“Welcome to Nightvale” has boomed into popularity though social media websites such as tumblr and
Twitter. Click the logo to visit Night Vale’s Twitter.

Every city has its quirks, but none is quirkier than the fictional city called Nightvale. Nightvale was created by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, and is presented in bi-monthly podcasts in the style of radio broadcasts and community updates.

In the first episode, listeners are introduced to the voice of Nightvale, Cecil Baldwin. He is the singular host for the fictitious local radio station, which broadcasts daily news, community health tips and any other important information that he sees necessary to share with the community.

“Cecil’s voice is like butter, it’s so smooth and easy to listen to,” said Valerie Glotzbach ’14. “It’s almost hard not to fall asleep listening to him because it’s so calming.”

“Why is this specific podcast so special?” one might ask. Within the first two episodes, listeners learn about a variety of curious things happening in the town, including a new dog park  that was built in the city.

“The City Council announces the opening of a new dog park at the corner of Earl and Sommerset, near the Ralph’s. They would like to remind everyone that dogs are not allowed in the dog park. People are not allowed in the dog park. It is possible that you will see hooded figures in the dog park. DO NOT APPROACH THEM. DO NOT APPROACH THE DOG PARK. The fence is electrified and highly dangerous. Try not to look at the dog park, and, especially, do not look for any period of time at the hooded figures. The dog park will not harm you.”

Every episode is filled with strange events and people. There is the Old Woman Josie who claims that “The Angels” have revealed themselves to her, as well as an ominous glowing cloud over the town that drops live animals onto the poor Nightvale residents’ homes.

“My favorite character in Nightvale is Hyrum McDaniels, simply because he is a five-headed dragon who is running for mayor. You can’t get any cooler than that,” said Glotzbach.

“I love the way [the podcast] makes everything creepy or unusual sound normal,” said Margaret Woeste ’16.

“Welcome to Nightvale” is strange, to say the least. It is a perfect pastime for anyone who enjoys sarcasm and dark humor.

“I would tell anyone interested in Nightvale to just go and listen to it. It’s really well done and original, and totally worth your time,” said Woeste.

“You’re gonna be confused at first, but once you get into it, youre gonna love every part of it,” said Glotzbach.

It is free to download on iTunes, but can be listened to on podbay.fm for free as well.

Listen to “Welcome to Nightvale” here.