196 episodes

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.

LeVar Burton Reads Stitcher Studios

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 16.4K Ratings

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.

    "She Builds Quick Machines" by Lyndsie Manusos

    "She Builds Quick Machines" by Lyndsie Manusos

    Robotics, quick machines, fugitives -- none are exactly what they seem on the surface. Find more from the author at https://lyndsiekay.wordpress.com. And find LeVar on Instagram Live on Monday, May 6th from 6:30-8pm Pacific, celebrating 13 seasons of LeVar Burton Reads! Join us for a Q&A and surprise guests. Follow @levar.burton on IG and mark your calendar!

    Content advisory: warfare, death

    • 38 min
    "When the Apples are Ripe" by Diane Oliver

    "When the Apples are Ripe" by Diane Oliver

    A young boy puzzles over the behavior of his mysterious elderly neighbor, his parents, and his older brother, a budding civil rights activist.

    This story appears in the collection entitled NEIGHBORS AND OTHER STORIES by Diane Oliver, published by Grove Press.

    Content advisory: racial slur, racism

    • 44 min
    "The Coffin Maker" by AnaMaria Curtis

    "The Coffin Maker" by AnaMaria Curtis

    On a long mission to search for a new home planet, an outfitter tries to protect the crewmembers' lives. But can she protect herself from the inevitable loss and heartbreak? This story first appeared in Uncanny Magazine. For more from the author, check out anamariacurtis.com.

    Content advisory: pandemic, death

    • 49 min
    "The Appropriation of Cultures" by Percival Everett

    "The Appropriation of Cultures" by Percival Everett

    A young Black musician is heckled by a group of white fraternity brothers, asking him to play "Dixie." His response surprises everyone, including himself. This story appears in the collection DAMNED IF I DO, published by Graywolf Press.

    • 33 min
    "The Hidden Forests of Earth and Mars" by Anna Zumbro

    "The Hidden Forests of Earth and Mars" by Anna Zumbro

    A young woman must decide her future: planting seeds and forging civilization on Mars, or caretaking for future generations on Earth. This story originally appeared in Cast of Wonders. Find more from the author at annazumbro.com.


    Content advisory: climate change and ecological collapse

    • 43 min
    "Mr. Mendoza's Paintbrush" by Luis Alberto Urrea

    "Mr. Mendoza's Paintbrush" by Luis Alberto Urrea

    The self-proclaimed Graffiti King of Mexico brandishes his magical paintbrush, providing commentary on small-town sins. This story appears in the collection THE WATER MUSEUM. Find more from the author at luisurrea.com.



    Content advisory: sexism, sexual harassment

    • 39 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
16.4K Ratings

16.4K Ratings

TSAR1234 ,

Outstanding

Thank you ! Thank you for taking the the time out to read to us and I enjoy sitting back and relaxing to the sound of your voice. I have recommended you to all my friends!

Acquaboogy ,

This Can’t Be Goodbye 😢

I had tears in my eyes when I learned this week’s episode would be the last. I know I can go back and re-listen to the episodes, but I want more. 😭When I had trouble sleeping at night or felt anxious during my day, I knew I could come here to find a moment of escape, adventure, and peace. Your voice brought calm to my day. Thank you for sharing your love for short stories. ❤️

Eb83K ,

Awesome

The stories are fantastic and I have used them to establish a new bedtime routine. No TV. Screen light on nothing and 20 minutes of a fantastic story before bed.

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