LeVar Burton Reads
273 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 16.6K 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.
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Episodes
32: "Jackalope Wives" by Ursula Vernon
September 11, 2018 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBA brooding young man is captivated by a magical creature who dances in the firelight. This story appears in JACKALOPE WIVES AND OTHER STORIES by T. Kingfisher. This episode is sponsored by Sierra Club (www.beyondcoal.org/stories), Bona Floor Cleaners (www.bona.com), Calm (www.calm.com/LEVAR), and The Great American Read.
"Jackalope Wives" by Ursula Vernon
September 11, 2018 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBA brooding young man is captivated by a magical creature who dances in the firelight. This story appears in JACKALOPE WIVES AND OTHER STORIES by T. Kingfisher. This episode is sponsored by Sierra Club (www.beyondcoal.org/stories), Bona Floor Cleaners (www.bona.com), Calm (www.calm.com/LEVAR), and The Great American Read.
31: "Fyrewall" by Stefani Cox
September 04, 2018 07:00 - 42 minutes - 39 MBIn a future version of Los Angeles, a woman and her ragtag crew must repair a critical piece of technology or let the city burn to the ground. This episode is sponsored by The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/levar) and The Great American Read.
"Fyrewall" by Stefani Cox
September 04, 2018 07:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBIn a future version of Los Angeles, a woman and her ragtag crew must repair a critical piece of technology or let the city burn to the ground. This episode is sponsored by The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/levar) and The Great American Read.
30: "Fantaisie Impromptu No. 4 in C#min, Op. 66” by Carlos Hernandez
August 28, 2018 07:00 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBA reporter travels to Miami to investigate the fringes of science and faith. This story appears in THE ASSIMILATED CUBAN'S GUIDE TO QUANTUM SANTERIA. This episode is sponsored by The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR) and Google Play (g.co/play/levar).
"Fantaisie Impromptu No. 4 in C#min, Op. 66” by Carlos Hernandez
August 28, 2018 07:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBA reporter travels to Miami to investigate the fringes of science and faith. This story appears in THE ASSIMILATED CUBAN'S GUIDE TO QUANTUM SANTERIA. This episode is sponsored by The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR) and Google Play (g.co/play/levar).
29: "Multo" by Samuel Marzioli
August 21, 2018 07:00 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBA man remembers a supernatural force from his childhood. Listen to ad-free episodes one week early, plus exclusive bonus episodes, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/levar and use promo code 'LEVAR'. This episode is sponsored by Google Play (www.g.co/play/levar).
"Multo" by Samuel Marzioli
August 21, 2018 07:00 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBA man remembers a supernatural force from his childhood. Listen to ad-free episodes one week early, plus exclusive bonus episodes, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/levar and use promo code 'LEVAR'. This episode is sponsored by Google Play (www.g.co/play/levar).
"Fires" by Rick Bass
August 14, 2018 07:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this meditative tale, a runner spends a summer training in a remote mountain town. This story appears in the collection FOR A LITTLE WHILE by Rick Bass, published by Little, Brown & Company. Listen to ad-free episodes one week early, plus exclusive bonus episodes, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/levar and use promo code 'LEVAR'. This episode is sponsored by Google Play (g.co/play/levar).
28: "Fires" by Rick Bass
August 14, 2018 07:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBIn this meditative tale, a runner spends a summer training in a remote mountain town. This story appears in the collection FOR A LITTLE WHILE by Rick Bass, published by Little, Brown & Company. Listen to ad-free episodes one week early, plus exclusive bonus episodes, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/levar and use promo code 'LEVAR'. This episode is sponsored by Google Play (g.co/play/levar).
27: "The Last Cheng Beng Gift" by Jaymee Goh
August 07, 2018 07:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBA family matriarch takes up residence in the Underworld. Listen to ad-free episodes one week early, plus exclusive bonus episodes, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/levar and use promo code 'LEVAR'. This episode is sponsored by Google Play (g.co/play/levar) and Hungryroot (www.hungryroot.com code: LEVAR).
"The Last Cheng Beng Gift" by Jaymee Goh
August 07, 2018 07:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MBA family matriarch takes up residence in the Underworld. Listen to ad-free episodes one week early, plus exclusive bonus episodes, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/levar and use promo code 'LEVAR'. This episode is sponsored by Google Play (g.co/play/levar) and Hungryroot (www.hungryroot.com code: LEVAR).
"Sea Girls" by Daniel Wallace
July 31, 2018 07:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBTwo teenagers deal with family issues... and a stranded sea creature. Listen to ad-free episodes one week early, plus exclusive bonus episodes, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/levar and use promo code 'LEVAR'. This episode is sponsored by Hungry Root (www.hungryroot.com code: LEVAR) and Google Play (g.co/play/levar).
26: "Sea Girls" by Daniel Wallace
July 31, 2018 07:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBTwo teenagers deal with family issues... and a stranded sea creature. Listen to ad-free episodes one week early, plus exclusive bonus episodes, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/levar and use promo code 'LEVAR'. This episode is sponsored by Hungry Root (www.hungryroot.com code: LEVAR) and Google Play (g.co/play/levar).
25: "Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience TM" by Rebecca Roanhorse
July 24, 2018 07:00 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBA tour guide leads virtual reality “experiences” for tourists who want to know what it’s like to be Native American. Think Black Mirror meets Westworld. Listen to ad-free episodes one week early, plus exclusive bonus episodes, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/levar and use promo code 'LEVAR'. This episode is sponsored by Google Play (g.co/play/levar).
"Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience TM" by Rebecca Roanhorse
July 24, 2018 07:00 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBA tour guide leads virtual reality “experiences” for tourists who want to know what it’s like to be Native American. Think Black Mirror meets Westworld. Listen to ad-free episodes one week early, plus exclusive bonus episodes, only on Stitcher Premium. For a free month of listening, go to stitcherpremium.com/levar and use promo code 'LEVAR'. This episode is sponsored by Google Play (g.co/play/levar).
LIVE! in Portland: "The Fliers of Gy" by Ursula K. Le Guin
June 19, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 56 MBAn interplanetary tale about those who take flight, and those who do not. Recorded on the LeVar Burton Reads LIVE! tour. This story appears in Le Guin's collection THE UNREAL AND THE REAL: SELECTED STORIES, VOLUME TWO: OUTER SPACE, INNER LANDS. With musical accompaniment by Marisa Anderson, and featuring a conversation with writer and activist Walidah Imarisha about social justice and the legacy of Ursula K. Le Guin. This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo (www.kiwico.com/LEVAR) and Hungryr...
LIVE! in Seattle: "Black Betty" by Nisi Shawl
June 05, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBThe story of Betty, and her struggle to be fully understood by her new family. Recorded on the LeVar Burton Reads LIVE! tour. With accompaniment by Gretchen Yanover, and featuring a conversation with author Nisi Shawl. This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo (www.kiwico.com/LEVAR) and Hungryroot (www.hungryroot.com code: LEVAR).
LIVE! in Seattle: "Black Betty" by Nisi Shawl
June 05, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBThe story of Betty, and her struggle to be fully understood by her new family. Recorded on the LeVar Burton Reads LIVE! tour. With accompaniment by Gretchen Yanover, and featuring a conversation with author Nisi Shawl. This episode is brought to you by KiwiCo (www.kiwico.com/LEVAR) and Hungryroot (www.hungryroot.com code: LEVAR). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
LIVE! in Los Angeles: "Money Tree" by Nalo Hopkinson
May 22, 2018 07:00 - 45 minutes - 42 MBA young man sets out to uncover sunken treasure and make his fortune, and his sister must pick up the pieces. Recorded on the LeVar Burton Reads LIVE! tour. With accompaniment by vibraphonist Justin Thomas, and featuring a conversation with the author. This story appears in Nalo Hopkinson's collection SKIN FOLK.
LIVE! in San Francisco: "As Good as New" by Charlie Jane Anders
May 08, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBA young woman unexpectedly finds herself with the fate of the world in her hands. Recorded on the LeVar Burton Reads LIVE! tour. With accompaniment by Astronauts, etc. keyboardist Anthony Ferraro, and featuring a conversation with Charlie Jane Anders. This story appears in Anders' collection SIX MONTHS, THREE DAYS, FIVE OTHERS.
LIVE! in Chicago: "The Winds of Harmattan" by Nnedi Okorafor
April 24, 2018 07:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBA young woman discovers her destiny as a Windseeker. Recorded on the LeVar Burton Reads LIVE! tour. With accompaniment by the legendary instrumentalist and kalimba player Kahil El'Zabar, and featuring a conversation with Nnedi Okorafor. This story appears in Okorafor's collection KABU KABU.
24: "Childfinder" by Octavia Butler
April 03, 2018 07:01 - 40 minutes - 36.7 MBA telepath uses her skills to mentor children with psionic ability. "Childfinder" is available in e-book format in the collection UNEXPECTED STORIES, published by Open Road Media. The story is copyright Ernestine Walker-Zadnick. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar. And thanks to Fictional. Find them at apple.fictional.fm.
"Childfinder" by Octavia Butler
April 03, 2018 07:00 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MBA telepath uses her skills to mentor children with psionic ability. "Childfinder" is available in e-book format in the collection UNEXPECTED STORIES, published by Open Road Media. The story is copyright Ernestine Walker-Zadnick. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar. And thanks to Fictional. Find them at apple.fictional.fm.
23: "A Fable with Slips of White Paper Spilling from the Pockets" by Kevin Brockmeier
March 27, 2018 07:01 - 33 minutes - 30.9 MBAn ordinary man finds himself unexpectedly in possession of an extraordinary power. This story appears in Kevin Brockmeier's collection THE VIEW FROM THE SEVENTH LAYER. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"A Fable with Slips of White Paper Spilling from the Pockets" by Kevin Brockmeier
March 27, 2018 07:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBAn ordinary man finds himself unexpectedly in possession of an extraordinary power. This story appears in Kevin Brockmeier's collection THE VIEW FROM THE SEVENTH LAYER. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"The 5:22" by George Harrar
March 20, 2018 07:00 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBWhen a fellow passenger on his usual train goes missing, a man begins to wonder if everything is as it seems. Find more from the author at www.georgeharrarbooks.com. This episode is brought to you by Audible (audible.com/levar) and Tripping.com (www.tripping.com/LEVAR).
22: "The 5:22" by George Harrar
March 20, 2018 07:00 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MBWhen a fellow passenger on his usual train goes missing, a man begins to wonder if everything is as it seems. Find more from the author at www.georgeharrarbooks.com. This episode is brought to you by Audible (audible.com/levar) and Tripping.com (www.tripping.com/LEVAR).
21: "My Dear You" by Rachel Khong
March 13, 2018 07:01 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBAs she filters through memories and relationships, a young woman navigates a new plane of existence. Find more from the author at www.rachelkhong.com. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"My Dear You" by Rachel Khong
March 13, 2018 07:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBAs she filters through memories and relationships, a young woman navigates a new plane of existence. Find more from the author at www.rachelkhong.com. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
20: "The Great Wide World Over There" by Ray Bradbury
March 06, 2018 08:01 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBA visitor's arrival delivers both wonder and heartache to a rural community. This story appears in Ray Bradbury's collection THE GOLDEN APPLES OF THE SUN. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"The Great Wide World Over There" by Ray Bradbury
March 06, 2018 08:01 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBA visitor's arrival delivers both wonder and heartache to a rural community. This story appears in Ray Bradbury's collection THE GOLDEN APPLES OF THE SUN. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
19: "Different Kinds of Darkness" by David Langford
February 27, 2018 08:00 - 43 minutes - 39.5 MBA group of children form a secret society around a mysterious and powerful artifact. This story appears in David Langford's collection DIFFERENT KINDS OF DARKNESS. This episode is brought to you by Audible (audible.com/levar) and Tripping.com (www.tripping.com/LEVAR).
"Different Kinds of Darkness" by David Langford
February 27, 2018 08:00 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBA group of children form a secret society around a mysterious and powerful artifact. This story appears in David Langford's collection DIFFERENT KINDS OF DARKNESS. This episode is brought to you by Audible (audible.com/levar) and Tripping.com (www.tripping.com/LEVAR).
18: "Furry Night" by Joan Aiken
February 20, 2018 08:01 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBAn elderly lycanthropist retires to his estate in the English countryside, but his rest is disturbed by a rowdy village tradition. "Furry Night" is copyright © 1976 by Joan Aiken. Available in THE PEOPLE IN THE CASTLE by Joan Aiken, published by Small Beer Press. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"Furry Night" by Joan Aiken
February 20, 2018 08:00 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBAn elderly lycanthropist retires to his estate in the English countryside, but his rest is disturbed by a rowdy village tradition. "Furry Night" is copyright © 1976 by Joan Aiken. Available in THE PEOPLE IN THE CASTLE by Joan Aiken, published by Small Beer Press. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
17: "The Baboon War" by Nnedi Okorafor
February 13, 2018 08:00 - 43 minutes - 40 MBA group of schoolgirls have a disturbing and life-altering encounter with the animal kingdom. "The Baboon War" appears in Nnedi Okorafor's collection KABU KABU. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"The Baboon War" by Nnedi Okorafor
February 06, 2018 08:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBA group of schoolgirls have a disturbing and life-altering encounter with the animal kingdom. "The Baboon War" appears in Nnedi Okorafor's collection KABU KABU. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"Mrs. Perez" by Oscar Casares
February 06, 2018 08:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBWhen a burglary deprives her of her most prized possession, a woman discovers just how resilient and assertive she can be. "Mrs. Perez" appears in Oscar Casares' collection BROWNSVILLE: STORIES from Back Bay Books. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
16: "Mrs. Perez" by Oscar Casares
February 06, 2018 08:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBWhen a burglary deprives her of her most prized possession, a woman discovers just how resilient and assertive she can be. "Mrs. Perez" appears in Oscar Casares' collection BROWNSVILLE: STORIES from Back Bay Books. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
15: "Unassigned Territory" by Stephanie Powell Watts
January 30, 2018 08:01 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBA young Jehovah's Witness spends a blistering hot afternoon preaching door-to-door to hostile homeowners, and questioning her future. Copyright © 2011 by Stephanie Powell Watts, used by permission of Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"Unassigned Territory" by Stephanie Powell Watts
January 30, 2018 08:00 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBA young Jehovah's Witness spends a blistering hot afternoon preaching door-to-door to hostile homeowners, and questioning her future. Copyright © 2011 by Stephanie Powell Watts, used by permission of Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
14: "The Truth About Owls" by Amal El-Mohtar
January 23, 2018 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBA young girl explores her own power, and finds kinship with a bird of prey. Find more from the author at amalelmohtar.com. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"The Truth About Owls" by Amal El-Mohtar
January 23, 2018 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBA young girl explores her own power, and finds kinship with a bird of prey. Find more from the author at amalelmohtar.com. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
13: "Repairing the World" by John Chu
January 16, 2018 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MBDescription: Two friends are tasked with protecting a world that is literally ripping at the seams. Find more from John Chu at johnchu.net. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"Repairing the World" by John Chu
January 16, 2018 08:00 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBDescription: Two friends are tasked with protecting a world that is literally ripping at the seams. Find more from John Chu at johnchu.net. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
Bonus Episode: "Goat" by James McBride
October 24, 2017 07:00 - 1 hour - 62.6 MBA well-meaning teacher discovers a student's talent, and in the process of helping out his family, bites off more than she can chew. Recorded live at the Now Hear This festival. This story appears in James McBride's collection FIVE CARAT SOUL, available now from Riverhead Books.
12: "No Man's Guns" by Elmore Leonard
September 05, 2017 07:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBIn a classic Western tale, a newly-discharged soldier runs into trouble on his journey home, and must fight for his innocence and his identity. "No Man's Guns" by Elmore Leonard. Copyright © 1975, 2004 Elmore Leonard, used by permission of The Wylie Agency LLC and of William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
"No Man's Guns" by Elmore Leonard
September 05, 2017 07:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBIn a classic Western tale, a newly-discharged soldier runs into trouble on his journey home, and must fight for his innocence and his identity. "No Man's Guns" by Elmore Leonard. Copyright © 1975, 2004 Elmore Leonard, used by permission of The Wylie Agency LLC and of William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.
11: "The Paper Menagerie" by Ken Liu
August 29, 2017 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBAn immigrant mother tries to bond with her American-born son by creating a magical paper menagerie. This story appears in Ken Liu's collection THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES, available now from Saga Press. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Audible. Start your free trial and get a free audiobook at audible.com/levar.