Burnout: A Cyberpunk Thriller

By Alternative StoriesFiction Drama Science Fiction

Burnout: A Cyberpunk Thriller episodes

May 02, 2025 Episode 5: "Ever Onwards"
Join our Patreon for ad-free podcasts and bonus content ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/AltStories⁠

The road is coming to an end for Theo and IRIS as they reach ZG HQ, but can they complete their mission and bring back the specs to Taj Bran?

Episode 5: “Ever Onwards” was written by Lewis Carter and directed by Chris Gregory and Emily Inkpen.

Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen

In this episode you heard:

Ethan Reid as Theo

Miztli Rose as IRIS

Alexander Broad as Alfie

Emily Inkpen as Jess

Chris Gregory as Taj Bran

Tiffany Clare as "The Mediator"

Charlie Richards as "The Other"

Amy Forrest as "Militia Leader"

and Francesca Hayman as "Soldier"

Other voices were played by the cast.

Burnout is recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard “Orpheus” Campbell
Production, sound design and editing are by Chris Gregory
The original music score for Burnout is written by Chris Gregory
Our closing theme “Dolores” is by Charlotte Carpenter
Our production company is Alternative Stories ⁠https://alternativestories.com/⁠

You can find out more about Burnout by visiting our website ⁠https://www.burnoutpod.com/⁠
And you can follow the show on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/burnout.pod/⁠

Please find the show in your favourite podcast app, subscribe and rate / review the show here ⁠https://pod.link/1798982875⁠

Charlotte Carpenter is the composer and performer of our brilliant closing theme "Dolores". Charlotte is a musician and songwriter from the English Midlands and you can find out more about her and listen to and buy her music (including “Dolores”) via her website ⁠www.charlottecarpentermusic.com⁠ You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ccarpentermusic/⁠

Burnout is free to listen to but not free to make. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can ⁠Support the show⁠ here

Trigger Warnings
Language
Violence
Threats of violence
Kidnap / abduction
Imprisonment
Drug use
Car accident
Vomit
Graphic depictions of injury
Graphic depictions of military action

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
37 min
April 25, 2025 Interlude 3: "There's More Than One Way To Escape A Snake Pit"
Join our Patreon for ad-free podcasts and bonus content ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/AltStories⁠

At Han's Auto Services Jess has some unexpected and unwelcome visitors.

Interlude 3: “There's More Than One Way To Escape A Snake Pit" ” was written by Emily Inkpen and directed by Chris Gregory and Emily Inkpen.

Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen

In this episode you heard:

Emily Inkpen as Jess

Chris Gregory as Taj Bran

Tom McEnery as Anton

Tomasz Clark as McCreedy

and Charlie Richards as Caleb

Other voices were played by the cast.

Burnout is recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard “Orpheus” Campbell
Production, sound design and editing are by Chris Gregory
The original music score for Burnout is written by Chris Gregory
Our closing theme “Dolores” is by Charlotte Carpenter
Our production company is Alternative Stories https://alternativestories.com/

You can find out more about Burnout by visiting our website https://www.burnoutpod.com/
And you can follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/burnout.pod/

Please find the show in your favourite podcast app, subscribe and rate / review the show here https://pod.link/1798982875

Charlotte Carpenter is the composer and performer of our brilliant closing theme "Dolores". Charlotte is a musician and songwriter from the English Midlands and you can find out more about her and listen to and buy her music (including “Dolores”) via her website www.charlottecarpentermusic.com You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ccarpentermusic/

Burnout is free to listen to but not free to make. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can Support the show here

Trigger Warnings

Language
Violence
Threats of violence
Kidnap / abduction
Imprisonment
Drug use
Car accident
Vomit
Graphic depictions of injury
Graphic depictions of military action

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 min
April 18, 2025 Episode 4: "Drink Heavily With Locals Whenever Possible"
Join our Patreon for ad-free podcasts and bonus content ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/AltStories⁠

As Theo and IRIS get nearer to Zero Grav HQ it's time to visit a local bar for some important information.

Episode 4: “Drink heavily With Locals Whenever Possible” was written by Lewis Carter and directed by Chris Gregory and Emily Inkpen.

Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen

In this episode you heard:

Ethan Reid as Theo

Miztli Rose as IRIS

Alexander Broad as ‘Local’

Emily Inkpen as Jess

Chris Gregory as ‘Barman’

Lewis Carter as Frank

Alex White as The Dealer

And Tiffany Clare as The Mediator

Other voices were played by the cast.

Burnout is recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard “Orpheus” Campbell
Production, sound design and editing are by Chris Gregory
The original music score for Burnout is written by Chris Gregory
Our closing theme “Dolores” is by Charlotte Carpenter
Our production company is Alternative Stories https://alternativestories.com/

The diegetic music in this episode is performed by The Lo Keys https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KDQnTGDX7DKJ0nldg8Oqy?si=sZru9H6KSYeVk4ZgN_icrg

You can find out more about Burnout by visiting our website https://www.burnoutpod.com/
And you can follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/burnout.pod/

Please find the show in your favourite podcast app, subscribe and rate / review the show here https://pod.link/1798982875

Charlotte Carpenter is the composer and performer of our brilliant closing theme "Dolores". Charlotte is a musician and songwriter from the English Midlands and you can find out more about her and listen to and buy her music (including “Dolores”) via her website www.charlottecarpentermusic.com You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ccarpentermusic/

Burnout is free to listen to but not free to make. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can Support the show here

Trigger Warnings
Language
Violence
Threats of violence
Kidnap / abduction
Imprisonment
Drug use
Car accident
Vomit
Graphic depictions of injury
Graphic depictions of military action

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32 min
April 11, 2025 Episode 3: "It's Only A Rivalry When You Don't Win"
Join our Patreon for ad-free podcasts and bonus content ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/AltStories⁠

Theo and IRIS are getting closer to Zero-Grav HQ but it looks like someone is on their tail.

Episode 3: “It’s only a Rivalry When you Don’t Win” was written by Emily Inkpen and directed by Chris Gregory and Emily Inkpen.

Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen

In this episode you heard:

Ethan Reid as Theo

Miztli Rose as IRIS

Chris Gregory as Taj Bran

Emily Inkpen as Jess

Charlie Richards as Caleb

And Derek Valen as Alvarez

Other voices were played by members of the cast.

Burnout is directed by Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory
It is recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard “Orpheus” Campbell
Production, sound design and editing are by Chris Gregory
The original music score for Burnout is written by Chris Gregory
Our closing theme “Dolores” is by Charlotte Carpenter
Our production company is Alternative Stories https://alternativestories.com/

You can find out more about Burnout by visiting our website https://www.burnoutpod.com/
And you can follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/burnout.pod/

Please find the show in your favourite podcast app, subscribe and rate / review the show here https://pod.link/1798982875

Charlotte Carpenter is the composer and performer of our brilliant closing theme "Dolores". Charlotte is a musician and songwriter from the English Midlands and you can find out more about her and listen to and buy her music (including “Dolores”) via her website www.charlottecarpentermusic.com You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ccarpentermusic/

Burnout is free to listen to but not free to make. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can Support the show here

Trigger Warnings

Language
Violence
Threats of violence
Kidnap / abduction
Imprisonment
Drug use
Car accident
Vomit
Graphic depictions of injury
Graphic depictions of military action

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 min
April 04, 2025 Interlude 2: "A Day At The Races"
Join our Patreon for ad-free podcasts and bonus content ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/AltStories⁠

Alfie is arriving at the track for a day watching ZG racing but his trip is about business rather than pleasure. Who is the mysterious Carla Borg and what is the real purpose of Alfie's visit?

In Interlude 2: “A Day At The Races” by Lewis Carter you heard:

Alexander Broad as Alfie
Tiffany Clare as Carla Borg
Alfredo Mudie Smart as Banks
Chris Gregory as “soldier”
Other voices are played by members of the cast

Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen
It is directed by Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory
Burnout is recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard “Orpheus” Campbell
Production, sound design and editing are by Chris Gregory
The original music score for Burnout is written by Chris Gregory
Our closing theme “Dolores” is by Charlotte Carpenter
Our production company is Alternative Stories https://alternativestories.com/

You can find out more about Burnout by visiting our website https://www.burnoutpod.com/
And you can follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/burnout.pod/

Charlotte Carpenter is the composer and performer of our brilliant closing theme "Dolores". Charlotte is a musician and songwriter from the English Midlands and you can find out more about her and listen to and buy her music (including “Dolores”) via her website www.charlottecarpentermusic.com You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ccarpentermusic/

Burnout is free to listen to but not free to make. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can Support the show here

Trigger Warnings
Language
Threats
Explosions
Terrorist activity
Violence
Death
Peril
Coercion

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15 min
March 28, 2025 Interlude 1: "Envoys And Angels"
Join our Patreon for ad-free podcasts and bonus content ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/AltStories⁠

In our first interlude of season one IRIS finds herself paying another unexpected visit to the Envoy Void

You can find out more about Burnout by visiting our website https://www.burnoutpod.com/
And you can follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/burnout.pod/

Episode one of Burnout along with our Prologue Episode on Friday 14th March wherever you listen to podcasts.

Please find the show in your favourite podcast app, subscribe and rate / review the show here https://pod.link/1798982875

Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen
It is directed by Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory

In the excerpts from Burnout in this episode you heard

Miztli Rose as IRIS
Tiffany Clare as The Mediator
Charlie Richards as The Other
Ethan Reid as Theo
With other voices played by members of the cast

Burnout is recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard “Orpheus” Campbell
Production, sound design and editing are by Chris Gregory
The original music score for Burnout is written by Chris Gregory
Our closing theme “Dolores” is by Charlotte Carpenter

Our production company is Alternative Stories https://alternativestories.com/

Charlotte Carpenter is the composer and performer of our brilliant closing theme "Dolores". Charlotte is a musician and songwriter from the English Midlands and you can find out more about her and listen to and buy her music (including “Dolores”) via her website www.charlottecarpentermusic.com You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ccarpentermusic/

Burnout is free to listen to but not free to make. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can Support the show here

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
18 min
March 21, 2025 Episode 2: "If God Is Your Co-Pilot, Swap Seats"
Join our Patreon for ad-free podcasts and bonus content ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/AltStories⁠
Theo remains imprisoned in Alfie’s bunker whilst IRIS is strangely absent in the second episode of our cyberpunk thriller Burnout by Lewis Carter

Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen
It is directed by Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory

In the excerpts from Burnout in this episode you heard

Miztli Rose as IRIS
Ethan Reid as Theo
Alexander Broad as Alfie
Tiffany Clare as The Mediator
Charlie Richards as The Other
Nic Lamont as the Nezabukov Hit Squad Leader
With other voices played by members of the cast

Burnout is recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard Campbell
Production, sound design and editing are by Chris Gregory
The original music score for Burnout is written by Chris Gregory
Our closing theme “Dolores” is by Charlotte Carpenter
Our production company is Alternative Stories https://alternativestories.com/

You can find out more about Burnout by visiting our website https://www.burnoutpod.com/
And you can follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/burnout.pod/
Please find the show in your favourite podcast app, subscribe and rate / review the show here https://pod.link/1798982875

Charlotte Carpenter is the composer and performer of our brilliant closing theme "Dolores". Charlotte is a musician and songwriter from the English Midlands and you can find out more about her and listen to and buy her music (including “Dolores”) via her website www.charlottecarpentermusic.com You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ccarpentermusic/

Burnout is free to listen to but not free to make. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can Support the show here

Trigger warnings for this episode
Language
Violence
Threats of violence
Kidnap / abduction
Imprisonment
Drug use
Car accident
Vomit
Graphic depictions of injury
Graphic depictions of military action

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
33 min
March 14, 2025 Episode 1: "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead"
Join our Patreon for ad-free podcasts and bonus content ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/AltStories⁠

A friendly game of cards turns into a nightmare for Theo Bazerov in the opening episode of Burnout by Lewis Carter

Episode 1 of Burnout "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead" was written by Lewis Carter
Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen
It is directed by Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory

In this episode you can hear:
Ethan Reid as Theo
Miztli Rose as IRIS
Chris Gregory as Taj Bran
Emily Inkpen as Jess
Tom McEnery as Anton
Tomasz Clark as McCreedy
Alexander Broad as Alfie
Richard Campbell as “Hostile”
Other voices were played by the cast
The music playing in the bar in this episode was by The Lokeys and used with permission https://www.instagram.com/lokeysband/

Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen
It is directed by Emily Inkpen and Chris GregoryBurnout is recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard Campbell
Production, sound design and editing are by Chris Gregory
The original music score for Burnout is written by Chris Gregory
Our closing theme “Dolores” is by Charlotte Carpenter
Our production company is Alternative Stories https://alternativestories.com/

You can find out more about Burnout by visiting our website https://www.burnoutpod.com/
And you can follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/burnout.pod/
Please find the show in your favourite podcast app, subscribe and rate / review the show here https://pod.link/1798982875

Charlotte Carpenter is the composer and performer of our brilliant closing theme "Dolores". Charlotte is a musician and songwriter from the English Midlands and you can find out more about her and listen to and buy her music (including “Dolores”) via her website www.charlottecarpentermusic.com You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ccarpentermusic/

Burnout is free to listen to but not free to make. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can Support the show here

Trigger warnings for this episode
Language
Violence
Threats of violence
Kidnap / abduction
Imprisonment
Drug use
Car accident

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32 min
March 14, 2025 Prologue: "Self Help"
Join our Patreon for ad-free podcasts and bonus content ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/AltStories⁠
In an underground laboratory within Taj Clan HQ, Caleb is working around the clock on a top secret project. But progress is slow and even Caleb's sef-help tapes aren't giving him the answers he needs.

Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen
It is directed by Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory

"Self Help" features
Miztli Rose as IRIS
Charlie Richards as Caleb
Emily Inkpen as the voice of the self help tape
and Chris Gregory as the ZG race commentator

Burnout is recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard Campbell
Production, sound design and editing are by Chris Gregory
The original music score for Burnout is written by Chris Gregory
Our closing theme “Dolores” is by Charlotte Carpenter

You can find out more about Burnout by visiting our website https://www.burnoutpod.com/
And you can follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/burnout.pod

Please find the show in your favourite podcast app, subscribe and rate / review the show here https://pod.link/1798982875
Our production company is Alternative Stories https://alternativestories.com/

Charlotte Carpenter is the composer and performer of our brilliant closing theme "Dolores". Charlotte is a musician and songwriter from the English Midlands and you can find out more about her and listen to and buy her music (including “Dolores”) via her website www.charlottecarpentermusic.com You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ccarpentermusic/

Burnout is free to listen to but not free to make. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can Support the show here

Trigger warnings in this episode
Language
Implied threats of violence
Imprisonment

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15 min
March 12, 2025 Burnout Preview with creator Lewis Carter, director Emily Inkpen and producer Chris Gregory
Join our Patreon for ad-free podcasts and bonus content ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/AltStories⁠
In this preview episode of Burnout creator and chief writer Lewis Carter, director, actor and co-writer Emily Inkpen and producer and co-director Chris Gregory discuss the show and what listeners can expect from it. Along the way we hear excerpts from upcoming episodes and our trailer.

You can find out more about Burnout by visiting our website https://www.burnoutpod.com/
And you can follow the show on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/burnout.pod/

Episode one of Burnout along with our Prologue Episode on Friday 14th March wherever you listen to podcasts.
Please find the show in your favourite podcast app, subscribe and rate / review the show here https://pod.link/1798982875

Burnout is created by Lewis Carter and written by Lewis Carter and Emily Inkpen
It is directed by Emily Inkpen and Chris Gregory

In the excerpts from Burnout in this episode you heard

Miztli Rose as IRIS
Ethan Reid as Theo
Alexander Broad as Alfie
Tiffany Clare as The Mediator
Charlie Richards as The Other
Emily Inkpen as Jess
Chris Gregory as Taj Bran
Tom McEnery as Anton
Tomasz Clark as McCreedy
With other voices played by members of the cast

Burnout is recorded at Orpheus Studio in London by Richard Campbell
Production, sound design and editing are by Chris Gregory
The original music score for Burnout is written by Chris Gregory
Our closing theme “Dolores” is by Charlotte Carpenter

Our production company is Alternative Stories https://alternativestories.com/
Charlotte Carpenter is the composer and performer of our brilliant closing theme "Dolores". Charlotte is a musician and songwriter from the English Midlands and you can find out more about her and listen to and buy her music (including “Dolores”) via her website www.charlottecarpentermusic.com You can also follow Charlotte on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ccarpentermusic/

Burnout is free to listen to but not free to make. If you enjoyed listening to this podcast you can Support the show here

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
26 min

About Burnout: A Cyberpunk Thriller

From the publisher's feed

In a gritty cyberpunk-inspired world dominated by organised crime clans, emerging A.I., and a population obsessed and controlled by the spectacle of Zero Gravity Racing we follow Theo Bazarov, a disgraced Zero Grav racer in debt to one of the world's largest crime clans. Forced into an opportunistic suicide mission when a terrorist EMP attack turns the city into the world’s largest and most dangerous Zero Grav racing track and reliant on a sassy, unstable internal A.I. called IRIS, Theo is forced to encounter some of the continent’s most colourful characters on his journey to pull off an impossible heist. Unable to trust his own mind and the motives of those around him while dealing with a crippling synthoid-narco addiction, Theo will have to take his driving and his sanity closer to the edge than ever before if he is to get out alive.