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

Asimov's Science Fiction

Pax Mongolica by Evan Marcroft

Happy National Poetry Month! We have a dozen poems here pulled from past and current issues to celebrate our poets this year. Each of these poems is striking in its own way, and I hope you enjoy the many voices and styles to come. First up is “All Saints Day” by Lisa Bellamy, read by Diana Marie Delgado, followed by “All the Weight” by Holly Day, read by Emily Hockaday, “The Celestial Body” read and written by Leslie J. Anderson, “The Destroyer is in Doubt about Net Neutrality” read and written by Martin Ott, “Unlooping” read and written by Marie Vibbert, “Attack of the 50 foot Woman” read and written by Ron Koertge, “The Language of Water,” by Jane Yolen, read by Monica Wendel, “Archaeologists Uncover Bones, Bifocals, a Tricycle” read and written by Steven Withrow, “Objects in Space” by Josh Pearce, read by R.J. Carey, “Small Certainties” by Sara Polsky, read by Emily Hockaday, “Palate of the Babel Fish” read and written by Todd Dillard, and finally “After a Year of Solitude” by Lora Gray, read by Jackie Sherbow.

National Poetry Month Podcast 2020

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

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

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

"Go. Now. Fix." & "The Refraction of White Lies"

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

Selfless by James Patrick Kelly

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

All in Green Went My Love Riding

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

The Ocean Between the Leaves by Ray Nayler

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

Sacrificial Iron

Enjoy a curated selection of poems from recent Asimov's issues including: "Wobble" read & written by Richard Schiffman, "Room with a View" written by G.O. Clark & read by R.J. Carey, "First Contact" read & written by Stuart Greenhouse, "Crane Wife" written by Jane Yolen & read by Jackie Sherbow, "Synesthesia," read & written by Bruce Boston, "Almost Certainly a Time Traveler," read & written by Jarod K. Anderson, "Black Box Sonnet #13,041" written by Garrison Kammer & read by John E. Allis, "Leaving" read & written by Bruce McAllister, "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" written by Suzanne Palmer & read by Sheila Williams, "Terra Incognita," written by Fred D. White & read by Trevor Quachri, and "Avocation" read & written by F. J. Bergmann.

Asimov's Poetry Podcast for National Poetry Month 2019

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

Tourists by Rammel Chan

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

"The Gorgon" by Jay O'Connell

This November/December episode brings you a science fiction double feature. The first story we’ll hear is from the current issue and is titled “What I Am,” read and written by William Ledbetter. In this tale, a smart sweater undergoes some fundamental alterations. Our second story is titled “Because Reasons,” from our March/April 2018 issue, written and read by Zandra Renwick. This piece examines the effect the Solar System might have on friendship and the “truths” that might be arrived at.

What I Am & Because Reasons

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

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

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

Rules of Biology

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

Riverboats, Robots, and Ransom in the Regular Way by Peter Wood

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

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Asimov's Science Fiction

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