
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 | Twice weekly | Episodes | 37 | Founded | 19 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | BooksArtsFiction | |||

Host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about perception and the relationship between what we see and what we believe. In “Heart of a Champion,” T.C. Boyle gives the children’s classic Lassie an affectionately humorous reboot. The reader is Kirsten ... more
Host Meg Wolitzer presents three lively stories about the allure—or not—of summer. Italian writer Massimo Bontempeli creates a magical beach inside an apartment in “The Miraculous Beach, or Prize for Modesty.” The work was translated by Jenny McPhee... more
Host Meg Wolitzer presents two works about shifting identities. In “Voices”, by German writer Daniel Kehlmann, translated by Carol Brown Janeway, a computer technician’s mobile phone takes over his life—and not in the usual way.The reader is David C... more
Host Meg Wolitzer presents the Health vs Hype podcast. It's a show from the American Medical Association and helps you make smarter, more informed decisions about your health, without the fear-mongering or confusion. We hope you enjoy it as much as w... more
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Too much commentary, diatribes, and analysis. I spend as much time fast forwarding through the talking as I do listening to the readings. Interviews belong on a different podcast.
I wish Meg would stick to a simple introduction presenting the title, author, and reader. Too much commentary.
As an avid pod listener/former big reader who has fallen out of that habit in recent years, this show is reminding me of the value in the latter - i’m LOVING it!! Was moved to leave a good review after the last story “Arrangements” in the latest episode (Modest Expectations). Richly written stories with nuances and variety, which is hard to come across in the podcast world sometimes. So good!
When there are stories, I enjoy them a lot. But can you put these interviews on another feed? They’re not what I imagine most of us are here for
The selection of stories use to be monumentally better.
It's hard to come across a story that is not cringy overperformed by the reader.
Gone are the good old days of this podcast. Farewell, good friend.
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 | #93 | |
Apple Podcasts | #241 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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A literary-arts podcast that pairs short fiction with live readings, anchored by a thoughtful host who guides discussions, author context, and performance. Episodes showcase a wide range of contemporary short stories, classic pieces, and themed salons, often interspersed with author intros, reader performances, and occasional branded segments. Notable elements include a strong emphasis on literary analysis, high-profile reader performances, and collaborations with literary communities, which can create a rich, theater-like listening experience. Potential listeners may appreciate nuanced storytelling, literary debates, and performances by accomplished actors, with occasional health or travel-themed and promotional interludes that broaden the... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Selected Shorts:
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3. The Moth
4. Snap Judgment
5. This American Life
Selected Shorts launched 19 years ago and published 37 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. Daniel Kehlmann
2. Trace Dominguez
3. Lily King
4. George Saunders
5. Edie Falco
6. Roz Chast
7. Edward P. Jones
8. Sonia Manzano
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