Third Coast Audio Library

Our vast and ever-growing collection contains thousands of carefully curated audio stories, episodes from Third Coast podcasts, educational sessions on craft from the best makers on the planet, and more.

We’ve also featured some incredible audio work beyond this audio library, in other ways and using other formats: don’t miss the 2021 Web Showcase, featuring a more in-depth look at the winners, judges and even a list of 40 finalists from the 2021 Third Coast/RHDF Competition.

The Mender of Lost Hearts

Child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo lead grim lives -- they're forcibly recruited to serve with government forces or rebel troops in a long and bloody civil conflict that's ravaged the region for years.

Beat Street

An aging drummer takes his love of music - and his dreams of something bigger - to Chicago's Michigan Avenue.

The Big City

For the last 20 years, Sherwin Sleeves has traveled the country, composing "theme songs" for cities across the United States. Inspiration for Chicago's song strikes while he's eating dinner at the Green Mill.

Studs & Jimmy

Jimmy Yancey, the blues pianist and White Sox groundsman, and Studs Terkel, the broadcaster and author, may have lived at different ends of Chicago but they're both as integral a part of the city as the El...

Children's America

Imagine an America ruled by children. They staff the post offices, run the schools, oversee the military, and decide on the form of government.

Silent Knight

It's hard enough drumming up public support for saving whales or spotted owls - but what about trying to preserve something less tangible in nature, like the peacefulness of a quiet forest?

The Flickerman (INC)

Cornelius Zane-Gray is being stalked. His girlfriend left him, a good friend was murdered, and he's recently been assaulted, chased, and nearly blown up. Cornelius's life is falling apart, and what's more, it's all being documented through photos posted on the Internet for everyone to see.

Couple Two Tree

A loving examination of the Chicagoan language by four non-etymologists.