The Program audio series
A sci-fi anthology set in a future in which Money, State, and God became fused into a single entity called the Program. Each episode is a self-contained story focusing on ordinary people inhabiting this extraordinary world. Best rated episodes include "How to keep device drivers from crashing" (comedy), "Planned obsolescence" (drama), "White Algorithm's burden" (true crime), and "All unsaved progress will be lost" (alternate history). New stories take time but are coming out regularly. Become a supporter at www.patreon.com/programaudioseries to listen ad-free and get bonus episodes. Visit www.programaudioseries.com for more goodies. Get bonus content on...
Bonus · Wed, March 26, 2025
Random number generator [FREE bonus episode]
Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE to listen to this episode. You'll also get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners at no cost. You can upgrade to a paid membership at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, December 18, 2024
Free trial period (3rd instalment)
Nine strangers are taken hostage. Some will be exchanged in a prisoner swap. Others will be sacrificed. They need to decide who will be who. This is the third out of three instalments. Listen to the full episode ad-free by supporting the show on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries Visit programaudioseries.com/35-free-trial-period-I II for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, December 11, 2024
Free trial period (2nd instalment)
Nine strangers are taken hostage. Some will be exchanged in a prisoner swap. Others will be sacrificed. They need to decide who will be who. This is the second out of three instalments. Listen to the full episode ad-free by supporting the show on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries Visit programaudioseries.com/35-free-trial-period-II for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, December 04, 2024
Free trial period (1st instalment)
Nine strangers are taken hostage. Some will be exchanged in a prisoner swap. Others will be sacrificed. They need to decide who will be who. This is the first out of three instalments. Listen to the full episode ad-free by supporting the show on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries Visit programaudioseries.com/35-free-trial-period-I for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trailer · Wed, November 13, 2024
The Program's 5th anniversary listener survey
Fill out the audience survey and help shape the future of The Program audio series! Three random responders will win a limited edition Program t-shirt. SURVEY LINK: https://programaudioseries.com/survey/ The survey will be open for 10 days only, so hurry! Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, October 30, 2024
Stories of Denial, Despair, and Devotion
A collection of didactic micro stories from the far future. Presented with Decoders' commentary. Visit programaudioseries.com/34-stories-of-denial-despair-and-devotion for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trailer · Fri, August 09, 2024
Software end of life INTRO
The question in the past was whether you believed in God. The question now is whether God believes in you. This is an intro to the bonus episode made for Program supporters. Become a supporter yourself at patreon.com/programaudioseries and listen to this and all the other bonus episodes for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, May 29, 2024
All unsaved progress will be lost
When a beloved System Administrator suddenly disappears, a poor stonemason embarks on a lifelong quest to preserve her memory. Visit programaudioseries.com/32-all-unsaved-progress-will-be-lost/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, January 24, 2024
Not safe for work
The good news is that God exists. The bad news is that He's a libertarian. Visit programaudioseries.com/31-not-safe-for-work/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bonus · Thu, December 21, 2023
Holiday gift from The Program [12 days only]
Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries Or subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts if you're holding an iPhone More ways to support the show at https://programaudioseries.com/support Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bonus · Wed, December 06, 2023
The Program Shows of Accolade: Modes of Thought in Anterran Literature, Wireland Ranch & Gospels of the Flood
Sample three other fiction podcasts recommended by the Program. Search them by their title in your podcasting app afterwards, or check out their websites: Modes of Thought in Anterran Literature Wireland Ranch Gospels of the Flood Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, November 08, 2023
You don't have sufficient privileges to make changes
Superman exists... And he's been through Guantanamo. Visit programaudioseries.com/30-you-dont-have-sufficient-privileges-to-make-changes/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, September 20, 2023
Infinite loop
Ambitious amusement park engineers take up the ultimate challenge - to assemble a roller coaster ride lasting for 5 days. Visit programaudioseries.com/29-infinite-loop/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. The Program salutes withoutrealtor.com for sponsoring this episode. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trailer · Tue, August 29, 2023
A quick update on upcoming episodes
An update on when can you expect the next two episodes of The Program... And a taste of all the bonus content available to show supporters! Should you decide to financially support us, either visit the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries or simply subscribe on Apple Podcasts in case you're listening to this on an iPhone. Additional ways to support the show at https://programaudioseries.com/support/ Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, May 24, 2023
Memory leak
A woman who never met her father is invited to meet a simulation of him - discovering he’s not the dream dad she envisioned. Visit programaudioseries.com/28-memory-leak for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, March 22, 2023
In the blink of A.I.
Life is universe experiencing itself. Visit https://programaudioseries.com/27-in-the-blink-of-AI for full transcript, credits, and list of references. This episode has been sponsored by Matterless . Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, January 25, 2023
How to keep device drivers from crashing
A group of unsuspecting bus travellers find out what happens under the hood during a stop error. Visit programaudioseries.com/26-how-to-keep-device-drivers-from-crashing for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, November 23, 2022
Planned obsolescence
Facing an imminent calamity, an elderly Indigenous man shares his memories with an AI of a child. Visit programaudioseries.com/25-planned-obsolescence/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, October 26, 2022
Discreet optimization
In a society in which every move is tracked, an elderly couple is recording a message for their daughter who disappeared without a trace. Visit programaudioseries.com/24-discreet-optimization for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Find Peak Salvation at peaksalvation.com Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bonus · Wed, July 27, 2022
Prisoners of their own devices
First the emails started disappearing... Visit programaudioseries.com/bonus-prisoners-of-their-own-devices/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Make a donation to keep the show running at programaudioseries.com/support/ or buy some merch at store.programaudioseries.com Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, April 20, 2022
Overclocking
A group of characters in a disintegrating simulation embark on a journey to the literal end of the world. Visit programaudioseries.com/23-overclocking/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, February 02, 2022
Jakob’s notebook: Antivirus solutions for home and business
Humans are not alone in the universe - they’re just really unpleasant to be around. Visit programaudioseries.com/22-JN-Antivirus-solutions-for-home-and-business for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, November 03, 2021
Homepage not found
Building fusion reactors and interplanetary spaceships is easy. What's hard is getting a permit from the local Planning and Housing Committee. Visit programaudioseries.com/21-homepage-not-found/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Take the quiz after listening to the episode at programaudioseries.com/quiz Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, September 08, 2021
Cheat code
An online dating company invents the ultimate compatibility algorithm. One thousand years later there’s still a debate if it was a good idea. Visit programaudioseries.com/20-cheat-code/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Still hungry? Check out Midnight Burger for another tasty fiction podcast! Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, August 11, 2021
Abandonware
In a world in which science is fostered by benevolent spirits, a scientist begins to question the existence of spirits, their benevolence, and the world. Visit programaudioseries.com/19-abandonware for full transcript, credits, and list of references. The Program salutes Shock Clock for sponsoring this episode! Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, March 24, 2021
Killer app
A police statement of [REDACTED] social media moderator after committing a crime witnessed by 1.8 billion people. Visit programaudioseries.com/18-killer-app for full transcript, credits, and list of references. The Program salutes BeeLine Reader for sponsoring this episode! Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, February 17, 2021
Create, Read, Update, Delete
A computer programmer hacks his way into a parallel simulation, allowing him to conduct the ultimate A/B test. Visit programaudioseries.com/17-create-read-update-delete/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. The Program salutes Atlas Authority for sponsoring this episode! Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, November 18, 2020
Force eject
When the most intelligent AI in existence starts building an even more intelligent AI, people need to decide whether to trust it or turn it off. Visit programaudioseries.com/16-force-eject/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, October 07, 2020
What you see is what you get
A boy and a girl come across a laptop that calculates the optimal life path… And realize they need to leave each other to make it happen. Visit programaudioseries.com/15-what-you-see-is-what-you-get/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, September 02, 2020
More parrot than predator
Some people believe God created Himself. Others are of the opinion He was created by a junior dev and a mid-level manager. Visit programaudioseries.com/14-more-parrot-than-predator/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, August 05, 2020
This AI not to be used to fabricate paperclips
A sport betting startup creates the world's first sentient AI referee and all bets are off. Visit programaudioseries.com/13-this-AI-not-to-be-used-to-fabricate-paperclips/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, July 01, 2020
Jakob's notebook: Quit without saving
You never forget your first alien invasion. Short story found with three different endings. Visit programaudioseries.com/12-JN-quit-without-saving/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Bonus content includes two alternative endings to this episode. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, June 03, 2020
Motherboard
We thought HAL 9000 would take us to the stars. Instead we employed it as a babysitter. Visit programaudioseries.com/11-motherboard/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the shows's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, April 01, 2020
My Turing-complete life
What would you do if you encountered a startup that literally sells you the future? Visit programaudioseries.com/10-my-turing-complete-life/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, March 04, 2020
Right align, justify
A therapist is tasked with the most consequential gig of her life – to treat her fiancé's killer. Featuring the story of two pills. Visit programaudioseries.com/9-right-align-justify/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, February 05, 2020
Parent-child processing
An exploration of a relationship between a daughter and a father… After the fact he’s been paid to play the part of her dad for 15 years came to light. Visit programaudioseries.com/8-parent-child-processing/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, January 01, 2020
Move past and break things
A man discovers a way to message himself in the past, threatening his entire future. Visit programaudioseries.com/7-move-past-and-break-things/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bonus · Mon, December 16, 2019
Sombrero blanco, sombrero negro
A bonus episode expanding the story from episode 6 - if you haven't, please listen to White hat, black hat first. Visit programaudioseries.com/bonus-sombrero-blanco-sombrero-negro/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Thank you for supporting The Program! Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Sun, December 15, 2019
White hat, black hat
A story of a war criminal who chooses the losing side and thrives and a war hero who joins the winners but doesn’t find victory. Visit programaudioseries.com/6-white-hat-black-hat/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Bonus content includes a side story connected to this episode. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, December 04, 2019
White Algorithm's burden - part III
Your son is a pedophile who never acted on his impulses. What do you do when children in the neighbourhood suddenly start going missing? Part 3 of 3. Visit programaudioseries.com/5-white-algorithms-burden-part-III/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, December 04, 2019
White Algorithm's burden - part II
Your son is a pedophile who never acted on his impulses. What do you do when children in the neighbourhood suddenly start going missing? Part 2 of 3. Visit programaudioseries.com/4-white-algorithms-burden-part-II/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Wed, December 04, 2019
White Algorithm's burden - part I
Your son is a pedophile who never acted on his impulses. What do you do when children in the neighbourhood suddenly start going missing? Part 1 of 3. Visit programaudioseries.com/3-white-algorithms-burden-part-I/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fri, November 15, 2019
Four ways to stop your system from freezing
Imagine you could get sentenced to death through downvoting. Listen to a survivor tell her harrowing story. Visit https://programaudioseries.com/2-four-ways-to-stop-your-system-from-freezing/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fri, November 15, 2019
You had me at "Hello World"
Set during the biggest revolution in history, the opening episode recounts a much more important story: that of a summer love lost. Visit programaudioseries.com/1-you-had-me-at-hello-world/ for full transcript, credits, and list of references. Join the show's Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries FOR FREE and get monthly updates, quizzes, and access to a community of fellow Program listeners. Upgrade at any time to get bonus episodes and ad-free listening for as little as $3/mo. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trailer · Mon, November 11, 2019
The Program comes for us all
Trailer for the series. Click here if you don’t know where to start. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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