Join Frankie and Esther as they embark on a journey filled with laughter, dreams, and unexpected revelations in a cozy coffee shop. Amid playful banter, Esther unveils her career in lingerie modeling and her aspirations of designing handbags that inspire confidence in women of all shapes and sizes. Frankie's admiration for Esther grows as they bond over shared passions for music and ambition.

Meanwhile, a shadowy figure, Hackett, observes the budding connection with a watchful eye. As their brief meeting ends, Frankie focuses on his music dream with his band, the Johnsons. Facing challenges and rivalry, they seek redemption in their pursuit of musical success, determined to make their mark.

The second the series on The Johnsons, titled "Snow Plow," takes up where the first of the series, The Eyes of Penn, leaves off: the rock band faces both triumph and turbulence in Philadelphia's vibrant music scene as they look to secure the Indiana Fair Gig. That gig pays $20,000 and that's a lot of money for musicians. Despite past challenges, their journey is far from over.

The story begins within the tense atmosphere of Rosie's Shothouse, where Rosie Carter fiercely defends her bar against two would-be robbers with shrewd cunning and unyielding spirit.

Mr. Fitchett, a humble man tasked by his wife to make a speech at the Midlands Provincial Club, takes on the challenge of warning about the dangers of tobacco. Set in 1889 Manchester, amidst significant historical events, Mr. Fitchett, driven by a blend of scientific curiosity and matrimonial encouragement, presents an earnest yet comically fraught lecture.

Standing before a modest audience, he ambitiously debates the ill effects of nicotine, diving into chemistry and personal anecdotes, all while battling an untimely asthma attack. His candid and occasionally humorous exposition keeps the crowd both entertained and enlightened, offering insights into societal norms and medical practices of the time.

Welcome to Clear Tales, where short and amusing stories come to life. In this episode, dive into Anton Chekhov's delightful tale, "Smoking is Bad for You," adapted for your enjoyment. Follow the misadventures of a man who awkwardly stumbles his way into delivering a lecture on the perils of tobacco, a topic he would rather avoid discussing. Chekhov's comedic genius shines through as he portrays this entertaining narrative.

Enjoy a touch of Mozart's "Rondo a la Turk," enhancing the lighthearted tone of the story and it's end completed by Beethoven.

In the final chapter of The Voice Of The Fog, the storyteller in the row boat and his companion struggle to survive against the ever-returning grey lichenous masses. Despite their best efforts, the fungus spreads, creating unease and desperation.

The vivid narrative unfolds with a chilling encounter of the spreading growth finally affecting them personally. Forced to confront unspeakable fears and an insidious hunger, choices must be made. This episode takes listeners on a suspenseful, emotional journey where the boundaries of fear and survival blend into the unknown.

The haunting sound of oars returns, as Will and the narrator find themselves entangled in a mysterious encounter at sea. The suspense thickens with each passing hour as they receive an unexpected communication from a small boat on the ocean. Through the curious conversation with the voice from the boat, an astonishing revelation unfolds about the mysterious voice and his sunken ship. The discovery of an unexpected refuge—a large sailing vessel shrouded in mist is told.

As the narrative unfolds, a new skipper and his second mate, Wilmot, take charge of the ship amidst festivities and farewells. However, the celebration is short-lived as the vessel encounters treacherous weather and mysterious whispers in the night.

Wilmot, caught in a storm of rain and whispers, faces a perilous situation as the ship heads dangerously close to the rocky coast. In a dramatic twist, the vessel meets her doom, taking five souls, including Wilmot, with her.

Join us as we explore the strange instruments of providence and the chilling end of the ship's murderous ways in "The Devil's Rudder."

On a dark and starless night, a schooner is becalmed in the northern Pacific, enveloped in a dense mist. The crew, resting in their quarters, are unaware of the mysterious events unfolding on deck. The tranquility is shattered by an unexpected, eerie voice calling out from the sea, launching the vessel's master, Will, and the narrator into a strange encounter that starts with surprise and ends in a compassionate deed. The voice speaks of hunger and an unmentioned companion left behind on an unknown island. Amidst the shadows and uncertainty, the narrator and Will strive to comprehend the peculiar circumstances they find themselves in, ultimately driven by a sense of empathy. This suspenseful narrative explores themes of fear, charity, and the unknown.