Shadow Realm

Introducing Shadow Realm

Shadow Realm is the magical, coming-of-age tale of Arya, a fifteen-year-old boy who is tormented by demons. Anything to do with his ethnicity, food, traditions or the fascinating mythological stories he has been raised with, has become the building block of unpleasant school experiences. In the wake of an accident that confines his once-vibrant mother to a hospital ward, kept alive by tubes and machines, Arya clings to the only remnant of their bond: an old, battered copy of the Ramayana, India’s ancient epic story of Rama’s battle against demons. One night, Arya falls through a fault in the earth into the Wild Woods, where Ravana, the demon king, strategizes to destroy his Ramayana—the last copy left—and threatens to rewrite history from his evil perspective. Will Arya be able to save the story of Rama, heal his mother and return home to tackle the demons in his ordinary world?For more information visit thearyachronicles.comCREDITSShadow Realm was written and executive produced by Reenita Hora. Based on her middle grade novel When Arya Fell Through the Fault, this story constitutes ‘Part 1 of The Arya Chronicles.’ An original soundtrack was composed for this story by Kanniks Kannikeswaran (http://www.kanniks.com/).Audio adaptation by Shane Sakhrani. Audio Direction and Production by Daniel Gonzalez and Gabe Mara. The narrative for the trailer was voiced by Carnie Wilson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnie_Wilson) The podcast features  Arya Vir Hora as ‘Arya’  (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7845578/) (https://www.backstage.com/u/aryavirhora/) Vishesh Chachra as Rishiji, Pa, Nicolas, Ranga, and Surayu (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5189387/) Reenita Hora as Ma, Medicine Woman - (reenita.com) Danish Farooqui as Chimpu, Ravana, and Elias (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7211550/) Laura Smith as Balchorni, Athena, the Doctor, and Jackson’s mom (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2269470/) Kal Monsoor as Buddha, Head of School, and Hanumana (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0543964/) Avinash Muddappa as Pandu, Gopu, and Raja (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8765273/) Asha Noel as Female Vanara, Nurse, and Adriana (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6340920/) Recorded at Studio City Sounds and The Room at Melrose.Chapter 13 uses “Lake Waves Hjalmaren” by OwlChapter 17 uses “New Holland Honey Eaters 32x Slower” by digifishmusicChapter 18 uses “New Holland Honey Eaters 32x Slower” by digifishmusic Episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Music is available on Spotify.If you are already a fan of the show, tap the share button in your podcast player and post this trailer on Facebook or Twitter. Or text it directly to someone you know who’d love to journey through the Arya Chronicles.For more information visit thearyachronicles.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Prologue: Arya’s Dream

As a child, Arya’s dreams were haunted by Ravana, the demon king of the Ramayana, India’s ancient story of Rama’s battle against demons. It’s been years since he thought of Ravana. His dreams are now filled with monstrous interpretations of real-life bullies from school. Tonight’s dream, however, ends differently. Arya finds himself trapped in the dark lair of Ravana, with no hope of escape. Why had Ravana chosen to come back now? What did he want? Whatever it was, it was clear Arya didn’t stand a chance against him.  IN THIS EPISODE:  [00:01] Narrator introduces Arya [00:28] Arya recounts his dream from the night before   [00:50] Arya tells of a mythological demon from his childhood [1:57] This dream takes a turn for the worse [2:42] How to support and connect with The Arya Chronicles  [3:05] Next episode teaser  SYNOPSIS:  Arya, a fifteen year old boy from San Francisco, recounts his dream from the night before  Arya recalls how his childhood nightmares were haunted by a mythological demon king, Ravana His current dreams are filled with monstrous imitations of real-life bullies that torment him at school This particular dream ends differently, leaving Arya in the dark lair of Ravana with no hope of escape On the next episode: Arya struggles to fit in at school because of his ethnicity. A terrible accident leaves his mother clinging to life, and Arya continues to be tormented by Ravana, except now it’s not just in his dreams.  Links Mentioned: thearyachronicles.comCREDITSShadow Realm was written and executive produced by Reenita Hora. Based on her middle grade novel When Arya Fell Through the Fault, this story constitutes ‘Part 1 of The Arya Chronicles.’ An original soundtrack was composed for this story by Kanniks Kannikeswaran (http://www.kanniks.com/).Audio adaptation by Shane Sakhrani. Audio Direction and Production by Daniel Gonzalez and Gabe Mara. The narrative for the trailer was voiced by Carnie Wilson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnie_Wilson) The podcast features  Arya Vir Hora as ‘Arya’  (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7845578/) (https://www.backstage.com/u/aryavirhora/) Vishesh Chachra as Rishiji, Pa, Nicolas, Ranga, and Surayu (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5189387/) Reenita Hora as Ma, Medicine Woman - (reenita.com) Danish Farooqui as Chimpu, Ravana, and Elias (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7211550/) Laura Smith as Balchorni, Athena, the Doctor, and Jackson’s mom (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2269470/) Kal Monsoor as Buddha, Head of School, and Hanumana (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0543964/) Avinash Muddappa as Pandu, Gopu, and Raja (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8765273/) Asha Noel as Female Vanara, Nurse, and Adriana (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6340920/) Recorded at Studio City Sounds and The Room at Melrose.Chapter 13 uses “Lake Waves Hjalmaren” by OwlChapter 17 uses “New Holland Honey Eaters 32x Slower” by digifishmusicChapter 18 uses “New Holland Honey Eaters 32x Slower” by digifishmusicEpisodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Music is available on Spotify.If you are already a fan of the show, tap the share button in your podcast player and post this trailer on Facebook or Twitter. Or text it directly to someone you know who’d love to journey through the Arya Chronicles.For more information visit thearyachronicles.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E1: Arya Bin Laden

Arya’s parents could have chosen any other school for him to attend but they chose the one place with no other South Asian kids. The bullies are relentless and anything to do with his ethnicity has become the building block of unpleasant school experiences. He knows better than to react with violence but today he just can’t take it anymore.  IN THIS EPISODE:  [00:01] Previously on Shadow Realm  [00:19] Arya responds to bullies at school [04:00] Arya finds himself in the headmaster’s office [05:49] How to support and connect with The Arya Chronicles  [06:00] Next episode teaser  SYNOPSIS:  Arya is frustrated that his parents sent him to the only school in San Francisco where there are no other South Asian kids  Arya is relentlessly bullied at school because of his race and ethnicity His ma has taught not to show vulnerability or react with violence but he can’t hide his frustration any longer His reaction lands him in the headmaster’s office where he is given an unconventional homework assignment On the next episode: Arya talks to his mom about his struggle to fit in at school. Arya is invited by a friend to a halloween party. Visit: thearyachronicles.comCREDITSShadow Realm was written and executive produced by Reenita Hora. Based on her middle grade novel When Arya Fell Through the Fault, this story constitutes ‘Part 1 of The Arya Chronicles.’ An original soundtrack was composed for this story by Kanniks Kannikeswaran (http://www.kanniks.com/).Audio adaptation by Shane Sakhrani. Audio Direction and Production by Daniel Gonzalez and Gabe Mara. The narrative for the trailer was voiced by Carnie Wilson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnie_Wilson) The podcast features  Arya Vir Hora as ‘Arya’  (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7845578/) (https://www.backstage.com/u/aryavirhora/) Vishesh Chachra as Rishiji, Pa, Nicolas, Ranga, and Surayu (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5189387/) Reenita Hora as Ma, Medicine Woman - (reenita.com) Danish Farooqui as Chimpu, Ravana, and Elias (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7211550/) Laura Smith as Balchorni, Athena, the Doctor, and Jackson’s mom (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2269470/) Kal Monsoor as Buddha, Head of School, and Hanumana (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0543964/) Avinash Muddappa as Pandu, Gopu, and Raja (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8765273/) Asha Noel as Female Vanara, Nurse, and Adriana (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6340920/)  Recorded at Studio City Sounds and The Room at Melrose.Chapter 13 uses “Lake Waves Hjalmaren” by OwlChapter 17 uses “New Holland Honey Eaters 32x Slower” by digifishmusicChapter 18 uses “New Holland Honey Eaters 32x Slower” by digifishmusic Episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Music is available on Spotify.If you are already a fan of the show, tap the share button in your podcast player and post this trailer on Facebook or Twitter. Or text it directly to someone you know who’d love to journey through the Arya Chronicles.For more information visit thearyachronicles.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E2: Culture Schmulture

Arya is fed up with his family’s South Asian traditions being the reason he is bullied at school. He just wants to fit in. His Ma tries to help by giving him their family’s copy of the Ramayana, India’s ancient history text. Arya begrudgingly opens it and finds himself enraptured by the stories filled with powerful gods, heroes, demons, and epic battles. He is also reminded of his recent dreams of the demon king, Ravana and what the connection may be between his dreams and his mom giving him the Ramayana. Despite the feelings of clarity and centeredness that he experiences while reading, Arya doubts the gods’ powers and how they can help him fit in at school. When Elias, leader of The Boys, invites Arya to a Halloween party, he is eager to go, despite Ma’s warnings about the trouble it will bring.  IN THIS EPISODE:  [00:01] Previously on Shadow Realm  [00:33] Arya and his mom disagree about value of culture  [03:34] After reading the Ramayana, Arya and his mom talk about the meaning of the story and characters [07:54] Arya dreams he is fighting in one of the ancient battles in the Ramayana [08:34] Arya is invited to a halloween party by Elias, leader of The Boys [10:08] How to support and connect with The Arya Chronicles  [06:00] Next episode teaser  SYNOPSIS:  Arya disagrees with Ma about the value of preserving traditions and culture Ma gives him the family copy of the Ramayana to read  Arya is filled with clarity and peace of mind while reading the Ramayana but doubts how this old book can help with bullies Despite Arya’s doubt, Ma explains how the gods still intervene in the world Arya is invited to Jackson’s Halloween party by Elias, leader of The Boys. Ma sees trouble ahead and warns Arya not to go to the party On the next episode: Arya goes to Jackson’s Halloween party, despite his mother’s warnings.  Visit: thearyachronicles.com CREDITSShadow Realm was written and executive produced by Reenita Hora. Based on her middle grade novel When Arya Fell Through the Fault, this story constitutes ‘Part 1 of The Arya Chronicles.’  An original soundtrack was composed for this story by Kanniks Kannikeswaran (http://www.kanniks.com/).Audio adaptation by Shane Sakhrani. Audio Direction and Production by Daniel Gonzalez and Gabe Mara. The narrative for the trailer was voiced by Carnie Wilson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnie_Wilson) The podcast features  Arya Vir Hora as ‘Arya’  (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7845578/) (https://www.backstage.com/u/aryavirhora/) Vishesh Chachra as Rishiji, Pa, Nicolas, Ranga, and Surayu (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5189387/) Reenita Hora as Ma, Medicine Woman - (reenita.com) Danish Farooqui as Chimpu, Ravana, and Elias (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7211550/) Laura Smith as Balchorni, Athena, the Doctor, and Jackson’s mom (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2269470/) Kal Monsoor as Buddha, Head of School, and Hanumana (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0543964/) Avinash Muddappa as Pandu, Gopu, and Raja (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8765273/) Asha Noel as Female Vanara, Nurse, and Adriana (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6340920/)  Recorded at Studio City Sounds and The Room at Melrose.Chapter 13 uses “Lake Waves Hjalmaren” by OwlChapter 17 uses “New Holland Honey Eaters 32x Slower” by digifishmusicChapter 18 uses “New Holland Honey Eaters 32x Slower” by digifishmusic Episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Music is available on Spotify.If you are already a fan of the show, tap the share button in your podcast player and post this trailer on Facebook or Twitter. Or text it directly to someone you know who’d love to journey through the Arya Chronicles.For more information visit thearyachronicles.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E3: Dangerous Choices

Desperate to earn the respect of the popular kids at school, Arya is willing to do whatever it takes to fit in – no matter how dangerous. He begins lying to his parents about his reckless behavior, convinced they wouldn’t understand why it’s so important to be popular. Ma tries to connect with him through the only common ground remaining: The Ramayana. Will its ancient lessons be powerful enough to help Arya, or will he continue to ignore his mom and her warnings? IN THIS EPISODE: [00:01] Previously on Shadow Realm  [00:20] Arya goes to a party where he is baited to steal something in order to prove himself [04:03] Arya acts out in order to fit in with a group of what he mistakenly thinks are ‘popular’ guys from school [6:08] Arya is officially one of the popular kids now [09:10] Arya’s begins lying frequently to his parents about him and his new friends’ after school activities [10:57] How to support and connect with The Arya Chronicles  [11:13] Next episode tease  SYNOPSIS: Arya goes to a Halloween party and is almost caught stealing in order to prove himself to a group of what he mistakenly believes are popular guys from school Desperate to fit in, Arya shoplifts from San Francisco's most famous record shop Through several dangerous activities, Arya finally proves himself and is welcomed by the (not-so) “popular” kids Arya begins to lie frequently to his parents about his dangerous after-school activities with his new friends Despite their strained relationship, Arya and his Ma find common ground through the Ramayana In the next episode: Arya’s parents plan a traditional ceremony for Arya. Arya’s parents confront him about his behavior.  LINKS MENTIONED: thearyachronicles.com CREDITS:Shadow Realm was written and executive produced by Reenita Hora. Based on her middle-grade novel When Arya Fell Through the Fault, this story constitutes ‘Part 1 of The Arya Chronicles.’ An original soundtrack was composed for this story by Kanniks Kannikeswaran (http://www.kanniks.com/).Audio adaptation by Shane Sakhrani. Audio Direction and Production by Daniel Gonzalez and Gabe Mara. The narrative for the trailer was voiced by Carnie Wilson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnie_Wilson)The podcast features  Arya Vir Hora as ‘Arya’ (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7845578/) (https://www.backstage.com/u/aryavirhora/) Vishesh Chachra as Rishiji, Pa, Nicolas, Ranga, and Surayu (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5189387/) Reenita Hora as Ma, Medicine Woman - (reenita.com) Danish Farooqui as Chimpu, Ravana, and Elias (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7211550/) Laura Smith as Balchorni, Athena, the Doctor, and Jackson’s mom (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2269470/) Kal Monsoor as Buddha, Head of School, and Hanumana (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0543964/) Avinash Muddappa as Pandu, Gopu, and Raja (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8765273/) Asha Noel as Female Vanara, Nurse, and Adriana (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6340920/) Recorded at Studio City Sounds and The Room at Melrose.Chapter 13 uses “Lake Waves Hjalmaren” by Owl Chapter 17 uses “New Holland Honey Eaters 32x Slower” by digifishmusicChapter 18 uses “New Holland Honey Eaters 32x Slower” by digifishmusicEpisodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Music is available on Spotify. If you are already a fan of the show, tap the share button in your podcast player and post this trailer on Facebook or Twitter. Or text it directly to someone you know who’d love to journey through the Arya Chronicles.For more information visit thearyachronicles.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices