There are some people who read with their eyes.
There are others who read with their ears.
Chesterton Radio began as a listening room. And though Substack is a written medium, there are many simple ways to turn these essays, mysteries, and meditations into something more like wireless theatre for your own quiet hour.
If you would rather listen than read, here are your options.
📱 1️⃣ Listen in the Substack App
If you use the Substack mobile app (iPhone or Android), some posts include a Read Aloud option.
Simply open the article in the app and look for a ▶︎ play button at the top. Tap it, and Substack will read the article to you.
This is the simplest way to listen on your phone.
🖥️ 2️⃣ Use Your Web Browser’s Built-In “Read Aloud”
Many readers don’t realize their browser already includes a powerful text-to-speech feature.
🌊 Microsoft Edge (Highly Recommended)
If you are reading on desktop, Microsoft Edge offers one of the best built-in “Read Aloud” tools available.
To use it:
Open a Chesterton Radio article.
Right-click anywhere on the page.
Select “Read aloud.”
You can even choose different voices and adjust the speed. For long Father Brown mysteries or extended reflections, this works beautifully.
🌐 Google Chrome & 🦁 Brave
Both Google Chrome and Brave allow you to install text-to-speech extensions.
Popular options include:
Speechify
NaturalReader
Once installed, these extensions let you click a button and have the article read aloud directly in your browser.
🍎 Safari (Mac & iPhone Users)
If you are using Safari, you can:
Highlight text
Right-click
Choose Speech → Start Speaking
On iPhone or iPad, enable “Speak Screen” in Accessibility settings and swipe down with two fingers to have the article read aloud.
🎙️ 3️⃣ When We Include Audio
Occasionally, we may include a direct audio version within a post.
When available, you will see an audio player at the top of the article. Simply press play.
(And yes — we are exploring ways to make listening even easier.)
Why Offer Listening?
Because stories were not born silent.
Because paradox is often clearer when spoken.
Because a mystery has a different gravity when it passes through air.
And because Chesterton Radio has always been less a publication than a room in which voices gather.
If you have a favorite way to listen to long-form writing, let us know in the comments. We are building this little wireless fellowship together.
🎙️ Chesterton Radio is listener-supported.
If you would like to help us continue producing daily meditations, mysteries, and reflections:
👉 Join the Chesterton Radio Listener Club here on Substack
👉 Or explore our other support options
We are grateful for every reader.
And for every listener.
— Chesterton Radio