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<rss xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Variable Man</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/variable-man--7148174</link><description><![CDATA[Dive into a realm where unpredictability shatters the constraints of a meticulously calculated future, as suggested by the title "Variable Man." This podcast delves into the tension between fate and free will, exploring how a single unpredictable element can disrupt even the most advanced plans. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that navigates themes of chance, chaos, and the human spirit's resilience against deterministic forces. Listeners are invited to ponder the nature of existence and the power of individual choice in shaping outcomes. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that challenge the boundaries of predictability and destiny. Discover a new book with every episode, and engage with narratives that inspire reflection on the complex interplay of past and future, order and disorder.]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/7148174/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Books</category><copyright>Copyright Science Fiction Genre</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg</url><title>Variable Man</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/variable-man--7148174</link></image><lastBuildDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:27:15 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Science Fiction Genre</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker82@podcastlibrary.org</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Dive into a realm where unpredictability shatters the constraints of a meticulously calculated future, as suggested by the title "Variable Man." This podcast delves into the tension between fate and free will, exploring how a single unpredictable...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Dive into a realm where unpredictability shatters the constraints of a meticulously calculated future, as suggested by the title "Variable Man." This podcast delves into the tension between fate and free will, exploring how a single unpredictable element can disrupt even the most advanced plans. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that navigates themes of chance, chaos, and the human spirit's resilience against deterministic forces. Listeners are invited to ponder the nature of existence and the power of individual choice in shaping outcomes. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that challenge the boundaries of predictability and destiny. Discover a new book with every episode, and engage with narratives that inspire reflection on the complex interplay of past and future, order and disorder.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="History"/><itunes:category text="Society &amp; Culture"/><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>0949902f-844d-5f24-870f-a69f63d381ab</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Four Science Fiction Novellas-Harl Vincent</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/four-science-fiction-novellas-harl-vincent--74648653</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74648653</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:03:43 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74648653/four_science_fiction_novellas_harl_vincent.mp3" length="179406115" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>22403</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Islands of Space-John Wood Campbell, Jr</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/islands-of-space-john-wood-campbell-jr--74613201</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74613201</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:03:54 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74613201/islands_of_space_john_wood_campbell_jr.mp3" length="201914436" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>25214</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Empire-Clifford D. Simak</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/empire-clifford-d-simak--74581037</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74581037</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:03:28 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74581037/empire_clifford_d_simak.mp3" length="142908926" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>17846</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Looking Backward 2000-1887-Edward Bellamy</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/looking-backward-2000-1887-edward-bellamy--74550150</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74550150</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:09:48 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74550150/looking_backward_2000_1887_edward_bellamy.mp3" length="223517302" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>27912</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>War of the Worlds-H. G. Wells</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/war-of-the-worlds-h-g-wells--74517245</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74517245</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:09:23 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74517245/war_of_the_worlds_h_g_wells.mp3" length="193909854" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>24214</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Raiders of the Universes-Donald Wandrei</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/raiders-of-the-universes-donald-wandrei--74485616</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74485616</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:08:26 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74485616/raiders_of_the_universes_donald_wandrei.mp3" length="30125670" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>3762</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Recruit for Andromeda-Stephen Marlowe</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/recruit-for-andromeda-stephen-marlowe--74446721</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74446721</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:09:22 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74446721/recruit_for_andromeda_stephen_marlowe.mp3" length="96112585" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>12002</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Planet of the Gods-Robert Moore Williams</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/planet-of-the-gods-robert-moore-williams--74412504</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74412504</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:22:36 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74412504/planet_of_the_gods_robert_moore_williams.mp3" length="50785403" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>6342</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Astounding Stories 18, June 1931-Arthur J. Burks, Ray Cummings, Charles Willard Diffin, R. F. Starzl, Sewell Peaslee Wright</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/astounding-stories-18-june-1931-arthur-j-burks-ray-cummings-charles-willard-diffin-r-f-starzl-sewell-peaslee-wright--74364746</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74364746</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 06:09:42 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74364746/astounding_stories_18_june_1931_arthur_j_burks_ray_cummings_charles_willard_diffin_r_f_starzl_sewell_peaslee_wright.mp3" length="236492304" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>29532</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Colors of Space-Marion Zimmer Bradley</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/colors-of-space-marion-zimmer-bradley--74325871</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74325871</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:58:09 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74325871/colors_of_space_marion_zimmer_bradley.mp3" length="143883046" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>17967</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Cue for Quiet-Thomas L. Sherred</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/cue-for-quiet-thomas-l-sherred--74181785</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74181785</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:09:50 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74181785/cue_for_quiet_thomas_l_sherred.mp3" length="76912214" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>9605</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Stupendous Spectacles of the Solar System in Space (Ed Reads Short Sci-fi, vol. IX)-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/stupendous-spectacles-of-the-solar-system-in-space-ed-reads-short-sci-fi-vol-ix-various--74135194</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74135194</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 17:10:16 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74135194/stupendous_spectacles_of_the_solar_system_in_space_ed_reads_short_sci_fi_vol_ix_various.mp3" length="118118442" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>14750</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Runaway Skyscraper-Murray Leinster</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/runaway-skyscraper-murray-leinster--73410032</link><description><![CDATA["Runaway Skyscraper" by Murray Leinster is a compelling tale that explores the themes of time, reality, and the human experience. As the story unfolds, listeners will find themselves captivated by the intriguing premise of a skyscraper that transcends its physical boundaries, inviting reflection on the nature of existence and the choices we make. This narrative resonates today as it challenges our perceptions of reality and encourages us to contemplate the impact of our decisions. With its timeless exploration of human emotions and the interplay between the past and the present, this audiobook promises to engage and inspire, making it a worthwhile listen for anyone seeking to ponder the complexities of life.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73410032</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 23:20:57 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73410032/runaway_skyscraper_murray_leinster.mp3" length="49372333" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>"Runaway Skyscraper" by Murray Leinster is a compelling tale that explores the themes of time, reality, and the human experience. As the story unfolds, listeners will find themselves captivated by the intriguing premise of a skyscraper that transcends...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA["Runaway Skyscraper" by Murray Leinster is a compelling tale that explores the themes of time, reality, and the human experience. As the story unfolds, listeners will find themselves captivated by the intriguing premise of a skyscraper that transcends its physical boundaries, inviting reflection on the nature of existence and the choices we make. This narrative resonates today as it challenges our perceptions of reality and encourages us to contemplate the impact of our decisions. With its timeless exploration of human emotions and the interplay between the past and the present, this audiobook promises to engage and inspire, making it a worthwhile listen for anyone seeking to ponder the complexities of life.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>6166</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Variable Man - Philip K Dick</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/variable-man-philip-k-dick--72792140</link><description><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72792140</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:56:54 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72792140/variable_man_philip_k_dick.mp3" length="81224140" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ca8f63c4-46f7-4c3c-ab9f-03ea4fc8458b/ca8f63c4-46f7-4c3c-ab9f-03ea4fc8458b.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ca8f63c4-46f7-4c3c-ab9f-03ea4fc8458b/ca8f63c4-46f7-4c3c-ab9f-03ea4fc8458b.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/ca8f63c4-46f7-4c3c-ab9f-03ea4fc8458b/ca8f63c4-46f7-4c3c-ab9f-03ea4fc8458b.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>Philip K. Dick</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Predictability has come a long way. The computers of the future can tell you if you’re going to win a war before you fire a shot. Unfortunately they’re predicting perpetual standoff between the Terran and Centaurian Empires. What they need is something unpredictable, what they get is Thomas Cole, a man from the past accidentally dragged forward in time. Will he fit their calculations, or is he the random variable that can break the stalemate? – The Variable Man first appeared in the September, 1953 issue of Space Science Fiction magazine. (Summary by Gregg Margarite)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>10153</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>centaurian,computers,dick,man,predictability,predicting,science,standoff,terran,variable</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/a468463ff710453b32951ba0107a95d8.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
