Escape Pod

Author : Sharon Joss Narrator : Torin Andrus Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Love in the Time of Dust and Venom originally appeared in 2013 Fiction River – Time Travelers. Includes a form of assisted suicide. Sponsored by Mixtape Stories Love in the Time of Dust and Venom By Sharon Joss Using […] Source

Author : S. C. Mills Narrator : Hugo Jackson Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 1040: Gods and Spirits Our Witnesses is an Escape Pod original. Loss of an infant Sponsored by Mixtape Stories Gods and Spirits Our Witnesses by S. C. Mills We met in a public-access data booth […] Source

Author : Tim Pratt Narrator : Isabel J. Kim Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “The Many Rebirths of Karina Morita” first appeared in 2025 on Tim’s Patreon Sponsored by Mixtape Stories The Many Rebirths of Karina Morita by Tim Pratt My problems all started when I died. People didn’t die too […] Source

Author : ace tilton ratcliff Narrator : Jordan Kurella Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 1038: Meet the Mets is an Escape Pod original. Contains brief moments of violence and bigotry towards a transgender character Sponsored by Mixtape Stories Meet the Mets by Ace Tilton Ratcliff 1964 Bobby didn’t know […] Source

Author : Kelly Robson Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Adam Pracht We Who Live in the Heart originally appeared in Clarkesworld, May 1, 2017. Quantum Superposition https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_superposition Cloudward Ho https://dimension20.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Cloudward,_Ho! Void Merch https://voidmerch.threadless.com/collections/escape-artists-inc-x-voidmerch-1 We Who Live in the Heart (Part 3 of 3) By Kelly Robson (…Continued from Part […] Source

Author : Kelly Robson Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Adam Pracht We Who Live in the Heart originally appeared in Clarkesworld, May 1, 2017. We Who Live in the Heart (Part 2 of 3) By Kelly Robson (…Continued from Part 2) Ricci got into my notes. I don’t keep […] Source

Author : Kelly Robson Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Adam Pracht We Who Live in the Heart originally appeared in Clarkesworld, May 1, 2017. We Who Live in the Heart By Kelly Robson Ricci slipped in and out of consciousness as we carried her to the anterior sinus and […] Source

Author : Jacob Seinemeier Narrator : Elie Hirschman Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 1034: “An Honour to be Nominated…” is an Escape Pod original. Mild profanity “An Honour to be Nominated…” by Jacob Seinemeier TRANSGALACTIC NEWS- straight from the feed to your screed! “…and how exciting to be gathered […] Source

Author : G. M. Paniccia Narrator : Christiana Ellis Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 1033: The Automatic Grocery Store is an Escape Pod original. The Automatic Grocery Store By G. M. Paniccia It took thirty-six days, four hours, twelve minutes, and fifty-five seconds after the Glorious Revolution for Automatic […] Source

Author : Victoria N. Shi Narrator : Tatiana Grey Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “milt” first apeared in Fission #5 by the British Science Fiction Association (June 2025) Contains Injury/body horror, climate grief, implied sexual behavior milt by Victoria N. Shi The others believe there’s no pulling Yobé out of his […] Source

Author : Filip Hajdar Drnovšek Zorko Narrators : David D. Levine and S.B. Divya Hosts : Alasdair Stuart and Tina Connolly Audio Producers : Summer Brooks and Adam Pracht Escape Pod 1031: The Anatomy of Miracles (Flashback Friday) is an Escape Pod original. Escape Pod branded SleepPhones Kameron Hurley – The Last Few Years Broke […] Source

Author : Rodrigo Culagovski Narrator : Julia Rios Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 1030: The Smell of the Planet I Was Born On is an Escape Pod original. The Smell of the Planet I Was Born On By Rodrigo Culagovski There are two moons visible, a large one right […] Source

Author : Myna Chang Narrator : Amanda Ching Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Graduated Justice originally appeared in Translunar Travelers Lounge, February 2025. Graduated Justice: An Amelia Li Mystery By Myna Chang I was leaning against my desk in the Mars Dome cop shop, rubbing nano-repair gel on my prosthetic leg, when […] Source

Author : Aimee Ogden Narrator : Isaac Harwood Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Copious helpings of harsh language descriptors found here. Don’t miss Parts 1 and 2: Escape Pod 1026: What Any Dead Thing Wants (Part 1 of 3), Escape Pod 1027: What Any Dead Thing Wants (Part 2 of 3) […] Source

Author : Aimee Ogden Narrator : Isaac Harwood Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Copious helpings of harsh language descriptors found here. Don’t miss Part 1: Escape Pod 1026: What Any Dead Thing Wants (Part 1 of 3) What Any Dead Thing Wants (Part 2) by Aimee Ogden Quiet is a rare […] Source

Author : Aimee Ogden Narrator : Isaac Harwood Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “What Any Dead Thing Wants” originally appeared in Psychopomp (February 2024) Copious helpings of harsh language descriptors found here. What Any Dead Thing Wants (Part 1) by Aimee Ogden The third week of a planetary exorcism is the […] Source

Author : Diana Wynne Jones Narrator : Emma Newman Hosts : Mur Lafferty and Alasdair Stuart Audio Producers : Adam Pracht and Mat Weller Samantha’s Diary originally appeared in Stories: All-New Tales Edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio and on Escape Pod, episode 427 on December 22, 2013. Samantha’s Diary By Diana Wynne Jones Recorded on BSQ SpeekEasi […] Source

Author : Laura Pearlman Narrator : Laura Pearlman Hosts : Alasdair Stuart and Summer Fletcher Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story was originally published in Mothership Zeta, May 2016, and republished in Escape Pod 650: Some Things I Probably Should Have Mentioned Earlier (LIVE) This is a live reading from Worldcon 2018. Some Things […] Source

Author : David DeGraff Narrator : Brian Lieberman Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Mackson’s Mardi Gras Moon Race” originally appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. Mackson’s Mardi Gras Moon Race by David DeGraff Turtles were built for short-haul Lunar prospecting, not treks across […] Source

Author : Kal M Narrators : Valerie Valdes, Eric Valdes, Dominick Rabrun and Alasdair Stuart Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Butter Side Down originally appeared in Writers of the Future (volume 40) – May 2024. Butter Side Down (Part 2 of 2) By Kal M   (…Continued from Part 1)   […] Source

Author : Kal M Narrators : Valerie Valdes, Eric Valdes, Dominick Rabrun and Alasdair Stuart Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Butter Side Down originally appeared in Writers of the Future (volume 40) – May 2024. Butter Side Down (Part 1 of 2) By Kal M DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT CASE FILE […] Source

Author : Natalia Theodoridou Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Summer Brooks When They Come Back was originally published in Crossed Genres (Issue 22), in October 2014, and in Escape Pod Episode 550 Frank though not explicit reference to human sexual anatomy When They Come Back by Natalia Theodoridou They […] Source

Author : Renan Bernardo Narrator : Ben Gideon Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 1019: Baron Quits The Payloaders is an Escape Pod original. Death of loved ones. Baron Quits The Payloaders By Renan Bernardo This story starts with a gig. Half a million people from all corners of the […] Source

Author : Marie Vibbert Narrator : Isabel J. Kim Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Knit Three, Save Four” first appeared in Fantasy & Science Fiction (November 2019) Knit Three, Save Four by Marie Vibbert The ship was two days overdue for docking, more or less. As a stowaway, I didn’t have […] Source

Author : Andrew Dana Hudson Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 1017: The Love Pyramid: A Rocky Cornelius Consultancy is an Escape Pod original. F-Bombs and frank discussions of sex. The Love Pyramid: A Rocky Cornelius Consultancy By Andrew Dana Hudson “What do you mean you […] Source

Author : N.K. Jemisin Narrator : Stephanie Malia Morris Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Valedictorian” was originally published in After: Nineteen Stories of Apocalypse and Dystopia. It then appeared in Escape Pod 450, and in a Flashback Friday episode in Escape Pod 677 Valedictorian by N. K. Jemisin There are three […] Source

Author : Elly Bangs Narrator : Christiana Ellis Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Space Pirate Queen of the Ten Billion Utopias” was first published in Lightspeed Magazine in November 2021 Copious amounts of casual strong language. This story was written in the summer of 2020, while the police were rioting and […] Source

Author : Elizabeth Bear Narrator : Jess Lewis Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Here Instead of There was originally published in COMMUNICATIONS BREAKDOWN, 2023, Jonathan Strahan, Ed. Includes some grade-A cursing. Here Instead of There (Part 2 of 2) By Elizabeth Bear (… Continued from Part 1) With the launch gone, there […] Source

Author : Elizabeth Bear Narrator : Jess Lewis Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Here Instead of There was originally published in COMMUNICATIONS BREAKDOWN, 2023, Jonathan Strahan, Ed. Includes some grade-A cursing. Here Instead of There (Part 1 of 2) By Elizabeth Bear Waking up sick in a punk house shouldn’t be a […] Source

Author : J. R. Dewitt Narrator : Rebecca Wei Hsieh Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 1012: Hot Bot Summer is an Escape Pod original. Contains depictions of war violence. Hot Bot Summer by J. R. Dewitt “God, these bots are gorgeous,” says Sergei as he snaps another photo. And even though […] Source

Author : Kelsey Hutton Narrator : Kat Day Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Once Upon a Planet originally appeared in Augur Magazine, Issue 7.1 – August 2024. Once Upon a Planet By Kelsey Hutton Once upon a time, there were three boring, totally normal planets lazily circling their sun. One was too […] Source

Author : Cooper C. Wilms Narrator : Eric Valdes Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 1010: Grifting the Zaxonite is an Escape Pod original. Grifting the Zaxonite by Cooper C. Wilms Of all the cons in his little black book, Trevor McKay liked his current grift the best. Small-fish stunts […] Source

Author : Arden Baker Narrator : Jess Lewis Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht The Combat Pilot’s Dictionary was originally published in Aurealis #167, Febuary 2024. Wartime action and injury. The Combat Pilot’s Dictionary By Arden Baker Boot Rookie pilot. See also – nugget. You called us ‘boots’ when we turned up to […] Source

Author : Tim Pratt Narrator : A Kovacs Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Observer Effects” originally appeared in Diet Soap (2007), and was originally presented in Escape Pod 350 Contains harsh language Escape Pod is proud to say that we have partnered with Sleepphones headphones to provide a special Escape Pod […] Source

Author : Hans Ege Wenger Narrator : Sevatividam Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 1007: 35 / F / Lane’s Creek, Oklahoma is an Escape Pod original. 35 / F / Lane’s Creek, Oklahoma By Hans Ege Wenger Sandra loaded. Boxes and pallets, mostly. Full of avocados, computer chips, plastic […] Source

Author : Albert Chu Narrator : Hugo Jackson Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “When the Oracle Speaks” was first published in Metaphororsis, July 2023 When the Oracle Speaks (Part 2) by Albert Chu Outside the warehouse, the rain fell in sheets. It whipped the Azure River into a frenzy, and the […] Source

Author : Albert Chu Narrator : Hugo Jackson Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “When the Oracle Speaks” was first published in Metaphororsis, July 2023 When the Oracle Speaks (Part 1) by Albert Chu One year after the war’s end, the royal court welcomed a hundred orphan boys into our ranks. They […] Source

Author : David von Allmen Narrator : Pine Gonzalez Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 1004: The Girl Who Came Before is an Escape Pod original. Child death and disease; grief. The Girl Who Came Before By David von Allmen When me and my family pulled into our driveway, my […] Source

Author : Vanessa Ricci-Thode Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 1003: Billionaire’s Tears is an Escape Pod original. Includes cursing, death by communicable disease (albeit not by the usual means). Billionaire’s Tears By Vanessa Ricci-Thode I wake up to the sound of screaming, and know I’m […] Source

Author : Risa Wolf Narrator : Julia Rios Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Tigers for Sale was first published in Clarkesworld Magazine in July 2023 Content warnings: colonialism, implied genocide, psychological manipulation Tigers for Sale by Risa Wolf Past the sparrow-dark dust fields of Far Euniply, at the edge of the […] Source

Author : Ryan Cole Narrator : Tatiana Grey Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 1001: Death by Pink in the Lollipop Apocalypse is an Escape Pod original. Death by Pink in the Lollipop Apocalypse By Ryan Cole In the dark of her bed, curled up in her sheets, Susie tried […] Source

Author : Matt Wallace Narrator : Mur Lafferty Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 1000: A Thousand Names for God and Infinite Mustard is an Escape Pod original. Contains some harsh language A Thousand Names for God and Infinite Mustard by Matt Wallace Kimo found God hiding out inside a […] Source

Author : Rachel Swirsky Narrator : Mur Lafferty Hosts : Alasdair Stuart and Norm Sherman Audio Producers : Adam Pracht and Mur Lafferty Eros, Philia, Agape originally appeared on Tor.com and first appeared on Escape Pod on Episode 250, July 22, 2010. Marital strife and implied child abuse Eros, Philia, Agape (Excerpt) By Rachel Swirsky The […] Source

Author : Kelsey Hutton Narrator : Samantha Loney Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht The Carina Nebula originally appeared in Analog Science Fiction & Fact, July/August 2023. Includes a few A-grade curses. The Carina Nebula By Kelsey Hutton I heard the soft shit shit shit just when I’d almost floated past the blue […] Source

Author : Alexis Ames Narrator : Eric Valdes Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Sanctuary” first appeared in Kyanite Press, Winter 2020 Don’t miss “Sanctuary, Part 1” Sanctuary (Part 2) by Alexis Ames 3. Eilan slept for thirteen uneventful hours while I sat at the helm and wondered if it was possible […] Source

Author : Alexis Ames Narrator : Eric Valdes Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Sanctuary” first appeared in Kyanite Press, Winter 2020 Sanctuary (Part 1) by Alexis Ames 1. The king of the galaxy died the day before the biggest holiday of the year, and six hours before I was supposed to […] Source

Author : Jeremiah Tolbert Narrator : Serah Eley Hosts : Alasdair Stuart and Serah Eley Audio Producers : Adam Pracht and Serah Eley This, My Body originally appeared in Interzone 2005. Contains graphic sexual and culinary scenes. Rated X. This, My Body (Excerpt) By Jeremiah Tolbert I am the lover. I am the chef. I am the […] Source

Author : Esther Alter Narrators : Hugo Jackson, Jess Lewis, Serah Eley and Joe Moran Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 994: Magical Girl Antifa War Machine is an Escape Pod original. NSFW. Includes violence, death, mental health issues, global disaster, explicit sex, consensual BDSM, war trauma, a brief mention […] Source

Author : T. Kingfisher Narrator : Kevin M. Hayes Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 993: That Thing With Bob and the Crop Circles is an Escape Pod original. That Thing With Bob and the Crop Circles by T. Kingfisher So last Tuesday, long about noon, I found myself down […] Source

Author : Lyra Meurer Narrator : Rosie Sentman Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Nerves Into Circuits was originally published by Heartlines Spec on November 30, 2023 Includes mention of chronic pain and suicidal ideation. Nerves Into Circuits By Lyra Meurer Metal arms descend to press skin-soft conductor strips over my shoulders. […] Source

Author : P. A. Cornell Narrator : Isabel J. Kim Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 991: After the Rain is an Escape Pod original. After the Rain by P. A. Cornell I love a heavy summer storm. I love it when the rain falls so suddenly there’s no avoiding […] Source

Author : Serah Eley Narrator : Paul S. Jenkins Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “The Malcontent” was originally published in Escape Pod 50 (April 2006) The Malcontent by Serah Eley Finally Nicholas summoned his overseers and all other servants who were mobile to his chamber. “You are merely robots,” Nicholas said, […] Source

Author : Jennifer Hudak Narrator : Kat Kourbeti Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 989: Holding Patterns is an Escape Pod original. Holding Patterns By Jennifer Hudak I dream about the trees sometimes. I think we all do, even though none of my generation were alive when the forest was […] Source

Author : Chris Campbell Narrator : Dominick Rabrun Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht In the Palace of Science originally appeared in Asimov’s May/June 2024. In the Palace of Science (Part 2 of 2) By Chris Campbell (…Continued from Part 1) B-Side   Track Five–   The automaton was unfinished, but even in […] Source

Author : Chris Campbell Narrator : Dominick Rabrun Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht In the Palace of Science originally appeared in Asimov’s May/June 2024. In the Palace of Science (Part 1 of 2) By Chris Campbell Track One–   If you’ve found this recording, two things can be said for certain. The […] Source

Author : Hiron Ennes Narrator : Tatiana Grey Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 986: Lyra, From Many Angles is an Escape Pod original. Lyra, From Many Angles by Hiron Ennes When they came, it was in a craft the size of a golf ball. Smooth and round and perfectly […] Source

Author : Ryan Cole Narrator : Elie Hirschman Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 985: The Interdimensional Rift at the Lucky Sunrise Bingo Palace is an Escape Pod original. The Interdimensional Rift at the Lucky Sunrise Bingo Palace by Ryan Cole So I’m sitting there with Bubbee—the two of us […] Source

Author : Jonathan Sullivan Narrator : Serah Eley Hosts : Alasdair Stuart and Serah Eley Audio Producers : Adam Pracht and Serah Eley Imperial originally appeared in Monolith 6 and on Escape Pod episode 1 on May 12, 2005. Rated R. Contains profanity, sexual content, politics, and sarcasm. Jonathan Sullivan: https://erincairns.com/ErinCairns/About/Press+Kit Serah Eley: https://escapepod.org/people/serah-eley/ Adam Pracht: https://escapepod.org/people/adam-pracht/ […] Source

Author : Holly Schofield Narrator : Kae Mills Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “The Robot Whisperer” first appeared in Fighting for the Future cyberpunk-solarpunk anthology in 2023 The Robot Whisperer by Holly Schofield Emilia heard the door bang as Kore entered her workshop. Dishes clattered on the side bench. “Be there […] Source

Author : Lilly Harper Narrator : Kat Day Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 982: Twilight is an Escape Pod original. Includes themes of grief, loss, isolation, and mental health. Twilight By Lilly Harper Like the tide going out, the dream slipped between her toes and carried with it the […] Source

Author : Dale Smith Narrator : Louise Ratcliffe Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Joy” was previously published in Interzone Digital (June 2023) Joy by Dale Smith Joy knelt on the promenade, shifting the rifle into her shoulder to get a steadier shot. She did her best to ignore the waves crashing […] Source

Author : Erin Cairns Narrator : Devin Martin Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 980: Peace by Piece is an Escape Pod original. Erin Cairns https://erincairns.com/ErinCairns/About/Press+Kit Adam Pracht https://escapepod.org/people/adam-pracht/ Alasdair Stuart https://pseudopod.org/people/alasdair-stuart/ A Man Falls Into A Hole: A Meditation on Grace https://ceciliairene.wordpress.com/2016/03/05/a-man-falls-into-a-hole-a-meditation-on-grace/ Void Merch https://voidmerch.threadless.com/collections/escape-artists-inc-x-voidmerch-1 Hot Singles In Your […] Source

Author : Merc Fenn Wolfmoor Narrator : Joe Moran Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Steadyboi After the Apocalypse” first appeared in the collection Friends For Robots: Stories by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor (Robot Dinosaur Press, 2022) Steadyboi After the Apocalypse by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor You trudge through another wasteland town, sticking to […] Source

Author : Alasdair Stuart Narrator : Sarah Griffin Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 978: Oak Hill Lane is an Escape Pod original. Includes minor violence, homophobia, and swears. Oak Hill Lane By Alasdair Stuart The day the world ended, Scotch picked a fight. Not that there was much choice. […] Source

Author : Deborah L. Davitt Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Reflected in Mirrored Skies” was published by Compelling Science Fiction (Special Kickstarter Companion issue Nov. 6, 2018) Mentions of sexual assault Reflected in Mirrored Skies by Deborah L. Davitt Mariana stood in the security room, listening to […] Source

Author : Deborah L. Davitt Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Reflected in Mirrored Skies” was published by Compelling Science Fiction (Special Kickstarter Companion issue Nov. 6, 2018) Reflected in Mirrored Skies by Deborah L. Davitt Above them, stars; below, the endless roil of leaden clouds that engulfed […] Source

Author : Bruce Holland Rogers Narrator : Evo Terra Hosts : Alasdair Stuart and Serah Eley Audio Producers : Adam Pracht and Serah Eley Don Ysidro first appeared in Polyphony 3, October 2003. Includes death rituals with possible disturbing imagery. Evo Terra’s “The End” The Fiction Podcast Preservation Project Don Ysidro (Excerpt) By Bruce Holland […] Source

Author : A.P. Hawkins Narrator : Peter Adrian Behravesh Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 974: Once Abandoned is an Escape Pod original. Once Abandoned By A.P. Hawkins Sappel whistled as he walked to the construction site, the sound echoing off nearby buildings in a muffled way. It was early […] Source

Author : Simone Heller Narrator : Hugo Jackson Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Forever the Forest” was first published in “Life Beyond Us: An Original Anthology of SF Stories and Science Essays” (April 2023) Forever the Forest by Simone Heller It is known that the Rootless are only ever leaving. Always […] Source

Author : Craig Church Narrator : Rosie Sentman Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 972: The Bargain of Death and Saint Nicholas is an Escape Pod original. The Bargain of Death and Saint Nicholas by Craig Church “What’s your favorite tale?” I ask, voice quivering. My audience of thieves and […] Source

Author : Greg van Eekhout Narrator : Serah Eley Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “In the Late December” appeared in Strange Horizons, December 2003. This story was also a Nebula Award Nominee! Contains some dark Santa-related imagery, and the heat death of the universe. In the Late December by Greg van […] Source

Author : Cat Rambo Narrator : Tina Connolly Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Red in Tooth and Cog” originally appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, 2016, and was previously published in Escape Pod 607 Red in Tooth and Cog By Cat Rambo A phone can be so much. […] Source

Author : Malon Edwards Narrators : Dominick Rabrun, Mandaly Louis-Charles, C.S.E. Cooney and Laurice White Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Code Switching originally appeared in If Wishes Were Obfuscation Codes and Other Stories – September 12, 2023. Contains racism, war, and grade-A cursing. Code Switching (Part 4 of 4) By Malon Edwards […] Source

Author : Malon Edwards Narrators : Dominick Rabrun and Mandaly Louis-Charles Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Code Switching originally appeared in If Wishes Were Obfuscation Codes and Other Stories – September 12, 2023. Contains racism, war, and grade-A cursing. Code Switching (Part 3 of 4) By Malon Edwards (…Continued from Part 2) […] Source

Author : Malon Edwards Narrators : Dominick Rabrun, C.S.E. Cooney and Laurice White Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Code Switching originally appeared in If Wishes Were Obfuscation Codes and Other Stories – September 12, 2023. Contains racism, war, and grade-A cursing. Code Switching (Part 2 of 4) By Malon Edwards (…Continued from […] Source

Author : Malon Edwards Narrator : Dominick Rabrun Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Code Switching originally appeared in If Wishes Were Obfuscation Codes and Other Stories – September 12, 2023. Contains depictions of racism. Code Switching (Part 1 of 4) By Malon Edwards INTRO: ALL I’M EVER GON’ DO IS STAY BLACK […] Source

Authors : Sarina Dorie and Addison Smith Narrators : Tina Connolly and Andrew K. Hoe Hosts : Alasdair Stuart and Kat Day Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 965: T-Rex Tex Mex / Mother Death Learns a Trick is an Escape Pod original. T-Rex Tex Mex by Sarina Dorie “Whoa! Hold on, partner!” the […] Source

Author : Greg van Eekhout Narrator : Anna Eley Hosts : Mur Lafferty and Serah Eley Audio Producers : Adam Pracht and Serah Eley Show and Tell originally appeared in Strange Horizons June 10, 2002. Contains mild scenes of violence. Show and Tell By Greg van Eekhout Teacher is an old-fashioned bug with a blue carapace and eyes […] Source

Author : Julia Rios Narrators : Abra Staffin-Wiebe and Tatiana Grey Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “To Catch a Flieff” was originally written as a bonus for backers of the Bridge to Elsewhere Kickstarter (an anthology of stories set on bridges of spaceships). Listen to Part 1: Escape Pod 962: To […] Source

Author : Julia Rios Narrators : Abra Staffin-Wiebe and Tatiana Grey Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “To Catch a Flieff” was originally written as a bonus for backers of the Bridge to Elsewhere Kickstarter (an anthology of stories set on bridges of spaceships). To Catch a Flieff by Julia Rios Alessia […] Source

Author : Larry Hodges Narrator : Mur Lafferty Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 961: Mathball is an Escape Pod original. Mathball By Larry Hodges You are a baseball fan, sitting in the centerfield seats eating an overpriced hot dog. You are wearing a baseball cap, but not a batting […] Source

Author : Benjamin C. Kinney Narrator : Heather Thomas Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story originally appeared in the anthology “The Internet Is Where The Robots Live Now” (Paper Dog Press, November 2018). Elegy of Carbon by Benjamin C. Kinney The miner birthed itself among rubble and vacuum, as it […] Source

Author : Arden Baker Narrators : Scott Campbell, Graeme Dunlop and Valerie Valdes Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 959: This Little War of Ours is an Escape Pod original. Brief mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation, and an apocalypse setting. This Little War of Ours By Arden Baker   […] Source

Author : Marissa Lingen Narrator : The Word Whore Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Originally appeared in Analog (2011), and in Escape Pod 366 (Oct 2012) Some of Them Closer by Marissa Lingen Coming back to Earth was not the immediate shock they expected it to be for me. It was […] Source

Author : D.A. Xiaolin Spires Narrator : Rebecca Wei Hsieh Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Vault originally appeared in Clarkesworld, Issue 141 in June 2018. Vault (Part 2 of 2) By D.A. Xiaolin Spires (…Continued from Part 1) “Lukas?” Chenguang’s voice echoes in this expanse of dark. A vortex of light opens to […] Source

Author : D.A. Xiaolin Spires Narrator : Rebecca Wei Hsieh Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Vault originally appeared in Clarkesworld, Issue 141 in June 2018. Vault (Part 1 of 2) By D.A. Xiaolin Spires Chenguang hikes up her sleeves before vaulting over the pile of fuzzy moss and greets Lukas with a nod. […] Source

Author : Sylvie Althoff Narrator : Serah Eley Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 955: Endymion is an Escape Pod original. Contains transphobic slur, adult language, and brief but graphic violence Endymion by Sylvie Althoff It’s green here—green and wet. The twittering of birds in the treetops pauses as one […] Source

Author : Samantha Henderson Narrator : Mur Lafferty Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Chandra’s Game” originally appeared in Lone Star Stories (2009), and in Escape Pod 373. Chandra’s Game by Samantha Henderson Joey Straphos, Papa Joe, told me once that Chandra’s Game is a bitch of a city, fickle but generous […] Source

Author : Malka Older Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Sturdy Ladders and Lanterns originally appeared in XPrize Current Futures anthology, 2019. Sturdy Ladders and Lanterns By Malka Older As a freelance marine behavioral researcher most of Natalia’s jobs went something like this: She swam around in some […] Source

Author : Erin Brown Narrator : Cherrae L. Stuart Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Skyscrapers That Twist to the Sun” appeared in Fantasy Magazine Issue 87 (January 2023) Skyscrapers That Twist to the Sun by Erin Brown Shaundra took the small, empty cardboard box and swiveled on her work stool to […] Source

Author : Kristen Koopman Narrators : Ant Bacon, Valerie Valdes and Adam Pracht Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 951: The Scientist Does Not Look Back is an Escape Pod original. Death, grief and loss. The Scientist Does Not Look Back By Kristen Koopman Feb. 17, 3:40 AM. Audio notebook for […] Source

Author : James Patrick Kelly Narrators : A Kovacs, John Cmar and Pamela Quevillon Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Appropriate for older teens and up due to erotic imagery and war criminal comeuppance Bad Dogs Escape By James Patrick Kelly /SFX/ CLOCK TICKING, FADE TO /SFX/ DOGS BARKING IN DISTANCE SAM: […] Source

Author : Brian Hugenbruch Narrator : Kyle Akers Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 949: A Foundational Model for Talking to Girls is an Escape Pod original. A Foundational Model for Talking to Girls By Brian Hugenbruch “Hey Marty,” Mom asks, “got a moment?” I cringe whenever Mom’s voice has […] Source

Author : Rachel Meresman Narrator : Isaac Harwood Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 948: Thank You for Doing Business with the Xyb’lor Principality is an Escape Pod original. Thank You for Doing Business with the Xyb’lor Principality by Rachel Meresman Jaxon was not a connoisseur of art, but he […] Source

Author : Rob Gillham Narrator : Alasdair Stuart Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 947: Rupert Weard and the Case of the Adamant Annihilist is an Escape Pod original. Rupert Weard and the Case of the Adamant Annihilist By Rob Gillham Rupert Weard leapt into the drawing room, escaping a […] Source

Author : Eugie Foster Narrator : Mur Lafferty Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story was first published in Escape Pod 388 (March 21, 2013) Contains harsh language and graphic gory violence Trixie and the Pandas of Dread by Eugie Foster Trixie got out of her cherry-red godmobile and waved away […] Source

Author : Stetson Bostic Narrator : Samuel Poots Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 945: Walking with Thorny is an Escape Pod original. Walking with Thorny by Stetson Bostic Hitchhikers clung to Tasi’s pants as he neared the edge of the forest. He brushed them off while walking and looked […] Source

Author : Vera Brook Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Adam Pracht How to Keep Your Cool If You’re a Mech First Day on the Job was originally published in The Colored Lens in spring 2022. How to Keep Your Cool If You’re a Mech First Day on the Job […] Source

Author : Vera Brook Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Adam Pracht How to Keep Your Cool If You’re a Mech First Day on the Job was originally published in The Colored Lens in spring 2022. https://designfor-me.com/project-types/self-build/revolutionising-construction-the-rise-of-3d-printed-houses/ https://www.gira.com/uk/en/g-pulse-magazine/building/3d-house-germany# https://builtin.com/articles/3d-printed-house#:~:text=Nowadays%2C%20industrial%2Dsized%203D%20printers,transported%20to%20its%20final%20location How to Keep Your Cool If You’re a Mech First Day […] Source

Author : E J Delaney Narrator : Eliza Chan Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 942: The Eye of Applethorpe is an Escape Pod original. The Eye of Applethorpe by E J Delaney Úna’s dad once said to her: “You never know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Spring had […] Source

Author : Andrew Dana Hudson Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 941: The Concept Shoppe: A Rocky Cornelius Consultancy is an Escape Pod original. The Concept Shoppe: A Rocky Cornelius Consultancy By Andrew Dana Hudson “This place is trash, garbágio, blechalicious,” Rocky Cornelius said appreciatively. “All […] Source

Author : Grace Chan Narrator : Isabel J. Kim Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Nobody Ever Goes Home to Zhenzhu” originally appeared in Lightspeed Magazine (May 2022). Contains some harsh language. Nobody Ever Goes Home to Zhenzhu by Grace Chan I’d always known Calam would run. He had all the signs. […] Source

Author : Marie Vibbert Narrator : Rebecca Wei Hsieh Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 939: Variant Cover: Pantone Sunset is an Escape Pod original. Alternate Cover: Pantone Sunset By Marie Vibbert Stacey reads a comic book.  It’s about a robot lady, but not like her.  This robot lady has exposed gears […] Source

Author : Tim Chawaga Narrator : James Kaku Pierson Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 938: Chug the Tea Leaves, Chuck the Ads is an Escape Pod original. Chug the Tea Leaves, Chuck the Ads by Tim Chawaga I wake up to a message and a certain intuition that my […] Source

Author : Shaenon K. Garrity Narrator : Nathaniel Lee Hosts : Valerie Valdes and Norm Sherman Audio Producers : Summer Brooks and Mat Weller Escape Pod 937: Punk Voyager (Flashback Friday) is an Escape Pod original. A copious amount of harsh language. Punk Voyager by Shaenon K. Garrity Punk Voyager was built by punks.  They […] Source

Author : Nora Schinnerl Narrator : Tatiana Grey Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Old People’s Folly originally appeared in Future Science Fiction Digest, Sept. 2021. Homophobia. Parental abuse. Old People’s Folly (Part 2 of 2) By Nora Schinnerl (…Continued from Part 1) Kite was still curled into a bundle of blankets […] Source

Author : Nora Schinnerl Narrator : Tatiana Grey Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Old People’s Folly originally appeared in Future Science Fiction Digest, Sept. 2021. Homophobia. Parental abuse. Old People’s Folly (Part 1 of 2) By Nora Schinnerl Setti knew the woman for a ghost the moment she appeared. It was […] Source

Author : Tony Dunnell Narrator : Bryce Dahle Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 934: The Alien in My Bathtub is an Escape Pod original. If you aren’t familiar with Locus Magazine, they’re a respected website, magazine, award, archive, and resource for SF, fantasy, and horror. They put on the […] Source

Author : Pragathi Bala Narrator : S.B. Divya Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 933: Summitting the Moon is an Escape Pod original. Summitting the Moon By Pragathi Bala T-7 days The moon Landed, the Rut appeared, home equity plummeted, jobs disappeared, and Ghis liked riding the moon. It was […] Source

Author : Renan Bernardo Narrator : Julia Rios Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story was originally published at Apex Magazine #134 in December 2022. The Walking Mirror of the Soul by Renan Bernardo My desire was written all over Halcyon’s torso, a shimmering tattoo composed of my thoughts and the […] Source

Author : Johnny Caputo Narrator : Abra Staffin-Wiebe Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht The Rhythms of the World originally appeared in Mithila Review, Issue 16, July 2022. The Rhythms of the World By Johnny Caputo As always, we’re starving to death. From our place inside the leather pouch tied to Aamsaa’s […] Source

Author : Jack Windeyer Narrator : Matt Dovey Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 930: Fulfillment in Purpose is an Escape Pod original. Zima Blue Zima Blue episode of Love, Death & Robots Get Excited and Make Things! Ezekiel’s speech from The Walking Dead Season 8 Episode 4: And Yet […] Source

Author : N.B. Andersen Narrator : Dani Cutler Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 929: The Library is an Escape Pod original. The Library By N. B. Andersen Every morning at ten to ten, Dot powered on. Its hands lay flat against the thick glass of the reading room window, […] Source

Author : Merrie Haskell Narrator : Amanda Ching Hosts : Valerie Valdes and Norm Sherman Audio Producers : Summer Brooks and Eric Valdes Originally published in Apex Magazine, February 2013, and was previously published in Escape Pod 404 (July 2013). Zebulon Vance Sings the Alphabet Songs of Love by Merrie Haskell I am Robot!Ophelia. I […] Source

Author : Raiff Taranday Narrator : Alasdair Stuart Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 927: How to Pass as Human is an Escape Pod original. Some mildly crude language. This episode is sponsored by The Theater of the Midnight Sun podcast, an anthology series of sci-fi/fantasy audio dramas. It’s a […] Source

Author : David Hankins Narrator : Eric Valdes Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Felix and the Flamingo” was originally published in the anthology Murderbirds (January 2023). To learn more about Bruiser the Rat, check out “Milo Piper’s Breakout Single that Ended the Rat War”, in Troubadours and Space Princesses by Hemelein […] Source

Author : David Marino Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 925: The Ballad of Starburst Smith is an Escape Pod original. Contains harsh language. The Ballad of Starburst Smith by David Marino “Did you read the terms and conditions?” “F**k you, I read the terms and […] Source

Author : J. R. Johnson Narrator : J. S. Arquin Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht The  T-4200 originally appeared in Andromeda Spaceways Magazine on March 15, 2017. This episode is sponsored by The Theater of the Midnight Sun (TOTMS) podcast, an anthology series of sci-fi/fantasy audio dramas. It’s a bubbly cocktail of […] Source

Author : J. R. Johnson Narrator : J. S. Arquin Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht The  T-4200 originally appeared in Andromeda Spaceways Magazine on March 15, 2017. The T-4200 (Part 1 of 2) By J. R. Johnson Carleton T. Lowengren, low-level civil servant, single twenty-something and refugee from the war-torn Outer […] Source

Author : C. H. Irons Narrator : Elie Hirschman Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 922: The Last Oracle of Atlantic City is an Escape Pod original. This episode is sponsored by The Theater of the Midnight Sun podcast: sci-fi/fantasy audio dramas that showcase tales of adventure, fun, and – alas […] Source

Author : Grace Chan Narrator : Rebecca Wei Hsieh Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Death By Water” originally appeared in From the Waste Land (PS Publishing, Oct 2022). It was shortlisted for the Aurealis Award for Best Science Fiction Short Story 2022. Content warning for claustrophic situations and drowning. Death by Water by […] Source

Author : Mar Vincent Narrator : Cherrae L. Stuart Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 920: Harvest the Stars is an Escape Pod original. This episode is sponsored by The Theater of the Midnight Sun podcast, an anthology series of sci-fi/fantasy audio dramas where… FUN ADVENTURE AWAITS! With wall-to-wall music and […] Source

Author : V.M. Ayala Narrator : Julia Rios Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 919: Emotional Resonance is an Escape Pod original. Cursing and warfare Emotional Resonance By V.M. Ayala Arbor’s favorite part of a mission was always the first view of a planet. Even after seven hundred years of […] Source

Author : Benjamin C. Kinney Narrator : Eric Valdes Host : Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Conference of the Birds” originally appeared in Analog Science Fiction & Fact (January 2021) Contains some harsh language. This episode is sponsored by The Theater of the Midnight Sun podcast, an anthology series of sci-fi/fantasy audio dramas. They’re […] Source

Author : Uchechukwu Nwaka Narrator : Mofiyinfoluwa Okupe Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 917: Challenges to Becoming a Pro Dragonracer in Apapa-Downtown is an Escape Pod original. Includes cursing and physical abuse. Challenges to Becoming a Pro Dragonracer in Apapa-Downtown By Uchechukwu Nwaka The gear is too expensive. Honestly. There […] Source

Author : Tim Pratt Narrator : Amy H. Sturgis Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story originally aired in Escape Pod 622 (April 2018) Some cursing. Suggestions of violence and death. Anna and Marisol in Time and Space by Tim Pratt The big day came, and Anna was tempted to tie […] Source

Author : Ava Kelly Narrator : Ben Gideon Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “The Confessionist” was previously published in the anthology: Community of Magic Pens, edited by E.D.E. Bell, released May 2020 by Atthis Arts The Confessionist by Ava Kelly Vemund pauses, standing on the wet sidewalk. Underneath the overcast sky, […] Source

Author : Simon Kewin Narrator : Rebecca Wei Hsieh Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht #buttonsinweirdplaces originally appeared in Abyss & Apex (2020). #buttonsinweirdplaces (Part 2 of 2) By Simon Kewin (… Continued from Part 1) The news the following morning was bad. An explosion in the middle of a market-square in Libya had […] Source

Author : Simon Kewin Narrator : Rebecca Wei Hsieh Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht #buttonsinweirdplaces originally appeared in Abyss & Apex (2020). #buttonsinweirdplaces (Part 1 of 2) By Simon Kewin The buttons started to appear on the last day of April, 2022. A six-year-old boy from Nairobi, Jomi Mbenzi, was perhaps the first […] Source

Author : Cameron Fischer Narrator : Dave Robison Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 912: The Retcon Man is an Escape Pod original. The Retcon Man by Cameron Fischer Never look for evidence of your future self in the past. Doing so can close your mind to alternative plans if […] Source

Author : Wendy Nikel Narrator : Kyle Akers Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 911: Driftwood in the Sea of Time is an Escape Pod original. Driftwood in the Sea of Time By Wendy Nikel They’d warned us about the paradoxes, but humanity has always had a way of ignoring […] Source

Author : Heather Kamins Narrator : Heather Thomas Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 910: Tuesday, June 13, at the South Valley Time Loop Support Group is an Escape Pod original. Tuesday, June 13, at the South Valley Time Loop Support Group by Heather Kamins Each time, Jessica begins the […] Source

Author : Beth Goder Narrator : Amy H. Sturgis Hosts : Valerie Valdes and Alasdair Stuart Audio Producer : Adam Pracht This story originally aired as an Escape Pod Original in Escape Pod 545 (October 2016) Murder or a Duck By Beth Goder George called out, “Mrs. Whitman, you have a visitor.” Mrs. Whitman strode […] Source

Author : Oluwatomiwa Ajeigbe Narrator : Somto Ihezue Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Harvest Moon” was previously published in Solarpunk Magazine Harvest Moon by Oluwatomiwa Ajeigbe “We cannot sustain the farm, Gozie.” I don’t like the way the words fall easily from Iyeh’s lips, even though I know he speaks the […] Source

Author : T. K. Rex Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht A Layer Thin As Breath originally appeared in Metaphorosis, July 2019. Includes cursing and personal peril. A Layer Thin As Breath By T. K. Rex “Valley. Can you still hear me?” Julian’s voice filtered through her dying […] Source

Author : Marie Vibbert Narrator : Tatiana Grey Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Trash” was originally published in Escape Pod 467 (November 2014) Harsh language. Trash by Marie Vibbert Nanlee was a woman with the sort of past that necessitated moving to a non-extradition treaty country, but that didn’t mean she […] Source

Author : Stewart C. Baker Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Six Ways to Get Past the Shadow Shogun’s Goons, and One Thing to Do When You Get There was originally published in Galaxy’s Edge, April 2023. Six Ways to Get Past the Shadow Shogun’s Goons, and One Thing […] Source

Author : Maurice Broaddus Narrator : Cherrae L. Stuart Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Itoro fe Queen” was originally published in The Sunday Morning Transport, May 2022 Itoro fe Queen by Maurice Broaddus “It’s all gone.” The ethereal voice whispered—almost robotic and clearly distant—its desperate lament choked off with a gasp, […] Source

Author : R.S.A. Garcia Narrator : Dominick Rabrun Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Bishop’s Opening was originally published in Clarkesworld Magazine, January 2022. Bishop’s Opening (Part 4 of 4) By R.S.A. Garcia The attendants set little bowls shaped like flower petals in front Sebastian and Olly. Steam drifted upward, redolent of fresh […] Source

Author : R.S.A. Garcia Narrator : Dominick Rabrun Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Bishop’s Opening was originally published in Clarkesworld Magazine, January 2022. Includes graphic violence and torture. Bishop’s Opening (Part 3 of 4) By R.S.A. Garcia (Continued from Part 2…) The Pawn was seated at the table with arms outstretched along […] Source

Author : R.S.A. Garcia Narrator : Dominick Rabrun Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Bishop’s Opening was originally published in Clarkesworld Magazine, January 2022. Bishop’s Opening (Part 2 of 4) By R.S.A. Garcia (Continued from Part 1…) Bishop was alone in the Grandmaster’s Penthouse suite when the call came from the Kingston. Once […] Source

Author : R.S.A. Garcia Narrator : Dominick Rabrun Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Bishop’s Opening was originally published in Clarkesworld Magazine, January 2022. Bishop’s Opening (Part 1 of 4) By R.S.A. Garcia Old as she was, the Kiskadee had done three full delivery runs without a single safety incident. So naturally, with […] Source

Author : Jei D. Marcade Narrator : Amanda Ching Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Sounding the Fall” is an Escape Pod Original, first published in July 2015. Sounding the Fall by Jei D. Marcade Sometimes, Narae can almost convince emself that the AI’s Voice was a dream. Some kind of minor […] Source

Author : Aimee Ogden Narrator : Hugo Jackson Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht A Gentlemen’s Agreement was originally published in Kaleidotrope in January 2022. Violence and peril. A Gentlemen’s Agreement By Aimee Ogden Heroes are such fragile things. Sphinx takes in the scene from a distance, first, as is his custom. He […] Source

Author : Derrick Boden Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story originally appeared in the August 2022 issue of Clarkesworld. Migratory Patterns of the Modern American Skyscraper by Derrick Boden They call it the pinnacle of architectural innovation. An affordable housing revolution. They call it Plexus, and […] Source

Author : Filip Hajdar Drnovšek Zorko Narrator : Andrew K. Hoe Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht The AI That Looked at the Sun originally appeared in Clarkesworld Magazine, January 2020. The AI That Looked at the Sun By Filip Hajdar Drnovšek Zorko As excerpted from Acausal Drift: An Oral History of […] Source

Author : Elaine Midcoh Narrator : Mur Lafferty Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Man on the Moon” was the winner of the 2022 Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award and was published on the Baen Books web site on June 16, 2022 Man on the Moon by Elaine Midcoh Sasha Venditti […] Source

Author : Andrew Dana Hudson Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Escape Pod 894: The Uncool Hunters is an Escape Pod original. NSFW Language. The Uncool Hunters By Andrew Dana Hudson Before she settled down into publishing in Minneapolis, before she got taken for a ride by the […] Source

Author : Amal Singh Narrator : Kaushik Narasimhan Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “A Series of Endings” originally appeared in Clarkesworld Magazine (December 2021) A Series of Endings by Amal Singh This is the story of Roopchand Rathore, time traveler, fighter, poet, cancer-survivor, inventor. While his story has many endings, there’s […] Source

Author : Charles Stross Narrators : Dee Reed, Earl Newton, Evo Terra, Jadzia Axelrod, John Cmar, Laura Burns, J.R. Blackwell and Serah Eley Hosts : Serah Eley and Mur Lafferty Audio Producers : Adam Pracht and Serah Eley Discuss on Forums First appeared in Live Without a Net, ed. Lou Anders Now available in Wireless, by Charles […] Source

Author : LP Kindred Narrator : LP Kindred Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story originally appeared in Anathema: Spec from the Margins (July 2022) Content warning for NSFW language, sex Wanderlust by L. P. Kindred When he first approached me in the train station, I batted him away. I thought […] Source

Author : Francis Bass Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story was previously published in Uncharted Magazine in May 2022 The Mechanical Turk Has a Panic Attack by Francis Bass Gab gripped her right wrist with her left hand at the small of her back. “Are we […] Source

Author : Rachael K. Jones Narrator : Christiana Ellis Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “The Greatest One-Star Restaurant in the Whole Quadrant” originally appeared in Lightspeed in December 2017, and in The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2018. Warning for some gruesome descriptions and maybe some cannibalism-adjacent behavior. The Greatest […] Source

Author : Andrea Phillips Narrator : Julia Rios Hosts : Valerie Valdes and Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks The Revolution, Brought to You by Nike originally appeared in Fireside Magazine in February 2017 and first played on Escape Pod Episode 645 on September 13, 2018. The Revolution, Brought to You by Nike by Andrea […] Source

Author : Andrea Phillips Narrator : Julia Rios Hosts : Valerie Valdes and Mur Lafferty Audio Producers : Adam Pracht and Summer Brooks Discuss on Forums The Revolution, Brought to You by Nike originally appeared in Fireside Magazine in February 2017 and first played on Escape Pod episode 644 on September 6, 2018. The Revolution, Brought […] Source

Author : Lauren Ring Narrator : Tatiana Grey Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums If My Body Is a Temple, Raze It to the Ground originally appeared in The Reinvented Heart (CAEZIK SF & Fantasy), February 2022. Includes sexual harassment. If My Body Is a Temple, Raze It to […] Source

Author : MKRNYILGLD Narrator : Premee Mohamed Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “The CRISPR Cookbook: A Guide to Biohacking Your Own Abortion in a Post-Roe World” originally appeared in Lightspeed Magazine (September 2022). Abortion, forced pregnancy The CRISPR Cookbook: A Guide to Biohacking Your Own Abortion in a Post-Roe World by […] Source

Author : A J Mo Narrator : Andrew K. Hoe Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Escape Pod 884: Zhao and the Flightless Crane is an Escape Pod original. Discussion of death and loss. Zhao and the Flightless Crane By A. J. Mo Quick sapphires danced over sun-silvered water. […] Source

Author : Linda Niehoff Narrator : Heather Thomas Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 883: Just Us and the Mannequins is an Escape Pod original. Brief mention of suicidal ideations Just Us and the Mannequins by Linda Niehoff It was creepy at first, all those mannequins. It must have been […] Source

Author : Elizabeth Guilt Narrators : Hugo Jackson, Matt Dovey, Kat Day and Alasdair Stuart Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Escape Pod 882: Hey, George is an Escape Pod original. Hey, George By Elizabeth Guilt “Hey, George.” I remind myself that that is not my name; it never […] Source

Author : Lavie Tidhar Narrator : Kyle Akers Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story first appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction (December 2020) Wild Geese by Lavie Tidhar With rustling wings the wild geese fly Round fields long strange to hand of toil Called by the officers […] Source

Author : Adriana C. Grigore Narrator : Bryce Dahle Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Escape Pod 880: A Cosmonaut’s Guide to Talking to Your Parents is an Escape Pod original. A Cosmonaut’s Guide to Talking to Your Parents By Adriana C. Grigore You have (3) unopened voicemails on […] Source

Author : Avi Burton Narrator : M. Darusha Wehm Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 879: Triptych is an Escape Pod original. Content warnings for gender dysphoria, and threats of gun violence Triptych by Avi Burton Delaney didn’t have time to change before the men in suits came and bundled […] Source

Author : Tade Thompson Narrator : Suyi Davies Okungbowa Hosts : Valerie Valdes and Norm Sherman Audio Producers : Adam Pracht and Mat Weller Discuss on Forums This story was previously published in the Steampunk World Anthology edited by Sarah Hans and first appeared on Escape Pod Episode 517. Violence and warfare. Budo By Tade […] Source

Author : Grace Chan Narrator : Andrew K. Hoe Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks He Leaps for the Stars, He Leaps for the Stars was originally published in Clarkesworld Issue 178 (July 2021) He Leaps for the Stars, He Leaps for the Stars by Grace Chan Yennie’s new therapist started by […] Source

Author : Somto Ihezue Narrator : Somto Ihezue Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Like Stars Daring to Shine was first published by Fireside Magazine, July 2022. Like Stars Daring to Shine By Somto Ihezue When the boy opens his housing unit’s steel door and the incandescent lights pour into […] Source

Author : Monica Joyce Evans Narrator : Julia Rios Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “The Hagfish Has Three Hearts” was originally published in Cossmass Infinities (September 2021) The Hagfish Has Three Hearts by Monica Joyce Evans The beacons were in the wrong place. Noma swallowed her roasted squid and clicked, still […] Source

Author : Elise Stephens Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Escape Pod 874: Common Speech is an Escape Pod original. This story deals with plagues and description of injuries. Common Speech By Elise Stephens Dr. Jaiyesimi Obiaka tugged at her sweat-damp collar, wiped her eyes, […] Source

Presenters: Marguerite Kenner and Alasdair Stuart Hey folks, welcome to an Escape Artists metacast. I’m Marguerite Kenner. And I’m Alasdair Stuart. For those of you who have never heard a metacast before, think of this like a mini State of the Union address, a way for us to update you about what’s been happening at EA. The […] Source

Author : L. X. Beckett Narrator : Amy Kelly Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “The Hazmat Sisters” appeared in Asimovs in July 2021 and was a finalist for their Reader’s Choice award. It’s one of three novellas that appeared in the 2020-2021 window that are all set in the same universe […] Source

Author : L. X. Beckett Narrator : Amy Kelly Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “The Hazmat Sisters” appeared in Asimovs in July 2021 and was a finalist for their Reader’s Choice award. It’s one of three novellas that appeared in the 2020-2021 window that are all set in the same universe […] Source

Author : Christopher Rowe Narrator : Amy H. Sturgis Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums The Contrary Gardener originally appeared in Eclipse Online, October 2012 and has been reprinted in: Science Fiction: The Best of the Year 2013, ed. Rich Horton, Prime Books, 2014. The Best Science Fiction and […] Source

Author : Christopher Rowe Narrator : Amy H. Sturgis Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums The Contrary Gardener originally appeared in Eclipse Online, October 2012 and has been reprinted in: Science Fiction: The Best of the Year 2013, ed. Rich Horton, Prime Books, 2014. The Best Science Fiction and […] Source

Author : Amy Johnson Narrator : Christiana Ellis Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 869: Excuse Me, This Is My Apocalypse is an Escape Pod original. Excuse Me, This Is My Apocalypse by Amy Johnson It was a glorious day when she finally made it to the beach and fell […] Source

Author : Rachel Gutin Narrator : Elie Hirschman Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Escape Pod 868: Any Other Customer is an Escape Pod original. Any Other Customer By Rachel Gutin Lewis was poking at his tablet, trying yet again to open the training module from Station Commerce, when […] Source

Author : Heather Kilbourn Narrator : Eric Luke Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 867: Through the Mirror is an Escape Pod original. Contains harsh language Through the Mirror by Heather Kilbourn The crashed spaceship was scattered along a ten kilometer-long track in the rainforest jungle. Larger pieces of the […] Source

Author : Uchechukwu Nwaka Narrator : Somto Ihezue Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Escape Pod 866: The Sea Goddess’ Bloom is an Escape Pod original. Post-apocalyptic themes and war. The Sea Goddess’ Bloom By Uchechukwu Nwaka There is doubt in my heart. Here, in the Blackwater, doubt is […] Source

Author : Patrice Sarath Narrator : Tatiana Grey Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks The Way of the Laser (Vernacular Books, May 2020) Don’t miss Spider, Part One Spider (Part 2) by Patrice Sarath Nguyen “Attention. Attention. Stay in your quarters. Attention. Attention. Stay in your quarters.” The bloody pink light of […] Source

Author : Patrice Sarath Narrator : Tatiana Grey Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks The Way of the Laser (Vernacular Books, May 2020) Some harsh language Spider by Patrice Sarath Bifrost Mining Station, June 2063 The plan I knew the two miners were trouble as soon as they pulled themselves into the […] Source

Author : Renan Bernardo Narrator : Diogo Ramos Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 863: A Shoreline of Oil and Infinity is an Escape Pod original. A Shoreline of Oil and Infinity by Renan Bernardo Conchinha Charging… 87% Energy source: light Message: Good morning, Vitória. The water is cold today. […] Source

Author : Meg Elison Narrator : Sandy Parsons Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums The Pill originally appeared in the collection Big Girl with PM Press, part of the Outspoken Author series. Discussion of dieting, disordered eating, and anti-fat bias. Also, disturbing imagery. And swearing. And sexy times. The […] Source

Author : Meg Elison Narrator : Sandy Parsons Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums The Pill originally appeared in the collection Big Girl with PM Press, part of the Outspoken Author series. Discussion of dieting, disordered eating, and anti-fat bias. Also, disturbing imagery. And swearing. The Pill (Part 1 […] Source

Author : Aimee Picchi Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Solo Cooking for the Recently Revived” was previously published in the Zombies Need Brains anthology “Apocalyptic” in June 2020 Solo Cooking for the Recently Revived by Aimee Picchi I hide my right hand behind my back when Jamie […] Source

Author : Grant Canterbury Narrators : Kitty Sarkozy, Rachel Lackey and Valerie Valdes Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Pen Pal was originally published in Vintage Worlds (2018). Some cursing, suggestion of violence, and death. (Continued from Part 1) Pen Pal By Grant Canterbury   August 8, 2005 Meliari Thulissia […] Source

Author : Grant Canterbury Narrators : Kitty Sarkozy and Rachel Lackey Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Pen Pal was originally published in Vintage Worlds (2018). Some cursing and suggestion of violence. Pen Pal By Grant Canterbury December Third, 1996   Meliari Thulissia General Delivery Tharsis Station   Dear Meliari, […] Source

Author : Adriana Kantcheva Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 857: Salvaged is an Escape Pod original. Salvaged by Adriana Kantcheva I have her body. If I’d also had her life, would I have lived it in the same way? I make the mistake of voicing my thoughts to Seven, […] Source

Author : Brian Hugenbruch Narrator : Leigh Wallace Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Escape Pod 856: The Princess, NP is an Escape Pod original. Enslavement and mental abuse. The Princess, NP By Brian Hugenbruch I sat in the Commander’s office at Hexa Station, in clothes that stank of […] Source

Author : Amal Singh Narrator : Kaushik Narasimhan Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “A Home For Mrs. Biswas” previously appeared in Clarkesworld Magazine (April 2021) A Home For Mrs. Biswas by Amal Singh Once she saw the red sands stretch across miles, craters as big as the stadium her father played […] Source

Author : Chaz Brenchley Narrator : Dani Daly Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Pickled Roots and Peeled Shoots and a Bowl of Farflower Tea originally appeared in Galactic Stew, Zombies Need Brains, 2020. Brief descriptions of violence and bodily harm. Pickled Roots and Peeled Shoots and a Bowl […] Source

Authors : Andrew Hiller, Brandon Case and Bob McHugh Narrators : Elie Hirschman, Justine Eyre and Jairus Durnett Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Summer Brooks Escape Pod 853: 2022 Flash Fiction Contest Winners is an Escape Pod original. Half-Lives by Andrew Hiller “Time traveler, eh?” I shuffled my feet and smirked. The AI […] Source

Author : Carol Scheina Narrator : Bria Strothers Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums The Pieces that Bind first appeared in On The Premises, issue 35. Death and loss. The Pieces that Bind By Carol Scheina The first thing Georgia knew for certain was that the woman rummaging through the […] Source

Author : C.C. Finlay Narrator : Heather Thomas Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Time Bomb Time” originally appeared in the May 2015 issue of Lightspeed Magazine. It was reprinted in Rich Horton’s The Year’s Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 2016 and translated into Chinese by Geng Hui (耿辉) for ZUI Found […] Source

Author : Douglas DiCicco Narrator : Mur Lafferty Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Escape Pod 850: Laser Squid Goes House Hunting is an Escape Pod original. Laser Squid Goes House Hunting By Douglas DiCicco “This one has everything on your checklist.” I held open the front door of […] Source

Author : Andrea Kriz Narrator : Valerie Valdes Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “There Are No Hot Topics on Whukai” originally appeared in Lightspeed Magazine in May 2021. There Are No Hot Topics on Whukai by Andrea Kriz The day the dMods shut down Skeleton Caves, Esko put on her VR […] Source

Author : Brian Trent Narrator : Kitty Sarkozy Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums An Incident on Ishtar originally appeared in Analog Science Fiction and Fact in March 2018. An Incident on Ishtar By Brian Trent Her family tried very hard to never use the word “crazy” with her. So […] Source

Author : Laurence Raphael Brothers Narrators : Adam Pracht and Summer Brooks Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks “Houseproud” originally appeared in the SciFutures “City of the Future” anthology and also won the Berkeley Machine Intelligence Research Institute prize for Intelligence in Fiction. Houseproud by Laurence Raphael Brothers “Bye, Domus!” “Goodbye, Ken,” […] Source

Author : John Shade Narrator : Kat Kourbeti Host : Tina Connolly Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Dandelion originally appeared in Shimmer Magazine, Issue #37, May 2017. Contains violent imagery. Hey everyone, Alasdair here – hope you’re doing okay. The summer months are upon us, which means two things – hat weather for […] Source

Author : Ann LeBlanc Narrator : Ibba Armancas Host : Valerie Valdes Audio Producer : Adam Pracht Discuss on Forums Across the River, My Heart, My Memory originally appeared in Fireside Magazine June 2021. Language, suggestions of violence. Hey everyone, Alasdair here – hope you’re doing okay. The summer months are upon us, which means two […] Source

Author : Jordan Chase-Young Narrator : Justin Thomas James Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story appeared in the Fall 2020 issue of The Colored Lens (October 15, 2020) The Vaulting Vandals of Termina Celeste (Part 2) by Jordan Chase-Young Our boots echoed through the fuselage as we hurried to the […] Source

Author : Jordan Chase-Young Narrator : Justin Thomas James Host : Mur Lafferty Audio Producer : Summer Brooks This story appeared in the Fall 2020 issue of The Colored Lens (October 15 2020). The Vaulting Vandals of Termina Celeste (Part 1) by Jordan Chase-Young Back then, we liked to scour the docks of Termina Celeste […] Source