Asimov's Science Fiction

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With every new issue, Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine shares one piece of short fiction in podcast form. Enjoy these audio treats from our pages!

Asimov's Science Fiction


    • Mar 19, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 48 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Asimov's Science Fiction

    Episode 47: There's Nothing in the Attic - Faith Merino

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 31:36


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2023 43:42


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 78:14


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 22:46


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 49:06


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 51:14


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2023 44:15


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 45:31


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 40:13


    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 Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki!

    Episode 38: Bonus Footage by Marissa Lingen

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 28:52


    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 Marissa Lingen. 

    Episode 37: The Tin Pilot by K.A. Teryna

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 41:01


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2022 45:34


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 21:16


    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 and written by Arie Coleman.

    Episode 34: Welcome Home by Jendayi Brooks-Flemister

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 30:57


    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 to fade with the smarthome's increasingly thoughtful gestures. But is their new home getting to know Niyah a little too well? Here is Jendayi Brooks-Flemister reading her story “Welcome Home.”

    Episode 33: Bread and Circuits by Misha Lenau

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 26:37


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2021 40:36


    “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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2021 24:35


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 40:18


    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.

    capacity tj berry
    Episode 29: Grandma +5°C by James Patrick Kelly

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 51:47


    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.

    grandma james patrick kelly
    Episode 28: Mayor for Today by Fran Wilde

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 63:42


    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.

    mayors fran wilde
    Episode 28: Mayor for Today by Fran Wilde

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 63:42


    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.

    mayors fran wilde
    Episode 27: Grief, as Faithful as My Hound by Marissa Lingen

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2020 41:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 39:24


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2020 46:31


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2020 24:32


    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.

    pax mongolica
    National Poetry Month Podcast 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 15:25


    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 Body” read and written by Leslie J. Anderson, “The Destroyer is in Doubt about Net Neutrality” read and written by Martin Ott, “Unlooping” read and written by Marie Vibbert, “Attack of the 50 foot Woman” read and written by Ron Koertge, “The Language of Water,” by Jane Yolen, read by Monica Wendel, “Archaeologists Uncover Bones, Bifocals, a Tricycle” read and written by Steven Withrow, “Objects in Space” by Josh Pearce, read by R.J. Carey, “Small Certainties” by Sara Polsky, read by Emily Hockaday, “Palate of the Babel Fish” read and written by Todd Dillard, and finally “After a Year of Solitude” by Lora Gray, read by Jackie Sherbow.

    A Summary of Our Neighborhood's Salvation After the Storm by Jason Sanford

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2020 35:35


    "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.

    salvation jason sanford our neighborhood
    "Go. Now. Fix." & "The Refraction of White Lies"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2020 52:33


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2019 57:54


    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.

    selfless james patrick kelly
    All in Green Went My Love Riding

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2019 43:47


    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.

    green riding megan arkenberg
    The Ocean Between the Leaves by Ray Nayler

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2019 47:56


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2019 48:34


    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.

    earth sacrificial ted kosmatka
    Asimov's Poetry Podcast for National Poetry Month 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2019 15:42


    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 Traveler," read & written by Jarod K. Anderson, "Black Box Sonnet #13,041" written by Garrison Kammer & read by John E. Allis, "Leaving" read & written by Bruce McAllister, "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" written by Suzanne Palmer & read by Sheila Williams, "Terra Incognita," written by Fred D. White & read by Trevor Quachri, and "Avocation" read & written by F. J. Bergmann.

    Tourists by Rammel Chan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2019 36:58


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2019 37:02


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2018 21:53


    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 examines the effect the Solar System might have on friendship and the “truths” that might be arrived at.

    R.U.R.-8? by Suzanne Palmer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2018 31:23


    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.

    editing stout rozum suzanne palmer trevor quachri jackie sherbow
    Rules of Biology

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2018 43:10


    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.

    biology edited dale bailey
    Riverboats, Robots, and Ransom in the Regular Way by Peter Wood

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2018 19:54


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2018 30:08


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2017 21:02


    bidding war rich larson
    The Ladies' Aquatic Gardening Society

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2016 65:28


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2016 79:38


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2016 33:08


    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.

    science fiction derek k asimovs
    Bloom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2016 37:46


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2015 14:46


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2015 22:46


    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.

    daughters kung fu colonies ungrateful rehabilitative henry lien
    Pearl Rehabilitative Colony for Ungrateful Daughters - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2015 31:48


    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.

    daughters kung fu colonies ungrateful rehabilitative henry lien

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