Better with You?

Host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories in which characters are faced with unexpected revelations that alter their lives. In “A Fable with Slips of White Paper Spilling from the Pockets,” by Kevin Brockmeier, performed by Geoffrey Arend, a thrift purchase comes with unusual fringe benefits.  In “Lady Tigers,” by Nick White, performed by Michael Urie, the bus driver of a girls’ softball team encounters a storm, and a secret. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents Curiosity Weekly, a podcast from Discovery that helps makes sense of some of the biggest questions and ideas shaping our world. The show breaks down science and technology in a way that connects to our everyday lives. We hope you check it out too!

Host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about self-deception.  In “Participation Trophy,” by Simon Rich, the author is taken to task by a discarded relic of childhood triumphs.  The reader is Colton Dunn.  Japanese playwright and novelist Betsuyaku Minoru creates an Industrial Age fable in “Factory Town.”  The story was translated by Royall Tyler and is read by Suzy Nakamura.  And a college student falls in love with the idea of love in Lauren Pruneski’s “Mama, Mama,” read by Kirsten Vangsness.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents Curiosity Weekly, a podcast from Discovery that helps makes sense of some of the biggest questions and ideas shaping our world. The show breaks down science and technology in a way that connects to our everyday lives. We hope you check it out too!

On this SELECTED SHORTS, host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories that cross generations.  In Justin Torres’ “Trash Kites,” performed by Colman Domingo, teens find beauty in scarcity.A daughter’s aging parent links her past and present in “The World with My Mother Still in It,” by Kathryn Chetkovich, performed by Phillipa Soo.  And a tutor tries to create a bond with her privileged student in “Ancient Rome,” by Kyle McCarthy, performed by Tavi Gevinson. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pam Houston is a novelist, memoirist and short story writer whose titles include Cowboys Are My Weakness, Waltzing the Cat, and her latest autobiographical volume, Without Exception. If you've not read her stories, she's got a very recognizable authorial voice. Bonnie Milligan is an actor who appeared on Broadway in Head Over Heels and recently wowed audiences as Aunt Debra in Kimberly Akimbo—a performance which earned her a Tony award. She's also appeared in series including And Just Like That… as well as Search Party. Following the story, our producer, Matthew Love, talks to Houston about the breadth of her work, and her enduring love of dogs. This episode is hosted by Aparna Nancherla. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about our relationship with man’s best friend, from an evening of dog stories hosted by Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer.  Emma Brewer’s “Think You Deserve Companionship? Apply to Adopt a Dog Today,” pokes fun at the bureaucratic hurdles involved in getting a new friend.It’s performed by Gasteyer.  Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum offers a up a tale of romance, transformation and machinations, in “The Glass Dog,” performed by Jeremy Shamos.  And David Means’ “Clementine, Carmelita, Dog,” tells the tale of one dog with two names—and two families.  It’s performed by Javier Munoz.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this SELECTED SHORTS, host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about moving out of familiar territory into new spaces and new understanding.  In Meron Hadero’s “The Thief’s Tale,” read by Teagle F. Bougere, an émigré can’t leave some of his old ways behind.  “The Tallest Doll in New York City,” by Maria Dahvana Headley, imagines what happens when two iconic skyscrapers fall in love.It’s read by Becca Blackwell.  And summer trip yields unexpected treasures in Anne Tyler’s “The Feather Behind the Rock,” read by Jane Curtin.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this Selected Shorts, host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about the risks and rewards of making things “better.”  In Kim Fu’s “Fair,” a Selected Shorts commission, a woman’s envy of her neighbors takes a dramatic turn.  The reader is Julie Benko.  In Kristen Iskandrian’s “Quantum Voicemail,” a long-distance friendship is tested by a bold move.  The reader is Lauren Ambrose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this Selected Shorts, host Meg Wolitzer offers up stories about limited viewpoints and larger visions. In “You Can Find Love Now" by Ramona Ausubel, performed by Amy Ryan and Martin Short, an unusual character drops into the dating pool; in “The Weave,” by Charles Johnson, performed by Arnell Powell, a heist gets hairy; and in J. Robert Lennon’s “Blue Light, Red Light,” a child's fears find his family seeking tech support. It’s performed by Fred Hechinger. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.