
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 | BooksFictionArts | |||

Host Meg Wolitzer presents two provocative stories that address the idea of communing with something “other”. In Etgar Keret’s “Polar Bear” an AI program, and a lonely widow, commune. The reader is Michael Imperioli. And Mom is close by—and full of... more
Host Meg Wolitzer presents the Explain Like I'm 5 podcast, a show that takes the questions you always wanted to ask and talks about them in a way that is easy to understand. Some times we want simple answers to complex questions! We here at Selected ... more
Symphony Space was thrilled to host an evening with Israeli writer Etgar Keret, whose stories we’ve featured many times on Selected Shorts. He was interviewed by his longtime friend, and host of This American Life, Ira Glass. In this condensed versio... more
Host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about people inserting themselves into the lives of others—in their own best interests. In Simon Rich’s “Relapse,” friends rally ’round when one of their numbers heeds the call of the muse. It’s read by Ophira... 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.
Apple Podcasts | #12 | |
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Apple Podcasts | #85 | |
Apple Podcasts | #158 | |
Apple Podcasts | #235 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Focusing on the art of storytelling, this audio platform invites listeners to experience a variety of short stories read by notable actors. Episodes feature a compelling array of narratives that range from humorous takes on life's absurdities to poignant reflections on human connections. With each episode, the enchantment of literature is brought to life through an engaging blend of performances and insightful commentary from the host. The format encompasses modern reimaginings of classic tales, explorations of unique themes like personal identity, time, and relationship dynamics, helping listeners to reflect on broader human experiences through the lens of fiction. This unique convergence of acclaimed performers and diverse narratives make... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Selected Shorts:
1. The New Yorker: Fiction
2. The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker
3. The Moth
4. Snap Judgment
5. This American Life
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.