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. Join us several 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, and countless others, we bring you short stories that have shaped the genre for generations. Prepare to journey back in time 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.
Episodes
Together they discussed the Nobles—the old prospector and the weary, frightened man. Then—utter terror struck! The Nobles Are Coming by Arthur Jean Cox. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Today’s featured fiction is like a bite-sized candy bar—same rich ingredients, just in a smaller package. Arthur Jean Cox, born in 1929, was a science fiction fan before becoming an author. Based in the Los Angeles area, his work appeared ...
A shattered Earth suddenly remembered poor Hathaway, marooned all alone there on Mars by the mad rush homeward. But—was Hathaway alone? Dwellers in Silence by Ray Bradbury. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
From time to time, we feature stories that were published in more than one magazine—often under different titles. That means we sometimes have to decide which title to use. Today, Ray Bradbury returns to the podcast wit...
The professor invented a perfume that would never come off! He didn't know it was irresistible. The Irresistible Perfume by Harold Lawlor. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Author Harold Lawlor was born in 1910—though sources differ on whether his birthplace was Ireland or Chicago. Little is known about his life, but between 1942 and 1953, he wrote 35 short stories, many of which appeared in pulp magazines of the era. Lawl...
When a brilliant inventor tries to control volcanic eruptions with a mechanical valve, his bold experiment threatens to unleash fiery chaos on an unsuspecting world. The Volcanic Valve by W. L. Alden. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Is Humorous Historical Science Fiction a real genre? I have no idea—but if it isn’t, someone better invent it fast, because The Volcanic Valve would be its founding father, spiritual guide, a...
A fascinating story about a heinous crime and its strange aftermath. The Thing in the Trunk by Paul Ernst. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Calling Paul Ernst a prolific writer barely scratches the surface—he penned over 200 short stories across multiple genres, with around 170 in science fiction alone. He contributed nearly 40 tales to Weird Tales magazine, and the story you’re about to hear is unquestionably one of the ...
When a driven man arrives at a cemetery world, what else can it be but journey's end—and the start of a new one? Dead Man’s Planet by William Morrison. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
We received this message on our Facebook page from Stevie Fogarty in Tipperary Ireland, “Hi Scott. I stumbled across The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast by total accident & I've been an avid fan since. I've listened with excitement to your excellen...
For ages Mankind labelled Mercury a dead world—a red-hot, seething outpost of hell. Too late Rawley learned of the hideous life that molten, steaming planet spawned! The Mercurian by Frank Belknap Long. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
A huge thank you to all our incredible listeners! Because of you, The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast is now the #1 Science Fiction podcast in New Zealand—our 28th country to reach the top spot! We’re ...
A Certain Young Man Finds Dying a Profitable Business. The secret of one of the strangest professions in the world. An Adventure of a Professional Corpse - The Artificial Honeymoon by H. Bedford–Jones. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
I have to admit, I’d never heard of H. Bedford-Jones until I came across this story—and what a discovery! As I started digging into his background, I was amazed to learn that he wrote nearly...
A brief tale of the dismal success of a scientist's experiment. Anton's Last Dream by Edwin Baird. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Another podcast, another debut—this time for author Edwin Baird. Best known as the first editor of Weird Tales magazine, Baird helped launch the iconic American fantasy and horror pulp, whose first issue was dated March 1923 and hit newsstands on February 18 of that year.
However, Weird Ta...
When a skeptical professor steps into the mind of a former student’s fiancée, he discovers a surreal landscape shaped by vanity, obsession, and alarming emptiness. A sharp and unsettling exploration of how our inner worlds reveal far more than we intend. The Shoddy Lands by C. S. Lewis. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Clive Staples Lewis, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, was born in Belfast, North...
Before David’s startled gaze the newcomer placed his right hand to his left shoulder and removed the left arm. He then proceeded to dismember himself until only a torso, head and one arm remained. The Artificial Man by Clare Winger Harris. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
A new debut on the podcast today: the first woman to publish science fiction stories under her own name in the pulp magazines. While Francis Stevens...
A quest for identity meets the shadows of societal perception. As Rosina struggles to be seen, will she reclaim her voice or remain lost in the darkness? The Invisible Girl by Mary Shelley. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
You may be wondering why this episode of The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast took longer to appear than a ghost at a séance. At the end of The Shunned House by H.P. Lovecraft, we promised you this story. And you pr...
A man and his uncle set out to scientifically investigate a crumbling home steeped in centuries of death and decay. But as night falls, they confront a grotesque, unseen horror feeding on the living—a parasitic evil that may be older than the house itself. The Shunned House by H.P. Lovecraft. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
The Shunned House was penned by H.P. Lovecraft in October 1924 but remained in the shadows until i...
"Cooking," explained Lancelot Biggs, "is simply a matter of chemistry." But he didn't expect that he'd have to prove that statement! Lancelot Biggs Cooks a Pirate by Nelson S. Bond. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Nelson S. Bond wrote 14 stories featuring the exploits of the eccentric space explorer Lancelot Biggs. Biggs debuted on the podcast about 3 months ago with F.O.B. Venus.
Today’s humorous tale was published 8...
If werewolves exist, they don't necessarily conform to all the superstitions people have. They may even know fear…. Infiltration by Algis Budrys. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Thank you for making The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast one of the most popular science fiction podcasts on the planet—streamed in 188 countries worldwide!
That’s nearly every country on Earth! We’re blown away by your support.
Your incredible support...
The Shisti and the Assistant Shisti of Mars chose Chicago, U.S.A., for their vacation spot. No worries; they were invisible. Plenty of rich food; the joint was loaded. A whole year of frolicking in store. Only one thing they overlooked—there was a curious convention going on. Con-Fen by James R. Adams. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
This episode marks the first time James R. Adams has appeared on our podcast. We’d love ...
If the alien space craft was not a rocket ship, what was it? And an even bigger question: should they investigate—or run for their lives! The Stranger by Gordon R. Dickson. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Gordon R. Dickson returns to our podcast today. His debut story was No Shield From the Dead in August 2024. From Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy in May 1952, let’s open this 73 year old issue to page 104, The...
Can the moving out of line of even the smallest atom of the Inscrutable pattern of the Universe, bring down the whole great edifice in instantaneous, crashing holocaust? The Shadow and the Flash by Jack London. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Did you know we take story requests for The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast? We do! Just send us an email and let us know what you’d like to hear. scott@lostscifi.com
But please remember: we...
There is an infinite number of paths through a lens between an object point and its image point-and no matter how many changes of path you make, have you changed anything? Try and Change the Past by Fritz Leiber. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
Fritz Leiber is one of about 25 men and women from the golden age of pulp science fiction to receive the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fant...
Karson was creating a superman to fight the weird super-monsters who had invaded Earth. But he was forgetting one tiny thing—like calls to like. The Avenger by Damon Knight. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.
The very first Grand Master Award from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association was presented to Robert Heinlein in 1975. Today’s featured author, Damon Knight, received the honor twenty years later, in 1995...
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