Episode 54: In the Forest of Mechanical Trees by Steve Rasnic Tem

Episode 54: In the Forest of Mechanical Trees by Steve Rasnic Tem

Author: Asimov's Science Fiction September 12, 2025 Duration: 26:23
On the grounds of a derelict oil refinery southeast of Phoenix, Abe and Vera operate a nature park that reflects a world ravaged by climate change, where tourists don heat-resistant suits to walk among junk-metal statues of dinosaurs, superheroes, and recently-extinct animals such as polar bears and rhinos. While the couple take great care in educating visitors, their real work lies in removing co2 from the atmosphere using some of their park’s unique structures. This is “In the Forest of Mechanical Trees,” read and written by Steve Rasnic Tem.

Each month, the pages of the celebrated Asimov's Science Fiction magazine come to life in a new way. This audio companion selects a single, standout story from the latest issue and transforms it into a fully realized audio performance. You’ll hear vivid narrations that pull you directly into imagined worlds, from the quiet intimacy of near-future dilemmas to the vast, strange landscapes of distant galaxies. It’s a chance to experience the magazine’s curated vision of speculative fiction-where human questions meet boundless possibility-in a format you can take anywhere. The selections are as diverse as the genre itself, showcasing both emerging voices and established masters. This podcast is essentially a curated listening library, a direct audio extension of the magazine’s decades-long legacy. Whether you’re a longtime subscriber discovering a favorite story anew or a newcomer seeking a gateway into thoughtful science fiction, each episode is designed to be a complete and immersive escape. Tune in for a regular dose of wonder, one meticulously crafted story at a time.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 58

Asimov's Science Fiction
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 1:03:43
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