Welcome.
All-American Ruins is a multimedia travelogue in which artist, activist, adventurer, & loudmouth Blake Pfeil recounts his experiences exploring abandoned spaces across the United States and reimagines them via written, photographic, audio, and cinematic storytelling.
Along the way, All-American Ruins asks critical questions about American history/culture, community, capitalism/economics, the environment, and mental health while encouraging folks to activate their imaginations as a tool for healing.
Along the way, All-American Ruins asks critical questions about American history/culture, community, capitalism/economics, the environment, and mental health while encouraging folks to activate their imaginations as a tool for healing.
Audio Storytelling
Hear: The Podcast
“with abandoned, Blake Pfeil is pushing at the boundaries of form,
combining documentary and audio theater in a voice distinctly his own.
These are the rare kinds of stories that leave you wondering.”
- David Krasnow, Executive Producer, The New Yorker Radio Hour
combining documentary and audio theater in a voice distinctly his own.
These are the rare kinds of stories that leave you wondering.”
- David Krasnow, Executive Producer, The New Yorker Radio Hour
“What Blake has created with abandoned is a wonderful, rich sonic tour of his imaginings. Join Blake as he guides us through the walls of abandoned spaces to meet apparitions who nod to what once was the tragedy of the human condition.
The world he's created is one I want to escape to."
- Martha Little, Senior Director of Creative Development, Audible
The world he's created is one I want to escape to."
- Martha Little, Senior Director of Creative Development, Audible
SEASON 1
PODCAST FANMAIL
“abandoned is rich, immersive, reflective sonic poetry that will leave you wanting to hear more and to explore the places Blake explores for yourself.”
- Wade Roush, co-founder, Hub & Spoke Audio Collective
- Wade Roush, co-founder, Hub & Spoke Audio Collective
“abandoned resurrects the joy and grandeur of what once existed while bringing us into the graffiti-strewn, broken glass reality of today. I’m grateful to accompany Blake on these journeys from the comfort of my seat.”
- Ilene Cutler, Producer, PBS
- Ilene Cutler, Producer, PBS
“abandoned is exquisite. Truly. The sound design alone is worth the listen.
Enter the audio realm of Blake’s travels (and imagination) as he visits the abandoned heart of America.
A genuinely strange and magical trip.”
- Nina Lawrence, Malcolm Gladwell/Pushkin Industries
Enter the audio realm of Blake’s travels (and imagination) as he visits the abandoned heart of America.
A genuinely strange and magical trip.”
- Nina Lawrence, Malcolm Gladwell/Pushkin Industries
"Have you ever had a feeling that you've been somewhere or have an intimate connection to a place you've never been?
There's a word for that: anemoia, and Blake Pfeil explores this idea in the beautiful travelogue abandoned. It’s a totally immersive journey (headphones on, please) that will twist your ideas around about the concept of spaces and what they mean to us."
- Lauren Passell, Podcast the Newsletter
There's a word for that: anemoia, and Blake Pfeil explores this idea in the beautiful travelogue abandoned. It’s a totally immersive journey (headphones on, please) that will twist your ideas around about the concept of spaces and what they mean to us."
- Lauren Passell, Podcast the Newsletter
"I was so glad to learn of the ghosty & addictive abandoned. I love the concept, execution, and generosity of spirit.
A great mix of past, present, & future."
- Sherill Tippins, Author, Inside the Dream Palace: The Life and Times of New York's Chelsea Hotel
A great mix of past, present, & future."
- Sherill Tippins, Author, Inside the Dream Palace: The Life and Times of New York's Chelsea Hotel
"I highly recommend this memorable sound narrative and immersive experience. Find a comfortable place, play any episode, & enjoy."
- Maxime Gerbe, Founder of Abandoned World
- Maxime Gerbe, Founder of Abandoned World
"A unique, refreshing concept. Blake takes you on a fantastic journey with each episode. abandoned is a nice, unexpected escape."
- Kathleen Russo, Producer, Hillary Clinton's You and Me Both
- Kathleen Russo, Producer, Hillary Clinton's You and Me Both
"abandoned is beautiful, tender, and filled with vivid word paintings and gentle sound design. It demonstrates
what separates good narrative podcasts--fiction, nonfiction, or somewhere in-between--from mediocre ones."
- Mark Steadman, The Big Minute
what separates good narrative podcasts--fiction, nonfiction, or somewhere in-between--from mediocre ones."
- Mark Steadman, The Big Minute