Makeshift Stories is an independently produced podcast that explores the what-ifs, the mysterious, and the unimaginable.
Since 2008, I have been writing original speculative fiction stories that often defy strict genre classification, but frequently share a common thread: wonder.
The podcast began as an experiment in storytelling. I chose the name Makeshift Stories because these tales are not polished final drafts—they are ideas in motion, shared in their raw form.
In the early days, episodes were serialized, targeted at a younger audience, and designed to evolve based on listener input. One particular episode, “The Boy Who Loved Candy” (Episode 22), sparked a shift in direction. Originally improvised as a bedtime story for my son, it inspired the current anthology format, where each episode stands alone, though returning characters and worlds regularly appear.
Later, I introduced the Somewhere Sometime series: self-contained narratives that exist outside of any specific genre, rooted in curiosity and a desire to explore the what-if.
Over time, Makeshift Stories has grown into a show that blends science fiction, fantasy, speculative mystery, and surrealism. It has never confined itself to a single genre, which is part of what keeps it vibrant.
I have always kept the podcast clean and accessible for all ages, believing that powerful ideas do not require explicit content. While I hope the stories have become more refined over the years, the heart of Makeshift Stories remains the same: a love of storytelling and a desire to share that passion with anyone willing to listen.
If something here resonates with you, I invite you to share it with others and help the stories continue their journey.
Vern Hume (aka Alan V Hare)
In 2024, I selected 14 stories from the series to rework into a book while continuing to create new episodes for the podcast. I’m hoping to complete the project by 2027.