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PodCastle latest episode was on March 21, 2023

31 Subscribers

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Escape Artists, Inc

PodCastle

The Fantasy Fiction Podcast

31 Subscribers

Reviews

JohnnyStrife

December 22, 2022

Yuck

I’m not listening to stories by writers who don’t understand how pronouns work. I don’t listen to stories where “they” replaces “he” or “she”.

bevillej

December 8, 2022

Fantasy in all its forms

The Castle takes you on a journey through all forms of fantasy. I learn so much about the brilliant variety of writers. With the sister podcasts, EscapePod (SciFi) and PseudoPod (horror), there are hours and hours of auditory joy.

Caitla

July 20, 2022

Racial discrimination

One star for racial discrimination. Podcastle is actively accepting submissions from any race BESIDES white people. Marginalizing white authors and black-tarring the publishing industry is as racist as any segregating policy. “Whites need not apply.” And I won’t be listening either, for that reason. I’m over it with the publishing industry’s racism. This is why I no longer purchase new books or listen to literary podcasts. Equal opportunity for all races is justice. Discriminating towards white authors - while patting yourself on the back for how progressive you are - is racism, and anyone who participates in this is racist. The POC authors published during this submission period of racial exclusion are actively choosing to benefit from racism, and I’ll be happy to give their other published works 1 star on any platform available. I’m exhausted by the anti-white racism in the publishing industry. I want an equal playing field for all. Talent, not skin color, should be the main determining factor in whether or not a writer is published. Period. And no, POC don’t need to be catered to because they’re “underrepresented.” POC have been published in demographically white-majority countries for decades and decades. They’re not underserved - POC are over-represented in Western publishing. The white majority is being underserved, because we are actively being discriminated against based on the industry’s proud racial and political bias. “BIPOC only” submission periods is code for “giving the country’s published narrative away to those who despise the majority of its people.” I’m not supporting or normalizing this racist movement. I want justice and equality. Nothing more, nothing less.

Mommabird25

June 23, 2022

Very difficult to hear

Terrible audio, and I can barely follow the host, he speaks so fast and mumbles. If I can’t hear, I’d say that makes a podcast not so good. The narration is on par with LibriVox. That’s a volunteer site. For me, it takes more than just reading. I’ll listen to more stories and redo this review because this must be that I just got a couple of so so days.

FinalSpace

February 9, 2022

Good story selection, poor audio

Podcast has a nice variety of fantasy stories from around the globe. Audio quality is poor. Even at maximum volume on my phone, home or car speakers, I frequently have to strain to hear the narrator. Recommend addressing this issue.

DavidCFar

July 23, 2021

Fantasy mixture

Great mix of high literary fantasy and some fun low brow stuff. Good audio quality.

Twistingly Fun

December 24, 2020

Super!

Late to this Pod, but am loving it as I binge stories - creative and curious with twists Really enjoyed the story White as Soap!

whatsaMaxwelltodo

August 2, 2020

Love to hear it!

I love listening to Podcastle. Fantastic diversity of authors and readers. Always find a new voice I’m excited about!

grocerytroll

July 19, 2020

Engaging and Diverse

I'm constantly impressed with the diversity of authors and narrators featured by PodCastle. I just wish the theme music wasn't so loud compared to how soft everyone's voices are. I'm not a fan of having to adjust the volume of a podcast multiple times just to get through it without it hurting my ears.

Selylidne

June 14, 2020

Beautifully read introspective lesbian fiction

Great exploration of emotions in a wide variety of lesbian relationships. Occasional light magical theming. (CW: the "magic" is too often metaphor for symptoms of a protagonist's mental illness.) My only mild complaint is that they've really been emphasizing non-linear stream-of-consciousness; many stories feature no activity beyond a protagonist's self-described mental states. I'm fine with emotional exploration but I do prefer it when it's supported by a plot. I started supporting this podcast back in the days when it was a fantasy podcast, and have happily continued supporting it since it transitioned to a lesbian fiction podcast. It's a subculture I'm not familiar with but it's often intriguing. Check out their back catalog for some wonderful fantasy stories, too.

NewHampster

April 26, 2020

Love the fantasy love story “Spoken for”

This PodCastle original, is a perfect story for our times. It’s a magical yet bleak future where love grows on you and definitely grew on me. Well written in a surprisingly fresh fashion and the narrator is like one with the story. ds

Otterkit

November 21, 2019

A perennial favorite

I adore this podcast. It takes me to far distant places, and brings me home with new ideas. I adore it.

JWTemp

November 21, 2019

One of the best

For pure storytelling entertainment and wonderful thought provoking writing PodCastle (and it’s sister shows Pseudopod and EscapePod) is the simply awsome.

modern short story

October 27, 2019

MBee yorker

New yorker

Lorelei Faye

September 29, 2019

Very could but

Could use more gay overtones and liberal propaganda

S_Hermes_G

May 30, 2019

Exactly what the world needs

Strong, good women. No dominating gender norms. Kindness winning. Transformation, redemption, resurrection, revelation... and all with gentle humor and clever silliness. I love this podcast. Thanks!

NewportBeachGirl

January 9, 2019

What a Nice Surprise

I do not mean to be petty, but I I can’t give the show 5-Stars because the artwork is horrible & totally unbecoming of the hard work put into creating stories. Something more professional and reflective of the honor of women, other cultures, and LGBT. Additionally, I enjoy the accents and find them all easy to understand except the voice-actor telling Black cultural stories...she does very unwell until she tries to add in sub-characters, at which times her voice get whispery & draws out words at the end of her sentences, at which point you can’t understand what she is saying-VERY FRUSTRATING! There is no where to go up! GREAT JOB! Thank you!

Tim Holman

November 3, 2018

Not what it used to be

PodCastle used to be a very enjoyable podcast, with most stories worth listening to, or at least fun to listen to. You would have an occasional dud, but overall it was worth your time. But about a year ago, the new editors took it in a very different direction. Nowadays almost all of the published stories are written by women, with many stories having only the barest trappings of fantasy while sending a “message”, often involving oppression or violence against marginalized groups or women. In effect, Podcastle has morphed into a feminist/LBTGQ podcast with a social justice theme for most stories. The big problem with this, unfortunately, is that the quality of the stories has suffered tremendously. When you deliberately exclude half of the population from publishing stories, quality will inevitably suffer. Many of the stories seem like rejects from a college creative writing class. With others, I feel like I am being beaten over the head with a very obvious social message. I also get the feeling that many of the published authors may be friends, or insiders, with the editors. I now dread the words “This is a Podcastle original”, because four out of five times I will find myself giving up after the first five or ten minutes. What is particularly ironic is that Podcastle still promotes its “Artemis Rising” month of women authors, when in fact male authors are now quite rare in this podcast. They really need an “Apollo Rising“ month instead. So despite what you may think by listening to this podcast, men did not quit writing fantasy a year or two ago. Quite the contrary, there is still plenty of good fantasy being written by members of both sexes. You simply won’t find it in Podcastle.

Krernrer

July 9, 2018

Awesome stories

I’ve enjoyed every story I’ve listened to on this podcast. Great selection. Some of them are going to stick with me for a long time.

Organa57

July 8, 2018

Good fantasy!!

I enjoy their stories tremendously! Keep up the good work!

CallinTad

December 23, 2017

CallinTad

As they come to the end of their first decade of producing weekly stories, PodCastle continues to deliver a variety of compelling stories. Like their sister podcasts, they feature a mix of classic authors and new voices, and they throw in bonus gems with their "PodCastle Miniatures" from time to time. A true community-made, listener-supported labor of love!

Dan A-M

December 13, 2017

An Inspiration

Podcastle is truly my favorite fiction podcast. Under all of the editors who've managed it, Podcastle has brought beautiful, unique, touching, brilliant, and progressive stories from dozens of sub-genres of fantasy, and they've had fun while doing it. Its introduced me to awesome authors whose short fiction was featured on the cast. Thanks to the vision of its editorial staff, these authors bring perspectives lacking in a field long dominated by white cis-gendered dudes. Their writing has made my dreams richer, and my reality more nuanced. I have laughed, gasped alound, and wept to more episodes than I can count. Podcastle is for every nerd, every freak, every dreamer who is curious about where fantasy can take us, and who is brave enough to have expectations turned upside-down. Thanks for the years of great listening, Podcastle.

JessyHere

November 28, 2017

Always entertaining

This is a must listen if you like fantasy fiction short stories. This podcast is pure gold!

28Meme42

November 27, 2017

Consistently Good

Always well done

Anonymous Review Author

July 7, 2017

Hit and miss with talent

PodCastle is one of those publications that is VERY hit and miss with real talent. They often choose to publish stories that one has to questions why they were chosen. Many of the stories leave the listener wondering what they just listened to, and not in a good way. I seldomly listen to this podcast anyomore because they don't bring forward enough good stories, but like to stick to the level of mediocre and boring. On top of the hit and miss, they also seem to have their own politcal agenda that they like to push, or rather shove, onto their listeners. I have a two friends who actually compltely stopped listening to them solely for this reason. It is a little disappointing. Until they can address and adjust both of those issues, I will leave this review as it is and will turn as many people away as possible. Hope things change.

c-longdrive

June 29, 2017

Too far left

Zero stars. The anti-American, anti-family, anti-anything-remotely-resembling-normal agendas of the stories have finally overwhelmed my hope for an entertaining story. I'm nauseated, & unsubscribed.

Schrodingrr

January 31, 2017

One of the best Fantasy podcasts

If you're a fantasy fan, then you need to add this one to your listening queue! The Escape Artists family have a long tradition of producing quality fiction and PodCastle is no exception.

egdod17

December 26, 2016

Fantastic!

Just sublime: I've been listening quite a while, and there are so many gems! I loved "Telling Stories" by Sandra M Odell, and I must have listened to "La Heron" three or four times at least- AMAZING adventure! Romance! Fantasy!

Chris_McKeever

November 14, 2016

Excellent Stories and Storytelling

This is my favorite podcast of fantasy stories.

Dark Spiral Dance

August 28, 2016

Each Story is a Spell

Each story on this show --from those of high fantasy, to those of magic realism, to fantastical experiments beyond classification-- weaves its own special spell. Who knew there was such variety in the fantasy genre?

Ziggi777

August 24, 2016

Great show

I love listening to this podcast at work, it keeps my mind active and engaged through the extra long shifts. Keep up the great work

Jim Class

August 10, 2016

Great story cast!

Keep it up!

Scrawling chaos

January 31, 2016

Great podcast!

I just recently started listening to the podcastle, and I have to say you're all doing a spectacular job with the production of these shows !

Miss Ginger 58

January 7, 2016

Great if it wasn't for that woman

Love the content but when the loud crazy woman is screaming AAANNNDDD WE'RE BACK!!!! into my ears it ruins the entire episode just knowing she'll be back at the end. When there are other hosts it great. Please get rid of the bullhorn crazy loud woman. Once she's gone I'll change my rating to 5 stars.

Greenman19

November 2, 2015

Ostenstibly Feminist

Some of the stories really have substance, but more often than not, the tales grow more and more liberally feminist; I couldn't care less about the nazi-feminist agenda. The writers they get on here write a story with a vampire motif, name the heroine, Joan of Arc, and call it "fantasy". No thanks! Will happily perk my ears up for Pseudopod or the Drabblecast.

MonikaLearnsJapanese

October 15, 2015

After 380 episodes, still great

Don't you hate it when you discover the perfect podcast, and 5, 15 or 24 episodes later, gaps between installments increase, heralding impending doom. Or they get repetitive. Not a problem with the ever enduring pod castle. I just love short fiction, the kind that fits into one or two commutes, or a sunny hour in the park. I also love non-stereotypical fantasy. Podcastle so far has brought 385 of these. You can listen to one a day, and still have no repeats for a year. Each story is fresh, and quite a few are original. Go get an episode and check it out.

RiLeeinCali

August 6, 2015

Long time listener

I've been listening since the podcast first splintered off from Escapepod. That's how great it is. Really enjoy all of the different selections.

Egamma

July 15, 2014

Great stories!

I love the variety of stories. It's not all knights and princesses; there's some of that, but there's plenty of stories that mix our world and other worlds together.

Last of the Unicorns

July 1, 2014

The Fantasy storytelling you have been looking for.

Finding good fantasy story podcast can be a little tricky. But fortunately for enthusiasts of the genre PodCastle is an excellent repository of such fiction. From Magical Kingdoms in unknown lands, to modern settings with unknown secrets just over the horizon, Podcastle provides fantasy storys from a variety of authors read by experience and professional narrators. With literally hundreds of full length and miniature podcasts available to stream or download, fantasy seekers have found what they're looking for at PodCastle. My personal recommendations? Episode 305, Heartless, about a young woman who stands firm against a corrupt society, Episode 297, The Tower of The Elephant, a Conan the Barbarian classic from Robert Howard. Episode 286, The Calendar of Saints, about a professional duelist who's confronted with a difficult decision that will require more than skill to solve. Episode 282, The Sunshine Baron, about a man who betrayed his people, and will live to regret it. And Miniature Episode 76, Quiet Death Machines, about a young man who dream of growing up to be a supervillain.

famouslyfresh

March 24, 2014

Good, but boring.

I know what Podcastle is trying to achieve, and I think they succeed, because of how many great reviews there are. I just don't think it's for me. I find many of the stories boring and uninteresting. I will still listen to pseudopod though, that one is awesome! So I want to say keep it up, because you are obviously doing something right - it's just not my cup of tea.

how is then name taken

February 10, 2014

Pod Castle

One of the best podcast

JEC 30

January 8, 2014

good but kinda bias

I listen every week and love the venue and the people. However if you are looking for classical type fantasy they kinda steer away from that. The stories seem to lean to the feminine.

Idreamofsushi

December 14, 2013

An essential for lovers of good fiction

Podcastle is a fantastic way to encounter top notch fantasy fiction of all sorts. I have found multiple authors that I adore that I would never have heard of or thought to try had I not heard their work on my commute. Even if you have time to sit down and read the hard copy, the narrations are amazing and add an entirely new dimension to the stories. I can't say enough good things about the three sister podcasts from Escape Artists.

Heavy handed manager

November 5, 2013

for the love of Tim

For teh love of Tim Pratt you have to download and listen. feed the pod and enjoy the fantsical world of Podcastle, they love Tim, I love Tim, and by the end of just one episode you will love Tim too.

Mary Carroll

November 2, 2013

I'm Sci Fi but this totally works for me

I subscribe to Escape Pod and tried PodCastle out. Terrific. Now I subscribe to both.

Suzume234

October 21, 2013

Six Years

I have been listening to this podcast for 6 years now! This may be thei first podcast I ever subscribed to. I love this podcast and all of the EscapeArtists podcasts. My interestes are leaning more toward science fiction at the moment, but I still find something to love about every episode of this podcast. (I will be donating, you guys have to stay on the air!)

Rckjones

October 19, 2013

My Gateway Podcast

Several years ago, I picked up this podcast on a whim just before a long trip so I'd have something to listen to on the airplane. I've not stopped listening since. While I've always loved fantasy, I especially appreciate the job this podcast does of carefully curating and presenting some of the best fantasy writing out there right now. I get to discover new authors, and occasionally they even revisit old classics in the genre. The production is great, and the hosts provide insightful commentary at the beginning and end of each episode, making the listening experience even richer. I can't imagine my runs and commutes without PodCastle, and would highly recommend it.

Prof. Chalx

August 20, 2013

Entertaining & Thought-Provoking...

... which is the point, right? PodCastle is a fantastic podcast that takes short stories of varying degrees of "fantasy" and puts you in the story by getting spot-on narrators to deliver the tales. Some people may complain that the stories vary in sub-genre, or perhaps even just "genre," but I like that they keep it fresh and introduce listeners to a wide range of tones, topics and authors. Escape Artists have put together a winner.

Wundercapo

August 15, 2013

Great companion for walks and in the car

Totally worth the time - a great variety of stories and story tellers. This and its companions Escapepod and Pseudopod are always on my phone. They make me want to go out and walk so I can listen.

Ginger Noel

August 2, 2013

Fantastic Cast, one caveat

These guys do yeoman's work and it shows. They put out a great cast, highly entertaining with a lot of variety. I like the older stuff, before everything got so analytical, and they deliver that right along side of stories that will make you think, laugh, and occasionally puddle up. One strong caveat - the editors have a pronounced anti-religious bent in their story selections. It isn't blatant but expect a lot of Bible bashing, thinly disguised anti-religious rhetoric, and etc., in the content. If you are a person of faith, tread carefully - you won't always feel like they're taking your listenership into account.

Julnyes

April 9, 2013

Excellent Variety

The great thing about this podcast is the wide range of fiction they showcase. I'm happy to be exposed to a stories that are well curated and I have enjoyed the vast majority of them. The podcast has also lead me to new authors to read after hearing their stories on podcastle.

kent56

December 16, 2012

One of the best.

I'm amazed by the quality of the stories PodCastle consistently airs. If you love listening to a good story, well told, check it out. You'll be glad you did. I'm writing this because I'm too poor right now to donate, but if you like and can afford it, throw a few shekels their way.

flamedryad

September 17, 2012

Castle of awesome

Anything you want in the fantasy genre you can find within it's halls. Thank you

The real Tommy Cash

August 9, 2012

The stuff legends are made of!

This podcast makes every day an adventure and full of soo many opportunities. Not only do I find myself lost in incredible stories, but I also have been re-motivated to start writing again. Maybe I'll be able to send some stories your way real soon, thank you for all you do to keep imaginations world wide alive.

Red Runner

August 3, 2012

Love Pod castle

Its not very often that I listen to a story that I don't like. I have found many stories that I absolutely LOVE and were so glad to have found. Thank you for putting this podcast together every week.

Dr. G41

July 24, 2012

Used to be

Was good back when fresh out of Escape Pod. Current direction is poorly narrated and political.

Reliablereddog

July 21, 2012

I am so glad this exists!

I don't use iTunes to listen to this, but I can't let it go unrecorded that I love Podcastle. The fresh, new fiction piped into my phone at no cost is unbelievable. I listen to every episode, and while not every story is to my taste, the quality of production and of prose are exemplary.

Willystickman

July 6, 2012

Sweet

An Incredible podcast.

Erelannon

May 7, 2012

Lack of Castle...

I agree that this podcast has become more about women's POV of modern society than strict sword and sorcery fantasy. It's focus is more on weird magical worlds where normal rules don't apply. It's OK stuff, but not what I would really like to hear. Will keep subscribing for the occasional good story. I listen to em all but usually don't find interesting enough to pay close attention.

Onraita

May 4, 2012

Used to be much better

I enjoyed this podcast pretty regularly in the past. That is, there were more hits than misses. But now I've found it generally unlistenable. The intros go on forever and the quality of the the stories and narration are quite bad. I've stopped subscribing, but I'll check in again in a few months and see if things have changed. It's too bad, I used to enjoy this one.

gate_maker06

April 13, 2012

Great Variety

I have been listening to PodCastle since the beginning and it has only gotten better. They have a great variety of stories, everything from sword and sorcery and high fantasy to urban fantasy and magical realism. It's an easy way to experience a little of everything the genre of fantasy has to offer.

teacher of Oz

April 4, 2012

vulgar and political

The stories are great, but the hosts spend too much time using vulgar language and bashing Orson Scott Card for being Mormon. Stick to the literature and leave the politics out of it.

lizard_liz

April 4, 2012

Variety keeps me coming back

I never know what to expect from Podcastle. Some of the stories aren't quite to my taste, but the best ones have gotten me some odd looks as I try to hide the fact that I'm crying at my desk or laughing inappropriately on the bus. The podcast introduced me to a number of authors who have become new favorites - N.K. Jemisin, Scott Lynch, and T.A. Pratt, just to name a few. Thanks for putting this out there!

KnowerPhone

April 1, 2012

redefining the genre

I subscribed thinking only about traditional epic fantasy. The wonderful people over at the Podcastle have really opened my eyes to a multitude of fantasy genres that I would never have expected. They do a great job curating and keeping things fresh. And the production crew and host talent is fantastic too. I can't believe this stuff is free. It makes me all warm and fuzzy! Thanks!

ButThisNicknameIsTaken

February 28, 2012

Great stories, great narration

Some of the best and most thought-provoking fantasy stories I know I first heard on Podcastle. Also, while some recorded speech hurts my ears to listen to (those sharp "s"es can bring on a migraine sofast!!), I can't remember once having this problem with any of Podcastle's narrators. THANKS SO MUCH ANNA AND DAVE!!! <33

Hiker13

January 16, 2012

Still Fantastic!

Free terrific fantasy stories and very good narration. Has been my go-to podcast for quite while, together with Escape Pod. Wearing my Podcastle t-shirt out!

Espydublohef

January 2, 2012

Love the show!

I went to the podcastle website and checked out the forums. I must say there are a load of very critical listeners out there, but for me this is AWESOME! There's really only one guy who I can't stand listening to, and that's because I can't understand a damned thing he's saying. The stories are good, the chat before and after are good, and my overall satisfaction is in the impressed category.

RKDalton1

December 31, 2011

Great Podcast

Just a quick note to say this is a fantastic podcast. I have an hour commute to work - each way. This show, along with Escape Pod and a few others, are really fascinating and interesting ways to enjoy the ride. Keep up the great work!

Johnthulhu

December 1, 2011

Great podcast, worth another try if you were an early adopter

Like some of the negative reviewers, I subscribed to Podcastle when it started out a few years back. I gave it a listen for a while, but it wasn't for me as far as story selection went. I recently subscribed again to give it another shot, and I've really come to love this podcast as much as Escape Pod and Pseudopod. It's a well done podcast with great stories and very good production value. With such a huge backlog of stories now on the cast there's bound to be a several great stories for most fans.

Pumaswarcry

October 10, 2011

A 5 star podcast don't past this up!

I love your podcast.

ungelic_is_us

September 24, 2011

Nearly always awesome

Sometimes the podcastle stories fall flat for me, but that's pretty rare. Most of their stories and narrators are excellent fun. It's really nice to have a venue where female authors are consistently featured, too.

hellishly subtle

September 14, 2011

consistantly good stories

I just listened to "The Parable of the Shower". It was one of the most entertaining stories I've heard in years. Overall, this podcast is great: short intro, brief but thoughtful and intelligent commentary. The host focuses on the story, not himself (unlike Dunesteef which is so annoying I had to delete it).

Burningsean

August 1, 2011

Really enjoy this...

I thought the sound quality works, not sure what other reviewer was referencing. Good stories and the host is engaging but doesn't overdo it. Worth a listen!

Eliciel

July 28, 2011

Reliable wonder

I stumbled onto PodCastle shortly after it fissioned from EscapePod, and I've been listening to both ever since (including listening to their archived stories as well). It's undergone a change in editorial staff and so has slightly shifted in content and topic, but I love how the quality and mind/heart-prodding nature has remained the same. Some of the recent stories have moved me to tears (I was warned), and I considered myself too busy for crying. Amazing, amazing work. Also, I'm writing this after reading other reviews. There's a great mixture of speculative fiction, elves and swords fantasy, and all sorts of types in between. If you like a particular kind of fantasy fiction, it's not hard to pick and choose among the episodes, now that they've got several years' worth in their feed. Give it a try!

nitrohepcat

July 24, 2011

Variety is the spice of Podcastle

Podcastle has become one of the best fiction podcasts out there, and I don’t read fantasy fiction! Some podcasts fall short with respect to story selection, but here Podcastle shines. I look forward to these stories every week, with no idea of what kind of story is next. Check it out!

herodotusbce

July 7, 2011

Love the Troika

Podcastle, Escapepod and Pseudopod comprise my listening material for my daily dogwalks. I only wish they would podcast more frequently so I would have more to listen to.

Jon Rene

May 8, 2011

A little piece of Heaven in the middle of yr working day

Love this show. Their selection of fiction is impeccable, ballsy and always interesting. Cheers to Dave Thompson's end of show quotes , the narrator of N K Jemisin's story ( Apr 26). Overall in the top five for me for fiction and never ever a waste of time. Highly recommend.

feeder goldfish

April 30, 2011

Terrific podcast

Many wonderful stories. Readers are excellent. Sound quality is great. Plus it's free! What more could you ask for? I like it so much, I donate.

TheLadyAurora

April 12, 2011

A great fiction podcast

This podcast provides a nice weekly dose of fantasty-fiction. The podcasts take the idea of fantasy loosely and do not shoe horn themselves into one kind of fantasy story. So even if you aren't big on one of their stories, you will likely enjoy the next one. They also do a great job getting different and skilled readers for their podcasts, all of whom I have enjoyed so far. Check them out.

Matthew von der Ahe

April 9, 2011

Stellar. Top flight.

Most of the stories and most of the narration on Podcastle are excellent, excellent, and some are sublime. Occasional meh ones, too, but pretty infrequently. Some high points: "The Curandero and the Swede" and "The Christmas Mummy" but really, I could have picked any of about 50 great ones. Highly recommended.

Joe2373

April 5, 2011

Awsome and epic

I can get all the little fantasys tha i would never hear any other way. My favorite podcast+ if you like this one get the escape pod. It is second best

TimberWolf96

April 5, 2011

Much more depth than expected

Podcastle provides great stories week after week. Kudos to the hosts, editors, and staff for the great product, the quality story and narrator selection, and all the other behind-the-scenes work.

h2o1969

April 1, 2011

Great Fantasy Shot Stories

Even though this is a fantasy podcast, Dave and Anna manage to get a wide variety with in that genre. The quality of the production is top notch and I find their commentary to be insightful as well as entertaining. You should give them a try.

JasKeel

March 15, 2011

Great Stories

I truly enjoy Podcastle every week. No it is not traditional "Sword & Sorcery" but I can get that anywhere. It is fantasy from a hundred different viewpoints and angles. I am frequently amazed and delighted by the content and the commentary. Thank you for a grat podcast.

kowdybean

March 9, 2011

getting better, and better, and better!

I have come to love podcastle and its team. I really wasn't too excited about podcastle when it first came out but I've stuck with it and I am glad I did! Wonderful hosts that clearly are passionate about what they do and the stories they present. I may not like every story but if I had stopped listening because of a few I didn't find interesting then I would have missed some absolutely wonderful stories (like Cronk and the Horde of Apprentices) that are now permanently stored on my IPod. Keep up the great work guys! Give this podcast a shot, definately worth it in the long run!

Sean_Alpha

March 7, 2011

brillance is not appreciated

castle pod is one of the podcasts that its talent is ignored its brillant all the work that the team does for castlepod escapepod and pseudopod are classicaly brillant and should be appreciated for years too come

mummblingme

March 5, 2011

A Needed Respite from the Real World

Podcastle and Escape Pod provide necessary relief from all the rest of the stuff we face. The stories remind us the magic of imagination must never be allowed to fade away.

AGC1331

February 23, 2011

Could Not Live Without

This podcast is just another wonderful example of a professionally produced genre fiction podcast. I love Escape Artists Podcasts!!

lisavilisa

February 23, 2011

Cannot recomend enough

This show has given me hours upon hours of entertainment through many a day of labor at a plant nursery. It's a great way to escape when you are ankle deep in honey suckle and plucking away red coral flowers. The intro music creates a pavlonic response of me being happy and ready for a good time.

BadExampleMan

February 22, 2011

Tied for favorite

This podcast is tied for my favorite, its companion sf cast, Escape Pod.

Gus3284

January 27, 2011

Great variety, excellent reading

Think that about sums it up. Love the intro/outros.

Litarvan

August 28, 2010

Thumbs up

Great podcast. Some stories are better than others, but it is well worth listening to.

Cayced

May 2, 2010

Worth the sifting

As for most short story podcasts there are stories that are fantastic and ones that fall short. It really is worth sifting through the stories because a lot of them are really fantastic. I find myself excited to find another one that I will love.

Rae W

March 31, 2010

Enjoyable stories

I've been enjoying most of the stories I've listened to for several weeks now. Once or twice a story has left me cold, but I've liked the rest of what I've heard so far. It's a great way to pass the time on the way to work.

Gabriel A. M.

March 5, 2010

Great selection.

One thing I have always loved about Podcastle is the enormous variety and depth of the stories selected. Some are rollicking, fun, and easy: others require more thought, and often, more than one listen, to really get the juice from the pulp. Much of my favorite audio fiction ever comes directly from Podcastle. They also usually do a great job of selecting just the right reader for a story. Keep rocking on, guys.

InsomniacAgnostic

February 16, 2010

Some great, some really not

There have been some stories that have been really great with interesting ideas and executions, quirky takes on the broadly defined fantasy tropes. But...those seem to come in around half or less sadly. I want to say that I'm not one of the 'this isn't fantasy if there's no swords and barbarians and if there are no barbarians then its no good' types. I enjoy an elastic definition of fiction genres. I really do like some of the stories, but others just seem to go on and on and are....well boring. In fairness I haven't been through all that far into the archives, but the wheat to chaff ratio so far makes me less willing to do so. I really like escape pod and pseudopod so hoping I'm proved wrong on this as I listen more.

Nuchtchas

November 16, 2009

Storybook tales for the adult kid

As the third Escape Artist podcast Podcastle does not disappoint. Challenging the Fantasy genre with edgy stories and new twists on the old standards Podcastle is this geek's chosen way to unwind from a long day.

Natalie Thompson

November 11, 2009

Great variety

Not every story is something I can get into, but there have been some really wonderful ones.

TheNightmare

October 26, 2009

Good podcast

I started off listening to escapepod and then this one came along. I wasn't sure I would like it at first but it has really grown on me. Not as good as escapepod but definitely worth listening to.

Gone2Ganymede

October 10, 2009

I've really tried to like this podcast

I finally decided to unsubscribe because I was finding more misses than hits with this podcast. I'm a long-time fantasy fan and have done a fair share of reading this genre, but some of these barely qualify as fantasy. Most deal with social commentary, which is fine, but what if the author makes their point so poorly the listener does not even get it? There have been about three stories I have loved (such as the Annals of Elan-Ok by Jeffrey Ford). I generally burn the episodes to cd's to listen to during my commute, and more often than not I have just thrown the cd's away after trying to listen- there have been many stories I did not even want to waste my time listening to. This is a shame, it seemed like there was so much potential.

kooky_cookie

May 22, 2009

Love It!!

I have been an avid listener to Podcastle since the first episode. I will admit that it has had bumps along the way but what wonderful thing has been wonderful all the way through? I would reccomend Podcastle to anybody and the first thing I always check for when I turn on my laptop is if there is a new episode. I gues I just dont understand why so few people have heard about Podcastle. Its pretty much the best thing ever, expecially for someone as busy as me. I am constantly busy and on the go and Podcastle keeps me from total absolute boredome on long buisness trips. Recently I had to fly to Hawaii. The nine hour flight there would have killed me if I did not have Podcastle to listen to. I think the best thing about Podcastle is that no matter how many times you listen to one of the stories you still want to hear it again. I have even started listening to Podcastle's sister podcasts because of it. This podcast is definatly worth checking out!

grulig690

March 5, 2009

What a great podcast!!!!

Great stories, great narration and great production. What more can you ask for?

Chris!!!!!!!

January 31, 2009

Great Consistant Podcast

Features amazing short stories and flash fiction in a variety of styles. Perfect for in the car, before sleep, ect. Also check out Beneath Ceaseless skies, which features great second-world fantasy.

Yet Another Mike

November 6, 2008

poor selection of stories and sometimes narrators

I've been a huge fan of escapepod and pseudopod, but I've been greatly disappointed with this podcast so far. Not only has the story selection been far more miss than hit, many of the narrators that have been chosen are far too dreary and monotonal. I'm on the verge of unsubscribing from the podcast.

elh93

October 20, 2008

Just get it

Just get it! it gets better and better. it is the best

Josh Hugo

October 17, 2008

Pretentious, annoying

I used to be an avid Escape Pod listener and I was very excited for PodCastle when it was first announced. After about 10 episodes, though, I stopped listening. In fact, I disliked PodCastel so much that it tainted my enjoyment of its sister podcasts. The story selection is poor: The stories are selected more for their avant-garde, psuedo-intellectual tone that for originality or entertainment value. The podcasts come with extremely long intros reeking of the hosts' thinly veiled political biases. Add to that an airy new-age soundtrack that sounds cool at first but gets annoying on the third listen. The whole production can be summed up in a word: Pretentious.

dpowell7299

September 26, 2008

The Best Fantasy Podcast

If you love Fantasy stories you HAVE to subscribe to this podcast. Stephen is wonderful and I LOVE is personal anecdotes. I kind of miss him moving them to the end so that I have to listen to the story before I get to find out what is going on in his life :)) I'm copying this to his other two that I also HIGHLY reccommend. EscapePod for Sci-Fi and PseudoPod for Horror. I recommend them all.

Roseblade

September 23, 2008

Not much "Castle" in PodCastle

While it's not bad, it is more concerned with speculative fiction than fantasy. If you're expecting good old fashion sword'n'sorcery, you won't find it here. It's mostly stories of blatant social commentary in not-quite-normal environments.

PictPeach

September 17, 2008

Meh

About 1/3 of the stories are pretty good, but I avoid this one because I seriously cannot stand Rachel Swirsky's voice. It's always the little things...

javamonkey111

September 13, 2008

cool dude!

Awesome show with a great variety of authors and story styles. It also has notably high production values. Another great Escape Artists podcast.

Devianttouch

September 10, 2008

Great stories

The stories and technical work on this podcast are both fantastic. The intros still need a little more work - they're not up to EscapePod's energy level yet. I really love the mini stories! I'll definitely keep listening.

ScareyMoon

August 27, 2008

Enjoying the stories.

Only listened to the first story and the shorts so far. Very enjoyable. Thank you for offering these wonderful jaunts into imagination.

Feyd 521

July 17, 2008

Keep it up

This podcast is just the kind of high quality we've come to expect from escape artists. Great stories told well, keep it up.

CelticGoddess1326

July 5, 2008

Great Job! I Really Enjoy

I love fantasy of all kinds, and can honestly say that I have yet to find a story here I have not liked at least a little, and have found several I loved well enough to burn audio CDs for the car (those being #1, Come Lady Death, #11, Fourteen Experiments in Postal Delivery, and #14, The Grand Cheat, just so far). I also love Escape Pod, but some of their stories are a bit... dark... for my "happily ever after" soul. Still, though, keep up the great work!

Tiki Shark

June 16, 2008

Too artsy.

Hit and miss. After an exciting start, the stories seem to be revealing themselves to be less about heroic fantasy characters and engaging adventures, and more about symbolically discussing the ills of society through the viewpoint of women. While fantasy and Sci Fi stories are known for being a venue where clever folks can talk about such things, it takes some one of the talent level of Ray Bradbury to do so with out sounding preachy. And unfortunately, as this podcast is proving, there are not many Ray Bradburys in the world.

njnsong

June 9, 2008

honestly not impressed

I am an avid fan of escape pod and pseudo pod and when i knew that this was supposed to come out i was excited. But 10 episodes in i must say that i don't like this. out of the 10 main stories so far there has been at least 3 which i didn't bother to finish and didn't care. the sound quality is awful, there is something wrong with it, it sounds brassy and hollow. also the babble before each podcast seems too self important and rambling...i was hoping it gets better but honestly i am losing that hope

thebluestocking

May 26, 2008

Absolutely fantastic

I subscribe to dozens of podcasts, and this is rapidly becoming my favorite. The stories are always interesting and often amazingly good, and I love that listeners' comments on previous stories are incorporated into the episodes. I listened to the first nine episodes within a week and look forward to hearing more!

Brushie Tundra

April 29, 2008

Not an April Fool's Joke

Although it came out on the 1st of April, this podcast has been anything but a joke. The story choice has been...interesting. Makes me love the lil spinning disc on my iTunes announcing a new episode. It was worth the wait. Thanks Rachel and keep up the good work.

SnowsDream

April 28, 2008

Really great production value, story quality, great listen

Hey if you need to give your self a taste of the imagination then this is it. Or Escapepod and psuedopod. I didn't think you could have three great podcast, but I enjoy them all. Though Escapepod is still my favorite. So once your done giving this a listen check out the other two podcast in the family, escapepod (Sci-Fi stories only) PsuedoPod (Horror only) they're great!

MentatJack

April 24, 2008

Great Companion to EscapePod

I've been listening to EscapePod for the last few months and this has the same quality of production. I eagerly await each episode.

MPessoa

April 24, 2008

Off to a good start

I'm a big fan of Escape Pod and this spinoff is promising. The main narrator needs to relax and develop a more natural way of speaking, because she's a bit stilted right now and it's distracting. That aside, the quality of stories is good. I liked "Giant" a lot, so I hope we get more from that author.

benchley

April 23, 2008

Great for readers/lit.-lovers of all kinds!

Since subscribing to EscapePod (yup, another EP fan!) back at EP143, I have been consistently amazed and highly pleased at the presentation and quality of podcasts and stories by Escape Artists, Inc. (In case you don't know, they put out the podcasts EscapePod, PseudoPod, and now, PodCastle.) I love to download old episodes, and I was very excited to subscribe to PodCastle from its onset. I love reading and literature, but I didn't even know I LIKED Sci-Fi until I subscribed to EP . . . same with fantasy and Podcastle! Do yourself a favor, and download a [full-length story] episode. The Flash Fictions are cool, as well. Enjoy!

alsina81

April 20, 2008

WOW!

These stories are unbelievable! (oh, wait, it IS a fantasy podcast) What I mean to say is that these stories are unbelievably AWESOME!! I've already had to listen to a couple of them over again. I am looking forward to podcastle's long list of amazing, thought provoking stories. Why are you still reading this review?! Subscribe right now!

DinsdaleKep

April 20, 2008

Excellent new podcast!

I'm really enjoying this new podcast. Excellent stories so far. Hey, I-Tunes - how about adding the third podcast??!!! I'd love to hear it.

TravelinT

April 11, 2008

Great companion podcasts: Escape Pod and Podcastle

Just finished listening to #2 (Fear of Dragons) and am definitely hooked on this podcast. Have recommended to friends and family and hope both continue to pod cast.

Bazooka Joe

April 8, 2008

PodCastle Defied Expectations

When I first heard that Escape Artists were going to launch PodCastle I was dubious. I'm more of a scifi guy and fantasy just isn't my bag. Plus, some of the fantasy stories that made it on to Escape Pod turned me off. I just wasn't all that excited about PodCastle. Until I heard the first story, that is. Lady Death had me riveted in it's elegance and suspense. If PodCastle can keep putting out yarns of that caliber then I'm in for the long haul!

NewOne29

April 3, 2008

Can't wait for the next one!

I thought this was a very good story and it kept me interested the entire way through.

Scott Adkins

March 25, 2008

Can't wait

I know this will be as good as Escape Pod and Pseudopod, and thats saying a lot. Can't wait.

MacBug

March 24, 2008

yaaaay!

I absolutly can NOT wait until April 1st!

KingWulfgar

March 17, 2008

Can't wait...

EscapePod is one of my favorite weekly podcasts. PodCastle will be doing the same for the Fantasy/Speculative Fiction genre! Definitely worth subscribing and catching every episode.

Le Stew

March 17, 2008

been waiting for this...

Steve Eley and the crew at all of the Escape Artists Inc. provide a very needed outlet for short fiction of all kinds. Escape Pod and Pseudo Pod (both on itunes) are two of my favorite podcasts. Each week they provide excellent stories read excellently! I know that the crew at Escape Artists Inc. woudl not put something out that does not meet those standards. Podcastle will be AWESOME!!! In the mean time go listen you'll be glad you did!

jodymonster

March 14, 2008

Yay!

long awaited, finally here... Escape Artists have some of the very best short fiction podcasts. Escapepod and Pseudopod are awesome, and I'm sure this will be too.

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Podcast hosts

Categories

Escape Artists, Inc

PodCastle

Reviews

JohnnyStrife

Yuck

bevillej

Fantasy in all its forms

Caitla

Racial discrimination

Mommabird25

Very difficult to hear

FinalSpace

Good story selection, poor audio

DavidCFar

Fantasy mixture

Twistingly Fun

Super!

whatsaMaxwelltodo

Love to hear it!

grocerytroll

Engaging and Diverse

Selylidne

Beautifully read introspective lesbian fiction

NewHampster

Love the fantasy love story “Spoken for”

Otterkit

A perennial favorite

JWTemp

One of the best

modern short story

MBee yorker

Lorelei Faye

Very could but

S_Hermes_G

Exactly what the world needs

NewportBeachGirl

What a Nice Surprise

Tim Holman

Not what it used to be

Krernrer

Awesome stories

Organa57

Good fantasy!!

CallinTad

CallinTad

Dan A-M

An Inspiration

JessyHere

Always entertaining

28Meme42

Consistently Good

Anonymous Review Author

Hit and miss with talent

c-longdrive

Too far left

Schrodingrr

One of the best Fantasy podcasts

egdod17

Fantastic!

Chris_McKeever

Excellent Stories and Storytelling

Dark Spiral Dance

Each Story is a Spell

Ziggi777

Great show

Jim Class

Great story cast!

Scrawling chaos

Great podcast!

Miss Ginger 58

Great if it wasn't for that woman

Greenman19

Ostenstibly Feminist

MonikaLearnsJapanese

After 380 episodes, still great

RiLeeinCali

Long time listener

Egamma