Host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about self-deception. In “Participation Trophy,” by Simon Rich, the author is taken to task by a discarded relic of childhood triumphs. The reader is Colton Dunn. Japanese playwright and novelist Betsuyaku Minoru creates an Industrial Age fable in “Factory Town.” The story was translated by Royall Tyler and is read by Suzy Nakamura. And a college student falls in love with the idea of love in Lauren Pruneski’s “Mama, Mama,” read by Kirsten Vangsness.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents Curiosity Weekly, a podcast from Discovery that helps makes sense of some of the biggest questions and ideas shaping our world. The show breaks down science and technology in a way that connects to our everyday lives. We hope you check it out too!

Host Meg Wolitzer presents Curiosity Weekly, a podcast from Discovery that helps makes sense of some of the biggest questions and ideas shaping our world. The show breaks down science and technology in a way that connects to our everyday lives. We hope you check it out too!

On this SELECTED SHORTS, host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories that cross generations. In Justin Torres’ “Trash Kites,” performed by Colman Domingo, teens find beauty in scarcity. A daughter’s aging parent links her past and present in “The World with My Mother Still in It,” by Kathryn Chetkovich, performed by Phillipa Soo. And a tutor tries to create a bond with her privileged student in “Ancient Rome,” by Kyle McCarthy, performed by Tavi Gevinson.

Bonnie Milligan reads author Pam Houston's short story about the blurred lines between a boyfriend and a dog.

Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about our relationship with man’s best friend, from an evening of dog stories hosted by Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer. Emma Brewer’s “Think You Deserve Companionship? Apply to Adopt a Dog Today,” pokes fun at the bureaucratic hurdles involved in getting a new friend. It’s performed by Gasteyer. Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum offers a up a tale of romance, transformation and machinations, in “The Glass Dog,” performed by Jeremy Shamos. And David Means’ “Clementine, Carmelita, Dog,” tells the tale of one dog with two names—and two families. It’s performed by Javier Munoz.

On this SELECTED SHORTS, host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about moving out of familiar territory into new spaces and new understanding. In Meron Hadero’s “The Thief’s Tale,” read by Teagle F. Bougere, an émigré can’t leave some of his old ways behind. “The Tallest Doll in New York City,” by Maria Dahvana Headley, imagines what happens when two iconic skyscrapers fall in love. It’s read by Becca Blackwell. And summer trip yields unexpected treasures in Anne Tyler’s “The Feather Behind the Rock,” read by Jane Curtin.

On this Selected Shorts, host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about the risks and rewards of making things “better.” In Kim Fu’s “Fair,” a Selected Shorts commission, a woman’s envy of her neighbors takes a dramatic turn. The reader is Julie Benko. In Kristen Iskandrian’s “Quantum Voicemail,” a long-distance friendship is tested by a bold move. The reader is Lauren Ambrose.

On this Selected Shorts, host Meg Wolitzer offers up stories about limited viewpoints and larger visions. In “You Can Find Love Now" by Ramona Ausubel, performed by Amy Ryan and Martin Short, an unusual character drops into the dating pool; in “The Weave,” by Charles Johnson, performed by Arnell Powell, a heist gets hairy; and in J. Robert Lennon’s “Blue Light, Red Light,” a child's fears find his family seeking tech support. It’s performed by Fred Hechinger.

Introducing Tell Me More, a bonus podcast that brings all kinds of stories and storytelling together under one big tent. First up, an interview with the popular host of the podcast, Nothing Much Happens, Kathryn Nicolai.

Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about the attraction and perils of reinvention. In “Kerosene,” by Simon Rich, timing is all in matters of invention. The reader is Santino Fontana. Attentive parents want to keep their baby safe at all costs in “The Cage,” by Tania James, read by Nicole Kang. And a widowed man looks for love—with some guidance from his late wife--in “The Dark,” by Jess Walter, read by Jason Alexander.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents three stories about those moments, those situations, those people that pull you in and won’t let you go. These works focus on unexpected encounters that end up affecting a character's life in some unusual or enduring way. “Missed Connection—M4W” by Raphael Bob-Waksberg takes the idea of “chance encounter” to its limits. It’s performed by Richard Kind. “My Years of Living Dangerously” by Danielle Henderson explores the idea of sin and redemption. It’s performed by Karen Pittman. And in Melissa Banks’ ruefully comic “Run Run Run Run Run Run Run Away,” performed by Julianna Margulies, one sibling makes a bad choice the other has to live with.

Jessica Hecht performs Roxane Gay's "Requiem for a Glass Heart," and host Aparna Nancherla talks to Amanda Jones, the author of That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America.

As part of our live event with Margaret Atwood, host A.M. Homes interviewed her from the stage at Symphony Space. Here is that interview.

Meg Wolitzer speaks with author Judy Blume about her life, her writing and the challenges of book banning.

Host Meg Wolitzer talks with political satirist and author Andy Borowitz in this bonus interview.

From the author of Eileen and My Year of Rest and Relaxation, a story about weird people doing weird things. Read by Colby Minifie. This episode is hosted by Michael Ian Black.

Host Meg Wolitzer presents three works about idealized lives, and ideas about what constitutes an “ideal” life. “Boy Meets Girl” is Jen Kim’s humorous version of a Hollywood love story. It’s read by Tony Hale. In the John Cheever classic “The Worm in the Apple” a couple have the perfect life—but no one can believe it. It’s read by Anne Meara. And a harried mother fantasizes about a brand new life in Vanessa Cuti’s “Our Children,” performed by Claire Danes, followed by an interview with Danes. .

Host Meg Wolitzer talks with author Elizabeth Strout about her story “Home” and the fictional family Strout has created.

In this bonus conversation, host Meg Wolitzer talks to author Louise Erdrich about her story; her writing life; and what do with left over index cards. •