I have a 45 minute commute each way to work and StarShipSofa fills that void in an awesome way!

From walking the household pet to finishing those annoying chores like mowing the lawn, this is my escape. You would be leading your fantasies down a horrible path if you were to pass this opportunity up. Just saying.....

Awesome scifi shorts from around the world. Excellent stories and narrations.

I don’t know if the host is Scottish, mentally challenged, or has had a stroke, but bad audio quality and a mush mouth mumble make this one hard to listen to. It wouldn’t be so bad if every episode weren’t like 400 hours long. I’ve never experienced anything more tedious than sitting through a bunch of boring rambling and inane thoughts about material that often isn’t that interesting to begin with. Stay away from this one, it’s awful.

The sheer volume of great SF stories is staggering here. Science news and SF genre history segments too. What's not to like.

Although the main fiction is ok the host is often unintelligible and blithering. You will have to just forward to the reader. They need to get someone who can be understood to announce the author and reader. All of the giggling and garbled speech made me unsubscribe.

Tony c smith has done a fantastic job creating this podcast. the stories are great, narrated by some of the best narraters i have ever heard. the artwork is cool too! the fact articles always have me waiting for more! keep up the good work Tony! this podcast is fine and dandy!

Too good, these guys put so much work in to this.

So many great stories…really impressive---

David Brin's Crystal Spheres, both the Peter Watts' tales, and the Bruce Sterling's culturally divisive "We see things differently"…

So much good stuff…it should come with a time machine to be able to listen to it all---

I tune in for the stories. Fantastically done. Love the JJ Campanella pieces too. Simply the best.

I love this show. When I heard about it I looked it up and the very first episode featured one of my very favorite authors, Michael Moorcock. That was all it took. Many thanks to all at StarShipSofa and to all the wonderful authors and narrators who make this podcast possible.

This is by far my favorite podcast. There are many incredible science fiction authors whose works I first heard on Star Ship Sofa. The narrators are top notch - much better than certain competing science fiction podcasts I could name. I don't know how Tony manages to do it.

I don't use iTunes to listen to this, but I can't let it go unrecorded that I love Starship Sofa. It's a true audio magazine, and while I am not always riveted by every section, there is always something for me in any episode (issue?) I love the postive attitude that threads throughout and live in admiration of the people that make it happen as well as keep it up. I love the fact segments. There is a conversational depth to them that allows for a feeling of being introduced to new ideas by friends. The fiction is not always to my taste, but the quality is recognizable and unwavering. Thank you, Starship Sofa team for creating a one-of-a-kind phenomenon.

This podcast has been so fun to listen to for YEARS now. Tony has introduced me to new authors, and kept the conversation current and exciting about what good sci-fi (and classic scifi) can be. Thank you, and you should definitely listen if you like to hear S/F short stories. I personally enjoy it as I workout every day! And Tony's accent makes EVERY word a treat. :)

Tony is a gifted and gregarious host and has the ability to make a rapidly growing community of writers, listeners, artists and readers feel like family. The caliber of the stories, the narration, and the amazing fact articles just continues to astound me. Tony has surrounded himself with brilliant and talented people, and literally the show never disappoints.

I came across StarShipSofa from other, shorter, fiction podcasts and have to admit seeing 90 minute to over two hour shows was daunting. When I got into it though, it was the wonderful blend of things: fiction, facts, interviews and more that really makes this podcast stand out. Tony C. Smith as the host has a tone of utter excitement that is infectious with every article or story. The audio quality is fantastic. There have been some fiction shows where I have had to skip the story because the submitted narration quality was so poor. I’ve never had to do that with StarShipSofa.

Tony gathers an amazing range of stories, both old and new, that are always entertaining. The group of… columnists? who provide the various themes of fact articles are as good and entertaining as the stories themselves. Poetry, Science, History, Music, Movies and more.

This is a well thought out and fully fleshed out audio magazine and worth the time to listen.

Tony's love of what he does comes through in a big way. If you love science fiction then you will love listening to this podcast. There is a huge variety of content, not just fiction, but genre fact and amazing interviews.

This is a fantastic, Hugo-winning podcast. Tony C Smith is a good-natured dynamo and has really given us a quality product. He is extending the Sofa

into other genres and the first, Tales to Terrify, is terrific and I am eagerly awaiting the other two. Five stars just aren't enough.

Science Fiction's BEST stories, articles, and art!! Getchusummerdis SHOW!!!

There is no reason to miss out on story time even if you don't have time to read. Tony and company pick out great stories and narrate them for you and all you have to do is subscribe and enjoy!

The story selection is superb, and now with the upcoming District of Wonders, you get to choose from several genres including Horror in Tales to Terrify hosted by Larry Santoro, early 20th century pulp fiction in the upcoming Protect Project Pulp and crime fiction with the soon-to-start Crime City Central.

Whether you grew up on a healthy diet of fiction and have grown hungry over the years and want to get your fill again, or are a consistent consumer of current prose, Starship Sofa and its cohort will give you the tickle to your imagination you crave.

On my Stitcher App I have 20 shows, but this is the one I listen to religiously. Stories by the best authors, read by the most compelling narrators! By midweek I go back and listen to archives. And now, OMG! They're coming out with new shows - Crime City Central for crime fiction and Tales to Terrify for horror! Woohoo! I may never listen to reality ever again!

I love this show! Great stories, read by incredible narrators. Articles, news and insights, brought to you by people who love the genre, on a mission to promote excellence. Totally deserves the Hugo it won, and your weekly attention …!

Simply the best SF podcast out there, truly an audio magazine: fantastic fiction, brilliant fact articles, wonderful poetry. Something for everyone, with consistently excellent quality in terms of both content and narration. I never miss it.

Awesome show, great stories, informative segments. Plus Tony has such an enthusiasm for all things in genre fiction that you can't help but get excited. Always something new, subscribe and get in on the fun.

A great grand collection off interviews with the cream of fantasy and science fiction, as well as the occasional writing forum, story collection, and narrated fiction. It's the place to go to hear the likes of Cory Doctorow, Neil Gaiman and more discuss their work.

Many of us have an uncle or a friend who’s a SciFi fanatic... always has his or her finger on the pulse of the latest stories, the most intriguing (and sometimes obscure) news bits, and the inside scoop on events and goings-on. It’s great to have someone that connected and excited about SciFi in your life... and now EVERYONE can have that, thanks to StarShip Sofa.

What makes StarShip Sofa great is that it’s not JUST about great stories, but rather a celebration of the entire SciFi culture. At the core of the podcast is spectacular fiction read by skilled voice actors and narrators (I should know, I’m one of them). :-) But there’s always more... news items and interviews and special features that really expand your listening experience, feeding that hunger and curiosity that all SciFi fans have. Highly recommended!

I bumped into the StarShip by accident. For decades I'd been a writer of dark fantasy and horror, then I had an email from Tony C. Smith, the owner/producer/host of this thing, this podcast -- and what's a podcast I asked -- and he said… Well it doesn't matter what he said, I submitted my adaptation of a Gene Wolfe story I'd adapted for audio a few years before and, wonder of wonders, I found the StarShip, found PODCASTING ("Like radio but better!"). And I re-became a fan of the genre I'd more or less abandoned decades before.

The StarShip is simply the best, most professionally done and friendliest show of its kind in the multiverse.

Stop by, say hello, get involved…read, listen, write, communicate… Fly!

I started listening to this venerable podcast at episode 6 and never stopped. It's my favorite podcast. The stories, news and commentary from the world of science and science fiction are uniformly excellent, but what ties it together and makes it perfect is the folksy charm of the host, Tony C. Smith. He is the genuine article and that's why I never miss an episode.

StarShipSofa is a great podcast for any science fiction fan. If you enjoy printed magazines like Asimov's, Analog or F&SF, this is a must -- the great stories are only the start. You can always count on great fact articles, genre history articles, interviews with authors and much much more! When you can't spare the time to sit and read -- and even if you can -- you'll enjoy this podcast!!

What they said. Thanks Tony and crew

This show is big. It has a little, really a lot, for everyone who loves sci-fi. With a true magazine format, you get to hear one or two stories and a rotating set of articles on all topics science and speculative fiction, from poetry to history, book reviews and science news. Great stuff.

What an amazing podcast! Continually growing and changing, presenting challenging, informative and downright entertaining content, on a consistent basis. Tony's genuine enthusiasm and self-deprecating humor, combined with his excellent editorial skills, have created one of my top 5 favorite podcasts. The stories and fact articles (Amy Sturgis rocks and I love the new soundtrack feature) are second-to-none: thanks, Tony and crew!

I've been listening to StarShipSofa for years and it's been consistently superb!

It is a modern Lawrence Welk Show...for Sci-Fi. The show has everything, great stories, science fact articles, book and movie reviews and a magnetic host. The length, anywhere for 1 to 2 hours is perfect for those of us who are chained to computers for work reasons. Oh yeah, an important factor that puts it well head of most story podcasts, top-notch narration!

Fantastic 'magazine' format, outstanding contributors (Amy H. Sturgis!)

Ground-breaking Hugo winner!

I got completely caught up in Tony's presentation style and love of this show from the start. Sorry its taken me so long to write a review.

"Tales toTerrify" should be another winner

I started listening to this podcast a few months ago by starting from podcast number one. I hardly have time for TV anymore! I just started adding to my computer time so I could start following the links and things referenced in the podcast. Watch Out or should I say Listen Out as this could become a serious addiction. Thanks Tony for getting me back into SciFic once again.

I love the podcast. The stories are excellent and Tony comes across as someone who really enjoys producing the show. To steal the qoute, "May your podcast Live Long and Prosper, Baby!"

StarShipSofa is my favorite science fiction podcast! Tony C. Smith and crew provide stories, reviews and science fiction news as well as providing an excellent discussion forum online. A testament to the quality of this podcast is that it is a Hugo nominee this year for best fanzine! Join us for a very entertaining voyage on the Sofa!

What some people call lengthy, I call meaty. This magazine style podcast has great speculative fiction of all styles, ages and lengths (including flash) by some of sci-fi's most revered authors as well as today's hottest talent. In addition to the narrated stories, there are a plethora of fact articles from genre fiction, true science, cinema and the like.

The host Tony C. Smith links this all with a style that shows his genuine passion for speculative fiction, and lets his personality shine through. I cannot recommend this podcast enough. It has brought me back to sci-fi in a big way. Listen now!

This is a long-form podcast that provides the audio equivalent of the SF trade magazines. You usually get a couple stories, some fact articles, and an editorial. Often some kicking cover art as well.

China Miéville called it "invaluable." It was nominated for a Hugo.

If that means nothing to you, it should. Give it a shot.

This podcast might just be my favorite source of entertainment.

and i love Tony's narration.

Tony puts together one of the best Si-Fi Podcasts anywhere. Sit back and enjoy some of the most first rate stories and productions you're likely to find on the net. Give it a try, you'll be glad you did!

Great show, keep it up! Tony has the perfect voice for this content and he has a passion for sci-fi. He's exposed me to dusty little corners of the genre that I'd never encountered before.

What a great podcast. Tony really sweeps you in with his irrepressible enthusiasm and he's doing yeoman's work trying to format a podzine out of the podcast. He's going after all the features of many magazines (some fan responses, some factual articles, some reviews, poetry, art and, of course, the meaty fiction). There is some great fiction on here and great readers--not all, but narration is a delicate art, and is a fragile blend of acting, story-telling and straightforward reading.

This is a winner and I look forward to every new episode! Cheers!

I am a middle-aged sci-fi writer wannabe and I am a woman. I really appreciate that this show features a lot of good sci-fi. I often get the feeling that in order to enjoy sci-fi, I am supposed to be a teenage boy. That boy grew up and probably died many years ago, I imagine. Now there are the rest of us who want good fiction in the realm of possibilities. Starship Sofa is a great place to visit for good variety.

StarShipSofa is like attending a science fiction convention every week and sitting down with some fellow fans in the hotel bar and just talking about science fiction. Tony has done a bang-up job putting together the podcast solo, but I miss the back-and-forth with Ciaran; part of the charm of StarShipSofa was the conversational quality. This is still a first class podcast though, especially with the addition of the fiction. Keep it up, Tony!

Tony's podcast is now featuring A. E. Van Vogt for two episodes. This is a don't miss overview of the work of the all-time greatest sci-fi writer and the best visonary for the world of null-A of Korzybski. But Van Vogt didn't stop there. If you haven't read him yet and can find copies of his books you will be in for a real treat.He is also one of the few sci-fi authors that gets the women characters right.

I had to get some of the volumes on interlibrary loan and the copies came from Fort Huachuca -- maybe the US Army uses them to train for war games?? A pity that the publishers don't make these gems more accessible.

I've listened to about 15 shows so far. I subscribed to this mainly for the stories, which range from okay to excellent, but which are all read very well. Being only moderately interested in science fiction itself (I seek good stories of any type), I didn't think I'd have much interest in the commentary shows, beyond a select few. But I was wrong about that. The descriptions of the authors' works are so intriguing that I feel compelled to go buy them - and add to my already enormous stack of books waiting to be read - thanks a lot guys!

While Tony can get a bit chatty, he's so endearing you don't really mind it. My favorite time was when he opened a show and began to tell us about the thought-provoking introduction he had been working on. I won't spoil it by telling you what he said, but it was hilarious.

I wish they would fix their website link so I could download past stories. Better yet, leave them available on iTunes. I will probably get around to paying for the package of past commentary shows; it's quite a deal.

This is the only show out there that comes out every week and deals with both classic and new literary science fiction. That's why I pounced on it well over a year ago when I first learned of it. Each time a new show comes out it goes straight to the top of my playlist. Tony is like an old friend at the bar who's read more science fiction than anyone else you know (except Ciaran). The Wednesday fiction magazine is fantastic! Big name authors, yes, but more importantly, great stories. Give it a listen and if you like literary science fiction, you'll be hooked.

In the fast paced age of now, it's hard to find time to sit in front of the television or computer for more than an hour of enjoyment. That's why podcasts such as StarShipSofa are pertinent and wonderful. I love listening to StarShipSofa as I get ready in the morning, brushing my teeth, shaving. And "Blasting Off" with science fiction news and reviews and stories goes great over a bowl a cereal.

The podcast was great until Ciaran O'Carroll left. He was the real sci-fi buff and while the conversations always meandered between the two of them, it wasn't just one person randomly talking about whatever he thought of. Additionally, Tony tends to talk about his personal life for upwards of five minutes at the beginning of the show until enough people complain. I hope Tony gets someone else to come on the show.

The reason I give this four stars now is because it has started including some stellar short stories. The podcast now comes out twice a week, with a story on Wednesday and the usual show on Saturday. Recently (winter 2008), all five of the nominations for best short story for the BSFA were featured.

I can't say enough good things about this podcast. Tony and Ciaran inject humor and insight into their fascinating explorations of science fiction authors, themes, and works. There are many podcasts focusing on the latest genre works, but StarShipSofa offers a much-needed look at the classics and how they contributed to and shaped the tradition. This show is fun brain food that always leaves me with ideas for new reading and viewing, as well as a greater appreciation for why I love science fiction. Keep up the terrific work, guys!

Tony and Ciaran are two very entertaining lads. They bring their very own form of wit and criticism to the world of SF. Ranging from the original SF masters to modern heroes of the genre, they offer a unique brand of off beat insight on every subject they choose. Sign up and enjoy the ride fellow sofanauts.

If you looked in the dictionary for Fringe Science Fiction Discussion Comedy Infotainment Podcast, you'd see the faces of Tony C. Smith and Ciaran O'Carroll. Their absolutely unique brand of verve and humour breathes a breath of fresh air into podcasts and has certainly reinvigorated my love of science fictioin. Lay off the Zoloft and give yourselves 2 CCs of StarShipSofa and have a nice day.

I don't want to sound like all the other reviewers, but this really is a stellar podcast. I love hearing all about the authors I know and love, the ones I don't like so much, and ones I've yet to discover. These guys do their research and provide loads of information, but it's done in such an easy-going way, it feels more like an evening with friends around the sofa. I love these guys. Through them, I've rediscovered old favorites and stacked my bookshelves (from second-hand shops!) with old and new authors I'd not discovered. Thanks Tony and Ciaran!

I'd even recommend this podcast to those who have not delved into the science fiction/speculative fiction genres. It's that contagious...

Talk about science fiction fans!!! They had me at HEINLEIN. If you don't listen to them, then you don't love science fiction.

This podcast delves into the depths of Golden Age SF, bringing forth works and authors that you'll definitely want to add to your Wish List. And these guys have sexier voices than Dave Riley.

Each of these shows is a gem. Tony and Ciaran are great friends and lifelong SciFi fans. They have these fascinating discussions mostly about writers, but also movies and other SciFi topics. Full of all kinds of detail, these discussions are interwoven with a dash of historical context, personal observations, a charming humor, and a little irreverence. All totally enjoyable. Try one. You’ll be hooked and have to hear them all. (For me, I think their accents are the best part.) I hope these guys live long and prosper.

From the first episode, I've enjoyed learning about SF authors and the opinions of same from Tony and Ciaran. Their accents are fun to listen to, especially since I'm such a fan of Brit TV. Once I got hooked I just had to go back and download all the episodes. They are wonderfully re-listen-able (and I don't care if that's a word, you know what I mean) and fun - look up your favorite author's name, or someone you've always been curious about, and start there!

a fun show every week. Pick an author you like, listen to them talk about him and then listen to the others to find out about great books and authors you should read.

Imagine sitting around the pub talking about your favorite science fiction books and authors with your mates. That is what this pod cast is. A rambling conversation that takes you back in time to when the books were written and what may have influenced the stories of your favorite authors. This is the best science fiction pod cast I have heard !!

Lads, Top Marks!

Finaly a podcast that is worth the adiction it causes.

Most podcasts in my iPod are to make my commute go faster... jokes, TV show synopsys, Kirmode rants... again mostly to pass the time and entertain. Star Ship Sofa mades me pay regular visits to my local library.

You both opened my eyes to a world my TV/Film lazyness kept me blissfully ignorant of.

Thank you both,

This is a friendly and inviting podcast about science fiction. Tony and Ciaran ask you to come in and enjoy a conversation between friends. They concentrate on a single topic each week and they do it thoroughly. Each show is well researched and a delight to listen to. Tony's and Ciaran's accents may seem a bit thick to some people, but to me (born and raised in the central valley of California) these guys speak English the way it was meant to be spoken. And best of all, they are having fun and inviting us to join in! Delightful.

Like sitting on the couch with 2 friends who have read all the classic science fiction. Plenty of content, they bring backpacks full of notes to each podcast and give quite interesting bios of the authors including listing the current events that occurred during pivotal points during the author's career. Like all good home grown podcasts the two hosts have a lot of charm. This is a labor of love that they are sharing with the world.

Wonderfully entertaining and informative, I've been devouring these the last few weeks and hope it never ends.

Kirian and Tony bring deep knowledge and background to the sci fi greats, both old and new. The lads mix history, biography, summary, opinion, and wit into their show that introduces the listener to sci fi giants.

Go boldly to the edges of the known universe and way beyond with the hilarious,knowledgable and enthusiastic SSS team. You'll learn so much about scifi, and along the way you'll be treated to that rare thing - warm, funny and genuinely passionate enthusiasm for life, the universe and everything. Don't deprive yourself of this treat!

I was put off when I saw the lengths of the shows, but was too interested not to give it at try. I picked a couple of my favorite authors and listened... and then I downloaded them all! The program is a Delphic oracle of information. Highly recommended.

I am a new listener to STARSHIPSOFA, and I must say that I am hooked. I heard Paul from DWO Whocast comment about the Douglas Adams episodes and I had to check them out. I look forward to catching up on all the old episodes, as well as keeping up with the new ones. This is a great podcast for finding some authors you may have heard of, but never got around to reading.

I simply love this show! I got hooked with their 2-part look at Douglas Adams which was fantastic. While they present the material in a very conversational and informal manner their love and respect for the craft of science fiction is always apparent. Definitely worth subscribing to.

To each episode of Starship Sofa, Tony C. Smith and Ciaran O'Carroll bring their funky North England accents and a very relaxed, not to say rambling, conversational style. They also bring loads of information about the great science fiction works, whether it be novels, short stories, radio plays, or films. Their youth may have been misspent on the consumption of massive amounts of sci-fi, but the result is a witty, never-too-long podcast that will certainly be time well spent for any sci fi fan. Memorable topics include bad boys such as L. Ron Hubbard and Harlan Ellison, the impressive nutjob Philip K. Dick, as well as thoughtful, influential types from futurism's distant past such as Cordwainer Smith.

A terrific podcast if you love science fiction books and authors. I look forward each week to more insight into some of my favorite authors!!!

These guys have come up with the most entertaining and informative podcast (presumably from their sofa). They take an author and two of that authors books (but not that authors most famous works), they setup the period by briefly discussing movies or historical events that occured at the time the book was released, and they discuss the plots of the books, the authors life, and some of the authors philosophies. They are not discussing the usual run-of-the-mill science fiction authors either, but real masters of the genre, the authors that helped to shape and form what science fiction is today. A perfect podcast.