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The 7 Best Podcasts about Science Fiction

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The 7 Best Podcasts about Science Fiction

Updated: by Marc Storch

Key Points:

  • With the rising popularity of science fiction podcasts, audio dramas have become one of the new norms in the podcast world.
  • The great thing about science fiction is that there is a story for everyone – no reason to limit yourself to what is a typical science fiction story.
  • Across 30-plus episodes, Solutions to Problems crafts a delightful universe that invites you to dive in. This podcast is formatted like those Q&A advice columns in newspapers with the whole thing taking place in a spaceship blasting through the stars.

With the rise of science fiction podcasts, audio dramas have become one of the new norms in the podcast world. If you are bored with the typical conversational podcast, one of these audio dramas might be the perfect fit. So, get strapped in and blast off with us to find a new fantastical SciFi podcast. We will cover the top 7 best podcasts about Science Fiction. Keep mind that there are hundreds to choose from. So in no way is this list an end-all-be-all.

1. Solutions to Problems

This podcast is formatted like those Q&A advice columns in newspapers. The whole thing does take place in a spaceship blasting through the stars. Some of the advice rides the line of relatable to us earthlings, even though most of the names in this show are dolphin sounds.

Across 30-plus episodes, Solutions to Problems crafts a delightful universe that invites you to dive in. In this winter of 2021, the producers announced they would be doing a season 4, but nothing has come out yet. So if this is a brand new show to you, enjoy the experience of exploring this universe. But if you have already listened to Solutions to Problems, it might be worth a relisten before season 4.

2. Carrier

Even though Carrier seems like a podcast about a truck driver, it takes so many twists and turns, making listening hard to stop. In this SciFi horror audio drama, you follow a truck driver that takes one more job to make it back home. But this last job might cost her her life. Carrier is a complete series, so don’t worry about being left on the edge of your seat.

QCODE produced this show so that you can expect big-budget production qualities. Although a big budget doesn’t always mean it’s a good show, Carrier does not disappoint. You will be in for quite the ride when listening to this podcast.

3. Mission to Zyxx

Despite the name, audio dramas do not need to be somber and scary. Mission to Zyxx is a perfect example of that. It is an entirely improvised podcast that follows Plex Descksetter and his crew across the stars to the Zyxx quadrant. Mission to Zyxx is always a fun time with a fantastic cast of characters, talking spaceships, space travel, and aliens.

Join the loveable bumbling Ambassador Desksetter and his crew for 5 seasons of hilarity and space diplomacy. So do not worry about running out of episodes any time soon.

4. The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian

For younger science fiction fans, The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian is a perfect podcast. You can get the younger members of your family into science fiction through this terrific show. While it’s not full cast audio drama, it is still an excellent show with energetic voice acting and world-building sound effects.

The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian follows 8-year-old Finn and his friends around the galaxy. They explore uncharted planets, solve mysteries, and help the occasional alien. With 12 seasons and more coming out, do not worry about running out of adventures!

5. Asimov’s Science Fiction

If you are searching for classic Science Fiction storytelling from diverse and contemporary authors, look no further than Asimov’s Science Fiction, one of the 7 best podcasts about science fiction. Long-standing SciFi fans might recognize this name from the magazine it originated from. This magazine has been around since 1977 and publishes award-winning stories like no other modern publisher.

Each podcast episode is a story from the magazine the author reads. With more of an audiobook feel to this podcast, it is a perfect pairing of mediums. Asimov has been releasing episodes since 2015, with 38 episodes currently available to listen to.

6. Stories from Among the Stars

Following the same vein as Asimov’s Science Fiction, Stories from Among the Stars is another novel turned audio drama. This is a perfect first step into audio drama podcasting for people who have never listened to any. They have that audiobook feel, with the added production value of sound effects and voice acting.

Each season of Stories from Among the Stars is a different novel. Previous seasons have featured The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu and A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine. The only downside is that every episode is not available forever. Episodes are taken down at the end of each season. But you can download the whole season and listen to it whenever you like if you get in before the deadline. Currently, you can still listen to Steal the Stars by Mac Rogers.

7. Silva Lining’s Care Plan

Silva Lining’s Care Plan is a profoundly touching and honest look into what it is like to care for someone with dementia. You follow a caregiver and their dementia client through the end-of-life issues and their relationship. Although that doesn’t seem inherently science fiction, the two main characters spend most of their time trying to create life in a petri dish.

Even though Silva Lining’s Care Plan was wrapped up in 2021, it is a must-listen for any science fiction podcast fan. Through heart, humor, and topics that aren’t often discussed, this podcast will make you teary-eyed and giggle all at the same time.

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Podcasts can be enjoyed anywhere with a phone and earbuds.

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Conclusion

These are just our top 7 science fiction podcasts, but there are many more to choose from that are worth a listen. If you are stuck looking for a new podcast, give one of these 7 a shot. You will not be disappointed regardless of which one you pick.

The great thing about science fiction is that there is a story for everyone, do not limit yourself to what is a typical science fiction story. Silva Lining’s Care Plan is an excellent example of that. Whether you are looking for a fun improvised comedy, a deep and dramatic tale, or a little bit of both, you are covered. Explore the stars and the fantastical situations they can put you in from the comfort of your home.

Up Next…

The 7 Best Podcasts about Science Fiction FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the point of a podcast?

A podcast can have various reasons, but the main one of every podcast is to entertain its audience.

Can a podcast be one person?

Podcasts can take many forms, from one-person shows, talk shows, and audio dramas, as discussed in this article.

Where can I listen to podcasts?

Nowadays, most podcasts are on all major streaming platforms, like Spotify and Apple Music. But some niche or behind-the-pay wall podcasts will be on specialty sites.

How do podcasts make money?

Sponsorships are the primary way a lot of podcasts make money. But many smaller shows, especially narrative-based shows, make their money through paid content. For example, say you are a big fan of a podcast and want to hear everything they offer. Some podcasts typically have paid content where you have to pay a monthly fee to listen.

How long should podcasts be?

Depending on the genre, a podcast can last anywhere between 10 minutes to hours. Narrative podcasts like the ones we talked about today are usually shorter, ranging from 10 to 30 minutes long.

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