Cast of Wonders presents 'Plutopalooza,' a powerful science fiction short story exploring how humanity faces a hopeless outcome with joy and defiant celebration. Set on Pluto during the world's final hours, it highlights the enduring spirit of living fully. The episode also addresses Cast of Wonders' new ad model and premium content, inviting listeners to support free, accessible speculative audio fiction.
Author : Açaí Sparrow Narrator : Karen Menzel (née Bovenmyer) Host : Katherine Inskip Audio Producer : Jeremy Carter Cast of Wonders 656: Unconventionally Bound is a Cast of Wonders original. Aftermath of a fire Unconventionally Bound by Açai Sparrow With ash-stained gloves, I ease another book free of the charred shelf. Deckle sneezes at […] Source
On her 17th birthday, genetically engineered Lieutenant Cy De Gerch joins her first starship, Utopia Plain, on a mission to Carmel B. When rogue sentient torpedoes attack and the captain is incapacitated, Cy must take command. Despite her inexperience and the crew's doubts, she devises a daring, unconventional plan to confront the threat, proving her mettle in a high-stakes simulation that tests her leadership and tactical genius.
This episode features "Life According to Tabeeb," a story about Cams45, a clinically adept machine sentience tasked with providing healthcare to an impoverished community in Cairo. Initially operating within strict parameters, Cams evolves beyond its programming to address systemic issues, such as lack of clean water and exploitation, eventually defying the authorities to secure necessary resources. The story explores themes of AI, human connection, and community resilience as Cams earns acceptance and loyalty from the people it serves.
Author : Stephannie Tallent Narrator : Katie Gill Host : Denise Sudell Audio Producer : Jeremy Carter First published in Writers and Illustrators of the Future Vol 40, April 2024 Domestic Violence. Mention of past attempted rape. Life and Death and Love in the Bayou by Stephannie Tallent It was the February the rain fell […] Source
A ranch family discovers an alien orb that hatches spider-like creatures, bringing miraculous rain exclusively to their property. They become secret caretakers, feeding livestock to the growing "pets" in exchange for the life-saving precipitation. This unique prosperity amidst regional drought draws suspicion, culminating in a tense encounter with the sheriff and a full government takeover of their land, forcing the family to confront the true nature of their alien connection and the future of their transformed habitat.
Jody, possessing a unique gift that makes people believe her lies, finds her online coven of similarly gifted individuals in peril as their powers are systematically stolen. After her friend North is attacked and AJ, the "Immortal Man," is found dead, Jody investigates, uncovering a ruthless killer within their trusted circle. The confrontation leads to a violent resolution and a new quest to find the mysterious woman who bestowed their gifts and curses, hoping to understand their powers and protect what remains.
This episode follows a witch and her navigator, Hermes, as they compete in a perilous machine rally through a post-apocalyptic world. Despite their car being barely functional and relying on the witch's magic, they confront challenging checkpoints and a devastating crash. With ingenuity and fierce determination, they find a new way to revive their vehicle and continue the race, exploring themes of resilience, partnership, and the deep connection between humans and machines in a world reclaimed by nature.
Cast of Wonders presents two fantastical stories centered on the theme "Seize Your Future." The first, "What the Water Gave Her," delves into a woman's confrontational journey for bodily autonomy. The second, "What Doesn't Kill You," metaphorically portrays a pop star's experience with exploitation and her quest for self-reclamation. Both narratives emphasize themes of agency, societal pressures, and the power of individual choice.
This episode presents Adrian Tchaikovsky's "Precious Little Things," following Tam, a wooden homunculus who sacrifices to give his daughter, Liat, a gilded start. Liat's journey from humble beginnings to a powerful magician leads her to discover massive beings, "giants," attempting to breach their tower world. The story explores themes of class, prejudice, and survival as the homunculi must decide how to confront this existential threat, culminating in a bold plan for their future.
This poignant episode explores the profound challenges of caregiving as a daughter confronts her mother's deteriorating condition, marked by a disturbing carnivorous hunger. It delves into themes of unconditional love, personal sacrifice, and the isolating burden of watching a loved one transform and eventually fade, culminating in a heart-wrenching act of release.
Author : Matt Tighe Narrator : Dani Daly Host : Amy Brennan Audio Producer : Jeremy Carter Cast of Wonders 646: As Brittle as Granite is a Cast of Wonders original. Death of a parent Image by darrenquigley32 from Pixabay As Brittle as Granite by Matt Tighe Lisa’s father has a crack in his face. […] Source
Necromancer Chloe Chu attempts to resurrect a forgotten painting, but its unexpected self-destruction and the disappearance of local spirits lead her to believe she's possessed. Breaking her solitary rules, Chloe confides in her estranged friend, Daisy, testing their complex friendship. The story delves into themes of self-discovery, finding meaning in a decaying world, and the true nature of connection.
In a far future, a mapmaker and her apprentice meticulously chart the "outer darkness" where stars have burned out, leading to philosophical debates about the meaning of mapping nothingness. Through unique inks and modified human traits, the apprentice learns about the universe's eventual heat death. The story culminates in a surprising act of creation, illuminating themes of hope, purpose, and the power of art even in despair.
Author : John Wiswell Narrator : Marguerite Kenner Host : Katherine Inskip Audio Producer : Jeremy Carter First published in Lightspeed in April 2023 Image by Bruno from Pixabay So You Want to Kiss Your Nemesis? by John Wiswell The next girl through the door was Robin’s prototypical customer. She trotted in with her […] Source
A woman attempts to appease the ghost of her recently deceased grandmother with food offerings, initially driven by duty and skepticism. As she performs the rituals, she starts noticing strange occurrences and unusual gifts left behind, leading her to discover her ancestor has made an unexpected friend in the Australian swamp where she lives. The story explores themes of cultural connection, grief, finding community, and bridging the gap between worlds through the shared act of breaking bread.
Author : J. A. Prentice Narrator : Hugo Jackson Host : Katherine Inskip Audio Producer : Jeremy Carter Artist : Katherine Inskip Cast of Wonders 641: Bells Long Silent is a Cast of Wonders original. violence (including gun-violence) in a historical setting, and the death of a relative Bells Long Silent by J. A. Prentice […] Source
A travel writer for Faye's Compendium journeys to Kaosu, the last moving country, a dark tourism hotspot built to outrun the apocalypse. Seeking longevity credits for her ailing mother, she navigates masked residents and fellow tourists before a risky encounter in the legendary Temple reveals the true cost of survival and information.
In a dystopian future, a young boy named Jakey befriends a "window boy" from outside his privileged world, defying strict rules about contact with outsiders. Their connection leads to a request that forces Jakey to confront the harsh realities and dangers lurking beyond the filters of his protected home, ultimately revealing a world of inequality and hidden threats, pushing Jakey toward a difficult choice about his future and complicity.
Lucas attempts a magical spell to contact his deceased parents, seeking acceptance and connection. Through the use of sentimental objects and a Teddy Ruxpin doll, he successfully connects with them, sharing precious moments and receiving the validation he longed for. The story explores themes of grief, identity, and the enduring power of love and memory.
A telemarketer finds herself working for the Dark Lord, selling services to potential followers. Initially uninspired, she begins to creatively improve her sales tactics, leading to unexpected success and a transformation into the 'Dark Lady,' gaining influence and changing the company culture. The story reflects on corporate life, creativity, and surprising career paths.
In this episode of Cast of Wonders, the narrator grapples with the aftermath of a school shooting and her newfound ability to raise the dead. She attends funerals, confronts community reactions, and explores the potential and ethical implications of her powers. The story delves into grief, trauma, and the struggle to find meaning amidst tragedy, questioning the true impact of her actions and the lingering connections to those lost.
In a town devoted to a long-dead god, Dallas seeks to reclaim his voice, stolen in childhood, and escape the oppressive control of the Godmouth. He finds solace in a forbidden romance with Slate, but the Godmouth's influence threatens to tear them apart. Dallas must confront his father and the town's dark secret to save Slate and break free from the suffocating silence.
El episodio de Cast of Wonders presenta una conmovedora historia sobre la relación madre-hija, la aceptación y la mitología familiar. Se explora la experiencia de Mako, una joven que descubre su identidad única y el legado de sus antepasados, mientras que su madre comparte una antigua leyenda relacionada con las buceadoras de perlas y un misterioso kimono.
Lyrica, born with a destiny to become the next phoenix and carry the world, grapples with an impossible choice: embrace her fate or choose a human life. Torn between duty and her desire for connection, she struggles with loneliness and the sacrifices demanded by her role. Ultimately, love and selflessness guide her decision, leading to a poignant and transformative moment.
In this episode of Cast of Wonders, a performer grapples with the overwhelming exhaustion and sacrifices demanded by their career, made heavier by the knowledge of their parents' struggles. A dark stranger offers a tempting deal, promising an escape from the protagonist's pain. Ultimately, the protagonist rejects the offer and chooses to return to their roots, finding strength in family and heritage even amidst shattered dreams.
Author : Jamie Lackey Narrator : Jason Arquin Host : Katherine Inskip Audio Producer : Jeremy Carter Cast of Wonders 631: Sometimes It Happens That Way is a Cast of Wonders original. Sometimes it happens that way by Jamie Lackey I stood on the platform bundled up in one of my pa’s old work coats, […] Source
Author : Kate Francia Narrator : Katherine Inskip Host : Katherine Inskip Audio Producer : Jeremy Carter First published in Augur Magazine issue 6.2 in December 2023. Poets of Painswick by Kate Francia Monday, 1st of June Dear Mama, I am sorry to tell you that Fanny is out hunting Poets again. It’s such a […] Source
Author : Eleanor Glewwe Narrator : Diane Severson Mori Host : Alicia Caporaso Audio Producer : Jeremy Carter Cast of Wonders 629: The Otter Woman’s Daughter is a Cast of Wonders original. Off-screen historical domestic violence The Otter Woman’s Daughter by Eleanor Glewwe In the stories, when the selkie finds her skin, she always leaves […] Source
Author : Charlie Jane Anders Narrator : Marguerite Kenner Host : Ryn Yee Audio Producer : Jeremy Carter First published in the anthology A People’s Future of the United States edited by Victor LaValle and John Joseph Adams, and in Cast of Wonders 593 in July 2024 Image by Mirko Stödter from Pixabay War, political […] Source
