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Bravo, you’ve found it. Deadpan humor in witty, unrelated, non-sequitur short stories not devoid of literary merit and seared with absurdity. A ”Catcher in the Wry” vibe. Since you’re here, we might as well tell you: Muffy Drake has been honored by the National Audio Theatre Festivals, known as the Sundance of Audio Fiction. That’s right, Muffy Drake has been presented with several Gold Medals - and even a Platinum in 2023. And while we’re boasting, let’s mention our short stories have been published in entropy2, Reflex Fiction, Friday Flash Fiction, Bath Flash Fiction (3 rd Prize, October 2019), the Boston Literary Magazine and elsewhere. But for Absurd Short Fiction with friction, Muffy Drake is where it’s at. Welcome! If you like tongue- in-cheek humor, you’re in for a treat. One at a time, once a week. By the way, the French call tongue-in-cheek “pinch without laughing”. Because - get this - Muffy Drake is based out of Paris. Xavier Combe is a freelance translator and conference interpreter who teaches at the University of Paris X and has worked on French public radio for over 35 years. He has published 2 non-fiction books in French (one of them has won a prize) and quite a few op- eds in the French press. Sociolinguistics, not funny at all. If you want a laugh don’t go there. Jim Hall is a 2-time Peabody award winner for his work with a investigative team and the other half of Muffy Drake that’s based in the US. That’s right, Muffy Drake is a team of two who do the writing, narration, voicing, soundscaping and original music. The French have a saying: “Humor is the last bulwark before despair” (strange, yes, but it sounds better in French). We at Muffy Drake believe humor is the best medicine. So we humbly recommend you subscribe and download one MD a week. And if you enjoy what you hear, feel free to share with, well, one or two million of your closest friends. Website: muffydrake.com Contact: muffydrake@gmail.com
Episodes
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
Tuesday Sep 12, 2023
"This just might do nobody any good." Sage words from Ed Murrow to begin a rant about the waste land television had become.
This episode is dedicated to another priceless piece of property we are laying waste to...Mother Earth. And, woe is us! How will it all end?
Stay tuned, as they say. Our future will be what we make or break of it.
Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe
Sound Design by Jim Hall
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Sometimes you must assume a Different Identity to make it through the day.
Rules are rules and strict adherence to them is what separates the--Cleaning Ladies from the Far Right Senators in the French Senate. If you ask me, I think it's time to clean house...
Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe
Exquisite Sound Design by Jim Hall
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Homage is a tribute piece to one of the most provocative raconteurs of the 20th century, if we can be Frank with you...
Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe
Sound Design by Jim Hall
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
TASHKENT is from a series of stories that always begins with, "I'm sitting on the toilet..." A unique perspective to examine the human condition and the absurdity of: fill in the ____.
Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe
Sound Design by Jim Hall
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
In this full episode of Muffy Drake, we take a deep dive (6 feet under) into the funeral business. You only die once, so why not pay it forward while saving the planet. (Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe-Sound Design by Jim Hall)
Then, Muffy tells us all about the penguins in Florida who have tragically lost their coats during a cold spell there.
Then, we visit the waiting room at the Doctor's Office. It's a long wait... (Written & Narrated by X.C. Sound Design J.H.)
Then, we go shopping for drones with Joe Frank, the most magnificent storyteller the world has ever known. Joe is the True Vine for raconteurs, if we can be Frank with you. (Written & Narrated by Jim Hall)
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
Sunday Aug 06, 2023
What are the odds of winning the lottery? Let's just say you have a better chance of being struck by lightning in the jaws of a Great White Shark, who, oddly enough, has decided at that precise moment to abandon the Vegan lifestyle. But, someone has to win, right?
Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe
Sound Design by Jim Hall
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
In this episode of MD: We explore the complexity of the French language. Hats off to Xavier Combe, as he walks us through everything we need to know to pair a rare Cabernet with Velveeta..
Then, Muffy tells a story about a famous actress/schoolmate.
Then, "Fresh Air Freaks" offers up some street cred for our claim MD has a "Literary Bent Vibe."
Then, Bobo closes out the episode with a story about the mimes visiting him at his Chateau Bastille in the Paris zoo. Bobo is a talking Orangutan who has plenty to say about the human condition...
French Language/Fresh Air Freaks Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe
Sound Design & Music by Jim Hall
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
It's always good to get away...escape the madding crowd. Find solitude in that symphony of one called, You!
When the only sound that matters is the key unlocking the door to the rental and what waits for you inside.
Written by Xavier Combe & Jim Hall
Narrated by Xavier Combe
Sound Design by Jim Hall
Saturday Jul 01, 2023
Saturday Jul 01, 2023
You've probably never heard of the British Mountaineer Andrew Irvine, but who hasn't heard of Mount Everest? Over 300 people have perished attempting to reach its summit.
Irvine was George Mallory's climbing companion in 1924 for their historic ascent.
Some would say Andrew Irvine peaked at 22, but did he?...
Written & narrated by Xavier Combe-Soundscape design by Jim Hall
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
How do you like your eggs? To most people, it's a simple enough question. Over easy? Scrambled? Boiled? Nothing is easy in the MD kitchen, as we had to break a few eggs in order to prepare this story just for you. Bon Appétit!
Written & Narrated by Xavier Combe
Sound Design by Jim Hall