Short Stack Stories

Served on this week's Short Stack is the whimsically tragic "Asleep For Days" by Pete Hsu. Explore a world where swift problem solving is at hand, and wonder at what it might mean for our future.

Dive into the sky with this week's Short Stack: The Rope Bridge by Susan Neville. Children are faced with the future, and adults wonder what they have done to prepare them for it. 

This week on Short Stack Stories we have a haunting science fiction story, written by famous author and screenwriter, Ray Bradbury. “All Summer in a Day” explores the life of schoolchildren who anxiously await the appearance of the sun, after seven years of living on Venus, the planet of seemingly endless rain.

We’re back on Short Stack with another exclusive author interview! Join us for an eerie and dangerous urban legend as we read Chelsea Sutton’s “At the Center,” a modern take on the Theseus and the Minotaur, and we’re joined by Chelsea afterwards to discuss her writing and inspirations!

This week on Short Stack Stories we share another story of LGBTQ+ resilience to continue the spirit of Pride into July. “Phoenix” by Rachel Smith, read by fantastic guest Che Kabia, tells the story of an innocuous choice that allows our protagonist to rise from the proverbial ashes.

Short Stack Stories returns to our short story programming with an endearing fable about the struggles of a young man searching in the jungle of love...but his gut impulses keep him hunting for another fish in the sea. “The Names We Give” by Nancy Kissam is read by delightful guest narrator Connor Bruley!

It’s a Short Stack Exclusive! Jackie and Liv have the pleasure of interviewing Pulitzer finalist Elif Batuman, author of The Idiot, her novel about a Harvard University freshman’s first online entanglements in 1995. Elif shares about her process, her inspirations, and reads an exclusive excerpt from The Idiot’s forthcoming sequel Either, Or! It’s a Special Stack you don’t want to miss!

Jackie and Liv are back to read part two of this week’s story together with a third talented guest reader, dear friend of the podcast Kaycee Murto. Join them on the magical journey of “The Paper Tiger” by Lindsay Kennedy, a cautionary tale about underestimating the power and courage of youth.

If three’s company then the next two episodes are a Short Stack party as Jackie and Liv read part one of this week’s story together with a third talented guest reader, dear friend of the podcast Kaycee Murto. Join them on the magical journey of “The Paper Tiger” by Lindsay Kennedy, a cautionary tale about underestimating the power and courage of youth.