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
Jan 3, 2023 • 35min
Immersive Remix: "The Simplest Equation" by Nicky Drayden
A struggling college student gains new perspective on her studies from her classmate, who's come to study from another planet. Find more of the author's work at www.nickydrayden.com.
Dec 27, 2022 • 47min
Immersive Remix: "The Truth About Owls" by Amal El-Mohtar
A young girl explores her own power, and finds kinship with a bird of prey.
Dec 20, 2022 • 35min
Immersive Remix: "The Last Cheng Beng Gift" by Jaymee Goh
A family matriarch takes up residence in the Underworld.
Dec 13, 2022 • 39min
Immersive Remix: "The Usual Santas" by Mick Herron
A group of mall Santas celebrating Christmas Eve discover that there is a stranger in their midst. "The Usual Santas" appears in Mick Herron's collection DOLPHIN JUNCTION, published by Soho Press (US) and John Murray (UK), 2021.
Dec 6, 2022 • 38min
"River's Giving" by Heather Shaw, Tim Pratt, and River Shaw
A mystical phenomenon brightens the dreary days of winter — until one year, when it suddenly stops.
Nov 29, 2022 • 49min
"The King of Bread" by Luis Alberto Urrea
A boy discovers his father's hidden kingdom. This story appears in the anthology Small Odysseys: Selected Shorts Presents 35 New Stories, published by Algonquin Books. Find more from Luis Alberto Urrea at luisurrea.com.
Nov 22, 2022 • 45min
"Family Cooking" by Ana Maria Curtis
A tale of complicated family relationships and magical cooking. This story was first published in Uncanny Magazine.
Nov 15, 2022 • 45min
"Down in the Dim Kingdoms" by Tobias Buckell
An adventurer carried back spoils from a journey to the center of the earth. Now, his family joins him on a return trip, hoping to ensure their access to his fortune. This story appears in the anthology LOST WORLDS AND MYTHOLOGICAL KINGDOMS, available now in hardback, e-book and audio. Tobias Buckell's collection SHOGGOTHS IN TRAFFIC AND OTHER STORIES is available in paperback, e-book and audio. Content advisory: Violence, death
Nov 8, 2022 • 50min
"#ClimbingNation" by Kim Fu
In this episode, the podcast explores the concept of parasocial relationships in the age of social media. The story revolves around the death of an Instagram-famous rock climber and the impact he had on the climbing community. The characters reflect on their relationships with him and speculate about the tragic accident. The podcast also features a sponsored ad by US Bank and Walmart. The episode concludes with reflections on the heartfelt connections formed between fans and surprising endings.
Nov 1, 2022 • 44min
"I Was a Teenage Space Jockey" by Stephen Graham Jones
While on a quest to beat the high score at his local arcade, a sixth grader has an unusual, life-altering experience. For more from Stephen Graham Jones, visit www.demontheory.net. Content advisory: Descriptions of violence, death
