Jamil Jan Kochai, author of '99 Nights in Logar', reads 'On the Night of the Khatam'. The story delves into couples navigating an unusual khatam scenario, interactions at Haji Hautak's gathering, a night of prayer with distractions, political intrigue, disconnection in relationships, and loneliness. A mix of humor, tension, and reflections unfold in this engaging narrative.

Author Addie Citchens reads 'That Girl' in a narrative about Shirley and Theo's porch interactions, exploring friendship, secrets, and dark imaginations. The story delves into Theo's relationships and emotions, culminating in a poignant encounter. The episode also discusses New Yorker fiction and cultural topics.

Author Patrick Langley reads his story 'Life with Spider,' delving into Fletcher Hardy's troubled past and his mysterious encounters with the entity named Spider. The story explores post-graduation life challenges, friendship dynamics, and the impact of Spider on Fletcher's mental well-being.

Author David Means reads his story 'Chance the Cat' from The New Yorker, exploring the impact of a missing cat on relationships and new beginnings, delving into complex interactions and tensions among characters as they navigate loss, blame, and closure.

Joy Williams, Winner of the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, reads her story “The Beach House.” Topics include family memories, disownment, discussions about fudge and worker aprons, donating the Beach House, impending death, and struggling to make ends meet.

A group of old friends gather in Palm Springs for a week of reckless activities. The narrator reflects on their privileged lifestyle and desire for something new. Frustration arises during a hike due to closed trails. Discussions about happiness, regrets, and the impact of having kids ensue. The group encounters a mysterious figure named Wagner and discuss embracing wealth and the passing of time. The narrator reflects on their experience at a cactus garden and the desire for connection and unity.

Author Rivka Galchen reads her story 'Crown Heights North,' exploring themes of vulnerability, connection, routine, mortality, and unexpected encounters. The story follows a man reflecting on life, love, and the vibrant community around him while jogging, offering a complex and lively picture of his experiences.

Author Caleb Crain reads his story “Keats at Twenty-Four” and discusses the power of the unfinished, the meaning of the 'Oh Shenandoah' song, musing on solitude and time for writers, auditioning for a singing group, challenges of portraying real people in fiction, and an unexpected encounter involving a trapped pigeon.

Teju Cole reads his story about Miss Prosper, a woman who sings revealing her true essence. The group plans an escape, facing painful obstacles. The narrator expresses through writing and reflects on welcoming a nonverbal individual. It explores reflections on departure and a challenging journey to the coast.

Madeleine Thien, a writer, reads and discusses Yoko Ogawa's 2004 story 'The Cafeteria in the Evening and a Pool in the Rain' on The New Yorker Fiction Podcast. Thien admires Ogawa's ability to tap into something beyond language, explores the protagonist's relationship with a dog, speculates on the identities of the characters, and discusses the ending's positive tone despite not being a fairytale ending.