LeVar Burton Reads

16,032

The best short fiction, handpicked by the best voice in podcasting and presented in 3D immersive audio. In every episode, host LeVar Burton (Roots, Reading Rainbow, Star Trek) invites you to take a break from your daily life, and dive into a great story. LeVar’s narration blends with gorgeous soundscapes to bring stories by Stephen King, Toni Morrison, Nnedi Okorafor, Kurt Vonnegut, Ken Liu and more to life. So, if you’re ready, let’s take a deep breath...Our immersive audio is best with headphones! If you'd prefer to listen without immersive audio, visit levarburtonpodcast.com/mono.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • AGibbons69
    Amazing!
    Brings me back to the good old days of reading rainbow. Amazing podcast!!! Shared it to all of the socials <3
  • Diamondlil288
    All will be well
    There just is absolutely nothing better than listening to Levar Burton read stories. The most all-will-be-well-and-all-will-be-well-and-all-manner-of-thing-will-be-well feeling one can hope for in this crazy world, and the pinnacle of technology, as far as I’m concerned.
  • Susan Trishel Monson
    Butterfly in the sky…
    This entire series, especially the last episode and the news of receiving The National Humanités Medal is a stellar gift that will live on forever, thank you. Yes, @itswelwheaton I too am not crying… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Ty Trull
    Formative nostalgia
    Reading has been the bedrock of my inner life as long as I can remember, especially from shows like reading rainbow. What An amazing extension of that to stumble on as an adult, to explore new stories again.
  • Nessiebv
    Use to be obsessed with this podcast
    I know everyone is entitled to their opinion but after listening to the episode that aired 11/23/23 Where Levar discusses Donald Trump ruined this podcast for me. I’ll no longer be listening. If you like the way things have been run politically for the last 3+ years then I can no longer listen to anything you read/recommend. Keeping your political thoughts to yourself might be best for your show or maybe you just don’t want/like Donald Trump supports listening. ✌🏽
  • My-MysMommy
    Love it
    Great podcast. His soothing & nostalgia-inducing voice enhances each short story he reads to the listener. Then the way he quickly breaks it down at the end to discuss the deeper meaning or the reason he likes it is just comforting somehow. Absolutely love this podcast!
  • Kgdee
    Bittersweet…
    I just found out about this podcast from listening to your interview with Audie Cornish on her podcast, but wait…WHAT??!! This is the last episode of your last season…ugh. Well, the good news is you left a nice long catalog. And I’ll look forward to you next permutation. Love and Peace my brother. PS Loved the interview…so positive!
  • SlothsSwimWeirdHuh?
    Feels like family
    I still hold a grudge that a host from one show never said my name in her mirror, but Reading Rainbow never let me down! This is like comfort food, a family reunion, when your pop pop reads to you and you feel safe and warm.
  • Yetlie
    What a gift!
    Thank you, LeVar Burton, for this precious gift! 🥰
  • Trying to succeed
    My Favorite Anti-Stress Tool
    The stories are intriguing and Levar Burton’s voice pulls me into them. I can just zone out and relax. It resets my mind and takes away my stress.
  • Loved teaching
    I recommend it to all my friends
    Although I’m retired, I used to show this program every single day after lunch to my first grade children. They absolutely learned so much. It was such a calming show. It breaks my heart that in the state of Florida some of the books have been banned. I love, knowing that some of the old reading shows are now on PBS retro.
  • meninoebom
    Levar has done it again
    This show is not just a lovingly curated collection of stories read by a skilled and inspired actor. It is a meditation, an exploration on the story of life and the life of stories. If I could only listen to one podcast, this would be it.
  • KayBoogieFresh
    You Don’t Have to Take My Word For It… (But you should)
    This podcast got me through so. Many. HARD. Times. Reading Rainbow used to be my favorite show growing up & because of Levar Burton I not only love to read I also love Star Trek🖖🏾. When I happened across this podcast on a rough day seeking to turn my brain off for a while & focus on something outside myself I cried the first time I did the deep breath with Levar at the beginning. This podcast has continued to provide a mental & spiritual cleansing regularly that I did not expect from listening to a plethora of short stories about different people, cultures, topics, & environments. I often go back to my favorite stories & recommend this podcast to family & friends by telling them “It’s like Reading Rainbow for adults, except better, and I didn’t think that was possible.” Thank you so much Uncle Levar for not only sharing these stories that you love, and I’ve come to love too, but for the lifelong impact you’ve had on me & my children’s lives.
  • DanDMan73
    Best Story Telling Podcast
    Levar is a master storyteller, but what is more, his genuine passion for these stories. He loves doing it and it shows which makes the experience all the more better. I'm saddened that this ended a few months back, but I want to thank Levar for sharing his gift of storytelling with us. My gratitude. I loved them all. Dan
  • CMJ682
    Love you!
    I will miss you and this podcast. I hope we will see and/or hear you doing other projects. Thank you!!!!
  • mistyseventytwo
    Just found this!!
    Just found this podcast like several others on here and so sad to find out it ended in May 2024! Please, Mr. Burton, come back to us!!
  • kimme A
    Listen too late
    I just found this podcast yesterday! I am so sad that this ended! I hope LeVar Burton continues to do more readings and podcasts!
  • LadyAramis
    Brilliant Podcast
    I happened to come across this podcast recently, and I am so very grateful I did. I am home on maternity leave, and I’m glad I have found something to keep my mind engaged while tending a newborn and house that isn’t mindless television or phone scrolling. The stories are thought provoking and well written, Levar’s reading of the stories is engaging and the music is a perfect accompaniment to really get you immersed in the tale. In fact, this podcast has reignited my creativity and has inspired me to start writing again very soon (I have some ideas buzzing around). I also have gotten my husband hooked and he listens before bed every night. A short story I’d love to hear you read is “Here Be Dragons” by Laurell K Hamilton. Thank you for this brilliant podcast and I can’t wait for the next season.
  • AllThatJas!
    Truly Therapeutic
    Now, that I know where the end is, I am afraid to listen too fast. This is the first podcast that I feel better about myself after listening…like I’ve done something edifying by tuning in. Levar Burton is a genuine source of good in this world.
  • Reba Moon
    Levar changed my life…
    I am so excited to listen to this podcast every time a new episode is released. That voice and all the interesting information Levar imparts is what made my childhood so wonderful. I’m so happy I can continue to learn with Levar. My love of reading was cultivated in large part by Reading Rainbow and now I get to hear Levar read to me as an adult too. Thank you for changing my life Lavar!
  • CJ Niles
    Love you Brother!
    Thank you for sharing your heart and love with us ♥️ I’ll continue to follow you wherever you go!
  • Antdaoneda
    Simply the best
    Better than all the rest.
  • kayro321
    Thank you Levar Burton
    Some people just put good things into the world. You, Lavar Burton, are one of those people. Thank you for yet another wonderful thing to inspire people.
  • africa_3
    All great things come to an end
    I’ve followed the show almost since the beginning, loved the themes and esp the story telling. Levars love of reading definitely shows and draws you in. I’m sad to see the show end but excited to see what’s next. Thank you
  • Lghtbrwn
    Thank you!!
    Thank you Lavar for the many years of service to storytelling and education! I grew up watching Reading Rainbow. I listen to your sleep story on Calm almost nightly with my son and love listening to this podcast. It has been an honor to live through and share your legacy with my own children now. You have had such an effect on several generations and remind us all that reading truely is fundamental. Thank you for it all. 😀
  • dsudancer
    Reading Rainbow for adults 💙
    Thank you, LeVar, for your influence on my entire life now. Thank you for the hope, the expansion, the love, and the care in which you deliver each story and pass on to those who listen.
  • ( jason )
    He’s the best in the business
    But you don’t have to take my word for it
  • Sidi2056
    Sorry it is ending-not fair
    I’m sorry to see Lavar‘s podcast ending. I have really enjoyed it and I hope that you’ll change your mind and keep it going, please.
  • chris1993ellis
    Thank you, LeVar
    Thanks LeVar for doing this show and continuing to find new ways to help the world embrace the importance of reading and storytelling. I’m probably from about the last generation of kids who remembers watching Reading Rainbow. The memories are very distant, but I recall enjoying the show a lot. As for this podcast, lI was shocked and saddened to hear when turning on the last episode that it was that. I regret that I hadn’t frequented this show as much as I should have. I took it for granted and now it’s over. But everything has its end, and we can always go back and revisit the nearly two hundred wonderful stories LeVar brought to us. As the world keeps getting scarier and less certain, pilot lights of hope like LeVar and his shows are crucial. Here’s hoping that we can all take the gift LeVar gave us and do what we can to champion storytelling, equality and literacy for all kids. The Reading Rainbow is all of ours and we have the responsibility to carry on its mission. “But don’t take my word for it!”
  • SkiBum92
    Always a treat
    Mr. Burton is a national treasure. This podcast is a joy. Impeccably read, wonderfully produced. Highly, highly recommended!
  • mssarah50
    “If you’re ready, let’s take a deep breath…and begin.”
    This show got me through the pandemic. I especially needed the deep breath at the start of each episode. Thank you for this wonderful gift of story time for adults! It introduced me to several new authors I wouldn’t have otherwise sought out.
  • Zella🐝
    Love Everything About This
    I have always loved Levar Burton having grown up with Reading Rainbow. I’m saddened that I can’t find it anywhere so my children can enjoy it as well. Either way I was experiencing horrible insomnia when I stumbled across this podcast in 2019. I listened to the first episode and felt myself relax enough to sleep! Now I will listen to it all day to calm my anxiety or make it through road trips or even study for my Masters. I have purchased books by authors he has read on here and love how he brings so many different cultures to us with the stories. My daughter wants to write a story that Levar will one day read before he retires the show 😊. Thank you for all you do.
  • redwitch713
    if levar is reading it i am listening
    levar you have one of my top all time favorite voices & i have been listening to the podcast from the very first trailer - because it was like a dream come true. i grew up with reading rainbow & it at least in part i truly believe is why i love to read, & read to others, so much / the show left a huge impression; i can still recall almost every book & hear it in my head. so i was beyond excited when i stumbled on the announcement about this podcast starting because now as an adult i could read with you again. thank you for being who you are & doing this for all of us listening, please don’t ever stop. (of course, i know now that the podcast is ending & i am so sad but the stories you’ve read will always exist just like those from reading rainbow & that’s almost as good…or will have to be / thank you.) it took me so long time to write a review because i didn’t know how to in any way sum up how phenomenal it is to hear the stories you’re reading, & your thoughts about the story choices which are always so personal & poignant, etc. too, but then i figured just to share the love as it were & recommend this podcast to anyone & everyone who might read this review. i very much doubt they will regret it.
  • SFXS2020
    The best podcast
    These are my bedtime stories. Absolutely love Levar and this show
  • 8757882783948654
    Best story teller
    Best memories of school are when rainy days sent us inside to reading rainbow, now your podcast sends me to that same amazing place of visualizing a story with deep meanings that your wonderful narration guides us through - I’ll miss this pause in my life you bring. Thank you
  • Bbrown718
    I will miss LeVar
    I just heard LeVar is ending this podcast. I will seriously miss this special part of my life.
  • SheHappi
    I don’t know where to go from here
    🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹….Love everything about this show!
  • AndreT3000
    So great!
    Always makes me stop and think. Which is much appreciated in a day today filled with chores, commutes, work, and chores. It stimulates stop and think and wonder and ponder and imagine and relate. So, thank you. Much appreciated.
  • TSAR1234
    Outstanding
    Thank you ! Thank you for taking the the time out to read to us and I enjoy sitting back and relaxing to the sound of your voice. I have recommended you to all my friends!
  • Acquaboogy
    This Can’t Be Goodbye 😢
    I had tears in my eyes when I learned this week’s episode would be the last. I know I can go back and re-listen to the episodes, but I want more. 😭When I had trouble sleeping at night or felt anxious during my day, I knew I could come here to find a moment of escape, adventure, and peace. Your voice brought calm to my day. Thank you for sharing your love for short stories. ❤️
  • Eb83K
    Awesome
    The stories are fantastic and I have used them to establish a new bedtime routine. No TV. Screen light on nothing and 20 minutes of a fantastic story before bed.
  • Ccandsweetpea
    My new favorite!
    Wether it is the soothing sound of LaVar Burton’s voice, or the engaging stories he reads, this is my new favorite podcast!
  • Kycle
    Love this!
    Enjoy the stories. Have always felt comforted by your voice. I used to watch reading rainbow with my son when he was young. This is an incredible find! Thank You!
  • HeckaSteph
    Love + suggestion
    I always set aside time to enjoy this podcast; the stories are always interesting and inclusive and I love Levar's insights and observations. I'd love to see Levar read something from Transmogrify, it's a collection of fantasy short stories by and about trans people.
  • suzette303
    Best podcast ever
    This podcast is like an oasis in a world of many sands of podcasts. love it ☺️
  • LeeLee Lauree
    omg yesssss
    this is the best best best podcast ever. i love being challenged and brought to tears and just listening. i am sorry i never reviewed this before.
  • Supersil13
    Excellent episode
    I love this story. What a brilliant way to make a symbol loose it’s power! A lesson so needed today.
  • Nels L
    Levar Burton does not disappoint - ever
    This podcast is Levar Burton being Levar Burton. The stories he reads are all great, but my favorite part is his commentary at the end. Thoughtful, insightful, kind and funny. Please never change!
  • StinaTX
    Just what all of us 40 somethings are looking for
    Those of us born in the early 80’s - on the cusp of being called “Millennials” but not at all feeling like one - this pod cast feels like a warm hug. Levar Burton with his classic delivery and calming presence will bring books to life, like no one else can. So many of us grew into loving books all thanks to his direction. Between Levar and Mr. Rogers, our generation clearly has the upper hand in positive role models.
  • jenniepowe
    Comforting, nostalgic, transcendent
    If you grew up watching reading rainbow, then you had the great pleasure of hearing and watching the infinite & playful wisdom of Levar Burton. Now we have LeVar Burton reads. The stories are moving, surprising, riveting, funny, devastating…they stay with you, and some I’ve returned to several times. The wonderfully satisfying conclusion where LeVar shares his take on the stories he’s chosen send it into the stratosphere. Can’t recommend it highly enough. I’m a LeVar Burton Reads evangelist. A million stars.
Similar Podcasts
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.