Join Chris for three wonderful episodes where opposing existences come together. Between these three stories, we cover pretty much every human emotion in under 45 minutes...

Two of the stories were picked by subscribers in the Story Selection Raffle; to find out more, and to subscribe, please check out our website HERE or our Patreon HERE.

The Menagerie by Harry Humber, narrated by Philip Godfrey

When the boy comes to visit Jory to find out more about mysterious, impossible events in the forest, what Jory shares with him will stay with them both for the rest of their lives.

Summer Shadows by Alexandria Simmons, narrated by Lauren Hogg

Aleyne and Jolis, two girls with utterly different lives, strike up an unlikely friendship in the tunnels beneath the castle one summer. As more and more summers pass, some things change, and some do not...

Love's Pitfall by Molly Blunden, narrated by R. L. Lynn

Laura just wanted to tolerate the company retreat in peace. Stuck in a mineshaft with a sock covered in her own urine, things couldn't get much worse for poor Laura. Then Nick found her.

Join Chris for four short stories where the author has taken things in a different direction to which you might expect- to great effect.

(Subscribe HERE and get a bonus short story (not available on the regular podcast) as well as Long Story Short, the One More Short Story newsletter.)

A Becoming Man by Tommy Baker, narrated by Rhys Allen

Did you know that God has a moustache, sneaks into fancy hotels in Brisbane, and is actually called Joel? Listen to this- it'll clear things up for you.

Just For Laughs by E. M. Forest, narrated by Maverick Jones

For one young girl, a trip to the mall with her exhausted mother and unbelievably messy younger brother may as well be the end of the world.

Seven Tips For Better Birdwatching by Stacey George, narrated by Chris and Hannah Fulwell

Following the loss of his dear wife, May, Terry is determined to communicate with her one last time.

The Cheese Stands Alone, written and narrated by Suzanne Link

Cheese. Meat. Destined to fall in love on the charcuterie board. You'll never look at hors d'oeuvres the same way again.

Join Chris for three short stories where justice is served. Or denied. Or both.

(Subscribe HERE and get a bonus short story (not available on the regular podcast) as well as Long Story Short, the One More Short Story newsletter.)

This week's episode is themed around Crime and Punishment.

Gritty true crime. Cozy criminal investigations of the mysterious kind.

Puppets.

It’s all in there.

Bourbon and Maraschino Cherries, written and narrated by Annie Benham

August makes his living writing about the victims of con artists. He's pretty good at it, too. He strikes up conversation with the bartender at an event celebrating his success and things are looking up. Justice is served.

Raw Toast, written and narrated by Rozanne Strydom

You are about to experience the journal entries of Detective Longbottom, following one of her more perplexing and intoxicating cases. Just don't tell Marge.

That’s Puppet Town For Ya, written and narrated by Rev McLean

Crime. Conspiracy. Rain. Jazz. Puppets. PUPPETS. A summary won't do this recent contest-winning story justice. You need to experience it for yourself. Listen to it. Read it. Listen again. Embrace it.

Want more? Want in on the Writers' Room? Next week's episode is a Premium episode, featuring interviews with working authors on their writing processes and how they've used their Writing Battle experiences to develop their wider writing.

Subscribe HERE

Join Chris for three fantastic takes on the supernatural- we've got serious, we've got gentle, we've got broad comedy (very broad... and that's ok).

Something for everyone!

Sign up for free at Patreon for regular updates and a free bonus story that isn't available on the podcast- LINK HERE

The Stories

Holding The Line, written and narrated by Andrew Simpson

Malrec is a demon. Yes, an actual demon, who lives and dies through his parasitic relationship with Janet. Janet works in a call centre. It's hard to say which of the two of them has it worse.

Where Trees Once Dreamt of Walking, written and narrated by Michael Kaukeano

Humanity has been infected with a terrible blight, and children have been affected worst of all. Impossible decisions and life-changing consequences abound in this moving, powerful story.

The Sh*tting Curse by Maverick Jones, narrated by Ben O'Neill

Yes, it's really called that. And it's fantastic. Broad, visceral satire and very, very funny (if you have the stomach for it).

In this special episode, Chris is delighted to be joined by Max and Teona Bjork, the husband and wife team behind Writing Battle.

As well as finding out more about some exciting changes to Writing Battle in 2026, we have three stories in this unique episode, chosen by Max, Teona and Chris.

My Best Friend, Caitlin by Chris, read by Max

Caitlin is struggling. Her best friend sits outside her bedroom door, wagging his tail. He wants to help. A story about love, loyalty, and a cold, wet nose.

Between The Pages by Trey Dowell, read by Teona

Books are magic. To say more at this stage would give away their secrets...

Seussociety by Sam Dawe, read by Chris

In this Social Commentary story from 2024, the world turns to an unexpected hero to lead humanity out of the darkness.

Join Chris for four fantastic Sci Fi stories, and some exciting updates on the future of One More Short Story.

As ever, please do click the links below if you would like to see a story's content warnings.

Oopsie Daisy Evolution by Alexis Hunter, narrated by Chris

A lapse in concentration leads to significant consequences for Qel in his mission to (gently) support the development of life on Earth. To be fair, he was dancing at the time.

A Cat Pilgrim vs The Worlds by B. D., narrated by Annie Benham

In a world where humans no longer tread, cats are the dominant species. Morpheus, the cat pilgrim, explores the human-cat relationship in a way nobody could ever have imagined...

Skystern Union Telegram by Alyx Barter, narrated by Rhys Allen

Multiple telegrams have been recovered from Major Ursa's desk after a military conflict. Things... did not go well.

Guidewire by Nick Smith, narrated by Chris

Ethan works with his mum, who processes animals for consumption. The animals all have implants in their heads which completely remove pain, fear and suffering. It's better this way. Isn't it?

Join Chris for three funny stories from recent Writing Battle competitions:

• Captain Asteroid and the Ashes of Diplomacy by David Roe, narrated by Sam James-A slack space captain, a less-than-helpful robot named Betasub, a Shmorpian politician... this story nailed the 'Space Farce' genre. You'll never look at dust the same way again.

• A Saw Point by Chris, narrated by Taurenelle-A big, brash lumberjack with a big, noisy chainsaw meets a tree that is simply not in the mood.
• A Notice from the Bridgewater Homeowners Association* by Ashleigh Adams, narrated by Ashleigh Adams, Melanie York and Regan Westergard-HOAs. They get a lot of bad press. This story might explain why.

* I mistakenly said that this story was in the Wonder contest in 2025- it was, in fact, in the Heart contest. Sorry Ashleigh!

Join Chris for five unsettling, engaging stories- but maybe don't listen to this one just before you go to sleep...

The Red Car by Casey Moss, narrated by Ryan Paige

Buying a car off Craigslist is a risky business, but as for this car... well. Once you get behind the wheel, life is never the same.

A Hard Bargain by R. L. Lynn, narrated by Emily Lange

Jason thinks he's hit the jackpot, he just needs to pull the wool over a frail old lady's eyes and millions will surely be his...

The Glass Ceiling by Eilish Forwells, narrated by Maverick Jones

Just how far would you go to advance your career? What would you do? What would you not do?

Lest Ye Be Judged by Allison Hall, narrated by Chris

The girl is surely a witch, and must be judged accordingly. What could go wrong?

Pay The Rent, written and narrated by Sam James

You'll never look at renting in quite the same way again...