Sci-Fi Carnival

Admittedly a slow start to 2024, nevertheless, the Sci-fi Carnival crew is happy to announce we are back to nerd-out with impunity about all things Sci-Fi. In this episode, hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson and Mel kick off the New Year by going balls to the walls over: Sandworms and colonizer origin stories, The ramifications of inviting needy higher life forms to live on your home planet without telling nobody. X-Men and other gen-X / millennial sci-fi past times. How to cope when you have to move back in with your dad who harvests organs in the backyard.   With that being said....Happy Belated New Year and we hope you enjoy show. But if you don't, thanks for listening for as long as you did.

Happy NYE, party people! To close out 2023, Sci-Fi Carnival is nerding out over villians' unsung allies in an episode we affectionately refer to as "The Help." That's right. We are honoring those who make our worse nightmares possible. Where would Dracula be with Renfield?  Where would Kealego be without the Baldung Coven? It's time these enablers get their flowers.

The crew at Sci-Fi Carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity over weaponized cloning and murderous dopplegängers. Hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and Mel comb the tunnels over: Clones vs. dopplegängers What exactly is a blackploitation film? What to do if you meet yourself in the same realty. And why video evidence won't save you from the antics of your doppelgängers

Happy Halloween! In honor of spooky season. The Sci-Fi Carnival Crew crew is nerding-out over exorcisms and good old fashion demon possession. Why? Because why not? In this episode, Maryck Allyson, James Robinson and Mel, dive into the underworld to get the bottom of... Whatever happened to Regan McNeil, What to do if your livestock gives birth to a human baby, The real issue with Beetlejuice.  And what you should do when rich people run out of sh** to do.

After an unannounced summer hiatus, Sci-Fi Carnival is back in full form. This month, Maryck Allyson, James Robinson and Mel are nerding-out with impunity over corporate meddling in science fiction.  The chaotic trio submerged themselves into the worlds of: Billionaires who exploit dino DNA for fun and profit. Corporations who fast track "medical break throughs" that cause a pandemic that wipes out a profound portion of humanity positioning chimpanzees to rule the world. Submersibles Transatlantic corporations.

The Sci-Fi Carnival crew is back together to nerd-out with impunity over libraries aka the place where sci-fi dreams are made.  In honor of the 150th anniversary of Chicago Public Libraries, hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson and Mel are making the case for why libraries are more relevent now than ever.  We go deep in the card catalog over: Knowledge: friend or foe The time between book banning and book burning The library scene in every adventure film

As Women's History Month comes to a close, hosts Maryck Allyson and James Robinson nerd-out  with impunity over the portrayal of women in sci-fi over the years. Starting with the 1956 film "Forbidden Planet" to the 2022 academy award winning film "Everything Everywhere All At Once,"  the carnival jumps through multiverses of female  Sci-Fi narratives to analyze: The weird a** daddy complex, The Id and the west. The rise of single black mothers, God Wannabes, The Woke 50's.

Sci-Fi Carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity over trauma porn in science fiction. Host Maryck AlIyson and James Robinson comb through sci-fi story lines that utilize triggering historical events to drive the story. We determine if it was necessary to: show that rape scene, to utilize that slave back story, go full Karen, put us through another traffic stop.  

New Year, new carnival.  Yeah right! But seriously, in this episode hosts Marcyck Allyson and Harley J. soul search on what it means to nerd-out with impunity and pledge to cover science fiction beyond mainstream blockbusters.  We list: werewolves all things woke sci-fi books other than Octavia Butler and hard WOKE science.

  As we stand at the thresholds of 2023, the gang at Sci-Fi Carnival gather for one last 2022 hurrah.  Hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson and Mel nerd-out with impunity over Sci-Fi highlights from season three of 2020 aka 2022.  We rewind the similation to discuss:  Sci-Fi creators In Memoriam Updates on Nuclear fusion Cancelled Sci-Fi Favorites (cough...cough...Raised by Wolves) Directors who need two billion dollars to break even. The women of Wakanda And trauma porn.

****This Episode of Sci-Fi Carnival Contains Severe to Profound SPOILERS!!!!! You've been warned.**** The intrepid trio is back to nerd-out with impunity over the much anticipated Black Panther sequel: Wakanda Forever. Ryan Coogler has once again delivered a masterpiece, and hosts Maryck Allyson, Harley J. Robinson and Mel are here for it. In this episode we dissect: The unspoken audience code of conduct The evolution of Shuri Namor and the Talokan people The 'recast T'Challa controversy' The Bronzeville Winery Wakanda after party And the unforgettable T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) Tribute

Trick or Treat! Sci-Fi Carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity over Sci-Fi and Religion. That's right, host Maryck Allyson and Harley J. Robinson wander aimlessly through the virtual wilderness while discusing: Good times in Gilead Child neglect and Children of the Corn The church of Transformers Velocipastor And God's special creature. R.I.P. Eddie Barzoon

The Carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity over surrealism in science fiction. Hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson and Mel peel back the paint on some of their favorite sci-fi, films, books and TV shows.

Sci-Fi Carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity over Jordan Peele's latest horror film, NOPE.  Although united in their love for Sci-Fi, the Sci-Fi Carnival crew are vehemetly divided on their review of this summer blockbuster hit. Passions run high as hosts Markyck Allyson, James Robinson and Mel lock horns over:  Disgruntled hollywood animals Humans' obsession with "Dominion over all". The perfect shot And irresponsible siblings.

In this special memorial episode of Sci-Fi Carnival, hosts Maryck Allyson and James Robinson celebrate the life and social impact of the late Nichelle Nichols, who passed away on July 30, 2022. Although she is best known for her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on the original Star Trek series, her contributions on and off screen advanced both the  the Civil Rights Movement and NASA space program.

Have the rising cost of streaming services got you hovering over the cancel button? Or perhaps, it's day eight of that seven day free trial you planned to cancel before the charges hit.   Well, before you part ways with your greedy a$$ streaming provider, the crew at Sci-Fi Carnival has compiled a Sci-fi binge list guaranteed to keep you entertained until it's time to pay again. *Note: Sci-fi Carnival did not receive a yankee dime for the contents of this podcast. 

We got the Sci-Fi carnies together to nerd-out over the latest Wakanda Forever Trailer in a much overdue Sci-Fi Carnival Buzz Shot. Hosts, Maryck Allyson, James Robinson and Mel wrack their sci-fi minds over  Queen Ramonda's U.N. speech Marvel Tourist and Posers Wakanda Forever trailers, then and now W'Kabi Namor F***king Fanboys.

The carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity of over the sounds of science fiction.  We get lost in the chords over:  The theme songs that shape a genre Why some herz hurt and others don't The soundtrack of science fiction And  another Interstellar tangent.

The crafty carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity over the pros and cons of Sci-Fi  remakes. Are remakes a neccesary evil to keep up with the times or are they simply money grabs? The short answer:It depends. For the detailed answer, Maryck Allyson, Harley J aka Harely James Robinson and Mel explore:  Pissed off firestarters and gun happy FBI agents The tale of two Dunes Batman's remake of a remake of a remake How Pepsi and Coke tie into this. Generational remakes

The carnival is back to nerd-out with impunitiy over the awesome mind f**k that is Time Travel. We are crossing timelines over:  Jealous billionaires with too much time on their hands. Archive 81 and Netflix's version of cancel culture. Time traveling in Deutshland. That time Quark, Nog and Rom landed in Area 51. What to do when you find a giant black hole on your cattle ranch. Slavery Debate: Sink ships or arm the residents. Maybe both?

Praise Sol! Sci-Fi Carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity over Season Two of Ridley Scott's Raised By Wolves. In this episode, we go into the light over: Mom's cheat baby. Father's pet project. Non FDA approved fruit. The dangers of opening ancient artifacts. Marcus's cult following The latest Hunter Father adventure. Campion's plus one. And an ingrate named Paul.

In the spirit of shameful self promotion, Sci-Fi Carnival is nerding-out over Maryck Allyson's debut novel, "Onyx Complex." Host Harley J. Robinson dares to travel to the mental confines of the sci-fi fantasy creator to learn the series of strange and twisted events that lead to the manifestation of her epic afrofuturistic adventure.

Trigger Warning**This episode is highly political.** Happy New Year and welcome to the third season of Sci-Fi Carnival!  It just so happens to also be the third season of 2020.  To kick off this new hope, we are revisiting a film about an alien invasion called "Captive State". It released in theaters in March of 2019 to mixed reviews.  But due to the unrelenting series of strange and twisted events, hosts Maryck Allyson, Harley J Robinson and Mel are nerding-out with impunity over: Things to expect when you join "The Resistance" What to do when your government sells you out to an aggressive alien force. Signs that your government has been taken over or is about to be taken over. And the time PBS's Frontline told us to look up, and well...we didn't.

The Carnival called an emergency nerd-out session to unpack Netflix's new satire titled, "Don't Look Up".  Hosts Maryck Allyson, Harley J. Robinson, and Mel look up, down and straight ahead over: Things to know when planning your emergency visit to the White House. How to live life without the stress of living. Signs you may have said too much. Things to consider when the world's sexiest scientist says the "science is sound." When you only have six months, but you still want to play the long game. Call to action concerts Call to inaction rallies Things to consider when the world's sexiest scientist says the "we're all going to die." And the goodies that await us in 2022

The carnival is back with the Christmas Special that absolutely no one asked for.  That's right! The intrepid trio nerd-out over the sci-fi elements embedded in the lucrative holiday called Christmas.  Maryck Allyson, Harley J. Robinson and Mel bust out the spiked egg nog over: Santa and discriminatory practices directed at certain reindeer. Fu**king Krampus, The relevance of Festivus, How the green Gremilns saved Gizmo. Shameful Sci-fi Book plugs Candles vs. Fruitcakes Gift cards: laziness or corporate a Godsend. And why Christmas is necessaryas f**ck

Sci-Fi Carnival is back to nerd out with impunity over Netflix's  Midnight Mass.  "It's in the bible" takes on a whole new meaning in this Easter Horror Story. And hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson and Mel are here for it.  In this episode, The Carnival goes to church over: Signs your pastor is lying to you. When to question the contents of the holy wine. Vampires with Jim Jones undertones. What to do when the visiting visiting pastor has wings.   How to cherry pick your miracles. And things to do before burning down the town.

Wild things happen when you sell your soul to the soulless, and this proves true in the popular Korean Netflix series, Squid Game.  Host Maryck Allyson, and James Robinson and guest host, Mel lose all their marbles over: The consequences of not knowing when to quit. Subway games and bi**h slaps. The art of tug of war. The struggles of running your illegal side business at your soul sucking job. And why you shouldn't underestimate old men.

Bah weep graaahna weep ni ni bong! Yep, the universal greeting works every time. This episode of Sci-Fi Carnival is one host James Robinson has waited an eternity for. But it's NEVER over for the nostalgia of one of the greatest movies ever created. So cover your receptors with your best headphones you turbo revvin' young punks and join Maryck Allyson and James in this discussion of The Transformers: The Movie where we delve deep into:   The psychological damage of killing off your entire toy chest in one fell swoop. Existential reality of there is always something bigger than you waiting to devour your entire world, Fighting an enslaved super villain. And the beautiful wonders of animation and what it can showcase.  

In this special memorial episode of Sci-Fi Carnival, Maryck Allyson, James Robinson and 'Mel' celebrate the innovative acting career of the late Michael K. Williams who passed away Monday, September 6, 2021.    Known for delivering complicated, unforgettable performances, Michael K. Williams embodied his characters down to their souls. Although he held one hundred and ten acting credit, his portrayal of Lovecraft Country's, Montrose Freeman and The Wire's, Omar Little are among the most notable.  

The Carnival is back to nerd out with impunity over Star Trek Deep Space Nine. Of course, trying to cram seven seasons of one of the greatest series of all time into a 2+ hour podcast is impossible. Oddly enough, host Maryck Allyson and James Robinson don't realize this until midway through the show. So, in the first volume of Revisiting DS9, we fly into the Gamma Quadrant over Captain Benjamin Sisko aka Commander Benjamin Sisko, aka Emissary, aka The Sisko. 

The Sci-Fi Carnival crew is back to nerd-out with impunity over sh**ty sci-fi parenting. In this episode host Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and guest host Mel spend damn near three hours indiscriminately passing judgment over sci-fi parents: Who neglect their teenagers to live their best life or save the universe. Who leave their kids unattended to get some midday a**. Who resent their kids because they won't follow in their murderous footsteps. Who gift their kids murderous pets to make up for their absence. And Gul Fu**ing DuKat 

We've been sent good weather which the carnival received with great joy!  The carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity over the Season Finale of the Handmaid's Tale titled 'Wilderness'.  Hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and Mel wander in the woods over: Prison advocate, Serena Joy's list of demands. The Canadian legal system vs. the Gilead legal system. JIX That time, June organized a field trip for the therapy group she commandeered. The new chapter in Fred and Nick's father-son relationship, Geriatric Millenials. And how Serena got her finger back...well how Serena got a finger back. While we didn't get the clown car of dead commanders that seemed to spark the season premiere of season four, we celebrate the deserving few that met their demise due to unnatural causes.  Thank you for following Sci-Fi Carnival through the Gilead journey and in the quiet words of Commander Lawrence, "Go with grace."  

Blessed be the Canadian Prison System!  In this episode of Sci-Fi Carnival, hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson and guest host, Mel, lose their s**t over: Nick and June's Gilead love child, All the s**t we got wrong about Luke, The softer side of Aunt Lydia, Serena and Fred's future plans. Gilead Snitches And what became of Mrs. Keyes

June may be done, but we're not. Sci-Fi Carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity over season four's episode eight titled "Testimony". Hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and Mel go all-in in their group therapy session over: When a totalitarian government is funding its war effort in your country of refuge, The problem with turning the other cheek. Serena's stank a** teal dress. The whereabouts of Janine, That time June commandeered group therapy. When the s**t don't even sound right on paper, but you supporting it anyway.

At Last Sci-Fi, Carnival is back to nerd-out with impunity over episode 7 of Handmaid's Tale Season 4.  We get deep into the potato chip aisle over,  Grocery shopping as a group What to do when your captors are living their best lives. Canadian prisons. Luke And whether Moira will get her groove back.

"Nolite te bastardes carborundorum"  The Sci-Fi Carnival crew is back to nerd-out with impunity over episode 6 aka "The Vow."  Hosts Mark Allyson, James Robinson, and guest host Mel wade through metaphorical waters over: Ride or die besties, Filler episodes, Too many flashbacks, Where the hell could Janine be, Tangents that have nothing to do with The Handmaid's Tale.

By his hand, the Sci-Fi Carnival crew is back to nerd-out with impunity over the "Chicago" episode of The Handmaid's Tale.  Hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and Mel dive into the rubble of over: Janine's "mommy and me" dreams. The disappointment named Steve. Whether or not Aunt Lydia's treadmill is a Peloton. Gilead's growing liability also known as Nick. And what the hell does Aunt Lydia have on Commander Calhoun?

 Blessed be the Fruit Loops! The intrepid trio is back to nerd-out with impunity over the latest episode of Season 4 of The Handmaid's Tale. In this Janine and Rita focused episode, Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and Mel wander in the wilderness over:  Pre-Gilead days and false advertising, Delusional-ass Serena, Janine calling bull**it, Much deserved sushi, And why we should all give June a fu**ing break.

Wakanda Forever! It's official. JULY 8th 2022 is the release date for the Black Panther Sequel. In this episode of Sci-Fi  Buzz Shots, hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and guest host Mel nerd-out for fifteen minutes plus over the Wakanda Forever release date announcement.

Under His Fu$!#king Eye! June and the Handmaid crew are back for another season of Gilead's Bullsh#%*t.  Hulu graciously released the first three episodes of the Fourth Season of The Handmaid's Tale and Sci-Fi Carnival is here for it.  In this episode, Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and guest host Mel, nerd-out with impunity over... How to manage dirty old Commanders, Frail Aunt Lydia, June the budding chemist. What became of the Waterfords? And Fu***king Nick!

The intrepid trio is back to nerd-out over the blurred lines between hard sci-fi and soft sci-fi.  Hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and guest host Mel pick through some of their favorite sci-fi storylines and in the process answer some real key sci-fi questions such as: What's the deal with Chris Nolan's Twilight world? What happens when you keep pissing off the community robot? And why Avenue 5 should be considered hard science.

Did you know you could live forever?  In this episode of Sci-Fi Buzz Shots, hosts Maryck Allyson and James Robinson nerd-out over a blog post published in the Nerdist titled "Dyson Sphere May Be the Key to Human Immortality" by Matthew Hart.  For 15 minutes we cover: How the sun can power your retirement simulation. The striking resemblance between a Dyson Sphere and the Death Star. And Cyborg Life  

Memories, sweet sweet memories. In this episode of Sci-Fi  Buzz Shot episode, hosts Maryck Allyson and James Robinson nerd-out for fifteen minutes over the encroaching topic of cancel culture into the sci-fi realm. Are we all just a blizzard of snowflakes, or do some narratives need to be wished away into the Smithsonian?

The Lord has opened! Last week Hulu dropped a trailer for Season Four of the Handmaid's Tale, and Sci-Fi Carnival is here for it. In a new series, we call Sci-Fi Buzz Shots, the gang at Sci-Carnival will nerd-out with impunity for 15 minutes over buzz in the sci-fi community. That being said, tune in for our first Sci-Fi Buzz Shot:  The Revenge of the Handmaids. *Blessed Be The Fruit Loops*

Lift every voice and shout! In honor of Black History Month, Sci-Fi Carnival is nerding-out with impunity over black people in science fiction. Hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and guest host Mel dive into: Black Sci-Fi before Black Panther, Cosmic Slop, the sunken place, and equisapiens, Dark Matters, Reconstructing the deconstructed black narrative, And why planet Earth is not our home. Sadly, we barely touch the surface of black people and the sci-fi genre, but on a positive note, we barely touch the surface of black people and the sci-fi genre.

Blessed Day! Hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and guest host, 'Just Mel', are back for the first Sci-Fi Carnival podcast of the year. And what a year it has been! In acknowledgment of the attempted coup on the U.S. government earlier this month, we are nerding-out with impunity over the Handmaid's Tale Hulu series. In this episode, we cover: Signs your country may be the next Gilead Other people's babies Handmaids, Martha's, Commanders, and Shaman Fake facts and totalitarian governments Playing the long game: something to consider when you didn't get out in time. What to do when your commander doesn't want to play scrabble anymore. Serena Joy and the art of outsmarting yourself. *Warning: Because of the events on January 6, 2021, this episode will be more political than usual. 

No one could have ever guessed that 2020 would play out like the prequel to a dystopian novel. Yet here we are. In this episode of Sci-Fi Carnival, hosts Maryck Allyson, and James Robinson welcomes back guest host 'Just Mel' to close out this murder hornet of a year. We nerd-out over the many parallels between our favorite Sci-Fi stories, and the s***t show that is 2020, which includes: Octavia's America: Pandemics, Elections, and Kente Cloth. Will Smith   Antebellum: Not quite what we thought it was. Hopeless Justice Twenty Twenty Won. 2020 came at us with impunity and we nerded-out with impunity because that's what we do. See you in 2021!

Back when COVID-19 was barely a whisper, hosts Maryck Allyson and James Robinson gathered in a Chicago Public Library and nerded-out over the feature sci-fi film "Gemini Man".  Although this mic free episode was Sci-Fi Carnival's first episode, it somehow got buried in the 'This is just a test' vault. But after the year we had, it's time the Gemini Man episode has its day. So, in this forgotten episode, we lose our nerd minds over: Sniper retirement goals Alternatives to pension payments To clone or not to clone And how to be your own dad.  

Every slacker has her day, and in the case of Ensign Beckett Mariner, her day is an entire series.  Join hosts Maryck Allyson and James Robinson as we nerd-out over the Star Trek animated series "Lower Decks."  In this episode, we cover: Nepotism aboard the U.S.S. Cerritos Every "Star Trek" series ever The evolution of the red shirt The diminishing expectations of the lower deck employees. And Riker We follow the Lower Deck crew from blood bathing rage down to the final "choo." Don't underestimate the shenanigans of a die-hard underachiever.

Liberated from the Sci-Fi Carnival's 2G vault, hosts Maryck Allyson and James Robinson nerd-out over the Amazon Prime Series: "Upload". This digital paradise that masks an infinite horror story sends our overthinking hosts on tangents that include: The feasibility of funding the undead's virtual meal plan. The problems that arise when your INSIGNIFICANT other is paying for your afterlife. The whereabouts of Mr. Caputo. Corporate mergers and hr problems of the future. Why attending your own funeral can be a bummer. And when your kids want you to live forever, but you don't. Just because your meat suit dies, doesn't mean you have to.  Join us as we get down to the nitty-gritty of living forever.

All great things must come to an end.  Sci-Fi Carnival hosts Maryck Allyson, James Robinson, and guest host 'Just Mel' conclude their Lovecraft Country journey by doing what they do best: nerding-out with impunity over the final two episodes of Lovecraft Country. In the finale, they cover: Multiverse time travel, 1921 an American Horror Story Shitty siblings Pet shoggoths  And the great Ruby debate The Lovecraft Country series took on a life of its own, leaving the Sci-Fi Carnival Crew combing the pages of history to seek truths that were far stranger than fiction. Thanks for the wild ride.