Asimov's Science Fiction - TopPodcast.com

Episode 50: Art Deco Farmhouse, Original Hardwood Floors, Slightly Haunted - Alice Towey Oct 21, 2024

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

Episode 49: Last Thursday - Kristine Kathryn Rusch Sep 26, 2024

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

Episode 48: Flipped by Leah Cypess Jul 10, 2024

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

Episode 47: There's Nothing in the Attic - Faith Merino Mar 19, 2024

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

Episode 46: Embot's Lament by James Patrick Kelly Nov 22, 2023

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

Episode 45: Deep Blue Jump by Dean Whitlock Sep 27, 2023

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

Episode 44: Tilt by Leslie What Aug 29, 2023

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

Episode 43: Sexy Apocalypse Robot by Sandra McDonald May 31, 2023

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

Episode 42: Planetstuck by Sam J. Miller Mar 06, 2023

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

Episode 41: Alien Housing by Karen Heuler Jan 26, 2023

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

Episode 40: Forty-Eight Minutes at the Trainview Cafe by M Bennardo Nov 23, 2022

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

Episode 39: Destiny Delayed by Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki Oct 19, 2022

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

Episode 38: Bonus Footage by Marissa Lingen Sep 23, 2022

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

Episode 37: The Tin Pilot by K.A. Teryna Jul 20, 2022

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

Episode 36: The Waylost Cafe - James Van Pelt May 16, 2022

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

Episode 35: The Magpie Stacks Probabilities - Arie Coleman Mar 14, 2022

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

Episode 34: Welcome Home by Jendayi Brooks-Flemister Jan 05, 2022

Theresa moved into her new smarthome with healthy skepticism. Here was a house with everything she could ever need or want—and more—for an affordable price on her nail stylist’s salary. To her, the artificial intelligence inside was little more than a shiny gimmick, but one she’d gladly deal with to give her daughter Niyah a better life. There had to be a catch. Theresa’s misgivings begin to fade with the smarthome’s increasingly thoughtful gestures. But is their new home getting to know Niyah a little too well? Here is Jendayi Brooks-Flemister reading her story “Welcome Home.”

Episode 33: Bread and Circuits by Misha Lenau Nov 15, 2021

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

Episode 32: Filaments by Mercurio D. Rivera Sep 29, 2021

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

Episode 31: Tweak by Taimur Ahmad Jul 15, 2021

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

Episode 30: My Heart Is at Capacity by TJ Berry May 26, 2021

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

Episode 29: Grandma +5°C by James Patrick Kelly Mar 08, 2021

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

Episode 28: Mayor for Today by Fran Wilde Jan 19, 2021

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

Episode 28: Mayor for Today by Fran Wilde Jan 19, 2021

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

Episode 27: Grief, as Faithful as My Hound by Marissa Lingen Dec 07, 2020

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

Mangy White Dog by Y.M. Pang Sep 08, 2020

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

Imaginary Children Jun 29, 2020

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

Pax Mongolica by Evan Marcroft May 20, 2020

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

National Poetry Month Podcast 2020 Apr 14, 2020

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

A Summary of Our Neighborhood's Salvation After the Storm by Jason Sanford Feb 18, 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.

"Go. Now. Fix." & "The Refraction of White Lies" Jan 08, 2020

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

Selfless by James Patrick Kelly Oct 22, 2019

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

All in Green Went My Love Riding Aug 21, 2019

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

The Ocean Between the Leaves by Ray Nayler Jun 18, 2019

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

Sacrificial Iron Apr 30, 2019

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

Asimov's Poetry Podcast for National Poetry Month 2019 Apr 05, 2019

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

Tourists by Rammel Chan Feb 19, 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.

"The Gorgon" by Jay O'Connell Jan 14, 2019

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

What I Am & Because Reasons Oct 30, 2018

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

R.U.R.-8? by Suzanne Palmer Aug 29, 2018

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

Rules of Biology Jun 27, 2018

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

Riverboats, Robots, and Ransom in the Regular Way by Peter Wood Apr 24, 2018

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

In Event of Moon Disaster Mar 02, 2018

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

"Bidding War" by Rich Larson Jul 14, 2017

The Ladies' Aquatic Gardening Society Mar 08, 2016

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

Our Lady of the Open Road Mar 08, 2016

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

To Live and Die in Gibbontown Mar 08, 2016

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

Bloom Jan 14, 2016

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

What Changes You, What Takes You Away May 21, 2015

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

Pearl Rehabilitative Colony for Ungrateful Daughters - Part 2 May 21, 2015

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

Pearl Rehabilitative Colony for Ungrateful Daughters - Part 1 May 21, 2015

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

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