How did Eirik become part of the Fireside family?
Eirik Davey-Gislason owes his podcast fame to his eldest daughter, Cici. It was at Cici's first birthday party that Fireside Mystery Theatre’s co-creator Gus Rodriguez learned of Eirik's acting prowess and his copious amounts of free time. Eirik has been an FMT regular since the first Slipper Room taping in 2014, Southern Gothic. Some of his favorite roles include Rex Arnold, Sheriff Ulster, Santa Claus, and Murdered Traveler #2.
When did you first fall in love with the medium of radio and was there a particular presenter you fell for aurally at a certain time in your life?
“Growing up in the late 1970s, my brothers and I were fans of the radio drama short, Chicken Man. ‘Bawk, bawk, bawk, bawk...Chicken Man...he's everywhere, he's everywhere!’ It aired weekly on the local radio station, KNUJ in New Ulm, MN. As a Minnesotan, I was also lucky enough to be exposed to the genius of Garrison Keillor and Lake Wobegon.”
As a performer what do you find most satisfying about the process of audio drama?
“The thrill of developing several characters, both large and small, and making them unique, interesting, and authentic is my favorite part of creating audio drama.”
Tell us about the character you've found most satisfying to play so far throughout your Fireside career?
“I absolutely loved playing Rex Arnold in All Night Radio. The concept was brilliant, and the character and show were both a beautiful tribute to the golden age of radio theater.”
Who is your favourite Fireside character you didn't get to play?
“I would give anything to be able to portray Mikey Brooklyn, but unfortunately Mike Pate is too damn good at that role to compete with!” Which play that Fireside has produced are you proudest of and why?
“I’d have to say All Night Radio. The construct of the show was so good, with the radio theater program interweaving with the radio crew at the climax of the show.” When you're not treading the boards at The Slipper Room performing in Fireside Mystery Theatre what occupies your time?
“I am a residential real estate associate broker in Manhattan and a Negotiation Instructor and Coach. I enjoy playing guitar, singing, playing my daughters' favorite Monster, cat, school friend Timmy and, of course, daddy.” Which podcast, aside from Fireside Mystery Theatre of course, do you listen to regularly?
“I’m a big fan of The Story Seeds podcast, especially since my daughter Cici starred in episode 4! Also love Serial, S-Town, Slow Burn and The Complete Guide to Everything.” Which horror movie, scary book, or play has had the biggest impact on you over the years? “In terms of movies, it’d have to be A Nightmare on Elm Street and Night of Living Dead. And for books, it’d be It and Night Shift.” Have you ever had a supernatural experience in real life?
“Kind of. The experience was actually my brother’s, but I was there and saw how it impacted him. It was bizarre and frightening.” Where can people find out more about you or connect with you?
“You can check out my blog, Unreal Estate at eirikgislason.com and find me on Instagram @eirikgislason, Twitter @EirikDGislason and Facebook.