This post was updated Oct. 22 at 8:12 p.m.

As the air cools and leaves crunch underfoot, the fall podcast season is set to unveil a world full of captivating stories and heartwarming moments.

Autumn enthusiasts and curious listeners will find a treasure trove of audio content to savor. From cozy book discussions to heartfelt interviews with local creators, these podcasts beckon listeners to gather ‘round and soak in the magic of fall.

Pour up a steaming cup of tea and join the Daily Bruin’s Fall Podcast Preview, where writers will share the exciting episodes and themes that will keep spirits warm all season long.

[Related: Book preview: Fall literature brings gripping memoirs of stars, transformative tales]

Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire (Lemonada Media)

This fall, “Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire” invites listeners to dive into a whimsical medieval adventure filled with humor and plenty of dragons.

Launching Oct. 25, the new scripted comedy podcast from Lemonada Media features the beloved Melissa McCarthy as Hildy, a resourceful barback navigating a world under threat from an evil force. Alongside McCarthy, a star-studded voice cast includes her husband Ben Falcone and major names such as Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney and Joel McHale. The couple’s daughters, Vivian and Georgette Falcone, will also be joining in the fun with roles. Each of the eight episodes promises to blend comedy with an epic quest to save the fantastical land of Golgorath, showcasing themes of bravery and camaraderie.

In the spirit of storytelling, Hildy and her friends face off against fantastical creatures while balancing the chaos of running a family tavern. The series features original songs in every episode, elevating the audio experience into a vibrant, imaginative world. Spencer will play the story’s narrator, while the ensemble brings characters like Gorwan the Dragon and Dra-ell the Usurper to life. With its mix of humor, adventure and an empowered female lead, “Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire” offers a fresh take on audio fiction, sure to captivate listeners of all ages. The podcast not only showcases McCarthy and Falcone’s comedic talents but also reflects their passion for collaborative storytelling.

This enchanting series is poised to become a must-listen, inviting audiences to join Hildy on her outrageous quest while remembering the joy found in friendship and bravery.

– Eric Sican

“American Railroad” (PRX)

The intersection of music and podcasts is set to bring new adventures for listeners this fall.

PRX will debut the first episode of its upcoming five-part limited series “American Railroad” on Nov. 14, with the project facilitated by the non-profit artist collective, Silkroad. The podcast will delve into the history of American culture and music across several areas defined by railroads in an aim to highlight underrepresented perspectives in each. The podcast’s agenda will be divided across five locations to tell the stories of communities such as Chinese workers contributing to California’s railroads, mistreated Black railroad employees in North Carolina and the musical traditions of the Lakota community at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

Two-time Grammy-winning vocalist and instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens – whose accolades also include a Pulitzer Prize – will be hosting “American Railroad.” Giddens became the Artistic Director of Silkroad in 2020, succeeding 19-time Grammy-winning classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who founded the organization in 1998. Best known for her work with the string band Carolina Chocolate Drops or as a solo musician – or even for playing the banjo and viola on Beyoncé’s chart-topping single “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” earlier this year – Giddens’ mission leading Silkroad has been to give a voice to people and groups whose impact on the evolution of American music is often forgotten.

Thanks to its artistic credentials and storytelling sensibility, “American Railroad” will certainly help audiences wander down the tracks toward new discoveries this autumn.

– Reid Sperisen

[Related: Video game preview: New releases this fall to bring excitement with remakes, series continuations]

“Personally: Short Sighted” (CBC)

This November podcast explores visual impairment with a personal touch.

The Canadian Broadcast Corporation’s third season of “Personally” – a podcast dedicated to exploring the narrator’s unique lived experience –will deliver its third season Nov. 19, focusing on a personal story of developing visual impairment and exploring accessibility in a broader societal context. Journalist and writer Graham Isador – a former contributing editor for VICE Magazine with clips at GQ and the Mail – guides the audience through the five episode series “Short Sighted” as the writer and narrator, aided by sound designer Christopher Ross-Ewart’s immersive soundtrack.

This open and honest approach, grounded in the real experiences of the narrator-host, is emblematic of CBC’s approach with “Personally.” Prior seasons have focused on unwinding a host’s strangest family secrets in “Run, Hide, Repeat” and exploring a host’s experience with domestic abuse in “Welcome to Paradise.” With this introspective precedent, “Short Sighted” is sure to be an emotional, valuable exploration of accessibility through the lens of this first-time podcast host’s lived experiences.

“Short Sighted” should have the longevity to make an impact.

– Martin Sevcik