthy on Apple Podcasts. And Spotify highlighted Strange Air as a top science fiction story. Here's the premise. Ten years ago, Malcolm Smith was the host of Strange Air, a successful radio show about the paranormal. One night, during a live broadcast, Malcolm vanished into thin air. To this day, no one knows what happened. Now his daughter, Chase Smith, is in her last year of film school, and she's making a documentary about her father's disappearance. And there you go. I should also mention that the role of Malcolm Smith is played by the amazing Patrick Fabian, who was a series regular on Better Call Saul for six seasons. And the role of his daughter, Chase Smith is played by Natalie Lander, who you've seen on shows like Grey's Anatomy, 911, Lone Star, and many others. What you're about to hear is the first episode of Strange Air. You can find the rest of the show on just about every podcast platform in the known universe. Thanks for listening.

[B]

Good evening. It is 10 o' clock in the city of Angels, and that means it's time for the very first episode of Strange Air. My name is Malcolm Smith, and I welcome each and every one of you. For the next four hours, I will have the honor of being your guide to the unknown, the paranormal, the mysteries behind the veil. On this show, we won't be discussing politics. We won't be discussing the Dodgers or the Lakers. And we won't be discussing the Traffic on the 405. Instead, we're going to focus on those strange lights you saw in the night sky and those scary sounds that seem to be coming from under your bed. There are people out there who feel the world has been drained of mystery. They say the Internet has linked every corner of this planet, and technology has revealed how every magic trick is done. They believe the unknown has become known. Well, I'm not one of those people. I believe those poor souls have lost their ability to experience wonderful. They no longer see the doors that lead us to a secret world. They have chosen to close their eyes. What about you? Are your eyes open? Do you have a story you'd like to share? Well, I'll be here for the next four hours, and I want to know what's on your mind. I want to hear your stories. I want us to be there for each other. So let's get started. Caller one, you're on Strange Air.

[C]

Hi, Malcolm. My name's Peter and I'm in North Hollywood.

[B]

Welcome to Strange Air, Peter. And congratulations on being our first caller. What's on your mind tonight?

[C]

This is gonna sound a little crazy. You'll probably make fun of me.

[B]

Let me put your mind at ease. I have no intention of laughing at you or any of our callers. That's not why I'm here.

[C]

Oh, good. I'm glad to hear that. Thank you.

[B]

You're very welcome. Now, tell us what's going on.

[C]

Well, the thing is, my mom has been visiting me every night now for almost two weeks. She just keeps dropping by.

[B]

And why is that, crazy?

[C]

She's dead.

[B]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. How and when did your mother pass?

[C]

She died of cancer about two years ago, when she was 67.

[B]

That must have been difficult. I know what it's like to lose a parent to a disease that has no respect for human life. You have my sympathy.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

But now she's back. Tell me something, Peter. When the ghost of your mother appears, what exactly are you seeing?

[C]

It's not like she's transparent or anything. She just. She looks physical. Solid.

[B]

Just like in your memories.

[C]

Right? And I can always tell when she's about to show up because the temperature in my apartment starts to drop really, really fast.

[B]

They call that a cold spot? Ghost hunters believe it's the best indication a spirit has entered the room. The theory is that someone who has passed, someone like your mother, has to use a great deal of energy to manifest in the physical world. The physical world being your apartment, and that's what makes the temperature drop.

[C]

I didn't know that. So you're saying the dead can come back to our realm and have an effect on it?

[B]

That seems to be the case now. Tell me something, Peter. Does your mother talk to you?

[C]

That's the worst part, Malcolm. When she's here, I get the feeling she wants to communicate. Like she wants to tell me something. Something important. But her mouth never opens. And.

[D]

What you just heard was the opening for the first episode of a radio show called Strange Air. The broadcast originated in Los Angeles. During the first few months, it was almost canceled, twice due to low ratings. But then something happened. People started listening. And those listeners turned Strange Air into a surprising success with an extremely loyal following. The host and creator of the show, Malcolm Smith, worked in radio his entire life, mostly in Southern California. He claimed the idea for Strange Air came to him in a dream. But this old press release from KXLA explains he was inspired by a close encounter during a camping trip. Which one is true? I'm not sure it really matters. Malcolm Smith created a radio world where no topic was too out there. Haunted houses, psychic predictions, alien autopsies were all open for discussion, and they were treated with the same respect as an election or crisis in the Middle East. His most loyal fans, dubbed the Strange Crew, were social outcasts, people who had been ridiculed for their views on the paranormal. But when they called in, they heard a warm and welcoming voice. They heard someone who sincerely wanted to hear their stories. Malcolm Smith knew how to listen. He made his callers feel like they had found a home. Three years after the first broadcast, Strange Air was picked up for national syndication. The critics didn't believe the show could remain popular under that kind of pressure. They were wrong. Malcolm Smith was able to attract fans in metropolitan cities, the deep south, farming communities, and even had one extremely loyal fan. In the swamps of Louisiana. It seemed like everyone had a story they wanted to share about the paranormal, and if they didn't have one, they were just happy to listen. As the show's popularity increased, merchandising deals were negotiated, live appearances were scheduled, and scene. CBS started developing a TV show based on Strange Air. It was an exciting time. And then it all went away. What you're about to hear is the last episode of Strange Air.

[B]

Our next call is from Seattle, Washington. Luke, you're on Strange Air.

[E]

Oh, hello, Malcolm. Hey, thank you for taking my call. I'm a huge fan.

[B]

Well, we seem to have quite a following in the Pacific Northwest.

[E]

Yeah, well, I'm not surprised. There's a lot of crazy up here.

[B]

So what's on your mind, Luke?

[E]

Well, I heard what you said about the dark woods that surround us, and that really hit home. The woods up here are as dark as they come. And about a month ago, I went into those woods just to get away from it all, you know? And I got turned around, and it was starting to get dark, and I could not find my way out.

[B]

That sounds like a frightening experience.

[E]

It was. But I got lucky. Someone found me.

[B]

And who was that?

[E]

Bigfoot.

[B]

I'm sorry, did you say Bigfoot? As in.

[E]

Yes, yes, yes. He just showed up and offered to show me the way out. I swear to God, I am not lying.

[C]

He.

[A]

He had these. These.

[E]

These really kind eyes, and he pointed me in the right direction.

[B]

Like a spirit guide?

[E]

Exactly.

[B]

Well, it's my understanding that Washington state has the most reported sightings in the country.

[E]

I. I have a friend at work who claims he has seen Bigfoot three times. But I never believed him.

[B]

I bet you believe him now.

[E]

I most certainly do.

[B]

And you're saying Bigfoot is a he?

[A]

Excuse me?

[B]

Well, you said he offered to show you the way out. Does that mean the Bigfoot that you encountered was male?

[E]

Umm. I guess so.

[B]

You're not sure?

[E]

Well, I didn't really take a close look at his lower region.

[B]

I don't blame you.

[E]

All I know is everyone seems to think Bigfoot is some kind of monster. But I don't believe that's true. This creature saved my life.

[B]

So tell me something, Luke. What did Bigfoot look like? It's my understanding that he.

[D]

What you just heard is difficult to explain because all we have is that audio file. There's no video, but I can sum it up in three. Malcolm Smith disappeared. Let me say that again. Ten years ago, Malcolm Smith vanished from the face of the earth. One moment he was on the air in the middle of a sentence, and the next moment he was gone. But we all know that's impossible. Human beings don't just disappear into thin air. Or do they? Strange air was recorded in a small studio that had one door and one window. The window allowed Malcolm Smith and his engineer to see each other during a show. Unfortunately, the engineer was taking a call when the incident occurred. The moment he heard dead air. The worst thing you can hear during a broadcast is the engineer looked up and saw an empty studio. At first, everyone assumed the incident was a publicity stunt, but it wasn't. The police were called in to investigate. Psychics and other dubious experts tried to help. His family even hired a private investigator. But no one was able to come up with an explanation for the impossible. Time passed. Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. And now it's been 10 years and no one has heard from Malcolm Smith. Eventually, with no breaks in the case, the police had to move on. The media, with nothing new to report, moved on. Everyone moved on. Everyone except me. Sadly, I never had that option. And that's because Malcolm Smith is my father. And we'll cut from there from the shot of me walking outside. The one on Green Street.

[A]

Right? Right.

[E]

Okay.

[A]

Yeah, I can see it now. The USC student film award for best documentary goes to. Chase Smith. Yes. Congratulations.

[D]

Stop. You know I don't care about any of that.

[A]

Well, you should. It might help you find a job when we graduate.

[D]

Whatever.

[A]

Is there any pizza left?

[D]

Yeah, some. Hey, wrong one. The half with veggies is yours. The good half is mine.

[A]

I don't Know how you can eat?

[D]

That pizza with pepperoni and sausage is heaven on earth.

[A]

So do you think he believed in all that stuff?

[D]

Who, my father?

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

I think. I think he believed more in the possibility than the reality.

[A]

That's a good line. You should use it.

[D]

Shit, you're right. That is a good line.

[A]

Hey, are you coming tonight?

[D]

Did we have plans?

[A]

Oh, my God. You almost forget the film society screening.

[D]

Oh, right. What are they showing another boring art film?

[A]

Oh, Chase, Chase. It's La Strada. And that movie is cinema at its best. Fellini won his first Oscar for directing it.

[D]

Fellini? Who's Fellini?

[A]

I can't believe I'm in love with you. Stop.

[D]

I know who Federico Fellini is. He's Italian, right?

[A]

Yes. Yes, that's correct. He actually made that pizza you're eating.

[D]

Which is especially delicious because it has sausage and pepperoni on it.

[A]

Okay, so what time do you want to start working tomorrow?

[D]

How about 11?

[A]

Oh, no, sorry, the morning's out. I got screenwriting at 10, so cut class.

[D]

It's our senior year. Who cares?

[A]

I don't want to cut class.

[D]

I will go down on you right now if you cut class.

[A]

Chase, I can't. They're commenting on my script tomorrow.

[B]

I have to be there.

[D]

Fine.

[A]

Are you upset?

[D]

No.

[A]

I'm not a science major, but I'm pretty sure the world revolves around the sun, not you.

[D]

Oh, my God. I said I'm fine. What do you want from me?

[A]

Forget it. I'll see you tomorrow around two.

[D]

Danny.

[A]

What?

[D]

Thanks for your help. Seriously, I really appreciate it. You're a talented editor.

[A]

I know. And you're welcome.

[D]

Yuck. You have broccoli breath.

[A]

Okay. Say goodnight, Chase.

[D]

Goodnight, Chase. Hi, it's me, Chase. Tonight, my gratitude journal is sponsored by Smog City ipa, their flagship brew. And truth be told, I like it much better than the Amarilla gorilla I had last night. Hmm. So let's get started. I'm grateful I didn't have to see another boring art film. I'm grateful that I'm healthy with no signs of recurrence. I'm especially grateful that my last year of college is going so well. Much better than I expected. Oh, one more thing. I was able to stare at my father's face for several hours today without crying like a little girl. So what does that mean? Is something healing inside of me or is something dying? You know what really sucks? I turned 12 a few weeks after my father disappeared. That's how young I was. And I still don't know what the fuck happened? Will a stupid student film help me figure this out? I don't know. Dr. Blair thinks it'll help me sort out my feelings once and for all so I can get on with my life. But hey, she wore a red blazer over a red blouse during our last session. So I'm not sure I can believe anything she says. The thing is, I'm a good filmmaker. Fuck yes. And the documentary I made last year about the assisted living community got an A. I unleashed my inner Sherlock Holmes on those crooks. But this film is different. It's personal. It couldn't be more personal. Daddy, I know you're out there somewhere. People don't just vanish into thin air. And I've got about 10 years worth of questions and anxiety and anger and sadness that we have to talk about. I still miss you. Alright, enough. This is supposed to be a gratitude journal, not a bitch session. Oh wait. I just. I just found a post. Its stuck to my ass. And hey, it's important. Two words. Hemingway quote. Hang on. Oh, here it is. Right. I found this amazing quote today that really made an impression on me. The world breaks everyone and afterward some are strong at the broken places. It's just so perfect. He's right. I'm starting to think all the work I'm putting into my documentary is helping me get stronger. I'm not there yet, but I'm on my way. I'm definitely on my way. And there's one more thing. I'm going to find my father.

[A]

Strange Air was created and written by Michael P. Greco and Tony Martinez. The role of Chase Smith was played by Natalie Lander and the role of Malcolm Smith was played by Patrick Fabian. If you enjoyed Strange Air, please rate and review us. This will help keep our show on the charts where people can find it. And Please, please visit StrangeAirPodcast.com for more information. Thanks for listening. We'll be back next week.