

Author, Podcaster, Weirdbeard
Award-winning Audio Dramatist


"Smith has a singular vision and a unique voice that's equal parts Jim Butcher and Gary Gygax.
What he writes is weird, in the best possible meaning of the word."
- Scott A. Johnson, Author, An American Haunting
IN MEDIA: Videos and Links to Podcast Episodes
The Writing Easy Podcast, Ep 91
Aired May 7, 2021
Hosted by Mary Mascari and Melissa Long! They say everything old becomes new again, and that is certainly true with radio plays turned podcasts. Our guest today is Jay Smith, an amazingly talented writer and producer of multiple audio dramas. He explains how to get started in narrative podcasting including, the difference between writing fiction and writing audios, telling serialized stories, and collaborating with actors and crew. Referenced: "Bombs Always Beep" by Kc Wayland
Episode 92 continues the conversation and can be heard HERE.
Defense Against the Dark Arts: Fandom Trolls and How to Vanquish Them
Streamed Live February 21, 2021 @ Farpoint 2021
A panel to help con-goers avoid, confront, and dispatch misogynist trolls and their ilk. In this panel, we will dismiss certain myths regarding fandom's accepted DNA, who should be allowed to participate and what the acceptable role of women in fandom should be. We will also cover classy ways to combat the ignorant and grow better fan communities. Panelists: Kathleen David, Don Sakers, Jay Smith
Storytelling with New Technology
Streamed Live February 21, 2021 @ Farpoint 2021
A discussion of how to use podcasting and other new media to tell your stories. Panelists: Gregory A. Wilson, Jay Smith, Nathan Schell
Podcasting on the Cheap
Streamed Live May 28, 2021 @ Balticon 55
Podcasting on the Cheap Podcasting requires the use of specialized hardware and software, but starting your podcast doesn't have to break the bank. Come learn about the best tools you can assemble on a budget, where to find free-to-use content, and production techniques you can use to make even the cheapest gear sound good. Panelists: Doc Coleman (moderator), Hugh J. O'Donnell, Jay Smith, Keith Hughes, Wendy Van Camp
Generational Changes in the Meaning of Fandom
Streamed Live May 29, 2021 @ Balticon 55
In just a couple decades, SFF has gone from subculture to the mainstream. How does this change the ways we consume, produce, and discuss SFF? How does this add another challenge to fans trying to communicate across generations? Panelists: Gail Z. Martin (moderator), Daniel M. Kimmel, Jay Smith, Alyssa Winans - Artist GoH
Bad Movie Adaptations
Streamed Live May 28, 2021 @ Balticon 55
Sometimes there are reasonable changes to a work when it's adapted to the big screen, but sometimes you just want to shake the screenwriter and ask "What were you thinking?!" Come delight in the terrible adaptations of our favorite genre works. Panelists: D.H. Aire (moderator), Daniel M. Kimmel, Jay Smith, Seanan McGuire - GoH
Zack Snyder's Justice League
Streamed Live May 30, 2021 @ Balticon 55
Was it worth the wait? Worth the four hours? Did it redeem or further bastardize your favorite character? Let's discuss. Panelists: John L. French (moderator), Dr. Jim Prego, Jay Smith, Sean O'Connell
Setting Policy for Superheroes
Streamed Live May 30, 2021 @ Balticon 55
Should Superman apply for a license with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission since he shoots ionizing radiation from his eyes? Or the FAA, since he's also a self-powered flying device zooming around a major metropolitan area. Come discuss the red tape of supers and mutants. Panelists: Brenda Clough (moderator), Jay Smith, Anne Gray, John Tilden
Character Development Before the Curtain Goes Up
Streamed Live May 30, 2021 @ Balticon 55
Pop Quiz: What’s your character’s favorite color? Their shoe size? Their favorite teacher? Backstories bring characters to life, but how much should you actually come up with? What needs to go in the story, and what should be left out? When should you put down the RPG sheets and start writing the story itself? Panelists: Christiana Ellis (moderator), Jay Smith, L. Marie Wood, Ryan Van Loan, Anne E.G. Nydam
Talk of the Tavern
Streamed Live on Twitch, May 17, 2018
Join Jay as he spends two quality hours in pub conversation with Andrea and Travis. They talk audio drama, Buck Rogers, HR, gaming, virtual worlds, Jay's books, and ...the weather?
Parsec Award Ceremony
Streamed live on Sept 5, 2011 from DragonCon 2011
A totaly unexpected win for HG World over some amazing talents.
Award accepted by Scott Pigg and Bryan Lincoln.
Podcasting Authors Roundtable
Streamed live on Aug 30, 2014 from DragonCon 2014
Join a roundtable discussion of working writers who utilize podcasting to distribute and promote their work.
Guests: Bobby Nash, Scott Sigler, Pamela Gay, Jay Smith, and Michael Stackpole
FREE STORIES: Reddit Readings on YouTube
Some of Jay's stories on Reddit were performed and posted by various readers. Here is a sample of those stories (offered via Creative Commons License, non-commercial, non-derivative, full attribution.)
"Leave Hester House Alone!"
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2019
Read by Mortis Media 1/12/2021
Friends attempt to find a house that was the source of many suburban legends. Their camping trip goes from bad to worse as a storm and local townies try to murder them.
Jay's is the first story read.
"Leave Hester House Alone!" (2)
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2020
Read by Hellfreezer 11/6/2019
Another version of the tale is among some great scary stories.
Video is queued to start at 12:29
"Young, Dumb, and Full of...Tequila"
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2020
Read by Mortis Media 3/13/2020
A group of high school friends meet in Cancun for their reunion, but they soon learn that the map is not the territory and a cheap rental house on the beach becomes the site of a terrifying siege by local kids.
Jay's is the first story read.
"The Circus Next Door"
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2021
Read by MiSS FEARSoME 3/31/2021
A story loosely based on my time living in a townhouse next to some very strange people, including one who lived in the attic over my bedroom.
Video is queued to start at 16:45
"The Circus Next Door" (2)
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2021
Read by Demon Creep 4/6/2021
Another version of the story.
Jay's is the only story read in the video.
"The Circus Next Door" (3)
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2021
Read by Mr. Creeps True Stories 8/24/2021
Another version of the story.
Jay's is the first story read.
"The Circus Next Door" (4)
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2021
Read by Deadly Cure 9/19/2022
Another version of the story.
Video is queued to start at 36:50.
"It's Not You. It's My Swiss Cheese Brain"
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2021
Read by Deadly Cure 10/15/2021
A man with long-term memory loss randomly encounters someone from his past who is not happy to see him.
Video is queued to start at 1:09:10
"It's Not You. It's My Swiss Cheese Brain" (2)
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2021
Read by MiSS FEARSoME 2/21/2022
Another version of the story.
Video is queued to start at 47:06
"It's Not You. It's My Swiss Cheese Brain" (3)
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2021
Read by Mortis Media 4/19/2021
Another version of the story.
Video is queued to start at 2:49
"It's Not You. It's My Swiss Cheese Brain" (4)
Originally posted in /rLetsNotMeet in 2021
Read by Miss Creepy Tales 4/21/2021
Yet another version of the story.
Video is queued to start at 20:05
VARIOUS PODCAST APPEARANCES
A sampler of shows talking about writing and audio drama.


Photos taken by Missy Wydra
Sci Fi Diner Episode 167 - Jay Interviews Dan Aykroyd
Join Jay as he talks about his favorite movie, its sequel, cartoons, and the reboot with smarter people than he...
USA Today Bestselling Author Virginia Nelson
Author, Educator, and Paranormal Investigator Scott A Johnson
Horror Author Chris Phillips
and National Bestselling Author Heather Long
Award-winning SF/F author Keith R A DeCandido
Podcaster, Audio Producer, and Voice Actor Dave Robison
Author, lecturer, and Riot Grrrl K.P. Kulski
Urban Fantasy author K.W. Taylor
Ivo Shandor‘s ghost appears courtesy of a Level 5 EM binding shell.
Music and sound copyright Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Banner created by John Drew

The Batcave Podcast w/John S. Drew
Episode 8 - True or False-Face/Holy Rat Race (False Face)
Episode 23 - The Greatest Mother of Them All (Ma Barker)
Episode 31 - Come Back Shame/It's How You Play the Game (Shame)
Episode 48 - Batgirl Pilot Episode
Episode 49 - Enter Batgirl/Exit Penguin (Penguin)
The Chronic Rift
Roundtable Discussion - Ghostbusters (w/ Marc Scott Zicree)
Spotlight - Interview
The SciFi Diner
Farpoint 2015 "Live" with Scott, Miles, and M.
Episode 195 - HG World & Hidden Harbor talk with Scott
Madame Perry's Salon
Jay talks to Madame Perry on her show in 2017 and again in 2018.
The Tao of Tech w/ Mark Prestash
Episode 7 - Interview during early phase of HG World.
Pros & Cons
Talking conventions, audio drama and fun with Jonah Knight and Mikey Mason
The Sonic Society
The Sonic Society features Jay, Bryan Lincoln, and episodes of Hidden Harbor Mysteries!