Anime for Your Ears: Ambie Winner Aaron David Harris on Worldbuilding & Fiction Podcasting

In Episode 23 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Aaron David Harris, Ambie Award–winning audio drama creator and producer of the fiction podcast Tales of Fists & Fireballs.

Aaron’s series blends martial arts, anime-inspired storytelling, and character-driven narrative into what he calls “anime for your ears.” In this conversation, we explore how audio drama creates immersive worlds without visuals, why fiction podcasting is evolving rapidly, and how independent creators can build award-winning work outside of major studio systems.

We discuss the craft of worldbuilding in audio, the debate between narration and dialogue-driven storytelling, and how Aaron transitioned from screenwriting and animation into fiction podcast production. He reflects on winning the Ambie Award for Best Fiction Podcast, competing alongside large networks, and why audio drama offers creative freedom for writers working within budget constraints.

This episode also examines Black oral storytelling traditions, genre fiction, and how podcasting allows creators to expand beyond traditional film and television gatekeeping.

If you are a fiction podcaster, screenwriter, filmmaker, or creative entrepreneur interested in audio drama, immersive storytelling, or building an independent media brand, this conversation offers insight into both craft and strategy.

Listen to Tales of Fists & Fireballs wherever you stream podcasts.

Subscribe to Heard! Afros & Audio for more conversations on podcasting, audio storytelling, and independent media innovation.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Aaron David Harris & Tales of Fists & Fireballs 05:00 – Why Audio Drama Feels Like a “Stepchild” in Podcasting 10:00 – Winning the Ambie Award for Best Fiction Podcast 15:00 – From Screenwriting to Fiction Podcasting 20:00 – Narration vs Dialogue in Audio Drama 25:00 – Cultural Storytelling & Black Oral Tradition 30:00 – Building Worlds Without a Camera 35:00 – Personal Stories Inside Genre Fiction 40:00 – Competing with Major Studios as an Indie Creator 45:00 – Budget Tools for Audio Drama Production 50:00 – Turning Screenplays into Audio Fiction 55:00 – The Future of Audio Drama & Platform Expansion

🎧 Listen to Tales of Fists & Fireballs wherever you stream podcasts.

📲 Connect with Aaron at adhx2.com and on Instagram @aarondavidharris

Subscribe for more conversations on podcasting, audio storytelling, and independent media innovation.

Audio Production Tools & Resources Mentioned

• Audacity – Free audio editing software
• Pro Sound Effects – Purchased sound effects pack
• PremiumBeat.com – Licensed music
• Freesound.org – Free sound effects (with attribution)
• YouTube Audio Library – Free music for creators

Directories & Community Resources

Black Audio Dramas Exist Directory – Growing directory of Black audio drama creators

https://msha.ke/blkaudiodramas#black-audio-drama-directory

Richard Seneque – Visionaires: Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Season 3

This episode is brought to you by The Secret Life of TK Dutes Visit: tastykeish.com/secretlifepod

Follow on Instagram @tastykeish (IG) and @philosfuturemedia (IG- pronounced Fee-Low’s…)