Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves mysteries so gripping they leap from podcasts to page-turning novels—meet Terry Miles! This award-winning filmmaker and podcasting pioneer has captivated audiences with his thrilling blend of science fiction, mystery, and alternate realities. From the shadowy depths of the Pacific Northwest to sun-soaked Los Angeles, Miles crafts stories that pull you into worlds where games might just reshape reality itself.
With hits like the Rabbits podcast and novel, Miles has become a maestro of immersive storytelling. Whether you’re a sci-fi buff or a podcast enthusiast, his work promises a wild ride through conspiracies and enigmas. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this multifaceted creator!
The Making of Terry Miles
Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Terry Miles grew up under the vast skies of the Canadian prairies, a setting that sparked his boundless imagination. His passion for storytelling led him to the University of British Columbia, where he earned a BFA and MFA in Creative Writing, focusing on fiction, screen, and stage. A serendipitous film project caught the eye of the Toronto International Film Festival, launching his career in filmmaking. This early success set the stage for his genre-spanning creativity, from directing films to founding Minnow Beats Whale, his production company.
Miles’s love for games, books, and music shaped his unique voice. His obsession with gaming culture and alternate realities became a cornerstone of his work, blending real-world intrigue with speculative fiction. This foundation paved the way for his groundbreaking podcasts and novels.
Terry Miles’s Unforgettable Stories
Miles is best known for creating the Public Radio Alliance, home to hit podcasts like Tanis, Rabbits, Faerie, and The Last Movie, as well as co-creating The Black Tapes. These audio dramas, with over 130 million downloads, blur the line between fact and fiction, using meticulous research and immersive soundscapes to draw listeners into mysterious narratives. Rabbits, which hit #1 on Apple Podcasts, explores a secretive underground game with reality-altering stakes, earning comparisons to Stranger Things and Ready Player One.
In 2021, Miles brought Rabbits to the literary world with his debut novel of the same name. The book follows K, a loner tasked with fixing a glitch in the dangerous Rabbits game before its eleventh round triggers global chaos. Praised by Norman Reedus as a “twisted trip,” the novel’s fast-paced plot and gaming-inspired world captivated readers. Its sequel, The Quiet Room (2023), delves deeper into the Rabbits universe, earning accolades for its mind-bending mystery. Miles’s writing style—taut, atmospheric, and layered with conspiracy—mirrors his podcasts, creating stories that feel like puzzles begging to be solved.
Beyond novels and podcasts, Miles’s filmmaking shines through three feature films premiered at TIFF and ten Leo Award nominations for writing, directing, and producing. His ability to craft narratives across mediums showcases his knack for building worlds that resonate with fans of science fiction and thriller genres.
Why Terry Miles Matters
Terry Miles has redefined storytelling by seamlessly blending podcasts, novels, and films into a cohesive creative universe. His work taps into our fascination with hidden truths and alternate realities, making listeners and readers question what’s real. By pioneering the “fake Serial” format with The Black Tapes, he helped spark a wave of narrative podcasts like Limetown, influencing the medium’s explosive growth. His stories, rooted in gaming culture and speculative fiction, speak to a generation navigating technology’s impact on reality.
Miles’s legacy lies in his ability to create immersive, cross-platform experiences that invite audiences to become detectives in his worlds. His influence continues to grow as fans eagerly await his next project, whether it’s a novel, podcast, or screen adaptation.
- Birthplace: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Key Works: Rabbits (novel, 2021), The Quiet Room (novel, 2023), Rabbits (podcast), Tanis (podcast)
- Awards: Ten Leo Award nominations; Rabbits podcast hit #1 on Apple Podcasts
Ready for a mind-bending adventure? Snag Rabbits or tune into the Tanis podcast and dive into Terry Miles’s thrilling sci-fi universe!