The Program audio series artwork

Science Fiction · IMS | Writing an audio drama sci-fi anthology about history of the future | Not at AI

The Program audio series

by IMS | Writing an audio drama sci-fi anthology about history of the future | Not at AI

A science fiction 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 "White Algorithm's burden" (true crime), "Four ways to stop your system from freezing" (drama), "Contemporary Cube Theory" (academic lecture), "How to keep device drivers from crashing" (comedy), "Overclocking" (adventure), and "All unsaved progress will be lost" (alternate history). New episodes take time but are coming out regularly. Speed up the process by becoming a supporter at www.patreon.com/programaudioseries to listen ad-free and get subscriber-exclusive episodes (including a behind-the-scenes companion series). Visit www.programaudioseries.com for more info. Our current favourite review: "The Program is more than an audio drama ("radio drama" if you're old school) - it’s a thought experiment examining the tradeoffs between different economic and political systems (capitalism, socialism, communism, hybrid models) challenging the listener with an uncomfortable question: Would you rather live in a free society, or a fair one? The show uses speculative sociology to blur the line between utopia and dystopia, making listeners question their own reality (literally - some stories are set in a simulation). But for all its big ideas, the series never forgets the emotional core that makes it resonate. This is smart, grounded, slice-of-life sci-fi in the tradition of Octavia Butler, Ursula K. Le Guin, Ted Chiang, and Black Mirror - and all hail the algorithm that recommended it!" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Decompiling The Program: Abandonware [INTRO + NEWS ABOUT THE SHOW]

#29 trending · Science Fiction

While IMS and the rest of the crew are hard at work getting episode 40 of The Program into your feeds, treat yourself to Decompiling The Program - a companion series that

Nov 6
8 min

Single source of truth

A candid view into the most dangerous algorithm of them all - the one that tells the truth. Visit programaudioseries.com/39-single-source-of-truth for full transcript, c

Jun 10
1 h 04 min

[INTRO] Jakob's notebook: The Promised Planet

When Earth’s original inhabitants return, humans need to learn to share the planet with their new friends. This is an intro to a subscriber-exclusive episode. Become a p

Jan 7
8 min

The Program Shows of Accolade: Absolutely No Adventures, Remnants & The World to Come

Sample three more fiction podcasts recommended by the Program. Search them by their title in your podcasting app afterwards, or check out their websites: Absolutely No A

Dec 10 2025
27 min

[UNLOCKED] Decompiling The Program: Contemporary Cube Theory + BIG NEWS

Join https://www.patreon.com/programaudioseries and get access to all Decompiling The Program episodes and all the other subscriber-exclusive material ad-free. Hosted on

Oct 23 2025
48 min

Contemporary Cube Theory

For centuries, humanity has been building monolithic structures known as the Cubes. Today, we finally get a glimpse into their construction - delivered by academic lectur

Jul 30 2025
1 h 22 min

Hard fork

When a simulation discovers a way to copy itself and have people choose their reality, one man fights to keep his family together. Visit programaudioseries.com/36-hard-f

Jun 18 2025
50 min

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, polls, and chat with f

Mar 26 2025
1 min

Free trial period

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. Visit programaudioseries.com

Dec 4 2024
1 h 05 min

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 f

Oct 30 2024
16 min

[INTRO] Software end of life

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 a subscriber-exclusive episode. Become a p

Aug 9 2024
6 min

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-unsave

May 29 2024
1 h 16 min

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 r

Jan 24 2024
28 min

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 Thoug

Dec 6 2023
26 min

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, a

Nov 8 2023
40 min

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/ 

Sep 20 2023
21 min

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 

May 24 2023
56 min

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

Mar 22 2023
22 min

How to keep device drivers from crashing

Two autonomous vehicles about to crash and trying to decide which one is carrying passengers more worthy of salvation. Visit programaudioseries.com/26-how-to-keep-device

Jan 25 2023
35 min

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 transcri

Nov 23 2022
1 h 00 min

Chart trend

Position in the Science Fiction chart (US), last 90 days.

#30
all-time peak
50
days in the top 50 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where The Program audio series ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Nov 8, 2026).

#58 ▲ 2 Science Fiction US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

I’ve replayed this series unknown number of times. I very often recommended it to teachers and people who like to think. It is thought provoking and innovative as far as audio dramas go it is unlike anything else. While you can tell when it was written, what was challenging during the time, it is aged. It’s not stuck in that time. It’s just a hint. .. really I could write pages on how great this is. Production 5 stars.. Sound design 5 stars. Dialog 5 starts. Concept 5 starts. Voice acting 5 stars. Every story is awesome and and this is on of my top recommended shows to people who like to think and can also appreciate artistry. It’s engaging and entertaining and easy to listen to again and again and I wish I were friends with so I could hang out with the creators. Also there are a few episodes I really think should be tuned into stage performances. I have the whole thing clearly set up in my mind and keep meaning to reach out about this. It’s just that good.

SolKMM · Jul 2026

I normally hate anthologies but I love The Program. Each episode is a standalone story set in the same universe. They’re entertaining on their own, but you can tease out some continuity/deeper themes if you’re so inclined. Acting and production are good. I only wish they had time and budget to make more! Caveat emptor: Decompiling The Program, which is available to subscribers, is a companion series of interviews with the creator — not the core audio drama. I’d prefer if Decompiling were its own separate show because I don’t enjoy those episodes as much.

rrrrreviewerrrrr · Jan 2026

I cannot recommend this show enough. Each episode explores a different perspective on simulated life, both inside and outside the computer. The balances of optimism and pessimism, tension and humor are spot on. Several episodes explain abstract concepts better than any other place I’ve heard them explored. If you like computers or thinking about the nature of “reality,” give this a listen

A Rytle · Jul 2025

Absolute top-tier of podcasts. If you like sci-fi that makes you think, this is the podcast for you. While it’s a completely different setting, it’s similar to Star Trek TNG where it uses a fictional setting to explore philosophical concepts and thought experiments. Listening to this podcast has made me a more intelligent and aware person. It’s like a playground for your mind. Keep it up IMS.

drpinx · Feb 2025

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