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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>Machine Stops (version 2)</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/machine-stops-version-2--7151276</link><description><![CDATA[Explore the intricate relationship between humanity and technology in "Machine Stops (version 2)," a podcast that delves into themes of isolation, dependence, and the fragility of our engineered existence. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that examines the consequences of an increasingly automated society, where individuals are often disconnected from the tangible world around them. Through a rotating collection of thought-provoking narratives, listeners are invited to reflect on the cost of convenience and the yearning for genuine connection amidst a backdrop of technological omnipotence. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that challenge the notion of progress and the limits of human experience. Join us as we uncover diverse perspectives and cautionary tales that resonate with our contemporary reality, encouraging you to discover a new book with every episode and engage with the complexities of our modern lives.]]></description><atom:link href="https://www.spreaker.com/show/7151276/episodes/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language>en</language><category>Books</category><copyright>Copyright Short Stories Genre</copyright><image><url>https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg</url><title>Machine Stops (version 2)</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/machine-stops-version-2--7151276</link></image><lastBuildDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:13:45 +0000</lastBuildDate><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Short Stories Genre</itunes:name><itunes:email>spreaker83@podcastlibrary.org</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:subtitle>Explore the intricate relationship between humanity and technology in "Machine Stops (version 2)," a podcast that delves into themes of isolation, dependence, and the fragility of our engineered existence. Each episode features a new complete...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Explore the intricate relationship between humanity and technology in "Machine Stops (version 2)," a podcast that delves into themes of isolation, dependence, and the fragility of our engineered existence. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that examines the consequences of an increasingly automated society, where individuals are often disconnected from the tangible world around them. Through a rotating collection of thought-provoking narratives, listeners are invited to reflect on the cost of convenience and the yearning for genuine connection amidst a backdrop of technological omnipotence. This is not a single story but a series of unique explorations that challenge the notion of progress and the limits of human experience. Join us as we uncover diverse perspectives and cautionary tales that resonate with our contemporary reality, encouraging you to discover a new book with every episode and engage with the complexities of our modern lives.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Arts"><itunes:category text="Books"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Kids &amp; Family"><itunes:category text="Pets &amp; Animals"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Science"><itunes:category text="Nature"/></itunes:category><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><podcast:guid>ab95a508-f72d-5f32-ba65-0e549051e7bd</podcast:guid><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><item><title>Crisis A Record of the Darker Races, Vol. I, No. 2-W. E. B. Du Bois</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/crisis-a-record-of-the-darker-races-vol-i-no-2-w-e-b-du-bois--74645777</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74645777</guid><pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:02:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74645777/crisis_a_record_of_the_darker_races_vol_i_no_2_w_e_b_du_bois.mp3" length="67706432" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>8455</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Watsons (Dramatic Reading)-Jane Austen, L. Oulton</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/watsons-dramatic-reading-jane-austen-l-oulton--74611171</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74611171</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:01:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74611171/watsons_dramatic_reading_jane_austen_l_oulton.mp3" length="112077080" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>13995</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Old Regime and the Revolution-Alexis de Tocqueville</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/old-regime-and-the-revolution-alexis-de-tocqueville--74579256</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74579256</guid><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:02:21 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74579256/old_regime_and_the_revolution_alexis_de_tocqueville.mp3" length="208695260" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>26061</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Soren Kierkegaard, Various Readings-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/soren-kierkegaard-various-readings-various--74549252</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74549252</guid><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:02:15 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74549252/soren_kierkegaard_various_readings_various.mp3" length="128630190" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>16062</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, December 1827-Commissioner of Indian Affairs</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/annual-report-of-the-commissioner-of-indian-affairs-december-1827-commissioner-of-indian-affairs--74517094</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74517094</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:08:06 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74517094/annual_report_of_the_commissioner_of_indian_affairs_december_1827_commissioner_of_indian_affairs.mp3" length="81926440" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>10230</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Society as I Have Found It-Ward McAllister</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/society-as-i-have-found-it-ward-mcallister--74485598</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74485598</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:08:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74485598/society_as_i_have_found_it_ward_mcallister.mp3" length="179976501" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>22475</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Drugging a Nation-Samuel Merwin, Sr</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/drugging-a-nation-samuel-merwin-sr--74447244</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74447244</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:07:19 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74447244/drugging_a_nation_samuel_merwin_sr.mp3" length="118140489" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>14753</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Prelude-William Wordsworth</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/prelude-william-wordsworth--74414368</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74414368</guid><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:08:01 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74414368/prelude_william_wordsworth.mp3" length="228543030" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>28539</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Eyes Have It &amp; Tony and the Beetles-Philip K. Dick</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/eyes-have-it-tony-and-the-beetles-philip-k-dick--74367051</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74367051</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:08:35 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74367051/eyes_have_it_tony_and_the_beetles_philip_k_dick.mp3" length="20671784" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>2582</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Time Machine (Version 7)-H. G. Wells</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/time-machine-version-7-h-g-wells--74329143</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74329143</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:51:28 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74329143/time_machine_version_7_h_g_wells.mp3" length="99388557" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>12411</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Revolted Woman-Charles George Harper</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/revolted-woman-charles-george-harper--74186105</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74186105</guid><pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:08:19 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74186105/revolted_woman_charles_george_harper.mp3" length="112359796" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>14031</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Slave Narratives A Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves, Volume III, Florida Narratives-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/slave-narratives-a-folk-history-of-slavery-in-the-united-states-from-interviews-with-former-slaves-volume-iii-florida-narratives-various--74139332</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74139332</guid><pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:08:27 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74139332/slave_narratives_a_folk_history_of_slavery_in_the_united_states_from_interviews_with_former_slaves_volume_iii_florida_narratives_various.mp3" length="261712181" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>32681</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Short Science Fiction Collection 006-Various</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/short-science-fiction-collection-006-various--74103083</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74103083</guid><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:07:56 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/74103083/short_science_fiction_collection_006_various.mp3" length="123773665" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>15456</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Machine Stops (version 4)-E. M. Forster</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/machine-stops-version-4-e-m-forster--73411939</link><description><![CDATA[E. M. Forster's "Machine Stops" explores a future where humanity lives underground, relying entirely on a vast machine for all their needs, leading to a profound disconnection from the natural world and each other. This thought-provoking narrative delves into themes of isolation, dependency, and the consequences of technological advancement, making it strikingly relevant in today's digital age where many grapple with similar issues of connectivity and alienation. The story's enduring appeal lies in its cautionary message about the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on technology, prompting listeners to reflect on their own relationships with machines and the importance of genuine human interaction.]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73411939</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:21:59 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/73411939/machine_stops_version_4_e_m_forster.mp3" length="43912153" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>E. M. Forster's "Machine Stops" explores a future where humanity lives underground, relying entirely on a vast machine for all their needs, leading to a profound disconnection from the natural world and each other. This thought-provoking narrative...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[E. M. Forster's "Machine Stops" explores a future where humanity lives underground, relying entirely on a vast machine for all their needs, leading to a profound disconnection from the natural world and each other. This thought-provoking narrative delves into themes of isolation, dependency, and the consequences of technological advancement, making it strikingly relevant in today's digital age where many grapple with similar issues of connectivity and alienation. The story's enduring appeal lies in its cautionary message about the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on technology, prompting listeners to reflect on their own relationships with machines and the importance of genuine human interaction.]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>5484</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title>Machine Stops version 2 - E M Forster</title><link>https://www.spreaker.com/episode/machine-stops-version-2-e-m-forster--72807925</link><description><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72807925</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:03:17 +0000</pubDate><enclosure url="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72807925/machine_stops_version_2_e_m_forster.mp3" length="37634759" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5fce888a-4987-4513-9f56-97710b781903/5fce888a-4987-4513-9f56-97710b781903.srt" type="application/x-subrip" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5fce888a-4987-4513-9f56-97710b781903/5fce888a-4987-4513-9f56-97710b781903.txt" type="text/plain" language="en"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcription.spreaker.com/starship/5fce888a-4987-4513-9f56-97710b781903/5fce888a-4987-4513-9f56-97710b781903.vtt" type="text/vtt" language="en"/><itunes:author>E. M. Forster</itunes:author><itunes:subtitle>Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated,...</itunes:subtitle><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)]]></itunes:summary><itunes:duration>4705</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>dependence,forster,kuno,machine,malfunction,short,stops,systems,untechnological,validated</itunes:keywords><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:image href="https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/19e9a7c959ff68ae72918fbef04fcaf3.jpg"/><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>
