A desperate Contact Man races to secure a planetary trade contract, only to discover a world ruled entirely by astrology and fear. When a disastrous landing sends him spiraling into the underworld of Mert, he must outwit fate itself to survive — and change the future. Conquest Over Time by Michael Shaara. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.

Before earning the Pulitzer Prize for The Killer Angels, Michael Shaara spent years crafting science fiction rich with energy, sharp humor, and boundless imagination. His sci-fi debut, Orphans of the Void, appeared in 1952 and has already been featured on the podcast. Four years later, in 1956, he returned with today’s tale. So open your 69-year-old issue of Fantastic Universe, November 1956, turn to page 80, and enjoy Conquest Over Time by Michael Shaara…

Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Caught in the fog-choked wilds of Venus, Castle stumbles into a mystery far stranger than the hostile “natives” stalking him through the gloom. His only chance at survival lies in unraveling who — or what — really claims this harsh alien world. First Landing by Roger D. Aycock.

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A routine survey of an unremarkable planet spirals into dread as two explorers discover a network of perfectly round holes that seem to defy nature, physics, and common sense. What begins as scientific curiosity soon becomes a race to understand what’s growing beneath the sand—and why the holes are widening. The Holes by Michael Shaara. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.

This has been an absolutely incredible week. Just days ago we became the #1 science fiction podcast in Finland—then Denmark—and at the same time we returned to #1 in Kenya. The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast has now reached the #1 spot in 32 countries, something we never even imagined when we started this journey.

We’ve also crossed roughly 1,000 ratings and reviews across all platforms, with an amazing 4.9 out of 5 average. You made that happen. Your ratings, your reviews, and every time you share the show have pushed us to the top in Finland, Denmark, Kenya, and 29 other countries.

Wherever you live and however you listen, thank you for helping us achieve something extraordinary. Our promise is simple—we’ll honor your support by continuing to bring you the very best in vintage science fiction. The mission is the same as it was when we began, I will narrate vintage sci-fi and share these amazing stories with you for the rest of my life.

Every once in a while, I start narrating a story and enjoy it so much that I have to stop, step out of the booth, and search for more by the same author. It happened again today while recording today’s tale. So there’s another story by Michael Shaara in our next episode.

What begins as a routine planetary survey turns strange when two explorers encounter perfectly round shafts that plunge into impossible depths. Their instruments fail, their assumptions crumble, and the truth they uncover is something neither of them could prepare for.

Crack open the June 1954 edition of Fantastic and turn to page 116, The Holes by Michael Shaara…

Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A desperate Contact Man races to secure a planetary trade contract, only to discover a world ruled entirely by astrology and fear. When a disastrous landing sends him spiraling into the underworld of Mert, he must outwit fate itself to survive — and change the future. Conquest Over Time by Michael Shaara.

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A desperate treasure hunt on the frozen surface of Mars turns explosive when three men uncover the legendary weapons of a vanished civilization. But the greatest danger is not what the Martians left behind — it’s the ambition boiling inside the humans who find it. The Last Weapon by Robert Sheckley. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.

You’ve done it again! Thanks to your incredible support, we’re officially the #1 Science Fiction Podcast in Finland. That makes 32 countries where we have hit #1 thanks to you!

This milestone is far more than a ranking. It reflects a passionate community that continues to embrace classic sci-fi, rediscover forgotten treasures, and celebrate the authors who shaped the genre. Every listen, share, and review helps our podcast reach new audiences, keep these timeless stories alive, and shine a light on the legends of yesterday for listeners today. Thank you.

There was a time when I had never even heard the name Robert Sheckley — until our friend Jesse urged us to explore his work. Since then, Sheckley has become one of my absolute favorite authors.

Our previous story, The Nine Billion Names of God by Arthur C. Clarke, first appeared in Star Science Fiction Stories in February 1953. While researching that story, we discovered this one as well — published in the very same volume — and we knew we had to share it with you.

Turn to page 155, The Last Weapon by Robert Sheckley…

Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, A routine survey of an unremarkable planet spirals into dread as two explorers discover a network of perfectly round holes that seem to defy nature, physics, and common sense. What begins as scientific curiosity soon becomes a race to understand what’s growing beneath the sand—and why the holes are widening. The Holes by Michael Shaara.

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