Cosmos In The Cosmos

In this episode, Catherine and Paul discuss The Gods Themselves, Asimov's first Hugo win. They talk about the joys of being born during the Russian Revolution, their ideal moon culture, and why Asimov's science fiction has proved so enduring.

Host Catherine and her guest Miguel discussed the third book of the 1970s, To Your Scattered Bodies Go. They talked about placing historical figures into fiction, how fast one can learn a new language, and what it means to put a self insert character in your books.

Host Catherine and returning guest Aleksei read Ringworld and discuss why anyone would ever drink carrot juice, the clash between real science and fantasy ideas in science fiction, and what life might be like for someone incredibly lucky.

Catherine welcomes on a new guest, her cousin Luke to discuss the Left Hand of Darkness, the first win for Ursula K. Le Guin, one of the greatest sci-fi writers ever. They discuss what it would mean to live on a world without clear genders, if technology equals progress, and what it entails to truly understand someone else.

Join Catherine and Kyle as they discuss Grasshopper Jungle. They talk about the difficulties of being a teenager, the usefulness of repetition in writing, and what is the real liklihood of creating a monster from experimenting with corn.

In the third in-between episode, Cain joins Aleksei and Catherine to discuss the Restaurant at the End of the Universe just is case any listeners were feeling a bit peckish. This book follows one of the great novels of sci-fi and though it may not quite live up to it's prequel, this book is still packed full of humor. There are talks of prophets appearing at the end of time, vortexes supported by fairy cakes, and cows that wish to be eaten.

The In-betweens continue with a classic. Amazingly, the Hitchhiker's guide to the Galaxy did not win a Hugo, so Aleksei selected it. Catherine and Aleksei talk about the future of artificial intelligence, sci-fi where the Earth is destroyed, and of course, what question would prompt the answer 42. Few science fiction books are as beloved as Hitchhiker's Guide, and for good reason. This is your friendly reminder to never leave home without your towel.

In the first episode of the In-Betweens, Catherine and her guest Paul discuss a classic instant bestseller, Altered Carbon. They talk about the price of immortality, what it means when a book's plot is less important than the ambiance, and the origin of the Patchwork Man.

Happy Halloween everyone! Join Catherine and her guest Matthew for a special Halloween episode about Jeff VanderMeer's book Annihilation. They discuss what it means to live in a place where no one has a name, how an environment can change who you are, and of course what it means to be a dolphin with human eyes.

It is the final episode of the 1960s! Join Catherine and her returning guest Kyle as they discuss the absurdity of Stand on Zanzibar. They talk about John Brunner's distinctive style of writing chapters where every sentence is about a different character, the possibilities of a sci-fi world where the world's happiest country is in Africa, technology that can put anything into someone's brain, and if humanity is doomed now that everyone in the world can not stand on Zanzibar.

The best sci-fi explores the possibilities of what our universe could look like in the future. Join Catherine and her returning guest Aleksei as they discuss one of these books that holds the genre to a high standard, Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny. They enter a world where people live for hundreds of years in many forms, heaven is real (if overly populated with gods of young love), and humans have begun to forget what Earth was like entirely.

Catherine meets up with returning guest Paul to bid a final farewell to Robert Heinlein through reading The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. They discuss Libertarianism, Heinlein's sexism, and his love of self-insert characters.

Host Catherine and her guest Rowan discuss Call Me Conrad, Roger Zelazny's first Hugo win. They talk about the endless Greek myth references, the strange blue aliens who have essentially turned Earth into a museum, and what to do with a book that seems more interested in side stories than any main plot. Join us for a discussion of if the book is worth a read.

Catherine and her guest Ella meet up for the second Pride episode to discuss Arkady Martine's A Memory Called Empire. They talk about what it means to love a country that is not yours, the future of the Google Glasses technology, and whether a culture in love with poetry could ever truly conquer the galaxy. Join us for the discussion of a truly remarkable book.

Join host Catherine and guest Kyle in the first episode of Pride Month! They discuss this novella's beautiful prose, the adorable love between Red and Blue, and why there are so few sci-fi romance novels.

Catherine and Liam explore the wild world of Fritz Leiber's "The Wanderer." They dissect the strangely sexualized cat aliens and other peculiarities of the plot. Plus, they sip and rate two ChatGPT-crafted mocktails inspired by the book. Tune in for literary analysis, mixed drinks, and laughs! If you enjoyed this or have thoughts or want to tell me I should make a podcast book bingo- message me at Cosmosinthecosmos@gmail.com or my instagram Cosmosinthecosmos23. Thanks for listening!

Host Catherine and guests Natalie and Julian come together to discuss if Villeneuve's newest movie actually lives up to the hype. They discuss Zendaya's different portrayal of Chani, the breathtaking beauty of the film, and why Villeneuve insists on maintaining he hates dialogue.

Together, host Catherine and her friends Simon and Harriet finish their conversation about David Lynch's Dune and Villeneuve's Dune Part 1. They discuss the director's different styles, how some characters are portrayed so variably, the mysterious pug that infiltrated the Lynch film, and what exactly makes a film worth watching. https://cahatstrophe.neocities.org/ (Harriet's Website)- Please check it out :)

Join host Catherine and her friends Simon and Harriet on an epic journey through the sands of Arrakis as they compare and contrast two cinematic visions of Frank Herbert's "Dune." In this thrilling episode, the trio delves deep into the world of science fiction cinema, exploring the David Lynch adaptation's cult status and the ways Denis Villeneuve Part 1 succeeded in following the books and ways it fell flat. Together, they dissect Lynch's bold and divisive interpretation of the classic novel and discuss why he believes that villains are automatically gingers. From its surreal visuals to its memorable performances, (especially by the dog), they uncover the layers of Lynch's vision and its impact on the Dune fandom. Catherine, Simon, and Harriet also discuss their hopes, dreams, and expectations for the upcoming film. Will Villeneuve capture the essence of Herbert's universe? Can he surpass the legacy of Lynch's adaptation?

Within this episode, host Catherine and her guest Simon continue their discussion of the Dune books. They talk about the empire that Paul has built in Dune Messiah, if he and Alia successfully built the world they wanted, and what it means to have the power to see the future so completely.

Join Catherine and Simon on a captivating journey through the sands of Arrakis as they unravel the layers of Frank Herbert's masterpiece, "Dune." In this episode, the dynamic duo delves deep into the novel's analogy for the Middle East, dissecting its political and environmental themes. Prepare for an intriguing discussion on the enigmatic character of Paul's sister, Alia, and the profound questions raised by her unique existence. The conversation takes an adventurous turn into the realm of human computers versus metal ones, exploring the consequences of the Butlerian Jihad and the prohibition of artificial intelligence. Catherine and Simon unravel the intricacies of belief systems in a world where human abilities, like those of the Mentats, triumph over the allure of metal minds. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of "Dune," where every grain of sand holds a revelation and every character conceals a deeper truth. Whether you're a seasoned desert traveler or a first-time sandworm rider, this episode promises a spice-infused journey into the heart of Herbert's literary universe.

Join host Catherine in this captivating episode as shes dives into the timeless world of Clifford Simak's "Way Station" with her special guest, Natalie. This full pastoral science fiction masterpiece takes you on a journey through rural America, offering a unique lens into the heart of small-town life during the early 1960s.

Join host Catherine and special guest Natalie on a whimsical Valentine's Day podcast episode as they enter the enchanting world of Twilight. Unravel the mysteries behind Stephenie Meyer's dream-inspired masterpiece, giggle at the absurdness of it all, and ponder the intriguing question: are all vampires naturally attractive? From the misty town of Forks to the allure of immortal love, this episode promises laughter, nostalgia, and a dash of vampire charm.

Join your host, Catherine, alongside special guest Cara, as they delve into the conclusion of their exploration of "The Man in the High Castle" series. In this episode, the dynamic duo wraps up their insightful conversation, offering intriguing perspectives on characters like Tagomi, Juliana, and Childan. Together, they dissect the show's conclusion, delving into the fate of the new Nazi Americans and the narrative arc of the Black Communist Rebellion. Let us know if you enjoyed the interview in two parts or not on Instagram or email at Cosmosinthecosmos23 and Cosmosinthecosmos@gmail.com.

In this gripping episode, join host Catherine and special guest, my older sister Cara, for the first part of the deep dive into 'The Man in the High Castle' series. From dissecting all four seasons to exploring the deviations from the book, they unravel the show's skill in crafting morally ambiguous characters and a harrowing world shaped by a victorious Axis in World War II. Step into the shadows of this alternate reality as they discuss the show's complexities, twists, and its portrayal of a chillingly brutal world.

This episode discusses the Big Time, one of the first sci-fi books to discuss time travel. Catherine and her guest Sarah talk about how time travel literature has changed over time, and how one makes a good mystery in a book.

Within this episode Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss They'd Rather Be Right, one of the most controversial Hugo wins of all time and the inherent sexism within early sci-fi. We also discuss how computers were viewed in the past and how sci-fi has advanced along with actual technology.

Within this episode, Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss the Demolished Man (the first ever book to win a Hugo), what are the origins of the sci-fi award, and how the genre has changed over the decades.

In the latest episode, join host Catherine and the wonderful guest Sammy as they journey into Philip K. Dick's alternate reality Hugo winner, The Man in the High Castle, which takes readers to a Japanese-ruled San Francisco, a world where the Allies lost World War II. Tune in as they unravel the intricacies of a narrative with surprisingly few fleshed-out characters, ponder the lack of a clear explanation surrounding the U.S. loss in World War II, and discuss the peculiar absence of rebellion against the oppressive regimes of Nazis and Japanese rule within the book.

In our latest episode, Catherine and special guest Aleksei embark on an exploration of Robert Heinlein's sci-fi classic, "Stranger in a Strange Land." Join us as we dissect Heinlein's narrative quirks, discussing his often-criticized portrayal of female characters and the unexpected twists that characterize "Stranger in a Strange Land." From literary analysis to cocktail-fueled banter, this episode promises a blend of insightful commentary and humorous musings on the peculiar world crafted by Heinlein.

In this bonus episode, Catherine is joined by her friend Charlie for an extended exploration of "A Canticle for Leibowitz." Return to the pages of this classic 1959 novel, as Charlie shares his thoughts on the book's right-to-life arguments and its exploration of apocalyptic Catholicism. If you loved the episode with Paul so much you wanna hear more about the world of Walter M. Miller Jr., this is for you.

In this episode, join host Catherine and special guest Paul as we delve into the Hugo Award-winning novel of 1962, "A Canticle for Leibowitz." Sipping on two distinctive cocktails - an Irish ale and a Death in the Afternoon - we explore Walter M. Miller Jr.'s darkly witty writing, the profound Catholic themes woven throughout the narrative, and the philosophical depth of the book. Tune in for a captivating discussion on Miller's exploration of humanity's ability to survive its own scientific creations, notably the looming specter of the nuclear bomb. As we navigate the open-ended questions raised by the novel, we contemplate the delicate balance between faith, knowledge, and the future of our species. Don't miss this thought-provoking journey into a sci-fi classic that continues to resonate with its profound reflections on the human condition.

In this episode, join us as we dive into the sci-fi classic that won the Hugo Award in 1961, Robert Heinlein's "Starship Troopers." Hosted by Catherine, and joined by special guest Sam, we embark on a thrilling journey comparing the experience of reading the novel with watching the iconic movie adaptation. To set the mood, we sip on two distinctive cocktails with military backgrounds – a French 75 and a Gunfire, adding a touch of elegance to our discussion. Tune in to hear our lively conversation about the themes of jingoism and the scarcity of well-developed characters in Heinlein's writing. We also dissect the over-the-top portrayal of the American military in the movie, examining the caricatures and cultural elements that make "Starship Troopers" a thought-provoking exploration of war, society, and patriotism. Don't miss this engaging analysis of a timeless classic in the world of science fiction literature and film!

Continuing our in-between episodes, we will be discussing Dianetics, L. Ron Hubbard's first book that would lead him to founding scientology. Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss L. Ron Hubbard's history and the start of scientology. We also consider the danger of cults, the language that leads people into such organizations, and how many groups in the modern world use cult-ish words.

Welcome to the Inbetween episodes! In this episode Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss Player Piano, a sci-fi book that we felt deserving of praise even though it sadly never won a Hugo. We talk about Vonnegut's classic dark humor writing, and his problems with our modern society that he articulated within Player Piano.

In this episode Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss A Case of Conscience, an early sci-fi book that explores how a catholic priest would react to extraterrestrial life. We also talk about the role of religion in sci-fi, why sci-fi authors so often focus on the Catholic church, and the nature of open-ended sci fi.

In this episode Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss Double Star, which is the first Hugo win of Robert Heinlein, who has won more Hugos than any other author to date. We talk about what makes a book enjoyable, and why early sci fi books often simply don't match up to modern standards.

Cosmos In the Cosmos is a podcast about cocktails and Hugo award winning sci-fi books. Every other week, host Catherine mixes a new book themed cocktail and reviews a sci-fi book, with a special guest. This first episode features Sarah. Tune in to learn about sci-fi from the 50's to the modern day, with a drink on the side. This is our introductory episode where we discuss what we like to read and why so listeners can get a feel for us as hosts.