Malcontent Project

The audio adaptation of the novel Malcontent by Bryan Richard Lincoln — draft chapters, commentary, and progress updates from the Fullcast Podcast team.

Dark atmospheric close-up of worn leather bookbinding, deep brown and charcoal tones with subtle grain texture

About the Novel

Malcontent is a novel by Bryan Richard Lincoln, host of the Fullcast Podcast. The project represents a deep exploration of full-cast audio drama production, with the novel serving as the source material for an ambitious audio adaptation.

Co-host Abigail Hilton has provided detailed commentary on the text, offering listeners an inside look at how a written work is translated into a performed audio experience. The podcast has featured chapter drafts, production discussions, and behind-the-scenes insights into the adaptation process.

The Malcontent project represents a natural evolution of the Fullcast Podcast's commitment to immersive audio storytelling. Translating a novel into a full-cast audio drama requires careful attention to pacing, vocal performance, and sound design. Each chapter draft undergoes multiple recording sessions where actors bring the written word to life through nuanced delivery and collaborative direction. The production team focuses on preserving the emotional weight of the source material while adapting it for listeners who experience the story through sound alone. This process highlights the unique challenges and rewards of audio drama production.

Listeners following the Malcontent updates gain rare insight into the creative workflow behind a professional podcast production. Commentary from the production team breaks down editorial decisions, pronunciation guides, and the reasoning behind casting choices. The project encourages audience engagement, inviting feedback that sometimes shapes subsequent recording sessions. These behind-the-scenes discussions demystify the craft of audio storytelling, showing how a manuscript transforms through script adaptation, vocal direction, and post-production editing into a polished episodic experience.

The Fullcast Podcast team brings years of collaborative experience to the Malcontent adaptation, drawing on their history of producing character-driven narratives and panel discussions. The project expands the show's creative scope, blending literary analysis with practical audio production. As draft chapters are completed and reviewed, the team documents their progress through regular updates, creating a living archive of the adaptation process. This approach reflects the podcast's broader mission to explore storytelling across different media while maintaining the intimate, conversational tone that defines the Fullcast community.

Chapter 1 — Draft Version

A draft version of Chapter 1 was made available for review. In Episode 24, Abigail Hilton offered commentary on this chapter, discussing narrative structure, character voice, and considerations for the audio format.

The draft gave listeners and potential collaborators an early look at the world of Malcontent and the creative decisions shaping its adaptation.

Project Progress

The Malcontent adaptation unfolded across multiple episodes of the Fullcast Podcast, with hosts Bryan Lincoln and Abigail Hilton guiding listeners through each stage of production — from initial drafts to casting and recording.

Casting Call

A formal casting call for Malcontent was announced, with a submission deadline of November 30, 2011. Voice actors were invited to submit mono WAV or MP3 recordings following specified standards.

Guest Contributors

The podcast has featured a wide range of guests from the audio drama community, including Obsidian Abnormal, Nobilis Reed, J Daniel Sawyer, P.G. Holyfield, Rish Outfield, Big Anklevich, Christof Laputka, and many others.

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