Actor Rider Strong Digs Into His Past With Podcast Blending Memoir And Mystery.

Actor and filmmaker Rider Strong, known for television roles such as “Boy Meets World” and film appearances including “Cabin Fever,” is turning to audio for his next production. Strong is partnering with iHeartPodcasts to launch his new audio series, “The Red Weather.” This 8-episode autofiction podcast blends a fictional true-crime mystery with a personal real-life narrative that is inspired by Strong’s initial work on a documentary about communes in and around his hometown of Sebastopol, CA.

“‘The Red Weather’ started with me grabbing a microphone and asking old friends about kids we knew who grew up in so-called ‘cults,’” said Strong. “As the memories piled up, I wanted to find the best way to draw listeners into that unique time and place. I’m excited to team up with iHeart to bring this deeply personal project to audiences everywhere.”

The fictional investigative podcast will interrogate true-crime conventions, unreliable narration and the ethics of storytelling — all driven by a 1995 cold case. Strong, playing himself, will delve into the disappearance of his best friend’s sister, Anna Trainor, from a commune in 1995. The central crime is fictitious, yet the recorded interviews are with real family and friends, along with the exploration of Rider’s own past. Featuring documentary-style recordings with actors on location, its creators say “The Red Weather” will create a unique blend of reality and scripted drama, exploring themes of ’90s nostalgia, the pitfalls of alternative parenting and misogyny.

“The concept behind ‘The Red Weather’ is truly unique, blurring the lines between what is real and what is masterful storytelling in a way that draws the listener in, providing them a glimpse into what life was like during Rider’s formative years,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Part fiction, part true crime and part autobiographical, this podcast will captivate audiences.”

Adding to the person connection of “The Red Weather” is its cast, which includes Strong’s own parents, his son, his brother Shiloh. The production also features actor and director Jon Huertas (This is Us), Rachel Marsh (The Morning Show) and Heidi Sulzman (Hell or High Water). And Kyle Morton, lead singer of the indie-rock band Typhoon, composed all original music for the series.