Asimov's Science Fiction

Episode 57: The Greenway by Susan Palwick Apr 17, 2026 2086 In “The Greenway,” a mother and her two small children are the last survivors in their small settlement. They wait for the arrival of the caravan that will both collect the last of their dead and bring a new spring. Listen to the latest story written and read by Susan Palwick.

Episode 56: Catch a Tiger in the Snow by Ray Nayler Jan 16, 2026 1338 If you could replace your memories with better ones, would you? Consider this as Ray Nayler reads you his story “Catch a Tiger in the Snow.” Here our narrator meets a memory tailor who alters memories for paying customers seeking a past that better suits the person they want to be.

Episode 55: The Night Heron Rescue by Alice Towey Nov 26, 2025 1935 It’s the start of summer vacation for Mella, a student at New Oakland High, but instead of attending parties and hanging out with friends, she’s cleaning heron cages at a wildlife rescue as court-ordered community service. As the days roll on, Mella falls into a pleasant groove, but as a bad influence rears its head, will she be tempted into the same behavior that got her in trouble to be

Episode 54: In the Forest of Mechanical Trees by Steve Rasnic Tem Sep 12, 2025 1583 On the grounds of a derelict oil refinery southeast of Phoenix, Abe and Vera operate a nature park that reflects a world ravaged by climate change, where tourists don heat-resistant suits to walk among junk-metal statues of dinosaurs, superheroes, and recently-extinct animals such as polar bears and rhinos. While the couple take great care in educating visitors, their real work lies in re

Episode 53: Cryptid or Your Money Back by Misha Lenau May 9, 2025 1221 In Asimov's latest story from Misha Lenau, a middle aged person finds themself longing to be someone—something—else, and, thanks to a bold new business franchise, endeavors to turn themself into a hairy, bloodsucking beast: El Chupacabra. But after a series of disappointing events, our protagonist wonders if they'll ever be happy. Will El Chupacabra finally become comfortable in their own

Episode 52: Going Deep by James Patrick Kelly Feb 27, 2025 3018 Get a peek into Mariska Volochkova's past in "Going Deep," James Patrick Kelly's story printed in 2009 that gives a little background on our current tale by Jim, "Moon and Mars."

Episode 51: Mere Flesh by James Maxey Dec 18, 2024 1923 Robert is a scientist who has been working on an AI mobility system named Isaac, which he has been testing on his dementia-stricken father Hank. When Hank is discovered wrestling an alligator and acting less and less like the 103-year-old that he is, Robert begins to wonder if Hank’s adventurous streak will jeopardize Isaac’s rollout. Here is “Mere Flesh,” read and written by James Maxey.

Episode 50: Art Deco Farmhouse, Original Hardwood Floors, Slightly Haunted - Alice Towey Oct 21, 2024 1363 When Evan’s partner leaves him after their move to rural Michigan, Evan finds himself alone, often drunk, and a little unsettled by his new home, with its flickering lights and loud thumps in the night. Will Evan discover the source of this supernatural phenomena? Find out in “Art Deco Farmhouse, Original Hardwood Floors, Slightly Haunted,” read and written by Alice Towey

Episode 49: Last Thursday - Kristine Kathryn Rusch Sep 26, 2024 2444 Rupert is a young time traveler who figured his first trip to the past would be a breeze. He was only going back to Christmas 2020, after all, close enough to his present and the 2021 attack on the US capitol, which he intended to study. Despite the challenges by posed by a global pandemic, will Rupert complete his mission while adhering to the strict rules of time travel? Find out in “L

Episode 48: Flipped by Leah Cypess Jul 10, 2024 1904 When her longtime crush Jake suddenly starts treating Becka like his girlfriend, she relishes the attention. But as time goes on, she realizes something isn’t quite right, almost as if the Jake she’s dating isn't the person she knows. Here is “Flipped,” read and written by Leah Cypess.

Episode 47: There's Nothing in the Attic - Faith Merino Mar 19, 2024 1896 In Faith Merino’s story from our March/April 2024 issue, the women of the house band together to uncover the mysterious noises coming from the empty attic—noises that the father seemingly can’t hear. Please enjoy “There’s Nothing in the Attic” read by the author herself.

Episode 46: Embot's Lament by James Patrick Kelly Nov 22, 2023 2622 Embot is a time traveler sent from centuries in the future to narrate the life of Jane, a young woman trapped in an unhappy life. Forbidden from interfering in the thoughts or actions of its subjects, Embot can only watch as Jane takes the first, wary steps toward a second chance. But will it stick? Find out in “Embot’s Lament,” read and written by James Patrick Kelly.

Episode 45: Deep Blue Jump by Dean Whitlock Sep 27, 2023 4694 In “Deep Blue Jump,” children as young as six harvest a narcotic, dream-inducing fruit, and any on-the-job mistakes or stolen product could be a death sentence. Find out whether newcomer Po & her friends can survive temptation and the harvesting conditions. Please enjoy “Deep Blue Jump,” read and written by Dean Whitlock.

Episode 44: Tilt by Leslie What Aug 29, 2023 1366 Kim is a mutant who can control the mind of anyone she smells. She’s so powerful, she’s forced to endure therapy sessions with other mutants in lieu of jail time. Find out what happens when their doctor takes treatment a little too far in “Tilt,” read and written by Leslie What.

Episode 43: Sexy Apocalypse Robot by Sandra McDonald May 31, 2023 2946 When Joseph catches a glimpse of his new neighbor Antonio, he can't help feel an immediate attraction. Antonio is tall, tanned, painfully handsome—and just happens to be a robot. But is romance possible in a world teetering on the brink of destruction? Find out in “Sexy Apocalypse Robot,” read and written by Sandra McDonald.

Episode 42: Planetstuck by Sam J. Miller Mar 6, 2023 3074 Aran’s first vacation—in basically forever—involves twenty-six gate-hops and a fun entanglement with a couple of friendly arms dealers. Any sex worker with half a brain peddles information, but this time the intel leads Aran down a windy path with clues from his home-world and everything he left behind. What’s a rent-boy to do? Find out in “Planetstuck,” read and written by Sam J. Miller.

Episode 41: Alien Housing by Karen Heuler Jan 26, 2023 2655 For ex-schoolteacher Marisela Feddie, life under Phosian rule isn’t so bad. Or so it seems. After all, these four-armed alien overlords seem more interested in observing humanity’s quirks that carrying out its extinction. But are the Phosians really who they say they are? Find out in “Alien Housing,” read and written by Karen Heuler.

Episode 40: Forty-Eight Minutes at the Trainview Cafe by M Bennardo Nov 23, 2022 2731 If you could virtually simulate any type of extraordinary life experience, would you go on a hike of Himalayan proportions, or maybe just a hot date? Here is the story of a man whose life changes upon making a far more mundane choice, and upends his perception of reality in the process. This is “Forty-Eight Minutes at the Trainview Cafe” read and written by M Bennardo.

Episode 39: Destiny Delayed by Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki Oct 19, 2022 2413 Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki’s “Destiny Delayed” is set in a futuristic uber-capitalist Nigeria where the wealthy ruling class has further deepened the inequality gap and found new metaphysical ways to exploit the poor. While purportedly impossible to deny, destiny can be delayed, perhaps indefinitely. Enjoy this bonus podcast for the spooky season, read by Amadin Ogbewe & written by Og

Episode 38: Bonus Footage by Marissa Lingen Sep 23, 2022 1732 Sam is the star host of an interplanetary travel program. Usually, Sam's adventures go quite smoothly—or at least they appear that way to viewers. Filming on Freyja, however, presents some unique challenges, such as killer plants that happen to be named after famous artists. Will Sam be in need of rescue or save the day when things go awry? Here is “Bonus Footage,” read and written by Mar

Episode 37: The Tin Pilot by K.A. Teryna Jul 20, 2022 2462 When the golems returned from the moon wars, they didn’t receive the heroes welcome they deserved. Instead, this race of humanoids designed to withstand the harsh lunar environment faced extermination at the hands of those they fought for. Will the last one survive? Find out in K.A. Teryna’s “The Tin Pilot,” translated by Alex Schvartsman & read by Jordan Kurella.

Episode 36: The Waylost Cafe - James Van Pelt May 16, 2022 2734 Nobody else on Mars can brew beer quite like Paul Hopper. He’s an Earther who’s been forced into servitude by a surly brewery owner. But he’s the type who’d rather press on and drink his beer rather than cry in it. Despite his resignation to this situation, Paul soon finds himself on an uncharacteristic adventure. Find out Paul’s future as James Van Pelt reads his story “The Waylost Café.

Episode 35: The Magpie Stacks Probabilities - Arie Coleman Mar 14, 2022 1277 In the wake of a near-fatal accident, Emma struggles to readjust to home life. But it’s not the nagging sling or her son’s new habit that she can’t stop thinking about. Instead, Emma obsesses over the improbably nature of her rescue: a quirk of the universe may have changed the lives of her and her family forever. This is “The Magpie Stacks Probabilities” from our March/April issue, read

Episode 34: Welcome Home by Jendayi Brooks-Flemister Jan 5, 2022 1857 Theresa moved into her new smarthome with healthy skepticism. Here was a house with everything she could ever need or want—and more—for an affordable price on her nail stylist’s salary. To her, the artificial intelligence inside was little more than a shiny gimmick, but one she’d gladly deal with to give her daughter Niyah a better life. There had to be a catch. Theresa’s misgivings begin

Episode 33: Bread and Circuits by Misha Lenau Nov 15, 2021 1597 The Greatbread 2X is no ordinary toaster. It’s sleek; it knows countless recipes; it happens to be sentient. And one just showed up on Nadia’s doorstep. Enjoy “Bread and Circuits,” from our November/December issue, read and written by Misha Lenau.

Episode 32: Filaments by Mercurio D. Rivera Sep 29, 2021 2437 “Filaments,” read and written by Mercurio D. Rivera, explores a tragic accident, a troubled relationship, and the terrifying mystery that lies at the heart of an abandoned alien planet. Enjoy our appropriately September/October selection: “Filaments.”

Episode 31: Tweak by Taimur Ahmad Jul 15, 2021 1475 Minor edits here and there; that’s all Amin’s doing at the clinic, tweaking painful recollections until they hurt less. If only Laura understood how much he needs those changes. Journey with Amin down a series of memory lanes in “Tweak,” written and read by Taimur Ahmad, from our July/August issue.

Episode 30: My Heart Is at Capacity by TJ Berry May 26, 2021 2418 Paul does everything he can to love Rebecca and make her happy. Still, he knows it’s not enough; his processor just isn’t sufficiently advanced for meeting all of a human companion’s needs. But that will change tomorrow, when he has his upgrade. . . . Join Paul on his journey of self-improvement in “My Heart Is at Capacity,” from our May/June issue, written and read by TJ Berry.

Episode 29: Grandma +5°C by James Patrick Kelly Mar 8, 2021 3107 Willow has a Grandma problem . . . sure she comes with some cool gadgets from a prosperous past, but she also comes with the heat of the rangers. And eventually they’ll find her. Willow and Grandma both reckon with the past in “Grandma Plus Five Degrees Celcius” from our March/April issue, read and written by James Patrick Kelly.

Episode 28: Mayor for Today by Fran Wilde Jan 19, 2021 3823 Victor is used to having gigs like “driver,” “teacher,” or “administrative assistant,” so when his GigTime App shows “Mayor” for a duration of only “twenty-four hours,” he is a little skeptical. What should have been a quick job turns into something else altogether…. Enjoy “Mayor for Today,” read and written by Fran Wilde.

Episode 28: Mayor for Today by Fran Wilde Jan 19, 2021 3823 Victor is used to having gigs like “driver,” “teacher,” or “administrative assistant,” so when his GigTime App shows “Mayor” for a duration of only “twenty-four hours,” he is a little skeptical. What should have been a quick job turns into something else altogether. . . . Enjoy “Mayor for Today,” read and written by Fran Wilde.

Episode 27: Grief, as Faithful as My Hound by Marissa Lingen Dec 7, 2020 2461 It’s an Earth-shattering revelation: Aliens are real, and making contact all around us. Rina Cutter, however, is busy dealing with her own, private world shattering. Even if the alien news does hit very close to home, it has nothing on the shock of losing her mother. Please enjoy Marissa Lingen’s reading of her story from our November/December issue, “Grief, As Faithful As My Hound.”

Mangy White Dog by Y.M. Pang Sep 8, 2020 2364 When a “Mangy White Dog” starts showing up to watch Sunflower and Taihe perform, Sunflower is suspicious. What does the dog want? Doesn't it know she and Taihe are a team of two? Read "Mangy White Dog" by Y.M. Pang to discover the secret behind the dog's appearance.

Imaginary Children Jun 29, 2020 2791 In this episode, the author envisions the future of dating apps and media companies, while our narrator Petra balances a demanding job with apparitions of potential children. Please enjoy “Imaginary Children,” read and written by Janet Stilson.

Pax Mongolica by Evan Marcroft May 20, 2020 1472 In this May/June installment of our podcast, we have a fascinating alternate history where gods are very much real and being held captive in zoos. Please enjoy Evan Marcroft’s “Pax Mongolica,” read by the author himself.

National Poetry Month Podcast 2020 Apr 14, 2020 925 Happy National Poetry Month! We have a dozen poems here pulled from past and current issues to celebrate our poets this year. Each of these poems is striking in its own way, and I hope you enjoy the many voices and styles to come. First up is “All Saints Day” by Lisa Bellamy, read by Diana Marie Delgado, followed by “All the Weight” by Holly Day, read by Emily Hockaday, “The Celestial Bo

A Summary of Our Neighborhood's Salvation After the Storm by Jason Sanford Feb 18, 2020 2136 "A Summary of Our Neighborhood’s Salvation After the Storm" introduces us to a cloud-based approach to the afterlife and three women disillusioned with the idea of eternal judgment. Enjoy Jason Sanford’s reading of his tale about the strength of neighborly bonds in the face of tragedy.

"Go. Now. Fix." & "The Refraction of White Lies" Jan 8, 2020 3154 To start off the new decade, we have a special double feature. Our first story—"Go. Now. Fix." by Timons Esaias—features an unlikely narrator who exhibits great pluck in the face of disaster. Our second story by Meredith Lozaga, "The Refraction of White Lies," examines love and forgiveness from a unique perspective. Enjoy our special January/February episode!

Selfless by James Patrick Kelly Oct 22, 2019 3474 Joseph Jirasek doesn't exist. Not since he was a boy and was taken from himself. Now he struggles to hold the personalities within him that are vying for dominance in check while keeping his family safe. At all costs, the Hunter must not come out.... Hear author James Patrick Kelly read his own superb and tense tale "Selfless" from our November/December 2019 issue.

All in Green Went My Love Riding Aug 21, 2019 2627 Enjoy Dani Daly's beautiful read of Megan Arkenberg's enchanting thriller, "All in Green Went My Love Riding," where we discover some very unique young girls, a tragic mystery, and the danger of being different.

The Ocean Between the Leaves by Ray Nayler Jun 18, 2019 30 Our newest podcast showcases author Ray Nayler’s lyrical tale of social, economic, and medical injustice in a distant future and the impact of yet-to-come technology in navigating these. Nayler weaves an intricate mystery that will pull you in and keep you guessing to the last. Please enjoy “The Ocean Between the Leaves” read and written by Ray Nayler.

Sacrificial Iron Apr 30, 2019 2915 In Ted Kosmatka's "Sacrificial Iron," all of Earth looks on as two astronauts clash during their life-spanning mission. Please enjoy this tale about the human psyche as it is tested by the vast vacuum of space. "Sacrificial Iron” is read by R.J. Carey and written by Ted Kosmatka.

Asimov's Poetry Podcast for National Poetry Month 2019 Apr 5, 2019 942 Enjoy a curated selection of poems from recent Asimov's issues including: "Wobble" read & written by Richard Schiffman, "Room with a View" written by G.O. Clark & read by R.J. Carey, "First Contact" read & written by Stuart Greenhouse, "Crane Wife" written by Jane Yolen & read by Jackie Sherbow, "Synesthesia," read & written by Bruce Boston, "Almost Certainly a Time Tr

Tourists by Rammel Chan Feb 19, 2019 2218 In Rammel Chan’s “Tourists,” we meet some unusual travelers who follow strict rules. We learn, along with our protagonist, the risks and rewards of this nomadic lifestyle…. Please enjoy this story, from our March/April issue, written and read by Rammel Chan.

"The Gorgon" by Jay O'Connell Jan 14, 2019 2223 In Jay O’Connell’s “The Gorgon,” a job-obsessed businessman accidentally wanders into an online realm of horror and intrigue. Enjoy this tale from our January/February 2019 issue, narrated and written by Jay O’Connell.

What I Am & Because Reasons Oct 30, 2018 1313 This November/December episode brings you a science fiction double feature. The first story we’ll hear is from the current issue and is titled “What I Am,” read and written by William Ledbetter. In this tale, a smart sweater undergoes some fundamental alterations. Our second story is titled “Because Reasons,” from our March/April 2018 issue, written and read by Zandra Renwick. This piece

R.U.R.-8? by Suzanne Palmer Aug 29, 2018 1884 Hugo-winning-author Suzanne Palmer reimagine's Capek's R.U.R. with this darkly funny play in which the robot Stout innocently searches for a new leg for its friend Rozum. The cast of talented voice actors includes R.J. Carey, Peter D'Alauro, Emily Hockaday, Trevor Quachri & Jackie Sherbow. Editing done by Deanna McLafferty.

Rules of Biology Jun 27, 2018 2591 Esterman faces the challenges of fatherhood as we discover the alternate and unusual "Rules of Biology" at play in this new tale written and read by Dale Bailey. Edited and introduced by Deanna McLafferty.

Riverboats, Robots, and Ransom in the Regular Way by Peter Wood Apr 24, 2018 1194 Maggie's boring work retreat turns around when pirates board their vessel. This may not be the most ideal form of entertainment, but it is sure to make things interesting! Story by Peter Wood, read by Seth Blum, Rebecca Blum, and Lucinda Gainey.

In Event of Moon Disaster Mar 2, 2018 1808 In Rich Larson’s chilling new tale—pulled from the pages of our current March/April 2018 issue on sale now—a routine mission goes deeply wrong “In Event of Moon Disaster.” Join Sol in facing this impossible mystery.

"Bidding War" by Rich Larson Jul 14, 2017 1262

The Ladies' Aquatic Gardening Society Mar 8, 2016 3928 Boredom and a keen thirst for one-upsmanship are a destructive combination in Henry Lien's "The Ladies' Aquatic Gardening Society." Join us in this farcical alternate-history where Newport society women with outrageous competitive streaks grapple for power with their wits and their gardening prowess—no matter the consequences.

Our Lady of the Open Road Mar 8, 2016 4778 A good tour van is the glue that holds a band together. In "Our Lady of the Open Road" Sarah Pinsker takes a look at one band's journey through a near future where music fans seem more interested in holographic concerts than the real deal. Join our protagonists as they struggle to make ends meet gig to gig, all while keeping their beloved wheels running.

To Live and Die in Gibbontown Mar 8, 2016 1988 Derek Künsken's "To Live and Die in Gibbontown" is a tongue-in-cheek satire listeners are sure to enjoy: Follow our macaque protagonist as he races to complete a tricky assassination, or else will face deportation from Gibbontown.

Bloom Jan 14, 2016 2265 In the thrillingly tense "Bloom," Gregory Norman Bossert takes us to an alien world where the study of the indigenous lifeforms must be done with extreme caution. See if you can unravel the mystery behind these "blooms" in a story where survival is on the line.

What Changes You, What Takes You Away May 21, 2015 887 In the face of a mystery, it often takes the unlikely but extraordinary individual to get to the bottom of what’s really going on. Listen to the immersive, touching, and playful “What Changes You, What Takes You Away” for a glimpse from just such a perspective.

Pearl Rehabilitative Colony for Ungrateful Daughters - Part 2 May 21, 2015 1677 In “Pearl Rehabilitative Colony for Ungrateful Daughters” Henry Lien brings us into the irreverent and complex mind of the teenage girl. But these girls are dangerous—and dangerously competitive when it comes to the ancient and celebrated Kung-Fu art of Wu-Liu. Get caught up in the drama and politics of the rehabilitative colony in this podcast, aired in two parts.

Pearl Rehabilitative Colony for Ungrateful Daughters - Part 1 May 21, 2015 1908 In “Pearl Rehabilitative Colony for Ungrateful Daughters” Henry Lien brings us into the irreverent and complex mind of the teenage girl. But these girls are dangerous—and dangerously competitive when it comes to the ancient and celebrated Kung-Fu art of Wu-Liu. Get caught up in the drama and politics of the rehabilitative colony in this podcast, aired in two parts.

Episodes

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