Podcastle, Episode 906 for Tuesday, the 26th of August 2025.

A double feature comprising the House, The Witch, Sugarcane Stalks by Amanda Helms,

and to pluck a twisted string by Anne Leonard, as read by Shiree L. Stewart and

Christiana Ellis, respectively.

Produced by Eric Valdez and rated PG.

Thank you. and rated PG. Good morning, good day, good afternoon, and good evening, and welcome to Podcastle, the Flying Castle of Fantasy Fiction.

I'm your host, Eric Valdez, and it is my pleasure to present two magic-filled tales for your enjoyment this week.

First up is The House, The Witch, and Sugarcane stalks by Amanda Helms, as narrated by Cheray

L. Stewart.

This story was previously published by Lightspeed Magazine, April 2023. Amanda Helms is a mixed-race, black-white writer whose short fiction has appeared in fine venues such as Faya,

beneath ceaseless skies, and uncanny.

A member of SFWA and HWA, she also serves as an editor for diabolical plots.

When not reading, writing, or editing, she's likely chasing after her school-age child,

daydreaming about embarking upon train journeys, or cooing over cute puppy pictures.

Shiree L. Stewart works as an actor and independent filmmaker and writer in Los Angeles.

Her focus is dark, speculative sci-fi and horror.

She lends her voice as a regular narrator for the Nightlight Horror Podcast, as well as Escape Artist Podcasts.

She's had several horror stories produced for The Reading Horror Podcast and Nightlight Horror Podcasts.

She is the creator and head writer for the dystopian sci-fi comedy series Good Morning Antioch,

which was shortlisted for a 2023 Ignite Award.

A member of the Horror Writers Association, she was featured as one of 2023's Black Women in Horror.

Now pay attention, for our tale is about to begin,

...