The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast - Vintage Sci-Fi Short Stories

A mysterious blue crystal possesses a power that could change the course of a devastating global war. But turning a deadly discovery into humanity’s last hope will demand more from one young scientist than he ever imagined. The Crystal Ray by Raymond Z. Gallun. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.

Raymond Z. Gallun returns to The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast for just the second time. His first appearance was about a year and a half ago with Return of a Legend, an adventure set on Mars.

Gallun enjoyed a remarkable writing career that spanned more than 60 years, beginning in 1929. During that time, he published more than 100 short stories and became a familiar name to readers of science fiction magazines.

Today’s tale was his very first published work, written when he was just 16 years old. Even at that young age, Gallun had an extraordinary imagination, dreaming up futuristic aircraft, devastating weapons, and scientific discoveries that could change the course of a war.

Nearly a century later, we get to hear where it all began. Published in the fifth of what would become only 11 issues of Air Wonder Stories in November 1929 on page 452, The Crystal Ray by Raymond Z. Gallun…

Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A race that cannot feel physical pain faces surprisingly terrifying danger. When an alien civilization begins to crumble under human cruelty, a boxing manager and his heavyweight champion must confront an enemy who knows exactly how to hurt them. The Protector by Betsy Curtis.

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A forgotten civilization struggles to understand why the stars no longer match its ancient maps, while a stranded sailor discovers that its inhabitants cannot even see him. But the island’s most terrifying secret waits inside a temple, where a desperate people have turned to something far more dangerous than their calculations. The Uncharted Isle by Clark Ashton Smith. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.

Clark Ashton Smith has appeared on the podcast four times before, and his first story, The City of Singing Flame, remains one of my personal favorites. As you listen to today’s story, you may notice some interesting similarities between the two.

First published in 1930 and reprinted more than 30 times since, we turn to page 605 of the November 1930 issue of Weird Tales for The Uncharted Isle by Clark Ashton Smith…

Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A mysterious blue crystal possesses a power that could change the course of a devastating global war. But turning a deadly discovery into humanity’s last hope will demand more from one young scientist than he ever imagined. The Crystal Ray by Raymond Z. Gallun.

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A brilliant mind pushes a forbidden idea too far, testing whether intelligence can exist without flesh or conscience. When reason gives way to rivalry, the cost of curiosity becomes terrifyingly personal. Moxon’s Master by Ambrose Bierce. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.

A big thank you to Josh Jennings who bought us 20 coffees. “Come for the stories, stay for the voice…and the stories. One of the greatest podcasts that’s ever been podcasted! Keep up the great work, Scott! You make fans for life!”

Thanks Josh for the wonderful comments and the 20 coffees! If you would like to buy is a coffee there is a link in the description or go to lostscifi.com/coffee

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What’s fascinating about this story is that it was first published in the San Francisco Examiner on April 16, 1899. Ambrose Bierce was writing about intelligent machines more than a century before artificial intelligence became part of everyday conversation.

He was born in Ohio in 1842, fought for the Union during the Civil War, became a famous newspaper columnist and author, earning the nickname “Bitter Bierce” for his sharp wit and often merciless criticism.

There’s another fascinating detail about Bierce himself. In 1913, at the age of 71, he traveled into revolutionary Mexico and disappeared. No one knows for sure what happened to him.

Printed first in the San Francisco Examiner in 1899, Moxon’s Master by Ambrose Bierce…

Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A forgotten civilization struggles to understand why the stars no longer match its ancient maps, while a stranded sailor discovers that its inhabitants cannot even see him. But the island’s most terrifying secret waits inside a temple, where a desperate people have turned to something far more dangerous than their calculations. The Uncharted Isle by Clark Ashton Smith.

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$25 Fintan Quigley, Curious Jon, David Bell, Steve, Miriam, Someone, Someone, Eaten by a Grue, Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener

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A prosperous merchant is forced into a secret brotherhood whose members hunt as beasts and obey an ancient master who can reach into their minds. When that obedience threatens the people Wladislaw loves most, escaping the pack may require him to turn its own savage nature against it. The Werewolf of Ponkert by H. Warner Munn. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.

We narrated this story for our new podcast Weird Tales Reborn and we are including it on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast to introduce you to the type of stories that you will find on Weird Tales Reborn.

Let’s go back in time 101 years to the July 1925 issue of Weird Tales magazine and turn to page 11 where we will find, The Werewolf of Ponkert by H. Warner Munn…

Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A brilliant mind pushes a forbidden idea too far, testing whether intelligence can exist without flesh or conscience. When reason gives way to rivalry, the cost of curiosity becomes terrifyingly personal. Moxon’s Master by Ambrose Bierce.

Listen without commercials and enjoy exclusive bonus episodes every month with Lost Sci-Fi Premium—start your free 7-day trial today. https://lostscifi.supercast.com/

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A violent river feud leaves a boy desperate to save the only family he has left. But when Jimmy reaches for help, something far beyond the Mississippi may be listening. The Mississippi Saucer by Frank Belknap Long. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.

Another 5 star review on Apple Podcasts in the UK, AJK 59 says, ”Brilliant. Thoroughly enjoying these stories, so glad I found this series , driving around the UK and Ireland with my job has become a lot more enjoyable, great narration, keep up the great work. Andrew.”

Thank you for that wonderful 5 star review Andrew!

This is the second of two stories back to back by Frank Belknap Long. Published in Weird Tales magazine in March 1951 on page 26, The Mississippi Saucer by Frank Belknap Long.…

Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A prosperous merchant is forced into a secret brotherhood whose members hunt as beasts and obey an ancient master who can reach into their minds. When that obedience threatens the people Wladislaw loves most, escaping the pack may require him to turn its own savage nature against it. The Werewolf of Ponkert by H. Warner Munn.

Listen without commercials and enjoy exclusive bonus episodes every month with Lost Sci-Fi Premium—start your free 7-day trial today. https://lostscifi.supercast.com/

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$25 Fintan Quigley, Curious Jon, David Bell, Steve, Miriam, Someone, Someone, Eaten by a Grue, Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener

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$5 Every Month Eaten by a Grue

$5 Tammy, Owen, Bruce, Someone, TLD, David, Denis Kalinin, Timothy Buckley, Andre'a, Martin Brown, Ron McFarlan, Tif Love, Chrystene, Richard Hoffman, Anonymous Listener

Listen without commercials and enjoy exclusive bonus episodes every month with Lost Sci-Fi Premium—start your free 7-day trial today. https://lostscifi.supercast.com/

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