Sci-Fi Talk

A 59-Year Celebration Through Voices, Memories, and Missions My combined three-volume oral history and tribute, weaving together rare interviews, behind-the-scenes reflections, and heartfelt anecdotes from cast and crew across Star Trek: First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis. Supplemented by intimate conversations with actors from The Next Generation, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, Enterprise, and even a special Star Trek literary event.   Featuring 

A hundred years from now, humanity reaches for the stars—and pays the price for hope. In this episode of Rewind, showrunners Jonathan Glassner (Stargate SG-1) and Dean Devlin (The Ark, Independence Day) take us behind the scenes of their latest sci-fi survival saga. The story follows a ship of colonists en route to Proxima Centauri B, Earth's nearest habitable neighbor. But when a catastrophic systems failure kills the command crew and most of the technical staff, the mission becomes a desperate fight for survival.

Choreographer for the Subspace Rhapsody episode Roberto Campenella talks putting the dance sequences together and gives us a lesson in the simplest being the hardest.   Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus

In this special edition of Trends, we dive deep into the evolving world of artificial intelligence—its promises, its pitfalls, and its place in our collective imagination. From speculative fiction to real-world innovation, this episode brings together a dynamic mix of voices shaping how we think about AI.

News on New Frankenstein movie at Venice Film Festival. DC Vs Marvel comparison from Frank Grillo, Dinos in Jurassic World video game, plus a demand from Stephen King in The Long Walk. Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today  

Rewind features my interview with Mickey Sumner, Iddo Goldberg, and Rowan Blanchard. It's a thoughtful conversation that dives into character psychology, the show's sociopolitical allegories, and the actors' collaborative dynamics on set.  Rowan Blanchard & Mickey Sumner Interview: explores how Alexandra Cavill and Bess Till navigate grief, loyalty, and moral ambiguity. Iddo Goldberg Interview: offers a look into Bennett Knox's role in Layton's pirate train mission. Bonus Comments: Timothy V Murphy Start Your Free trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today  

This week on Trek Tuesday, we beam into convention territory with the legendary Vaughn Armstrong, whose theatrical roots brought unforgettable depth to the Star Trek universe. With a staggering 12 distinct characters across 27 episodes—including five on Voyager alone—Armstrong's versatility is a masterclass in transformation. From Klingons to Cardassians, and most memorably as Admiral Forrest on Star Trek: Enterprise, his performances are etched into Trek lore.

In this roundtable conversation, actors Rory Alexander and Sadhbh Malin join us to explore their transformative roles as young Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser and Jocasta Cameron in Outlander: Blood of My Blood. As the prequel breathes new life into beloved characters, Rory and Sadhbh share how they navigated the emotional terrain of portraying younger versions of figures already etched into fans' hearts. From the subtle tension of unspoken affection to the weight of inherited grief, they unpack the complexity of Murtagh and Jocasta's evolving relationship—one shaped by longing, loyalty, and the shadow of Ellen MacKenzie. We dive into the challenges of playing “the right emotions” opposite each other, especially when the characters' futures are already known to the audience. Costume as Character: Both actors discuss how their period costumes helped shape posture, presence, and emotional authenticity Uncomfortable Scenes: Behind-the-scenes stories of filming emotionally raw or physically demanding moments, and how trust between castmates made all the difference Moments of Joy: Rory and Sadhbh share their favorite “pleasant scenes”—from quiet walks on set to spontaneous laughter during rehearsals Start Your Free Trial Of Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today

In this unnerving installment of Byte, we sit down with Ben Hardy and Mia Tomlinson—stars of The Conjuring: Last Rites—for a Zoom interview provided by Warner Bros. The actors portray Tony Smurl and Judy Warren, a real-life couple who moved into a duplex in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, only to face a series of escalating paranormal events: foul odors, slamming doors, dragged furniture, phantom voices, unexplained bruises—and something far more sinister lurking in the shadows. Hardy and Tomlinson share what it was like to speak directly with the real Tony and Judy, and how those conversations shaped their performances. They reflect on stepping into the emotionally charged world of the Conjuring franchise, working alongside horror legends Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, and collaborating with director Michael Chaves, whose joyful energy helped balance the darkness of the story. Commercial-Free + Companion Video Available on Sci-Fi Talk Plus

In this hauntingly heartfelt Zoom interview, Byte welcomes back franchise icons Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga to discuss their final outing as Ed and Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring: Last Rites. With interviews provided by Warner Bros., the duo reflects on over a decade of supernatural storytelling, and why audiences continue to connect with the franchise's blend of terror and tenderness. They also share behind-the-scenes insights into working with director Michael Chaves, whose joyful energy helped shape the tone of this cinematic swan song. Commercial-Free + Companion Video Available on Sci-Fi Talk Plus  

In this special retrospective episode, we revisit three years of live conversations with Kevin Bacon at New York Comic Con, tracing the emotional and psychological evolution of FBI agent Ryan Hardy from The Following. From the show's explosive debut to its final season, Bacon reflects on Hardy's unraveling psyche, his battle with addiction, and the twisted intimacy between hunter and hunted. Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today. 

This week on Explore Weekly, we dive into a genre-rich roundup of the biggest stories in entertainment—from supernatural satire to superhero synergy. Michael Sheen teases the ineffable return of Good Omens, Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein prepares to electrify Venice, and Stephen King's The Institute gets a chilling season two renewal. Plus, we unpack the cultural phenomenon of KPop Demon Hunters, explore the viral screen test that crowned David Corenswet as Superman, and decode the latest DC Studios crossover buzz between Batman and the Man of Steel. We also spotlight the evolution of Peacemaker in season two, with fresh Easter eggs and canon shifts, and offer a heartfelt review of Upload season four—Prime Video's digital afterlife comedy that ends with a surprisingly emotional punch. Start Your Free One Year Trial on Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today

This week, we fire up the retroscope and revisit one of sci-fi cinema's most iconic invasions: George Pal's War of the Worlds (1953). From its long and winding road to production to the unforgettable cobra-headed Martian war machines, we explore how this Cold War-era classic redefined alien terror for the big screen. You'll hear how producer George Pal—Hollywood's original sci-fi visionary—brought H.G. Wells' Victorian apocalypse into postwar Southern California, swapping tripods for manta rays and existential dread for atomic-age spectacle. We break down the casting of Gene Barry as Dr. Clayton Forrester, surrounded by a rich ensemble of veteran character actors, and how their grounded performances helped sell the surreal. We also dive into the film's bold departures from the novel: The shift in setting and tone The redesign of the Martians and their technology  And of course, we spotlight the unforgettable war machine design by art director Albert Nozaki—those sleek, levitating death-dealers with cobra-like necks and heat rays that helped the film win an Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Highlights Include:

This week on Trek Tuesday, we dive into one of the most provocative episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3—“What Is Starfleet?”—with special guest Mynor Luken, who plays Beto Ortegas, the civilian documentarian aboard the Enterprise.

Before Godzilla, before Rogue One, Gareth Edwards was a one-man army with a camera, a laptop, and a dream. In this throwback episode of Byte, we revisit our early conversation with Edwards just after the release of his breakout indie sci-fi film, Monsters (2010)—a haunting, low-budget marvel that redefined what guerrilla filmmaking could achieve.

The Make-Up Designer for Tron Ares teased me about the movie during a break from filming last year.  Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today.

On Byte, Benedict Wong joins us to unpack his transformative role in Zach Cregger's genre-defying horror film Weapons. Known for his commanding presence across sci-fi and fantasy, Wong steps into new territory as Marcus, a school principal whose descent into monstrous chaos is as tragic as it is terrifying.

Episode 413 brings together creators and performers who challenge what it means to be human, to belong, and to imagine beyond the stars.

This week on Explore Weekly, we dive deep into the genre multiverse with the biggest headlines from sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and comics. From Middle-earth to the Mojave Wasteland, Emmy buzz to alien invasions—here's what's lighting up the internet:

In this episode, we dive into the layered performances behind Murderbot, the sci-fi adaptation that's redefining what it means to be human, augmented, and emotionally resilient. Joining us are Noma Dumezweni, who brings a quiet ferocity to Dr. Mensah, and David Dastmalchian, whose portrayal of Gurathin pulses with tension between cybernetic precision and raw humanity. We explore how Noma crafts Mensah's leadership—equal parts empathy and steel—and how David finds the soul within Gurathin's augmented shell. The conversation also touches on the almost utopian, hippie-like existence of the colonists. Plus, David reflects on his chilling role in Late Night With The Devil, and how playing Gurathin offered a very different kind of psychological terrain. Mensah's Moral Compass: Noma shares how she approached the character's deep compassion without compromising her authority, revealing the emotional intelligence behind Mensah's decisions. Gurathin's Duality: David discusses the tension between Gurathin's cybernetic enhancements and his very human skepticism—especially toward Murderbot—and how that conflict shaped his performance. From Devil to Data: David reflects on Late Night With The Devil, the psychological toll of playing a character unraveling on live TV, and how Gurathin's internal battles offered a quieter, more introspective challenge. Start Your Free One Year Trial for Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today  

This week on Trek Tuesday, we're joined by one of the most intellectually and artistically gifted directors in the Star Trek universe—Valerie Weiss. With a PhD from Harvard Medical School in biological chemistry and a passion for cinematic storytelling, Valerie brings a rare fusion of scientific insight and emotional depth to her work behind the camera.  

In this episode, I chat with writer and director Peter Cilella to explore his haunting and intimate debut feature, Descendent—a fresh and emotionally charged take on the UFO abduction narrative. The film follows Sean Bruner (played by Ross Marquand) and his wife Andrea (Sarah Bulger) as they prepare for the arrival of their first child. But when Sean blacks out after witnessing a mysterious light during a late-night security shift, he awakens aboard an alien craft—and reality begins to fracture. Peter shares how Descendent uses science fiction not just to thrill, but to probe the psychological toll of trauma and the resilience of love. We discuss:

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