Best Fritz R Podcasts (2024)

1
"Time Fuze" by Randall Garrett 13:25

5h ago13:25

13:25

A ship with an experimental faster-than-light drive, the first ever to voyage outside of our solar system, arrives some distance from their destination of Alpha Centauri A. Upon arriving, the crew witnesses an unexpected event which has an astronomically low probability of occurrence. For this episode, the short story is titled "Time Fuze" by Randa…

1
Casting The Runes by M. R. James 1:17:05

11m ago1:17:05

1:17:05

M.R. James (1862-1936) was an English author, medievalist scholar, and provost of King's College, Cambridge. Best known for his ghost stories, which are widely regarded as among the finest in the genre, James redefined the traditional ghost story by abandoning many of the formal Gothic clichés of his predecessors and using more realistic contempora…

1
The Smoke Ghost by Fritz Leiber 55:24

6d ago55:24

55:24

Fritz Leiber (1910-1992) was an influential American writer of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He is best known for his sword-and-sorcery stories and his novel "Conjure Wife" (1943). Leiber's works often combined elements of fantasy, horror, and science fiction, and he coined the term "sword and sorcery." He is widely regarded as one of the m…

1
"Saknarth" by Millard Verne Gordon (AKA Donald A. Wolheim) 18:44

11d ago18:44

18:44

Saknarth, the Master Astrologer, yearned for the day when mankind would no longer be enslaved; when they would conquer their fears and miseries through learning and enlightenment. The short story for this episode is titled "Saknarth" by Millard Verne Gordon (AKA Donald A. Wolheim), which was first published in the Spring 1942 edition of Science Fic…

1
The Topley Place Sale by A. N. L. Munby 38:45

13d ago38:45

38:45

Alan Noel Latimer Munby (25 December 1913 – 26 December 1974) was a distinguished English librarian, bibliographical scholar, and book collector, noted for his contributions to the study of rare books and manuscripts. Additionally, he gained recognition as an author of ghost stories, influenced by the style of M. R. James. Munby was born in Hampste…

1
The Cairn on The Headland by Robert E. Howard 1:19:11

20d ago1:19:11

1:19:11

Robert E. Howard (1906–1936) was an influential American author primarily known for his contributions to the genres of fantasy, horror, and adventure fiction. He is best remembered as the creator of Conan the Barbarian, a character who has become an iconic figure in popular culture. Born in Peaster, Texas, Howard demonstrated a keen interest in sto…

1
"Ancient Lights" by Algernon Blackwood 20:15

26d ago20:15

20:15

Mr. Thomas, a surveyor's clerk from Croydon, travels to the Sussex Weald to meet with a client about having a copse removed. Upon arriving near his destination, he spots the line of Downs with Chanctonbury Ring at its crest. As he comes upon the crest, he realises that this must be the wood his client wants cut down, and decides to walk through to …

1
The Judge's House by Bram Stoker 1:14:41

28d ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Abraham "Bram" Stoker was born on November 8, 1847, in Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland. He was the third of seven children born to Abraham Stoker and Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornley Stoker. Stoker spent much of his early childhood bedridden due to an unknown illness, during which he entertained himself with stories and books. Despite his illness, he ev…

1
The Vampyre by John Polidori 1:16:37

1M ago1:16:37

1:16:37

John William Polidori, an Italian-English physician and writer born in 1795, was a notable figure associated with the Romantic movement. As the eldest son of Gaetano Polidori, an Italian scholar, and Anna Maria Pierce, a governess, Polidori was exposed to intellectual pursuits from a young age. He received his medical degree from the University of …

1
"Radio Mates" by Benjamin Witwer 41:51

1M ago41:51

41:51

Bromley Cranston, a scientist, devotes himself to achieving a scientific discovery after his beloved has been swept away by another man. Cranston finds himself involved with the other man and his beloved as he makes progress on his invention which is capable of transmitting live beings. The short story for this episode is "Radio Mates", by Benjamin…

1
The Ghostly Rental by Henry James 1:48:15

1M ago1:48:15

1:48:15

Henry James (1843–1916) was an American author renowned for his contributions to literature, particularly within the realm of psychological realism. Born in New York City, James spent much of his life traveling between Europe and the United States, which greatly influenced his cosmopolitan worldview and writing style. Known for his intricate charac…

1
The Black Widow by John Glasby 1:07:55

2M ago1:07:55

1:07:55

John Stephen Glasby (23 September 1928 – 5 June 2011) was a British author born in East Retford, Nottinghamshire. Trained as a research chemist and mathematician, Glasby's early career saw him balancing his scientific pursuits with a burgeoning passion for writing. His literary journey began in the 1950s and 1960s, during which he emerged as a prol…

1
"Beside Still Waters" by Robert Sheckley 13:39

2M ago13:39

13:39

Mark, a space faring prospector, decides to settle himself on a slab of rock in the asteroid belt after making a decent enough strike. He and his companion, Charles, become close friends, taking care of one another whilst enjoying each other's company and conversation. A touching story, with an inevitable conclusion. The short story for this episod…

1
The Tarroo-Ushtey by Nigel Kneale 43:48

2M ago43:48

43:48

Nigel Kneale was a highly acclaimed British screenwriter and novelist, best known for his pioneering work in the science fiction genre, particularly the creation of the iconic character Professor Bernard Quatermass. Born on April 28, 1922, in the Isle of Man, Kneale began his career as a journalist before transitioning to writing for radio, televis…

1
The Shadow on The Moor by Stuart Strauss 1:15:17

2M ago1:15:17

1:15:17

Stuart Strauss remains an enigmatic figure in the world of weird fiction, with scant information available about his life. He is known for a limited body of work, including "The Shadow on The Moor" (1928), "The Soul Tube" (1928), and "The Clenched Hand" (1934). The use of a pseudonym and language suggesting potential unfamiliarity with British cult…

1
"Never Trust A Thief!" by Robert Silverberg 20:00

2M ago20:00

20:00

Kiley, a thief who now finds himself locked up in a jail cell for the fourth time, is visited telepathically by a powerful alien being from another world. Kiley agrees to a deal with the alien being, who offers to bestow upon Kiley an ability which will make him the perfect thief. This episode's short story is "Never Trust A Thief!" by Robert Silve…

1
Wake Not The Dead by Ernst Raupach 1:41:33

2M ago1:41:33

1:41:33

Ernst Benjamin Salomo Raupach, born on May 21, 1784, in Straupitz, Silesia, was a prominent German dramatist of the 19th century. His literary career was marked by a diverse range of works, and his influence extended beyond his homeland. After studying theology in Halle, Raupach ventured to St Petersburg in 1804, where he immersed himself in variou…

1
The Beast In The Cave by H. P. Lovecraft 54:14

3M ago54:14

54:14

This is a reading of H. P. Lovecraft's The Beast In The Cave. "The Beast in the Cave" is a short story written by H. P. Lovecraft, a famous American horror fiction writer. He first came up with the initial version in the Spring of 1904, and by April 1905, at the age of fourteen, he completed the final draft. The story was initially published in Jun…

1
"Later Than You Think" by Fritz Leiber 23:10

3M ago23:10

23:10

An Archeologist and Space Explorer in the far distant future discuss a discovery which has shed some light on the past history of intelligent life on Earth. Is this archeological find of past Earthlings what the scholars expected to discover? The short story for this episode will be "Later Than You Think" by Fritz Leiber, first published in the Oct…

1
Three Miles Up by Elizabeth Jane Howard 1:06:14

3M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

Elizabeth Jane Howard, born on March 26, 1923, in London, England, was a distinguished English novelist known for her versatile literary contributions. Howard began her career as an actress and model before venturing into writing in 1947. Throughout her prolific career, she penned 12 novels, with her most acclaimed work being the five-volume family…

1
The Second Passenger by Basil Copper 39:30

3M ago39:30

39:30

Basil Copper, born on February 5, 1924, in London, and passing away on April 3, 2013, was an English writer who initially pursued a career in journalism and newspaper editing before transitioning to full-time authorship in 1970. Beyond his literary pursuits, Copper cultivated diverse interests, including swimming, gardening, travel, sailing, and co…

1
"A Hitch In Time" by Frederik Pohl 26:15

3M ago26:15

26:15

Thom Ra is assigned the task of traveling back in time to the War of Annihilation, where he is supposed to make a "real and complete contribution to human knowledge". Under no circumstances is he allowed to interfere in the course of events. The short story for this episode will be "A Hitch In Time" by Frederik Pohl, first published in the June 194…

1
The Premonition by Lewis Darley 1:19:29

3M ago1:19:29

1:19:29

Lewis Darley is a copywriter and illustrator living in Nottingham. He contacted me early in 2023 about an animated film he was making for his story The Premonition. This horror story is set in Bristol around 8 years ago. We agreed, I would record the audio and he would then do the long, hard work of animating the film. I said that I thought listene…

1
"Crossroads of Destiny" by H. Beam Piper 37:06

3M ago37:06

37:06

Join six men in the club car of a train as they discuss an idea for a television program based on altering aspects of known historic events; a conversation which leads the men to discussing the possibility of alternate realities. The short story presented in this episode will be "Crossroads of Destiny" by H. Beam Piper, first published in the July …

1
The Red Lodge by H R Wakefield 51:10

3M ago51:10

51:10

Herbert Russell Wakefield (1888 – 2 August 1964) was a distinguished English writer known for his multifaceted contributions to literature. Born in Sandgate, Kent, he was the third child of Henry Russell Wakefield, a clergyman who later became the bishop of Birmingham. Educated at Marlborough College and University College, Oxford, Wakefield exhibi…

1
The Irtonwood Ghost by Elinor Glyn 1:00:10

4M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Elinor Glyn, born Elinor Sutherland on October 17, 1864, in Jersey, Channel Islands, was a prominent English novelist and scriptwriter during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She belonged to a wealthy and well-connected family, and her early life was marked by privilege and education. Glyn began her literary career with the publication of he…

1
The Story Of The Goblins Who Stole A Sexton by Charles Dickens 32:29

4M ago32:29

32:29

Certainly! "The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton" is a short story written by Charles Dickens as part of his collection titled "The Pickwick Papers." The narrative follows Gabriel Grub, a grumpy and ill-tempered sexton (grave digger) in a small village. Gabriel despises Christmas and all its festivities, choosing instead to revel in his soli…

1
"2 B R 0 2 B" by Kurt Vonnegut 24:27

4M ago24:27

24:27

Set in a futuristic world, there exists an agency called the Federal Bureau of Termination. An agency with the purpose of balancing the scales of a society which has conquered most societal issues, including old age. The short story for this episode will be "2 B R 0 2 B", by Kurt Vonnegut, originally published in the January 1962 issue of If: World…

1
A Strange Christmas Game by Charlotte Riddell 49:14

4M ago49:14

49:14

Charlotte Riddell, born Charlotte Cowan in 1832, was a prolific and accomplished British writer during the Victorian era. She was recognized for her contributions to the literary landscape, particularly in the genres of Gothic fiction and supernatural tales. Riddell began her writing career in the mid-19th century, initially publishing under the ps…

1
"Hall of Mirrors" by Fredric Brown 22:08

4M ago22:08

22:08

You suddenly find yourself in an unknown place, somewhere completely different than the moment before. If this shock were not enough, you soon come to the realization that you must make a decision that carries with it life altering implications. The short story for this episode is titled "Hall of Mirrors", by Fredric Brown. This story was originall…

1
Bone to His Bone by E. G. Swain 44:26

4M ago44:26

44:26

Edmund Gill Swain, born on the 19th of February 1861 in Stockport, Cheshire, was a respected English cleric and author known for his contributions to the ghost story genre. Educated at Manchester Grammar School and Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Swain pursued Natural Sciences. Ordained as a deacon in 1885 and a priest in 1886 at Rochester, he served …

1
"Messenger" by William Morrison 19:57

4M ago19:57

19:57

A being from another world finds himself off course in his search for one planet in the vast universe. He then has to face the challenges of locating this planet and remembering what he was sent there to do. The short story for this episode is titled "Messenger", by William Morrison. This story was first published in the July 1954 publication of Im…

1
Couching At The Door by D K Broster 1:44:00

5M ago1:44:00

1:44:00

Dorothy Kathleen Broster, known by her pen name D.K. Broster, stands as a notable but often overlooked figure in literature, recognized for her exceptional talent in crafting short horror stories. Despite her relative obscurity in contemporary discussions, her contributions to the genre, particularly with works like "Couching at the Door," showcase…

1
"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs 31:26

5M ago31:26

31:26

Most people would love to be granted three wishes, but even the most modest of wishes could come at a hefty price. The short story for this episode will be "The Monkey's Paw", by W.W. Jacobs. This story was first published in the publication, Harper's Monthly, in 1902. Thank you to Beyond the Center's Stellar Supporters: Jonathan Hutchison, Sam Lim…

1
The Gardener by E F Benson 54:07

5M ago54:07

54:07

Hugh and Margaret Grainger rent a lovely old house near a golf course. At the bottom of the garden is a mysterious, well-kept thatched cottage that appears unoccupied. However, a visitor senses a strange presence within and occasionally sees lights or figures inside. Margaret, fascinated with communicating via planchette, starts receiving odd messa…

1
The Horror Under Penmire by Adrian Cole 1:17:52

5M ago1:17:52

1:17:52

Adrian Christopher Synnot Cole, the celebrated British author, was born in Plymouth, England, on July 22, 1949. His early years were shaped by a family sojourn in Malaya due to his father's military service, which instilled in him a passion for the fantasy and science fiction genres. Influenced by literary classics like Tarzan and King Solomon's Mi…

1
"The Oval Portrait" & "The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe 36:25

5M ago36:25

36:25

This episode will include two short stories by one of my favorite authors, Edgar Allan Poe. Tune in to find out which two stories I will be narrating. "The Oval Portrait" was originally published in April 1842 and "The Cask of Amontillado" was first published in the November 1846 issue of Godey's Lady's Book. Thank you to Beyond the Center's Stella…

1
The Haunted Haven by A. Erskine Ellis 53:04

5M ago53:04

53:04

Arthur Erskine Ellis, born on October 1, 1902, in Bangalore, British India, was a distinguished British biologist and author known for his remarkable contributions in two distinct realms. On the one hand, he was a dedicated scientist who left a lasting legacy in the field of malacology, particularly in the study of non-marine mollusks. His extensiv…

1
"Lazarus Come Forth" by Ray Bradbury 38:05

5M ago38:05

38:05

It is a time of interstellar war, and morgue ships are charged with the duty of retrieving bodies in space. One such morgue ship makes an astounding discovery and recovers the body of a dead scientist who has drifted in space for three hundred years! "Lazarus Come Forth", written by Ray Bradbury, was first published in the 1944 Winter edition of Pl…

1
The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde 1:17:54

6M ago1:17:54

1:17:54

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was a renowned Irish playwright, poet, and author known for his exceptional wit, flamboyant style, and profound contributions to late 19th-century literature. Born in Dublin, Wilde attended Oxford University and soon established himself as a prominent figure in London's literary and social circles. His works, including "The …

1
The Horror at Chilton Castle 59:28

6M ago59:28

59:28

Joseph Payne Brennan (1918-1990) was an American writer renowned for his contributions to horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he nurtured his passion for writing from a young age and later pursued his love for literature at Yale University. Brennan's career as a librarian and researcher allowed him to immerse hims…

1
Back From The Grave by Robert Silverberg 59:16

6M ago59:16

59:16

Robert Silverberg, born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 15, 1935, is a highly esteemed author known for his significant contributions to the world of speculative fiction. With a career spanning several decades, Silverberg's journey into the literary world began in his early teenage years when he started submitting stories to science fiction magaz…

1
"All Cats are Gray" by Andrew North (Andre Alice Norton) 22:22

6M ago22:22

22:22

Journey with Steena, Bat, and Cliff as they search for the most elusive prize in all of space! "All Cats are Gray", written by Andre Alice Norton, was first published in the Aug-Sept 1953 issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction under the pseudonym of Andrew North. Her works of Science Fiction and Fantasy garnered many awards throughout her care…

1
The Graveyard Rats by Henry Kuttner 35:15

6M ago35:15

35:15

"The Graveyard Rats" stands as a testament to Henry Kuttner's exceptional storytelling prowess. This eerie tale, originally published in the March 1936 issue of Weird Tales, immerses readers in the haunting atmosphere of ancient Salem cemeteries. Kuttner expertly crafts a narrative that blends elements of horror and the supernatural, skillfully int…

1
"Glow Worm" by Harlan Ellison 29:17

6M ago29:17

29:17

A man named Seligman, the subject of numerous experiments resulting in near indestructibility, is on a mission to deliver a message from a dead world. "Glow Worm" was first published in the February 1956 edition of Infinity Science Fiction. Harlan Ellison was a prolific writer of many short stories and novellas within the realm of speculative ficti…

1
The Beast of Averoigne by Clark Ashton Smith 46:40

6M ago46:40

46:40

Clark Ashton Smith (1893–1961) was an American writer and artist known for his unique contributions to literature and art. - Born on January 13, 1893, in Long Valley, California, Smith came from a family of English and New England heritage. - He spent most of his life in Auburn, California, where he lived in a cabin built by his parents, Fanny and …

1
"The Tomb" by H.P. Lovecraft 35:55

6M ago35:55

35:55

Jervas Dudley discovers an old family tomb of the Hyde's. He becomes obsessed with a belief that he is a descendent of this old and exalted family, leading to his fascination of one day resting within the old tomb. "The Tomb" was written by H.P. Lovecraft in June of 1917, and was first published in the March 1922 issue of The Vagrant. Thank you to …

1
Good Lady Ducayne by M E Braddon 1:26:09

6M ago1:26:09

1:26:09

Mary Elizabeth Braddon (4 October 1835 – 4 February 1915) was a renowned English novelist of the Victorian era, celebrated for her sensational works. Her most famous creation, "Lady Audley's Secret," published in 1862, achieved both literary acclaim and multiple adaptations on stage and screen. Born in Soho, London, Braddon received a private educa…

1
"Time Enough at Last" by Lynn Venable 19:48

7M ago19:48

19:48

A solitary man is suddenly thrust into a devastating situation, only to find that his most fervent wish lies right before his eyes. "Time Enough at Last" was first published in the January 1953 edition of the magazine, IF: Worlds of Science Fiction. It was later adapted by Rod Serling for the television show, The Twilight Zone. The episode of the s…

1
The Hand of M R James by Sarah Tolmie 1:39:17

7M ago1:39:17

1:39:17

It's been a long time since I’ve read a story by a living author. This story, “The Hand of M. R. James,” was written by Canadian author Sarah Tolmie, and it deals with a very strange occurrence—you may call it a haunting—that happens to an academic during the COVID pandemic. After the story, I ask Sarah about herself, about this story, and about he…

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