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Narrator
Looking for your next audio drama obsession? Let me introduce you to Close youe Eyes, a slow burn thriller from the team at Cryptic Radio. The story follows a man who infiltrates a secretive cult in search of his missing brother. But when the line between truth and delusion starts to blur, what begins as a rescue mission becomes something far more personal. Close youe Eyes explores themes like magic, memory, reality and the corrosive power of belief. It's perfect for fans of audio dramas like Trap street or genre bending TV shows like Severance or Mr.
Dylan Hall
Robot.
Narrator
With immersive sound design, standout performances and two full seasons ready to binge, now's the perfect time to jump in before season three arrives later this year. You can find Close youe Eyes on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to audio fiction. Here's the first episode.
Morgan McCauley
This show features original and real vocal performances. No synthetic or AI technology was used in this production.
Therapist
Close your eyes. Are they closed?
Alex
Yes.
Therapist
Good. Now listen closely to my voice. Listen only to my voice. There are no other sounds. There is nothing here. There is nothing to hear. Only my voice. Follow the sound. My voice is your guide. I'm guiding you down a path to a door. Do you see the door?
Alex
No.
Therapist
Do you remember the colors? The ones I taught you?
Alex
Yes.
Therapist
And the sequins?
Alex
Of course.
Therapist
Splendid. I'll begin the count. Are you ready? One green, two blue. Three black. Four green. Five red, six yellow. Steady on my voice. Five green, four blue. Three red. Two green. One blue and zero. Alex.
Alex
Black.
Therapist
Yes. Black. Now, do you see the door?
Alex
I don't. Wait. Yes. Yes, I see it.
Therapist
Good. Open it. Walk through it and tell me where you are.
Alex
I'm on a beach.
Therapist
The island?
Alex
I think so. It's nighttime. It's cold. There are no stars, but the moon is full. I can see the entire beach stretching out. The waves are big and water comes up to my ankles. The surf is so loud here.
Therapist
Are you alone?
Alex
Yes. It's only me.
Therapist
And what is it?
Alex
There was a scream. Someone screamed.
Therapist
Where?
Alex
It was? It was a child or a woman.
Therapist
On the beach?
Alex
No, in the jungle. She can't be farther. It is. Again.
Therapist
Alex, steady your breathing. I'm right here. Listen to my voice.
Alex
Okay? Yeah. Okay.
Therapist
As long as you listen to me, everything will be fine. I'm here. Now listen to me closely. I want you to walk toward the screams.
Alex
What?
Therapist
Ignore the fear. Walk toward the screams. Alex. This is what we've worked toward, remember?
Alex
Okay. Okay? Yeah. The screaming is gone, but I'm walking into the jungle. It's Wet, tense. So dark.
Therapist
Keep going, Alex.
Alex
I am. It's thick and there's no other sound. But there it is again.
Therapist
The screams.
Alex
I don't like this. I want to go back to the beach.
Therapist
Stay calm.
Alex
No. No. I want out. Take me out. I can't do this.
Therapist
You can do this. Stay with me. Alex.
Alex
Wait. Now there's more screaming. It's not. I don't think it's a woman.
Therapist
Just focus on my voice and keep walking.
Alex
Okay? Your voice. Keep walking. Okay. Jesus. I'm trembling.
Therapist
You're doing fine.
Alex
Wait. I see something. Up ahead, through the trees. A light or a campfire? No, it's torches. I think it's a clearing.
Therapist
Is someone there?
Alex
I don't know. I. Hello? Is anyone there? Are you okay?
Therapist
I want you.
Alex
The screams. It's behind me now. That. That can't be right. There's. There's something coming. I can hear it through the trees.
Therapist
Stay calm.
Alex
I'm pushing through the branches. I'm walking into the clearing. Let me just.
Therapist
Alex.
Alex
Olivia. I want out.
Therapist
What do you see? What is it? Alex.
Alex
Please take me.
Therapist
Alex. Alex. Oh, shit. Alex.
Morgan McCauley
Cryptic Radio presents CLOSE YOUR EYES Written and produced by John Rolfe.
Alex
Sam.
Dylan Hall
So I'm sitting there with nothing but junk. I know the product is trash, and on top of that, the contract is priced all wrong. So I'm thinking this is going to be the shortest meeting of my life. And then the door opens and in March is not just my client, but get this, his boss. That's when I knew I had him.
Mr. Tepper
Oh, yeah? How do you figure?
Dylan Hall
There's no way this guy brought his SVP to my sales meeting just to tell me no. He's not going to waste your time like that. He's already decided he's going to make this deal. He just wants to show off. So I give him the whole show, right? I pretend like I'm some tough negotiator. I tell him this is our most premium product. And then I start adding required extras. The minimum order is above his market needs. But he can't let me leave without closing. He has to close. And he did. For 40% above our base rate.
Mr. Tepper
Well done.
Dylan Hall
If you know what somebody wants, you can sell them everything else.
Mr. Tepper
You're a born salesman, Dylan.
Dylan Hall
No, Mr. Tepper. I'm just good at it.
Mr. Tepper
Brian says you grew up here.
Dylan Hall
That's right. Here in the bay.
Mr. Tepper
I talked to some of my people out in New York. You made a big name for yourself out there. You even had a VP offer on the table.
Dylan Hall
That's true.
Mr. Tepper
So I leave.
Dylan Hall
Everybody gets homesick.
Mr. Tepper
Well, Brian vouches for you. That's all I need. So here's what we'll do. I'll have Marion send over an offer by the end of the week and then let's get you down to the office first thing Monday. Uh, you can meet the rest of the team and we can hammer out the details then. Do you need to get that?
Dylan Hall
Sorry. That someone's spamming.
Alex
Shit.
Mr. Tepper
Dylan, everything okay?
Dylan Hall
Sorry, I.
Mr. Tepper
Bad news.
Dylan Hall
I need to go.
Mr. Tepper
Go? Are you kidding?
Dylan Hall
I need to make a call.
Mr. Tepper
Okay. All right. But you're coming back or. We'll see you Monday. Dylan. We'll see you Monday, right? Yes. Hello, Dylan.
Olivia
Have you ever wondered about those 900 number psychics? Or been fascinated by the televangelist who casts out demons and speaks in tongues? Believe you Me is a podcast that explores the world of spiritual charlatans and religious scams. Join me, Morgan McCauley, as I investigate the tactics used by these so called gurus to manipulate and control their followers. In each episode we delve into the stories about deceptive spiritual leaders and their promises of enlightenment, wealth and power. We'll also hear from former members of cults and fraudulent religious organizations, as well as experts in the fields of psychology and religion. Whether you've been affected by these scams personally or are simply interested in learning more, Believe you me has something for everyone. Tune in to hear our eye opening conversations and get a deeper understanding of the world of spiritual deception. Believe you me. Available on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Bartender
And here we are. A vodka gimlet and a laganitas. That's 18. Close it or leave it open.
Dylan Hall
Oh yeah, you can leave it open. Thanks.
Olivia
Dylan Hall. You know, I'm shocked they let you back in here.
Dylan Hall
Oh, there she is. How are you? A hug or.
Olivia
Of course, stupid.
Therapist
You look good.
Olivia
I mean, you look too fancy for California, but you know, shit, really?
Dylan Hall
Is it like the sport coat or.
Olivia
Just messing with you. Don't listen to me. You look handsome.
Dylan Hall
Hey, you look great too. I like the blue hair. Thanks. God, I can't believe it's been.
Alex
You.
Olivia
Know, a long time.
Dylan Hall
Yeah, a very long time. Are gimlets still your favorite?
Olivia
I mean, yeah, but not at like 11am how about just water for now? You want to grab a table?
Dylan Hall
Sure. Yeah. Hey, can you bring over a water, please? Two of them.
Olivia
I couldn't believe it when I got your text. Did you just get into town?
Dylan Hall
Not exactly.
Olivia
Oh, how long you been in town.
Dylan Hall
It's been a few weeks.
Olivia
How many few weeks?
Dylan Hall
It's been like seven.
Alex
Cool.
Olivia
You've. You've been avoiding me.
Dylan Hall
I have not been avoiding you. I've just been busy looking for work, and I put my mom into a new facility.
Olivia
Oh, I forgot about that. How's she doing?
Dylan Hall
She's doing fine. She began a new treatment. New doctor. I have not been avoiding you.
Olivia
Mm, sure.
Dylan Hall
How's your family? Are they still in Berkeley?
Olivia
Oh, yeah. Live in the hippie dream, yoga, meditate, smoke pot, repeat, though.
Dylan Hall
I listened to your show, by the way.
Alex
What?
Olivia
You know about that? I didn't think that'd be your kind of thing.
Dylan Hall
Of course it is. Are you kidding? I've listened to every single episode.
Alex
Oh.
Dylan Hall
I especially like the one you did where you followed the ghost hunters. Oh, and when you interviewed that mystic, the one with the Brooklyn accent.
Alex
Mm.
Olivia
Where he couldn't remember the sacred mantras of his own book.
Dylan Hall
Yeah, that one.
Olivia
Well, I'm glad you liked it. You must be one of my 25 listeners.
Dylan Hall
Well, it's funny. It's actually the reason I called you. Part of the reason, at least. I mean, it is good to see you.
Olivia
You're still not forgiven, but keep going.
Dylan Hall
Have you ever heard of something called ignota?
Olivia
Doesn't ring a bell.
Dylan Hall
What about alternate realities? Have you spoken to anyone who talks about stuff like that?
Olivia
Oh, I did not expect you to be interested in some new age mumbo jumbo. Aren't you some kind of flashy corporate suit now?
Dylan Hall
I'm not interested because I want to convert or anything like that. Morgan, I heard from Caleb.
Olivia
Are you serious?
Dylan Hall
Yeah.
Olivia
When?
Dylan Hall
Two days ago. I was at a dinner, and he started spamming my phone with text suddenly.
Alex
What? Yeah.
Dylan Hall
I haven't heard anything since he went missing, and then I get this. Look at this.
Olivia
I'm living in an alternate timeline. So are you.
Dylan Hall
Isn't that crazy? No. Hi. Or I'm okay. Or hey, sorry for disappearing the last five years. Just this and this.
Olivia
I know where things went off track. Are you sure it's him?
Dylan Hall
It's his phone number. I tried calling him, but he didn't answer.
Olivia
Is that all he sent?
Dylan Hall
No. He also sent this. A link to a website.
Olivia
What kind of website?
Dylan Hall
I was hoping you knew. Here. At first I thought it was a joke. It looks like some legacy site from the 90s, and there isn't much to go on. There's this vague nonsense about transformation through reflection, but there's no real information. No phone number, no physical address. There's just the contact form for inquiries, but look at the copy.
Olivia
Ignota. Live your correct life.
Dylan Hall
I thought maybe you'd heard of him.
Olivia
Sorry, no. But I'm sure as hell interested. Looks like they might be local.
Dylan Hall
Why do you think that?
Olivia
Look, the image on the mast head. Don't you recognize it? That's the labyrinth at Land's End.
Dylan Hall
No way I missed that.
Olivia
What about the contact form? Did you reach out?
Dylan Hall
Of course I did. No one responded.
Olivia
Do you go to the police?
Dylan Hall
Yeah, I sent them the texts, but they're about as interested as they've always been in finding Caleb, so I thought maybe I could get your help.
Olivia
Aw, so what, I'm your last resort?
Dylan Hall
That's not what I mean. I mean, you're not interested in this. I know you are. And this could be good for your show.
Olivia
Mmm, yeah. Cute.
Dylan Hall
Seriously. Maybe bump up that listenership from 25 to maybe the high 30s.
Bartender
Okay, here we go. To Water. Sorry about the wait.
Olivia
Oh, thanks.
Dylan Hall
Thanks, man. Hey, actually, quick question for you. Have you ever heard of the podcast Believe you me with Morgan McCully?
Olivia
Dylan?
Alex
No.
Bartender
Believe you Me? Nah. What's that?
Dylan Hall
Oh, it's a fantastic podcast. Great show, compelling stories, hosted by this lovely young lady here, Morgan McCully. You should check it out.
Olivia
You're such an ass. Here's a better question. Does he look familiar to you?
Bartender
Can't say he does.
Dylan Hall
Oh.
Olivia
Well, you should go take a closer look at that Polaroid you have taped behind the bar. You know, it's just above the patron bottle. That is Mr. Dylan hall, circa 2011, right before he got kicked out of here.
Bartender
No shit. You're blacklisted? What the hell did you do?
Dylan Hall
It was a long time ago.
Olivia
If memory serves, you convince the staff that you are the owner's little brother and threw a party for all of your underage friends.
Dylan Hall
Hey, you were one of those underage friends. And that was one hell of a party.
Olivia
True. Until the owner showed up.
Bartender
Damn, you're a legend. Can I get you a shot or something?
Alex
What?
Olivia
Seriously?
Dylan Hall
God, no. No, I'm good, But thank you.
Bartender
All right, let me clear these. Shout if you need anything.
Olivia
Unbelievable.
Dylan Hall
It is good to be back. And hey, about the podcast, I really do love it. All of it. It's great.
Olivia
Well, thanks. That means a lot. And I'm gonna help you. But for the record, I'm still mad at you.
Dylan Hall
Fair enough.
Olivia
What's that?
Dylan Hall
It's a text.
Olivia
Another from Caleb?
Dylan Hall
No, it's them.
Olivia
Them?
Dylan Hall
Ignota.
Olivia
Oh. What'd they say? Dylan.
Dylan Hall
It's an invitation.
Olivia
To what?
Dylan Hall
I have no idea.
Alex
Shit.
Dylan Hall
Listen to this. Hello, traveler. Thank you for your interest. We've been expecting you. A session will be held this Friday at 8pm at 580 California St. Do not be late. If you lose your way, ask for help up.
Olivia
Oh, they've been expecting you.
Dylan Hall
Weird, right? Maybe Caleb told them he was reaching out.
Olivia
What's this about losing your way?
Dylan Hall
I have no idea. Maybe it's some kind of code.
Olivia
Maybe they're just nuts.
Dylan Hall
That's very possible.
Olivia
Are you thinking of going?
Dylan Hall
I mean, I get how weird it is, but it's right here in the city. What's the harm? And Caleb might be there, but you.
Olivia
Didn'T actually speak to him though, right? Because this could also be a trick.
Dylan Hall
It could be a trick?
Olivia
Yeah, but you want to find out, don't you? Oh, you have to let me do a show about it.
Dylan Hall
I wouldn't try to stop you. What, you want to interview me?
Olivia
Screw that. I want you to record the whole thing.
Dylan Hall
Record it? Hold on. You want me to wear a wire?
Olivia
Why not? You're going anyway.
Dylan Hall
Check it out. Not to spy.
Olivia
Well, I'm not asking you to be like Mission Impossible Special Ops. Just like, you know. You know, like the voice memo recorder on your phone. You could just like, have it in your pocket. We're talking about one meeting. Maybe like that. I'm sure they do like an orientation session, right? And maybe, maybe if you get further than that, another one. I mean, come on, you used to do this all the time, this kind of stuff.
Dylan Hall
What's that supposed to mean? What kind of stuff?
Olivia
I don't know, like being a fun person stuff.
Dylan Hall
I'm a fun person. What makes you think I'm not a fun person? Sure.
Olivia
And what's your job title again?
Dylan Hall
Okay, I work in sales, but that's not. I don't see how that's relevant.
Olivia
Sales is super fun stuff. Thank you. I forgot. Thank you for reminding me.
Dylan Hall
Okay, it's not as cool as being a secret agent or something, but it's legal.
Olivia
And this. This isn't illegal. Not really. Look, don't try to convince me you're some kind of straight edge Johnny Do Good.
Dylan Hall
Okay, so you want me to walk in with my phone recording everything? What happens if I get caught?
Olivia
People bring their phones everywhere. And the mics pick up everything, bring the phone, and if they don't allow it, then no big deal. You're new. How would you know any better?
Dylan Hall
You realize I might wind up recording a bunch of People sitting around reciting mantras. Right.
Olivia
I can still work with that.
Dylan Hall
You know what? Screw it. Fine. Let's do it. Yeah.
Olivia
This is gonna be the best. Those freaks will love you. Oh, maybe. Maybe lose the sport coat, though. Oh, no, no, no, no, no. Actually, it makes you look distinguished and trustworthy. And a little bit naive.
Dylan Hall
What happened to handsome?
Olivia
Pay up. We got research to do.
911 Operator
911, what is your emergency? 911, what is your.
Caller
Send an ambulance.
911 Operator
What is the address and nature of the injury?
Caller
It's not from me.
911 Operator
I understand. What's the address, sir?
Caller
Highway 20, mile marker is 67.
Dylan Hall
What?
Caller
That's where you'll find her.
911 Operator
What is your name, sir?
Caller
I'm not going to tell you that.
911 Operator
What is the nature of the injury? What's her condition?
Caller
She won't wake up.
911 Operator
She's unconscious. Can you tell me what happened?
Caller
She wasn't ready.
911 Operator
Are you with her now?
Caller
I'll be gone when you get here, sir.
911 Operator
It's best if you can tell me.
Caller
Highway 20, mile marker 67. There's third turn off past the bridge. That's where she'll be.
911 Operator
I have an ambulance and CHP en route now. Please stay on the line. Can you tell me the woman's name?
Caller
She wasn't ready. I need to go.
911 Operator
Sir. Sir, please stay on the line.
Caller
Goodbye, sir.
Alex
Don't.
Morgan McCauley
Close your eyes is a cryptic radio production written and produced by John Rolfs. Dylan is voiced by Elliot Brotherhood. Morgan by Samantha Cooper. Olivia by Devon Chandler. Alex by Whitney Holland. Mr. Tepper by Bradley Gareth. The Crab Tavern Bartender by Corey Bain. Other voices by Chelsea Krause. Sound design and engineering by Randy Greer. The theme music is Sacrifice the by Emmett Cook. Shows like this and other audio dramas aren't possible without support from fans. If you've enjoyed our show, please take a moment to rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, GoodPods or whichever pod platform you prefer. A rating only takes a moment and goes a long way to helping us reach other listeners. We appreciate it. All of our shows are completely independent productions. If you have the means and would like to support independent audio drama, consider doing so through our Patreon. You can find the link in our show notes. You can also follow us on Instagram or Twitter now X rypticradiopod to get news and updates about the show. We'd love to hear from you, so please reach out. Thank you for listening.
Episode Summary: Trap Street – Introducing "Close Your Eyes"
Podcast Information:
Introduction
In the premiere episode titled "Introducing – Close Your Eyes," hosts Tony Martinez and Michael P. Greco delve into the intriguing world of audio dramas by spotlighting the captivating series "Close Your Eyes." This episode serves as both an introduction to the "Close Your Eyes" narrative and an exploration of its thematic depth, blending immersive storytelling with behind-the-scenes insights.
Overview of "Close Your Eyes"
"Close Your Eyes" is a slow-burn thriller produced by Cryptic Radio that follows the harrowing journey of a man seeking his missing brother by infiltrating a secretive cult. As the protagonist navigates the murky waters between reality and illusion, the stakes escalate, ultimately impacting the fate of humanity.
Key Themes:
Notable Quote:
"Close your eyes and follow my voice. My voice is your guide."
— Therapist [00:16]
Narrative Highlights
Therapeutic Hypnosis Session ([01:22] - [07:14]):
"I'm on a beach. It's nighttime. It's cold. There are no stars, but the moon is full."
— Alex [03:27]
Sales Negotiation Subplot ([08:08] - [10:29]):
"If you know what somebody wants, you can sell them everything else."
— Dylan Hall [09:07]
Introduction to "Believe You Me" Podcast ([10:29] - [11:40]):
"Whether you've been affected by these scams personally or are simply interested in learning more, Believe you me has something for everyone."
— Morgan McCauley [10:29]
Reunion and Revelation ([11:50] - [20:43]):
Characters: Dylan Hall and Olivia
Scene: Dylan reunites with Olivia at a bar, revealing a shared past and discussing Dylan's recent struggles, including his missing brother Caleb.
Plot Development: Dylan receives cryptic messages from an entity named Ignota, leading to an invitation for a mysterious session. Olivia suggests leveraging Dylan's involvement for her podcast.
Notable Quotes:
"Have you ever heard of something called Ignota?"
— Dylan Hall [14:02]
"Listen to this. Hello, traveler. Thank you for your interest. We've been expecting you."
— Caller [18:36]
Emergency Call Climax ([21:52] - [22:55]):
"She wasn't ready. I need to go."
— Caller [22:10]
Character Dynamics
Notable Interactions:
Sound Design and Production
"Trap Street" emphasizes the importance of immersive soundscapes in "Close Your Eyes." The production features:
Conclusion
The episode "Introducing – Close Your Eyes" by Trap Street masterfully sets the stage for an enthralling audio drama series. By intertwining complex character arcs, mysterious plot developments, and rich thematic elements, the episode captivates listeners and leaves them eager for subsequent installments. With standout performances and meticulous production, "Close Your Eyes" promises to be a compelling addition to fans of thriller and psychological drama genres.
Final Quote:
"If you've enjoyed our show, please take a moment to rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, GoodPods or whichever pod platform you prefer."
— Morgan McCauley [23:08]
Additional Information
For those interested in exploring "Close Your Eyes," the series is available on major podcast platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Support for independent audio dramas is encouraged through ratings, reviews, and Patreon contributions.