Just the Thing

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, a door-to-door salesman unveils the must-have technology of the future. In “It Had Wings” by Allan Gurganus, performed by Marian Seldes, a celestial being offers up a possible remedy for the aches and pains of life.  And our final story, “The Toynbee Convector,” is a Ray Bradbury classic in which a time machine delivers a hero to our tumultuous present. It’s read by Mike Doyle, with whom we also spoke backstage on the night of his performance. 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 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 reason for murder in his reworking of Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” read by Mike Doyle.  And Michael Cunningham turns Jack into an entrepreneur in “Jacked,” read by Jim Parsons. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 later adapted into an Oscar-winning film and opera. What happens when two writers get together? Well, of course, they talk about writing, specifically his story, “Jacked,” read by Jim Parsons, which we featured on Selected Shorts, but they also nerd out about the semicolon and Scrabble. 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 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-provoking fantasy. In Anita Felicelli’s “Time Invents Us” a chance encounter turns the clock back for an aging artist. It’s read by Kirsten Vangness. 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 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.