Podcast · Stories
by Nathan Comstock, Austin Hendricks, and Michael F. Gill · English · Stories
Solutions to Problems is a Dear Prudence style advice podcast set on a space station in some version of the future hovering over some version of Earth. Join us every other Friday for advice on work, relationships, time travel paradoxes, and the occasional brain parasite. Now available on RadioPublic
8 May 2022 · 2 min
Did you know that Nathan has a second fiction podcast? And Austin is in it too! You can find it at www.electromancypod.com . We're also raising money at https://igg.me/at/electromancypod to make a second season. Any help you can give us would be wonderful. Here's the trailer for season 1, which you can listen to in its entirety now.
S3 · E18 · 4 Jun 2021 · 21 min
A series of radio reports by Intern Samantha on the IFM2 show On Assignment, which is hosted by Loaf. Featuring intergalactic run-off elections, dracula ants, time travel conventions, philosophical fragrance branders, and more! For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Phoenix Bunke as Samantha Nathan Comstock as Loaf Lesley Gideon as Flora Zachary Robb as Archimedes Austin Hendricks as Janet Valerie Loveland as Frankie Chloé Cunha as Melody Ron Prudent as Mr. Xorfus
S3 · E17 · 14 Nov 2020 · 31 min
Janet is profiled on the true crime show "The Time Travel Tapes." Loaf, Frankie, Sam, and Melody listen in while waiting to visit with Janet, who is in a holding center before her trial. Thanks for listening to Season 3! Stay tuned, we'll have some bonus content coming up in the near future. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Evan Tess Murray of This Planet Needs a Name as Kurt Damariscotta , Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janet, Ramy Abdelghani as Nassif, Valerie Loveland as Frankie, Chloé Cunha as Melody, Phoenix Bunke…
S3 · E16 · 30 Oct 2020 · 29 min
With Melody temporarily shutdown for updates, Loaf and Janet have a confrontation with alternate Janet and Nassif, while also answering letters on the sexuality of your alternate selves, the ramifications of politically incorrect banjo music, and how not to compulsively break the fourth wall while acting. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Ramy Abdelghani as Nassif, Valerie Loveland as Frankie, and Chloé Cunha as Melody. Content note: Law enforcement/arrest
S3 · E15 · 16 Oct 2020 · 14 min
The network of Janets hold court and confront a certain Janet who has been jeopardizing their plans. Meanwhile, Officer Nassif "accidentally" runs into Loaf and Muffin at Crazy Zifle's Zaffy Trifles, the finest Flisnorp patisserie in the whole sector. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Muffin Comstock as Muffin, and Ramy Abdelghani as Nassif.
S3 · E14 · 2 Oct 2020 · 29 min
Loaf, Janet, and IFM2 intern Sam team up for another episode revolving around hypernet dating. While also discussing their own experiences, they answer letters about accidentally catfishing yourself, and how to date when your isolationist cult dictates that you remain extremely average. Also: a rapid-fire round that breaks down what the most common dating profile phrases really mean! Content note: Discussions of sex and sexuality For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janet, Phoenix Bunke as…
S3 · E13 · 18 Sep 2020 · 26 min
Back home, Janet and Loaf host a parenting-themed episode with two special guests: Janet's mom and one of Loaf's broodlings. They all pitch in to help answer letters on the ramifications of gene-edited children, the existential loneliness of digital offspring, and how to share the holidays with your children who span multiple species and marriages. Meanwhile, Nassif and alternate Janet find themselves stranded in an interdimensional bus terminal. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf/Muffin, Austin Hendricks as…
S3 · E12 · 4 Sep 2020 · 29 min
In another alternate universe, Janet and Loaf are guests on "Problems Requiring Solutions", a show hosted by an alternate version of Melody. A dozen listeners call in to help Loaf and Janet with their problems regarding Armulan divorce, time travel tech support, and how to tell other versions of yourself that you want to see other people. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Chloé Cunha as Melody/Melanie, and Ramy Abdelghani as Nassif.
S3 · E11 · 21 Aug 2020 · 23 min
With Loaf and Janet still absent, Frankie, Melody, Mr. Xorfus, and Sam attempt to host an episode of Solutions to Problems, complete with AI versions of Janet and Loaf. They offer advice on how to deal with knowing that the founding father of your new colony was awful in a previous life, how to break out of the 400-year curfew assigned by your parents, and how to get your spouse to respect your family AI. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Phoenix Bunke as Samantha, Valerie Loveland…
S3 · E10 · 7 Aug 2020 · 14 min
Samantha presides over a meeting of IFM2 Subspace Radio interns, but is interrupted by the news that Janet and Loaf are missing. Meanwhile, Janet and Loaf work their way through different dimensions, meeting up with an alternate Janet and an unexpected alternate Melody. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Phoenix Bunke as Samantha, Dallas Wheatley as Norvik, Emily Duggan as Makathena, Chloé Cunha as Melody, and Ron Prudent as Mr. Xorfus.
S3 · E9 · 24 Jul 2020 · 11 min
Loaf and Janet hang out at a karaoke bar with their alternate universe counterparts (Lavender, Frankie, and Beta Janet), and show how their singing, drinking, and flirting skills are just as highly polished as their advice giving. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf/Lavender, Austin Hendricks as Janets, Valerie Loveland as Frankie, and guest starring James Oliva as the MC.
S3 · E8 · 10 Jul 2020 · 24 min
Loaf and Janet are guests on an alternate timeline version of Solutions To Problems. On this live call-in show, they assist hosts Lavender and Frankie with questions about age-appropriate friendships for immortals, overcoming boredom as an AI, the surprising aftermath of liberating a planet, how to choose what TV shows to watch when you have two heads, and where to get lunch. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf/Lavender, Austin Hendricks as Janet(s), Valerie Loveland as Frankie, Marten Dollinger as Narflebock,…
S3 · E7 · 26 Jun 2020 · 27 min
In despair, Loaf finally opens up to Janet about what happened on Armulus, but Janet is a little distracted by her own concerns, including an unexpected visit by Officer Nassif. Plus, letters about robotic training boyfriends, Avian divorce, and how to deal with time dilation in a professional setting. Content notes: discussions of alcohol abuse, divorce, and abandonment issues For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janet, Valerie Loveland as Frankie, and Ramy Abdelghani as Nassif.
S3 · E6 · 12 Jun 2020 · 28 min
Janet tries to be the responsible host as Loaf is feeling rather disillusioned with both radio and life. This proves to be difficult when Melody and her new beau arrive! Somehow, they still manage to answer questions about vehicular infidelity, replacement limb policies in the workplace, and how to equitably share your body with an energy being. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com Featuring Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Austin Hendricks as Janet, Chloé Cunha as Melody, and Kris Kim as Nick.
S3 · E5 · 29 May 2020 · 28 min
Back from vacation and back in the studio, Loaf and Janet catch up with each other, and offer advice in regards to gentrification on Mars, how to avoid a mega-pet showdown between neighbors, and when you should take a blood oath seriously. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com
S3 · E4 · 15 May 2020 · 12 min
IFM2 station manager Mr. Xorfus and omnipotent intern Samantha try to resolve a supernatural printer jam with some help from station AI Melody. Also: Sam has some ideas for radio shows of her own! This mini-episode features Phoenix Bunke as Samantha, Ron Prudent as Mr. Xorfus, and Chloé Cunha as Melody. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com
S3 · E3 · 1 May 2020 · 14 min
Frankie and Officer Nassif play phone tag regarding IFM2's paradox-fixed contracts, and some disturbing timelines that may or may not have happened. Meanwhile, The Network of Janets have a groupchat to discuss temporal displacement coordinates, dating gossip, and whether or not certain Janets are keeping up with their tasks. This mini-episode features Valerie Loveland as Frankie, Ramy Abdelghani as Officer Nassif, and Austin Hendricks as Janets. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com
S3 · E2 · 17 Apr 2020 · 14 min
On his home planet of Armulus Four Zeta Zombort, Loaf is a guest on an intergalactic cooking show, where he prepares the authentic human dish "Hash Browns," and answers questions about transdimensional spatulas, flaming salads, and good recipe substitutes for snails. This mini-episode features Nathan Comstock as Loaf, Optimized Comstock Unit as the OCU, and Android F. Gill as the host. Content note: Discussions of food, eating, smells, and one insect murder For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com
S3 · E1 · 17 Apr 2020 · 23 min
In this episode recapping season 1 and 2, we hear the timeline-locked log of Officer Armin Nassif from the Time Travel and Interdimensional Regulations Agency (TARTI), where he catches his alternate selves up on his history with Loaf, Janet, and the rest of the Solutions To Problems crew. Featuring Ramy Abdelghani as Officer Nassif For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com.
S2 · E22 · 3 Apr 2020 · 3 min
Season 3 of Solutions to Problems starts on April 17th! New episodes will be released every two weeks. Austin, Nathan, and Michael fill you in on all the details. Thank you so much for listening! We love you. Please stay safe.
S2 · E21 · 29 Nov 2019 · 33 min
The final part of our four-part miniseries! Wait Wait Don't Teleport Me!! is a sound collage of shows heard on IFM2 Subspace Radio, an ambient comedy outside the frame of linear time. In this final extended episode: making deep purple bread on The Universe's Test Kitchen, the horror of being named Derek, Janet fills us in on recent TV shows and movies, and a breakup song from Maggie's band, The Spindly Sisters. Also: the full vocal version of our theme song! With your soap operatic hosts: Kerrington, Nova, Maggie, and C.C. Sims. Transcript at www.stppodcast.com/blog/wwdtm4 WWDTM!! was…
S2 · E20 · 22 Nov 2019 · 29 min
The third part of our new four-part miniseries! Wait Wait Don't Teleport Me!! is a sound collage of shows heard on IFM2 Subspace Radio, an ambient comedy outside the frame of linear time. In this third episode: an interview with the only person to successfully prevent Shakespeare's assassination, strategies on how to be a better eyeball ping-pong player, non-existent callers have a dial tone competition, and another segment with our omnipotent intern Samantha! With your soap operatic hosts: Kerrington, Nova, Maggie, and C.C. Sims. Transcript at http://www.stppodcast.com/blog/wwdtm3 WWDTM was…
S2 · E19 · 15 Nov 2019 · 29 min
Second part of our new four-part miniseries! Wait Wait Don't Teleport Me!! is a sound collage of shows heard on IFM2 Subspace Radio, an ambient comedy outside the frame of linear time. In this second episode: worm-wielding birds face off on a competitive cooking show, a murder mystery composed entirely of raspy voices, a lightning round of incomprehensible callers, and lots more! With your soap operatic hosts Kerrington, Nova, Maggie, and C.C. Sims. Transcript at www.stppodcast.com/blog/wwdtm2 Content notes: Discussions of eating, worms, and murder. WWDTM was created, produced, and musically…
S2 · E18 · 8 Nov 2019 · 27 min
Our new four-part miniseries! Wait Wait Don't Teleport Me!! is a sound collage of shows heard on IFM2 Subspace Radio, an ambient comedy outside the frame of linear time. In this first episode: a deep dive into the history of popsicle jokes, what it's like when 96% of your body is traded to another laserball team, segments with Loaf and Sam, plus lots more! With your hosts: Kerrington, Nova, Maggie, and C.C. Sims. Transcript at www.stppodcast.com/blog/wwdtm1 Content notes: Episode contains very brief mentions of cannibalism, violence, and dissociation. (This show isn't scary or violent! Just…
S2 · E17 · 7 Jun 2019 · 20 min
The end of another season means another behind the scenes episode! Featuring cast interviews, partner interviews, roommate interviews (but not cat interviews), bloopers, weird voice filters, and general silliness. This episode's transcript is available at www.stppodcast.com . We'll be releasing a mini-series about the show after Solutions to Problems later this summer, with an official Season 3 start date coming soon!
S2 · E16 · 26 Apr 2019 · 11 min
Melody tries to record her audition tape for Lightspeed's Artificially Funny Fest. She really thinks this will be her year! Even if she has to resort to bending time and space. This episode features Chloé Cunha as Melody, and was written by Chloé Cunha and Michael F. Gill. Melody's stand up was recorded at Sally O'Briens in Somerville, Massachusetts and featured the voice of the host, Scott Oddo. This episode's transcript is available at www.stppodcast.com. We're working hard on Season 3, and we still have some bonus content ahead. Stay tuned!
S2 · E15 · 15 Mar 2019 · 24 min
Off the air, the whole crew celebrate the end of the season, but there are still some problems to be solved, namely Loaf's misgivings about their upcoming family visit, Janet's uncertain employment status, and Samantha's ongoing struggle to be a real person instead of the idea of a real person. Featuring Ron Prudent as Mr. Xorfus, Valerie Loveland as Frankie, Phoenix Bunke as Sam, Chloe Cunha as Melody, Bridget Kraynick as Broodmate, Austin Hendricks as Janet, and Nathan Comstock as Loaf. This is the last episode of season 2! Thanks for listening! Episode transcripts are available at…
S2 · E14 · 1 Mar 2019 · 28 min
Janet and Loaf listen to letters about living inside the ramifications of genetic engineering, and how to measure your compatibility with someone who was in a time loop when you met. Also, Officer Nassif is back to weigh in on the time travel shenanigans, including a time capsule letter that's turns out to be more personal then expected. Content notes: Discussions of racism [2:20-8:30] and stalking [8:30-14:00]. Featuring the voices of Rami Abdel-Ghani as Officer Nassif, Nathan Comstock as Loaf, and Austin Hendricks as Janet. This episode's letters were read by Sarah Irwin, Kris Kim, and…
S2 · E13 · 15 Feb 2019 · 27 min
Nothing topsy-turvy at all happens to Janet and Loaf before the show, and it surely doesn't affect their performance in answering letters about universal translation gone awry, workplace infidelity, and the experience of living as a certain species. There aren't even any special guests who break into the studio to confront them about the problems they are avoiding in their personal lives. What a relief! Featuring Valerie Loveland as Frankie, Chloe Cunha as Melody, Bridget Kraynik as Loaf's Broodmate, Nathan Comstock as Loaf, and Austin Hendricks as Janet. This week's letters were read by…
S2 · E12 · 1 Feb 2019 · 8 min
Off the air, Janet and Melody discuss whether to be romantic or pedantic, while Loaf and Mr. Xorfus argue about Janet's future role at IFM2. Sometimes humans are too human for their own good! Featuring Chloe Cunha as Melody, Austin Hendricks as Janet, Nathan Comstock as Loaf, and Ron Prudent as Mr. Xorfus. For more information and full episode transcripts, visit us at www.stppodcast.com.
Solutions to Problems is a Dear Prudence style advice podcast set on a space station in some version of the future hovering over some version of Earth. Join us every other Friday for advice on work, relationships, time travel paradoxes, and the occasional brain parasite. Now available on RadioPublic
Solutions to Problems is a English stories podcast from Nathan Comstock, Austin Hendricks, and Michael F. Gill. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
