In the last episode of Series 2, Astrophysicist Michael Williams joins Mark Sinker and Elisha Sessions to talk about “The Forgotten Enemy”, written by Arthur C. Clarke in 1949. It’s about comfy isolation, radio static, and forces larger than oneself. Elisha reads the story at the front of the programme; music is “Speculative Reminiscing” by Low Res, “Permafrost” by Magazine, and “From My Window I Can See A Mountain in Snow” by Tisane feat. Kevin.

Produced by Elisha Sessions

It’s Katie Grocott in the studio this week with Mark Sinker and Elisha Sessions to talk about “Things”, written by Ursula Le Guin in 1970. This is a short story about a society sharply divided between nihilist marauders and maudlin do-nothings… and two people who don’t really fit in either camp. Oh, and masonry. Music is “To the Sea” by Yello and “Ende Neu” by Einsturzende Neubauten.

Produced by Elisha Sessions

Richard Tunnicliffe joins Mark Sinker and Elisha Sessions to talk about Thomas M. Disch’s “The Squirrel Cage”. It’s a story about a writer writing for no one, or for everyone – he’s not sure which (lol Livejournal). Beezer Magazine’s “Numbskulls” make a brief appearance, as does John Searle’s “Chinese Room” thought experiment, a song by Kraftwerk, and a classic spoken piece by Alvin Lucier.

Produced by Elisha Sessions

Rebecca Levene sits in with Mark Sinker and Elisha Sessions to talk about Brian Aldiss’ 1957 short story, “All the World’s Tears”. It’s about a vitiated ecology, a mechanized society, and a desolate, wind-swept mansion where love may not be all you need. Music is “In the Pines” by Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys, and “Ask” by the Smiths. Elisha reads the story for you first.

Produced by Elisha Sessions

Magnus Anderson joins the Slug Lords to talk about Arsen Darnay’s short story, “Such Is Fate”. It’s about a gypsy, a sailor, a tank of liquified gas, and what we can learn from the past. Music comes via Olivia Newton-John and Prince, and Elisha reads the story at the front of the programme in case you don’t have your copy of the September-October 1974 “Worlds of If” to hand.

Produced by Elisha Sessions

Victoria de Rijke joins Mark Sinker and Elisha Sessions to talk about “Aye, and Gomorrah”, a tale of sexless astronaut prostitutes and the people who worship them. I’m not making that up! It was written by Samuel R. Delany in 1966 and Elisha reads it at the beginning in case you haven’t. Music is “I Blood Brother Be” by the Shock Headed Peters.

Produced by Elisha Sessions

“Track 12” by J.G. Ballard gets Slugged this week, with Richard Thomas joining Mark Sinker and Elisha Sessions to discuss it. Elisha reads this odd story of revenge via home recording in case you haven’t; music comes courtesy of John Foxx, Stereo Total and Iannis Xenakis, and there’s a miniature laboratory cyclone thrown in for good measure.

Produced by Elisha Sessions