Marcel & Hayes
Marcel
FIRST APPEARED: S1:E1
BACKGROUND: Human
INSTRUMENT: Guitar
IN THE SHOW
Marcel, the namesake of Podcast With Marcel, is the assumed pilot of the Anteek. Once fisherman for the Monroe Corp., he is now a bluegrasstronaut turned runaway space bandit.
In S1:E3 Marcel is the one who suggests to Hayes that they flee Saturn’s moon Titan by stealing a Monroe Corporation fishing vessel and asking the local bartender bot, JD, to join them. This sets up S1:E5 to begin including shorts, first in the form of comic book panels and eventually in the form of cartoons.
Marcel is quick to jump to conclusions. This regularly leads to the abrupt ending of conversations, as seen in the talks with the Muhlenonian diplomats in High Council High Jinx (S1:E8) and the investigation of the Monroe Corporation tracker in Midwest Mania (S1:E9). He also has a tendency to be a know-it-all as seen in Nomenclature Nuisance (S1:E6) and Amorous Automaton (S1:E7).
IN REAL LIFE
Besides voicing himself on the show, Marcel Ardans provides all of the art, animation, and sound design for Podcast With Marcel.
Podcast With Marcel was initially conceived of with the help of Eli Gilbert. That project never got off the ground and was eventually rebooted with the help of Hayes Griffin. Marcel created the initial lore, intro audio, and character designs as a surprise for Hayes. All of these aspects were introduced to Hayes in real time during the first episode of PWM. Much of the initial lore plays off of their shared love of Star Trek, Star Wars, and other nerd stuff.
Hayes
FIRST APPEARED: S1:E1
BACKGROUND: Human
INSTRUMENT: Mandolin & Guitar
IN THE SHOW
Hayes, the co-host of Podcast With Marcel, is the engineer aboard MC-58957-D. Once fisherman for the Monroe Corp., he is now a bluegrasstronaut turned runaway space bandit.
In Nomenclature Nuisance (S1:E6) Hayes names the ship “The Antique” which is later misspelled by Marcel and JD as “Anteek” in JD Green (S1:E6). Though this name is briefly used to refer to the ship itself, the discovery of the ship’s sentient computer in Long Time, No CPU (S1:E7) results in the name “Anteek” being transferred to the computer.
Hayes is quick to frustration but incredibly honest and loyal. Much like his real life personality, he regularly reigns in Marcel’s antics. This can be seen in Nomenclature Nuisance (S1:E6) as the boys argue about whether or not Star Trek is real and in Mechanical Mixology (S2:E1) when Hayes is annoyed with JD.
IN REAL LIFE
Besides voicing himself in the show Hayes Griffin handles behind the scenes work for PWM, including working on many scripts, including: Bass Phishing (S1:5), Amorous Automaton / Long Time, No CPU (S1:E7), and Boxcar Boondoggle / Mechanical Mixology (S2:E1).
J.D. & Anteek
J.D.
FIRST APPEARED: S1:E1
BACKGROUND: Bot
INSTRUMENT: Bass
IN THE SHOW
JD (Jeremiah Didymus) is a bartender bot that Marcel introduces to Hayes in S1:E1. He quickly became a core member of the team when Hayes and Marcel asked him to join them in stealing a Monroe Corporation fishing vessel to escape Titan and travel the Appalachian Supercluster in S1:E3. JD is subsequently seen beating up security bots and helping the boys leave titan in PWM’s first comic strip, JD Escapes (S1:E5).
JD is only capable of saying a few phrases this makes communication difficult as seen in Bass Phishing (S1:E5). In this short, the boys discover that JD has always longed to play bass with a bluegrass band. It is later confirmed that JD is terrible at the bass in Beer Pressure (S1:E10).
In Lock, Stock, and Peril (S1:E10) it is revealed that JD may have previously been employed by the Monroe Corporation when he easily unlocks a Monroe Corporation shipping container. JD’s long backstory is given in full in Mechanical Mixology (S2:E1), where we discover JD joined the Monroe Corporation to support his mother but eventually played a hand in the destruction of his home planet. Before JD is able to expose the Monroe Corporations secret plot his new voice box fails him and he returns to only being able to communicate in a few stock phrases.
IN REAL LIFE
JD is voiced by Dwayne Tarver an accomplished actor and voice actor. After Dwayne’s lines are recorded they’re triggered by a soundboard that Marcel controls during taping sessions.
JD is notably voiced by a different voice actor when his voice box is replaced in Mechanical Mixology (S2:E1).
Anteek
FIRST APPEARED: Long Time, No CPU (S1:E7)
BACKGROUND: Bot
INSTRUMENT: Unknown
IN THE SHOW
Anteek is the loose-cannon sentient computer aboard MC-58957-D. In Long Time, No CPU (S1:E7), it’s revealed that Anteek has been dormant for the entirety of Hayes and Marcel’s time using this ship. They never activated her because they never finished reading the manual and watching the orientation VHS. Hayes accidentally awakens Anteek when Marcel gives him a duo-corder and Hayes tries to talk to other ships saying, “Ya’ got yer ears on out there? This is the space cowboy, I gotta few gumball machines on my tail and I’d like to make it out of here shiny side up. Come on back.”
Hayes and Marcel’s lack of knowledge of Anteek is also hinted at in Smokey and the Planet (S1:E9) where Marcel is seen watching the orientation VHS and the voice of Bryan Sutton can be heard saying, “…and remember hydro-carbon fishermen, if you ever find yourself surrounded by hostiles in deep space. Never, ever, under any circumstances, give control of the ship to the…” One episode later in Lock, Stock, and Peril (S1:E10) Anteek is given control of the ship and immediately initiates the self-destruct sequence.
IN REAL LIFE
Anteek is voiced by Kjerstin Lie, Marcel’s wife. Anteek’s voice is based off a bad Sierra Hull impersonation, combined with some post-processing. Besides voicing Anteek, Kjerstin has also lent her writing talent to many episodes, including: Nomenclature Nuisance / JD Green (S1:E6), Midwest Mania (S1:E9), and Beer Pressure (S1:E10).
Guest and More
FIRST APPEARED: S1:E8
BACKGROUND: Muhlenonian
INSTRUMENT: Guitar & Mandolin
In Muhlenos Mayday (S1:E8) Marcel and Hayes receive a distress call from Muhlenos Prime. While meeting the locals they run into flatpicking champion, Andy Hatfield, who shares stories about his time at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas.
FIRST APPEARED: S2:E1
BACKGROUND: Bot
INSTRUMENT: Mandolin
After the explosion of MC-58957-D in Lock, Stock, and Peril (S1:E10), the crew is pulled aboard a passing space train where cybernetic nomad, Daniel Patrick, tells the crew about his new album in Boxcar Boondoggle (S2:E1).
FIRST APPEARED: S1:E9
BACKGROUND: Animal
INSTRUMENT: Fiddle
In Smokey and the Planet (S1:E9) the crew is pursued by the ex-hydro-carbon fisherman turned Monroe Corporation Security Officer, Jack Devereux. As the chase continues the crew and Jack end up sharing debaucherous bluegrass stories.
FIRST APPEARED: S1:E3
BACKGROUND: Human
INSTRUMENT: Unknown
Jerry is an old co-worker of Hayes and Marcel’s, he is described as being “the worst” in several episodes, such as S1:E3 and Smokey and the Planet (S1:E9).
Paradoxically he is also the one who saved JD from spending an eternity at the bottom of a lake of hydrocarbon as told in JD’s backstory, Mechanical Mixology (S2:E1).
FIRST APPEARED: S2:E2
BACKGROUND: Animal
INSTRUMENT: Unknown
Yodel is a master luthier renowned across the Appalachian Supercluster. Voiced by Tim Stafford, Yodel reveals to the crew the prophecy that Hayes is the chosen one and helps them escape the planet of Dago-bayou, (S2:E2).
MC-58957-D
MC-58957-D is a standard issue Monroe Corporation fishing vessel, capable of interstellar travel for some reason. Sometimes referred to by the boys as their “work ship” or “the ship”. The ship’s later name, “Anteek” was coined by Hayes, approved by JD, and spelled by Marcel (S1:E6). It is a tongue and cheek reference to Tony Rice’s guitar, the original serial number being the same as Rice’s famous instrument and the “D” standing for dreadnought as is the convention for guitars and warships. The name “Anteek” would later be used to refer almost exclusively to the ship’s onboard computer. Anteek (the ship’s computer) would also be the reason MC-58957-D was destroyed at the end of season one.
The loading bay is seen open on Titan in JD Escapes (S1:E5) and in the opening titles. This is where the boys would sit to do their fishing for the Monroe Corporation fishing instalment on Titan. Though it’s audio only, the entirety of S1:E4 takes place here.
The bar is the main set of the show where Marcel, Hayes, and JD have many long discussions about bluegrass history, conspiracy theories and more. From JD’s perspective the Loading Bay is to the left and the central corridor is to the right. These locations are confirmed by the opening titles and the cartoons in S1:E6.
Where the ship’s name placard is located as seen in Nomenclature Nuisance (S1:E6), this area connects most rooms onboard the Anteek.
First seen in Smokey and the Planet (S1:E9) the lounge contains a few couches and a CRT TV and VCR. Marcel reviews the Monroe Corporation Training VHS for the first time here and the voice of Bryan Sutton can be heard on the TV.
Referenced in Bass Phishing (S1:E5), Hayes says the “Storage Bay is on the lower decks”, this is where the boys dig up an old Kay upright for JD to play. It’s also implied that the escape pods are in the lower decks as seen in Lock, Stock, and Peril (S1:E10).
The engine room is also in the lower decks it contains miscellaneous sci-fi hardware and is full of boxes of MP3s (referenced and seen in S1:E5 & S1:E7). The engine room also includes the Training Hatch, an opening in the wall where Marcel and Hayes find a mono-corder and a duo-corder, Long Time, No CPU (S1:E7).
Marcel’s Quarters contain a New Grass Revival poster, a bed with Star Trek sheets, and a bookshelf. A large black book on the shelf resembles Marcel’s real life hand assembled bluegrass bible, Amorous Automaton (S1:E7). Hayes’ quarters are referenced in S1:E6 but have never appeared on PWM.
First seen in the opening titles and the cartoon JD Escapes (S1:E5). The cockpit is in the nose cone of MC-58957-D, the nose cone is translucent from the inside. The cockpit contains several buttons, joysticks, and a standard ignition that turns over what sounds like an internal combustion engine from a rundown truck.
Appalachian Supercluster
The Appalachian Supercluster is the star system where Podcast With Marcel takes place. It is clearly just a sci-fi representation of the American Southeast. Where names like “Muhlenberg County” are changed to “Muhlenos Prime” or “Texarkana” becomes “T’xArakana II”. Those real life places still do exist on earth though. It doesn’t make a ton of sense, don’t overthink it.
Muhlenos Prime
Muhlenos Prime is the agrarian home to slug-like midwestern aliens. Notably, Andy Hatfield (S1:E8). They have a High Council and are enslaved in some way by the people of T’xArkana II. They have guarded Bill Monroe’s Mandolin for years and tasked the boys with delivering it across the Appalachian Supercluster to T’xArkana II, High Council High Jinx (S1:E8).
A few locations around Muhlenos are seen in Muhlenos Mayday / High Council High Jinx (S1:E8) and Midwest Mania (S1:E9). These include the fields surrounding more populated areas, a local bar and the building the High Council operates out of.
Titan
Home of a Monroe Corporation fishing installment, Titan has lakes of hydrocarbon and liquid methane rain. It also resides in the Appalachian Supercluster. Titan is the primary location for the podcast in season one from episodes 1-4. Episode five is the first animated/illustrated episode and also serves as the gangs departure from Titan, JD Escapes (S1:E5). Because of this, little art exists depicting any locations on Titan.
The Pigpen is on a busy street: passing cars, passing bots, and (presumably liquid methane) rain are heard outside (S1:E3) before the boys enter. The Pigpen served as JD’s primary place of employment (S1:E1-3) and was a place where Marcel and Hayes would meet after shifts of fishing for hydrocarbon for the Monroe Corporation. Marcel introduced this location to Hayes while also warning him that he wanted the bartender, JD, to think he was cool. They don’t carry IPAs or at least constantly have a tapped keg (S1:E1). They do have Miller Lite. The Pigpen is frequently packed in the evenings but it’s also easy to find a quiet corner, as evidenced by the background banter of patrons fading out as the boys find a seat.
The Monroe Corporation fishing installment on Titan is where Marcel and Hayes met before stealing their work ship to travel the stars with the local bartender bot, JD Escapes (S1:E5). Their coworker Jerry was a noted source of frustration that led them to leave (S1:E3).
The hydrocarbon Lake neighboring the Monroe Corporation Fishing Installment on Titan is where Marcel and Hayes did most of their fishing for hydrocarbon (briefly visible in S1:E5). They notably have only been on the far side of the lake once (S1:E4). Local lake insects/animals can be heard from the ship as well as lightning. An average fishing shift can also be seen in the opening of each episode.
T’xArkana II
Little is known of the planet or the people, though they allegedly will destroy Muhlenos Prime if Bill Monroe’s mandolin is not delivered to them, High Council High Jinx (S1:E8).
Space Train
Home of Daniel Patrick, the cybernetic nomad, the space train is a near infinite trail of boxcars that snakes its way across the Appalachian Supercluster. Besides podcasters, it seems to serve as a refuge for gamblers, deserters and other unsavory types (S2:E1).
Dago-Bayou
Home to the master luthier, Yodel, Dago-bayou is a swamp planet that neighbors the path of the space train. Hayes discovers his role as the chosen one here and acquires the crew a new ship from the depths of the swamp, (S2:E2).
Season One
On Saturn’s moon Titan two local carbon fishermen, Marcel and Hayes, longed to explore the Appalachian Supercluster as Bluegrasstronauts. The pair went on the run after convincing a local bartender bot, JD, to help them steal a Monroe Corporation fishing vessel for their adventures.
The boys quickly met the fourth member of their party, the rather rude sentient computer for the ship, Anteek. As Marcel, Hayes, JD and Anteek traveled deeper into the Appalachian Supercluster they encountered the people of Muhlenos. The Muhlenonians begged the crew to deliver an ancient bluegrass artifact to T’xArkana. But as the crew began their delivery they were pursued by the Monroe Corporation.
After a daring space chase the crew found themselves surrounded by a fleet of Monroe Corporation fighters. Fearing capture the crew turned to Anteek for guidance. Anteek’s calculations revealed the only way to survive the encounter was to upload her consciousness into a freshly constructed body and initiate the ship’s self destruct sequence. Moments before their ship exploded, Marcel and Hayes discovered JD may be an enemy spy and their cargo from Muhlenos was none other than Bill Monroe’s mandolin.
Blown to safety by the explosion, Marcel and Hayes floated aimlessly through space with their loose cannon computer, Anteek, the disconnected head of their bartender bot, JD, and the tattered remains of Bill Monroe’s mandolin.
- S1:E1 Hippies Saved (and Also Ruined) Bluegrass Music
- Published 3/16/23
- (Pre-animation/illustration, opens with improvised skit)
- S1:E2 The Secret History of the Bluegrass and Country Yodel
- Published 5/31/23
- (Pre-animation/illustration, opens with improvised skit)
- S1:E3 How Marcel Was Cursed by a Jazz Wizard
- Published 10/4/23
- (Pre-animation/illustration, opens with improvised skit)
- S1:E4 Bluegrass Murders and Murder Ballads
- Published 10/30/23
- (Pre-animation/illustration, opens with improvised skit)
- Production notes:
– Only early episode to not take place in The Pigpen.
- S1:E5 A Bluegrass Fiddler Invented the .MP3
- Published 12/18/23
- JD Escapes
(Written by Marcel Ardans) - Bass Phishing
(Written by Marcel Ardans and Hayes Griffin) - Production notes:
– First scripted segments shown in cartoons.
- S1:E6 Gibson Steals Their Guitar Designs
- Published 1/19/24
- Nomenclature Nuisance
(Written by Marcel Ardans and Kjerstin Lie) - JD Green
(Written by Marcel Ardans and Kjerstin Lie) - Production notes:
– Blinking and head movements added to animations.
- S1:E7 Bill Monroe’s Love Life (Mistress Edition)
- Published 2/14/24
- Amorous Automaton
(Written by Hayes Griffin and Marcel Ardans) - Long Time, No CPU
(Written by Hayes Griffin and Marcel Ardans) - Production notes:
– First appearance of Anteek.
- S1:E8 Inside the National Flatpicking Championships feat. Andy Hatfield
- Published 3/15/24
- Muhlenos Mayday
(Written by Marcel Ardans) - High Council High Jinx
(Written by Marcel Ardans) - Production notes:
– First guest appearance and alien planet.
- S1:E9 The Wild Side of Bluegrass Festivals feat. Jack Devereux
- Published 4/24/24
- Midwest Mania
(Written by Marcel Ardans and Kjerstin Lie) - Smokey and the Planet
(Written by Marcel Ardans) - Production notes:
– First episode with fully animated cartoons instead of comics.
– First conversation on the bridge.
– Hand gestures and multiple camera angles added to animations.
- S1:E10 Who smashed Bill Monroe’s mandolin?
- Published 6/17/24
- Beer Pressure
(Written by Marcel Ardans and Kjerstin Lie) - Lock, Stock, and Peril
(Written by Marcel Ardans) - Production notes:
– Facial expressions added to animations.
Season Two
- S2:E1 Wrangling The Best Bluegrass Pickers feat. Mandolins and Beer
- Published 10/4/24
- Boxcar Boondoggle
(Written by Marcel Ardans and Hayes Griffin) - Mechanical Mixology
(Written by Marcel Ardans and Hayes Griffin) - Production notes:
– First fully animated guest.
- S2:E2 Demonic Fiddle Legends and Bluegrass Black Magic
- Published 11/6/24
- Luthier Lunacy
(Written by Marcel Ardans) - Swamp Salvage
(Written by Marcel Ardans) - Production notes:
– Animations for facial expressions added.
– Moving jaws while talking.
– Various ‘turning around’ animations.
– Anteek can look around.
– Many new animations, ‘meditating’, ‘research’, ‘fisticuffs’, etc.
– Complete redraw of ship backgrounds.