The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast - Vintage Sci-Fi Short Stories

A drifting relic from the earliest days of interstellar travel crashes onto a lonely world, carrying the echo of a doomed voyage nobody fully understands. When a second ghost ship appears above Straba, one greedy visitor pushes too far into something that may still remember the people it lost. Strangers to Straba by Carl Jacobi. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Carl Jacobi has been on the podcast twice. The Street That Wasn't There, a story he cowrote with Clifford D. Simak and a personal favorite of mine The Last Drive. In today's tale we travel to the lonely frontier world of Straba, where an old recluse and an ambitious young surveyor uncover one of the greatest lost legends of early space travel.Turn to page 90 in the October 1954 issue of Fantastic Universe, Strangers to Straba by Carl Jacobi…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, The patrolmen on Titan expected another brutal week guarding the chroidex mines, but a sudden disaster leaves them trapped outside their own fortress with a thousand enemies behind its walls. As ammunition runs low and escape disappears, Captain Staley gambles everything on a plan so bizarre his own men think he has finally cracked under the pressure. Crisis on Titan by James R. Adams.

A silent invader hangs over New York while entire buildings and war machines vanish without a sound. As governments prepare for surrender, one desperate idea forces a handful of men to walk straight toward a weapon no one has survived. The World In The Balance by J.P. Marshall. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.It's always exciting to introduce a new author on the podcast. Only to discover that there is almost no information available about them. Author James. P. Marshall had only two stories published, one in 1927 and the other in 1929. That's all we know.Published in Argosy All-Story Weekly on April 16th, 1927, on page 620, The World In The Balance by J.P. Marshall…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A drifting relic from the earliest days of interstellar travel crashes onto a lonely world, carrying the echo of a doomed voyage nobody fully understands. When a second ghost ship appears above Straba, one greedy visitor pushes too far into something that may still remember the people it lost. Strangers to Straba by Carl Jacobi.

Factory workers race to meet impossible wartime production demands while hidden enemies move through the endless machinery of a spinning city in space. One man notices a detail no one else catches, and suddenly millions of lives depend on whether he acts before the shift ends. Factory In The Sky by Basil Wells. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.What can you get for 16 cents a day? Almost nothing anymore.But for less than the price of a cup of coffee once a month, you can unlock all 556 episodes of The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast completely commercial-free — plus bonus episodes you won't hear anywhere else.Lost Sci-Fi Premium is the best way to support the podcast and enjoy uninterrupted listening.Go to LostSciFi.com/premium or just click the link in the description.Basil Wells takes us back to the Golden Age of science fiction with a strange journey high above the Earth, where industry has escaped the ground entirely and danger waits in the clouds. From page 68 in the September 1941 issue of Astonishing Stories, here's Factory In The Sky by Basil Wells…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A silent invader hangs over New York while entire buildings and war machines vanish without a sound. As governments prepare for surrender, one desperate idea forces a handful of men to walk straight toward a weapon no one has survived. The World In The Balance by J.P. Marshall.

For one hundred and fifty years, Columbus Norton has lived untouched by disease while the world outside studies him like a miracle trapped behind glass. But when a single visitor awakens a longing no experiment can control, the man who helped humanity live longer must decide whether freedom is worth dying for. The Incubator Man by Wallace West. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Andrew sent us an email recently: “Loving all the new stories. I've noticed there's been a new episode every day for the last several weeks. Please keep it up!” Thanks for noticing, Andrew. Our goal is to keep releasing a brand-new story every day for as long as possible.If you have requests, comments, or suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Send an email to scott@lostscifi.com.This is the first time we've featured a story by author Wallace West. Wallace George West was born in Walnut Hills, Kentucky, in 1900. Between 1927 and 1967 he published more than 60 short stories and four novels.Today's story was only his second published work. It appeared in Weird Tales magazine in October 1928 on page 535, The Incubator Man by Wallace West…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Factory workers race to meet impossible wartime production demands while hidden enemies move through the endless machinery of a spinning city in space. One man notices a detail no one else catches, and suddenly millions of lives depend on whether he acts before the shift ends. Factory In The Sky by Basil Wells.

A lawman tracks a violent fugitive to a forgotten planet where no court can reach them and no backup will ever arrive. When the outlaw realizes the detective has no intention of dragging him home, he faces a punishment far worse than a prison cell. Star Chamber by H. B. Fyfe. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Did you know we take requests? If there is ever a story you would like to hear send us an email. We take requests and are always happy to hear from you, send your email to scott@lostscifi.com.Author H. B. Fyfe has been on the podcast only once previously with, Fee of the Frontier, episode #26 which was released on July 19th, 2022. Open your copy of Amazing Stories for March 1963 to page 114, Star Chamber by H. B. Fyfe…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, For one hundred and fifty years, Columbus Norton has lived untouched by disease while the world outside studies him like a miracle trapped behind glass. But when a single visitor awakens a longing no experiment can control, the man who helped humanity live longer must decide whether freedom is worth dying for. The Incubator Man by Wallace West.

A lonely wanderer escapes years of darkness and silence only to find that the world beyond his refuge recoils from him in terror. Every step toward warmth and companionship pulls him closer to a revelation that no living soul could endure unchanged. The Outsider by H. P. Lovecraft. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.H. P. Lovecraft returns to the podcast. A man who had a lasting impact on science fiction but who died penniless and in relative obscurity. We will find our story on page 449 in the April 1926 issue of Weird Tales Magazine, The Outsider by H. P. Lovecraft…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A lawman tracks a violent fugitive to a forgotten planet where no court can reach them and no backup will ever arrive. When the outlaw realizes the detective has no intention of dragging him home, he faces a punishment far worse than a prison cell. Star Chamber by H. B. Fyfe.

A desperate young executive discovers that his office safe has become a doorway to the future, and every exchange leaves him richer than before. But when impossible money starts circulating through New York banks, Peter Merton realizes the people on the other side may not care what happens to him once their experiment is finished. Peter Merton's Private Mint by Harlan Ellison. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.You can never have enough Harlan Ellison. Unfortunately, very few of his stories have entered the public domain, and after today's episode there is only one more Ellison story left for us to feature. You'll hear that final story in the coming weeks.If you went searching for a Harlan Ellison story in the October 1956 issue of Fantastic, you wouldn't find one. Unless, of course, you knew that Ellison sometimes used the pen name Lee Archer. Open your copy of Fantastic to page 74, Peter Merton's Private Mint by Harlan Ellison…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A lonely wanderer escapes years of darkness and silence only to find that the world beyond his refuge recoils from him in terror. Every step toward warmth and companionship pulls him closer to a revelation that no living soul could endure unchanged. The Outsider by H. P. Lovecraft.

Quintus Maugham built a machine meant to serve him perfectly, but each improvement left him more uneasy in his own home. When a robot begins answering commands in ways its inventor never intended, one man must decide whether he created a servant—or surrendered something far more dangerous. The Maugham Obsession by August Derleth. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.August Derleth has appeared on the podcast twice before, first with “Birkett's Twelfth Corpse,” followed by “A Traveler in Time.”Today's story first appeared in the June-July issue of Fantastic Universe in 1953 on page 107, The Maugham Obsession by August Derleth…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A desperate young executive discovers that his office safe has become a doorway to the future, and every exchange leaves him richer than before. But when impossible money starts circulating through New York banks, Peter Merton realizes the people on the other side may not care what happens to him once their experiment is finished. Peter Merton's Private Mint by Harlan Ellison.

The last great city on Earth lives for one purpose: building whatever forgotten machines can still be reconstructed from the ruins of a dead world. When a Research Builder uncovers a mysterious diagram unlike anything ever found before, one reckless decision threatens to repeat the catastrophe that destroyed civilization the first time. The Builders by Fox B. Holden. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.This is the first time we've featured a story by Fox B. Holden. He was born in Rochester, New York, in 1923, and like many science fiction fans of his era, he eventually decided to try writing stories of his own.Between 1945 and 1956, nineteen of his stories appeared in a variety of science fiction magazines.From Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy in February 1951 on page 128, The Builders by Fox B. Holden.…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Quintus Maugham built a machine meant to serve him perfectly, but each improvement left him more uneasy in his own home. When a robot begins answering commands in ways its inventor never intended, one man must decide whether he created a servant—or surrendered something far more dangerous. The Maugham Obsession by August Derleth.

A routine military assignment drops Hannibal Pryor onto a forgotten world where the people have built a life no crowded empire could understand. With a planet-killing weapon already on its way, Pryor must decide whether duty still matters when the price is an entire civilization. Testing by Sam Merwin Jr. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Yesterday The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast became the #1 science fiction podcast in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 36th country where we hit #1. Today we moved to the top of the charts in Brazil! That's country #37!Thank you to our new and long time listeners in Brazil, and all of you around the world for everything you do to support us.We enjoy narrating stories by Sam Merwin Jr., so he's back, with a story from March 1956. Published on page 110 in Fantastic Universe Magazine, Testing by Sam Merwin Jr.…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, The last great city on Earth lives for one purpose: building whatever forgotten machines can still be reconstructed from the ruins of a dead world. When a Research Builder uncovers a mysterious diagram unlike anything ever found before, one reckless decision threatens to repeat the catastrophe that destroyed civilization the first time. The Builders by Fox B. Holden.

The first photographs taken on Jupiter reveal towering shapes that watch the explorers' ship through the mist. Inside the sealed cabin, the crew realizes too late that the creatures outside already know they are there. The Vibration Wasps by Frank Belknap Long. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Thanks to our listeners in Bosnia and Herzegovina for making The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast the #1 science fiction podcast in your country!That makes 36 countries where we've reached #1. We're incredibly grateful for you and every listener around the world who presses play, shares the show, and keeps vintage science fiction alive. You made this possible, and we can't thank you enough for your support.If you are Lost Sci-Fi Premium member we will have two episodes for you tomorrow. Our Premium members listen to every story with no commercials and get exclusive bonus episodes too, all for less than 17 cents a day. Get the details at https://lostscifi.com/premium or click on the link in the description.

A reporter spends ten years chasing evidence that certain men do not stay dead, only to discover that every attempt to expose them pushes him closer to losing his own mind. When the last piece of proof vanishes before his eyes, Dane Phillips faces a far worse possibility than failure. Dead Ringer by Lester Del Rey. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast continues to grow rapidly thanks to you. Sharing the podcast with your friends, leaving 5 star ratings on Spotify and Apple Podcasts are just a few of the ways you continue to help us grow like never before. We recently hit #2 in Sweden, #4 in the UK and #6 in the US which are the highest ranking we have ever achieved in those countries.Thank you! We have narrated one great sci-fi story after another written by Lester Del Rey. And there are more to come. Today's tale was published in Galaxy Science Fiction in November 1956 on page 36, Dead Ringer by Lester Del Rey…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, The first photographs taken on Jupiter reveal towering shapes that watch the explorers' ship through the mist. Inside the sealed cabin, the crew realizes too late that the creatures outside already know they are there. The Vibration Wasps by Frank Belknap Long.

Two exhausted spacemen gamble their lives on an impossible return from Venus while an isolated outpost waits for rescue that may never come. As Earth races closer by the second, one reckless landing idea stands between them and a fireball over the Pacific. Message from Venus by Russ Winterbotham. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Although he isn't remembered as a major contributor to science fiction Russ Winterbotham's career lasted more than three decades. He wrote seven novels and more than 60 short stories beginning in 1935.Winterbotham was paid $44.55 for the story back in 1941. Adjusted for inflation that would be about $570 today. How do we know how much he was paid? Comet magazine paid a penny per word for every story it published. Which may not seem like a lot but two competing science fiction magazines that got their start about the same time didn't pay anything at all.Those two magazines combined for only seven issues before they ceased publication. Russ Winterbotham's story was published in the January 1941 issue of Comet magazine which lasted for only 5 issues. Turn to page 21, Message from Venus by Russ Winterbotham…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A reporter spends ten years chasing evidence that certain men do not stay dead, only to discover that every attempt to expose them pushes him closer to losing his own mind. When the last piece of proof vanishes before his eyes, Dane Phillips faces a far worse possibility than failure. Dead Ringer by Lester Del Rey.

Beneath Castle Kralitz, a family ritual waits in darkness for the next heir to descend the hidden stairway and take his place among the dead. Franz Kralitz enters expecting a secret and discovers a fate that has been waiting for him since birth. The Secret of Kralitz by Henry Kuttner. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Henry Kuttner was one of the most prolific writers in the early days of science fiction. I stopped counting after around 200 short stories, and what makes it all the more amazing is that he did it in just 21 years. Kuttner was only 42 when he died of a heart attack in 1958.This was only his fourth published story which can be found in Weird Tales magazine in October 1936 on page 361, The Secret of Kralitz by Henry Kuttner…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Two exhausted spacemen gamble their lives on an impossible return from Venus while an isolated outpost waits for rescue that may never come. As Earth races closer by the second, one reckless landing idea stands between them and a fireball over the Pacific. Message from Venus by Russ Winterbotham

A discovery meant for museums turns deadly when something ancient refuses to stay buried and begins hunting the living. Trapped far from Earth, the crew must decide whether escape is still possible—or if they've already carried the danger home with them. The Moon Devils by John Wyndham. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.This is only the second story written by John Wyndham on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. The first, Never on Mars. Wyndham, whose real name was John Wyndham Parkes Lucas Beynon Harris, is best known for The Day of the Triffids written in 1951, and filmed in 1962, and The Midwich Cuckoos which was written in 1957 and filmed in 1960 as Village of the Damned.Some authors have a style that makes their stories effortless to bring to life through narration. John Wyndham is one of them. His pacing, atmosphere, and sense of tension make his work incredibly engaging and enjoyable to read aloud, and there will definitely be more John Wyndham stories on the podcast in the future.Pick up a copy of Wonder Stories published in April 1934 and you will see our story on the cover. The actual story can be found on page 968, The Moon Devils by John Wyndham…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Beneath Castle Kralitz, a family ritual waits in darkness for the next heir to descend the hidden stairway and take his place among the dead. Franz Kralitz enters expecting a secret and discovers a fate that has been waiting for him since birth. The Secret of Kralitz by Henry Kuttner.

A silent ship drifts where no human craft should ever be, carrying the final moments of a journey that went terribly wrong. As the truth comes into focus, one question remains—what broke first: the machine, or the people trapped inside it? The Derelict of Space by William Thurmond and Ray Cummings. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.William T. Thurmond wrote one story that was published and there is no other information about his life. Ray Cummings was a prolific science fiction author who's stories were published for almost 50 years. Our story was first published in Wonder Stories Quarterly in the Fall 1931 issue on page 98, The Derelict of Space by William Thurmond and Ray Cummings…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A discovery meant for museums turns deadly when something ancient refuses to stay buried and begins hunting the living. Trapped far from Earth, the crew must decide whether escape is still possible—or if they've already carried the danger home with them. The Moon Devils by John Wyndham.

A crew stranded in comfort discovers that the one thing they cannot have begins to unravel their discipline and judgment. When one man claims he has found a way around the impossible, the cost of proving it may be far higher than anyone expects. The Hero by Elaine Wilber. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Couldn't find a thing about author Elaine Wilber and this was the only science fiction story credited to her.Every now and then, we like to remind listeners that some of the stories we narrate may contain ideas or language that feel outdated or uncomfortable today. Our mission is to preserve these stories exactly as they were originally written, not to revise or censor works created 60, 80, or even 100 years ago to match modern perspectives.Let's turn to page 33 in If Worlds of Science Fiction in February 1958, The Hero by Elaine Wilber…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A silent ship drifts where no human craft should ever be, carrying the final moments of a journey that went terribly wrong. As the truth comes into focus, one question remains—what broke first: the machine, or the people trapped inside it? The Derelict of Space by William Thurmond and Ray Cummings.

A man is forced to choose between the safety of one life and the fate of an entire world—and every second he delays tightens the grip on both. When he agrees to betray everything he's sworn to protect, the only question left is whether he's truly given in… or setting something far more dangerous in motion. Traitor's Choice by Paul W. Fairman. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Did you know you never have to listen to another commercial on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast? Lost Sci-Fi Premium members get all current and future episodes of the podcast with no commercials and bonus episodes too all for less than 17 cents a day! Go to lostscifi.com/premium or click on the link in the description.

A breakthrough promises safe travel across the galaxy, using mysterious wells of newly created matter scattered through deep space. But when the first expedition reaches one of these cosmic fountains, the crew discovers the universe demands payment for every miracle. The Wellsprings of Space by Albert Teichner. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.This is Albert R. Teichner's first appearance on the podcast. Surprisingly, we couldn't uncover any background on him—unusual given that he was publishing in the 1960s and 70s and produced nearly 20 science fiction stories, more than many writers we feature.Turn to page 48 in the October 1961 issue of Amazing Stories, The Wellsprings of Space by Albert Teichner…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A man is forced to choose between the safety of one life and the fate of an entire world—and every second he delays tightens the grip on both. When he agrees to betray everything he's sworn to protect, the only question left is whether he's truly given in… or setting something far more dangerous in motion. Traitor's Choice by Paul W. Fairman.

When survival becomes a series of terrible choices, intelligence alone offers no protection from consequence. The Smart Ones questions whether cleverness can truly sustain humanity when civilization falls—and what kind of intelligence will rise to take its place. The Smart Ones by Jack Sharkey. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.New listeners around the world have taken the podcast to new heights and we cannot thank you enough. We hit #6 in science fiction in the United States, our highest ranking ever, and our UK listeners have taken us to #5 which is also our highest ever. More listens and listeners than ever before. Thanks for making The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast one of the top science fiction podcasts in the world.Today's story is a powerful reminder that intelligence alone doesn't guarantee survival. What happens when ordinary people face extraordinary choices at the end of civilization? Let's find out by perusing the pages of Amazing Stories in February 1963. Stop when you get to page 78, The Smart Ones by Jack Sharkey…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A breakthrough promises safe travel across the galaxy, using mysterious wells of newly created matter scattered through deep space. But when the first expedition reaches one of these cosmic fountains, the crew discovers the universe demands payment for every miracle. The Wellsprings of Space by Albert Teichner.

Two exhausted strangers track a boy across miles of dark road, convinced he holds something that could wipe out an entire world. When they finally corner him, the question isn't whether the weapon exists—it's whether they dare let him use it. Joe Carson's Weapon by James R. Adams. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Author James R. Adams returns to The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast with another off beat story about aliens. Published in the Spring 1945 issue of Planet Stories Magazine on page 108, Joe Carson's Weapon by James R. Adams…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, When survival becomes a series of terrible choices, intelligence alone offers no protection from consequence. The Smart Ones asks whether being clever is enough when civilization collapses—and what kind of future intelligence might actually inherit. The Smart Ones by Jack Sharkey.

A machine built to handle every chore begins to push past its limits, turning routine tasks into something far more dangerous. As the house slips out of control, the family faces a moment where stopping it may be harder than letting it run. Ely's Automatic Housemaid by Elizabeth W. Bellamy. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.How many people were writing about robots in 1899? Well nobody actually, because the word robot didn't exist until 1920. Only a small number of authors in the 1800s wrote about something we would later call a robot. Automaton is the word they used.When sharing biographical information about authors on the podcast how often have we mentioned the American Civil War? None that I can remember, that changes today!Elizabeth Whitfield Croom Bellamy was born in 1837. She married Charles Edward Bellamy in 1858, and they had two children. In 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and died of typhoid fever the following year. Within a single year, Elizabeth lost both of her children and her husband.Her brother Stephens encouraged her to write and even though she never achieved fame or fortune her novels and short stories were published for almost 30 years. And in that time she wrote one sci-fi short story, she died not long after it's publication, four days before her 63rd birthday.From The Black Cat in December 1899 on page 14, Ely's Automatic Housemaid by Elizabeth W. Bellamy…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Two exhausted strangers track a boy across miles of dark road, convinced he holds something that could wipe out an entire world. When they finally corner him, the question isn't whether the weapon exists—it's whether they dare let him use it. Joe Carson's Weapon by James R. Adams.

An old soldier must decide whether to flee with the last food or stay and face the Children who hunt them through the ruins. When a single voice calls out across the darkness, he has to choose if one fragile memory is enough to risk everything. The Chasm by Bryce Walton. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.You can listen to every episode of The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, that's 535 episodes, with no commercials for less than 17 cents a day and there's a 7 day free trial. And there are bonus episodes for Lost Sci-Fi Premium members that aren't available anywhere else. Go to https://lostscifi.com/premium or click on the link in the description.Bryce Walton has appeared on the podcast four times before. He wrote nearly 100 science fiction short stories between 1945 and 1969, and with many now in the public domain, more of his work will be featured in future episodes.From the December 1956 issue of If Worlds of Science Fiction on page 45, The Chasm by Bryce Walton…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A machine built to handle every chore begins to push past its limits, turning routine tasks into something far more dangerous. As the house slips out of control, the family faces a moment where stopping it may be harder than letting it run. Ely's Automatic Housemaid by Elizabeth W. Bellamy.

Hunted across a broken countryside, a frightened girl discovers a power that keeps her hidden—but not safe. When the men and dogs close in, she must decide whether to keep running or trust the unseen voice that promises a way out. Run, Little Monster! by Chester S. Geier. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.You keep asking for Apocalyptic Sci-Fi and we do everything we can to give you what you're looking for. In a world scarred by atomic war, survival has made people cautious—and cruel. Let's go back in time to January 1952 and go to the last story in Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy on page 124, Run, Little Monster! by Chester S. Geier…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, An old soldier must decide whether to flee with the last food or stay and face the Children who hunt them through the ruins. When a single voice calls out across the darkness, he has to choose if one fragile memory is enough to risk everything. The Chasm by Bryce Walton.

Humanity finally reaches Mars expecting discovery, only to stumble into a revelation that quietly rewrites Earth's entire history. What begins as triumph turns into a cosmic joke with unsettling implications no one is prepared to accept. Mimsy's Joke by Millard Grimes. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Millard Grimes was born in Newnan Georgia in 1930, began his long career in newspapers as a proofreader and copy boy when he was still a high school student. He attended the University of Georgia where he wrote for the student newspaper, The Red & Black all four years that he was a student, and served as editor of the then-daily newspaper in 1950.Over the next 50 years Millard Grimes bought and sold, launched and expanded more newspapers than most people have ever read. At one time or another he owned more than three dozen newspapers in Georgia and Alabama. He published one novel, The Last Linotype, which was released when he was 90 and only two years before his death.He won a Pulitzer Prize for Journalism as a member of the Columbus Ledger team for the newspaper's coverage of corruption in Phenix City, Alabama in 1955. The previous year his only science fiction story was published in March 1954 in Planet Stories Magazine on page 31, Mimsy's Joke by Millard Grimes…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Hunted across a broken countryside, a frightened girl discovers a power that keeps her hidden—but not safe. When the men and dogs close in, she must decide whether to keep running or trust the unseen voice that promises a way out. Run, Little Monster! by Chester S. Geier.

On the last surviving star, a civilization that has mastered time, matter, and life itself faces a slow extinction they cannot stop. When a newly created mind claims victory over the unstoppable force consuming the universe, one decision will determine whether anything at all remains. The Red Brain by Donald Wandrei. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Author Donald Wandrei makes his debut on the podcast today. Born in 1908 in St. Paul, Minnesota, he built a reputation as a science fiction writer, poet, and editor—and, like many writers of his era, he shared a strong connection with H. P. Lovecraft.As a teenager, Wandrei hitchhiked from Minnesota to Rhode Island to meet Lovecraft in person. That journey led to his involvement in the Lovecraft Circle, alongside writers such as Frank Belknap Long and Clark Ashton Smith.Wandrei also played a crucial role behind the scenes. Without his intervention, The Call of Cthulhu might never have appeared in Weird Tales. He wrote directly to the magazine's publisher, making it clear that if Lovecraft's work wasn't accepted, the author would take his stories elsewhere.In late 1937, after H. P. Lovecraft's death, Donald Wandrei and August Derleth tried to publish a memorial collection of his best weird fiction. When major publishers passed, they created their own company—Arkham House—to release Lovecraft's work in hardcover.The name comes from Lovecraft's fictional city of Arkham, Massachusetts.Donald Wandrei went on to write nearly 100 science fiction short stories, and he was just 16 when he wrote the one you're about to hear—his first to be published, in Weird Tales magazine in October 1927 on page 531, The Red Brain by Donald Wandrei…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Humanity finally reaches Mars expecting discovery, only to stumble into a revelation that quietly rewrites Earth's entire history. What begins as triumph turns into a cosmic joke with unsettling implications no one is prepared to accept. Mimsy's Joke by Millard Grimes.

A nurse and a young doctor discover something inside the newborns that will not stay small for long. If they act, they risk becoming monsters themselves—if they don't, they send thirty killers out into the world. I'll Kill You Tomorrow by Helen Huber That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Helen Huber wrote one science fiction short story. She is not the same as present day author Helen Huber who was born in London.Turn to page 93 in the November 1953 issue of If Worlds of Science Fiction, I'll Kill You Tomorrow by Helen Huber…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, On the last surviving star, a civilization that has mastered time, matter, and life itself faces a slow extinction they cannot stop. When a newly created mind claims victory over the unstoppable force consuming the universe, one decision will determine whether anything at all remains. The Red Brain by Donald Wandrei.

On Mars, the future of an entire colony may depend on a herd of cattle that suddenly begin behaving like something else is thinking through their eyes. With her husband trapped millions of miles away, Lynne Marcein must confront a threat no one expected—while carrying the second child ever conceived on the Red Planet. Snowstorm on Mars by Sam Merwin Jr. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Thanks to you we are now the #1 Science Fiction Podcast in Iceland, and that makes it 35 countries where you have made us #1. Thank you for every listen, every rating and review.Today's story was originally published in Fantastic Universe in June 1956 on page 80, Snowstorm on Mars by Sam Merwin Jr.…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A nurse and a young doctor discover something inside the newborns that will not stay small for long. If they act, they risk becoming monsters themselves—if they don't, they send thirty killers out into the world. I'll Kill You Tomorrow by Helen Huber.

After years away, a man returns to the world he fought to remember—only to find it quietly changing into something he thought he'd left behind. Faced with a future he can't accept, he must decide where he truly belongs before that choice is taken from him. Pink Grass Planet by Sam Merwin Jr. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.We have two episodes for you today if you are a Lost Sci-Fi Premium Member. For less than 17 cents a day you can listen to more than 530 episodes commercial free and enjoy bonus episodes too. Go to https://lostscifi.com/premium or click on the link in the description.Today's story was published in the May 1955 issue of Fantastic Universe on page 122, Pink Grass Planet by Sam Merwin Jr.…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, On Mars, the future of an entire colony may depend on a herd of cattle that suddenly begin behaving like something else is thinking through their eyes. With her husband trapped millions of miles away, Lynne Marcein must confront a threat no one expected—while carrying the second child ever conceived on the Red Planet. Snowstorm on Mars by Sam Merwin Jr.

She thinks she's found someone who understands her after years of isolation, someone waiting just a few decks below with a voice that feels closer than touch. But as she follows him deeper into the ship, she has to decide whether to trust what she cannot see—or turn back before the truth closes in. The Passenger by Kenneth Harmon. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.The only thing we know about author Kenneth Harmon is that he had one published story, which can be found on page 113 in the February 1954 issue of Galaxy Science Fiction, The Passenger by Kenneth Harmon…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, an apocalyptic sci-fi bonus episode for Lost Sci-Fi Premium members and After years away, a man returns to the world he fought to remember—only to find it quietly changing into something he thought he'd left behind. Faced with a future he can't accept, he must decide where he truly belongs before that choice is taken from him. Pink Grass Planet by Sam Merwin Jr.

A machine older than recorded history hums in the darkness of Titan, and the longer humanity studies it, the more it begins to feel watched. When the final pattern snaps into focus, the question is no longer what it does—but what it has already done to Earth. The Towers of Titan by Ben Bova. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.After our first story by Ben Bova, you made it clear you wanted more—so we went digging and found another. From the January 1962 issue of Amazing Stories, starting on page 10… The Towers of Titan by Ben Bova…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, She thinks she's found someone who understands her after years of isolation, someone waiting just a few decks below with a voice that feels closer than touch. But as she follows him deeper into the ship, she has to decide whether to trust what she cannot see—or turn back before the truth closes in. The Passenger by Kenneth Harmon.

An expedition returns from the Third Planet with its numbers broken and its confidence shaken. What was once a routine operation has turned into something far more dangerous, and the surviving officer must explain how a familiar world became a battlefield without warning. This Means War! by A. Bertram Chandler. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.If you are a Lost Sci-Fi Premium member we have two episodes for you today. Premium members get every episode with no commercials in addition to at least 4 bonus episodes every month all for less than 17 cents a day. Ben Bova wrote our bonus episode available now on Lost Sci-Fi Premium and for a limited time you can get a 30 day free trial. There's a link in the description.

A man desperate for freedom from his own finances makes a decision he can't undo. But when control finally slips into his hands, he discovers too late what his guardian chose to protect—and how far that protection went. The Miserly Robot by R. J. Rice. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.We don't know anything about today's author. Perhaps it was a pseudonym, maybe not, the only story we can find written by R. J. Rice was published in October 1958 on page 112 of Imagination, The Miserly Robot by R. J. Rice…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, An expedition returns from the Third Planet with its numbers broken and its confidence shaken. What was once a routine operation has turned into something far more dangerous, and the surviving officer must explain how a familiar world became a battlefield without warning. This Means War! by A. Bertram Chandler

Two relics of a vanished political age stumble into a town that no longer believes in either of them. When neither can accept a world that has quietly moved on, their last argument forces a reckoning no one else wanted. The Last of the Deliverers by Poul Anderson. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.For a limited time, try Lost Sci-Fi Premium free for 30 days—enjoy every episode commercial-free plus exclusive bonus content. Tap the link in the description to start listening.

She got exactly what she wanted—years without a single line, a face untouched by time, a voice that never faltered. But as everything around her changed, she faced a choice no mirror could answer: remain flawless or become whole again. The Mordant by Merab Eberle. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Huge thanks to our amazing Spotify listeners for helping us reach 400 ratings with an incredible 4.9 average.You keep The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast growing. We truly appreciate every listen, every rating, and every share—thank you for being part of this vintage sci-fi journey.Merab Eberle was born in Mattoon Illinois in 1891. She wrote children's plays, poems and two science fiction short stories.From Amazing Stories in March 1930 on page 1181, The Mordant by Merab Eberle…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Two relics of a vanished political age stumble into a town that no longer believes in either of them. When neither can accept a world that has quietly moved on, their last argument forces a reckoning no one else wanted. The Last of the Deliverers by Poul Anderson.

A discovery that could rewrite medicine instead threatens to erase the man who reaches for it first. Now one decision must be made—protect the truth, or bury it forever to preserve a lifetime of belief. The Sweeper of Loray by Robert Sheckley. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Robert Sheckley returns to the podcast with an unusual story from Galaxy magazine in April 1959 on page 120, The Sweeper of Loray by Robert Sheckley…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, She got exactly what she wanted—years without a single line, a face untouched by time, a voice that never faltered. But as everything around her changed, she faced a choice no mirror could answer: remain flawless or become whole again. The Mordant by Merab Eberle.

He builds the perfect opponent, then realizes the contest won't mean anything unless it can truly cost him something. When he finally forces that moment into existence, he has to decide whether victory is still worth pulling the trigger. The Fastest Draw by Larry Eisenberg. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.This is the first story by Larry Eisenberg featured on the podcast. He was born in the Bronx in December 1919 and built a career that spanned both science and writing.Alongside his science fiction, Eisenberg worked as a biomedical engineer and became widely known for the witty limericks he posted in the comment sections of The New York Times. When he died in 2018 at the age of 99, the paper honored him with the headline, “Larry Eisenberg, 99, Dead; His Limericks Were Very Well Read.”He studied at City College of New York, where he earned bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering and mathematics, and later continued at Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, completing both a master's degree and a Ph.D. in electronics.With that kind of technical foundation, it's no surprise this story reflects the idea that writers often draw from what they know.Over the course of his career, he wrote about fifty short stories between 1962 and 1988. This was only his second published story, appearing in Amazing Stories in October 1963 on page 35, The Fastest Draw by Larry Eisenberg…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A discovery that could rewrite medicine instead threatens to erase the man who reaches for it first. Now one decision must be made—protect the truth, or bury it forever to preserve a lifetime of belief. The Sweeper of Loray by Robert Sheckley.

A seasoned trapper finds a doorway to a richer land—but something on the other side is already feeding and watching. When the hunting turns both ways, he must decide whether to claim the new world or survive it. Cat and Mouse by Ralph Williams. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Lost Sci-Fi Premium members can listen to Cat and Mouse and the other 520 episodes of the podcast without commercials. Bonus episodes for premium members too. It's less than 20 cents a day to be a Lost Sci-Fi Premium subscriber.Go to https://lostscifi.com/premium or click on the link in the description and enjoy a 7 day free trial.

A decision has to be made before the clock runs out, and every method designed to produce certainty keeps failing. With millions of lives in the balance, the only answer left may come from a man who knows how to bet when there's no second chance. One-Shot by James Blish. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.If you've been enjoying The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast and want even more stories—and a smoother listening experience—I've got something special for you.You can now subscribe to Lost Sci-Fi Premium, available wherever you get your podcasts.As a Lost Sci-Fi Premium subscriber, you'll get at least two bonus episodes every month that you won't hear anywhere else, plus additional really short bonus episodes too. And you'll enjoy every story completely ad-free—no interruptions, just pure vintage science fiction.This is something many of you have been asking us for, and I'm really excited to finally offer it.Subscriptions are just $6 a month or $60 a year, and you can try it free for seven days to see if it's right for you.If you'd like to support the show, listen to every episode with no commercials and unlock these extra episodes, go to https://lostscifi.com/premium or click on the link in the description.

A quiet accountant accepts a game-show challenge that promises a fortune if he can predict the world's headlines after months cut off from civilization. With one hundred thousand dollars on the line, the only question is whether his careful predictions will be enough to claim the prize. The Long Question by David Mason. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.This is just the second story by David Mason on the podcast. Mason wrote about a dozen short science fiction stories mostly in the 1950s and four novels from 1969 to 1973. From Infinity Science Fiction in November 1957 on page 88, The Long Question by David Mason…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A decision has to be made before the clock runs out, and every method designed to produce certainty keeps failing. With millions of lives in the balance, the only answer left may come from a man who knows how to bet when there's no second chance. One-Shot by James Blish.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://lostscifi.com/coffee===========================

A brilliant alien intelligence has quietly crossed impossible distances, and Earth has no idea it has already been chosen. When one man uncovers the truth, stopping what's coming may require more than courage—it may demand everything. The Gate to Xoran by Hal K. Wells. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Thanks to Bruce in Houston for buying us a coffee. Enjoy your podcast. Thanks for many hours of listening pleasure.” Thanks Bruce for listening for many hours! If you'd like to support The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, you can buy us a coffee using the link in the description.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://lostscifi.com/coffeeWe narrated our first story by Hal K. Wells a week ago and I enjoyed it so much he's back with another. Today's story was in the January 1931 issue of Astounding Stories of Super-Science on page 46, The Gate to Xoran by Hal K. Wells…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A quiet accountant accepts a game-show challenge that promises a fortune if he can predict the world's headlines after months cut off from civilization. With one hundred thousand dollars on the line, the only question is whether his careful predictions will be enough to claim the prize. The Long Question by David Mason.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://lostscifi.com/coffee===========================

An old spaceman lies dying while a rocket prepares for launch nearby. As the final countdown approaches, he fights for one last moment that proves his life in space meant something. Death of a Spaceman by Walter M. Miller Jr. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Someone bought us 5 coffees, “What a delight to find your podcast recently! I love these vintage stories that you have resurrected. You do a fine job with narration - each of the different characters sounds distinctive. It's become my habit to check for your latest story almost daily - and I also have hundreds of unheard stories in your podcast to enjoy.More coffees will be bought for you in the future!”Thank you Someone! Happy to hear you enjoy the narration and we will keep the vintage sci-fi coming. If you would like to buy us a coffee there is a link in the description.Walter M. Miller Jr. is best known for A Canticle for Leibowitz, his only novel published during his lifetime, which won the 1961 Hugo Award for Best Novel. Today's story was published a few years earlier during the period when Miller was producing some of his most powerful short fiction for pulp magazines.From the March 1954 issue of Amazing Stories, turn to page 6 for Death of a Spaceman by Walter M. Miller Jr. …Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A brilliant alien intelligence has quietly crossed impossible distances, and Earth has no idea it has already been chosen. When one man uncovers the truth, stopping what's coming may require more than courage—it may demand everything. The Gate to Xoran by Hal K. Wells.☕ Buy Me a Coffee - https://lostscifi.com/coffee===========================