Dark Valley

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Dark Valley is a sci-fi and fantasy anthology podcast that aims to transport listeners to a world outside of their own. Join us aboard a Coalition Guard spaceship, inside a Hotel with extraordinary powers, and in a small town where creatures lurk around every corner. Dark Valley probes the human psyche and explores our relationships with ourselves, each other, and the unknowable; in a way that can frighten, soothe, and challenge our perceptions of who we are and what we are capable of.

Elsbeth Zurek


    • Dec 16, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 29m AVG DURATION
    • 14 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Dark Valley

    S1E13 - The Beacon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 34:04


    Episode Notes Episode 13: The Beacon This episode was written by Mark Zurek and directed by Elsbeth Denman. Heather was played by Shelby Rebecca Wong Wyatt was played by Anthon Mondesir Nicole was played by Elsbeth Denman The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Ryan Boelter, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman, Marcia Mandel, Elaine Gibson, Brett McLaughlin and Michael Bowman. Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Sound credits: "Door, Front, Opening, A.wav" by InspectorJ "Door, Wooden, Close, A (H1).wav" by InspectorJ Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E12 - Welcome to Sycamore Drive

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2021 28:04


    Episode Notes Content Warning: Death and loss of a parent Episode 12: Welcome to Sycamore Drive This episode was written and directed by Mark Zurek. Anne was played by Artemis Snow Leonard was played by Jamal James Tracey was played by Lucia Williams The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Ryan Boelter, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman, Marcia Mandel, Elaine Gibson, Brett McLaughlin and Michael Bowman. Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Sound Credits: "Rain on Windows, Interior, A.wav" by InspectorJ "Assembling Furniture" by Ultradust "Footsteps, Stones, A.wav" by InspectorJ "Astounded" by Christopher J Astbury - Switzerland Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E11 - Dad's Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2021 30:46


    Episode Notes Content Warning: Discussion of cancer, death of a parent, repetitive beeping Episode 11: Dad's Story A love story conceived by Mark S. Zurek. This episode was written by Mark Zurek and directed by Elsbeth Denman Based on a story by Mark S. Zurek Henry was played by Richard Denman Allan was played by Zachary Sherry Deborah was played by Cecelia Specht Ruth was played by Kaili Y. Turner Penny and Victoria were played by Gloria Tsai The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Ryan Boelter, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman, Marcia Mandel, Elaine Gibson, Brett McLaughlin and Michael Bowman. Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E10 - The Grace Hypothesis

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 32:08


    Episode Notes Content Warning: Forced family separation, parental loss, scratchy sci- fi effects Episode 10: The Grace Hypothesis Teen genius, Astrid Grace, is faced with a difficult decision. Continue her mother's research into the nature of our reality, or risk the persecution of the government and the disappointment of her father. This episode was written by Peter DeGiglio, edited by Mark Zurek and directed by Elsbeth Denman Astrid was played by Mia Christo Hal was played by Jim Yue Claire was played by Teresa Hui The State Agent was played by Peter DeGiglio The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Calie Ann, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Ryan Boelter, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman, Marcia Mandel, Elaine Gibson, Brett McLaughlin and Michael Bowman. "Chalk My Cue" is by Peter J. Schmidt Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E9 - Where Have You Been, Scott Thomas?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2021 28:41


    Episode Notes Content Warning: Lost child/ sibling, grief, family trauma, and sound effects of bones crunching Episode 9: Where Have You Been, Scott Thomas? The Thomas family is overjoyed when their runaway son and brother, Scott, finally returns home. If only it were him. This episode was written by Mark Zurek and directed by Elsbeth Denman Ian and Scott were played by Ryan Halsaver Courtney was played by Brianna Eckhardt Jeremy was played by Aaron Catano - Saez Laura was played by Melanie Peterson The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Calie Ann, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Ryan Boelter, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman, Marcia Mandel, Elaine Gibson, Brett McLaughlin and Michael Bowman. Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E8 - Try Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 23:06


    Try Again Episode Notes Content Warning: Gaslighting, alcohol and a car accident Episode 8: Try Again After a night out with an old friend, Zach Fuller comes home to an angry wife and he can't seem to escape the feeling, that he's been here before. This episode was written by Mark Zurek and directed by Elsbeth Denman Zach was played by Byron Hagan Morgan was played by Eva Ding Jamie was played by Elizabeth Ann Rimar Doctor was played by Jesse Singleton The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, Charlie Neal, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Calie Ann, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Ryan Boelter, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman and Michael Bowman. Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E7 - Sabrina

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2021


    Episode Notes Episode 7: Sabrina An unusual caller surprises radio DJ, Sabrina Becker, with intimate knowledge of her life before fame. This episode was written by Mark Zurek and directed by Elsbeth Denman Sabrina and Bree were played by Monique Sanchez The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, Charlie Neal, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Calie Ann, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Ryan Boelter, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman and Michael Bowman. Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Sound credit: "retro polysynth loop.wav" by zagi2 via freesound.org Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E6 - We're All Friends Here

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 24:20


    Episode Notes Content Warning: Disordered eating of a child, a hospital rehab, siren type alarm (sound effect) Episode 6: We're All Friends Here Kristen Bryers and Jenna Green head to their daughter's school after an incident, only to find that 6 year-old Zoe has made a secret friend. This episode was written and directed by Mark Zurek. Kristen was played by Rachel Faison Jenna was played by Cara Picone Mr. Hoffman was played by Gerrard James Zoe was played by Cole Whitmore Dr. Ng was played by Si Chen The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, Charlie Neal, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Calie Ann, Sylva, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman and Michael Bowman. Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E5 - The Many Wounds of Gwen Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 29:23


    Episode Notes Content Warning: Manipulation, Gaslighting, and tension building sound effects. Episode 5: The Many Wounds of Gwen Miller Gwen and Erin Miller have always had each other's best interests at heart, but like sisters often do, they disagree on who knows best. They are about to discover the delicate line between a helping hand and a leash. This episode was written by Mark Zurek and directed by Elsbeth Denman Gwen was played by Mary McNulty Erin was played by Claire Liu Mike was played by Ryan Hemstock The Clerk was played by James Malloy Phyllis was played by Jane Mandel The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman Special thanks to our Guest Editor, James Malloy This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, Charlie Neal, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Calie Ann, Sylva, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman and Michael Bowman. Opening Music by https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IZceGNQFEc Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E4 - The Way We Were

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 28:58


    Episode Notes The Way We Were Credits Episode 4: The Way We Were While Maggie Perez may be excited to see her daughter Lexi off to college, her husband Oscar feels differently. Little does this family of three realize just how far behind schedule his inability to accept the present will set them. This episode was written by Mark Zurek and directed by Elsbeth Denman Oscar was played by Victor Almanzar Maggie was played by Francesca Nong Lexi was played by Rose Hahn Jack was played by Charlie Aleman The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, Charlie Neal, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Calie Ann, Sylva, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman and Michael Bowman. Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E3 - The Ultulu Anomaly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 29:24


    Ultulu Anomaly Credits Content Warning: repetitive sound effects Episode 3: The Ultulu Anomaly In their long months aboard the Coalition Starship Emvue, the crew of 4 has grown numb to the potential danger of their current station. But they are about to discover, history can be no indicator when it comes to the anomaly they monitor. This episode was written and directed by Mark Zurek Captain Clark was played by Peter DeGiglio Bannon was played by Emily Buza Stripe was played by Scott Paladin Lanski was played by Corvyn Appleby The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, Charlie Neal, James Malloy, Joshua Denman, Calie Ann, Sylva, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Charlotte and Peter, Madeline Denman and Michael Bowman. Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Sound Clip Credits: "UI Confirmation Alert, A3.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E2 - The Hooded Man

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2021 31:04


    The Hooded Man ___Content Warning_** : stalking and obsession Episode 2 - The Hooded Man Everyone has had a feeling of being watched from time to time. Many have experienced the unwelcome, uncomfortable attention of a stranger. Bianca swears there's a man intent on following her every move; a man whose only attribute is the dark hood he wears. This episode was written by Mark Zurek. It was directed by Elsbeth Denman Bianca was played by Yhá Mourhia Wright Liz was played by Cindy Chu AJ was played by Christian Victoria Allen Officer Wilson was played by Cole Whitmore The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, Charlie Neal, James Malloy, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Madeline Denman and Michael Bowman. Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    S1E1 - Hotel Merit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2021 35:14


    Hotel Merit Content Warning car accident, loss of a parent, and suicide. This isn't the first time Jason and Sam have checked in to a hotel while on a business trip. However, the rooms of Hotel Merit are wholly unlike any other hotel rooms, providing opportunities neither Jason nor Sam ever expected to have again. Episode 1 , Hotel Merit This episode was written by Mark Zurek It was directed by Mark Zurek Sam was Played by Geoffrey Hymers Jason was played by Ben Dawson Sam's Mom was played by Shelby Rebecca Wong Alex was played by Grant Emerson Harvey Woman was played by Gabriela Aleman The Clerk and Phone were played by Elsbeth Denman The Narrator was played by Mark Zurek Script editing by Geoffrey Hymers Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, Charlie Neal, James Malloy, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Madeline Denman and Michael Bowman. Sound Clip Credits: "Rain, Car Interior, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "Footsteps, Puddles, C.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org "Bell, Counter, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org Please visit www.darkvalleypod.com to learn more about our show. Find out more at https://dark-valley-pod.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

    Dark Valley Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2020


    Show Notes The Narrator is played by Mark Zurek Dark Valley is produced and edited by Elsbeth Denman This podcast is recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is made possible by the generous support of our patrons at Patreon.com. including: Ryan Astheimer, Charlie Neal, James Malloy, Honey Brea, Joshua Ryan, Maryann Mengak, Madeline Denman and Michael Bowman. More info about our show can be found on our website: www.darkvalleypod.com

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