They called this strange tentacle-headed blob that had floundered into the System Oscar. They were to learn a better name. The Star Beast by Damon Knight. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Damon Knight returns to the podcast today with a story from Planet Stories Magazine. We will discover our story in the Spring 1949 issue on page 59, The Star Beast by Damon Knight… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, There was more at stake than just a football game for Lancelot Biggs and the crew of the Sa...
Jul 21, 2025•32 min•Ep. 397
You Nailed the Future, Joe—Why Didn’t You See This Coming? You Were Right, Joe by J. T. McIntosh. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. We start the podcast today with a huge THANK YOU to you, our listeners around the world. We’ve just reached a new milestone — we’re now the #2 Science Fiction Podcast in Japan! That makes 44 countries where we are #1 or #2. We are thankful for your amazing support. Today, we’re proud to introduce another voice in vintage science fiction: J. T. McIntosh. J. T. ...
Jul 13, 2025•34 min•Ep. 396
A man and his cat. A bond… broken. Then came the madness. The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe … That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Here’s another new 5-star review from Apple Podcasts Australia, courtesy of a listener named “Why make it worse?” “Fantastic Podcast - Can’t wait for each story. Every time I get in the car for the commute I check if I can listen to a new one! Brilliant stories, wonderfully read.” Thanks for the fantastic review! We’re proud to have a 5-star average on Apple Podcas...
Jul 11, 2025•32 min•Ep. 395
Seeing it in action, anybody would quaver in alarm: What hath Farnsworth overwrought? The Big Bounce by Walter S. Tevis. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Today’s tale comes from an author whose name may not be as instantly recognizable as some, but whose work has left a lasting impact on both science fiction and American literature. Born in San Francisco in 1928, Walter Tevis spent much of his childhood in poor health, even spending a year in a convalescent home while his family moved to ...
Jul 07, 2025•27 min•Ep. 394
Super warfare has destroyed the old race of man, but elsewhere a new civilization is dawning… Flight Through Tomorrow by Stanton A. Coblentz. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Stanton A. Coblentz was born in San Francisco, California, in 1896. He earned a master’s degree in English literature from the University of California, Berkeley, and began his career as a poet and journalist before turning to science fiction in the 1920s. Coblentz contributed to magazines like Weird Tales, Wonder St...
Jun 29, 2025•24 min•Ep. 393
Hall and Upjohn had to escape from that "No-man's-land" on Mercury. But to form a plan, they had to think—and their captors could read minds. The Thought-Men of Mercury by Russ Winterbotham. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. It’s 1942. The world is at war, but on newsstands across America, another kind of battle rages—in the pulp pages of Planet Stories magazine. Crack open the Fall issue, flip to page 42, and step into a strange new world of thought control, danger, and desperate escape. ...
Jun 22, 2025•33 min•Ep. 392
Privileged we are to bring you this historic story—one which will warm the manly hearts of the legion of devoted admirers of that venerable fantasist, Arthur Wright Beemis. The Yes Men of Venus by Ron Goulart. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Special thanks to Eaten by a Grue. Five months ago Mr. Grue bought us $25 worth of coffee and today chose to become a monthly supporter of The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. We appreciate each and every one of you and if you would like to show your love for ou...
Jun 19, 2025•27 min•Ep. 391
Marooned on a world within a world, aided by a slim girl and an old warrior, Patrolman Sisko Rolf was fighting his greatest battle—to bring life to dying Mars. The Hairy Ones by Basil Wells . That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Basil Wells makes his debut on the podcast today. Born in 1912 in Springboro, Pennsylvania, Wells wrote science fiction, fantasy westerns and detective stories sometimes using the pseudonym Gene Ellerman. His first short story, Rebirth of Man was published in 1940 in ...
Jun 18, 2025•37 min•Ep. 390
A ruthless metal monster is programmed to destroy—and only one man can stop it. Robot Nemesis by E. E. Doc Smith. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Edward Elmer Smith, better known as “Doc” Smith, was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, back in 1890. He earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Idaho in 1914, and later worked as a chemist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. While he had a solid career in science, he’s best remembered today for his pion...
Jun 16, 2025•53 min•Ep. 389
Together they discussed the Nobles—the old prospector and the weary, frightened man. Then—utter terror struck! The Nobles Are Coming by Arthur Jean Cox. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Today’s featured fiction is like a bite-sized candy bar—same rich ingredients, just in a smaller package. Arthur Jean Cox , born in 1929, was a science fiction fan before becoming an author. Based in the Los Angeles area, his work appeared under a variety of names, including Ralph Carghill, Jean Cox, Gene ...
Jun 11, 2025•12 min•Ep. 388
A shattered Earth suddenly remembered poor Hathaway, marooned all alone there on Mars by the mad rush homeward. But—was Hathaway alone? Dwellers in Silence by Ray Bradbury. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. From time to time, we feature stories that were published in more than one magazine—often under different titles. That means we sometimes have to decide which title to use. Today, Ray Bradbury returns to the podcast with a story that first appeared in Maclean’s Magazine, published in To...
Jun 10, 2025•36 min•Ep. 387
The professor invented a perfume that would never come off! He didn't know it was irresistible. The Irresistible Perfume by Harold Lawlor. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Author Harold Lawlor was born in 1910—though sources differ on whether his birthplace was Ireland or Chicago. Little is known about his life, but between 1942 and 1953, he wrote 35 short stories, many of which appeared in pulp magazines of the era. Lawlor is also credited with writing three episodes of the 1961 televisi...
Jun 08, 2025•47 min•Ep. 386
When a brilliant inventor tries to control volcanic eruptions with a mechanical valve, his bold experiment threatens to unleash fiery chaos on an unsuspecting world. The Volcanic Valve by W. L. Alden. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Is Humorous Historical Science Fiction a real genre? I have no idea—but if it isn’t, someone better invent it fast, because The Volcanic Valve would be its founding father, spiritual guide, and poster child. W. L. Alden, born October 9th, 1837, in Williamstow...
Jun 06, 2025•23 min•Ep. 385
A fascinating story about a heinous crime and its strange aftermath. The Thing in the Trunk by Paul Ernst. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Calling Paul Ernst a prolific writer barely scratches the surface—he penned over 200 short stories across multiple genres, with around 170 in science fiction alone. He contributed nearly 40 tales to Weird Tales magazine, and the story you’re about to hear is unquestionably one of the weirdest. From the pages of the November 1938 publication of Weird T...
Jun 05, 2025•59 min•Ep. 384
When a driven man arrives at a cemetery world, what else can it be but journey's end—and the start of a new one? Dead Man’s Planet by William Morrison. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. We received this message on our Facebook page from Stevie Fogarty in Tipperary Ireland, “Hi Scott. I stumbled across The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast by total accident & I've been an avid fan since. I've listened with excitement to your excellent narration on the stories.” Thanks for the kind words, Stevie! And ...
Jun 04, 2025•31 min•Ep. 383
For ages Mankind labelled Mercury a dead world—a red-hot, seething outpost of hell. Too late Rawley learned of the hideous life that molten, steaming planet spawned! The Mercurian by Frank Belknap Long. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. A huge thank you to all our incredible listeners! Because of you, The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast is now the #1 Science Fiction podcast in New Zealand—our 28th country to reach the top spot! We’re beyond grateful for your support around the world. You’ve made this ...
Jun 02, 2025•33 min•Ep. 382
A Certain Young Man Finds Dying a Profitable Business. The secret of one of the strangest professions in the world. An Adventure of a Professional Corpse - The Artificial Honeymoon by H. Bedford–Jones. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. I have to admit, I’d never heard of H. Bedford-Jones until I came across this story—and what a discovery! As I started digging into his background, I was amazed to learn that he wrote nearly 200 novels, 400 novelettes, and 800 short stories across a wide ran...
Jun 02, 2025•44 min•Ep. 381
A brief tale of the dismal success of a scientist's experiment. Anton's Last Dream by Edwin Baird. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Another podcast, another debut—this time for author Edwin Baird. Best known as the first editor of Weird Tales magazine, Baird helped launch the iconic American fantasy and horror pulp, whose first issue was dated March 1923 and hit newsstands on February 18 of that year. However, Weird Tales got off to a rocky start. Plagued by financial difficulties, the ma...
May 30, 2025•24 min•Ep. 380
When a skeptical professor steps into the mind of a former student’s fiancée, he discovers a surreal landscape shaped by vanity, obsession, and alarming emptiness. A sharp and unsettling exploration of how our inner worlds reveal far more than we intend. The Shoddy Lands by C. S. Lewis. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Clive Staples Lewis, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1898. In 1917, during the height of World War I, he ...
May 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 379
Before David’s startled gaze the newcomer placed his right hand to his left shoulder and removed the left arm. He then proceeded to dismember himself until only a torso, head and one arm remained. The Artificial Man by Clare Winger Harris. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. A new debut on the podcast today: the first woman to publish science fiction stories under her own name in the pulp magazines. While Francis Stevens—born Gertrude Barrows Bennett—was a trailblazer often credited as the f...
May 27, 2025•36 min•Ep. 378
A quest for identity meets the shadows of societal perception. As Rosina struggles to be seen, will she reclaim her voice or remain lost in the darkness? The Invisible Girl by Mary Shelley. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. You may be wondering why this episode of The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast took longer to appear than a ghost at a séance. At the end of The Shunned House by H.P. Lovecraft, we promised you this story. And you probably thought, “Hey, Mary Shelley—the woman who gave us Frankenstei...
May 26, 2025•42 min•Ep. 377
A man and his uncle set out to scientifically investigate a crumbling home steeped in centuries of death and decay. But as night falls, they confront a grotesque, unseen horror feeding on the living—a parasitic evil that may be older than the house itself. The Shunned House by H.P. Lovecraft. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. The Shunned House was penned by H.P. Lovecraft in October 1924 but remained in the shadows until it was published 13 years later, just seven months after his passing!...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 376
"Cooking," explained Lancelot Biggs, "is simply a matter of chemistry." But he didn't expect that he'd have to prove that statement! Lancelot Biggs Cooks a Pirate by Nelson S. Bond. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Nelson S. Bond wrote 14 stories featuring the exploits of the eccentric space explorer Lancelot Biggs. Biggs debuted on the podcast about 3 months ago with F.O.B. Venus. Today’s humorous tale was published 85 years ago in the February 1940 issue of Fantastic Adventures . A Kill...
May 19, 2025•43 min•Ep. 375
If werewolves exist, they don't necessarily conform to all the superstitions people have. They may even know fear…. Infiltration by Algis Budrys. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Thank you for making The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast one of the most popular science fiction podcasts on the planet—streamed in 188 countries worldwide! That’s nearly every country on Earth! We’re blown away by your support. Your incredible support—through your ratings and reviews—continues to inspire sci-fi fans everywh...
May 18, 2025•29 min•Ep. 374
The Shisti and the Assistant Shisti of Mars chose Chicago, U.S.A., for their vacation spot. No worries; they were invisible. Plenty of rich food; the joint was loaded. A whole year of frolicking in store. Only one thing they overlooked—there was a curious convention going on. Con-Fen by James R. Adams. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. This episode marks the first time James R. Adams has appeared on our podcast. We’d love to share more about him—but truth be told, there isn’t much known. H...
May 14, 2025•22 min•Ep. 373
If the alien space craft was not a rocket ship, what was it? And an even bigger question: should they investigate—or run for their lives! The Stranger by Gordon R. Dickson. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Gordon R. Dickson returns to our podcast today. His debut story was No Shield From the Dead in August 2024. From Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy in May 1952, let’s open this 73 year old issue to page 104, The Stranger by Gordon R. Dickson… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, The...
May 13, 2025•23 min•Ep. 372
Can the moving out of line of even the smallest atom of the Inscrutable pattern of the Universe, bring down the whole great edifice in instantaneous, crashing holocaust? The Shadow and the Flash by Jack London . That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Did you know we take story requests for The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast? We do! Just send us an email and let us know what you’d like to hear. scott@lostscifi.com But please remember: we only narrate stories that are in the public domain. Just because a st...
May 11, 2025•42 min•Ep. 371
There is an infinite number of paths through a lens between an object point and its image point-and no matter how many changes of path you make, have you changed anything? Try and Change the Past by Fritz Leiber. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Fritz Leiber is one of about 25 men and women from the golden age of pulp science fiction to receive the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association. He has also been a frequent contributor to ...
May 07, 2025•20 min•Ep. 370
Karson was creating a superman to fight the weird super-monsters who had invaded Earth. But he was forgetting one tiny thing—like calls to like. The Avenger by Damon Knight. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. The very first Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association was presented to Robert Heinlein in 1975. Today’s featured author, Damon Knight, received the honor twenty years later, in 1995. Following his death in 2002, the award was renamed the Damon Knigh...
May 04, 2025•40 min•Ep. 369
Two men debate the limits of human understanding while sitting atop an ancient, haunted burial ground—only to be confronted by a terror that defies all form and logic. What lurks beyond language and reason may not just exist… it may be waiting. The Unnamable by H. P. Lovecraft. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. If you’re enjoying the show, we’d be thrilled if you’d tell your friends. The easiest way to share the sci-fi love is by clicking the social media links in the description and posti...
May 02, 2025•26 min•Ep. 368
