Award-winning actor LeVar Burton has released a short-story podcast, “LeVar Burton Reads,” as part of the growing Stitcher lineup of original audio programming.
In the weekly podcast, Burton, best known for his work as host of the hit PBS children’s show “Reading Rainbow” and his starring roles in the movies “ROOTS” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” hand-picks a different short story to read in his beloved style. Through the series, Burton takes listeners on immersive audio journeys, covering a variety of literary genres.
“Literature is my passion, and I can’t wait to share my favorite new stories with our listeners,” said Burton. “Reading is as critical to adults as it is to children, and I think this show will help listeners remember to take time out of our busy schedules to slow down and take in a good story.”
In the first episode, Burton reads Bruce McAllister’s “Kin,” a classic sci-fi story about a young boy who contacts an alien assassin in the hopes of saving his sister’s life. Later episodes feature “The Lighthouse Keeper” by Daisy Johnson and “Empty Places” parts 1 and 2 by Richard Parks.
“When it comes to storytelling, the first name millions of Americans think of is LeVar Burton,” said Chris Bannon, chief content officer for Midroll and its Stitcher and Earwolf brands. “‘LeVar Burton Reads’ connects a truly beloved performer with the fans he’s acquired over an amazing career in a whole new medium — audio. It’s the perfect new platform to showcase his talents.”
The first episode of “LeVar Burton Reads” is available today in Stitcher and other podcast listening platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Soundcloud. Future episodes will be released on Stitcher Premium one week before they are available elsewhere.
