Kicking the Bucket

About Kicking the Bucket

✨ Growing old together was the plan. Dying together? That part’s improvised. KICKING THE BUCKET is an immersive fiction dramedy about love, aging, and winging it at the end of life. Dolores and Howard have decided to die with dignity. But they’re not exactly sure how. This darkly funny multicast serial podcast explores elder care, autonomy, caregiving, and all the awkward, tender moments in between. Created by award-winning artist Andee Kinzy, KTB turns taboo topics into conversation. Each 20-minute episode blends humor and heartbreak, building to a bold, choose-your-own-ending finale. ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: Alzheimer’s, cancer, and end-of-life decision-making. 🌐 MORE INFO: https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast) ------------- 🎙️ CAST Mimi Strum & Richard Gartner as Dolores & Howard Also featuring: Kendra L. Franklin, Mical Trejo, Kelli Bland, Chiara McCarty, Ivy Le, Dana Wing Lau, Vivian Glazier, Cynthia Preston & Shaun Conde 🎬 CREDITS Written/Produced/Directed: Andee Kinzy Producer & Casting: Dana Wing Lau Sound Design, Mixing, Mastering: Hemlock Creek Productions (Marisa Ewing & Melissa Pons) Dialogue Editing: Hemlock Creek Productions Marketing: Chiara McCarty Podcast Club Producer: Chloé Carcamo Studio Recording: Northshore Media Productions (Austin, TX) | Engineer: Kevin Chin 🔹 This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department. ImprovEd Arts is a sponsored project of Austin Creative Alliance. #AudioDrama #FictionPodcast #Aging #Caregiving #Caregivers #EndOfLife #ElderCare

Publisher

Andee Kinzy

Category

education · fiction · health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Jun 2025

Latest episode

20 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Aug 2025

   EP 8B - Brave New World

   NOTE: **Both endings begin the same and diverge about halfway through.** And now, dear listener, we come to a crossroads. For our final episode, we invite you to choose your own ending. If you are rooting for Dolores and Howard to go out on their terms - needing no permission, making no apologies - go to Tape 8, Side A, or Episode 8A, “Rounded with a Sleep.” But if you’re hoping Dolores and Howard will find a way to share their truth - to open up, speak their hearts, and invite their children to understand and support them - stay here on Tape 8, Side B, or Episode 8B, “Brave New World.” | This is Episode 8B, “Brave New World.” | Description: Once more unto the breach. Dolores and Howard set out on their final journey and, in speaking the truth, discover a moment of unexpected beauty before the curtain falls. Featuring the voices of: Mimi Strum, Richard Gartner, Kendra L. Franklin, Mical Trejo, Kelli Bland, Chiara McCarty, Ivy Le, Dana Wing Lau, Vivian Glazier, Cynthia Preston, and Shaun Conde. Created by award-winning artists: Andee Kinzy, Dana Wing Lau, Marisa Ewing & Melissa Pons of Hemlock Creek Productions, Chiara McCarty, Chloé Carcamo, and Kevin Chin of Northshore Media Productions. Themes include: Alzheimer’s, cancer, and death. Learn more: improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast) Subscribe now because the end is just the beginning.

2. 

   20 Aug 2025

   EP 8A - Rounded with a Sleep

   NOTE: **Both endings begin the same and diverge about halfway through.** And now, dear listener, we come to a crossroads. For our final episode, we invite you to choose your own ending. If you are rooting for Dolores and Howard to go out on their terms - needing no permission, making no apologies - go to Tape 8, Side A, or Episode 8A, “Rounded with a Sleep.” But if you’re hoping Dolores and Howard will find a way to share their truth - to open up, speak their hearts, and invite their children to understand and support them - go to Tape 8, Side B, or Episode 8B, “Brave New World.” | This is Episode 8A, “Rounded with a Sleep.” | Description: All the world's a stage, but Dolores refuses to play the part. When all seems lost, Dolores clings to one final cue. Together, she and Howard attempt their boldest scene yet - a curtain call no one saw coming. Featuring the voices of: Mimi Strum, Richard Gartner, Kendra L. Franklin, Mical Trejo, Kelli Bland, Chiara McCarty, Ivy Le, Dana Wing Lau, Vivian Glazier, Cynthia Preston, and Shaun Conde. Created by award-winning artists: Andee Kinzy, Dana Wing Lau, Marisa Ewing & Melissa Pons of Hemlock Creek Productions, Chiara McCarty, Chloé Carcamo, and Kevin Chin of Northshore Media Productions. Themes include: Alzheimer’s, cancer, and death. Learn more: improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast) Subscribe now because the end is just the beginning.

3. 

   13 Aug 2025

   EP 7 - What’s Done is Done

   Finally. It’s time. And not a minute too late. Or maybe it is? Will Dolores and Howard be foiled again? Still, the kids need an answer about a nursing home, so our persistent protagonists make a break for it. In a minivan. Featuring the voices of: Mimi Strum, Richard Gartner, Kendra L. Franklin, Mical Trejo, Kelli Bland, Chiara McCarty, Ivy Le, Dana Wing Lau, Vivian Glazier, Cynthia Preston, and Shaun Conde. Created by award-winning artists: Andee Kinzy, Dana Wing Lau, Marisa Ewing & Melissa Pons of Hemlock Creek Productions, Chiara McCarty, Chloé Carcamo, and Kevin Chin of Northshore Media Productions. Themes include: Alzheimer’s, cancer, and death. Learn more: improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast) Subscribe now because the end is just the beginning.

4. 

   6 Aug 2025

   EP 6 - In Such a Pickle

   Dolores and Howard put their next plan into motion. But first, they need to get organized. Clear out the clutter and get the dog into a good, loving home. A feat that seems easy enough… Featuring the voices of: Mimi Strum, Richard Gartner, Kendra L. Franklin, Mical Trejo, Kelli Bland, Chiara McCarty, Ivy Le, Dana Wing Lau, Vivian Glazier, Cynthia Preston, and Shaun Conde. Created by award-winning artists: Andee Kinzy, Dana Wing Lau, Marisa Ewing & Melissa Pons of Hemlock Creek Productions, Chiara McCarty, Chloé Carcamo, and Kevin Chin of Northshore Media Productions. Themes include: Alzheimer’s, cancer, and death. Learn more: (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast)improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast) Subscribe now because the end is just the beginning.

5. 

   30 Jul 2025

   EP 5 - Exit, Pursued by a Bear

   This is it. The hour is nigh. Dolores and Howard make their move, but an unexpected visitor threatens to derail their carefully crafted goodbye. As Tamika reveals her secret, the question remains: will anyone hear Dolores and Howard before the curtain falls? Featuring the voices of: Mimi Strum, Richard Gartner, Kendra L. Franklin, Mical Trejo, Kelli Bland, Chiara McCarty, Ivy Le, Dana Wing Lau, Vivian Glazier, Cynthia Preston, and Shaun Conde. Created by award-winning artists: Andee Kinzy, Dana Wing Lau, Marisa Ewing & Melissa Pons of Hemlock Creek Productions, Chiara McCarty, Chloé Carcamo, and Kevin Chin of Northshore Media Productions. Themes include: Alzheimer’s, cancer, and death. Learn more: (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast)improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast) Subscribe now because the end is just the beginning.

6. 

   23 Jul 2025

   EP 4 - Though This Be Madness

   Dolores and Howard realize that brainstorming ways to go out on your own terms is hard work. It also requires some imagination…and perchance, a little luck from Mother Nature. An annual family trip to a water park proves to be chaotic and isolating. Featuring the voices of: Mimi Strum, Richard Gartner, Kendra L. Franklin, Mical Trejo, Kelli Bland, Chiara McCarty, Ivy Le, Dana Wing Lau, Vivian Glazier, Cynthia Preston, and Shaun Conde. Created by award-winning artists: Andee Kinzy, Dana Wing Lau, Marisa Ewing & Melissa Pons of Hemlock Creek Productions, Chiara McCarty, Chloé Carcamo, and Kevin Chin of Northshore Media Productions. Themes include: Alzheimer’s, cancer, and death. Learn more: (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast)improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast) Subscribe now because the end is just the beginning.

7. 

   16 Jul 2025

   EP 3 - To Thine Own Self Be True

   Another tour of a retirement home facility pushes Dolores to face the future. Howard hopes the stars will align, but after a terrifying memory lapse episode with Dolores, he admits the fault may lie closer to home. They may have also accidentally adopted a dog. Featuring the voices of: Mimi Strum, Richard Gartner, Kendra L. Franklin, Mical Trejo, Kelli Bland, Chiara McCarty, Ivy Le, Dana Wing Lau, Vivian Glazier, Cynthia Preston, and Shaun Conde. Created by award-winning artists: Andee Kinzy, Dana Wing Lau, Marisa Ewing & Melissa Pons of Hemlock Creek Productions, Chiara McCarty, Chloé Carcamo, and Kevin Chin of Northshore Media Productions. Themes include: Alzheimer’s, cancer, and death. Learn more: improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast) Subscribe now because the end is just the beginning.

8. 

   9 Jul 2025

   EP 2 - Neither Rhyme Nor Reason

   More talk of retirement communities and forced downsizing sets a strangely troublesome scene for Dolores and Howard. Can there be dignity in death? Tamika has a secret of her own. Featuring the voices of: Mimi Strum, Richard Gartner, Kendra L. Franklin, Mical Trejo, Kelli Bland, Chiara McCarty, Ivy Le, Dana Wing Lau, Vivian Glazier, Cynthia Preston, and Shaun Conde. Created by award-winning artists: Andee Kinzy, Dana Wing Lau, Marisa Ewing & Melissa Pons of Hemlock Creek Productions, Chiara McCarty, Chloé Carcamo, and Kevin Chin of Northshore Media Productions. Themes include: Alzheimer’s, cancer, and death. Learn more: improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast (https://improvedarts.org/kickingthebucketpodcast) Subscribe now because the end is just the beginning.

9. 

   2 Jul 2025

   EP 1 - All the World's a Stage

   Dolores and Howard, portrayed by Mimi Strum and Richard Gartner, confront the realities of aging and declining health after a disappointing search for suitable care facilities in this episode featuring multiple voice actors.

10. 

    6 Jun 2025

    Kicking the Bucket Teaser

    This podcast episode introduces Kicking the Bucket, a fiction dramedy series exploring aging, caregiving, and end-of-life autonomy through the story of two terminally ill seniors.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

762

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

27

Social presence

0

YouTube

66

Engagement

32

Contact Kicking the Bucket

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.