The Final Podcast

For the past several months I’ve been reading classic short stories on my podcast, Uncle Scott Reads. I just now hit podcast #26, which doesn’t seem so numerically significant until you understand that I’ve been reading short stories that begin with each letter of the alphabet.

So from Araby, by James Joyce, to Mademoiselle Olympe Zabriksi, by T. B. Aldrich, one could fall asleep hearing 26 short stories.

It’s not been so simple, I must say. Firstly, I’m gearing these podcasts to my younger friends and relations in an attempt to address the anxiety and depression that is so prevalent. I want them to know that I appreciate all they bring to this world and that they are going to make it through. I admire much about the generations coming behind me and want to dispel some of their fears.

But I need stories that fit the following criteria:

1. The story I read must be considered classic and in the public domain. This mostly means I’m reading stories from the late 19th and early 20th century. When you have a high value for the great stories told by women and people of color, most of whom were ignored in English speaking literature at that time, finding those stories can be a challenge.
2. The story can’t be too exciting or engrossing. There’s a lot of classic short stories that have become classic because they’re so riveting, scary or even disturbing. Not such a good idea when you are reading somebody to sleep.
3. Finally, I want to keep the stories to around 30 minutes in length when read. There’s some great stories which take only minutes to read and others that take hours.

So, if you have trouble sleeping (no matter your age) take a listen. Uncle Scott Reads can be found on most podcasting platforms.

In the process of this project I’ve discovered some beautiful short stories I didn’t know existed. I’ve been so taken by them that my next project will be writing some original short stories of my own. Stay tuned.