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October 7, 2025 70 mins

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SEASON5, EPISODE 1!!! 

Wow. Hard to believe. This is an episode recorded months ago saved for this very occasion. Kudos to Cameron Scott for connecting me to John. This is a very special episode taking writing to a new level that every playwright can benefit from. John takes writing to levels I don't think we've ever tackled in past episodes, but you will have to listen to Campfire Radio Theater to fully grasp his approach. If you're not familiar with Campfire Radio Theater and are a horror fan, subscribe now. You won't be disappointed. 

In this conversation, we delve into the background and generation of Campfire Radio Theater and the benefit of technology, the internet, and how it's helped a dying medium and its resurgence. We discuss self-producing and current outlets, the difference between cinema and radio dramas, and the process of the latter. John also shares how to break down story and beats as well as keeping track of information in addition to formulas and what makes a slow burner. 

There's so much more to unpack for an episode I've been saving for a season beginner. It's playwriting in a whole other dimension. I promise you'll learn more than you expect. My number one point of advice - subscribe to Campfire Radio Theater, and as always, Enjoy!

John Ballentine is a radio dramatist, producer, and screenwriter. His award-winning horror podcast, Campfire Radio Theater, which he writes, sound designs, and produces. There are over 45 episodes since Campfire Radio’s launch in 2011. 

For the video format of this episode visit -https://youtu.be/P_TYcnBi6ZE

Website and Socials for John Ballentine, visit https://campfireradiotheater.podbean.com/

Websites and socials for James Elden, Punk Monkey Productions and Playwright's Spotlight

Punk Monkey Productions - 
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com

PLAY Noir -
www.playnoir.com

PLAY Noir Anthology –
www.punkmonkeyproductions.com/contact.html

James Elden -
Twitter - @jameseldensauer
IG - @alakardrake
FB - fb.com/jameseldensauer

Punk Monkey Productions and PLAY Noir - 
Twitter - @punkmonkeyprods
              - @playnoirla 
IG - @punkmonkeyprods
      - @playnoir_la 

FB - fb.com/playnoir
      - fb.com/punkmonkeyproductions

Playwright's Spotlight -
Twitter - @wrightlightpod 
IG - @playwrights_spotlight

Playwriting services through LACPFest - www.lacpfest.com

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