[REDACTED] - Kickstarter Campaign

[REDACTED] - A Procedural Horror Audio Drama

[REDACTED] is a multi-season monster-of-the-week horror podcast. Produced by Athan and Jamie Petronis, Presented by Rusty Quill.

Click here to expand the transcripted version of the Project Video

Hey, Kickstarter. My name’s Johnathan, also known as Athan, and I'm here to introduce our new show, [REDACTED].

[REDACTED] is our upcoming Monster of the Week audio drama that follows Jacob Kane, a struggling actor who, in a split-second decision, decides to swap identities with his dead twin and accidentally ends up in a secret government agency known as THE [REDACTED] UNIT. Their job? Identifying—and usually eliminating—paranormal, supernatural threats known as aberrations.

We are drawing a ton of influence from procedural killer-of-the-week type shows, and we really wanted to make something that took, you know, the conventional audio drama - real horror, real terrifying scenarios - but then also brought in that more comedic element from, you know, early television. And just... make them kiss.

Our ultimate goal is to create a story that draws on our previous experience and allows us to make a show with depth and character and fun interactions, while also building something that is approachable, easily digestible, and more people can enjoy.

So... why Kickstarter? We want to be able to make the show to its fullest potential. Honestly, we have some really big ideas and visions for this, and we need help to make that happen. I mean, we're saving costs on our end where we can by doing the writing, editing, music, sound design, visuals—but to really be able to deliver the experience we want to, we’d like to be able to support our full cast of talented, original voice actors. And you can view the full list of them on this page by scrolling down right here.

Another really exciting, unique element we’re bringing is we have a ton of guest writers lined up to occasionally create the threat that the team is facing. And you can find a list of them down below as well.

So in conclusion, that’s our Kickstarter. We have a ton of unique rewards available, including guest directing your own episode—and this really cool shirt.

We really appreciate your interest and support, even just making it this far in the video. And we know you’ll love [REDACTED] when it comes out October of this year.

Kickstarter Campaign Info

Funding goal: $6,000 USD (approx. €5,400 EUR, £4,800 GBP)

Campaign ends on June 17, 2025

Story

[REDACTED] follows Jacob Kane (voiced by Jamie Petronis), a failing actor desperate for a fresh start who assumes the identity of his deceased twin, Jordan (Nathan Lunsford – The Storage Papers). What he expects to be a simple accounting job turns out to be something far stranger: a position within THE [REDACTED] UNIT, an underfunded agency tasked with discreetly handling bizarre and often dangerous paranormal cases.

As Jacob settles into his role, he begins to unravel the unsettling truths around his brother’s death. What begins as an act of reinvention slowly becomes a desperate descent into a treacherous web of paranormal forces, secret agendas, and moral compromise.

This multi-season, monster-of-the-week series blends procedural horror with sharp humor, all wrapped in a nostalgic 2000s aesthetic. Each episode follows Jacob as he struggles to maintain his deception while the team tackles a new paranormal threat, known as an aberration.

Season One will feature 12+ episodes, averaging 20 minutes each, with occasional multi-part arcs. This Kickstarter will fund the full first season and essential assets like original music, branding, and inter-season development. Any additional funding will be budgeted towards more episodes. Our goal and commitment is to deliver as much [REDACTED] as possible.

Guest Directors

In addition to core episodes, each season of [REDACTED] will feature multiple 'Guest Directors'. These Guests are prominent in the film, gaming, and audio drama space, and will each feature on an episode to write, design, and direct the aberration that Jacob and the team faces. Some of our guests include:

Guest Directors

Why a Podcast?

We chose a podcast because we believe in the power of intimate, immersive storytelling... the kind that gets under your skin and stays with you. Audio lets us build an entire unique world with nothing but sound and imagination, turning every listener into an active participant.

Think of it like a TV show for your ears. Fictional podcasts are immersive, fully produced stories told through voice acting, music, and detailed sound design - no visuals, just sound. It’s storytelling in its most intimate form.

Our team has years of experience in podcasting, voice acting, sound design, and narrative storytelling. We’ve already brought stories to life for thousands of listeners around the world, and we know how to create something that sounds professional, compelling, and unforgettable.

Podcasting also gives us the freedom to release the show directly to our audience: no gatekeepers, no delays. It’s fast, it’s accessible, and it’s personal. You can listen on your commute, on a walk, at work - anywhere, really! Maybe not like, a funeral. I mean, you could, but maybe you shouldn't.

Stretch Goals

More guest directors are locked under further stretch goals, to be revealed later.

Rewards

(Early Bird) Did you know?
Rewards with this badge are available at a discounted rate for the first 48 hours!

$1 - Observer (support the show)

You get: We will credit you on the [REDACTED] Supporter Wall found on this website. You can also pick up high-quality [REDACTED] merch!

Benefits of the Observer tier:

$5 - Initiate (digital benefits)

You get: The [REDACTED] Digi-pack, which includes wallpapers, digital art, and the [REDACTED] OST Theme Song (includes all previous rewards).

Benefits of the Initiate tier:

$10 - Witness (ad-free episode)

You get: Early ad-free episode access for the entire season of [REDACTED], alongside Patreon (includes all previous rewards).

Benefits of the Witness tier:

$25 - Specialist (personalized supporter)

You get: A personalized thank you voice message from the cast. Additionally, you will receive the entire [REDACTED] OST, as well as bonus music (includes all previous rewards).

Benefits of the Specialist tier:

$40 - [REDACTED] Agent (physical collector's kit)

You get: A physical [REDACTED] Collector’s Kit as well as an access ticket to our Exclusive Season 1 early premiere (includes all previous rewards).

Benefits of the [REDACTED] Agent tier:

$60 - Keeper (behind the scenes)

You get: The physical [REDACTED] documents, including behind-the-scenes content as well as additional bonuses and goodies (includes all previous rewards).

Benefits of the Keeper tier:

$100 - Archivist (signed script)

You get: A printed official copy of the multi-episode [REDACTED] 3-episode pilot, signed by the creative team (includes all previous rewards).

Benefits of the Archivist tier:

$200 - Cryptozoologist (personalized dedication)

You get: An entire dedicated episode to only you (or a friend or a loved one) with a personalized special thanks at the start of the episode (includes all previous rewards).

Benefits of the Cryptozoologist tier:

$200 - Curator (contribute to the show)

You get: To help name a character that appears in the first season of [REDACTED].

Benefits of the Curator tier:

$400 - Guest Director (design a monster)

You get: To collaborate directly with us to conceptualize and create a threat or monster that the team faces, as well as a director credit in the related episode. Our Guest Director tier lets YOU create the threat! Coordinate with our team to conceptualize your own unique aberration, and we’ll draft and create an episode around it! It can be a creature, monster, or object of power - the only limit is your imagination! For more details on Guest Directing, you can click view our design doc.

Benefits of the Guest Director tier:

$999 - Season Associate Producer

You get: Credit as an Associate Producer on the first season of [REDACTED]. This comes with being named in the credits of the episode and a spotlight page to the folks who went above and beyond to make sure [REDACTED] comes to life.

Benefits of the Season Associate Producer tier:

$6000 - Show Executive Producer

You get: Credit as the Executive Producer on the entirety of [REDACTED]. Funding this goal funds the entire Kickstarter and includes the highest credit available.

Benefits of the Show Executive Producer tier:

Add-Ons

We are also offering additional reward items which can be added to any pledge, including a Kickstarter Exclusive T-shirt. These will be printed and shipped via a trusted print-on-demand service we’ve worked with before, and will start shipping out closer to the show's release.

[REDACTED] Stickers (Chibi Edition) - $12, Free Shipping!

Limited Edition Kickstarter Tee - $35 + Shipping

This [Redacted] shirt was designed in house, and features a wireframe depiction of Jacob. Soft, lightweight Bella + Canvas 3001 tee - you can view the sizing chart below.

[REDACTED] Shapeshifter Tee - $30 + Shipping

This [Redacted] shirt features a design by LUNABLOM, stylized in yellow. Soft, lightweight Bella + Canvas 3001 tee - you can view the sizing chart below.

[REDACTED] Shapeshifter Hoodie - $50 + Shipping

This [Redacted] hoodie features a design by LUNABLOM, stylized in white. A soft, comfortable hoodie from Cotton Heritage with a relaxed fit.

Silhouette Baseball Cap - $30 + Shipping

This cap features a black on black design of the silhouette from the [REDACTED] logo. A comfortable, stylish dad hat from Yupoong with an adjustable strap for a perfect fit.

Sizing Charts:

Shipping

Shipping costs for rewards and add-ons are not included in your pledge.

You’ll be charged separately after the campaign ends via our pledge manager. This allows us to give you the most accurate and fair shipping rates based on your location and the final weight of your package. Here’s a rough estimate of shipping for our reward benefits in the [REDACTED] Agent tier and up:

(Region / Cost (USD) / Delivery Time)

And here’s a rough estimate of shipping for apparel might look like, based on current rates from our provider:

This applies only to larger merchandise like T-shirts, hoodies, and hats - not to sticker bundles or small paper items, which ship at a much lower cost and are included with your rewards bundle.

Please recognize we can’t ship to North Korea, Cuba, Iran, Syria, Sudan, and Crimea due to international restrictions.

Cast

Jamie Petronis as Jacob Kane

A failed actor assuming his dead twin’s identity to escape his embarrassing life circumstances. Jacob stumbles into a paranormal agency, where his struggle to do the right thing clashes with the lies keeping him alive.

Known for: The Cellar Letters

Athan as Eli Reyes

Jacob’s closest friend and the team’s grounded tactician. Eli walks the line between loyal soldier and disillusioned leader, trying to protect his people while playing a dangerous game with the clandestine institutions giving the orders.

Known for: The Grotto, WOE.BEGONE

Ishani Kanetkar as Hedy Hauksdottir

The unit’s scholarly heart, who provides critical intelligence while field agents face supernatural dangers. When not in the archives or monitoring comms, she can be found with oversized headphones, listening to goth music while conducting research that might save lives.

Known for: The Strange Case of Starship Iris, Starfall, Second Star to the Left

Kirsten Ria as Jo Valentine

A former aberration hunter fleeing a corrupt legacy. Wielding violence like second nature, her sharp wit and sharper weapons make her indispensable. Despite her tough exterior, she's fiercely loyal to the team that has become her chosen family.

Known for: Hollow Body, Darkness Through a Window, The Bunny Graveyard 2, Ladies Night

Devin Steffens as Lucas Kipp

The team’s self-taught technophile, Lucas hides deep insecurity behind nervous energy and eager helpfulness. Brilliant but riddled with self-doubt, he’s constantly trying to prove he belongs - even when he’s already holding the team together from behind the scenes.

Known for: Dead West

Joe Cliff Thompson as Maxwell Clark

A battle-worn veteran with more regrets than allies. Maxwell’s sardonic edge hides a deep grief and a fierce loyalty to the team. He knows how the game is played - and when it needs to be broken.

Known for: The Forgotten City, System Shock, Syntax, The Kingmaker Histories

Ash Millman as Riley Fleming

The vibrant medical examiner who uses games and humor to balance her days of autopsies and dissections. The liveliest person in the room despite working exclusively with the dead, she finds whimsy in her macabre profession.

Known for: The NoSleep Podcast, Playstation Access, WhatCulture

Nichole Goodnight and Lev Rodriguez Shivers as Evie and Nyx Novak

Sisters, speed demons, and unit’s transport team. Nyx is blunt and brash, Evie smooth and professional; both adrenaline chasers with a fierce bond and no patience for rules they didn’t write.

Nichole Known for: Slay the Princess, The NoSleep Podcast, Creepy, SCP Archives

Lev Known for: Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, Annie and the AI, The Love Talker, Earth Eclipsed, Mayday Roleplay

Rebecca Hansson and Thomas Barker as Ignatius and Ignatius

The cleanup specialists who handle the aftermath of aberration neutralization. This enigmatic pair (Couple? Siblings? Both? Eww.) approach their work with zeal and mystery in equal measure.

Rebecca Known for: BE NOT AFRAID

Thomas Known for: Bominable Bominations, A Boss in a Billion

Anusia Battersby as Control

The mysterious overseer of The [REDACTED] Unit who maintains strict operational standards from behind the scenes. To The [REDACTED] Unit, Control embodies the mysterious power structure they serve, deciding which cases get pursued and what resources will be allocated to the team's dangerous work.

Known for: The Magnus Protocol, The Attic Monologues, Dracula: 2004

David Ault as Silas Montgomery

Maxwell’s old partner who vanished mid-mission. Respected and well-liked by the team, Silas was meticulous, intelligent, and strategic. His fate remains unknown, as does his connection to a deeper conspiracy.

Known for: Shadows at the Door, Sonic Society, The NoSleep Podcast, WOE.BEGONE, everything else

Billie Hindle as Eloise Thorne

Eloise serves as a remote intelligence contractor who maintains communications through an old rotary phone. Working from an undisclosed location, she monitors police dispatches, emergency channels, and civilian reports to identify potential aberrant activity and provide cases to The [REDACTED] Unit.

Known for: The Magnus Protocol, Secrets of a Wallaby Boy, Partial Veil, Octavius Theatre Company

Nathan Lunsford as Jordan Kane

Jacob’s late twin and former leader of The [REDACTED] Unit. Coldly principled and emotionally distant, Jordan sacrificed relationships for the greater good… until the secrets he kept caught up with him.

Known for: The Storage Papers

Dylan Griggs as 'Elevator Guy'

He’s always there. Same elevator, same time, always mid-conversation on his phone. No one knows his name, role, or department. Any attempt to engage him is quickly shut down with an annoyed, “I’m on the phone!”

Known for: WOE.BEGONE, The Diary of Aliza Schultz

Lyssa Jay as Sloan Summers

Sloan is the Foundation’s PR specialist and resident “fixer,” expertly reshaping public perception whenever aberration activity leaks into the spotlight. Armed with sharp suits and a sharper smile, she crafts convincing narratives that neutralize panic, and turns near-catastrophes into harmless anomalies.

Known for: The Grotto, 400 Words A Horror

Taylor Michaels as Mars Donovan

A former data analyst who quit his corporate job after a close encounter with an aberration and the Foundation agents who failed to contain it. Mars now lives in a cluttered apartment filled with maps, string connections, and haphazard case files, where he operates a Youtube channel obsessing over aberration sightings that coincide with the cases of The [REDACTED] Unit.

Known for: The Grotto, WOE.BEGONE

Stretch Goals

The main goal gets the show made. Stretch goals take it further. We built these to blow the doors open: guest writers bringing their own nightmares, crossover episodes you won't see coming (if you scroll down you will though), and a full spinoff that takes the story to the next level. Every tier means more content, more cases, and a bigger, stranger world for you to absorb.

More stretch goals to be revealed further in the campaign.

Early Raise Bonuses

We’re not just adding stickers - we’re adding entire episodes. Hit our funding milestones in the first 72 hours, and you’ll unlock unique, themed bonus episodes that explore exciting crossovers, and deliver even more of the show you came here for. Okay, yes, we’re also adding stickers... but alongside the extra content.

Social Stretch Goals

In addition to a range of stretch goals for meeting certain funding goals, we have also provided the following list of social stretch goals that will be unlocked subject to meeting certain social media milestones:

Ultimate Social Stretch Goal

[REDACTED] LIVE CAST TABLETOP RPG

Timeline

We’re currently aiming for an October 2025 release of our two-part pilot, along with an additional bonus episode unlocked through this campaign. The Kickstarter wraps on June 17, 2025, giving us the runway to complete production and bring the first episodes to life on schedule.

Pre-production is already underway. Scripts are in development, assets are being built, and the foundation for post-production is being laid. With your support, we’ll be able to lock in the timeline and hit the ground running the moment funding concludes.

Production Costs

At first glance, the budget may seem surprisingly low for launching a full-scale show. That’s intentional. We’re not fundraising for the entire cost: our team is personally contributing to the production as well.

What truly sets us apart is our ability to handle the most resource-intensive aspects of production in-house. Rather than outsourcing, we draw on years of experience in the podcasting space to manage writing, editing, music, sound design, visuals, and more internally. Jamie, Derek, Athan, and Natalie lead the writing and editing process, Athan also produces the show’s music and sound designs as well as mixing and mastering, with production proofing by Taylor Michaels, and Athan, Lyssa, and Natalie handle artwork, video editing, and web development.

By minimizing overhead and relying on our own expertise, we’re able to keep costs low without compromising quality, ensuring that contributions go directly toward creating ambitious, original content and compensating the talent who help bring it to life.

We are so excited to bring [REDACTED] to the public! Every little bit of support pushes us closer to making our vision a reality, and we cannot thank you enough. Your support means the world to us and our team.

Risks and Challenges

Overview

Johnathan Magno (Athan) and Jamie Petronis are recognized professionals in the podcast industry, known for their existing shows The Grotto and The Cellar Letters. They are supported by a team of skilled individuals committed to the production and launch of [REDACTED].

Budgets

Concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of our campaign's minimum goal to support the ambitious scale we aspire to achieve - most of the costs associated with running a high-budget show are allocated towards talent, editing, production, soundtracking, and equipment. Because of our previous experience, we already have the required tools and equipment to create the show. Additionally, Johnathan is a professional audio engineer and sound designer, so all the production, editing, and soundtracking will be created in house. While excess funds may be allocated to additional equipment, such enhancements are presently beyond the scope of the [REDACTED] project.

We also have detailed plans on how to spend any additional funds raised and those are reflected above in our stretch goals.

We recognize that with any production it is possible to run over budget. We are confident, however, that even in a disaster scenario everything required can be created in-house which avoids this risk. Therefore, there is minimal likelihood of the project ending in failure before completing at least this first full season.

Timelines

Assuming the funding of this project is successful, we intend to release the first episodes in October of this year, 2025. However, in this space delays can be incurred due to creative obstacles in writing, production quality concerns that require rewrites or rerecords, technical issues, and more.

We are committed to doing everything in our power to keep any potential delays to a minimum, and will consistently keep backers and fans up to date on the current production timeline.

In the event key cast or crew are unavailable due to sickness or injury, in which case production will reschedule recordings as soon as possible. As always we will update on production delays as soon as possible and retain transparency with our audience on schedules and release dates.

Rewards and Shipping

In recognition of issues with shipping the main focus of this campaign is on digital rewards. This helps prevent delays and allows us to focus on the successful fulfilment of a smaller selection of physical rewards.

It is possible that live events may fail to take place due to sickness or force majeure, in which instance we will work to arrange an alternative date for the event, failing this we will work to offer an alternative reward of equal or greater value.

Guest Directors

Guest-directed episodes introduce an additional layer of dependency to ensure the production process remains on schedule. While we are committed to supporting our collaborators, unforeseen issues could still impact the final timeline. These risks are inherent to the collaborative nature of the project, and we aim to mitigate them by setting clear expectations and deadlines from the outset.

Accessibility

We will endeavor to release all episodes of [REDACTED] and any bonus content with accessible transcripts.

Tariff

Due to the ongoing tariff and trade disruptions affecting international imports and exports, there is a possibility that the cost or timing of some physical rewards may be impacted. While we are doing everything we can to source materials and ship products efficiently, shifting tariff regulations and shipping fees could lead to delays in delivery timelines, increases in international shipping costs, or adjustments in fulfillment strategy.

We are actively monitoring the situation and will communicate any significant changes directly with backers. Our goal is to ensure you receive your rewards in a timely and cost-effective manner, and we’re committed to transparency throughout the process.

Use of AI

This production will not use any AI for any creative works, including but not limited to voices and artwork, in any capacity. Additionally, no contribution in any capacity will be used to train AI models or shared in any capacity.