LeVar Burton Reads
271 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days ago - ★★★★★ - 16.4K ratingsThe 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Miniseries Coming November 17
November 10, 2020 05:00 - 1 minute - 2.21 MBLeVar announces a special three-part series featuring one of his favorite authors!
"Little Man" by Michael Cunningham
October 27, 2020 04:00 - 51 minutes - 48 MBA 200-year-old gnome desperately wants to become a father. "Little Man" is from A WILD SWAN AND OTHER TALES by Michael Cunningham, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu. Text copyright © 2015 by Mare Vaporum Corp. Used by permission of Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, © 2015 by Mare Vaporum Corp
"The Story We Used to Tell" by Shirley Jackson
October 20, 2020 04:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBA recently widowed woman vanishes overnight. Content advisory: violence, death “The Story We Used to Tell” is from DARK TALES by Shirley Jackson, published by Penguin Classics, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
"A Good Friday" by Barbara Jenkins
October 13, 2020 04:00 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBA chance encounter in a bar leads to an eventful Good Friday for a devout woman and a playboy.
"Low Energy Economy" by Adrian Tchaikovsky
October 06, 2020 04:00 - 37 minutes - 35 MBAn asteroid miner on a solo space mission finds his sense of purpose. This story appears in the anthology CONSOLATION SONGS.
"Wherein Abigail Fields Recalls Her First Death and, Subsequently, Her Best Life" by Rebecca Roanhorse
September 29, 2020 04:00 - 45 minutes - 42.5 MBA young Black girl in 1880s New Mexico territory seeks vengeance, risking life and love in the process. Content Advisory: violence, death
"Dune Song" by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
September 22, 2020 04:00 - 49 minutes - 46.4 MBA young girl must negotiate her own path out of a strict community in a post-disaster desertland. Visit www.suyidavies.com for more information on Suyi's work, including his novel DAVID MOGO, GODHUNTER. Content Advisory: physical violence
"Madre Nuestra, Que Estás en Maracaibo" by Ana Hurtado
September 15, 2020 04:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBA woman discovers her grandmother is being haunted by unearthly spirits. Find more of Ana Hurtado's work at www.anahurtadowrites.com. Content Advisory: Death, discussion of suicide
"Cricket" by Kenneth Yu
September 08, 2020 04:00 - 39 minutes - 37 MBA family is both delighted and troubled by the visitation of a peculiar insect. "Cricket" was published in Lauriat: A Filipino-Chinese Speculative Fiction Anthology. Content advisory: violence
"Room for Rent" by Richie Narvaez
September 01, 2020 04:00 - 35 minutes - 33.5 MBA family in dire straits must share their new home with a different species. This story was published in Latinx Rising: An Anthology of Latinx Science Fiction and Fantasy. Content advisory: violence, death/dying
"The Nine Curves River" by R. F. Kuang
August 25, 2020 04:00 - 54 minutes - 50.7 MBA girl escorts her younger sister on an important and life-altering journey, while thinking back on their relationship and the nature of sacrifice. Content advisory: violence
"Your Rover is Here" by LP Kindred
August 18, 2020 04:00 - 38 minutes - 36.2 MBA rideshare driver must spring into action when his passenger casts a dangerous and deadly spell. Content advisory: explicit language, violence, terrorism
"Pockets" by Amal El-Mohtar
August 11, 2020 04:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBWhat could it mean to reach into your pocket and pull out... something that wasn't there before? Find more from Amal El-Mohtar at www.amalelmohtar.com.
A Conversation with James McBride (and News About Season 7!)
August 04, 2020 04:00 - 28 minutes - 26.8 MBYou heard that correctly -- we're coming back for a new season starting August 11! So make sure to hit subscribe if you haven't already, and check out LeVar's recent conversation with James McBride, author of "Goat" from our very first live show. This virtual book tour stop was presented by Linda McLoughlin Figel of {pages} a bookstore, and by Eso Won Books. We suggest ordering your copy of James McBride's new novel, DEACON KING KONG, online from either of these fine independent bookseller...
Introducing Imani State of Mind
June 25, 2020 07:00 - 7 minutes - 6.74 MBWe're working on new episodes of LeVar Burton Reads right now(!) -- and while you wait, here's a preview of Imani State of Mind. It's a new podcast from Stitcher that demystifies mental health and wellness in an accessible and approachable way. Dr. Imani Walker (from Bravo’s Married to Medicine) equips listeners with the right language and tools to normalize this stigmatized topic, in addition to finding laughter and light in navigating these struggles. Listen now in your favorite podcast app...
"The Foster Portfolio" by Kurt Vonnegut
April 14, 2020 04:00 - 46 minutes - 43 MBA financial advisor meets his new client: a hardworking, unassuming man with a curious and potentially life-changing secret. "The Foster Portfolio" is from WELCOME TO THE MONKEY HOUSE by Kurt Vonnegut. Copyright © 1968 by Kurt Vonnegut, used by permission of The Wylie Agency LLC.
"Recitatif" by Toni Morrison, Part 2
April 07, 2020 04:00 - 44 minutes - 41.3 MBJoin us for the conclusion to Toni Morrison's tale. Twyla and Roberta's longstanding and complicated friendship becomes more challenging as they become adults. Content advisory: archaic/derogatory language
"Recitatif" by Toni Morrison, Part 1
March 31, 2020 04:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBTwo young girls, abandoned by the world, are drawn together. Content advisory: archaic/derogatory language
"Let Those Who Would" by Genevieve Valentine
March 24, 2020 04:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBA dystopian society tackles fake news. Content advisory: violence
"A Kiss with Teeth" by Max Gladstone
March 17, 2020 04:00 - 55 minutes - 51.5 MBIn 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
"Staying Behind" by Ken Liu
March 10, 2020 04:00 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBAs humanity tiptoes toward the Singularity, what happens to those who are left behind? This story appears in Ken Liu's new collection THE HIDDEN GIRL AND OTHER STORIES. It was first published in CLARKESWORLD in 2011. Content advisory: death
"Skinwalker, Fast-Talker" by Darcie Little Badger
March 03, 2020 05:00 - 42 minutes - 39.8 MBA tabloid reporter sets out to investigate a fast-talking con man who may or may not be the trickster Coyote.
"End Game" by Nancy Kress
February 25, 2020 05:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBA man becomes obsessed with quieting the thoughts and static in his brain. You can find this story in FOUNTAIN OF AGE by Nancy Kress.
"SPAM" by Savannah Burney
February 18, 2020 05:00 - 44 minutes - 41.6 MBA misanthropic B&B owner is unsettled by an encounter with one of his guests. Follow Savannah Burney on Twitter @savannahburney.
"As Worlds Collide" by Stephen Michell
February 11, 2020 05:00 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBA 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.
"Valedictorian" by N.K. Jemisin
February 04, 2020 05:00 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBA smart, stubborn high school student sets her own rules in a near-future dystopia. This story appears in N.K. Jemisin's collection HOW LONG 'TIL BLACK FUTURE MONTH? Content advisory: language
"Tideline" by Elizabeth Bear
January 28, 2020 05:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBA 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
BONUS: Behind the Scenes and a Sneak Peek at Season 6!
January 21, 2020 05:00 - 13 minutes - 13.2 MBGet 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.
The Paris Review Podcast Returns
November 06, 2019 05:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBEmbark 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 whereve...
"The Hofzinser Club" by Michael Chabon
October 29, 2019 04:00 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBA boy studies magic and escape artistry in 1930s Prague, hoping to become a member of an illustrious magicians' club. From Michael Chabon's THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER AND CLAY. This episode is sponsored by Aspen Institute (www.aspenideas.org/podcast).
60: "The Hofzinser Club" by Michael Chabon
October 29, 2019 04:00 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBA boy studies magic and escape artistry in 1930s Prague, hoping to become a member of an illustrious magicians' club. From Michael Chabon's THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER AND CLAY. This episode is sponsored by Aspen Institute (www.aspenideas.org/podcast).
59: "The Specialist's Hat" by Kelly Link
October 22, 2019 04:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBTwin girls are left with a babysitter in a haunted house. “The Specialist’s Hat” © 1998 by Kelly Link. Originally published in Event Horizon, 1998, and reprinted in Kelly Link’s Stranger Things Happen (Small Beer Press, 2001) and Kelly Link’s Pretty Monsters (Viking Books For Young Readers, 2008). This episode is sponsored by Villains (www.parcast.com/VILLAINS) and Native (www.nativedeodorant.com code: LEVAR).
"The Specialist's Hat" by Kelly Link
October 22, 2019 04:00 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBTwin girls are left with a babysitter in a haunted house. “The Specialist’s Hat” © 1998 by Kelly Link. Originally published in Event Horizon, 1998, and reprinted in Kelly Link’s Stranger Things Happen (Small Beer Press, 2001) and Kelly Link’s Pretty Monsters (Viking Books For Young Readers, 2008). This episode is sponsored by Villains (www.parcast.com/VILLAINS) and Native (www.nativedeodorant.com code: LEVAR).
"Jump" by Cadwell Turnbull
October 15, 2019 04:00 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBAn ordinary couple experiences an extraordinary event during a walk in the park. "Jump" was first published in LIGHTSPEED MAGAZINE. Cadwell Turnbull's debut novel is THE LESSON.
58: "Jump" by Cadwell Turnbull
October 15, 2019 04:00 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBAn ordinary couple experiences an extraordinary event during a walk in the park. "Jump" was first published in LIGHTSPEED MAGAZINE. Cadwell Turnbull's debut novel is THE LESSON.
BONUS: Stories with Friends - Amanda Seales
October 11, 2019 04:00 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBIn Stories with Friends, LeVar invites one of his friends to sit down for a conversation inspired by a short story or another piece of literature, giving them an excuse to talk about art, life philosophies, politics, and so much more. In this free episode, LeVar talks with Amanda Seales (HBO's Insecure, Small Doses) about Scholastic book fairs, Dorothy West's story "Mammy", and making space for intellectual conversation. Amanda's new book of essays is out October 22nd. It's called Small Doses...
BONUS: Stories with Friends - Amanda Seales
October 11, 2019 04:00 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBIn Stories with Friends, LeVar invites one of his friends to sit down for a conversation inspired by a short story or another piece of literature, giving them an excuse to talk about art, life philosophies, politics, and so much more. In this free episode, LeVar talks with Amanda Seales (HBO's Insecure, Small Doses) about Scholastic book fairs, Dorothy West's story "Mammy", and making space for intellectual conversation. Amanda's new book of essays is out October 22nd. It's called Small Dose...
Introducing Stories with Friends
October 10, 2019 04:00 - 1 minute - 1.63 MBGet ready for our new bonus Premium series, Stories with Friends, featuring conversations with Laurence Fishburne, Brent Spiner, Aisha Tyler, Amanda Seales, Rob Delaney and Jesmyn Ward! Support our podcast and get a free month of premium listening at www.stitcherpremium.com/levar with the code LEVAR.
57: "The Water Museum" by Nisi Shawl
October 08, 2019 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBThe owner of an unusual private museum picks up a hitchhiker sent to assassinate her. This story appears in Nisi Shawl's collection FILTER HOUSE. Content advisory: kidnapping and abduction
"The Water Museum" by Nisi Shawl
October 08, 2019 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBThe owner of an unusual private museum picks up a hitchhiker sent to assassinate her. This story appears in Nisi Shawl's collection FILTER HOUSE. Content advisory: kidnapping and abduction
"The House on the Moon" by William Alexander
October 01, 2019 04:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBA castle's mysteries begin to slowly unravel. Content advisory: mentions of death, eugenics This episode is sponsored by Mythical Monsters podcast (www.parcast.com/mythicalmonsters)
56: "The House on the Moon" by William Alexander
October 01, 2019 04:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBA castle's mysteries begin to slowly unravel. Content advisory: mentions of death, eugenics This episode is sponsored by Mythical Monsters podcast (www.parcast.com/mythicalmonsters)
"Tiger Baby" by JY Yang
September 24, 2019 04:00 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MBA woman is haunted by her dreams of being a tiger. This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp (www.betterhelp.com/levar code: LEVAR) and The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR).
55: "Tiger Baby" by JY Yang
September 24, 2019 04:00 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBA woman is haunted by her dreams of being a tiger. This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp (www.betterhelp.com/levar code: LEVAR) and The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR).
“Blur" by Carmen Maria Machado
September 17, 2019 04:00 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MBA woman in a troubled relationship loses her glasses at a rest stop along the highway, and the world shifts in and out of focus. Content advisory: explicit language, abuse From the forthcoming collection A BRIEF AND FEARFUL STAR, to be published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of The Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. This episode is sponsored by The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR) and Native (www.nativedeodorant.com code: LEVAR).
54: “Blur" by Carmen Maria Machado
September 17, 2019 04:00 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBA woman in a troubled relationship loses her glasses at a rest stop along the highway, and the world shifts in and out of focus. Content advisory: explicit language, abuse From the forthcoming collection A BRIEF AND FEARFUL STAR, to be published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of The Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. This episode is sponsored by The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR) and Native (www.nativedeodorant.com code: L...
“Face Value” by Sean Williams
September 10, 2019 04:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBA team of peace-keepers investigate an inventor with an astonishing claim. This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp (www.betterhelp.com/levar code: LEVAR) and The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR).
53: “Face Value” by Sean Williams
September 10, 2019 04:00 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBA team of peace-keepers investigate an inventor with an astonishing claim. This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp (www.betterhelp.com/levar code: LEVAR) and The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR).
"Small Medicine" by Genevieve Valentine
September 03, 2019 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBA girl scrutinizes the line between humans and robots when her grandmother is replaced with a replica. Content advisory: Death or dying, self-harming behaviors This episode is sponsored by There Will Come a Darkness, A Life Lived podcast, and The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR).
52: "Small Medicine" by Genevieve Valentine
September 03, 2019 04:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBA girl scrutinizes the line between humans and robots when her grandmother is replaced with a replica. Content advisory: Death or dying, self-harming behaviors This episode is sponsored by There Will Come a Darkness, A Life Lived podcast, and The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR).