“The Coffin Maker” by AnaMaria Curtis, narrated by Wil

I will never understand the reckless inaction humanity seems to have chosen in the face of catastrophic climate change. Last time I looked, Earth was the only planet we have, and taking care of her should probably land real close to the top spot on our species' to do list.

Catastrophic Climate Change is scary, it's real, and it's dangerously close to inevitable because it is so scary, we tend to look away and pretend it's going to somehow be okay.

Y'all, it is not going to be okay unless we choose to make it okay. And one of the ways we can inspire people to do that is through fiction that suggests what our future may look like, if we continue to choose inaction.

This week, we're boarding The Guiding Light, a research vessel that's been sent on a desperate mission from a dying world to find someplace new to live. They've been looking for a long time, and all they've found is death. Maybe this planet will be different. Let's find out, as we join The Coffin Maker.

Original Publication Credit: Uncanny Magazine

To learn more about the author, please visit: https://anamariacurtis.com/

It's Storytime was produced in 2025 by Traveler Enterprises, Inc., who holds the copyright. Our producer is Harris Lane. Our Story Producer and Director is Gabrielle de Cuir. Our Content Editor is Michael Thomas. Our Podcast is mixed, edited, and mastered by Alex Barton of PhaseShift AV. Special thanks to Wes Stevens and Christopher Black. It's Storytime is recorded at Skyboat Media in the beautiful San Fernando Valley, California. 

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I'm your Creator, Executive Producer, and host, Wil Wheaton. You can find me online at ⁠wilwheaton.net⁠.

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