
Our greatest actors transport us through the magic of fiction, one short story at a time. Sometimes funny. Always moving. Selected Shorts connects you to the world with a rich diversity of voices from literature, film, theater, and comedy. New episodes every Thursday, from Symphony Space.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 35 | Founded | 19 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArtsFiction | |||

Host Meg Wolitzer presents stories about characters coping with pre-existing difficulties, large and small—and then encountering someone or something ready to change everything. In “Shoulder-Top Secretary” by Shinichi Hoshi, performed by Thom Sesma, ... more
Host Meg Wolitzer presents three imaginative and funny reworkings of classic stories. In Ginny Hogan’s “Phantoms and Prejudice,” Jane Austen’s Bennet sisters learn about ghosting. The reader is Sara Bareilles. Anthony Marra invents a plausible rea... more
Meg Wolitzer sits down with her friend, writer Michael Cunningham. Michael is an American novelist, screenwriter, and educator. He is best known for his novel The Hours, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Award and was late... more
Host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about the nature of time and how it shapes our lives. In Helen Phillips’ “The Knowers,” a woman chooses to learn a vital fact about her future, while her husband does not. Stockard Channing reads this thought-pr... more
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No one can replace him, of course, but my goodness how the readers have slid into actorly bad habits. It’s a shame. These are short stories, not monologues. Someone alert the director or the engineer or Meg W or someone that this is no longer special; it’s a slog.
How do you platform Israeli writers, when Palestinians are being genocided by Israel, the colonizing, thieving, pseudo-nation that uses Western powers to bully every one of their neighbors and anyone who dares to speak out or resist? WHERE are the Palestinian, Yemeni, and Lebanese storytellers??? WHERE?!? Needless to say, I am blocking and demoting this podcast.
These stories are mostly great and it’s fun to hear some talented actors read them (even if some tend to turn it up to eleven).
And, I have to give credit to the host for curating this content. I just wish she’d leave it at that. I really don’t enjoy the gifted 8th grade level editorial content before AND after every story. It just pops my balloon every time.
Pro tip. Open the transcript and scroll down to the beginning of the story.
I’ve really enjoyed the actual story content, but for months, there are nothing but interviews and conversations - NOT the reason I subscribe to a short story podcast. When are they going to get back to some real content?
So many great stories yet too many or narrated in a near-yell from the stage. This is overpowering for the bedtime audience.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Apple Podcasts | #83 | |
Apple Podcasts | #212 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of storytelling in which acclaimed actors perform compelling short fiction, frequently highlighting the nuanced relationships and the human experience. Each episode typically features a mix of poignant and humorous narratives that explore themes such as love, identity, and the everyday complexities of life. Unique guest contributions from celebrated authors, playwrights, and other prominent figures lend variety and depth, while the host facilitates engaging discussions. The blend of performances, insightful commentary, and diversity of genres makes this podcast a noteworthy platform for literature lovers and those seeking an artistic experience that transcends typical storytelling formats.
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4. Fresh Air
5. Snap Judgment
Selected Shorts launched 19 years ago and published 35 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Selected Shorts include:
1. Sara Bareilles
2. Michael Cunningham
3. Geoffrey Arend
4. Michael Urie
5. Colton Dunn
6. Suzy Nakamura
7. Pam Houston
8. Bonnie Milligan
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.