Announcing The Writer, An Audio Drama Podcast
- Oliver Smuhar
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
An unforgettable podcast that’s like a Netflix series for your ears.
#1 best-selling author and filmmaker O.R. Smuhar has launched The Writer, a serialised audio drama that explores an immersive and realistic depiction of a fictional Third World War, from conscription to the frontlines.
Set in 2026, the series follows a young storyteller from Sydney, Australia assigned to the Foxtrot Unit, a psychological operations team tasked with shaping the public’s perception of the war by documenting, distorting and weaponising the narrative. Listeners are dropped into a world where some of what they’ll hear is true … and some is dangerously fabricated. The challenge is to decipher what’s propaganda and what’s actually real.
Described as “Full Metal Jacket meets Arcane, with the tension of London Has Fallen,” the series mixes character-driven drama, dystopian fiction and psychological elements to create a cinematic audio experience. Season One is out now, featuring professional voice narration, rich sound design, an ensemble of loveable characters and weekly story updates.
The Future of Books is Audio
“I’ve written multiple books and have a lot of marketing experience. Truth is, audio is growing while paperback is falling behind,” Smuhar says. “With everything that’s been happening in the Middle East, the United States and even here in Australia, well, I’m probably not the only one who’s feared a future World War. That anxiety is what sparked this story, and I feel like many listeners will relate to the characters.”
Season One consists of 13 episodes, releasing weekly, and Smuhar is already planning a second season.
“It’s a deeply personal story,” he continues, “And I’m curious to see which elements listeners perceive as part of the true narrative.”
More Than Just a Battlefield
At its core, The Writer is less about the battlefield and more about what war does to ordinary people. It explores what a large-scale global conflict would mean for younger Australians, particularly those in Gen Z, who are left to live with the consequences of decisions they had no role in shaping.
The series will be released weekly from May 12 to August 4, 2026, blending the intimacy of audiobooks with the narrative pacing and structure of serialised television.
The Creator
O.R. Smuhar is an award-winning writer and #1 best-selling author of the fantasy book The Gifts of Life. He has developed a TV series with Sticky Pictures, produced three short films, written comics, and built a following of 40,000+ subscribers on YouTube. His creative work has been praised by:
Andy Griffiths, author of The Treehouse series: “You are so talented and committed to both writing your own books and making a difference in the world.”
Clover Moore AO, Lord Mayor of Sydney: “Your book(s) sound wonderful and the City of Sydney would like to support you.”
Trish Doyle MP, Blue Mountains: “Your output and success so far is very inspirational.”
The Writer premiers Tuesday, May 12th, 2026.
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