The Control Group

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In the early 1960s, a doctor at a mental ward sheds his ethical restraints in an effort to pioneer a new form of "mental cleansing" at the behest of a private research group. The Control Group is a chilling, 10-part historical fiction for mature audiences. Listener discretion is advised due to reali…

iHeartRadio


    • Feb 13, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 33 EPISODES
    • 2 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Control Group podcast is an extraordinary and masterfully executed audio drama that captivates listeners with its superb storytelling, beautifully scripted dialogue, and immersive sound design. The second season of the show introduces a unique and compelling storyline, featuring intriguing characters that keep you hooked from start to finish. The interwoven storylines and attention to detail in the soundscapes transport you into the world of the story, making it a truly immersive experience. Overall, The Control Group is one of the best radio show-styled podcasts out there.

    One of the standout aspects of The Control Group podcast is its exceptional storytelling. The narrative is compelling and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout every episode. The writing is top-notch, with well-developed characters that are brought to life by a talented cast of voice actors. The sound design, including the score and effects, adds another layer of depth to the listening experience, creating a fully immersive world for listeners to explore. Every aspect of this podcast is executed with excellence.

    On a negative note, some may find certain parts of The Control Group podcast disturbing or triggering. It delves into topics such as mental health mismanagement, experimentation, and inhumane treatments that occurred in hospitals during the early to mid-20th century. While these topics are handled delicately and provide important historical context, they can be unsettling for some listeners. Additionally, there are occasional commercial breaks between episodes that may disrupt the flow for those who prefer uninterrupted listening.

    In conclusion, The Control Group podcast is an incredible piece of work that stands out among other podcasts in its genre. From its captivating storytelling to its exceptional production quality, it's clear that a great deal of care went into bringing this audio drama to life. Whether you're a fan of mysteries, dramas, or simply enjoy engaging storytelling with immersive soundscapes, this podcast is definitely worth your time investment. Highly recommended for those looking for an enthralling and suspenseful audio drama experience.



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    Latest episodes from The Control Group

    Introducing: The Passage

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 3:38 Transcription Available


    Built on a foundation of historical relevance and structured by a kind of dream logic, THE PASSAGE is an immersive, psychological, 3D audio experience that invites listeners to explore the collective American psyche from the perspective of its most legendary souls. This is an ongoing audio series penned by a brilliant and diverse pool of writers and performed by an unforgettable cast of character actors. Each week THE PASSAGE takes us on a ride into the land of the dead, traveling with the Ferryman as he collects the recently disembodied and delivers them to the hereafter. Each week we meet another illustrious American spirit and listen as they tell their extraordinary and often terrifying tale in an attempt to influence the Ferryman's final destination— be it a comfortable place of eternal light, a haunted purgatory of regret, or one of the nine rings of hell.  Listen here or on the iHeartRadio app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: Consumed from Grim & Mild

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 2:48 Transcription Available


    Hi, Control Group fans! iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild are excited to tell you about Consumed - a brand new fiction thriller that we think will... consume you! Don't believe us? Check out this trailer to see for yourself. When you're done, head on over to Consumed starting 1/31 for weekly episodes. Show Info: When struggling journalist Sarah Simmons finds herself stranded in an idyllic New Hampshire town, her unexpected visit turns into a nightmare. Steeped in history and filled with legends, the residents of Danville soon learn that the past is not always meant to be forgotten. Their lives will be forever changed, while the hope of a future without terror rests on the shoulders of a stranger who may hold the keys to the past. This is Consumed, a brand new story set in the same universe as the award-winning hit fiction podcast, Bridgewater. Listen to Consumed on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: Season 4 of 13 Days of Halloween

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 1:40 Transcription Available


    Hi, Control Group fans! We're excited for the season 4 return of 13 Days of Halloween. Subtitled "Penance," this brand-new story unfolds over the span of 13 days and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. "Penance" stars Natalie Morales (Parks and Recreation, Dead to Me), and we think you'll want to join in on the spooky fun. Check out this trailer to get excited and start listening on 10/19 until the story concludes on Halloween day. Season Description: Season Four: Penance. Without warning, Sayuri has been locked up in the Pendleton Rehabilitation Center, and no one is willing or able to tell her why. Actually, getting any information from her fellow inmates or the labyrinthine bureaucracy that runs the facility seems impossible. But is the Pendleton really a prison, or something else? Starring Natalie Morales. New episodes air daily from October 19th through Halloween. Listen to 13 Days of Halloween on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: Aftershock Season 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 0:57 Transcription Available


    Listen up, Control Group fans! We're super excited to tell you about the return of the hit fiction podcast, Aftershock. Starring Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead), David Harbour (Stranger Things), and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead), season two is sure to have you on the edge of your seat! Don't just take our word for it, though. Check out the trailer and hear for yourself! About Aftershock: Aftershock is a fast-paced thriller about a massive earthquake that destroys the West Coast, causing a mysterious island to rise up from the Pacific - with Sarah Wayne Callies (The Walking Dead), David Harbour (Stranger Things), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead), and Tati Gabrielle (The 100). Listen to Aftershock season 2 on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: The Mantawauk Caves

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 3:01


    Listen up, Control Group fans! We are excited to tell you about The Mantawauk Caves, a brand-new fiction podcast from iHeartPodcasts, Blumhouse TV, and Psychopia Pictures. It's part supernatural horror, part psychological thriller blended into a murder mystery. We think you'll love this series, but don't just take our word for it. Check out this trailer to decide for yourself! About The Mantawauk Caves: On the night of May 10, 2007, three boys entered a cave in Mantawauk County, Tennessee. Only one made it out alive. The other two were found ten days later. They had been attacked by someone - or something. The investigation that followed revealed town secrets as old as the caves themselves and put a third teenage boy, James Fincher, on death row. This haunting narrative follows Julien Solas, an amateur writer and James' friend who's been haunted by the events ever since. Now, with Fincher's execution looming, Julien returns home to reconcile his past and uncover the truth behind the killings. Created by filmmaker Dan Bush, The Mantawauk Caves is a riveting, immersive, binaural audio experience that weaves together the narrative threads of social drama, supernatural horror, and psychological thriller. A co-production of Blumhouse Television, iHeartPodcasts, and Psychopia Pictures. Starring Jonathan Tucker (Westworld) and Edi Gathegi (The Harder They Fall). Headphones recommended. Listen to The Mantawauk Caves on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing Intra Quest

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2023 2:32


    Hi, The Control Group fans! Introducing a new scripted fiction show created by Michael Freiberg as an iHeartRadio and Astrum Media production called Intra Quest. In the show, the characters embark on a quest that could save the world. As they face a primordial evil that has the power to possess the mind and rules over a mental realm called The Intra. About Intra Quest: In a distant future, long after the apocalypse was forgotten and the history of civilization lost, three adventurers, a smooth-talking leader, a big-hearted brute, and an analytical savant, embark on a quest that could save the world. They face a primordial evil that has the power to possess the mind and rules over a mental realm called The Intra. A production of iHeartRadio and Astrum Media. Created by Michael Freiberg. Listen to Intra Quest now on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: Bridgewater Season 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 1:48


    Hi, Control Group fans! Aaron Mahnke's Grim & Mild is excited to let you know that season two of the hit podcast, Bridgewater, is here. Ready to dive in? Check out the trailer for a peek into what you'll get this season. About Bridgewater: When a relic from his past is rediscovered, folklore professor Jeremy Bradshaw puts his life on hold to solve the mystery. Along the way, he's helped by people who challenge everything he believes in, and ultimately tries to answer the question: can the past be rewritten? A supernatural thriller for your ears, starring Misha Collins, Melissa Ponzio, and Alan Tudyk. Created by Aaron Mahnke and written by Lauren Shippen. Listen to Bridgewater Season 2 now on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: 12 Ghosts from Grim & Mild

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022 1:50


    Hi, Control Group fans! The holidays just got a little spooky and we think you'll want to experience 12 Ghosts. New episodes air 12/14 - 12/25, but here's a snippet to get you excited for 12 Ghosts! About 12 Ghosts: Eleven travelers find themselves at an inn deep in the forest on Christmas Eve. As they tell their stories to one another, they come to realize that they've got something very startling in common… and that the strange innkeeper has a plan for them all. Listen to 12 Ghosts on the free iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: 13 Days of Halloween Season 3, Devil's Night

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 2:12


    Hi, Control Group fans! Things are getting spooky. Since you love exciting fiction content, we think you'll want to experience season three of 13 Days of Halloween. New episodes air 10/19 - 10/31, so here's a snippet to get you excited for Devil's Night! About this season: Season Three: Devil's Night. When a 12-year-old boy and his dog are stranded far from home, they must find a way back through the chaos and mayhem of the most dangerous night of the year. Headphones recommended. Listener discretion advised. A co-production of iHeart3DAudio, Blumhouse Television, and Grim&Mild from Aaron Mahnke.  Listen to 13 Days of Halloween on the free iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: Maxine Miles

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2022 2:59


    Hi, Control Group fans! iHeartPodcasts, Atypical Artists, and host Lauren Shippen are excited to announce Maxine Miles - a brand new ​​Young Adult mystery show that follows Maxine Miles as she searches for a missing student and uncovers the secrets of her town in the process. A shocking thriller and mystery that will keep you guessing but don't just take our word for it. Check out the trailer to decide for yourself! About Maxine Miles: It's the fall of 1997 in Hastings, New Hampshire and autumn is the time of year this small town shines. Apple cider, pumpkin patches, farmer's markets...it's idyllic New England. Picturesque, plaid-filled, and, for fifteen-year-old, Maxine Miles, plodding. Suddenly, Max's school year starts to look a bit more interesting when a fellow student vanishes. With the help of her misanthropic classmate, Ross, Max starts to look into the disappearance. Her investigation draws her deep into the dark woods around Hastings and even deeper into the secrets and lies that course through the veins of this sleepy town. This new YA mystery from the creator of The Bright Sessions, Lauren Shippen, is an audio drama with heart and wit that involves the audience in a way no fiction podcast ever has.   Listen and subscribe to Maxine Miles on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    Introducing: Magmell

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 1:59


    Hi, Control Group fans! We are excited for the newest fiction podcast from iHeartPodcasts titled Magmell. Since you love our show, we think you'll enjoy this one as well. Don't just take our word for it, though. Check out this exclusive trailer and decide for yourself! About Magmell: Stranded 700 light-years away from home, the crew of the USS Magmell make an astonishing discovery; they're not alone. Not only is something sinister is lurking in the deep reaches of space, but they are also remembering things that never happened, things that couldn't have happened. With tensions running high and mistrust running deep, they realize that their only chance of survival is each other...whether they like it or not. Listen to Magmell on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    Introducing: VERDICT

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2021 1:30


    From the producer of THE SOCIAL NETWORK, CAPTAIN PHILLIPS and HOUSE OF CARDS comes a new 10-part scripted crime podcast. VERDICT centers on a federal investigator Abigail Kaplan, who must unravel the mystery behind the murder of a star high school athlete in small town Texas. When the victim's best friend confesses to the brutal crime that could land him on death row, Abigail must navigate small-town politics, the local police and the awesome power of the local Mega Church in order to uncover the shocking truth. Presented by Cavalry Audio and iHeartRadio. Featuring voiceover performances by Steph Tolev, Spencer Garrett, Brandon Breault, Samuel Elijah Parker, Artie Baxter, Clay Wilcox, and Sarah Rich. Created and written by Sam Scott. Directed by Kc Wayland. Produced by Branden Morgan and Kc Wayland. Executive Produced by Dana Brunetti and Keegan Rosenberger. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    Introducing - 13 Days of Halloween: The Sea

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2021 1:22


    Hi, Control Group fans! It's officially #spookyseason and it doesn't get spookier than with 13 Days of Halloween - the limited-run podcast from Aaron Mahnke's Grim & Mild and Blumhouse TV. The alluring new season counts down to Halloween with an episode each day starting October 19th. Here's a sneak peek into the exciting new season! About the show: Season Two: The Sea. When a mysterious stranger awakens on the rocky shore of the eerie New England village of Direbrook, the residents pitch in to restore her past. But not everything in town is what it seems. Starring Kathy Najimy (Hocus Pocus, Sister Act) and Bethany Anne Lind (Ozark, Lore). A production of Grim & Mild, Blumhouse Television, and iHeart3DAudio. Listen to 13 Days of Halloween on the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    Introducing: See You In Your Nightmares

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 1:20


    Seventeen-year-old Harper Hart has been plagued by insomnia ever since the mysterious death of her twin sister. When she turns to an experimental treatment for help, something goes terribly wrong. Harper can now jump into people's dreams... but she's not alone. Subscribe now to dive into the nightmare in this original scripted horror podcast from Einhorn's Epic Productions & iHeartRadio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    S2 E7: Epilogue

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 17:43


    A visitor surveys the remains of a once verdant planet. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    S2 E6: Make Believe

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021 39:47


    Dorrie (Tess Malis Kincaid) reflects on the fateful events of her, and dreams of an opportunity for redemption. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    S2 E5: The Fortress

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 38:18


    Becky (Allie Ficken) and Loraine (Rachel Frawley) attempt to escape from the bunker on Cross Mountain. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    S2 E4: A Prophecy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 28:49


    An idealistic Noonan (Keith Brooks) shares with Dorrie (Tess Malis Kincaid) his dream for a better world, even as New Canaan descends into chaos. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    S2 E3: L.M.O.E.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 40:16


    In the Civil Defense Emergency Command Center, Wayne (Tim Habeger) reveals a secret weapon to TV personality Helen Huntleigh (Mary Kraft). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    S2 E2: Shelter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2021 41:52


    A paramilitary volunteer (Keith Brooks) persuades Dorrie and Becky (Tess Malis Kincaid, Allie Ficken) to leave their basement and search for better protection against radioactive fallout. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    shelter keith brooks
    S2 E1: Red Alert

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 46:03


    The already strained relationships of Dorrie and Wayne Langford (Tess Malis Kincaid, Tim Habeger) and their daughter Becky (Allie Ficken) are completely upended when emergency announcements warn the U.S. is under Soviet nuclear attack. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    Introducing The Control Group: Civil Defense

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 2:00


    When a nuclear attack upon the United States seems imminent, a housewife tries to protect her daughter from the dangers that surround them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

    10. Terminal Studies

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2018 30:33


    Somerhill (Daniel May) convenes a meeting at the Founder’s Mansion, a crumbling remnant of Central State Hospital’s more glorious age. There, Dr. Hayes (John Schmedes) is challenged to demonstrate the effectiveness of his radical treatments… by performing a type of experiment that, under ordinary circumstances, is forbidden in scientific research. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

    founders studies mansion terminal central state hospital
    09. Midnight Climax

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2018 35:50


    Now that Dr. Hayes (John Schmedes) has penetrated the Dixie Hotel’s chamber of secrets, Somerhill (Daniel May) and Dr. Gottfried (Keith Brooks) reveal the hidden workings of the plot in which Karen (Hannah Fierman) has been entangled. The abusive Grath (Joe Sykes) finds Karen in the hospital basement, and a bitter grudge is settled. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

    08. Cages

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2018 26:31


    Following the incident at the Dixie Hotel, Dr. Hayes (John Schmedes) returns to Central State Hospital just as its orderly operation is interrupted. In defiance of Dr. Hayes, Verdrey (Lisa Paulsen) attempts to hide Karen (Hannah Fierman) where the hospital’s darkest secrets are kept. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

    cages central state hospital
    07. Charlotte

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2018 37:38


    Housebound and suffering from mental collapse, Charlotte (Jennifer Bates) receives an encouraging message from an unlikely herald (Mary Kraft). Dr. Hayes (John Schmedes) requests Charlotte’s special assistance in a personal investigation into the circumstances of Karen’s crime. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

    06. SIHE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2018 32:21


    Somerhill (Daniel May) receives word of Hayes’s (John Schmedes) revelation from both the proud doctor and a rogue agent (Andrew Benator), who is furious at having been exposed. Unsatisfied with Hayes’s explanation, Verdrey (Lisa Paulsen) begins to investigate the identity and purpose of the Society for the Investigation of Human Ecology. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

    05. Sodium Amytal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2018 27:57


    Intent on exposing Karen’s (Hannah Fierman) secrets, Dr. Hayes (John Schmedes) subjects her to chemical hypnosis and coerces her to reenact the ill-fated events that occurred in room 512 of the Dixie Hotel. His unhealthy obsession with Karen reaches new depths, but his unorthodox form of role-playing leads to an unexpected breakthrough.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

    04. Phenobarbital

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2018 40:05


    Karen (Hannah Fierman) spends days confined to a “sleep room,” where a mind-numbing combination of treatments are administered. Pleased with Hayes’s progress, Somerhill (Daniel May) encourages the doctor (John Schmedes) to become more aggressive in his therapies, just as the Ward Head Nurse, Verdrey (Lisa Paulsen), begins to question Hayes’s methods. Charlotte (Jennifer Bates) is released. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

    pleased phenobarbital
    03. Psychic Driving

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2018 29:16


    Dr. Hayes (John Schmedes) conscripts Karen (Hannah Fierman) to tape record a message of cooperation and compliance, to be used in future therapies. When Karen attempts to escape, attendant Grath (Joe Sykes), who is prone to bullying and abuse, volunteers to find her ... and succeeds. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

    02. Sleep Therapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2018 42:39


    Dr. Hayes realizes he must cultivate more ambitious therapies if he expects to win the fiscal support of a large research group. Long term patient Charlotte grows jealous of the doctor’s obvious fascination with the new patient, Karen. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

    01. ECT

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2018 25:10


    After being apprehended fleeing the scene of a crime, an outspoken woman, Karen, is placed in the Central State Hospital at New Canaan for examination and evaluation. After a terse interview with Dr. Hayes, she is quickly acquainted with the harsh realities of life in B Ward. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

    new canaan central state hospital b ward
    The Control Group: Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2018 1:00


    Encouraged by a private research group, a doctor at a mental ward sheds his ethical restraints in an effort to pioneer a new form of mental cleansing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

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