UnFictional

by KCRW
837

In this season of Unfictional, Stories of Transformation, and the ways in which the world — and all of us — have fundamentally changed since the pandemic began. One man watched his children suddenly turn into grown-ups, while another upended every part of his life. Someone else had to learn to live with hardship and found their true identity along the way, all while living in two worlds. Meanwhile, a subculture ascends, one reporter explores Olvera Street, and another finds an old notebook filled with memories from his time in a cabin. It’s UnFictional, hosted by Bob Carlson.

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Recent Reviews
  • devil zilla
    Dream
    To live in a country where this is the #1 podcast
  • ppfftt*
    fanboy
    thank gawd the library is still alive. i miss this show and oh yes, especially Joe Frank. LET THERE BE MONSTERS top ten podcasts ever produced
  • Smellthebreeze
    Excellence
    Should have a higher rating because this podcast rules. Miss the frequent updates. Come back.
  • AnimatedMeatSack
    The best
    Unfictional is the best. Please put out more episodes.
  • FrankXray
    Where is #9?
    Love it!
  • Anja Notanja (j sound not y)
    This show is my favorite
    I listen to 14 podcasts a day at my warehouse job. Of the hundreds of podcasts I have tried this one is my favorite. WHEN THE FRUCK IS IT COMING BACK?! Thank yew
  • Ash8787421780
    Well done but not for me
    Podcast seems to be very well produced but I just can’t get into this one.
  • bby.tttt
    AMAZING!!!
    this podcast is my favorite it has a variety of things to engage in and to learn about new cultures and current events
  • lotustexas
    Oops—hope this helps
    I inadvertently swiped the ratings section and in the process submitted a 4-star review, clumsily thought maybe I could remove it and just wound up submitting a couple of lower ones because each time I removed a star, it automatically resubmitted. My apologies. It’s been awhile since I listened to this podcast, but I very much enjoyed it awhile back and look forward to resuming. The 5 stars are an attempt to right the situation a bit!
  • St Paul Susan
    One of top 3 podcasts. Will there be new episodes?
    Along with This American Life and Snap Judgement, Unfictional is in my top 3 podcasts. However, they seem to have stopped producing back in March 2018; ran a repeat for Halloween and it's been radio silence ever since. When will they produce new content? Or is Unfictional now defunct?
  • dumdlo
    Meant to click the 5 star
    New at this. Unfic has become my new go to. Thanks
  • Hanaruckus'sdogmom
    The perfect story podcast
    Thank you guys for introducing me to Joe Frank and a whole new genre of radio! I love this podcast!
  • Darthdombek
    Exceptional
    I enjoy every single one of these podcasts "The Outsiders" is the one I share the most. ...just listened to "Her name is Ember" this morning, and my heart is so full that it's taking over my breath.
  • Nkay666
    The BEST storytelling podcast!
    I stumbled upon this podcast and I really love it! Most stories are relatively short and very interesting without all the sex and salacious filth of many other storytelling podcasts. Check it out, it’s worth it!
  • Moriverat
    Great podcast but...
    Really enjoyed this podcast, but on several episodes the last few minutes cut off on playback. After being frustrated by this several times, I had to delete the show from my paylist.
  • Chip0928
    Awesome
    I just love unfictional it's great to listen to!
  • R. Antonio Felix
    Podcast for people that like podcasts
    This is a podcast for people that like podcasts. If that sounds like high praise, it actually isn't. I literally mean if you like listening to podcasts, then this will fill that itch when you're all caught up on your regular shows. The Big Sur episode is a good example. The story was not compelling. It was not a meditation on anything, even though it could have been. But it was well produced. It wasn't a waste of my time, but I will not be telling anyone that that it is required listening.
  • Paddy's Shlub
    Can't Stop Listening
    Downloaded a handful of episodes and am burning through them fast!
  • GustavoBrahms
    "The Outsider" Story
    One of my favorite books and movies. Very entertaining story! Happy to hear the legacy is being kept alive. Thank you!
  • Original Nickname 1000
    MUST LISTEN!
    In the sea of podcasts, this one is a must listen - great stories, sometimes fun and sometimes dramatic and always incredibly well produced!
  • Slowchef
    Such great stories!
    I listen to each show eager for the ride
  • DJ Dumdub
    Love it for my commute
    Is everyone obsessed with jet crashes or is it just me? There is one Unfictional story that is from a survivor.
  • KronikWombat
    Love it
    Really great show! Well produced and altogether solid!
  • papadyl
    That’s some FANTASTIC radio
    Wow. KCRW is back at it again with another serving of premium audio storytelling.
  • Doug in LA
    Storytelling at a new level
    What a treat to re-discover this show. Bob hits topics that I didn’t even think I would be interested in. Keep it up
  • girlintheyellowdress
    listen up :)
    One of my favorite storytelling podcasts. Thank you KCRW <3
  • Air W
    I just heard the "trailer"!
    I just listened to the "trailer" for these "radio movies" and I can't wait to consume this next season of UnFictional! I keep finding myself on the edge of my car seat, in some gripping place, and somehow, I found my way home!
  • Franka2017
    Love this show!
    Everything KCRW does is amazing - so excited about this new season!
  • danholman
    Enjoying it a lot so far
    So happy to see this podcast is back. Very excited to hear all the weird and exciting new stories.
  • Dream_Of_Stars
    Fantastic show!
    Such a great storytelling podcast with compelling stories.
  • Mwa2hskdh
    Awesome Show
    Great storytelling!
  • Puppylove319
    Great story telling
    Loved it. Can’t wait for more episodes.
  • Carpet Face
    Mind = blown
    Best true stories I’ve never heard. Keep it up!
  • Peaccch
    Produced, eclectic storytelling
    Stories mixed thoughtfully with expert production. Edgy and left of center, while relatable and empathetic. Fun. Spooky. Unexpected. Get it!
  • Jonathan Woytek
    I Love Several of These Episodes
    My favorite episodes include but are not limited to: Sister Aimee, and also the episode about the Salem Witchcraft Trials
  • Judy L Young
    Listener
    Great podcast. Is it off the air for good?
  • Wadsworth Portland
    Great stories
    Sort of like This American Life. Very entertaining; sometimes sad; often funny and can be disturbing in the best way
  • Caitlin2ElectricBoogaloo
    I LOVE THIS PODCAST
    I might be biased because my filmstrip story was featured on "Running Away," but I gotta say, this is the most amazing podcast!!! Bob, Carla and Nick do top-notch work and it's like a magnet for incredible stories. "Unfictional" is the standard for high-quality, compelling radio.
  • clint wolf
    Terrific
    Great, very interesting podcast.
  • Auntie1818
    Beautiful narratives
    Love the content & presentation!
  • Leensta
    Well done-Love this show!
    This is one of my favorite podcasts, I've been listening Unfictional as long as it's been available. It's well-produced storytelling that keeps me tuning. I highly recommend it. Host Bob Carlson produces riveting radio, have a listen.
  • Biscuits4Ever
    One of my all time favorites
    Truth is always stranger than fiction. Journey through amazing true stories that will hook you and keep you coming back for more. 😄
  • DrBillfromtheD
    KCRW's Unfictional
    Wonderful stories, excellent production
  • Myezecky
    Entrancing
    I have long been drawn to the work of Joe Frank and love that so much of it is featured in this podcast. But beyond that are mysterious, evocative nonfiction stories that set a similar mood. This quietly serious, addictive show is perfect for listening during creative pursuits.
  • mack1952
    GREAT!!
    I have to give Ira Glass from "This American Life" the credit for mentioning this in his latest podcast otherwise, I wouldn't have even known it existed! EXCELLENT broadcast and a wonderful podcast to listen to while I'm driving amidst city and highway traffic! Thank you Ira Glass!
  • FormerlyRobert
    Indispensable show
    So glad UnFictional exists. Thanks for this great work.
  • dharma_den
    Great show
    Very cool, imaginative
  • Pathena
    Great Stories and the occasional Joe Frank. :)
    I found Unfictional while searching for podcasts featuring Joe Frank. Back in the late 80s, as a college student, I spent Friday nigahts sitting in front of the radio listening to KCRW. Joe Frank's voice entranced me. I also listened to their music programs. Unfictional are like short stories that happen to be true - sometimes, one story will take up a whole segement, someetimes there will be several stories, and they are fascinating slices of real life.
  • ibn fuzzayd
    Original and interesting
    This is my favorite podcast. Whether it's a series of stories or a longer one, the podcast always leaves an impact. Often funny, poignant, and informative.
  • Petra46
    JOE FRANK: THIEF Segment - OMG!
    A piece of Art! Just Love it!!!! - It s so good I will listen to this one again. It's like an amazing movie! One of your best shows Ever! - Thanks! Petra
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