It’s been a while since I promoted my own work, but “Punching Out” was a fun project that I think people might enjoy. Although Halloween has come and gone, there’s no reason we can’t extend the spooky vibes a bit longer, right?
So, what possessed me to join the 11th Hour Challenge this year? Honestly, I’m still trying to figure that out. It’s a special form of insanity to voluntarily add more work to an already full schedule, but for some reason, I thought, “Why not?” The challenge? Team up with new people, whip out a 30-page story in a month, and somehow try to survive with some semblance of sanity. Spoiler alert: sanity was not on the final list of accomplishments.
It was wildly stressful, and my caffeine intake reached legally questionable levels. But hey, it was also an absolute blast. I made some amazing connections that I hope to take advantage of in the future (in the friendliest way possible, of course), and we created something I’m genuinely proud of.
Fair warning, though: Punching Out is not for the faint of heart—or the easily queasy. There’s strong language, plenty of zombie gore, and sounds that might make you reconsider your dinner plans. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Will I do it again next year? Probably. Because apparently, I never learn. But until then, I hope you enjoy the chaos we conjured up.
“Punching Out” by Jenni Stukin and Ruby Fink is a dark comedy that combines office humor with a zombie apocalypse twist, focusing on Rosie, a young woman excited for her last day at work before opening her dream pet bakery. Alongside her is Clea, a loyal friend harboring unspoken romantic feelings for Rosie. Just as the office begins planning Rosie’s farewell, a radio broadcast announces an alarming zombie outbreak. The quirky office crew—optimistic pacifist Atlas, sarcastic and gruff Melby, bold and witty Marge, and awkward, hopeful Dave—must abruptly shift gears, transforming from lighthearted coworkers into reluctant survivalists. Under Melby’s assertive leadership, they barricade the doors, scramble to create makeshift weapons, and brace themselves for whatever the apocalypse throws their way.
Written by Jenni Stukin and Ruby Fink
Hannah Edelson, as Rosie
Violet Fink as Clea
Corey McCarey as Dave
Chris Jowers as Atlas
Bethany Murray as Marge
and Jonathon Garret Swenson as Melby, Rob and Zombies
Sound Mixing and Editing by Ruby Fink
Artwork by Violet Fink
SFX from Freesound.org
Music by Shiver and Yeobo
We hope you’ve enjoyed listening to “Punching Out” by Jenni Stukin and Ruby Fink. And a special thanks to Shiver and Yeobo for letting us use their music. If you want to hear more of their albums, you can find them on Spotify, their website or facebook. And if this isn’t your cup of tea, feel free to check our Audio Arts page on Fictional Cafe. We have new episodes every other Friday, 7 PM, EST. So don’t change that dial!
