
LeVar Burton Reads
The best short fiction, handpicked by the best voice in podcasting and presented in 3D immersive audio. In every episode, host LeVar Burton (Roots, Reading Rainbow, Star Trek) invites you to take a break from your daily life, and dive into a great story. LeVar’s narration blends with gorgeous soundscapes to bring stories by Stephen King, Toni Morrison, Nnedi Okorafor, Kurt Vonnegut, Ken Liu and more to life. So, if you’re ready, let’s take a deep breath...
Our immersive audio is best with headphones! If you'd prefer to listen without immersive audio, visit levarburtonpodcast.com/mono.
Latest episodes

Mar 17, 2020 • 56min
"A Kiss with Teeth" by Max Gladstone
In order to live an urban lifestyle as a father and husband, a domesticated vampire must suppress his darker urges. This story first appeared at Tor.com.
Content advisory: references to violence, death

10 snips
Mar 10, 2020 • 51min
"Staying Behind" by Ken Liu
What happens to those left behind as humanity embraces digital immortality? A father grapples with profound loss in a haunting world, reflecting on love and duty amid societal collapse. A family's exploration of cultural identity reveals contrasting views on tradition and technology. The emotional turmoil of a parent unfolds as their daughter faces a choice between life and digital existence. These poignant themes drive thought-provoking conversations about humanity's future and the essence of human experience.

Mar 3, 2020 • 43min
"Skinwalker, Fast-Talker" by Darcie Little Badger
A tabloid reporter sets out to investigate a fast-talking con man who may or may not be the trickster Coyote.

Feb 25, 2020 • 44min
"End Game" by Nancy Kress
A man becomes obsessed with quieting the thoughts and static in his brain. You can find this story in FOUNTAIN OF AGE by Nancy Kress.

Feb 18, 2020 • 45min
"SPAM" by Savannah Burney
A misanthropic B&B owner is unsettled by an encounter with one of his guests. Follow Savannah Burney on Twitter @savannahburney.

Feb 11, 2020 • 47min
"As Worlds Collide" by Stephen Michell
A young couple tries to make sense of an influx of mythic creatures. This story was first published in THOSE WHO MAKE US: CANADIAN CREATURE, MYTH, AND MONSTER STORIES.

4 snips
Feb 4, 2020 • 54min
"Valedictorian" by N.K. Jemisin
In a near-future dystopia, a smart high school student challenges societal norms and family expectations. As she grapples with complex relationships and the pressures of graduation, the story dives deep into themes of ambition, identity, and survival. A transformative encounter with a disillusioned teacher reveals the failures of the educational system, while tense dialogues illuminate the struggles of belonging and acceptance. Ultimately, the narrative emphasizes unity and the power of diverse perspectives in shaping a better future.

Jan 28, 2020 • 46min
"Tideline" by Elizabeth Bear
A sentient robot searches for her purpose in a post-war world. This story was originally published in Asimov's Science Fiction magazine in March 2007. It is available in THE BEST OF ELIZABETH BEAR.Content advisory: Brief violence/combat, mentions of death

Jan 21, 2020 • 14min
BONUS: Behind the Scenes and a Sneak Peek at Season 6!
Get ready for Season 6! Get a peek behind the curtain as LeVar talks about story selection, vocal exercises, and finding characters' voices.
This season will feature stories by NK Jemisin, Elizabeth Bear, Max Gladstone, Ken Liu and many more of your favorite (or soon-to-be favorite!) authors.

Nov 6, 2019 • 12min
The Paris Review Podcast Returns
Embark on audio adventures through The Paris Review's fiction, poetry, interviews, archival recordings, and sonic imaginings with the likes of Toni Morrison, Simone de Beauvoir, Tennessee Williams, and today's leading writers. Featuring readings and writings from Charlotte Rampling, Philip Roth, Jason Alexander, Jenny Slate, Devendra Banhart, Danez Smith, Sharon Olds, Lucille Clifton, Molly Ringwald, Salman Rushdie, and more!Season 2 of The Paris Review Podcast is out NOW -- listen wherever you get your podcasts. More info at www.theparisreview.org/podcast.