MEDIA. NEWS, EVENTS, & EVERYTHING ELSE GOING ON AT BENZTOWN.
22 April 2026
Benztown Launches American Afterlife Drama Podcast
Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks and Aurora Productions Launch Cinematic Podcast Adaptation of Bestselling Pedro Hoffmeister Novel, “American Afterlife”
LOS ANGELES, CA – April 22, 2026 — Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks announces the launch today of “American Afterlife,” a cinematic podcast adaptation of the bestselling novel by Pedro Hoffmeister, produced in partnership with William Stuart (“The Rock”) and Aurora Productions. Listen to the premiere episodes of the “American Afterlife” podcast now on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/
Set in the aftermath of a long-predicted catastrophic earthquake along the Pacific Northwest, “American Afterlife” follows Cielo, a young woman navigating a shattered world where survival depends on resilience, instinct, and the strength to rebuild. Equal parts survival story and emotional journey, the narrative podcast explores what it means to endure—and ultimately redefine—home.
The “American Afterlife” podcast stars Scarlett Estevez (“Lucifer,” Disney Channel) as Cielo, delivering a grounded and emotionally resonant performance that brings new depth to the character inspired by Hoffmeister’s daughter. Designed as a premium audio experience, the series combines cinematic sound design with intimate storytelling to fully immerse listeners.
“We saw an opportunity to create something that feels immediate and transportive,” said William Stuart, President of Aurora Productions. “The podcast stands on its own, but it’s also clearly striking a chord—studios are responding to the world and the character in a meaningful way.”
Dave “Chachi” Denes, Co-Founder and President, Benztown + McVay Podcast Networks, commented: “Adapting this popular book into a podcast that hits all the right notes and draws the listener into the story has been a passion project for Benztown + McVay Podcast Networks. We are thrilled that the early response to the ‘American Afterlife’ podcast has been overwhelmingly positive and that a buzz is already building. We’re looking forward to telling this story across its six compelling episodes and think it will resonate with a wide swathe of listeners.”
With its blend of scale and intimacy, “American Afterlife” is emerging as a compelling cross-platform property at a time when audiences are drawn to stories of survival, resilience, and reinvention.
For more information about the “American Afterlife” podcast, contact Robby Gessel, Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks, at rg@benztown.com or (818) 842-4600.
;)
;){kind=icon}
