This is the monthly Science Fiction and Short story discussion podcast where we dive in deep and see what we can learn about ourselves and the world. Every month we cover a different short story with a guest. Our guests range from writers and editors, to academics, businessmen, scientists, musicians…
Alan & jeremy Vs Science Fiction
In this episode, Cat and Alan discuss the concept of Hopepunk with Alexandra Rowland, coiner of the term. Other topics include the hopeful nature of Lord of the Rings, why there has to be a protagonist in fiction, and why sometimes you have to sell out. Alan also reviews the second season of The Witch Who Came in From the Cold published by Serialbox
This episode details the who, what, why, and how of the new podcast. Please subscribe to the If This Goes On (Don't Panic) podcast feed most places you can find podcasts. Uploads to the AJVSSF feed will be limited.
In our final episode, we discuss Cixin Liu's story "The Wandering Earth" with Chinese author and professor Xia Jia. We talk about her first collection, currently being translated to English via Neil Clarke (of Clarkesworld). And we discuss the Golden Age of SF (in America), the current SF boom in China, and what it's like making an SF movie in China. We also make a big announcement about our new podcast If This Goes On (Don't Panic) coming out early in 2020. My guest co-host for this episode is, fittingly, Cat Rambo, author of Hearts of Tabat and many others Books reviewed: Radiance by Catherynne Valente
This episode we discuss "Under the Grid" by Andrew Dana Hudson with our guest Sarena Ulibarri. Sarena is a writer and the Editor-in-Chief of World Weaver Press. We discuss Solarpunk, economics in Science Fiction, and emojis among other topics. Our guest co-host is TJ Berry, author of Space Unicorn Blues and it's sequel Five Unicorn Flush. You can find the book Weight of Light here: https://csi.asu.edu/books/weight/ Books Reviewed: Junction by Daniel Benson
This episode we discuss "Portrait of the artist" by KJ Parker with our guest Scott H. Andrews, Editor-in-Chief, and publisher of Beneath Ceaseless Skies. We discuss aesthetics, short fiction in fantasy, and character driven stories among other topics. Our guest co-host is TJ Berry, author of Space Unicorn Blues and it's sequel Five Unicorn Flush. You can find "Portait of the Artist"on September 26th, here: http://www.beneath-ceaseless-skies.com/ Books Reviewed: The Ready Made Bodhisattva edited by Sunyoung Park & Sang Joon Park Cities of Light Planes of Dust by Air and Nothing Press The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett
This is the fourth and final installment of a series of interviews conducted at ReaderCon 2019. In this episode we discuss sexbots and a new collection of stories with James Patrick Kelly. Then we discuss touring, music, and writing with Sarah Pinsker. Finally, we debrief with Chris about his first every SF Con.
This is the third of a series of interviews conducted at ReaderCon 2019. In this episode we discuss Tananarive's career, music, movies, and history with the author, academic, and journalist herself.
This is the second of a series of interviews conducted at ReaderCon 2019. In this episode we discuss ReaderCon memories and politics in Science Fiction & Fantasy with Scott H. Andrews, editor of Beneath Ceaseless Skies, and author Matthew Kressel.
This is the first of a series of interviews conducted at ReaderCon 2019. In this episode we discuss podcasting and writing with RJ Theodore (aka Rekka Jay). We also talk to editor, writer, publisher Bill Campbell about this origin story as well as his new anthology Sunspot Jungle. Our friend and sound guy Christopher Snydroski also gets a little air time about what he expects from his first science fiction convention.
This episode we discuss "Your Authentic Indian Experience TM" by Rebecca Roanhorse with our guest Dr. Grace Dillon. Grace is a professor of Literature at Portland University, as well as an editor, and all around mover and shaker in the SFF community. We discuss cultural appropriation, Indigenous Peoples, Virtual Reality, among other topics. This is our first ever Patreon Members' story vote episode. You can find "Your Authentic Indian Experience TM" here: https://www.apex-magazine.com/welcome-to-your-authentic-indian-experience/ Books Reviewed: The Sky Woman by JD Moyer Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang
In this episode, we explore flash fiction and future trends in Science Fiction with Josh Hrala and Patrick Morris, the editors of Pittsburgh based Flash Fiction Magazine The Arcanist. Stories include "Jed Thule is a Coward" by Brad Preslar and "Throwing Static" by JW Bell. Both stories can be found at The Arcanist: https://thearcanist.io/about. Reviews include Hearts of Tabat by Cat Rambo
In this episode we discuss CL Moore's story "Shambleau" with authors Cat Rambo and Diane Morrison. We also discuss cross genre fiction, life after death, and feminism. Book reviewed: The Witch Who Came In From The Cold by MAx Gladstone, Lindsay Smith, Ian Tregillis, Cassandra Rose Clarke, and Michael Swanwick You can also find the story here: "Shambleau" - http://blogs.iac.gatech.edu/mars1102/files/2016/01/Moore-Shambleau.pdf
In this episode we discuss "And You Shall Know Her By The Trail Of Dead" by Brooke Bolander with our guest Dan Moren an author, journalist, and podcaster. We also discuss the art of swearing, cyberpunk, and famous character duos. We review The Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer and October Country by Ray Bradbury. Here's where you can find everything: "And You Shall Know Her By The Trail Of Dead" by Brooke Bolanderhttp://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/shall-know-trail-dead/ Dan Moren: https://dmoren.com/
In this episode, we discuss "The Catherine Wheel" by Ian McDonald with our guest Diane Turnshek an scientist, writer, and professor. We also talk about light pollution, terraforming, and religion. Books Reviewed: Strange Bird by Jeff Vandermeer October Country by Ray Bradbury
In this episode we review our year. We also invite Tade Thompson back to the podcast, Ryan Pruchnic, and for the first time ever, the Chinese Science Fiction author Zhang Ran. We talk about a wide range of things from Marvel movies, to our favorite books, to cryogenic freezing yourself in order to time travel. We also have a lot of fun making this episode and some of us get tipsy. Thanks to all our listeners for a great 2018. Here's to having an even better 2019.
In this episode, we discuss "The Cold Equations" by Tom Godwin with our guest BJ Mendelson an author, comic book writer, and speaker. We talk about big data, the trolley problem, and the future of privacy. Books reviewed: Blackfish City by Sam J Miller. The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson You can find everything here: "The Cold Equations" - http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/the-cold-equations/ BJ Mendelson - https://bjmendelson.com/
In this episode, we discuss "The Martian Obelisk" by Linda Nagata with our guest Aubrey Hirsch an author, essayist, artist, and professor. We talk about the meaning of art, the likelihood of people on Mars, and Mars in fiction. Books reviewed: The Anthology Life on Mars edited by Johnathan Strahan. You can find everything here: "The Martian Obelisk" - https://www.tor.com/2017/07/19/the-martian-obelisk/ Aubrey Hirsch - https://aubreyhirsch.com/
In this episode, we discuss "The Last Question" by Isaac Asimov with our guest Dr. Derek Leben, professor of Ethics. We talk about Artificial Intelligence, why Asimov's three laws of robotics suck, Asimov's positive outlook on technology, and the trolley problem. Books reviewed: The Apocalypse Index by Charles Stross & Artemis by Andy Weir You can find everything here: "The Last Question" - http://www.multivax.com/last_question.html Derek Leben - https://www.amazon.com/Derek-Leben/e/B07G5GHBQ5
In this episode we discuss the story "The Immortal" by Jorge Borges with our guest Tade Thompson. We discuss "monstrous immortality", Jorge Borges' literary significance, and Plato. Here is where you can find everything: Tade Thompson: https://www.amazon.com/Tade Thompson/e/B00KU8RQFO "The Immortal" wiki entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Immortal_(short_story) Daughters of the Forgotten Light by Sean Grigsby: https://www.amazon.com/Daughters-Forgotten-Light-Sean-Grigsby-ebook/dp/B079KSFHV5/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1538701466&sr=1-3&keywords=sean+grigsby The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett: https://www.amazon.com/Color-Magic-Novel-Discworld-ebook/dp/B000W9399S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1538701518&sr=1-1&keywords=the+color+of+magic+terry+pratchett
In this episode we discuss the story "Martian Raga" by Phillip Trippenbach & Blake Jessop with our guests Frank Oreto and Douglas Gwilym. We lock editors in the basement, get drunk, and talk about the importance of short fiction. Here is where you can find everything: Douglas Gwilym: http://douglasgwilym.com/ Frank Oreto: https://www.facebook.com/FrankisWriting/ Blake Jessop: https://www.amazon.com/Blake-Jessop/e/B07BB7Z73N "Martian Raga": https://www.amazon.com/Triangulation-Appetites-Frank-Oreto/dp/1548648116/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1510605554&sr=8-1
In this bonus episode we chat with author TJ Berry about going to WorldCon and the Hugo ceremony, George RR Martin's Loser's Party, and how she thinks they can improve WorldCon for next year. We also chat about her work in short fiction. You can find TJ at: https://tjberrywrites.com/
In this bonus episode we chat with author Sean Grigsby about going to WorldCon and the Hugo ceremony, what he expects, and what he is excited about. We also chat about his upcoming book The Daughters of the Forgotten Light. You can find Sean at: http://www.seangrigsby.com/
In this episode we change things up a bit. We discuss 5 poems by various poets including the US poet laureate Tracy K. Smith's poem "My God, It's Full of Stars" with our guest Professor John Wells. We also trash talk Bob Dylan, discuss the Dada movement, and also why people suck at reading poetry. Here is where you can find everything: Charles Simic—I Am the Last: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49747/i-am-the-last- Russell Edson— Counting Sheep: https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/counting-sheep/ Frederick Seidel— (The Cosmos Poems) Into the Emptiness: https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/first/s/seidel-cosmos.html?_r=1 W.H. Auden—The Unknown Citizen: https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/unknown-citizen Tracy K. Smith - My God, It's Full of Stars: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/55519/my-god-its-full-of-stars We also recommend watching Smith discuss and read part of that poem here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLIH6ewfplA
In this episode we discuss "Cake Baby" by Charlie Jane Anders with our guests, authors TJ Berry and Cameron Johnston. Along with the story we discuss the nature of satire in SFF, religion, late stage capitalism, and the Cosmic Powers anthology edited by John Joseph Adams. Here's where you can find everything: Story: http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/cake-baby-kango-sharon-adventure/ Warp Drives Podcast: https://warpdrives.wordpress.com/ TJ Berry: https://tjberrywrites.com/ Cameron Johnston: http://www.cameronjohnston.net/
In this episode we release the second slate of interviews conducted during the 2018 Nebulas. This episode includes: Peter Beagle, James Patrick Kelly, Susan Forest, Mike Underwood, PJ Manney, and Pablo Vazquez. We discuss SFF community and fandom, the publishing industry, the importance of short fiction, and many other topics. You can find everything here: Peter Beagle: http://www.peterbeagle.com/ James Patrick Kelly: http://www.jimkelly.net/ Susan Forest: http://speculative-fiction.ca/ Mike Underwood: http://michaelrunderwood.com/ PJ Manney: https://www.pjmanney.com/ Pablo Vazquez: https://about.me/pabloma
In this episode we release the first slate of themed interviews conducted during the 2018 Nebulas. This episode includes: Cat Rambo, Neil Clarke, Matt Kressel, Sam J. Miller, Ellis Bray, and JD Moyer. We discuss SFF community and fandom, the publishing industry, the importance of short fiction, and many other topics. You can find everything here: Cat Rambo: http://www.kittywumpus.net/blog/ Sam Miller: http://samjmiller.com/ JD Moyer: http://www.jdmoyer.com/ Neil Clarke: http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/ Matt Kressel:https://www.matthewkressel.net/ Ellis Bray: https://twitter.com/FlytingNWriting
In this bonus episode Alan documents his Fourth and final day at the 2018 Nebulas with Dave Robison of the Archivos Podcast Network. This is the first episode of several that will document our time at the Nebulas. Where to find everything: Archivos Podcast Network: http://www.roundtablepodcast.com/ SFWA: http://www.sfwa.org/
In this bonus episode Alan documents his third day at the 2018 Nebulas with Dave Robison of the Archivos Podcast Network. This is the first episode of several that will document our time at the Nebulas. Where to find everything: Archivos Podcast Network: http://www.roundtablepodcast.com/ SFWA: http://www.sfwa.org/
In this bonus episode Alan documents his second day at the 2018 Nebulas with Dave Robison of the Archivos Podcast Network. This is the first episode of several that will document our time at the Nebulas. Where to find everything: Archivos Podcast Network: http://www.roundtablepodcast.com/ SFWA: http://www.sfwa.org/
In this bonus episode Alan documents his first moments at the 2018 Nebulas with Dave Robison of the Archivos Podcast Network. This is the first episode of several that will document our time at the Nebulas. Where to find everything: Archivos Podcast Network: http://www.roundtablepodcast.com/ SFWA: http://www.sfwa.org/
In this episode we discuss "Minority Report" by SF legend Phillip K Dick with our guest Professor Jon Harvey. Along with the story we discuss PKD's influence on culture, overrated aspects of PKD, and the value of "soft" science fiction. Here's where you can find everything: "Minority Report" - http://www.cwanderson.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Philip-K-Dick-The-Minority-Report.pdf
In this episode we discuss "Bloodchild" a Hugo award winning story by Octavia Butler with our guest Rose Eveleth. Along with the story we discuss topics including sexy centipedes, gender roles and the human body, and the Broken Earth trilogy, among many others. Here's where you can find everything: Bloodchild: www.melissagish.com (We know it doesn't appear to be the story, but, trust us, it is.) Rose Eveleth & Flash Forward: https://www.flashforwardpod.com/
In this episode we discuss "An Age of Ice" by award winning, Chinese author Zhang Ran with our guest, scientist Ryan Pruchnic. Along with the story we discuss topics including ethics in medicine and science, the value of immortality, and the band Coinmonster. Here's where you can find everything: "An Age of Ice": http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/zhang_07_17/ Cook Myosite: http://cookmyosite.com/ Coinmonster: https://www.facebook.com/coinmonster
In this episode we discuss "The Martian" from the classic Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury with guest, Sam J. Miller. We also discuss topics including Moby Dick, the value of genre labels, and our book buying addictions. Here's where you can find everything: Sam J. Miller: http://samjmiller.com/
This is our first ever Bonus Episode! In this episode we catch up with most of our guests from 2017 AND also talk to Matthew Kressel. In the meantime, we manage to drink many libations, talk about the similarities between programming and writing, and discuss the best novels, anthologies, shows, and movies of the year. Our guests this episode include: Mathew Kressel: https://www.matthewkressel.net/ Marissa Landrigan: https://marissalandrigan.com/ Frank Oreto: https://www.facebook.com/frank.oreto Douglas Gwilym: https://www.facebook.com/douglasgwilym/about Patrick Stahl: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.stahl.56 Intro/Outro by Father Flamethrower: https://www.facebook.com/FatherFlamethrower/ Extra music by Hendecatope: https://hendecatope.bandcamp.com/
Here's our fifth episode a week early. Happy holidays and thanks for your support. In this episode we discuss “The Lady Astronaut of Mars” by May Robinette Kowal with our guest, Marissa Landrigan. Along with the story we discuss topics including The Wizard of Oz, Women in Science Fiction, and the movie Golden Pond. Here’s where you can find everything: “The Lady Astronaut of Mars”: https://www.tor.com/2013/09/11/the-lady-astronaut-of-mars/ Marissa Landrigan: https://marissalandrigan.com/ Mary Robinette Kowal: http://maryrobinettekowal.com/
In this episode we discuss "Love Engine Optimization by Matthew Kressel with our guest Brad Warner. We also discuss privacy trends, Buddhist thought on desire, and how to pronounce Dogen. You can find this episode's story at Lightspeed Magazine: http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/love-engine-optimization/ You can find Brad's website here: http://hardcorezen.info/ You can find Brad's books here: http://hardcorezen.info/store You can find more about Matthew Kressel here: http://www.matthewkressel.net/
In this episode we discuss "Burning Chrome" by William Gibson with Andrew Robbins of Hendecatope. We discuss the story, the wide ranging influence of cyberpunk, and how it all influences Andrew’s music. Check out his latest record, Aleph Infinity, here: https://hendecatope.bandcamp.com/
In this episode we discuss "Sulky" by Blaize M. Kaye with Frank Oreto and Douglas Gwilym. We discuss the story, why they chose it for their new anthology, Triangulation: Appetites, and what makes a good story. You can find the book and story here: https://www.amazon.com/Triangulation-Appetites-various-authors-ebook/dp/B07541JXS3/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1507077828&sr=8-4&keywords=triangulation. Douglas Gwilym: http://douglasgwilym.com/ Frank Oreto: https://www.facebook.com/FrankisWriting/ Blaize M. Kaye: http://bomoko.net/
In this episode we introduce ourselves,explain what we are doing with our podcast, and why we are doing it.
In our pilot episode we discuss Ray Bradbury's story "Ylla" from his classic book Martian Chronicles. We also discuss whether Science Fiction can ever be considered Literature. You can read Patrick's stories here: http://specklit.com/blog/category/fliction/patrick-stahl/ Or contact him via Twitter @patrickjstahl or at his blog: intotheravenousmaw.blogspot.com.