Storytelling is an integral part of the human experience. It always has been, from when the first individual began drawing on cave walls to the thrilling fiction podcasts of the 21st century. We'll focus on the latter here, as cave drawings don't translate well to full-cast productions, sci-fi radio shows, comedy podcasts, true crime, and radio dramas. At least not yet, anyway. The best fiction podcasts cover plenty of ground, from sleep-friendly short stories to the total opposite, namely scary stories that will keep you awake all night. Audio drama is at its best right now, and the best fiction podcasts are all the proof listeners need. The best podcasts tell a good story so bust out the popcorn because these podcasts do it better than most.
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Where better to start than with some great horror? History is filled with chilling tales of unexplainable events and sinister ghouls, and The HorrorBabble Podcast is a terrifying homage to some of the greatest horror short stories ever written. Ian and Jennifer Gordon add impressive layers of ability to the narration, bringing style and panache to a collection of stories specifically designed to chill listeners to the bone. Audio-fiction at its finest, The HorrorBabble Podcast displays an understanding of sound design that helps these short stories jump out of the speakers, whether your nerves can take it. It might be best to sleep with the light on tonight.
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A weekly podcast, Tales by the Fireside is a tremendously meditative romp through short stories that will help you sleep in the evening, bringing classic storytelling and a good night's sleep together in stunning fashion. There is a reason parents help their kids off to sleep by reading them goodnight stories, after all. The tender telling of tales by a cast of narrators is perfect for listeners of all ages, with expert sound design ensuring the levels reduce anxiety and line up healthy Z's for a long night of resting. Is there a more soothing sound than that of a crackling fire? Probably not, in truth.
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Warhammer fans will get plenty out of Adeptus Ridiculous. Still, the enthusiasm displayed by lifelong fan Bricky and grimdark greenhorn Dkdiamantes is enough to drag newbies into the fold along the way. The Warhammer 40,000 world goes deep, and that universe provides the co-hosts with plenty of fantastical material for one of the most entertaining fiction podcasts doing the rounds today. An absolute riot of a listen Adeptus Ridiculous flies by at breakneck speed in a flurry of warriors, cultists, co-host chemistry, and others. Check-in regularly as new episodes drop every week. You don't want to miss this.
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