Episodes

  • "The Toynbee Convector" by Ray Bradbury
    May 7 2024

    The world's only time traveler finally reveals his secrets. "The Toynbee Convector" © 1983 by Ray Bradbury


    Content advisory: suicide

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    43 mins
  • "The November Story" by Rebecca Makkai
    Apr 30 2024

    A reality TV show producer tries to make love happen, on- and off-screen. “The November Story” is from MUSIC FOR WARTIME by Rebecca Makkai, published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

    Find LeVar on Instagram Live on Monday, May 6th from 6:30-8pm Pacific, celebrating 13 seasons of LeVar Burton Reads! Join us for a Q&A and surprise guests. Follow @levar.burton on IG and sign up for reminders!

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    50 mins
  • "She Builds Quick Machines" by Lyndsie Manusos
    Apr 23 2024

    Robotics, quick machines, fugitives -- none are exactly what they seem on the surface. Find more from the author at https://lyndsiekay.wordpress.com. And find LeVar on Instagram Live on Monday, May 6th from 6:30-8pm Pacific, celebrating 13 seasons of LeVar Burton Reads! Join us for a Q&A and surprise guests. Follow @levar.burton on IG and mark your calendar!

    Content advisory: warfare, death

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    39 mins
  • "When the Apples are Ripe" by Diane Oliver
    Apr 16 2024

    A young boy puzzles over the behavior of his mysterious elderly neighbor, his parents, and his older brother, a budding civil rights activist.

    This story appears in the collection entitled NEIGHBORS AND OTHER STORIES by Diane Oliver, published by Grove Press.

    Content advisory: racial slur, racism

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    45 mins
  • "The Coffin Maker" by AnaMaria Curtis
    Apr 9 2024

    On a long mission to search for a new home planet, an outfitter tries to protect the crewmembers' lives. But can she protect herself from the inevitable loss and heartbreak? This story first appeared in Uncanny Magazine. For more from the author, check out anamariacurtis.com.


    Content advisory: pandemic, death

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    50 mins
  • "The Appropriation of Cultures" by Percival Everett
    Apr 2 2024

    A young Black musician is heckled by a group of white fraternity brothers, asking him to play "Dixie." His response surprises everyone, including himself. This story appears in the collection DAMNED IF I DO, published by Graywolf Press.

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    34 mins
  • "The Hidden Forests of Earth and Mars" by Anna Zumbro
    Mar 26 2024

    A young woman must decide her future: planting seeds and forging civilization on Mars, or caretaking for future generations on Earth. This story originally appeared in Cast of Wonders. Find more from the author at annazumbro.com.


    Content advisory: climate change and ecological collapse

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    44 mins
  • "Mr. Mendoza's Paintbrush" by Luis Alberto Urrea
    Mar 19 2024

    The self-proclaimed Graffiti King of Mexico brandishes his magical paintbrush, providing commentary on small-town sins. This story appears in the collection THE WATER MUSEUM. Find more from the author at luisurrea.com.


    Content advisory: sexism, sexual harassment

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    39 mins