The Hidden Gems Podcast (The Best Short Stories You've Never Heard)
The best original and classic short stories for fiction-loving audiophiles.
In Giganticus Headicus We Trust (Just Give Me A Sign), Written by Bob Wallass and Narrated by John Bell
Episode: 1
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Arizona is known for many things - the Grand Canyon, spectacular sunsets, the Sonoran forests, but very few people realize that it is also home of a 14-foot giant tiki head named Giganticus Headicus. Join us as we hit Route 66 - in search of Giganticus He
The Fix, written by C. Mack Lewis, aka your host, Cathy McCarthy
Episode: 2
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Craving noir? Dig in and find out what happens when a down-on-his-luck reporter gets caught in the cross-hairs of the one woman he’s never been able to forget. Is it love? Or does she have an ulterior motive that just might get him killed?
Hark! The Herald Angels Still Sing, written by Samuel H. Johnson
Episode: 3
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
What happens when Donald, a Herald Angel with an unforgivable hoarse and croaking voice, tries to convince the Angel Gabriel, otherwise known as ‘Mr. G’, to let him sing in the annual Christmas choir down on planet earth? Join us for today's short story
The Strange Story of the Pig Eye Poem, written by C. Mack Lewis and narrated by John Bell.
Episode: 4
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Our heroine, Ilene, is doing just fine, thank you very much, slinging hash for the locals at the Silk City Diner - until, that is, she receives a rather unusual profession of true love from an even more unusual admirer.
Crown Your Hatred, Written by Dan Hitt
Episode: 5
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
He couldn't love her in life, but he could avenge her in death! Today's episode features a short story written by Dan Hitt, entitled "Crown Your Hatred," which is set in a brutal, far off world of mysterious assassins and duplicitous tin men.
Dan Hitt h
Lair, Written by C. Mack Lewis
Episode: 6
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
A young Vietnam soldier finds himself on his first sweep and destroy mission with a commanding officer who may or may not be up for an Article 15 for making a Charlie eat the mud off his boots.
Listen now to the short story "Lair," which was written by
Ocean in the Sky, Written by Tina Romano
Episode: 7
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Ocean in the Sky is a charming short story that recaptures the nostalgic days of childhood summer vacations, including barbeques and days at the beach with family and friends.
Engine Number Nine, a Multi-Powered Metaphor, Clown College and Coaching Strategies for Stragglers, Written by Raymond King Shurtz.
Episode: 8
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
A roller-coaster ride on steroid-rails that explores the meaning of life, serial killers, and "an overhaul rethinking for the strategic management of the clown college" - because contemporary clown college is not your mother's clown college anymore!
The Christmas Tree, Written by C. Mack Lewis
Episode: 9
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Exactly how far will Ralph the Exterminator go to get the perfect Christmas tree? And what IS the difference between robbing the homes of Republicans versus Democrats? Find out in today's short story!
Game Time, written by Samuel H. Johnson
Episode: 10
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
What would happen if aliens became interested in the Sunday activities of the primitive cultures of that obscure, little planet called Earth?
Evolution, written by Bob Wallass
Episode: 11
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Every day is a new starting line, right? Well, maybe not for Brandon, our modern-day renaissance man in search of his own personal evolution that will make anything possible, when his past comes back to haunt him - with interest and penalties.
The Monkey's Paw, written by W. W. Jacobs
Episode: 12
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
A stranger comes bearing a gift - a mummified monkey's paw that holds a magical spell that allows three people to make three wishes each. What could possibly go wrong?
Cold Places, written by C. Mack Lewis
Episode: 13
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
In a small fishing village on the rocky shores of Maine, can two lost souls find temporary comfort - and warmth - in a zero-star motel?
Breath of Beelzebub, written by Larry Sternig
Episode: 14
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
What do space lichen, Martians, and psychedelic mermaids have in common? Find out in this charming short story that is one part sci-fi, one part pulp, and all fun!
The Devil and Daniel Webster, written by Stephen Vincent Benét
Episode: 15
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
A farmer plagued with bad luck strikes a bargain with the Devil - seven years of prosperity in exchange for his soul - and, to win his soul back, he desperately calls on the great Daniel Webster to wage a one-on-one battle of wits with Mr. Scratch himself
The Toad King, written by C. Mack Lewis
Episode: 16
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Is it a modern fairy tale from a mind of mayhem, a cautionary marriage tale, or simply an odd little story?
The School Mistress, written by Anton Chekhov
Episode: 17
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Our heroine, Marya Vassilyevna, has dark musings on a bright spring day.
My Antonia, Chapter 8, written by Willa Cather
Episode: 18
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
What would you do? A man's deathbed confession of a heinous deed that sprang from a moment's decision - kill or be killed.
Intercultural Studies, written by Margaret McCarthy
Episode: 19
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Four women from different backgrounds describe old-time home remedies, including how to dodge the Civil War draft, how to outsmart the bloodhounds, and how to kick a Morphine habit.
Condos For The Damned, written by C. Mack Lewis
Episode: 20
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Our heroine just signed a 6-month contract to lease a condo at a ridiculously low price. What could possibly go wrong?
Legs of Sand, written by John Bell
Episode: 21
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Join us for a short story as we take a walk on the Bolivar Peninsula in Texas with our friend John Bell.
Lawanda and the Wolf, written by C. Mack Lewis
Episode: 22
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
Can Lawanda outwit the Big, Bad Wolf? Find out today on The Hidden Gems Podcast!
Over Yonder, written by C. Mack Lewis
Episode: 23
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
What exactly is Moses willing to sacrifice to keep his promise? Why is Daniel's wife suddenly so nervous? And since when do God and the Devil hang out?
Exporting Christmas to Planet Z.77b, written by C. Mack Lewis
Episode: 24
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
What does a traditional Christmas have in common with a Naked-Mole-Rat-Implosion, magnetic putty underwear, and the vixen-robbers of Lordia-Taver? Find out as our intrepid hero scrambles to create the best Christmas ever!
The Most Dangerous Game, written by Richard Connell
Episode: 25
Warning: Content Marked Explicit.
What happens when the Hunter becomes the hunted? Grab the weapon of your choice, put on your running shoes, and join us for today's classic short story "The Most Dangerous Game!"
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