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Welcome To Earth Stories

York Campbell

Welcome To Earth Stories is a cosmic joyride for your ears. These are short, dark and beautiful stories that will challenge your perspective. Each show is different but they all will take you to unexpected places. If your new you can start with Programable, Better Version Of You, Murder Within the Colour Wheel or the latest episode. Since this is a cosmic joyride for your ears I recommend headphones, and a mug of ginger tea.

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  • 21 episodes
  • Avg 17 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • S9 · E10
    Saturday · 10 min

    Right to Remain Silent

    What would you do with a whole day of silence? This is a behind the curtain look at Day in a Nutshell, the story I told with almost no words at all. A while back I challenged my wife to a full day of silence, just the two of us not speaking. It did not go over well, and in this talk I share why I wanted it, what the research really says about how much men and women talk, and the quiet place in Ontario that first put the idea in my heart. I also share how hard it was to build a story out of music and sound instead of words. What I thought would take a day took a week, and I would not trade that hard road for an easy one. Key takeaways: The claim that women speak 20,000 words a day and men only 7,000 is a myth, and the real numbers are much closer Silence can rest the part of the mind that spends all day weighing words A story with almost no dialogue can take far longer to build than a story full of talk Choosing the hard path on purpose can make a creator more creative Frequently asked questions: How long is it? About eleven minutes. Do I need to hear Day in a Nutshell first? It helps, but this talk stands on its own, and it may send you back to listen. Is it family friendly? Yes. It is a warm, thoughtful talk. Where can I hear more stories like this? At welcometoearthstories.com, where every story is free to hear. If this story gave you something to think about, pass it on. A quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify is the easiest way to help new listeners find us. Subscribe so you never miss a story, and visit my YouTube channel, The Writer's Compass, for writing craft and the stories behind the stories: https://www.youtube.com/@WritersCompass Leave me a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/WelcomeToEarthStories. Tell me what you would do with a day of silence. How to leave a 5 star rating and review: On iPhone or iPad: open Apple Podcasts, search Welcome to Earth Stories, open the show page, scroll down to Ratings and Reviews, tap five stars, and write a few words. On Android: open Spotify, search Welcome to Earth Stories, open the show page, tap the star under the show name, and choose five stars. On iPhone, Spotify works the same way. Created, written, and hosted by York Campbell.

  • S9 · E9
    November 1 · 12 min

    Day in a Nutshell

    What if the worst day of your life could fit inside twelve minutes? My name is York Campbell, and this is one of those days. A man oversleeps, rushes out the door, and from that moment the day refuses to behave. Every step toward the office takes him somewhere stranger, and every attempt to get the day back on track only makes it worse. I built this story differently. There is very little dialogue. The music and the sound effects do the talking, and even the visitors from far away speak a language of their own. It is a comedy about how much misfortune one ordinary man can absorb in a single day, told almost entirely in sound. Key takeaways: - A full comedy told mainly through music and sound effects, with very little dialogue - A reminder that a day can fall apart in a hundred small ways and still be funny - Proof that a story does not need many words to say a lot Frequently asked questions: How long is it? About twelve minutes. Is there much dialogue? Very little. The music and sound effects carry the story, and the visitors speak their own language. Is it family friendly? Yes. It is a light, playful comedy. Where can I hear more stories like this? At welcometoearthstories.com, where every story is free to hear. If this story gave you something to think about, pass it on. A quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify is the easiest way to help new listeners find us. Subscribe so you never miss a story, and visit my YouTube channel, The Writer's Compass, for writing craft and the stories behind the stories: https://www.youtube.com/@WritersCompass Leave me a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/WelcomeToEarthStories. I would love to hear how your worst day compares. How to leave a 5 star rating and review: On iPhone or iPad: open Apple Podcasts, search Welcome to Earth Stories, open the show page, scroll down to Ratings and Reviews, tap five stars, and write a few words. On Android: open Spotify, search Welcome to Earth Stories, open the show page, tap the star under the show name, and choose five stars. On iPhone, Spotify works the same way. Created, written, and performed by York Campbell.

  • October 30 · 11 min

    Blink Twice If You're in a Cult

    What if the cult never ended, it just moved into your phone? In this Behind the Curtains, I tell you the true story behind New World, New Order. Years ago, I belonged to a church I later discovered was a cult. The leaders decided what we were allowed to know. We could not visit other churches. We had to marry from within. They watched how much sleep we got, set our schedules, and chose where we could go on vacation. I got out. The pattern stayed with me. Now I watch the same pattern run the whole world, through a screen. The algorithm studies your psychology, your politics, and your faith. Then it serves you only what keeps you inside your bubble. No locked doors. No leaders watching your bedtime. Just a feed that never lets you leave. In 2020, I saw it happen in the open. COVID-19, and the unrest after the death of George Floyd, split the world in two. One report played everywhere, and everyone had to repeat it. The other report, the one that asked questions, was shut out of the news. A majority report. A minority report. I had heard both before, every week, from a pulpit. This is the most personal story I have told on Welcome to Earth Stories. Hear it, then look at your own feed with new eyes. Key takeaways: The true story behind New World, New Order How a cult controls a life without chains: information, marriage, sleep, and time How the algorithm now does the same work, at world scale Why 2020 split into a majority report and a minority report, and why I recognized it at once Questions people ask: Why did you make New World, New Order? I had lived under control once. When I saw the same pattern take over the wider world, I had to say it out loud. Were you really in a cult? Yes. A church that decided what I could know, who I could marry, and how I spent my days. I tell the whole story in this Behind the Curtains. What are the majority report and the minority report? The majority report is the story everyone must repeat. The minority report is the side that gets shut out. One ruled that church. Both ruled 2020. How is the algorithm like a cult leader? It learns what you believe, then shows you only what confirms it. You stay inside, and you think you chose to. Where can I hear New World, New Order? Here on Welcome to Earth Stories. Subscribe, and every new story will find you. One more thing: check out Covenant City, my video game, right at the top of welcometoearthstories.com. It is still in beta, it is free to play, and you can start the moment you tap Covenant City. If you notice anything that needs tweaking, reach out to me and let me know. Your eyes help make it better. If this story gave you something to think about, pass it on. A quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify is the easiest way to help new listeners find us. How to leave a 5-star review: On iPhone, in Apple Podcasts: open the Welcome to Earth Stories show page, scroll down to Ratings and Reviews, tap 5 stars, then tap Write a Review. On Android or iPhone, in Spotify: open the show page, tap the star under the show name, and tap 5 stars. Leave me a voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/WelcomeToEarthStories Watch The Writer's Compass on YouTube, where I talk about writing and how stories are built: https://www.youtube.com/@WritersCompass Visit the website: https://welcometoearthstories.com Support the show here: https://buymeacoffee.com/earthstories Created, written, and performed by York Campbell.

  • S9 · E7
    October 23 · 18 min

    New World, New Order

    What if an algorithm, not an enemy, is the thing tearing this world apart? In the summer of 2020, the world split in two. The death of George Floyd set off protests, anger, and unrest. Then came the COVID-19 shot, and with it more fear and more division. Families stopped talking. Friends became enemies. Neighbours looked at each other with suspicion. I built this story from real audio clips of that season. You will hear presidents, and a Canadian prime minister, use the words "New World Order." You will hear the phrase "Build Back Better" said again and again, word for word, by leader after leader. Coincidence? You decide. Underneath it all sits the almighty algorithm. A powerful AI feeds us whatever keeps us angry, scared, and glued to our screens. It pits us against each other. It stirs up mass hysteria. And most of us never stop to ask who benefits. This one moves fast. It is raw, and it will make you think. It will make you look at social media in a new way. It will make you question the stories you were led to believe. Key takeaways: - How the events of 2020 divided families, friends, and whole nations - Why leaders around the world keep using the same phrases, like "New World Order" and "Build Back Better" - How the algorithm behind social media rewards anger and fear - Why questioning the story you were handed is the first step to thinking for yourself Questions people ask: What is this story about? It is a fast-moving montage of real audio clips about a divided world, the summer of 2020, and the phrases leaders used to point people toward a cause. Is the audio real? Yes. You will hear real voices from that time, including presidents and a Canadian prime minister saying "New World Order." What is the almighty algorithm? It is the powerful AI that decides what you see online. It grows stronger when we are divided, so it keeps feeding the division. Where can I hear more? Subscribe to Welcome to Earth Stories, and a new story will find you every week. Play my game, Covenant City It is a beta version, so it is still being polished, and it is free to play right now. Fly as the Masked Guardian and defend the city. Play it here: https://welcometoearthstories.com/covenant-city/ If this story gave you something to think about, pass it on. A quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify is the easiest way to help new listeners find us. How to leave a 5-star review: On iPhone, in Apple Podcasts: open the Welcome to Earth Stories show page, scroll down to Ratings and Reviews, tap 5 stars, then tap Write a Review. On Android or iPhone, in Spotify: open the show page, tap the star under the show name, and tap 5 stars. Leave me a voice message here: https://www.speakpipe.com/WelcomeToEarthStories Watch The Writer's Compass on YouTube, where I talk about writing and how stories are built: https://www.youtube.com/@WritersCompass Visit the website: https://welcometoearthstories.com Support the show here: https://buymeacoffee.com/earthstories

  • S9 · E7
    October 21 · 8 min

    Rap Battle

    Have you ever had a song move into your head and refuse to leave, no matter what you tried? A few days ago you heard Earworm, my story of a man haunted by a beautiful song that is not from this world, a melody that was quietly ruining his relationships. In this Behind the Curtains, I take you behind that story. I share my own run-in with an earworm, a song I could not shake, and I reveal how Earworm came to life. Here is the secret: there was no script. Not one line. The whole story was ad-libbed, built moment by moment through improvisation. I talk about why making things up on the spot is one of the best training grounds a creative person can have, and I encourage you to try it in your own work. I also go back to my roots in the 1980s, when freestyle meant creating from the top of your head with no page to hide behind, and I tell the story of a rap battle in a record store that taught me lessons I still use every time I create. Key takeaways: - My own earworm was an ordinary song that simply would not let go, and it taught me how powerful a stuck melody can be. - Improvisation builds creative courage. Earworm was created with no script at all, only instinct and trust in the moment. - Freestyle taught me to think fast, listen hard, and commit. Skills from those 1980s battles still shape my stories today. - Your creativity grows when you practice creating without a safety net. FAQs Was Earworm really made without a script? Yes. Every moment was improvised as I recorded, which is why this Behind the Curtains is all about ad-libbing and what it can unlock. How can improvisation help my own creative work? It trains you to trust your first ideas, recover fast when something fails, and find turns you would never plan on paper. Where can I find more of your stories and writing talk? At welcometoearthstories.com, and on my YouTube channel, The Writer's Compass, where I share writing craft and how stories are built: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritersCompass One more thing: check out Covenant City, my video game, right at the top of welcometoearthstories.com. It is still in beta, it is free to play, and you can start the moment you tap Covenant City. If you notice anything that needs tweaking, reach out to me and let me know. Your eyes help make it better. If this moved you, subscribe so you never miss a story, and leave me a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/WelcomeToEarthStories How to leave a 5-star rating and review: Apple Podcasts, on iPhone or iPad: search Welcome to Earth Stories, open the show, scroll down to Ratings and Reviews, tap the fifth star, then tap Write a Review. Spotify, on Android or iPhone: search Welcome to Earth Stories, tap the star rating under the show name, and choose five stars. Created, written, and performed by York Campbell.

  • S9 · E6
    October 16 · 24 min

    Earworm

    Can a song be so beautiful that it destroys your life? What if a melody followed you home from the far side of the world, moved into your head, and refused to leave? That is where Earworm begins. I wrote Earworm about a man who cannot stop hearing a song. Not a song from the radio. Not a song anyone else can hear. It plays while he works. It plays while he sleeps. And it plays while he sits across the table from women he is trying to build a life with, quietly paralysing every relationship before it has a chance to begin. How do you tell someone on a first date that there is already another presence living inside your head? On one of those dates, he finally tells the truth. Years earlier, he travelled deep into the Sahara Desert with a team of explorers and descended into mystery caves that appear on no map. Something was waiting down there in the dark. Not a creature. Not a machine. A melody. Where did it come from? Why did it choose him? And what does a song want, once it finds a mind it likes? Earworm is mesmerising, captivating, and disturbing. I will not tell you how it ends. I will only say this: after you listen, notice the next song that gets stuck in your head, and ask yourself where it really came from. Listen and subscribe at https://welcometoearthstories.com Welcome to Earth Stories is listener supported, and it stays alive because of people like you. If Earworm stays with you, and trust me, it will, please give back to the show at Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/earthstories. Every coffee helps me keep writing and producing the stories you love. Leave me a voice message and tell me what the song in your head is playing: https://www.speakpipe.com/WelcomeToEarthStories Watch my writing channel, The Writer's Compass, where I break down how stories like this are built: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritersCompass Enjoying the show? A five star review helps new listeners find it. On iPhone: open the show in the Apple Podcasts app, scroll down to Ratings and Reviews, and tap five stars. On Android: open the show in Spotify, tap the star under the show name, and choose five stars. Questions listeners ask: What is Earworm about? A man haunted by a beautiful melody he discovered in hidden caves beneath the Sahara Desert, and what that melody does to every relationship he tries to build. Where can I listen to Earworm? At welcometoearthstories.com, and on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. How can I support Welcome to Earth Stories? Buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/earthstories, leave a five star review, and share Earworm with one friend who loves a mystery. Written and produced by York Campbell. One more thing, and you will thank me for it. COVENANT CITY, the game I created, is live right now. You are the Masked Guardian, defending Jerusalem from the skies. Go to welcometoearthstories.com, hit the COVENANT CITY button, and play free in your browser, or install it on your phone like an app: https://welcometoearthstories.com/covenant-city/ Want the story behind the game first? Read it here: https://welcometoearthstories.com/covenant-city-story/

  • S9 · E5
    October 9 · 19 min

    In Pieces

    What if the one who cannot speak is the best listener in the room? I wrote "Humpty" about a robot who arrives in pieces and a household that is not as put together as it looks. What happens when the quietest presence in the house starts to see everything? What would change in your own home if someone truly listened? Featuring Timothy Brien as the Man. This is a story about listening, love, and what it really means to be human. But how human can a machine become? And what does that say about us? Episode 5, October 9, 2026 Key takeaways: Sometimes the deepest understanding comes without a single word. The people closest to us are often the hardest to truly hear. Love is less about fixing each other and more about paying attention. FAQs: What is "Humpty" about? A household robot arrives in pieces, and nothing in the house stays the same. Who performs in "Humpty"? Timothy Brien plays the Man. What is the main theme? Listening, love, and what it means to be human. Is "Humpty" science fiction? Yes, a sci-fi story with a very human heart. If this story pulls you in, subscribe to Welcome to Earth Stories so you never miss a new story. Watch my writing channel: The Writer's Compass on YouTube Visit the website: https://welcometoearthstories.com Leave me a voice message: Speakpipe.com/Welcometoearthstories Enjoyed this story? Here is how to leave a 5-star rating and review. On iPhone, open the Apple Podcasts app, search for Welcome to Earth Stories, scroll down to Ratings and Reviews, tap five stars, and write a few words. On Android, open Spotify, search for Welcome to Earth Stories, tap the star rating under the show name, and choose five stars.

  • S9 · E4
    October 7 · 8 min

    Into The Portal

    If a glowing portal opened right in front of you today, would you dive in headfirst or run for cover? Season 9, Episode 4, October 7, 2026 I am pulling back the curtain on The Westlow Anomaly this week. That story takes place in 1939, and I wanted every detail to be right, because details are what make you believe the world. The radio show playing in the car is a real 1939 broadcast, Fibber McGee and Molly, a comedy that actually aired in Ontario, Canada, where the story is set. The handgun Mrs. Fairweather fires near the end is a Smith and Wesson K-22, popular in Ontario in 1939. And the car is a Pontiac Arrow, a popular Ontario car that year. None of it was guesswork. I put on my research cap and dug until it was authentic. Then there is the big question at the heart of it all. Some people would jump through a portal without hesitation, explorers hungry for another world. Others have real stakes here: family, responsibilities, careers they do not want to lose on a one-way trip. It reminds me of those Mars mission interviews from a few years back, where candidates were told there was no return flight. Back when I was young and single with nobody depending on me, I would have signed up in a heartbeat. What about you? Would you step through? Key takeaways Why I research period details like 1939 radio broadcasts, handguns, and cars instead of making them up The real 1939 details hidden inside The Westlow Anomaly: Fibber McGee and Molly, the Smith and Wesson K-22, and the Pontiac Arrow The portal question: are you the kind of person who jumps in, or the kind who walks away? Why a one-way trip to Mars and a glowing portal ask the same question about what keeps us here FAQs Who performed in The Westlow Anomaly? Amber Boetger as Mrs. Fairweather, Leo J. Allen as Colin, with a special thanks to Timothy Kimo Brien of the Create Art Podcast. Should I hear the original story first? Yes. If you have not heard The Westlow Anomaly yet, go listen to it first. None of this will make much sense otherwise. How can I support the show? Leave a thank you and a little loose change at https://buymeacoffee.com/earthstories. Every bit goes toward making more stories. Links Welcome to Earth Stories: https://welcometoearthstories.com My YouTube channel, The Writer's Compass: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritersCompass Leave me a voice message: https://speakpipe.com/Welcometoearthstories How to leave a 5 star rating and review On iPhone, open the Apple Podcasts app, search for Welcome to Earth Stories, tap the show, scroll down to Ratings and Reviews, tap five stars, then tap Write a Review. On Android, open Spotify, search for Welcome to Earth Stories, tap the show, tap the star rating, and select five stars. Spotify works the same way on iPhone too. If you enjoy these stories, hit subscribe so you never miss one. And remember: be kind to each other. Be a good earthling.

  • S9 · E3
    October 2 · 29 min

    Westlow Anomaly

    What if your missing person case walked you straight through a portal in time? In "The Westlow Anomaly," a brand new sci-fi noir audio drama from Welcome to Earth Stories, missing persons detective Cavallo takes the case that breaks every rule he knows. Westlow is the oasis of broken dreams, a city so far gone that its official motto is "no one in Westlow actually wants to be in Westlow." The liquor stores are the only businesses left standing, crime is the only growth industry, and Cavallo's office wall is decorated with six photographs of people who were never found. Then she walks in. Mrs. Fairweather. Red gown. Ruby lips. A mink coat, a pearl necklace, and a purse full of crisp hundred dollar bills. Her husband Philip Fairweather, the elderly banking magnate whose boot has been on this city's neck for decades, has been missing for three days. She will triple the detective's fee to find him. And she hands him a clue that does not belong in 1939: a smooth black rectangle engraved with a bitten apple, a device that lights up, tells the time, and connects him to a terrified young man named Colin, who talks like he is from another century. Because he is. One 10 p.m. meeting at a Victorian mansion. One oval, multicolored portal humming in the library. One femme fatale who might be the victim, the villain, or something stranger. Detective Cavallo came looking for a missing husband. He found a door between worlds. Put your headphones on. This one is pure noir science fiction, and the twist is one you will not see coming. CAST AND CREDITS Written, produced, recorded, and narrated by York Campbell (Detective Cavallo) in the Poetic Earthling studio, Ottawa Valley. Featuring Amber Boetger as Mrs. Fairweather and Leo J. Allen as Colin, also featuring Timothy Kimo Brien from Create Art Podcast. LOVE THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW How to rate and review on Apple Podcasts 1. Open the Apple Podcasts app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. 2. Tap Search and type "Welcome to Earth Stories." Tap the show to open its page. 3. Scroll down until you see "Ratings & Reviews." 4. Tap the stars to leave your rating. 5. Tap "Write a Review" to add a few words about the show. You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID. 6. Tap Send. That's it. Thank you! How to rate on Spotify (Please note: Spotify allows star ratings but not written reviews.) 1. Open the Spotify app and search for "Welcome to Earth Stories." Open the show page (not a single episode). 2. Tap the three dots (...) under the show's name and choose "Rate show." 3. Tap the number of stars you want to give, then tap Submit. Tip: Spotify asks you to listen to a few minutes of an episode before you can rate, so play a little first if the option doesn't show up right away. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: What is "The Westlow Anomaly" about? A: It is a sci-fi noir audio drama from Welcome to Earth Stories. In the broken city of Westlow, missing persons detective Cavallo is hired by the glamorous Mrs. Fairweather to find her missing husband, a wealthy elderly banker. The case pulls him toward a mysterious device from another time, a terrified caller named Colin, and a multicolored portal humming in a mansion library. Q: Who is Detective Cavallo? A: A hardboiled missing persons detective in Westlow, voiced and narrated by York Campbell. His office wall carries six photographs of people who were never found. Finding lost souls is more than his job. It is his calling. Q: Who stars in this episode? A: York Campbell as Detective Cavallo (also the writer, producer, and narrator), Amber Boetger as Mrs. Fairweather, and Leo J. Allen as Colin, with special thanks to Timothy Keemo-Bryan of the Create Art Podcast. Q: What is the strange rectangular device? A: A smooth black rectangle engraved with a bitten apple, found by Mrs. Fairweather. It lights up, displays the time, and connects the detective to Colin. It is a piece of technology that should not exist in 1939. Q: What is the Westlow anomaly? A: An oval, multicolored phenomenon suspended in mid-air in the Fairweather mansion library. Mrs. Fairweather believes it is a portal or vortex connecting Westlow to another place, or another time. Whatever is fed into it, a more sophisticated version comes out. Q: Where can I listen to Welcome to Earth Stories? A: Find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or at welcometoearthstories.com. Q: How can I support the show? A: Two easy ways: leave a 5-star rating and review using the guides above, or make a donation at buymeacoffee.com/earthstories. Every bit keeps this independent show going. Website: welcometoearthstories.com Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/earthstories

  • S9 · E2
    September 30 · 9 min

    How To Break The Algorithm

    What if the algorithm knows you better than you know yourself? In this behind-the-scenes episode of Welcome to Earth Stories, host York Campbell pulls back the curtain on "The Almighty Algorithm," the Season 9 premiere, and breaks down the moral nucleus at the heart of the story. Remember appointment television? The A-Team, Knight Rider, Wonder Woman, Laverne & Shirley: everybody watched the same shows, everybody knew the same songs. Boy George, Earth Wind & Fire, Boyz II Men. Like it or not, the radio made us one big, noisy family. Then came the internet. Then the iPhone in 2007. Then the endless scroll of Facebook and Twitter. Suddenly we could customize everything... including our own reality. York gets personal in this one. After a long break from social media, he rejoined Twitter, and the algorithm took one look at him and decided: Black. Poet. That's all you'll ever see. His entire feed became Black poets and nothing else. "And that's the danger of an algorithm, isn't it?" So he did what any good storyteller would do: he broke it. He started searching for Aboriginal poets, Asian sci-fi writers, voices far outside his world. And his world got bigger. That's why he wrote "The Almighty Algorithm." Because when we only listen to people who look and think like us, our universe gets very, very small, and strangers start to look like enemies we've never bothered to understand. His challenge to you: break your own algorithm. Clear the YouTube history. Go find the other side: the other politics, the other philosophy. You don't have to agree with it. You just have to be willing to listen. Easygoing? Sure. But fair warning: this one might just rearrange your thinking. Plus: a thank-you for Season 9, a shout-out to Valrica, who voiced this episode's intro (please keep her in your prayers), and a small request that keeps this independent show alive. ⭐ LIKE THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW How to rate and review on Apple Podcasts 1. Open the Apple Podcasts app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. 2. Tap Search and type "Welcome to Earth Stories." Tap the show to open its page. 3. Scroll down until you see "Ratings & Reviews." 4. Tap the stars to leave your rating. 5. Tap "Write a Review" to add a few words about the show. You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID. 6. Tap Send. That's it. Thank you! How to rate on Spotify (Please note: Spotify allows star ratings but not written reviews.) 1. Open the Spotify app and search for "Welcome to Earth Stories." Open the show page (not a single episode). 2. Tap the three dots (...) under the show's name and choose "Rate show." 3. Tap the number of stars you want to give, then tap Submit. Tip: Spotify asks you to listen to a few minutes of an episode before you can rate, so play a little first if the option doesn't show up right away. ❓ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: What is this episode about? A: This is the behind-the-scenes companion to "The Almighty Algorithm," the Season 9 premiere of Welcome to Earth Stories. Host York Campbell deconstructs the story and explains its moral nucleus: how social media algorithms trap us in echo chambers, and how to break free. Q: What is the "moral nucleus" of the story? A: It's the core truth the story was built around: algorithms study you and feed you only what fits your worldview, shrinking your universe until people who think differently start to look like enemies. The antidote is curiosity: deliberately seeking out other voices. Q: How do I "break the algorithm" the way York did? A: His method is simple: search for what's outside your bubble. Look up Aboriginal poets, Asian sci-fi writers, or voices from "the other side" (politically, philosophically, culturally). On YouTube, clear your watch history and start fresh. Q: Where can I hear the original episode, "The Almighty Algorithm"? A: It's the Season 9 premiere of Welcome to Earth Stories. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or at welcometoearthstories.com. Q: How can I support the show? A: Two easy ways: leave a 5-star rating and review using the guides above, or make a donation at buymeacoffee.com/earthstories. Every bit keeps this independent show going. 🌐 Website: welcometoearthstories.com ☕ Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/earthstories

  • S9 · E1
    September 23 · 32 min

    The Almighty Algorithm

    Do you ever feel like a marionette, dancing to a tune you didn't choose? In the season 9 premiere of Welcome to Earth Stories, I explore the digital puppet strings that govern our lives: The Almighty Algorithm. We often think of algorithms as simple tools used by Netflix or YouTube to suggest our next favorite show. But at their core, these step-by-step instructions are designed to manage the flood of digital content by tracking our every "engagement" every like, share, and comment to decide exactly what we see next. In this episode, I explore the thin line between convenience and control. We look at real-world developments, from microchip implants used for daily tasks in Sweden to the "Social Credit" systems used to track and rank citizen behavior. Is it a leap to imagine a world where these algorithms become our "government overlords," enforcing compliance through technology we carry inside our own bodies? Key Takeaways from this Episode: The Power of Engagement: How every digital interaction you make trains an algorithm to curate your reality. The Rise of Bio-Tech: A look at the "Microchip Initiative" and how internal technology is moving from fiction to reality. Social Credit and Surveillance: Understanding how tracking behavior can lead to "blacklisting" and the loss of personal freedoms. The Future of Content: Why centralized control of podcasts and independent media might be the next digital frontier. Are we still the ones in control, or has the algorithm already taken the wheel? Join the Journey If you enjoy stories that blend mystery, wonder, and a touch of the dystopian, please subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform! Visit the Official Website: Welcometoearthstories.com Go Behind the Scenes: For more tips on overcoming creative hurdles and finding inspiration, subscribe to my YouTube channel, The Writer’s Compass: The Writer's Compass on YouTube Credits: Some of the audio clips featured in this episode are sourced from the YouTube channel THE TALK - YouTube.

  • June 9 · 11 min

    Adorable Thief

    What would you do if you witnessed an adorable five-year-old pocketing a chocolate bar right beside her oblivious mother? This engaging story explores the everyday reality of the bystander effect as a conflicted shopper wrestles with the moral dilemma of speaking up versus staying comfortably silent to avoid a dramatic public confrontation.

  • May 12 · 11 min

    Nosy Parker

    Have you ever stared out your window and realized you have become the exact type of nosy neighbor you swore you would never be? I always promised myself I would never turn into a neighborhood watchdog, but recently, a bizarre event forced my hand. A peculiar stranger spent over three and a half hours aimlessly pacing outside my house. This unsettling encounter challenged my sense of security and prompted my wife Val and me to question his true intentions. In this installment of Welcome To Earth Stories, I share this strange experience and explore the broader realities of living in a highly multicultural Canadian neighborhood. We examine how our modern cultural mosaic sometimes creates a brutal wall of politeness that keeps us isolated from one another. Plus, I share a quick update on the progress of Season 9. Key Takeaways The unexpected psychological shift of becoming a watchful, suspicious neighbor. The mystery of the pacing stranger and how we handle the anxiety of the unknown in a seemingly safe neighborhood. Navigating the polite but isolating cultural barriers that can form in a multicultural society. Behind the scenes updates on the upcoming Season 9 of Welcome To Earth Stories. If you enjoyed this story, please make sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss an update! When I am not recording these stories, I am in front of the camera. Please visit my YouTube Channel, Writer’s Compass, where I talk about books, TV shows, and how movies are written. You can find the channel directly right here: The Writer’s Compass – YouTube You can also find more information at our main website at https://welcometoearthstories.com. I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts, so please leave me a voice message over at Speakpipe.com/Welcometoearthstories Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is Welcome To Earth Stories? It is an audio show where I share unusual encounters, engaging narratives, and personal observations about everyday life, human interactions, and the world around us. When is Season 9 of Welcome To Earth Stories coming out? There is a ton of work involved in putting the show together, but Season 9 is coming along very well. I plan to launch it later this year, most likely in September or November. What is the Writer’s Compass? Writer’s Compass is my YouTube channel created mainly for writers and storytellers. I discuss the craft of writing books and stories, as well as analyze how popular TV shows and movies are written. How can I leave feedback for the show? You can easily leave me an audio message with your thoughts or questions by visiting Speakpipe at Speakpipe.com/earthstories.

  • April 13 · 22 min

    Tom Cruise VS Jesus The Remix

    If the Messiah returned today without a marketing team or a verified social media account, would we even bother to look up from our phones? I recently found myself calculating my own age with a calculator because the years are starting to blur, and it got me thinking about how we value things that are old versus things that are shiny and new. In this latest installment of Welcome To Earth Stories, I explore the strange tension between the “GQ Christ” we have manufactured for comfort and the raw, bloodstained rebel of history. I share a story about a man named Enrique who clings to a wooden statue in hopes of a miracle, and I confess my own moment of weakness at a bus stop where I had to choose between the Lord of Glory and a Mission Impossible movie ticket. It is an honest look at how we use earthly devices to reach for the divine and why we sometimes prefer the popcorn flavored version of reality. Key Takeaways The Cinema vs. The Sanctuary: A personal confession about the distractions of Hollywood and the difficult choices we make between entertainment and spiritual growth. The Wisdom of Aging: I reflect on how Western culture shuns the elderly while other cultures honor gray hair as a symbol of dignity and respect. The Rebranding of Faith: An analysis of how modern society has stripped the radical message of Jesus to create a commercialized, politically correct icon. Desperate Devotion: Through the story of Enrique and the Black Nazarene, we see the human struggle to find God through physical objects and sacrifice. Frequently Asked Questions Why compare a movie star to a religious figure? The comparison highlights how we often give more attention and devotion to Hollywood icons and fictional heroes like Ethan Hunt than we do to the spiritual foundations of our lives. Is this story meant to be controversial? While the title might turn heads, the goal is to encourage listeners to be skeptical of cultural trends without becoming cynical toward faith itself. How does the story address modern religious commercialization? It looks at how faith is often packaged like a pharmaceutical drug or a status symbol, losing the original, transformative message in favor of commercial value. What is the significance of the “purple bicycle”? The man on the bicycle represents the small, intriguing mysteries of everyday life that we often miss when we are distracted by our own addictions or entertainment. I invite you to subscribe to the show to stay updated on all future stories. Your support helps me continue creating these reflections. You can find more of my work on my YouTube channel, The Writer’s Compass, where I help creators find inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritersCompass Visit the official website for more stories: WelcomeToEarthStories.com I would love to hear your thoughts on this story. Leave me a voice message at Speakpipe.com/earthstories.

  • March 18 · 26 min

    Resurrection and the Time Shift

    What if you could ensure that the person you love never truly left your side, even when the world suggests otherwise? In this episode of Welcome to Earth Stories, I share a story titled the Resurrection Project. It follows a man named Justin who turns to the services of Rejuvenate Labs to ensure his wife, Julia, remains a constant part of his daily life. By utilizing quantum computers and sophisticated memory implants, Justin attempts to hold onto a connection that feels all too real. As the technology begins to blur the lines between reality and simulation, Justin must face the consequences of his choices. Can a digital vessel ever truly capture the essence of a human soul? I also explore the strange history of Daylight Saving Time. I look at why we started changing our clocks in the first place, from entomologists in New Zealand to energy conservation during World War I. I even touch on some of the wilder conspiracy theories that suggest these time shifts are a way to keep us docile. Key Takeaways The tension between holding onto what we love and the natural flow of time. The ethical questions surrounding the use of technology to preserve human presence. How a deep desire for connection can lead to a reliance on advanced simulations. A historical look at why we spring forward and fall back every year. If you enjoy these imaginative tales that blend mystery and wonder, please subscribe to the show. You can also find more creative tips and behind the scenes content on my YouTube channel here: The Writer’s Compass – YouTube Stay Connected Official Website: Welcometoearthstories.com Send a Voice Message: Send a voice message to Welcometoearthstories Support the Show: Welcome To Earth Stories is Science Fiction audio dramas Follow me on X: York Campbell (@Poeticearthling) / X Be kind to each other. Be a good Earthling.

  • February 27 · 25 min

    Slinky Universe and the Scam

    What if the line between your reality and a digital illusion is thinner than you think? I share a personal encounter with a sophisticated lottery scam that nearly caught me off guard. It is a cautionary tale about how modern con artists use technology and psychological tricks to exploit our deepest needs and desires. Beyond the warning, I also feature several experimental vignettes that explore the “Slinky Universe,” a concept where life moves in cycles of expansion and contraction. We look at everything from the strange center of the earth to the hidden struggles of a security guard working the night shift. Key Takeaways from this release: The Anatomy of a Scam: How “Dave Johnson” uses fake testimonials and news clips to build a false sense of legitimacy. The Emotional Slinky: A candid look at how life and relationships can feel like a constant loop of highs and lows. The Owl Existence: Insight into the quiet, reflective world of nocturnal workers and the “demons” of insecurity we face in the dark. Creative Experiments: A series of short, imaginative reflections designed to make you think about your own journey as a human being on this planet. If these stories resonate with you, please subscribe to the show so you never miss a new experiment. You can also find more of my work and visual tips for creators on my YouTube channel, The Writer’s Compass, at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritersCompass I would love to hear your thoughts or your own stories. You can leave me a voice message at Speakpipe.com/Welcometoearthstories or visit my main website at Welcometoearthstories.com.

  • February 10 · 22 min

    AI gods and the Midnight Train

    As the lines between our digital tools and our human connections continue to blur, have you stopped to consider what it really means to keep your soul in an increasingly automated world? In this episode, I am handing over the microphone to a familiar voice, Chase Cortell, to explore the fascinating and slightly unsettling reality of our relationship with technology. We often find ourselves treating AI like a person, offering polite greetings and gratitude to our digital assistants. But is there a hidden cost to this emotional investment? This episode looks at the “AI Trap” and the importance of maintaining our humanity in a world where software feels increasingly real. Key Takeaways from this episode: Why we should treat AI as a tool rather than an emotional companion. The subtle ways we get “trapped” into digital relationships. A reflective journey through “Midnight Train” exploring the autumn of life. How to stay grounded as a true “Earthling” in a high-tech society. I hope these stories spark some inspiration in your own creative journey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show on your favorite platform so you never miss a story. For more tips on overcoming creative hurdles and finding fresh inspiration, head over to my YouTube channel, The Writer’s Compass, at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritersCompass You can also find more of my work and past episodes at: https://welcometoearthstories.com I would love to hear your thoughts on these episodes. Please leave me a voice message with your feedback or questions at: https://www.speakpipe.com/earthstories

  • February 2 · 15 min

    First Mover and The Elephant

    Have you ever felt the heavy presence of an invisible elephant resting on your shoulders, a burden that no one around you can see? In this episode, I share a series of Experimental Stories. These reflections are gentle and philosophical, focusing on the hidden layers of our daily lives. I start by telling you about a unique friend of mine here in Ottawa. His perspective is so intense and story worthy that I nearly hit record on my phone just to capture his energy. Instead, I have recreated a moment that highlights his fascinating way of seeing the world. These stories are for the deep thinkers. They are for the people who stay up late wondering about our purpose and the invisible strings that guide us. Key Takeaways The Hidden Burdens: We explore the invisible weights we all carry, from personal failures to mental health struggles. The Passage of Time: A reflection on aging and the reality of living in a body made of dust within a world that prizes youth. The Cosmic Spark: A look at the first mover behind the vast chain reaction of our universe. Beauty in the Brief: Learning to appreciate our short time on earth, much like a tulip in a vast field. The Power of Vulnerability: I share my own challenges with sleep apnea to show how our personal struggles connect us to one another. If you find value in these reflections, please subscribe to the show on your favorite platform. Your support helps me continue to create these imaginative tales. Connect With Me I am currently working on new material for Season 9, but you can stay updated and find more resources here: YouTube: Subscribe to my channel, The Writer’s Compass, where I help creators overcome writer’s block and find fresh inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritersCompass Website: Visit https://welcometoearthstories.com for more episodes and updates. Speakpipe: I would love to hear your thoughts on these experiments. Leave me a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/welcometoearthstories. Be kind to each other. Be a good Earthling.

  • January 19 · 25 min

    Sex And Dental Advice

    What lies beyond the threshold of our most visceral fears? Is it possible that the clinical chill of a dentist office or the heavy silence of a hospital corridor are merely the shadows of a much larger, more spiritual reality? I am exploring the tension between the things we despise and the incredible wonder of the unknown. I share personal reflections on my own health journey and a collection of experimental stories designed to spark the imagination. From the miraculous, self-consuming transformation of a caterpillar to a haunting dialogue between a programmer and his AI, these tales look at the human condition through a lens of transformation and mystery. Key Takeaways: Acknowledging our deepest fears can be the first step toward finding a deeper sense of peace. The path of a creator requires constant experimentation and a willingness to embrace abstract ideas. True change often demands that we dismantle our old selves to make room for something new. Subscribe to the show to stay connected as I continue these creative explorations. I value your feedback and would love to hear your thoughts on these experiments. Send me a voice message at Speakpipe.com/earthstories To see how I develop these ideas and to get tips for your own creative journey, follow my YouTube channel, The Writer’s Compass, at https://www.youtube.com/@TheWritersCompass. Visit the official website for more imaginative tales at https://Welcometoearthstories.com.

  • January 6 · 16 min

    New Year’s Resolutions and The Shadow People

    Are you allowing New Year’s Resolutions to steal your peace of mind? I am getting honest about a recent health diagnosis and why I am choosing simple, meaningful goals over the high pressure of New Year’s traditions. While I am busy in production for Season 9, I am sharing a special collection of my Experimental Stories, which are personal, intimate, and designed to explore the true places within us all. Key Takeaways The Resolution Trap: Why I believe resolutions are too weighty and how gyms actually bank on you quitting after just three weeks. Goals Over Resolutions: My approach to setting a few manageable goals to ensure life is about living, not just moving from one stressful goal to the next. Experimental Storytelling: An introduction to a personal style of narrative that deals with the passage of time, loss, and finding hope in the middle of a storm. Honesty and Connection: Why I believe being open about my own struggles helps others and how you can share your feedback with me. I encourage you to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app so you are the first to know when Season 9 launches. If you want to see how I find inspiration for these stories in everyday life and overcome creative blocks, please visit my YouTube channel, The Writer’s Compass, at The Writer’s Compass – YouTube You can visit my website at welcometoearthstories.com to explore more tales or to leave me a message using the old-fashioned microphone icon. You can also reach out to me directly with your thoughts and feedback at speakpipe.com/earthstories.

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