Sci-Fi Talk

Dr. Val Baker is a Scientific Research Associate at the Resonance Science Foundation. She earned an MSci in Astrophysics from University College London and a PhD in Astrophysics from Open University under Dr. Andrew Norton. Her research spans binaries, neutron stars, black holes, gamma-ray bursts, AGN and exoplanets. Forward Time Travel via Relativity Einstein's special theory of relativity tells us that the faster you move, the more slowly you experience time relative to someone at rest. Precision experiments—like synchronizing atomic clocks on jets versus on the ground—confirm that high-speed travel causes measurable time dilation. Did The Avengers Get Time Travel Right in Endgame? The MCU's Quantum Approach In Endgame, the Avengers use Pym Particles to shrink into the Quantum Realm and slip through time. This nods to real ideas about spacetime shortcuts—akin to wormholes—but the film glosses over the astronomical energy and stability challenges such a method would entail in actual physics.   Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today.

Welcome back to Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, where we dive into the stories, creators, and cultural tremors shaping speculative fiction. This week's Sci-Fi Talk Weekly is packed with genre-defining headlines, character-driven profiles, and a fresh ranking that might just spark a rewatch.

Step into the TARDIS and journey back to the summer of 2013, when the energy at San Diego Comic-Con was electric with anticipation for Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary. In this special episode of Rewind, we revisit rountable that brought actors and showrunners to celebrate half a century of time-traveling adventures.

In this episode of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, we dive into the eerie brilliance of two modern horror auteurs: Robert Eggers and Zach Cregger. Though their paths to filmmaking couldn't be more different—Eggers from the brooding world of theater, Cregger from the irreverent heights of sketch comedy—they've each carved out unforgettable spaces in the genre. We trace Eggers' evolution from designing stage productions to crafting atmospheric nightmares like The Witch, The Lighthouse, and The Northman, culminating in his upcoming reimagining of Nosferatu. Meanwhile, Cregger's pivot from Whitest Kids U Know to the twisted psychological terrain of Barbarian reveals a filmmaker unafraid to weaponize the familiar—turning domestic rituals into sites of dread.

In this episode of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, we dive into the haunting and intimate journey of Sean Bruner, played by Ross Marquand — a security guard grappling with buried trauma as he and his wife Andrea prepare for their first child. After a mysterious encounter with a beam of light, Sean awakens in a hospital with an uncanny ability to draw vivid extraterrestrial landscapes and beings. But this isn't your typical alien abduction story — it's a psychological descent into memory, identity, and the thin veil between reality and the unknown. We explore how the film uses Sean's anxiety as a compass, mapping his emotional unraveling alongside the emergence of cryptic clues. Therapist Sara Bulger enters the story as both skeptic and seeker, helping Sean unlock suppressed memories that point to a desert site with ties to his past — and possibly to something far larger. Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus

The two actors talk playing superhero father and son in the adaptation of the Robert Kirkman comic. Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus

On Byte, a look  behind the scenes of Weapons, the enigmatic new film from writer, producer, and director Zack Greggor. On the surface, it's a horror mystery. But as Julia Garner (Justine) tells us, Weapons is “more than the surface”—a layered, unsettling story that defies genre expectations.

In this special press conference edition, we dive into the heart of Outlander: Blood of My Blood, the highly anticipated prequel to the beloved Outlander series. Recorded live with the cast, this episode captures the energy, camaraderie, and creative vision behind the show's exploration of ancestry, identity, and the enduring pull of legacy. Actors Tony Curran, Rory Alexander, Sam Retford, Conor MacNeill, and Seamus McLean Ross share candid reflections on stepping into historical roles that echo through time. From the emotional weight of portraying real lineage to the thrill of expanding the Outlander universe, this conversation reveals how sci-fi and historical drama intersect to illuminate the human experience. What You Will Hear  Is the leadership vacuum a positive or negative A candid discussion on whether the series further complicates the MacKenzie family dynamics—and how those tensions ripple across generations Speculation on Rory Alexander's portrayal of Murtagh: do his feelings for Ellen MacKenzie bear any fruit, or are they destined to remain unspoken? A provocative question raised: why was no successor chosen within the clan, and what does that omission say about power, tradition, and change? Is the leadership vaccum a positive or negative ? Start Your Free One Year Free Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today 

This week's roundup is a pulse-check on genre storytelling, has Tony dives into this week's headlines. Including:  

In this episode of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, I sat down with the magnetic Kat Cunning—actor, musician, and boundary-breaking performer—whose journey from Broadway to Hollywood has been anything but ordinary. Kat first caught the spotlight in HBO's The Deuce, a breakout role that opened doors to collaborations with icons like Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson. On Broadway she was in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, alongside Janet McTeer and Liev Schreiber. Now, Kat takes on one of their most layered roles yet in Adam Finberg's Star People, portraying Claire—a character haunted by a childhood vision of a UFO during the infamous Phoenix Lights Incident. As Claire searches for answers across time and memory, Kat brings a raw vulnerability and cosmic curiosity to the screen, challenging the boundaries of identity, belief, and connection.

I beam aboard Mike McMahan—creator and showrunner of Star Trek: Lower Decks. From his early days writing for South Park to co-creating Rick and Morty, McMahan has carved out a unique space in genre storytelling, blending irreverent humor with deep reverence for sci-fi lore.

A deep dive into the pilot of Mr. Robot, we revisit the moment Rami Malek's Elliot Anderson—a brilliant but troubled cybersecurity engineer—is pulled into the underground world of digital revolutionaries. Recruited by Christian Slater's enigmatic Mr. Robot, Elliot becomes the unlikely face of fsociety, a hacker collective with one radical goal: to erase global debt by encrypting the financial data of ECorp, the world's most powerful conglomerate. Featured Interviews:

From the SDCC Red Carpet are David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Writer JT Mollner , Mark Hamill, Roy Lee and Tut Nyuot  Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus

From the red carpet are Alec Gillis, director Dan Trachtenberg, actors Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and Elle Fanning . Special thanks to 20th Century Fox Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today

A dive into the gritty origins of Gotham, the noir-tinged series that reimagined the aftermath of Bruce Wayne's tragic loss. Developed by Bruno Heller, Gotham explores the city's descent into chaos and the rise of its most iconic figures—before the Bat ever took flight. Recorded live at New York Comic Con, this roundtable features candid conversations with cast members Robin Lord Taylor (Penguin), Sean Pertwee (Alfred), Erin Richards (Barbara Kean), Ben McKenzie (Jim Gordon), Donal Logue (Harvey Bullock), and executive producer Danny Cannon. They reflect on the show's early creative constraints, including navigating the DC Universe's tight character usage rules—like Cameron Monaghan's Joker-inspired arc that couldn't officially use the name or signature green hair.   Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today

On this week's edition of Explore Weekly, I  venture into the multiverse of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and comics with some fresh headlines.

A look back at the start of the series compiled from interviews done at New York Comic Con and via Zoom with Alan Tudyk, Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds, Alice Wetterlund, Levi Fiehler, and showrunner Chris Sheridan. A fond until we meet again to this series, reliving its promising start.  Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today.

On this Trek Tuesday episode, Alan Ruck to explores his return to the Star Trek universe in Star Trek: Of Gods and Men. We talked about how the 2008 fan film allowed him to revisit and expand the character of Captain John Harriman, originally introduced in Star Trek: Generations. Alan shared his excitement about giving Harriman more depth and agency, noting how fans and professionals came together to create a meaningful tribute to the franchise. ✨ Highlights from our conversation: Ruck reflected on Harriman's early depiction as inexperienced and unsure in Generations, and how Of Gods and Men offered a chance to redeem that image. The unique atmosphere on set: a true labor of love fueled by fan dedication and professional passion. Start A Free One Year Trial With Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today Take A Test Drive With Free Episodes And Videos

Star People, a hauntingly powerful sci-fi film that blurs the line between survival and obsession. Director Adam Finberg walks us through the mysterious allure of extraterrestrial discovery, while actors Eddie Martinez and Adriana Aluna Martinez bring raw insight into portraying immigrants chasing hope across the blistering Arizona desert. Together, we unpack themes of addiction recovery, isolation, and the desperate human drive toward meaning—whether through chasing distant stars or simply seeking shelter. The conversation dives deep into the metaphors layered within the film, and how sci-fi serves as a mirror for our most visceral human experiences. Start Your Free One Year Trial With Sci-Fi Talk Plus Take A Free Test Drive With Sample Episodes And Videos  

 In this star-studded episode, we take you behind the scenes of one of the most anticipated Marvel reboots—Fantastic Four: First Steps From the dazzling blue carpet event are:  Vanessa Kirby  Pedro Pascal  Julia Garner  Joseph Quinn Sarah Niles  Ralph Ineson Ebon Moss-Bachrach Michael Giacchino Matt Shakman  Start Your Free One Year Trial Today On Sci-Fi Talk Plus

The film reunites the unforgettable duo of Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, alongside visionary director Nisha Ganatra, for a nostalgic-yet-fresh conversation about their upcoming reimagining of the cult classic Freaky Friday. Start Your Free One Year Trial Today To Sci-Fi Talk Plus Take a test drive with free episodes and videos.

In this episode of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, host Tony sits down with journalist-turned-author Janet Stilson to dive into the captivating world of The Juice. The novel explores a near-future society where influence isn't just earned — it's chemically enhanced. At the heart of the story is a drug called "the Juice," which grants users extraordinary charisma, turning them into “Charismites.” But what happens when charm becomes currency? Janet shares the inspiration behind her dystopian vision, blending her experience in media and politics with a sci-fi lens. We unpack how charisma, power, and identity intertwine — and what this speculative tale reveals about the way humans seek connection and control. Is artificial charm the future of leadership? And how far are we willing to go for influence? Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today Take A Test Drive on Plus Today

Welcome to this week's episode of Sci-Fi Talk Weekly, where we dive into the latest buzz from the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero cinema. Here's what's lighting up the genre universe: Fantastic Four: First Steps – Critics React Marvel's “First Family” returns in Fantastic Four: First Steps. Set in a retro-futuristic 1960s Earth, the film blends cosmic spectacle with heartfelt family dynamics. Wonder Woman Reboot Gets a New Voice DC Studios has tapped Supergirl screenwriter Ana Nogueira to pen the upcoming Wonder Woman reboot. Clayface Eyes Female Lead The upcoming Clayface film, a horror-tinged DCU entry, is close to casting its female lead. Naomi Ackie (Mickey 17, Sorry, Baby) is reportedly in talks to join Tom Rhys Harries in this twisted tale of transformation and identity. Freakier Friday – First Reactions Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back in Freakier Friday, and critics are loving it. Screen Crush Lists  10 Superhero Movies That Saved a Franchise Every Marvel Multiverse Saga Movie Ranked (Worst to First)  Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today

In this special episode of Rewind, Tony Tellado dives deep into the groundbreaking sci-fi epic Babylon 5 — a series that boldly explored the human condition through the lens of interstellar politics, personal transformation, and existential stakes. Aired across five seasons as a "novel for television," the show redefined serialized storytelling and elevated science fiction into an artful mirror of society. Reflections from the late Michael O'Hare, Sci-Fi Talk's very first guest, on the transformation of Commander Jeffrey Sinclair and the emotional weight of his arc. Insightful commentary from creator J. Michael Straczynski (JMS) on the ambitious undertaking of writing nearly the entire series himself — an unprecedented feat in television history. Memorable moments with the late Andreas Katsulas, the soul of Ambassador G'Kar, who also reflects on his time in Star Trek. The unmistakable voice of Jerry Doyle, aka Chief Garibaldi, sharing candid thoughts on his role, the ensemble cast, and the show's legacy. A fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdote: JMS originally pitched Babylon 5 to Paramount — only to be rejected. Soon after, Deep Space Nine emerged. Coincidence or cosmic irony?

In this inspiring and wildly unexpected episode, a conversation with the indomitable Dr. Mireya Mayor—a woman who has leapt from the sidelines of the NFL straight into the heart of the jungle. She's a real-life Lara Croft, armed not with fiction, but with degrees, determination, and a deep curiosity about our planet's wildest mysteries. As a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader turned National Geographic explorer, Dr. Mayor's journey is anything but conventional. The daughter of Cuban immigrants and a mother of six, she defies every box society tries to put her in. And yes—you've seen her on TV chasing legends and searching for Bigfoot, blending skepticism with science in her signature fearless style. Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today Take A Test Drive With Free Samples

Blue carpet interviews with Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson who is"Galactus", Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Director is Matt Shakman, Joseph Quinn, and  Julia Garner.   Start Your Free One Year Trial Now For Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today Sample free Sci-Fi Talk Plus episodes and bonus videos.

From the blue carpet are  Joseph Quinn who is Johnny Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach is Ben Grimm, The Thing, Pedro Pascal is Reed Richards, Mr Fantastic, and Vanessa Kirby is Sue Storm, Johnny's sister and the Invisible Woman. Special thanks to Marvel for the audio.  Start Your Free One Year Trial at Sci-Fi Talk Plus today. Hear and see free samples of Sci-Fi Talk Plus

 In this episode, we sink our teeth into the gritty, post-apocalyptic world of Stakeland, the cult horror hit that reimagined vampire survival with raw intensity and emotional depth.  Recorded live in the heart of Manhattan, where cast and crew gathered. Sean Nelson – Shares how his character brought a human core to the chaos. Michael Cerveris (Fringe) – Discusses stepping into villainous shoes and balancing theatrical nuance with brutal realism. Jim Mickle – The visionary director on how Stakeland helped redefine indie horror. Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus   

Welcome to Explore Weekly for June 17th! In this episode of Explore Weekly, host Tony Tellado dives deep into the latest headlines from the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and comics. Headlines & Highlights Emmy Nominations: Severance leads with 27 nods, Harrison Ford gets recognized for Shrinking, and Black Mirror returns with 10 nominations. Handmaid's Tale earns a single nomination for Cherry Jones. San Diego Comic Con Preview: Marvel and Warner Bros. skip major panels, but George Lucas makes his first appearance to promote the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Joined by Guillermo del Toro, Doug Chiang, and moderated by Queen Latifah. New Horror from Robert Eggers: Werwulf stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, with Lilly-Rose Depp in talks. A period piece following the tradition of Nosferatu. Legend of Zelda Casting News: Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link. Live-action film expected in 2027. Bonus Content on Sci-Fi Talk Plus Exclusive video trailers and behind-the-scenes footage Interviews from Jurassic World Rebirth, Superman, and The Hail Mary Project Trailer Try the multimedia experience with a free one-year trial—just $1.99/month after!

 Today, a dive into a film that bends reality, questions perception, and loops time in ways that'll twist your mind into knots. At the Tribeca Film Festival, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the creative trifecta behind The Endless—directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, and producer David Lawson Jr. Buckle up… this is going to get weird.  The Endless is a story that follows two brothers, Justin and Aaron—yes, portrayed by the filmmakers themselves—as they return to a UFO cult they escaped years ago, only to discover that something strange is at play… something endless.  Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus Take a Test Drive with free episodes 

Actress Mary Wiseman—best known for her role as Sylvia Tilley on Star Trek: Discovery—takes us on a journey through her character's evolution, quirks, and connection to the Star Trek universe. From Tilley's early days as a cadet to becoming a key player aboard the U.S.S. Discovery, Mary reflects on portraying one of the franchise's most relatable and complex characters. She also shares her thoughts of First Officer Raynor and her teaching duties.   Start Your Free One Year Trial Today on Sci-Fi Talk Plus Enroll in Free Account for a test drive on Plus

Today on Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, we venture into the thick, haunting greenery of Panama's notorious Darien Gap to unpack Indigenous—a chilling survival horror film that premiered at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival. The movie follows five adventurous friends who set out to explore the remote jungle, despite chilling whispers of murdered teenagers and a deadly cryptid lurking in the shadows. Spoiler alert: it might just be the legendary Chupacabra. Start Your Free One Year Free Trial at Sci-Fi Talk Plus

This episode dives deep into the bold and thought-provoking animated feature Superman vs. The Elite with exclusive interviews from two fan-favorite voices: George Newbern (Superman) and Pauley Perrette (Lois Lane). Together, they bring insight and energy to a film that asks one of the most provocative questions in superhero storytelling: Is truth and justice still enough in a world that embraces might over morals? Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Now Check Out Free episodes on Plus with free sampler

 Tim Daly as he reflects on his iconic journey voicing the Man of Steel—culminating in his final performance as Superman in the animated feature Justice League: Doom. From Superman: The Animated Series to the Justice League films, Daly's voice became synonymous with truth, justice, and quiet strength.  Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus  Sample free episodes of Sci-Fi Talk Plus

In this special 2006 interview, we catch up with John Ottman, fresh off completing his remarkable dual role as both composer and editor for Superman Returns. In a rare behind-the-scenes conversation, Ottman reflects on the intense creative challenge of honoring John Williams' legendary Superman themes while composing a fresh musical identity for Bryan Singer's vision of the Man of Steel.

Straight from the heart of New York City, join us for a special edition of the podcast recorded live at the Directors Guild Theater, where we celebrate the epic conclusion to The Death of Superman saga—Reign of the Supermen. We take you behind the velvet rope with exclusive red carpet interviews featuring the voices and visionaries who brought this bold chapter of DC animation to life.

Join me in a roundtable at San Diego Comic Con with the powerful voices behind The Death of Superman. I sat down with stars Jerry O'Connell (Superman), Rebecca Romijn (Lois Lane), Jason O'Mara (Batman), and Christopher Gorham (The Flash) to dive into what it means to bring this legendary DC storyline to animated life.

Five cast members from Superman (2025)—Edi Gathegi, María Gabriela de Faría, Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, and Anthony Carrigan—from each side of the fence, help explore the minds of these metahumans. From reluctant villains to grumpy geniuses, these characters bring complexity, charisma, and chaos to James Gunn's reimagined DC Universe. Hear how each actor shaped their role. Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus  Sample Sci-Fi Talk Episodes for Free 

A look into the making of Superman (2025) with interviews supplied by Warner Bros., featuring writer-director James Gunn and the film's lead stars: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult. From character development to casting choices, we explore how Gunn reimagined the Man of Steel for a new generation. Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today Check out Free Sample Episodes of Plus 

In this episode, we sit down with actor Gaius Charles, known to fans as the charismatic Brian “Smash” Williams from Friday Night Lights, and now the voice behind Batwing in Batman: Bad Blood. Gaius opens up about stepping into the world of DC Comics, embracing an unfamiliar superhero, and what it took to bring Luke Fox to life through voice alone.

This week, we descend into the heart of cinematic horror with an exclusive look at the mind-bending thriller The Sound. Set in the unforgiving high altitudes of a remote mountain range, The Sound follows a group of elite climbers whose expedition takes a horrifying turn when they encounter something far beyond the natural world—an ancient, malevolent force that defies comprehension.

In this chilling and cinematic episode, we sit down with legendary screenwriter and director David Koepp—the mind behind iconic films like Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, and Panic Room—to talk about his foray into immersive audio storytelling with the Audible Original horror drama, Yard Work. Koepp shares the eerie inspiration behind the story, which follows a grieving widower and former surgeon—played by the one and only Kevin Bacon—as he confronts strange and increasingly malevolent overgrowth creeping into his remote property. We explore Koepp's transition from screen to sound, the unique constraints and creative freedoms of audio horror, and how he builds suspense using only the power of voice, sound design, and imagination.

In this episode of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, we venture into the unknown with acclaimed actor David Clennon, whose career has spanned groundbreaking science fiction and deeply human storytelling. From his unforgettable role as Palmer in John Carpenter's The Thing, to Miles Drentell in Thirtysomething and now Kurt in the mind-bending film, The Sound, Clennon has consistently portrayed characters who confront mystery, menace, and the limits of perception. We dive into his role in The Sound—a spine-tingling movie about a team of mountaineers who encounter an eerie, invisible force in the high-altitude wilderness. David discusses how The Sound explores psychological tension and the fragility of human understanding when nature—or something else—turns against us. Start Your Free One Year Trial Now For Sci-Fi Talk Plus Take a free test drive with episodes and videos to preview  

In this episode of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, a deep dive into Artificial, the groundbreaking interactive sci-fi series created by Bernie Su and Evan Mandery. The story centers on Sophie Lin, an artificial human designed by Dr. Matt Lin to explore the question: what makes us human? Through intimate live-streamed interactions with viewers, Artificial blurs the boundary between scripted narrative and real-time choice, invited audiences to shape Sophie's evolution as she wrestles with love, identity, morality, and purpose. Start Your Free Trial To Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today