The Cold Equations by Tom Godwin episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 23, 2025 · 1H 10M

The Cold Equations by Tom Godwin

from The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast - Vintage Sci-Fi Short Stories · host Scott Miller

A routine emergency mission becomes an unforgiving test of physics, law, and human conscience. When one hidden mistake is discovered, a pilot must face a decision that no training could ever prepare him for. The Cold Equations by Tom Godwin. That’s next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Today’s episode marks a major milestone. Although it’s episode 465, it features the 500th story ever presented on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast. Over the years, some episodes have included two stories—and occasionally even more—but this one stands apart. What makes it especially meaningful to me is simple: out of all the remarkable stories we’ve shared during nearly four years of the podcast, this is my personal favorite. When it was first published, the story sparked intense backlash. Many readers were furious, and author Tom Godwin received no shortage of criticism. In just a few moments, you’ll understand exactly why. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Send us an email at [email protected]. Open your copy of Astounding Science Fiction, August 1954, to page 62, The Cold Equations by Tom Godwin.… Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Guy Burckhardt wakes from a violent dream to find his town subtly—but profoundly—wrong. As June 15th repeats itself, he begins to realize that reality itself may be manufactured. The Tunnel Under the World by Frederik Pohl. Newsletter - https://lostscifi.com/free/ Facebook - http://Lostscifi.com/facebook X - http://Lostscifi.com/x Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lostscifiguy Thanks to Our Listeners Who Bought Us a Coffee $200 Someone $100 Tony from the Future $75 James Van Maanenberg $50 MizzBassie, Anonymous Listener $25 Someone, Eaten by a Grue, Jeff Lussenden, Fred Sieber, Anne, Craig Hamilton, Dave Wiseman, Bromite Thrip, Marwin de Haan, Future Space Engineer, Fressie, Kevin Eckert, Stephen Kagan, James Van Maanenberg, Irma Stolfo, Josh Jennings, Leber8tr, Conrad Chaffee, Anonymous Listener $15 Every Month Someone $15 Joannie West, Amy Özkan, Someone, Carolyn Guthleben, Patrick McLendon, Curious Jon, Buz C., Fressie, Anonymous Listener $10 Anonymous Listener $5 Every Month Eaten by a Grue $5 Denis Kalinin, Timothy Buckley, Andre'a, Martin Brown, Ron McFarlan, Tif Love, Chrystene, Richard Hoffman, Anonymous Listener https://lostscifi.com/podcast/the-cold-equations-by-tom-godwin-episode-465/ Listen without commercials and enjoy exclusive bonus episodes every month with Lost Sci-Fi Premium—start your free 7-day trial today. https://lostscifi.supercast.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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This episode is 1 hour and 10 minutes long.

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This episode was published on December 23, 2025.

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