195 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

    • Kunst
    • 4.9 • 55 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.

    "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
    "The World Wasn't Ready for You" by Justin C. Key

    "The World Wasn't Ready for You" by Justin C. Key

    An exploration of the depth of a father's love, and his attempts to keep his son happy, healthy and safe in a world rife with racism and violence. This story appears in Justin C. Key's collection THE WORLD WASN'T READY FOR YOU.

    Content advisory: death, police brutality

    • 57 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
55 Ratings

55 Ratings

süßipuk ,

Story suggestion

Thankyou, i love your storys, i love the feeling of the person in charge being caring to everyone, also those who are mostly forgotten, i am gratefull for what you represent in your reflections, it helps a tired heart want to stay kind ♥️
The story i suggest: The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether from E.A. Poe

BabbleFishing ,

The Rainbow Reaches Adulthood

I grew up with LeVar Burton bringing stories to life through his beautifully crafted narrations, and though I’ve always loved to read, he played no small part in expanding that love. He made it cool to read. Imagine then my delight to learn, through a friend, about this podcast. (Thanks Adrienne!) Being a speculative fiction fan, this is right up my ally, and his reading style is as brilliant and engaging as ever. I’ve also learned of a few authors whose works I hadn’t previously explored. Thank you, Mr. Burton, for continuing to expand our horizons!

B.Arblaster ,

Story suggestions :)

I would absolutely love to hear one of Gene Wolfe’s stories.

I am a big fan of the podcast. Thanks for the stories! :-)

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