The best short fiction, handpicked by the best voice in podcasting and presented in 3D immersive audio. In every episode, host LeVar Burton (Roots, Reading Rainbow, Star Trek) invites you to take a break from your daily life, and dive into a great story. LeVar’s narration blends with gorgeous soundscapes to bring stories by Stephen King, Toni Morrison, Nnedi Okorafor, Kurt Vonnegut, Ken Liu and more to life. So, if you’re ready, let’s take a deep breath...
Our immersive audio is best with headphones! If you'd prefer to listen without immersive audio, visit levarburtonpodcast.com/mono.
As she filters through memories and relationships, a young woman navigates a new plane of existence. Find more from the author at www.rachelkhong.com . Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Mar 13, 2018•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A group of children form a secret society around a mysterious and powerful artifact. This story appears in David Langford's collection DIFFERENT KINDS OF DARKNESS. This episode is brought to you by Audible ( audible.com/levar ) and Tripping.com ( www.tripping.com/LEVAR ).
Feb 27, 2018•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast
When a burglary deprives her of her most prized possession, a woman discovers just how resilient and assertive she can be. "Mrs. Perez" appears in Oscar Casares' collection BROWNSVILLE: STORIES from Back Bay Books. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Feb 06, 2018•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A group of schoolgirls have a disturbing and life-altering encounter with the animal kingdom. "The Baboon War" appears in Nnedi Okorafor's collection KABU KABU. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Feb 06, 2018•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A young girl explores her own power, and finds kinship with a bird of prey. Find more from the author at amalelmohtar.com . Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Jan 23, 2018•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Description: Two friends are tasked with protecting a world that is literally ripping at the seams. Find more from John Chu at johnchu.net . Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Jan 16, 2018•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A well-meaning teacher discovers a student's talent, and in the process of helping out his family, bites off more than she can chew. Recorded live at the Now Hear This festival. This story appears in James McBride's collection FIVE CARAT SOUL, available now from Riverhead Books.
Oct 24, 2017•1 hr 8 min•Transcript available on Metacast
An immigrant mother tries to bond with her American-born son by creating a magical paper menagerie. This story appears in Ken Liu's collection THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES, available now from Saga Press. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Aug 29, 2017•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A father and son become immersed in a video game with a unusual philosophical goal -- one that's unlike any game they've played before. "Navigators" appears in THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2012. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Aug 22, 2017•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A grandmother teaches her family to deal with difficult memories in a unique way -- by pickling them in jars. "1000-Year-Old Ghosts" appears in the new anthology PEN AMERICA BEST DEBUT SHORT STORIES 2017. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Aug 15, 2017•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast
Today, a special bonus episode featuring a wide-ranging conversation between LeVar and Lesley Nneka Arimah, author of "What It Means When a Man Falls From the Sky". Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Aug 08, 2017•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A man is contacted by a 102-year-old woman with an unusual and seemingly impossible request. "Graham Greene" appears in Percival Everett's collection HALF AN INCH OF WATER, available from Graywolf Press.Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Jul 18, 2017•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A mathematician has discovered a formula that explains the universe and makes it possible to manipulate human bodies and emotions. "What It Means When a Man Falls From the Sky" is the title story of Lesley Nneka Arimah's collection from Riverhead Books. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Jul 11, 2017•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast
In the conclusion to our story, Jayn risks death when he infiltrates the queen’s chambers, and discovers the real reason for his mission. "Empty Places" was collected in FANTASY: THE BEST OF THE YEAR (2005). Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Jul 04, 2017•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast
An accomplished thief is approached by a wizard who wants to send him on an unusual mission. The two embark on a journey together, matching wits along the way. "Empty Places" was collected in FANTASY: THE BEST OF THE YEAR (2005). Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar .
Jun 27, 2017•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast
The story of a solitary life by the sea, and a woman’s courage. "The Lighthouse Keeper" is part of FEN: STORIES, available from Graywolf Press. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
Jun 20, 2017•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast
A young boy contacts an alien assassin in the hopes of saving his sister’s life. "Kin" is part of Bruce McAllister's collection THE GIRL WHO LOVED ANIMALS. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar
Jun 13, 2017•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast