In this special episode, Chris is delighted to be joined by Max and Teona Bjork, the husband and wife team behind Writing Battle.

As well as finding out more about some exciting changes to Writing Battle in 2026, we have three stories in this unique episode, chosen by Max, Teona and Chris.

My Best Friend, Caitlin by Chris, read by Max

Caitlin is struggling. Her best friend sits outside her bedroom door, wagging his tail. He wants to help. A story about love, loyalty, and a cold, wet nose.

Between The Pages by Trey Dowell, read by Teona

Books are magic. To say more at this stage would give away their secrets...

Seussociety by Sam Dawe, read by Chris

In this Social Commentary story from 2024, the world turns to an unexpected hero to lead humanity out of the darkness.

Join Chris for four fantastic Sci Fi stories, and some exciting updates on the future of One More Short Story.

As ever, please do click the links below if you would like to see a story's content warnings.

Oopsie Daisy Evolution by Alexis Hunter, narrated by Chris

A lapse in concentration leads to significant consequences for Qel in his mission to (gently) support the development of life on Earth. To be fair, he was dancing at the time.

A Cat Pilgrim vs The Worlds by B. D., narrated by Annie Benham

In a world where humans no longer tread, cats are the dominant species. Morpheus, the cat pilgrim, explores the human-cat relationship in a way nobody could ever have imagined...

Skystern Union Telegram by Alyx Barter, narrated by Rhys Allen

Multiple telegrams have been recovered from Major Ursa's desk after a military conflict. Things... did not go well.

Guidewire by Nick Smith, narrated by Chris

Ethan works with his mum, who processes animals for consumption. The animals all have implants in their heads which completely remove pain, fear and suffering. It's better this way. Isn't it?

Join Chris for three funny stories from recent Writing Battle competitions:

• Captain Asteroid and the Ashes of Diplomacy by David Roe, narrated by Sam James-A slack space captain, a less-than-helpful robot named Betasub, a Shmorpian politician... this story nailed the 'Space Farce' genre. You'll never look at dust the same way again.

• A Saw Point by Chris, narrated by Taurenelle-A big, brash lumberjack with a big, noisy chainsaw meets a tree that is simply not in the mood.
• A Notice from the Bridgewater Homeowners Association* by Ashleigh Adams, narrated by Ashleigh Adams, Melanie York and Regan Westergard-HOAs. They get a lot of bad press. This story might explain why.

* I mistakenly said that this story was in the Wonder contest last year- it was, in fact, in the Heart contest. Sorry Ashleigh!

Join Chris for five unsettling, engaging stories- but maybe don't listen to this one just before you go to sleep...

The Red Car by Casey Moss, narrated by Ryan Paige

Buying a car off Craigslist is a risky business, but as for this car... well. Once you get behind the wheel, life is never the same.

A Hard Bargain by R. L. Lynn, narrated by Emily Lange

Jason thinks he's hit the jackpot, he just needs to pull the wool over a frail old lady's eyes and millions will surely be his...

The Glass Ceiling by Eilish Forwells, narrated by Maverick Jones

Just how far would you go to advance your career? What would you do? What would you not do?

Lest Ye Be Judged by Allison Hall, narrated by Chris

The girl is surely a witch, and must be judged accordingly. What could go wrong?

Pay The Rent, written and narrated by Sam James

You'll never look at renting in quite the same way again...

This Wednesday, take a break and enjoy four stories about love and, friendship, and heartfelt bonds. Four stories to nourish the soul:

Grandpa Mamoru’s Yakitori Shop by Mathew Peters, narrated by Andrew Fieler

In the aftermath of his Grandpa’s cremation, Ken struggles to get to grips with the running of the family Yakitori shop. Though grieving, he is determined to honour his grandfather’s memory.

Self-Portrait by Geoffrey Davis, narrated by Lauren Hogg

An artist contemplates their future, and whether to continue with their unappreciated efforts

Time For Tea by K. A. Vargas, narrated by Hannah Fulwell

Aubrey’s grandmother would host tea for the Whispersham Ladies’ Historical Society every Sunday at precisely four pm. Now that she is gone, what secrets will Aubrey uncover?

Manchester, England, 1956 by Jaime Gill, narrated by Sam James

Inviting Patrick over for dinner should have been a simple enough affair—a combination of culinary inexperience and an affection that the world seemed not to understand mean the evening is anything but simple.

Join Chris for four action-packed stories, from the hilarious to the heart-breaking.

From Zero to Hero and Back Again by Murphy Blu, narrated by Chris

Max struggles to make an impression on the girl of his dreams. Will a dramatic new experience at college change this?

Cell-Portrait with Plant and Riot written and narrated by Timothy Hayes

Frank has found that his artwork has significantly improved since he was incarcerated. He is a man of focus.

Twice-Lucky by Louise Walton, narrated by Rachel Baxter

One brother. One sister. A high-stakes, heart-stopping race. Who will be 'Twice-Lucky'?

Florida Man Rescues Chihuahua from Bridge Explosion using Peanut Butter written and narrated by Ryan Paige

Honestly, I don't think I can explain this any better than the title does. You are in for a treat.

Join Chris for three excellent stories, all containing mystery and suspense.

To read the stories and/or see any content warnings, please click the links below

Gabby Dabby Wabby Labby by Rhys Allen, read by Chris Fulwell

The Chicken Man by C. M. Gilbert, read by Andrew Fieler

The Cost of Mercy by Harry Humber, read by David Roe

Join Chris for four Dystopian tales, taking the listener to places we hope real life will never go, and enjoying every single bleak step of the way.

• Dead or Alivened by Jesse Locatelli, narrated by S. B. Anthony
• Circus Terrible by Nova Sommers, narrated by Maverick Jones
• Step Lightly by Elmira Olson, narrated by Rebecca Lynn
• First Aid by Megan Griffo, narrated by Regan Westergard