The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast - Vintage Sci-Fi Short Stories

Scott Miller
  • 4.7 (21)
  • SCIENCE FICTION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast - Vintage Sci-Fi Short Stories

Step aboard our cosmic vessel and embark on a thrilling journey through the annals of science fiction history. Delve into the realms of imagination with us as we traverse the vast expanses of the solar system, encountering aliens, robots, and spacefaring brigands amidst the twinkling stars. Our spacefaring odyssey takes us beyond the confines of light-years, venturing into the unknown to unveil the secrets of distant planets and the enigmatic beings that inhabit them. Join us three times a week as we unearth timeless tales penned by the luminaries of vintage sci-fi literature. From the visionary minds of Philip K. Dick to the poetic prose of Ray Bradbury, from the boundless imagination of Isaac Asimov to the pioneering works of H. G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, Harlan Ellison, Fritz Leiber, Alan E. Nourse, Frederik Pohl, and countless others, we bring you short stories that have shaped the genre for generations. Prepare to journey back in time, sixty, a hundred years, or more, to an era when these awe-inspiring narratives first graced the pages of pulp magazines and sci-fi anthologies. Yet, paradoxically, our destination often lies in the distant future, where the echoes of these literary marvels continue to resonate. Guiding us through this celestial voyage is our narrator, Scott Miller, who serves as your companion and guide as we traverse the cosmos, exploring the wonders of yesteryear and the possibilities of tomorrow. Join us as we navigate the depths of space and time, embarking on an adventure that transcends the boundaries of imagination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. The Beast in the Cave by H. P. Lovecraft - A Shocking Story written by 14 year old H. P. Lovecraft

    1 HR AGO

    The Beast in the Cave by H. P. Lovecraft - A Shocking Story written by 14 year old H. P. Lovecraft

    Lost in the pitch-black depths of a cave, a man faces the terror of the unknown—until he discovers he’s not alone. A chilling tale of primal fear. The Beast in the Cave by H. P. Lovecraft. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Thanks to 1mzk who gave us a 5 star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, “Very well done. I enjoy this podcast, both content and presentation.” And special thanks to bratface5477 for their 5 star rating and review, “What a treat! I’m enjoying every minute.” Thanks to both of you for your reviews. Your ratings and reviews mean the world to us and help others discover The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast! Even a short review can make a big impact. Thank you so much for supporting and sharing our podcast! Today’s story began its journey in the spring of 1904, with the final draft completed in April 1905—when H. P. Lovecraft was just 14 years old. The knack for crafting compelling tales at such a young age seems to be a hallmark of truly brilliant authors. We will find more evidence of that in the next episode of the podcast. Our story was first published in the June 1918 issue of the amateur journalism publication The Vagrant, The Beast in the Cave by H. P. Lovecraft… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Trapped in a horrifying cycle of death and resurrection, a man becomes the unwilling subject of a mad-mans twisted experiments. A tantalizing tale of science, survival, and the fight for freedom. A Thousand Deaths by Jack London. ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV =========================== 🎧 Join Our Newsletter - Get Free Audiobooks http://lostscifi.com/free/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLostSciFiPodcast Twitter - https://x.com/LostSciFiPod ===========================  ❤️ ❤️ Thanks to All Our Listeners Who Bought Us a Coffee $200 Someone $75 James Van Maanenberg $50 Anonymous Listener $25 Eaten by a Grue, Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener $15 Someone, Carolyn Guthleben, Patrick McLendon, Curious Jon, Buz C., Fressie, Anonymous Listener $10 Anonymous Listener $5 Timothy Buckley, Andre'a, Martin Brown, Ron McFarlan, Tif Love, Chrystene, Richard Hoffman, Anonymous Listener Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  2. Nobody Saw the Ship by Murray Leinster - 1950s Science Fiction Short Story

    1 DAY AGO

    Nobody Saw the Ship by Murray Leinster - 1950s Science Fiction Short Story

    It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it. But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth. And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog…. Nobody Saw the Ship by Murray Leinster. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Murray Leinster is one of our favorites and although we’ve heard from him quite often there are dozens and dozens of his stories left for us to narrate. This one can be found in the very first issue of Future combined with Science Fiction Stories with a publication date of May-June in 1950. This story of an Alien coming to Earth is on page 40, Nobody Saw the Ship by Murray Leinster… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, H. P. Lovecraft returns! ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV =========================== 🎧 Join Our Newsletter - Get Free Audiobooks http://lostscifi.com/free/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLostSciFiPodcast Twitter - https://x.com/LostSciFiPod ===========================  ❤️ ❤️ Thanks to All Our Listeners Who Bought Us a Coffee $200 Someone $75 James Van Maanenberg $50 Anonymous Listener $25 Eaten by a Grue, Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener $15 Someone, Carolyn Guthleben, Patrick McLendon, Curious Jon, Buz C., Fressie, Anonymous Listener $10 Anonymous Listener $5 Timothy Buckley, Andre'a, Martin Brown, Ron McFarlan, Tif Love, Chrystene, Richard Hoffman, Anonymous Listener Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  3. The Artist and the Door by Dorothy Quick - A Short Story from Weird Tales Magazine

    3 DAYS AGO

    The Artist and the Door by Dorothy Quick - A Short Story from Weird Tales Magazine

    I bought the door–even though the auctioneer warned of evil. The Artist and the Door by Dorothy Quick. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Dorothy Gertrude Quick was born in Brooklyn on September 1st 1896. She was a prolific writer of horror, detective fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Dorothy was a girl of 11 when she met Mark Twain, actually Samuel L. Clemens, on an Atlantic crossing from England. She was returning to Plainfield, N.J., from Europe with her parents. Recognizing Twain by his wavy hair and white suit, she walked around and around the deck, passing very slowly by his chair each time, until he finally came over and introduced himself. It was the beginning of a friendship that was to last until the very day of his death. After the voyage she received a telegram from Twain asking whether she would prefer as a birthday present "one elephant or 10,000 monkeys." She replied that she would prefer his books - which he sent her, along with a tiny white elephant. If you’ve seen the 1991 TV movie “Mark Twain and Me” well now you know who wrote it. We will find our story on page 32 in Weird Tales magazine published in November 1952, The Artist and the Door by Dorothy Quick… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it. But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth. And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog…. Nobody Saw the Ship by Murray Leinster. ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV =========================== 🎧 Join Our Newsletter - Get Free Audiobooks http://lostscifi.com/free/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLostSciFiPodcast Twitter - https://x.com/LostSciFiPod ===========================  ❤️ ❤️ Thanks to All Our Listeners Who Bought Us a Coffee $200 Someone $75 James Van Maanenberg $50 Anonymous Listener $25 Eaten by a Grue, Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener $15 Someone, Carolyn Guthleben, Patrick McLendon, Curious Jon, Buz C., Fressie, Anonymous Listener $10 Anonymous Listener $5 Timothy Buckley, Andre'a, Martin Brown, Ron McFarlan, Tif Love, Chrystene, Richard Hoffman, Anonymous Listener Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  4. Or Darwin, If You Prefer by Mel Hunter - A Sci-Fi Short Story from Fantastic Universe September 1954

    3 DAYS AGO

    Or Darwin, If You Prefer by Mel Hunter - A Sci-Fi Short Story from Fantastic Universe September 1954

    Mr. Harbinger could not quite believe in the Mouth. But poor Mr. Harbinger—or Darwin, if you prefer—are gone to other times. Or Darwin, If You prefer by Mel Hunter. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. If you are a regular listener of the podcast you know we love to discover interesting stories by authors you have never heard of, and that’s exactly what we have for you today. Here’s what Fantastic Universe had to say, “Mr. Hunter's superb art work has appeared on a baker's dozen science fiction magazine covers during the past year, but incredible as it may seem with this story we introduce him to the reading public for the first time as a science fiction writer. We say incredible, because this is not a beginner's story. It is sparkling, sophisticated, erudite—the work of a craftsman.” This is the first time we have come across an illustrator turned author. And here’s the amazing thing, he wasn’t any old illustrator, Mel Hunter was a very accomplished illustrator producing illustrations for famous science fiction authors Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein, as well as a technical and scientific illustrator for The Pentagon, Hayden Planetarium in Boston, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Hunter was born in 1927 in Oak Park, Illinois and he taught himself book and magazine illustration. He was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist in 1960, 1961 and 1962. He became a technical illustrator at Northrop Aircraft where he painted illustrations of advanced aircraft and simulated combat scenarios. His love of air and space took him from California's desert runways to Florida's seacoast launchpads to illustrate every variety of jet-age aircraft and space-age rocket imaginable—from the X-15 to Saturn V. He died in 2004 and according to his final wish, his cremated remains were launched into space on May 22, 2012. Savor this story, immerse yourself in it, and listen to it as many times as your heart desires—for it stands alone, as the singular science fiction story ever penned by Mel Hunter. From Fantastic Universe Magazine in September 1954, this truly amazing story can be found on page 39, Or Darwin, If You prefer by Mel Hunter… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, I bought the door–even though the auctioneer warned of evil. The Artist and the Door by Dorothy Quick. ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV =========================== 🎧 Join Our Newsletter - Get Free Audiobooks http://lostscifi.com/free/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLostSciFiPodcast Twitter - https://x.com/LostSciFiPod ===========================  ❤️ ❤️ Thanks to All Our Listeners Who Bought Us a Coffee $200 Someone $75 James Van Maanenberg $50 Anonymous Listener $25 Eaten by a Grue, Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener $15 Someone, Carolyn Guthleben, Patrick McLendon, Curious Jon, Buz C., Fressie, Anonymous Listener $10 Anonymous Listener $5 Timothy Buckley, Andre'a, Martin Brown, Ron McFarlan, Tif Love, Chrystene, Richard Hoffman, Anonymous Listener Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min
  5. Potential by Robert Sheckley - Short Science Fiction Story from the 1950s published in Astounding Science Fiction Magazine

    5 DAYS AGO

    Potential by Robert Sheckley - Short Science Fiction Story from the 1950s published in Astounding Science Fiction Magazine

    He was one man, horribly confused, escaping from a destroyed planet, carrying some sort of message which he couldn't recall. But he had tremendous potential for achievement! Potential by Robert Sheckley. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Special thanks to Eaten by a Grue who bought us $25 worth of coffee, “Superlative content, thanks for bringing me enjoyment. Great selections, great reads.” Thanks Eaten by a Grue for your kind words and for the coffee. If you’d like to buy us a coffee there is a link in the description. ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV Robert Sheckley has been heard many times on the podcast and fortunately there are still many more Sheckley stories in the public domain that we will share with you in the future. By the time this story appeared in Astounding Science Fiction magazine the publication has been around for almost 24 years, and if my math is correct it can be found in the 276th issue of the magazine. Let’s turn back the clock to November 1953 and open this pulp pleaser to page 72, Potential by Robert Sheckley… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Mr. Harbinger could not quite believe in the Mouth. But poor Mr. Harbinger—or Darwin, if you prefer—are gone to other times. Or Darwin, If You prefer by Mel Hunter ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV 👕 Merchandise - https://lostscifi.creator-spring.com =========================== Connect with us! 🎧 Join Our Newsletter - Get Free Audiobooks http://lostscifi.com/free/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLostSciFiPodcast Twitter - https://x.com/LostSciFiPod Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/lostscifi/ ===========================  ❤️ ❤️ Thanks to All Our Listeners Who Bought Us a Coffee $200 Someone $75 James Van Maanenberg $50 Anonymous Listener $25 Eaten by a Grue, Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener $15 Someone, Carolyn Guthleben, Patrick McLendon, Curious Jon, Buz C., Fressie, Anonymous Listener $10 Anonymous Listener $5 Timothy Buckley, Andre'a, Martin Brown, Ron McFarlan, Tif Love, Chrystene, Richard Hoffman, Anonymous Listener Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  6. Yesterday Was Monday by Theodore Sturgeon - A Short Story From Unknown Magazine in 1941

    JAN 6

    Yesterday Was Monday by Theodore Sturgeon - A Short Story From Unknown Magazine in 1941

    The scene-shifters slipped—and a man woke up on Wednesday, though yesterday was Monday. But Wednesday wasn’t finished… Yesterday was Monday by Theodore Sturgeon. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Today’s story is unlike anything we’ve done before, and that’s why we chose to share it with you on the podcast. The name of the magazine is Unknown. It’s not that we don’t know the name of the magazine, the name of the magazine is called Unknown. Only 39 issues rolled off the presses but some believe it was the finest fantasy fiction magazine ever published. From Unknown in June 1941, we will find this odd story on page 112, Yesterday was Monday by Theodore Sturgeon… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, He was one man, horribly confused, escaping from a destroyed planet, carrying some sort of message which he couldn't recall. But he had tremendous potential for achievement! Potential by Robert Sheckley. ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLostSciFiPodcast Twitter - https://twitter.com/lost_sci_fi ===========================  ❤️ ❤️ Thanks to All Our Listeners Who Bought Us a Coffee $200 Someone $75 James Van Maanenberg $50 Anonymous Listener $25 Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener $15 Someone, Carolyn Guthleben, Patrick McLendon, Curious Jon, Buz C., Fressie, Anonymous Listener $10 Anonymous Listener $5 Timothy Buckley, Andre'a, Martin Brown, Ron McFarlan, Tif Love, Chrystene, Richard Hoffman, Anonymous Listener Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
  7. Cosmic Striptease by Harlan Ellison - 1950s Science Fiction Short Story

    JAN 2

    Cosmic Striptease by Harlan Ellison - 1950s Science Fiction Short Story

    A picture is worth a thousand words—especially if they're Martian words and nobody can understand them. So Mars put on a spectacular for Earth, using the skies as a TV screen. This proved the superiority of their science. But their morals—Wow! Cosmic Striptease by Harlan Ellison. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Harlan Ellison earned the nickname “The Bad Boy of Science Fiction” due to his bold, outspoken personality, controversial opinions, and unrelenting refusal to conform to societal or literary norms. Ellison frequently criticized the science fiction community, literary trends, and even societal norms, often in a way that sparked debate and controversy. He was involved in numerous public feuds with other writers, editors, and critics. Ellison’s combination of immense talent, uncompromising principles, and a penchant for stirring the pot earned him the well deserved title “The Bad Boy of Science Fiction.” And then there is the story you are about to hear. It was published in 1958 and to say that it pushed boundaries is an understatement. Turn to page 48 for the cover story in the January issue of Fantastic Science Fiction, Cosmic Striptease by Harlan Ellison… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, The scene-shifters slipped—and a man woke up on Wednesday, though yesterday was Monday. But Wednesday wasn’t finished… Yesterday was Monday by Theodore Sturgeon. ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLostSciFiPodcast Twitter - https://twitter.com/lost_sci_fi ===========================  ❤️ ❤️ Thanks to All Our Listeners Who Bought Us a Coffee $200 Someone $75 James Van Maanenberg $50 Anonymous Listener $25 Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener $15 Someone, Carolyn Guthleben, Patrick McLendon, Curious Jon, Buz C., Fressie, Anonymous Listener $10 Anonymous Listener $5 Timothy Buckley, Andre'a, Martin Brown, Ron McFarlan, Tif Love, Chrystene, Richard Hoffman, Anonymous Listener Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  8. The Outer Quiet by Herbert D. Kastle - A Post Apocalyptic Science Fiction Story from the 1950s

    2024-12-31

    The Outer Quiet by Herbert D. Kastle - A Post Apocalyptic Science Fiction Story from the 1950s

    Fear is often Man's greatest enemy. But when there is nothing left to lose, there is everything to gain.... And with everything to gain, where is the enemy? The Outer Quiet by Herbert D. Kastle. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. If the name Herbert D. Kastle rings a bell, it’s likely not because of his science fiction work. Kastle, born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1924, was primarily known as a thriller novelist, with an impressive seventeen titles to his name. Though his contributions to science fiction were modest—three short stories in the 1950s and another three in the 1960s—he gained some recognition for his 1964 sci-fi novel The Reassembled Man. In addition to his literary work, Kastle’s 1975 novel Cross-Country was adapted into a feature film in 1983. He also ventured into television, co-writing an episode of Bonanza that aired in 1967. Today's tale of woe in a post-apocalyptic world is on page 94 in the May 1955 publication of If Worlds of Science Fiction, The Outer Quiet by Herbert D. Kastle… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A picture is worth a thousand words—especially if they're Martian words and nobody can understand them. So Mars put on a spectacular for Earth, using the skies as a TV screen. This proved the superiority of their science. But their morals—Wow! Cosmic Striptease by Harlan Ellison. ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLostSciFiPodcast Twitter - https://twitter.com/lost_sci_fi ===========================  ❤️ ❤️ Thanks to All Our Listeners Who Bought Us a Coffee $200 Someone $75 James Van Maanenberg $50 Anonymous Listener $25 Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener $15 Someone, Carolyn Guthleben, Patrick McLendon, Curious Jon, Buz C., Fressie, Anonymous Listener $10 Anonymous Listener $5 Timothy Buckley, Andre'a, Martin Brown, Ron McFarlan, Tif Love, Chrystene, Richard Hoffman, Anonymous Listener Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
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4.7
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Step aboard our cosmic vessel and embark on a thrilling journey through the annals of science fiction history. Delve into the realms of imagination with us as we traverse the vast expanses of the solar system, encountering aliens, robots, and spacefaring brigands amidst the twinkling stars. Our spacefaring odyssey takes us beyond the confines of light-years, venturing into the unknown to unveil the secrets of distant planets and the enigmatic beings that inhabit them. Join us three times a week as we unearth timeless tales penned by the luminaries of vintage sci-fi literature. From the visionary minds of Philip K. Dick to the poetic prose of Ray Bradbury, from the boundless imagination of Isaac Asimov to the pioneering works of H. G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, Harlan Ellison, Fritz Leiber, Alan E. Nourse, Frederik Pohl, and countless others, we bring you short stories that have shaped the genre for generations. Prepare to journey back in time, sixty, a hundred years, or more, to an era when these awe-inspiring narratives first graced the pages of pulp magazines and sci-fi anthologies. Yet, paradoxically, our destination often lies in the distant future, where the echoes of these literary marvels continue to resonate. Guiding us through this celestial voyage is our narrator, Scott Miller, who serves as your companion and guide as we traverse the cosmos, exploring the wonders of yesteryear and the possibilities of tomorrow. Join us as we navigate the depths of space and time, embarking on an adventure that transcends the boundaries of imagination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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