“Breathtakingly different”
“Funny, endearing, sharp-witted, and an acerbic commenter on the human condition”
“The sound production of Hobo Code is inspired and technically brilliant”
“The music acts as its own character”
“These are esteemed and talented actors, and they display their acting chops with a ferocity that can hypnotize listeners”“Hobo Code is an audio drama that breaks all the rules, mixes and matches genres and generations, and transforms familiar themes into proto-magical mythologies that define us”
– Frank Racioppi
“9.5 out of 10 stars”
“The Best of American Lit Class
There comes a time when you think you’ve experienced all audio drama has to offer. As a critic for over a decade… [Hobo Code] is the first one in a long time where that sense of boredom and the ‘been there done that’ mentality became mere white noise… It borrows from ‘The Grapes of Wrath,’ has the dramatic weight of ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ and complexity rivaling ‘As I Lie Dying’ by William Faulkner.”
“Emotional Intelligence
My intellectual curiosity peaked during the penultimate episode of the series… Those who paid closer attention might’ve been able to spot the twist. Rather than treat it as a revelation, creators Paul Pakler and Shane Portman downplayed the moment and made it fit the scene instead of the other way around. The moment may be small, but the impact on the listener is much greater. That’s a magic trick not many can pull off. ‘Oppenheimer’ does it well and ‘Hobo Code’ achieves the same result.”
– Michael Bergonzi
Maximum Fun’s JV Club Podcast interviews co-producer Ruth Gamble
“There are so many reasons to listen to the delightful Ruth Gamble (Listen to her new podcast serial “Hobo Code”!), including stories of singing for non-singers, tackling people-pleasing, and the sublime person that is Bill Pullman (who happens to be featured in Ruth’s new project!). So lean into the perfect smell of rain and dig into that lasagna!”
– Janet Varney
Interview with co-creators Shane Portman and Paul Pakler
“Inspiration-wise, we really wanted to explore the idea of home. What it means to have one, what it means not to have one, and what the repercussions are from losing your home. Each of these characters are on their own journey in relation to those themes.”
– Shane Portman
Portraits of Hollywood Interview with Shane Portman
“The three of us have formed a solid producing core with a really lovely working relationship where we care as much about the project as we do about each other’s well being…”
– Shane Portman
What Listeners are Saying
More ratings on Apple Podcasts
Hobo Code
“A true treasure for the listener, Hobo Code weaves a poignant, thoughtful tale of survival, friendship, family, and imagination.”
Annie P.
Ear CANdy.
“As a podcast enthusiast, I’ve heard the good, the not so good, the could be better, the excellent – and now the perfect. A magical narrative that I didn’t know I needed. Enjoy!”
Critical Chris
This show is amazing.
“Thank you so much. This was unexpected and great!”
driven2review
Excellent!!!
“What a breath of fresh air! Wonderful music, great story, superb acting. Highly recommended!”
Lalitha K.R.
What a nice escape.
“It’s like a throwback to those great radio shows of yore. Engaging and fun to listen to. Song, story, intrigue….perfect.”
Lilylord
A Can of Audio Soul Food
“Hobo Code is a cinematic adventure for your ears. Full of soul, we travel through the beauty of life with a dynamic group of outcasts. In the face of their seemingly hopelessness, love and light is never far and often found in the comfort of strangers.
I can’t recommend it more, a must hear.”
Sadie P.
Really tugs the heart strings!
“This is a real gem. Thank you for sharing this amazing story. So full of heart. I just don’t have the words. This is that good.”
BSpiva
Folksy grit meets magical realism
“What a beautiful journey this was. The writing is grounded, relatable and ethereal all at once. The honesty and specificity from the performances and high production quality plant the listener firmly in medias res. The music deserves a spot on the cast list as a character all its own. Hobo Code wails into the wind that resilience is a journey, not a destination–a process, not an outcome. Cannot recommend highly enough.”
Stephanie Figer
Hobo Hug
“From the very first episode, ‘Hobo Code’ proves to be an auditory masterpiece. The podcast brilliantly marries exceptional writing with equally impressive performances, creating a captivating narrative that hooks listeners instantly.
What sets this podcast apart is its extraordinary sound design and soundtrack. The attention to detail in the audio landscape not only enhances the storytelling but also immerses the listener in a richly crafted world. The soundtrack is particularly noteworthy, resonating with a unique vibe that complements the show’s tone perfectly.
At its core, ‘Hobo Code’ is a tale of misfits finding kinship. It’s a heartwarming flashback to simpler times, yet it manages to stay relevant and engaging in today’s complex world. The characters are beautifully fleshed out, each with their own quirks and stories, making them relatable and endearing.
Overall, ‘Hobo Code’ is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates great storytelling, impeccable voice acting, and a journey back to simplicity through the eyes of the most intriguing characters. It’s a reminder of the power of finding your tribe and the beauty of simpler times, all wrapped up in an outstanding auditory experience.”
ElevenElevenMars
Hobo Code 