Podcasts about short fiction

Send us a textEpisode 634: Hot Summer Sex Part 2: Five Point Stimulation to Euphoric Sexual Bliss. Anna and Dane continue their erotic adventure in the screen tent in their backyard. Dane has created a contraption to secure sex toys in to blow Anna's mind, and his ultimate goal is to give her five points of erogenous stimulation to help her reach orgasmic heights...but he gets to fulfill some fantasies, too, an oral pounding he's been wanting to try. Join in the summer heat as these two lovers expand their sexual boundaries and blow out the top of their sexual expectations, as they attain new heights of bliss.Enjoy the erotic romance, erotic fiction storytelling to spark your sexual wellbeing, enhance your sexual wellness, and peak your sexuality and your imagination in yummy adventures! It's a story about sexy relationships, reaching for and attaining orgasmic delights. It's an erotica storytelling story!Listen to part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/17466395Crush Virtual Erotic Con!CRUSH PublicationsDon't forget to enter for your chance to win tons of books and now the prize of trip to a VEGAS RESORT, 3 Days, 2 nights for 2 is added in as a prize! Learn more here: 2025 Giveaway's & VIP Packages - by CRUSH PublicationsEnter your entry to win your chance at a free ticket the conYou can watch the Con for FREE but for a chance to win the books and the getaway, you can buy a VIP ticket for $15.I'm on the narrator panel for this conference.Ruan's New Release: Mallory and Derek Attend Secret Parties https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/malloryandderekattendsecretpartiesSummer Teases 2 An erotic story anthology of summer sexy fun! https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/summerteases2anthologySmashwords Sale for July 2025, 50% off Ruan's books: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/RuanWillowSupport the showExclusives: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeRuan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillow https://payhip.com/RuanWillowBooks Affiliates BeeDee dating app https://beedee.app/?r=ohfuckyeahThe Fantasy Box https://thefantasybox.sjv.io/c/6250602/2141126/26423

Meg Wolitzer presents stories that take the idea of “the magic of fiction” literally—or literarily. The British writer Penelope Lively offers up a tricky combination of love and real estate in “The Third Wife,” performed by real-life husband and wife Patricia Kalember and Daniel Gerroll. The only “trick” in our next story, “Tempo,” by R.O. Kwon, is the trick the mind plays when it wishes the present would restore a lost bit of the past. The reader is Hettienne Park. And Dave Eggers' “The Alaska of Giants and Gods” includes a real magic act, but also the longing for some other kind of magic, misplaced on a rocky road, to be restored. Kate Burton reads.

Andrew Porter is the author of four books, including the short story collection The Theory of Light and Matter, which won the Flannery O'Connor Award for Short Fiction, the novel In Between Days, which was a Barnes & Noble “Discover Great New Writers” selection, an IndieBound “Indie Next” selection, and the San Antonio Express News's “Fictional Work of the Year,” the short story collection The Disappeared, which was longlisted for The Story Prize and the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, and the novel The Imagined Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meg Wolitzer presents four works that consider various forms of risk, and risk taking.  In “Clicking on Heaven's Door,” by Anand Giridharadas, performed by Negin Farsad, the pearly gates require an online account, a password, a security question…you get the idea.  “The Stand-In,” by Gerald Jones and Jean Marple, imagines a unique job. It's read by Tony Hale.  David Sedaris creates the ultimate in well-meant interference in other people's lives—oh, and there's a parrot.  “Farnsworth” is read by Jessica Keenan Wynn.  And—dining at the end of the world.  Where's the waiter?  Robin Hemley's “The Last Customer,” is read by Jane Curtin and Mike Doyle.

Meg Wolitzer presents stories by the incomparable Margaret Atwood, drawn from SELECTED SHORTS' archives and a live performance evening hosted by the author. “There Was Once” is a brief satire about the art of writing and the importance of free speech. It's performed by René Auberjonois, Zach Grenier, and Jane Kaczmarek. “Widows,” performed by Ellen Burstyn, is a delicate and ironic tale in which a recently widowed woman becomes accustomed to her new role. And Atwood is in full dystopian throttle in “Freeforall” where reproductive rights have become a matter of life and death. The reader is Becky Ann Baker. Portions of Atwood's onstage talk with fellow writer A.M. Homes are also featured, and the full interview is available as a bonus on our podcast.

Alex Shvartsman (Brooklyn, NY) is the author of Kakistocracy (2023), The Middling Affliction (2022), and Eridani's Crown (2019) fantasy novels. Over 120 of his stories have appeared in Analog, Nature, Strange Horizons, et al. He won the WSFA Small Press Award for Short Fiction and was a three-time finalist for the Canopus Award for Excellence in Interstellar Fiction.His translations from Russian have appeared in F&SF, Clarkesworld, Tor.com, Analog, Asimov's, et al. Alex has edited over a dozen anthologies, including the long-running Unidentified Funny Objects series.This story originally appeared in Galaxy's Edge, no. 25, March 2017.Narrated by: Will StaglWill Stagl lives in Tucson Arizona and is a proud member of the StarShipSofa team. This month you'll likely find him tearing through The Devils by Joe Abercrombie at a local café or waiting for the next installment of Murderbot to air.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/starshipsofa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This time we discussed The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses, Book 3 of The Investigations of Mossa and Pleiti, written by Malka Older, and narrated by Lindsey Dorcus. We also discussed some of our favorite recent short fiction listens in our short fiction spotlight. The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive/Libby] Short Fiction Spotlight: “In My Country” written by Thomas Ha, narrated by Kate Baker [Clarkesworld] - Issue 223: April 2025 / Short Story ”Unbeaten” written by Grace Seybold, narrated by Summer Fletcher [Beneath Ceaseless Skies - 432] / Short Story “Where Are They Now?” written by Meg Elison, narrated by Stefen Rudnicki [Lightspeed] - May 2025 (Issue 180) / Short Story ”Unfinished Architectures of the Human-Fae War” written by Caroline M. Yoachim, narrated by Erika Ensign [Uncanny Magazine] - Issue Sixty-Four / Short Story “The Library of the Apocalypse” written by Rati Mehrotra, narrated by Kate Baker [Clarkesworld] - Issue 224: May 2025 / Short Story “Pollen” written by written by Anna Burdenko, translated by Alex Shvartsman, and narrated by Kate Baker [Clarkesworld] - Issue 222: March 2025 / Short Story

Lori Ostlund is the author of After the Parade, which was a Barnes & Noble Discover pick and a finalist for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and the Ferro-Grumley Award. Her story collection, The Bigness of the World, won the 2008 Flannery O'Connor Award for Short Fiction, the California Book Award for First Fiction, and the Edmund White Debut Fiction Award, and was a Lambda Finalist and a New York Times Editors' Choice. Her third book is called Are You Happy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about personal transformation.In Kenneth Calhoun's “Mindless in America,” a SELECTED SHORTS commission, a couple trapped by their own technology resolves to lead a simpler life.  The reader is Justin Kirk.  In “D Day,” by Rachel Khong, God has a Plan B for the human race.  Spoiler alert—how do you think you'd look with a tail?  Or scales?  The reader is Katrina Lenk.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents three works that reflect on the allure—or not—of summer.  In Massimo Bontempelli's “The Miraculous Beach or, Prize for Modesty,” translated by Jenny McPhee, a hot summer in Rome produces a magical moment.  The reader is Hugh Dancy.  Essayist and humorist Samantha Irby could do without summer, thank you, and makes “A Case for Remaining in Doors”, performed by Retta.  And Denis O'Hare reads a baseball classic, W.P. Kinsella's “The Thrill of the Grass.” 

Send us a text! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.In this heartwarming and insightful episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Matty Dalrymple—thriller author, podcaster, speaker, and indie publishing pro. Matty's not only the writer behind the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels and Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, but also a passionate advocate for the power of short fiction—and trust me, she has so much wisdom to share.We kick things off with Matty's love of all things nautical (yes, even boat-watching on vacation!), and quickly dive into how she first began writing short fiction. What started as a way to keep her readers engaged between novels quickly turned into a cornerstone of her writing life. Matty's “snippets” from the Ann Kinnear universe are fan favorites—and she now has a growing collection of suspenseful short reads that offer bite-sized thrills and deep character moments.Matty walks us through the practical side of indie publishing short fiction, sharing tips on affordable cover design, working with beta readers, and even bringing her stories to life through audio narration. Her approach is smart, approachable, and encouraging—perfect for writers who want to do more without burning out or breaking the bank.One of my favorite parts of our conversation? Hearing how short fiction can act as a creative refresh. Whether she's exploring a quirky character like Garak Mazur (Ann's ghostly, curmudgeonly mentor) or experimenting with settings and ideas that don't quite fit a full novel, Matty embraces short stories as a playful way to stay inspired—and sometimes, they even lead to new books she hadn't planned on writing!And if you've ever wondered whether there's a real market for short fiction? Matty's answer is a resounding yes. Her short stories continue to sell (even with minimal promotion!), and they've become an unexpected income stream as well as a way to keep her readers excited and engaged.We wrap up with encouragement for any writer who's curious about short fiction but unsure where to start. Matty's advice? Don't overthink it—just try it out. A short story can be a creative experiment, a reader gift, or even a new path forward in your writing career.Tune in and fall in love with the possibilities of short fiction, all over again

It's June, time to celebrate Pride privately and publicly. Host Meg Wolitzer presents four works that celebrate the complexities of love family and belonging. Ivan E. Coyote's “No Bikini,” read by Becca Blackwell, offers one child's act of quiet rebellion. Lovers drift together, and apart, in Michael Cunningham's “Sleepless,” read by Mike Doyle. A newish couple faces harsh weather in Deesha Philyaw's “Snowfall,” read by Michelle Beck, and poet Kay Ulanday Barrett shares their “Song for the Kicked Out.”

Host Meg Wolitzer is presents two stories from a live SELECTED SHORTS evening celebrating the O'Henry Prize, with guest editor Amor Towles, bestselling author of volumes including A Gentleman from Moscow.On today's show, Allegra Hyde imagines the very near future as a never-ending road trip, in “Mobilization,” read by Jane Kaczmarek.  And a family is disrupted by the arrival of a young woman in “The Import,” by Jai Chakrabarti, read by Arjun Gupta.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents four stories in which characters give, and get, a little assistance, from friends, strangers and family. A daughter copes with a cantankerous parent in “How to Take Dad to the Doctor” by Jenny Allen, performed by Jennifer Mudge. A woman moves to a new town and makes a strange new friend in Laura van den Berg's “Friends,” performed by Roberta Colindrez. A Tyrolean café improbably situated in South America is home to mysterious strangers and new and old romances, in Isabel Allende's “The Little Heidelberg.” It's performed by Kathleen Turner. And a budding singer and socialist gets unwelcome help from Mom in Grace Paley's “Injustice,” performed by Jackie Hoffman.

Tara chats with author Harman Burns, a Saskatchewan-born trans woman, writer, filmmaker, and sound artist. Her work has been published in Rebelle Zine, Untethered Magazine, and Metatron Press, and her story “Among Strange Machines” was shortlisted for the Far Horizons Award for Short Fiction. Her debut novella, Yellow Barks Spider was published in 2024 by Radiant Press. She currently resides in Vancouver on the unceded, ancestral territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. Books and authors mentioned: Little Fish; A Dream of a Woman by Casey Plett Johnny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead Kai Cheng Thom Ducks, Newburyport by Lucy Ellmann Zulaikha by Niloufar-Lily Soltani Spirals in Time: The Secret Life and Curious Afterlife of Seashells by Helen Scales House of Chains (Malazan Book of the Fallen #4/10) by Steven Erikson https://www.instagram.com/harman.burns/ https://radiantpress.ca/shop/p/yellowbarksspider      

Send us a textPulling this hot little narrative scene from the exclusive level to the main podcast so all can enjoy it! Erotic audio, erotic storytelling with a power play role play scenario. Let's get hot with erotic romance! Let's go!My Daddy Dom dominates me in the morning. It's a tale of dominance and submission which leads to mind-blowing pleasure for us both. Take the ride with us and ride the journey to high climaxing and deliciousness of moaning pleasure sounds. "Helluva way to start the day."Find more of Ruan's work in the form of erotic books and erotic NSFW audiobooks. Ruan narrates her books and that of other erotic authors. See all the available books here: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/Enjoy! I take requests at ruanwillow@gmail.com for topics/stories for this exclusive level of the podcast. Send me your request today and I'll do it!Have a super sexy day...don't forget to come today!Love ya,RuanSexual health is a part of your mental health, don't ignore it! Use your body to make natural feel good hormones through climaxing. It's important for your relationship to yourself and those you share your intimate life with to do so. Consider this your 'permission' to indulge in self care... that is if you need permission.. ;) Marinate in your sexuality today and every day! It's so healthy for you! This is a sex-positive podcast because sex IS positive! Consent is sexy! Caring for yourself is positive and sexy.Subscribe for exclusives: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/sFREE erotica and erotic romance stories today through 5/21/25 https://storyoriginapp.com/to/swdynfrSupport the showSubscribe for exclusives: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge NO AI TRAINING

One True Podcast again toasts to the centenary of Hemingway's In Our Time by examining “Cat in the Rain,” one of its so-called “marriage tales.” We welcome John Beall to discuss the story's setting, its composition, the dynamic of the marriage, its autobiographical inspiration, and how this story fits in to Hemingway's other “frosty” marriages. We explore the symbolism of the cat, the omnipresence of the rain, repetition in the story… and we even wonder: what the heck is that guy reading that's so interesting?John Beall – author of the new book Hemingway's Art of Revision: The Making of the Short Fiction – expertly guides us through the ambiguities of this tense, elliptical story. Thanks for listening! 

In this thirty-second installment of fictional horror written and narrated by Dan Cummins.... we head to Bristol County, Massachusetts, where struggling horror author Brad Collins's desperation for another hit book leads him to experiment with the occult. When he realizes that his words - if they even are his words - have tragic real life consequences, will he stop writing? Or will he still finishBurn the Witch?This episode was scored by Logan Keith. We recommend listening with headphones to experience the full effect of all the creepy background noises! If you like this episode, please let us know wherever you rate and review podcasts. Thanks so much!For Merch and everything else Bad Magic related, head to: https://www.badmagicproductions.com

Host Meg Wolitzer presents a program celebrating the 100th anniversary of The New Yorker.  One of the magazine's strengths has always been its fiction, and honor of this winning literary streak, this year saw the release of the collection, A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker. The quartet of stories on this show is drawn from that volume.  The program includes a pithy satire by E. B. White, “Life Cycle of a Literary Genius,” read by Liev Schreiber; “Love,” by William Maxwell, a tender recounting of an collective adolescent crush, read by Fred Hechinger; “Bullet in the Brain,” a powerful reversal of fortune tale by Tobias Wolff, read by Liev Schreiber; and “All Will be Well,” an intriguing tangle of truths and half-truths by Yiyun Li, read by Ann Harada. 

NBN host Hollay Ghadery speaks with award-winning author Gary Barwin about his book, Scandal at the Alphorn Factory: New and Selected Short Fiction, 2024-1984 (Assembly Press, 2024) couples brand new and uncollected stories with selections of the most playful and ambitious of Barwin's previous collections, including Cruelty to Fabulous Animals, Big Red Baby, Doctor Weep and Other Strange Teeth, and I, Dr. Greenblatt, Orthodontist, 251–1457. Known as a “whiz-bang storyteller” who can deliver magical, dream-like sequences and truisms about the human condition in the same paragraph, Barwin's trademark brilliance, wit, and originality are on display in this can't-miss collection of short fiction. About Gary Barwin: GARY BARWIN is a writer, musician and multimedia artist and the author of 34 books including Scandal at the Alphorn Factory: New and Selected Short Fiction 2024-1984 and, with Lillian Allen and Gregory Betts, Muttertongue: what is a word in utter space. His national bestselling novel Yiddish for Pirates which won the Leacock Medal and the Canadian Jewish Literary Award, was a finalist for the Governor General's Award and the Giller Prize and was longlisted for Canada Reads. His last novel, Nothing the Same, Everything Haunted won the Canadian Jewish Literary Award and was the Hamilton Reads choice for 2023-2024. His last poetry collection, The Most Charming Creatures also won the Canadian Jewish Literary Award. His most recent novel, The Comedian's Book of the Dead will be published by Book*Hug in 2026. His art and media works have been exhibited and presented internationally. Be:longings, a $200,000 permanent public art sculpture created with Simon Frank and Tor Lukasik-Foss was installed in Churchill Park (Hamilton). His poetry installation, The Ambitious Sky was projected on a five-storey wall in Hamilton in February 2025, an interactive multimedia poetry exhibition Located in the Ink (created with Elee Kraljii Gardiner) was exhibited at Massy Arts (Vancouver) in Fall 2024, and Bird Fiction, and an interactive multimedia work (with Sarah Imrisek) was presented at Nuit Blanche 2024 (Toronto) and, in an expanded Hamilton-specific version will be featured in Hamilton Arts Week in June 2025. Recordings of his work are available at https://garybarwin.bandcamp.com He lives in Hamilton. About Hollay Ghadery: Hollay Ghadery is an Iranian-Canadian writer living in Ontario on Anishinaabe land. Fuse, her memoir of mixed-race identity mental health, was released by Guernica Editions and won a 2023 Canadian Bookclub Award. Her poetry collection, Rebellion Box was released by Radiant Press in 2023, and her short fiction collection, Widow Fantasies, with Gordon Hill Press in fall 2024. Hollay is a host on The New Books Network and co-host on HOWL on CIUT 89.5 FM. She is a book publicist, the Regional Chair of the League of Canadian Poets as well as the Poet Laureate of Scugog Township. www.hollayghadery.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

Host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about secrets that are just beneath the surface of the narratives and lives of the characters.  In Walter Dean Myers' “The Beast in the Labyrinth” children must conceal their real selves in a hostile society.  The reader is Jelani Alladin.  And the Shirley Jackson classic “The Lottery” demonstrates how the inconceivable can become the norm in a community if everyone accepts it.  The reader is Amy Ryan. 

Send us a textEpisode 605: A Stranger Seduced Me Right in Front of My Husband, and We Both Liked it, an erotic fiction story, erotica, smut, with a little bit of erotic romance tossed in! This was a fan request! Give me your request and I'll write it and narrate it on the podcast!Miranda and Luke are heading to her BFF'S wedding, and as they are joined at their table by a sexy stranger, their night, and their marriage, is forever changed. The sexy stranger, Curt, takes an interest in Miranda, and he sets his hooks into her. As the evening progresses, his passes at Miranda advance and she can't resist his sexual charms, when things get hotter than they expected, Miranda runs off to cool down in the bathroom. What happens in the bathroom leads to all three being satiated in new and exciting ways. Their sex life will be forever changed for the better!Tropes: Stranger hookup sex, public sex, sexual sharing, heightened desires from fulfilling hidden dark desires, love, sexualityEnjoy this erotic storytelling and erotic audio, and let it heat up your night and knock your socks off! Get your self care here, and pay attention to your sexual wellness. Sexual health is a part of your mental health, don't ignore it! Smut fiction is healing! Enjoy!Support the showSubscribe for exclusives: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge NO AI TRAINING

Selected Shorts celebrates this important collection each year, and this show, presented by host Meg Wolitzer, reprises works from the 2022 Best American edition selected by guest editor Andrew Sean Greer. Included are “The Little Widow from the Capital,” by Yohanca Delgado, performed by Krystina Alabado, and a second story selected by John Updike for the volume Best American Stories of the Century.  It's Grace Stone Coates' “Wild Plums,” performed by Mia Dillon.

It's this again! In this episode we discuss the following stories: The V*mpire by P.H. Lee   Katya Vasilevna and the Second Drowning of Baba Rechka by Christine Hanolsy  The Witch Trap by Jennifer Hudak Joanna's Bodies by Eugenia Triantafyllou

Host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories by contemporary Japanese writers that were featured during a live program created in collaboration with the Japan Society. Each touches on the idea of letting go.  In “Hawaii,” Aoko Matsuda imagines a afterlife for garments.  It's read by Maria Dizzia.  In “Sunrise,” by Erika Kobayashi, a woman's life parallels the world of nuclear power.  The reader is Rita Wolf.  And Hugh Dancy meets a mermaid in Hiromi Kawakami's “I Won't Let You Go.”

This time we discussed Murder by Memory, written by Olivia Waite and narrated by Blair Baker. We also discussed some of our favorite recent short fiction listens in our short fiction spotlight. The Tomb of Dragons [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive/Libby]   It's Storytime with Wil Wheaton [Website] Six Wakes [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive] / MicroSFF by Örjan Westin [Bluesky] /  [Website] Short Fiction Spotlight: “An Omodest Proposal” written by Andrew Dana Hudson, narrated by Stefen Rudnicki [Lightspeed] - February 2025 (Issue 177) / Short Story “My Omelas, Right or Wrong” written by An Unofficial Hugo Book Club Blog [Bluesky] / Short Story ”Hook and Line” written by Koji A Dae, narrated by Kate Baker [Clarkesworld] - Issue 222: March 2025 / Short Story ”AITA for telling my genetic double she can't be transgender?” written by Leon Tomova, narrated by Swann Grey [khōréō] / Short Story ”Redo” written by Brigitte Winter, narrated by Julia Rios [PodCastle 883] / Short Story ”Lyra, From Many Angles” written by Hiron Ennes, narrated by Tatiana Grey [Escape Pod 986] / Short Story ”Tea for Truth, Mango for Memory” written by Nicole L. Soper Gorden, narrated by M.K. Hobson [Beneath Ceaseless Skies - 427] / Short Story

Author and friend of the show, Alyssa Wong, returned to the show to discuss all things The High Republic, Doctor Aphra, their writing journey, and more!Reflecting on Doctor AphraThe Luminous Authors' trip to DisneylandStar Wars CelebrationThe end of The High Republic EraThe Battle of Eriadu One-Shot ComicDriggit Parse and Ruu!Their writing journeyWhat's coming next!Find Alyssa on Twitter @crashwong and keep a lookout for new announcements coming soon!Follow the show at forcetimepod on Instagram and TikTok! Leave us a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify if you enjoy the show!  "Robobozo" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0http://incompetech.com/creativecommons/by/4.0   

Sailing in the Mediterranean Episode 290 Interview with Matthew Bracken Version 1.0.0 From Navy SEAL to Novelist and Bluewater Sailor: Meet Matthew Bracken In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Matthew Bracken—a man whose life reads like an adventure novel. A former Navy SEAL and lifelong sailor, Bracken is best known for his action-packed political thrillers that blend real-world tensions with gripping, character-driven plots. But what truly sets him apart is his deep connection to the sea. After serving in the Navy, Bracken didn't just settle into civilian life—he sailed off into it. He spent years living aboard and voyaging across oceans on his own sailboat. His time at sea gave him a firsthand look at self-reliance, freedom, and the raw edge of adventure. These themes echo powerfully throughout his fiction. Matthew Bracken's Books 1. Enemies Foreign and Domestic (2003)The first in the Enemies trilogy. A rogue federal agent stages a mass shooting to justify draconian gun laws. A retired SEAL and a sharp-eyed journalist race to uncover the truth. It's a chilling tale of government overreach and personal courage. 2. Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista (2006)Set in a fractured near-future America, the story imagines the Southwest under separatist control. With borders dissolving and loyalties shifting, Bracken explores nationalism, identity, and civil conflict. 3. Foreign Enemies and Traitors (2009)The trilogy concludes with the rise of a tyrannical president who invites foreign troops onto U.S. soil. Resistance forces fight back in a gripping climax of betrayal, bravery, and rebellion. 4. Castigo Cay (2011)A true sailor's thriller. Dan Kilmer, a former Marine turned outlaw sailor, becomes involved in rescuing a kidnapped girl from a Caribbean crime cartel. This one draws heavily on Bracken's own sailing experiences—and it shows. 5. The Red Cliffs of Zerhoun (2016)A group of Americans is kidnapped by jihadists in North Africa. With strong echoes of historical captivity narratives, this story blends action, cultural conflict, and survival. 6. The Bracken Collection: Essays and Short Fiction (2019)A mix of political essays, short stories, and thought experiments—this collection offers a look into Bracken's worldview beyond the world of fiction. 7. Doomsday Reef (2020)Bracken returns to nautical action in this maritime adventure set in the South China Sea. With rising international tensions and a cast of rogue seafarers, it's a modern-day pirate story laced with geopolitics.

Three translations of a classic, high brow literary fiction, a great book from a friend of and mine then a whole lot of pulp. Also something that might be the beginnings of a book by Neal Stephenson.

Send us a textEp 589: Cheating with My Husband's Mentor by Evie Dawn. Lydia gets taken by the boss in taboo forbidden secretive acts...while she can see her husband. She's justified though, so it's all the pleasure and none of the guilt.About the Author:Evie Dawn is an author of extra spicy romantic erotica with a soft spot for forbidden love and slutty women who aren't afraid to explore their desires outside the confines of marriage. In every book, you'll find cheating wives discovering that true love sometimes lies in the arms of their affair partners and that a HEA can come in the most unexpected ways.Charity anthology:Get the spicy book! Erotica excerpt from: the charity anthology fiction book Not So Guilty Pleasures: 45+ Filthy Stories for a Cause, ALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN FOR HELP WITH HURRICANE & DISASTER FIRE RELIEF https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/charityanthology (any money made from my affiliate link usage to buy the anthology will also be donated to the same charity). It is also in Kindle Unlimited (for a limited time).Not-So-Guilty Pleasures is a charity anthology benefiting World Central Kitchen (for help with the hurricane and other disaster relief). The anthology is only available for a limited time so act now!Enjoy storytelling erotic audio about spicy romance relationships, swingers, hot erotica stories, erotica romance, and self care for you! Take time to pay attention to your mental health sexual health. Pleasure is your birthright!Get Podcast Host Ruan's new spicy open door Romantasy Novella: Overcoming Heartache https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/overcomingheartacheRuan's smut, erotica, erotic romance fiction books and audiobooks: http://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/Support the showSubscribe for exclusives: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge NO AI TRAINING

Somewhere deep in the woods, there's a place that only appears when called — a place that promises everything you desire… but takes more than you ever expected.Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateIN THIS EPISODE: It's #Thriller Thursday! “The Room Where The Stars Live” *** “The Trunk” *** “Eight O'Clock In The Morning” *** Wonderland (Carnival of Desires)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Show Open (Coming Up In This Episode)00:02:18.112 = Wonderland, Part 100:17:14.822 = Wonderland, Part 200:45:18.219 = Wonderland, Part 301:04:50.017 = Eight O'Clock In The Morning01:18:55.789 = The Room Where The Stars Live01:31:57.520 = The Trunk01:58:15.520 = Show Close, Verse, and Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“Wonderland” by Riley Vanderlip: https://www.creepypasta.com/wonderland-2/“Eight O'Clock in the Morning” by Ray Nelson: (Link no longer available)“The Room Where The Stars Live” from Quiet Please: https://tinyurl.com/y6nedu5t“The Trunk” by J.M. Cennamo: https://tinyurl.com/yyt88343=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: November 19, 2020EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/CarnivalOfDesires

Transform your rough draft into polished prose in this crucial third session. You'll learn to strengthen character arcs, develop thematic depth, and enhance your unique voice through strategic revision choices. We will share a key scene and receive targeted feedback from our fellow participants. These revision techniques will not only elevate your current story but become valuable tools for all your future writing projects. ----------------- Try out Dabble free for 14 days and see why it's the best writing tool on the planet—no credit card required! Visit our website at www.dabblewriter.com to get started. Subscribe to our channel for more live events like author interviews, Word Sprints, and Fireside Chats. We're all about helping authors hone their craft with engaging, fun, and educational content. On top of all that, Dabble Premium members get access to exclusive content like Office Hours, Premium Workshops, Deep Dive articles, bonus resources, and guest speaker workshops. Happy writing!

Complete your short story journey with this final session focused on polishing and celebration of your accomplishment. We will share insider techniques for effective line editing, crafting satisfying endings, and selecting titles that capture your story's essence. We will read from our work, reflect on our progress, and receive feedback. Beyond completing a publishable short story, we'll leave with sustainable writing habits, revision confidence, and a clear roadmap for our next creative steps. ----------------- Try out Dabble free for 14 days and see why it's the best writing tool on the planet—no credit card required! Visit our website at www.dabblewriter.com to get started. Subscribe to our channel for more live events like author interviews, Word Sprints, and Fireside Chats. We're all about helping authors hone their craft with engaging, fun, and educational content. On top of all that, Dabble Premium members get access to exclusive content like Office Hours, Premium Workshops, Deep Dive articles, bonus resources, and guest speaker workshops. Happy writing!

On this month's episode, host Nicole Flattery is joined by Paula Dias Garcia and James Young to read from and discuss their stories featured in the Winter 2024-25 issue of The Stinging Fly Issue 51 Volume Two.Paula's story, ‘The Woods' can be found on page 193, and James' story, ‘Long Term Parking', can be found on page 154.Paula Dias Garcia is a queer writer and designer from Brasília, with an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Limerick. Their works have been published in The Stinging Fly, Analog SF&F, Channel, The Ogham Stone, Silver Apples and Riverbed Review. Currently, they're the artistic director for Sans. PRESS.James Young is a writer from Northern Ireland. His short stories have appeared in a wide range of publications and been shortlisted for the Sean O'Faolain, Wasafiri, Fish, and Bath prizes. He is the co-editor of Short Fiction literary journal and runs the Hastings Writers Workshop, a creative writing centre. He is also a translator, and his translation of The Love of Singular Men by the Brazilian author Victor Heringer was a finalist for the 2024 National Book Critics Circle Awards John Leonard Prize and the ALTA First Translation Prize, won the 2024 Jabuti Prize for the best Brazilian novel published abroad, and was runner-up for the Society of Authors/Translators Association First Translation Prize.Nicole Flattery is a writer and critic. Her story collection Show Them A Good Time, was published by The Stinging Fly and Bloomsbury in 2019. Her first novel, Nothing Special, was published by Bloomsbury in 2023.The Stinging Fly Podcast invites writers from the latest issue of The Stinging Fly to read and discuss their work. Previous episodes of the podcast can be found here. The podcast's theme music is ‘Sale of Lakes', by Divan. All of the Stinging Fly archive is available to subscribers.

This time we discussed The Tomb of Dragons, Book 3 of The Cemeteries of Amalo, written by Katherine Addison and narrated by Liam Gerrard. We also discussed some of our favorite recent short fiction listens in our short fiction spotlight. The Tomb of Dragons [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive/Libby]   It's Storytime with Wil Wheaton [Website] The Witness for the Dead [Libro.fm] / [

A lone coroner reads from the diary of a dead man while a jury of weathered woodsmen listens, but as the inquest unfolds, the terrifying truth begins to emerge—something unseen, something impossible, has left its mark on the body, and it's still out there.IN THIS EPISODE: It's #ThrillerThursday (a.k.a. “Creepypasta Thursday) and this week I'm bringing you ELEVEN short horror stories of fiction!CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Disclaimer and Show Open00:02:51.594 = The Damned Thing, Chapter 01 (Ambrose Bierce)00:09:15.468 = The Damned Thing, Chapter 02 (Ambrose Bierce)00:16:14.113 = The Damned Thing, Chapter 03 (Ambrose Bierce)00:20:05.874 = The Damned Thing, Chapter 04 (Ambrose Bierce)00:27:06.144 = My Grandmother Left Behind Some Really Dark Secrets (Evelyn Bertrand)00:43:29.144 = The Blood Keeper (Christopher Maxim)01:01:01.763 = A Diner Open 24-Hours a Day (Christopher Maxim)01:23:35.119 = I Followed Her Home (Christopher Maxim)01:39:12.832 = The Monster In The Pantry (Christopher Maxim)01:54:05.378 = My Wife Has a Removable Face (r/NSLewis)02:09:06.305 = The Asylum In The Woods (r/RLRogers)02:24:36.925 = Secret Bar, Part 1 (K. Banning Kellum)02:45:03.580 = Secret Bar, Part 2 (K. Banning Kellum)02:58:33.479 = The Statement of Randolph Carter (H.P. Lovecraft)03:15:24.625 = Show Close, Verse, and Final ThoughtSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“The Damned Thing” by Ambrose Bierce: https://tinyurl.com/y6amz952“My Grandmother Left Behind Some Really Dark Secrets” by Evelyn Bertrand: https://tinyurl.com/yy8gx627“I Followed Her Home”, “The Blood Keepers”, “A Diner Open 24-Hours a Day”, and “The Monster in the Pantry” were all written by Christopher Maxim at https://www.reddit.com/r/ChristopherMaxim/ and at http://www.CreepyFiction.com. Christopher is extremely generous to allow me to narrate his stories for free to use in Weird Darkness. Please consider sending him a thank-you donation through PayPal if you enjoyed his stories. You can send a gift to him using PayPal or a credit/debit card by clicking this link: https://tinyurl.com/y3gvvlzg“The Statement of Randolph Carter” by H.P. Lovecraft: https://www.creepypasta.com/the-statement-of-randolph-carter/“My Wife Has a Removable Face” by Redditor N.S. Lewis: https://www.creepypasta.com/my-wife-has-a-removable-face/“The Asylum In The Woods” by Redditor R.L. Rogers: https://www.creepypasta.com/the-asylum-in-the-woods/“Secret Bar” by K. Banning Kellum: https://www.creepypasta.com/secret-bar/ (find more creepiness in K. Banning Kellum's book “Gris Gris and Ju Ju, A New Orleans Horror” https://amzn.to/2EaYeH6)=====Darkness Syndicate members get the ad-free version. https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateInfo on the next LIVE SCREAM event. https://weirddarkness.com/LiveScreamInfo on the next WEIRDO WATCH PARTY event. https://weirddarkness.com/TV=====(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: September 17, 2020EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/TheDamnedThing

Mary Hunter Austin was a U.S. writer known for walking throughout the American Southwest. But her life of activism was far more complicated than brief bios usually mention. Research: "Mary Hunter Austin." Encyclopedia of the American West, edited by Charles Phillips and Alan Axelrod, Macmillan Reference USA, 1996. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/BT2330100082/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=6a4f821e. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025. "Mary Hunter Austin." Encyclopedia of World Biography Online, vol. 23, Gale, 2003. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1631008133/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=ceca42e0. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025. #0840: Willa Cather to Mary Hunter Austin, June 26 [1926]. https://cather.unl.edu/writings/letters/let0840 Austin, Mary Hunter. “Earth Horizon.” Houghton Mifflin. 1932. Austin, Mary Hunter. “Experiences Facing Death.” Bobbs-Merrill Company. 1931. Blend, Benay. “Mary Austin and the Western Conservation Movement: 1900-1927.” Journal of the Southwest , Spring, 1988, Vol. 30, No. 1 (Spring, 1988). https://www.jstor.org/stable/40169782 Davis, Lisa Selin. “The Loneliest Land.” National Parks Conservation Association. Spring 2015. https://www.npca.org/articles/942-the-loneliest-land Egenhoff, Elizabeth L. “Mary Austin.” Mineral Information Service. November 1965. https://npshistory.com/publications/deva/mis-v18n11-1965.pdf Fink, Augusta. “I-Mary: A Biography of Mary Austin.” University of Arizona Press. 1983. Hoffman, Abraham. “Mary Austin, Stafford Austin, and the Owens Valley.” Journal of the Southwest , Autumn-Winter 2011, Vol. 53, No. ¾. Via JSTOR. http://www.jstor.com/stable/41710078 Lanzendorfer, Joy. “Searching for Mary Austin.” Alta. https://www.altaonline.com/dispatches/a8713/searching-for-mary-austin-joy-lanzendorfer/ Online Archive of California. “Austin (Mary Hunter) Papers.” https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c85t3ppq/ Richards, Penny L. “Bad Blood and Lost Borders: Eugenic Ambivalence in Mary Austin’s Short Fiction.” Richards, Penny L. “Disability History Image #3.” 8/30/2005. https://disstud.blogspot.com/2005/08/ Romancito, Rick. “The Image Maker and the Writer.” Taos News. 10/2/2024. https://www.taosnews.com/opinion/columns/the-image-maker-and-the-writer/article_7805f16a-8ab9-5645-9e84-4a189e18ac23.html Siber, Kate. “The 19th-Century Writer Who Braved the Desert Alone.” Outside. 1/22/2019. https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/books-media/mary-austin-mojave-nature-writer/ Stout, Janis P. “Mary Austin’s Feminism: A Reassessment.” Studies in the Novel , spring 1998, Vol. 30, No. 1. Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/29533250 The Ansel Adams Gallery. “Visions of Taos: The Making of “Taos Pueblo” by Ansel Adams and Mary Austin.” https://www.anseladams.com/visions-of-taos-the-making-of-taos-pueblo/ Viehmann, Martha L. “A Rain Song for America: Mary Austin, American Indians, and American Literature and Culture.” Western American Literature , Spring 2004, Vol. 39, No. 1. Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43022288 Wynn, Dudley. “Mary Austin, Woman Alone.” The Virginia Quarterly Review , SPRING 1937, Vol. 13, No. 2. Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26433922 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textEp 583: Sally's Fantasy: An Orally Pleasuring Story by Matt Lake, An erotic short story with the tropes MF, FF, MFF, Threesome, narrated by podcast host Ruan Willow. The FF is the all the pleasure in this excerpt! Sally sees all the red!About the Author Alex Lake: Matt Lake writes stories that explore the freeuse kink, usually with a normal person being thrown into an unusual situation. About the Charity Anthology:the spicy book! Erotica excerpt from: the charity anthology fiction book Not So Guilty Pleasures: 45+ Filthy Stories for a Cause, ALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN FOR HELP WITH HURRICANE & DISASTER FIRE RELIEF https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/charityanthology (any money made from my affiliate link usage to buy the anthology will also be donated to the same charity). It is also in Kindle Unlimited (for a limited time).Not-So-Guilty Pleasures is a charity anthology benefiting World Central Kitchen (for help with the hurricane and other disaster relief).Enjoy this erotica excerpt, storytelling via erotic audio about spicy romance relationships, swingers, hot erotica stories, erotica romance, and self care for you! Take time to pay attention to your mental health sexual health. Pleasure is your birthright!Support the showSubscribe for exclusive episodes: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge

Subscriber-only episodeSend us a textMallory and Derek Attend Swinger Parties, Part 15, The Mountain Cabin and dark fantasy, IN THE SERIES Mallory and Derek Attend Swinger Sex Parties.An Erotica Romance fiction Story of a Bisexual Couple who join an alternative lifestyle Sex Club where the leaders of the club throw sex parties at their house for their adventurous swinging members. Come on the journey as Mallory and Derek figure out how to have sexy fun with others while still being a devoted couple. This story contains polyamory, the swinging lifestyle, partner sharing, and kinky sex.Join the subscription level for $3 for access to all of these episodes:Want part 1? Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/15774437Miss part 2: Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/15770723Desire part 3? Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/15823847Want part 4? Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/15865234Crave part 5? Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/15905996Need part 6? Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/15951136Seeking Part 7? Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/16007180Find Part 8: Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/16071482Get Part 9: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/16186972Enjoy Part 10: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/16209922Thirsting for Part 11: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/16303764Savor Part 12: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/16346569 Delish Part 13: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/16411152Yummy part 14: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/episodes/16619221Have fun listening to this erotic audio! Exploring erotica fiction and erotic romance are fabulous ways to exercise your self care time, to explore your sexuality and allow your brain to experience things you might not be able to do IRL. Enjoy the erotic fiction story and let the erotic romance of a couple expanding their sexuality in a sex positive way together satiate your own curiosities and fantasies. Escape, get your entertainment treat, and have a listen!Stay tuned for part 16 coming soon! Enjoy the kinky sex and spicy romance fiction!WrittSubscribe for exclusive episodes: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge

In this episode we are joined by Erin Entrada Kelly!Erin Entrada Kelly has received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including the 2025 Newbery Medal for The First State of Being, 2018 Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe, a 2021 Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, the 2023 NAIBA Book of the Year Award for Those Kids From Fawn Creek, and 2017 APALA Award for The Land of Forgotten Girls, among many other honors. She is also a National Book Award Finalist and author/illustrator of Marisol Rainey and Felix Powell, stand-alone stories for younger readers. Her books are New York Times bestsellers.Before becoming a children's author, Erin worked as a journalist and magazine editor in her home state of Louisiana. She received numerous awards from the Louisiana Press Association and the Associated Press for community service journalism, feature writing, and editing. She has published more than thirty short stories and has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and the Philippines Free Press Award for Short Fiction.Erin has a bachelor's degree in women's studies and liberal arts from McNeese State University and an MFA in fiction from Rosemont College. She lives in Delaware and teaches in the MFAC program at Hamline University.Buy Erin's books here: https://bookshop.org/contributors/erin-entrada-kelly  This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Listen In: conversation & cultivation, a writing program from award-winning authors Elana K. Arnold and Nina LaCour @elanakarnold @nina_lacourLearn more at ninalacour.comSupport the show

Indiana author T.D. Johnston is the founder and editor of Short Story America, a small press that publishes the Short Story America anthology series in addition to author story collections and novels. Friday Afternoon and Other Stories, his first collection, won the 2017 International Book Award Prize for Short Fiction. We read "The First Key" from that collection. https://tdjohnston.com/Support the show

Send us a textEp 577: Home Alone Neighbor BJ, Girlfriend Share by Cyra Wilde. When he's away, he wants her to play...but he's still gonna watch and enjoy! Erotica Excerpt written by Cyra Wilde and Narrated by podcast host and voiceover narrator Ruan Willow.About the Author: Cyra Wilde enjoys manipulating words to create heart-pumping, blush-inducing stories that are achingly good and deeply satisfying. She likes experimenting with multiple tropes and crafting erotic fiction with heart. https://linktr.ee/cyrawildeGet the spicy book! Erotica excerpt from: the charity anthology fiction book Not So Guilty Pleasures: 45+ Filthy Stories for a Cause, ALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN FOR HELP WITH HURRICANE & DISASTER FIRE RELIEF https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/charityanthology (any money made from my affiliate link usage to buy the anthology will also be donated to the same charity). It is also in Kindle Unlimited (for a limited time).Not-So-Guilty Pleasures is a charity anthology benefiting World Central Kitchen (for help with the hurricane and other disaster relief).Enjoy storytelling erotic audio about spicy romance relationships, swingers, hot erotica stories, erotica romance, and self care for you! Take time to pay attention to your mental health sexual health. Pleasure is your birthright!Check out the winners of the Golden Pigtails Smut Awards! https://alexasommers.com/the-golden-pigtails-2024/Audiobook mentioned in the episode: Filthy Fiction by Casey Donatello, narrated by Ruan Willow (affiliate link, podcast may earn a commission on sales, thanks for the support) https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/dirtydaydreamsFree trial and book: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0D6H1345N/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWU-BK-ACX0-401780&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_401780_pd_usSupport the showSubscribe for exclusive episodes: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge

A native of Traverse City, Michigan, STEPHANIE CARPENTER is the author of Missing Persons: Stories, which won the 2017 Press 53 Award in Short Fiction; her work has also appeared in journals including Copper Nickel, The Missouri Review, and Witness. She's an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Michigan Technological University. Moral Treatment is her debut novel.

Every day, 10,000 people in the United States turn 65—a statistic that underscores one of the most significant demographic shifts in history. But the story of longevity is not just about aging, it's about learning new ways of living, working, and thriving across all life stages. From doctor's offices to government policies to popular culture, far too many of us erroneously associate aging with decline. How can we redefine aging to prioritize quality of life? Research shows that individuals have far more control over how they age than anyone imagined. We are shifting from a paradigm of decline to one that more accurately embraces the full spectrum of human flourishing while acknowledging biological realities. In this timely discussion, Barbara Waxman, renowned gerontologist and creator of The Longevity Roadmap, joins award-winning broadcaster Michael Krasny to explore the fascinating journey that brought us to this critical juncture in human history. They'll examine our current challenges, unveil cutting-edge insights about longevity, and share practical strategies for building a more resilient, fulfilling life at any age. Join us to discover actionable tools to take control of your aging journey and thrive in an era of unprecedented possibilities as we unpack the history, challenges, and opportunities of this remarkable demographic gift unfolding before us. About the Speakers Barbara Waxman is a gerontologist, coach, and longevity advocate who has spent four decades transforming people's understanding of aging. As creator of The Longevity Roadmap, she translates cutting-edge research into practical frameworks. A graduate of Colgate University with Master's degrees in gerontology and public administration from USC, Waxman is an advisor to the Stanford Center on Longevity and Stanford Lifestyle Medicine. Her insights have been featured on "CBS This Morning," in The Wall Street Journal, and across national media. She is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and author of The Middlescence Manifesto. Michael Krasny is a literary critic, scholar, and broadcast journalist. He is the author of many books, including Off Mike, Spiritual Envy, and Let There Be Laughter; the co-author of Sound Ideas; and the creator and presenter of the audio lecture series Masterpieces of Short Fiction. He is the host of "The Podcast Conversations With Krasny" and former host of "Forum" on KQED Radio. Organizer: Denise Michaud   A Grownups Member-led Forum program. Forums at the Club are organized and run by volunteer programmers who are members of The Commonwealth Club, and they cover a diverse range of topics. Learn more about our Forums. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are sharing our Short Fiction Spotlight along with mini reviews of Upon a Starlit Tide and The Fourth Consort Short Fiction Spotlight: ”The Last Flesh Figure Skaters” written by Claire Jia-Wen, narrated by Lauren Choo [khōréō] ”An Intergalactic Smugglers Guide to Homecoming” written by Tia Tashiro, narrated by Kate Baker [Clarkesworld] - Issue 211: April 2024 ”The Slow Music of Drums” written by A.C. Wise, narrated by Wilson Fowlie [Psuedopod 950] ”Emily” written by Alexander Hewitt, narrated by Joe Moran [Cast of Wonders 617] ”The Coffee Machine” written by Celia Corral-Vázquez, translated by Sue Burke, and narrated by Kate Baker [Clarkesworld] - Issue 219: December 2024 ”T-Rex Tex-Mex” written by Sarina Dorie, narrated by Tina Connolly [Escape Pod 965] Reviews: Upon a Starlit Tide: written by Kell Woods / Narrated by: Esther Wane [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive/Libby] The Fourth Consort: written by Edward Ashton / Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik [Libro.fm] / [OverDrive/Libby]

After their mother dies, Jackson Jones is too busy selling drugs and bedding young women to pay attention to his two motherless children. Sienna and her little brother Siddhartha grow up in a Miami Beach mansion without schools, doctors, or attention. It's the 1980s and their dad uses the mansion, with its dock on the water, as a base for his drug dealing and to house the seekers and lost souls who follow his lackadaisical cult, leaving Sienna and Siddhi to raise themselves. Their dotty grandmother and distant occasionally picks up some slack but won't take responsibility for her son's failings as a father. Sienna realizes that she and Siddhi have to raise themselves in this intriguing and unusual story about siblings helping each other survive a dysfunctional family. Janna Brooke Wallack's stories have been published by literary publications such as Hobart, Upstreet, Glimmer Train Press, American Literary Review, and more. Her short story "Campaigning" was a finalist for the Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction. Naked Girl's prologue "Five Pictures" was a finalist for Glimmer Train Press's Short Story Award for New Writers, and her story "Cat and Rose" received a Pushcart nomination by The MacGuffin. Naked Girl was named a semifinalist for the 2024 Publishers Weekly Book Life Prize in Fiction. In addition to her writing career, Wallack has worked as a grant writer, a substance abuse prevention counselor, a wetlands manual editor, a theatre production assistant and an actress. After spending a couple of years in Hong Kong, she moved to Hoboken, NJ, raised five children and moved to Stone Ridge in the Catskills of New York, where she ran a permaculture gentleman's farm. For more about Janna, visit https://jannabrookewallack.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

After their mother dies, Jackson Jones is too busy selling drugs and bedding young women to pay attention to his two motherless children. Sienna and her little brother Siddhartha grow up in a Miami Beach mansion without schools, doctors, or attention. It's the 1980s and their dad uses the mansion, with its dock on the water, as a base for his drug dealing and to house the seekers and lost souls who follow his lackadaisical cult, leaving Sienna and Siddhi to raise themselves. Their dotty grandmother and distant occasionally picks up some slack but won't take responsibility for her son's failings as a father. Sienna realizes that she and Siddhi have to raise themselves in this intriguing and unusual story about siblings helping each other survive a dysfunctional family. Janna Brooke Wallack's stories have been published by literary publications such as Hobart, Upstreet, Glimmer Train Press, American Literary Review, and more. Her short story "Campaigning" was a finalist for the Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction. Naked Girl's prologue "Five Pictures" was a finalist for Glimmer Train Press's Short Story Award for New Writers, and her story "Cat and Rose" received a Pushcart nomination by The MacGuffin. Naked Girl was named a semifinalist for the 2024 Publishers Weekly Book Life Prize in Fiction. In addition to her writing career, Wallack has worked as a grant writer, a substance abuse prevention counselor, a wetlands manual editor, a theatre production assistant and an actress. After spending a couple of years in Hong Kong, she moved to Hoboken, NJ, raised five children and moved to Stone Ridge in the Catskills of New York, where she ran a permaculture gentleman's farm. For more about Janna, visit https://jannabrookewallack.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

In this twenty-second installment of fictional horror written and narrated by Dan Cummins.... we continue following Brent, Lori, Cam, and Rosie Collins, as they try to survive the apocalyptic Red Plague by making it to Brent's stepdad and mother's ranch near Whitebird, Idaho. Will an unexpected detour into the doomsday compound of the insane zealot who wrecked their SUV before saving them from some Red Eyes destroy their chances?This episode was scored by Logan Keith. We recommend listening with headphones to experience the full effect of all the creepy background noises! If you like this episode, please let us know wherever you rate and review podcasts. Thanks so much!For Merch and everything else Bad Magic related, head to: https://www.badmagicproductions.com

In this twenty-first installment of fictional horror written and narrated by Dan Cummins.... we head to Couer d'Alene, Idaho, where Brent and Lori Collins, and their children, Cam and Rosie, are attempting to make it to Brent's stepdad and mother's remote ranch near Whitebird, Idaho, to survive a new and apocalyptic pandemic known as the Red Plague. A deadly new pathogen is turning people into murderous conspiratorial monsters. Can they survive the journey and weather the deadly storm? This episode was scored by Logan Keith. We recommend listening with headphones to experience the full effect of all the creepy background noises! If you like this episode, please let us know wherever you rate and review podcasts. Thanks so much!For Merch and everything else Bad Magic related, head to: https://www.badmagicproductions.com

In this nineteenth installment of fictional horror written and narrated by Dan Cummins.... we head to New Orleans, where a man is found in dead in his home that he had boarded up in the final days of his life. He'd also smashed his phones and TV and posted sticky notes all over the walls, many of them centered on being tormented by something that was calling him on the phone. And then the phone of one of the paramedics declaring the man dead starts to ring. An unknown caller. The first of many, many, many calls from this increasingly disturbing unknown caller...This episode was scored by Logan Keith. We recommend listening with headphones to experience the full effect of all the creepy background noises! If you like this episode, please let us know wherever you rate and review podcasts. Thanks so much!For Merch and everything else Bad Magic related, head to: https://www.badmagicproductions.com