Jess Tardy

Audio Content Development

Creating Listening Experiences with All the Feels

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The one where I'm a CD, folklorist, and podcast producer.

All in one writerly, coffee-fueled, nerdy package.

ROLE

EP & Content Developer


VIBES

Human dramas

Investigations

Ghosts

Werewolves

Divas


CAPABILITIES

Narrative design

Script & Voice Development

Archival research & Analysis

Multi-platform content

Production management

Hands-on audio editing

Custom scoring

Sound design

Talent management

Network pitches


Audio platforms need diverse, compelling content that resonates with different listener segments while maintaining consistent quality and discoverability. Working as an independent development partner with premium studios like Talkhouse, I turn “what if” conversations into actual shows and audio experiences that people want to listen to—taking projects from initial concept through successful sales. Most recently, I sold a true crime title to MacMillan Audio chronicling an investigative reporter’s attempts to expose one of the architects of the modern self-help industry.


My role spans from development through hands-on production—not just creating compelling narratives, but designing complete audio experiences. For the MacMillan project, I leveraged AI tools like NotebookLM to analyze thousands of archival resources and historical records, used ElevenLabs and Claude to optimize pacing and sound design, then got hands-on in the mix: cutting tape, curating music, and creating custom scoring when needed. I also managed voiceover talent and music vendors to produce a compelling sizzle reel that sold the story’s potential.


The challenge is taking wild stories from journalists, artists, and creators and developing them into structured audio experiences that work for diverse audiences. This means understanding user psychology: why do people crave true crime? What makes investigative content compelling without being exploitative? How do you package complex research so it hooks listeners from the first moment.


I’ve developed content strategies for everything from true crime deep dives to supernatural travelogues. Each project requires understanding different listener motivations and designing content architecture that serves those specific emotional and intellectual needs, from the initial “holy shit, this actually happened” moment through sustained engagement across multiple episodes. I’m currently repped by Carly Frankel at WME, and happy to share my full slate of projects on request.