We humans are pretty hot stuff — the most highly evolved species on the planet, or so we like to think. This parable by science-fiction writer Terry Bisson suggests otherwise. To some space aliens who think they’ve seen it all, we’re not just primitive. We’re gross.

Terry Bisson’s “They’re Made Out of Meat” was first published in Omni in 1991. Our version was performed by Miriam Tolan and Russ Armstrong; Jonathan Mitchell produced and directed.

(Originally aired: November 4, 2011)