Sidequesting

Sidequesting is an independent scripted fiction podcast created by Tal Minear and first published in 2019. It is described as a fantasy podcast about avoiding the main plot.[1] The show features a nonbinary asexual main character, and is notable for its LGBTQ+ and disability representation throughout the podcast. Sidequesting also features an international cast of guest voices, including Clint McElroy, Erin B. Lillis, and James Oliva.[2] The title of the show is a reference to video game side quests.[1]

This article is about the podcast. For the type of video game task, see sidequest.

Format

Sidequesting follows Rion, an adventurer who's willing to help anyone out, as long as they're not being asked to deal with "the scary wizard that everyone keeps talking about".[3] Each episode takes place in a new city or town in a fantasy world, and contains different characters that Rion meets. Episodes are between 10 and 15 minutes long. They can be listened to in any order, though there are story threads that connect across episodes and references that call back to previous stories.[4] The central premise of Sidequesting is that no problem is too small – for example, the central premise of an episode can be as simple as finding a missing object. Instead of relying on high stakes adventure, the show plays with the character interactions of small moments.[5]

Production

Sidequesting is funded by fans of the show through Patreon and Indiegogo. A breakdown of the second season budget showed that the majority of the funds raised goes to voice actors and writers.[6] Two season of the show have been released, each with 10 episodes, and a third is in production.[1]

Reception

The show has been praised for its subversion of tropes found in traditional fantasy stories.[5] It is one of three audio dramas to prominently feature deaf and hard of hearing characters.[7]

Awards
Award Date Category Recipient Result Ref.
Audio Verse Awards 2020 Writing of an Audio Play Production Tal Minear Finalist [8]
2021 Writing of a Production Tal Minear, Brayden Chapman, and Ather Ahmed Finalist [9]
Performance of a Guest Role in a Production Various guests Finalist
Hear Now Festival Fantasy What Goes Around Comes Around, Ep 14 silver [10]

References
  1. "Sidequesting". Sidequesting. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  2. "Sidequesting". fictionpodcasts.com. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  3. "Sidequesting". pnc.st. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  4. Bergonzi, Michael (June 14, 2020). "Sidequesting: Of Children and Adult Fiction". Audio Drama Reviews. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  5. "Sidequesting". Great Pods. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  6. Minear, Tal (December 24, 2020). "Funding Indie AD". Medium. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  7. Burkhardt, Cole (January 22, 2021). "Most De(a)f Representation in Podcasting". Discover Pods. EliteCafe Media. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  8. "2020 List of Finalists". The Audio Verse Awards. December 5, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  9. "2021 List of Finalists". The Audio Verse Awards. 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  10. "Podcast Palooza 2021 Silver Selections". National Audio Theatre Festival. 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
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