Sci-Fi Talk

Bill Nye & Brannon Braga on Science, Disasters, and the Stories That Save Lives In this special edition of Rewind, Tony explores the explosive, urgent, and deeply scientific world of The End Is Nye — a series that confronts real natural disasters and shows how science can help us survive, adapt, and rebuild. This episode features two conversations woven together: Bill Nye, host of The End Is Nye, on the science behind extreme weather, natural disasters, and the solutions that can protect us. Brannon Braga, executive producer, on crafting six disaster scenarios, balancing fear with hope, and how his past work — from Star Trek Voyager to Cosmos to The Orville — shaped the series' tone and mission. Together, these interviews reveal how science communication, cinematic storytelling, and real‑world urgency collide in one of the most ambitious disaster‑science series ever made. “Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your universe, unlocked.”

In this episode, Tony chats with actor Mark O'Brien, who stars as Josh in the mind‑bending parallel‑universe thriller Parallel. The conversation explores how Mark approaches characters caught between moral tension, existential stakes, and the unknown — themes that echo across his standout performances in Arrival and Bad Times at the El Royale. Mark breaks down the creative and psychological challenges of starring in Parallel, a sci‑fi film where a group of friends discover a mirror that opens doorways into alternate realities. “Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your universe, unlocked.”

Building the Dune Prequel Universe In this chapter of Journey to Arrakis, Tony chatted with bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson, the longtime creative partner of Brian Herbert, to explore how the two architects of modern Dune lore constructed the sweeping prequel era — from House Atreides to The Butlerian Jihad and beyond. This episode dives into the craft, research, and narrative engineering behind the novels that broadened the Imperium's history, deepened its mythology, and introduced generations of readers to the political, spiritual, and ecological foundations of Frank Herbert's universe. Listeners also experience another atmospheric moment from the Dune Audio Book, courtesy of Macmillan Audio, adding sonic texture to the conversation.   “Sci‑Fi Talk Plus" — premium genre, commercial‑free. Go Plus today!”  

Prosthetic Makeup Effects Designer — Spider‑Noir, Fallout, Star Trek: Picard Tony zoomed with acclaimed prosthetic makeup effects designer Vincent Van Dyke, whose work continues to redefine how genre characters are built — physically, digitally, and emotionally. From the noir‑soaked streets of Spider‑Noir to the irradiated wastelands of Fallout, Vincent shares the craft, innovation, and storytelling instincts behind some of today's most memorable transformations. Spider‑Noir — Building a Stylized, Shadow‑Driven World Jack Huston's Sandman The Mutated Man‑Spider Fallout — Designing The Ghoul Digital Scanning vs. Plaster Casting SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

Featuring Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor & J.J. Abrams** Audio Courtesy Of Warner Bros Time Travel. Marriage, Dinos, and Making Of  In this episode of BYTE, Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, and producer J.J. Abrams to explore the emotional and cinematic engine behind The End of Oak Street. With  audio from Warner Bros, the trio break down the film's central relationship, its time‑bending mystery, and the massive scope that transforms Oak Street into one of the summer's most ambitious genre films. What I Dive Into The Complications of Greg & Denise Time Travel & Narrative Design Production Design & World‑Building Dinosaur Creation with ILM Explore More On Sci-Fi Talk Plus On Sci‑Fi Talk Plus, you'll find a longer, extended version of this episode — including: Podcast And Video Interviews  A companion video featuring interviews, BTS footage, and a film clip (when available) Upgrade to Sci‑Fi Talk Plus to unlock the premium experience.

Featuring Christian Convey, Maisy Stella & David Robert Mitchell Inside The Action, The Heart And Dinosaurs  In this episode of BYTE, Tony dives into the thrilling world of The End of Oak Street with audio courtesy of Warner Bros. Stars Christian Convey and Maisy Stella, along with writer‑director David Robert Mitchell, break down the film's pulse‑pounding action, its surprising emotional depth, and the dinosaur‑driven spectacle that powers its biggest moments. The Action That Drives the Story The Dinosaurs of Oak Street A Family at the Center On Sci‑Fi Talk Plus, you'll find a longer, extended version of this episode — including: Interviews  Behind‑the‑scenes Footage A companion video featuring interviews, BTS footage, and a film clip (when available) Upgrade to Sci‑Fi Talk Plus to unlock the premium experience.  

Paola Lázaro — actor, playwright, and creator of unforgettable characters. Best known for portraying Juanita “Princess” Sanchez on AMC's The Walking Dead (2020–2022) and Angela Gomez in Netflix's Obliterated (2023). She holds a Master's degree in Playwriting from Columbia University, a foundation that deeply informs her approach to character creation and emotional storytelling. In this episode, Tony chatted with Paola Lázaro for a vibrant, honest, and deeply creative conversation about her journey from playwright to screen actor, the moment she was cast as Princess in 2020, and how she shaped one of the most distinctive characters in The Walking Dead universe. Paola opens up about the craft behind Princess — her humor, her trauma, her resilience — and how she infused the character with her own lived experiences and artistic instincts. She also dives into Princess's evolving relationship with Mercer, exploring the emotional layers, trust-building, and vulnerability that made the pairing a fan favorite. “Go premium with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free podcasts and videos. Get exclusive Summer Movie coverage, sit‑down interviews, film clips, and red carpet moments from around the world. Sign up now for just $1.99. Click the link to start today.”  

August brings a mix of celebration, reinvention, and reflection across the genre landscape. From DC's latest casting shakeups to Marvel retrospectives, from animated Warhammer to the future of Children of Blood and Bone, this episode captures the pulse of where sci‑fi, horror, and comics are heading next. DC AND MARVEL HORROR AND DARK FANTASY'S BIG SWINGS TV STREAMING EXPANDING AND BIG BETS RANKING ALL MCU MOVIES Sci‑Fi Talk Plus is in orbit! Get premium, commercial‑free podcasts and videos — including Summer Movie dives, sit‑down interviews, film clips, and red‑carpet action from around the world. Jump in now for just $1.99. Hit the link and go Plus today!”

A Conversation with Emmy Nominee Ashley Michelle Marsh** Where Characters Live, We Learn Who They Are In this episode Tony Tellado Zoomed with Ashley Michelle Marsh, Emmy‑nominated set decorator for Pluribus, for a deeper exploration of the lived‑in spaces that define the show's emotional core. Ashley's work doesn't just fill rooms — it reveals character psychology, hidden tensions, and the uncanny dualities that run through the series. Carol's Home: Building Familiarity in a Fractured World The Supermarket Built by the Others Air Force One: Authenticity with a Twist Las Vegas: Elvis's Suite Without the Excess Sci‑Fi Talk Plus is blasting off! Get premium, commercial‑free podcasts and videos — including Summer Movie deep dives, sit‑down interviews, film clips, and red‑carpet action from around the world. Jump in now for just $1.99. Hit the link and go Plus today!”

Strange New Worlds hitting Season Four is a milestone — not just for the series, but for modern Trek itself. This season is bolder, stranger, more emotionally charged, and the cast you spoke with brings that evolution into sharp focus. These show notes lean into your signature blend of character insight, thematic resonance, and production craft. In this episode, Tony attended a press day with the with the cast at the start of season two to explore how relationships deepen, identities evolve, and the show continues to push the boundaries of what Star Trek can be. Anson Mount on Pike & Number One: Trust, Command, and Quiet Intimacy Paul Wesley & Ethan Peck: Finding Their Chemistry as Kirk & Spock Melissa Navia on “Among the Lotus Eaters”: Trauma, Memory & Resilience Rebecca Romijn: Finding Una Chin‑Riley Through Her Own History Paul Wesley on Crafting His Kirk Melissa Navia & Celia Rose Gooding on Trek's Enduring Appeal go premium with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free podcasts and videos. Get exclusive Summer Movie coverage, sit‑down interviews, film clips, and red carpet moments from around the world. Sign up now for just $1.99. Click the link to start today.”  

Composer of Pluribus, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, El Camino In this episode, Tony chats with Dave Porter, the award‑winning composer behind the sonic identity of Pluribus. Known for his long‑standing creative partnership with Vince Gilligan — beginning with Breaking Bad and continuing across multiple series — Porter brings a rare combination of classical training, electronic innovation, and narrative instinct to every project he touches. This conversation explores how Porter shaped the sound of Pluribus, from the unexpected use of vocals in the main theme to the way he threads vocal textures throughout the score. He breaks down how his classical foundation led him to electronic music, how experimentation became a core part of his process, and why one of his standout pieces draws inspiration from 1970s cinematic style. Tony also asks the question only Pluribus fans would dare: If Dave were absorbed into the collective, how would it change his music? His answer is as thoughtful as it is surprising. Go premium with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free podcasts and videos. Get Summer Movie coverage, sit‑down interviews, film clips, and red carpet moments from around the world. Sign up now for just $1.99. Click the link in the show notes to start today.”  

Featuring Simu Liu, Winston Duke & Joe Russo Audio courtesy of Marvel Studios In this follow‑up Hall H special, Byte returns to the beating heart of San Diego Comic‑Con with audio courtesy of Marvel Studios. This edition captures the excitement of Marvel's evolving slate, the creative voices shaping its future, and the unmistakable electricity of Hall H — a room where fandom becomes a force of nature. Tony brings listeners inside the conversations that define Marvel's next era, spotlighting performers and filmmakers whose work continues to expand the MCU's emotional and narrative reach. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

Featuring Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Hannah John‑Kamen, Hayley Atwell, James Marsden & Kevin Feige Audio courtesy of Marvel Studios In this special Byte presentation from Hall H at San Diego Comic‑Con, Tony brings listeners inside one of the most electric rooms in entertainment. With audio courtesy of Marvel Studios, this episode captures the adrenaline, the surprises, and the creative insight that define Marvel's biggest stage. Across film, streaming, and the expanding multiverse of characters, this Hall H showcase features conversations with some of Marvel's most charismatic performers and its chief architect — offering fans a front‑row seat to the future of the MCU. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

In this conversation, Tony Zoomed with John Koyama, the Supervising Stunt Coordinator and Second Unit Director behind some of the most explosive, outrageous, and technically demanding moments in The Boys. From the Oval Office finale to the infamous Herogasm sequence, Koyama breaks down how the team blends danger, comedy, spectacle, and character to create stunts that feel as unhinged as the world they inhabit. This episode also traces Koyama's long‑running collaboration with Zack Snyder, including Rebel Moon and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and his reflections on earning another Emmy nomination for The Boys after already taking home a win. Building The Stunts Of The Boys The Oval Office Finale - Controlled Chaos at Scale Herogasm - Infamous Day On Set Looking Back At Zack Snyder Collarborations Emmy Recognition - Past Wins & New Nomination Go premium with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free podcasts and videos. Sign up now for just $1.99.

Compiled Conversations with Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge & Michael Shanks Few sci‑fi series have carved out a cultural footprint as enduring as Stargate SG‑1. In this special episode, Tony brings together three cornerstone voices of the franchise — Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, and Michael Shanks — for a reflective, deeply human look back at a series that continues to resonate decades later. Amanda Tapping — Leadership, Compassion & the Evolution of Samantha Carter Christopher Judge — Teal'c, Honor & the Power of Stillness Michael Shanks — Daniel Jackson & the Heart of Curiosity Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free podcasts and videos. Get exclusive Summer Movie coverage, sit‑down interviews, film clips, and red carpet moments from around the world. Sign up now for just $1.99 a month. 

In this episode, Tony Zooms with Dave Fleming, the composer behind some of the most haunting and emotionally layered music in Widow's Bay. Their conversation dives into the sonic DNA of the series — from the spectral whispers of The Fog, to the mythic dread of The Sea Hag, to the primal unease of The Boogeyman. Fleming opens up about his creative process, his partnership with a co‑composer, and the challenge of crafting horror music that avoids clichés while still delivering deep emotional impact. The Fog: Voices In The Mist The Sea Hag: Myth, Melody, And Terror The Boogyman: Fear Without Formula A Composer's Palette — Mixing Elements for a Rich Score Beyond Widow's Bay — Last Son for James Gunn's Superman SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

In this episode, Tony talked with three voices of the Resident Evil universe — Nicole Tompkins (Jill Valentine), Matthew Mercer (Leon S. Kennedy), and Stephanie Panisello (Claire Redfield) — for an inside look at their work on the animated feature set within the eerie confines of Alcatraz, where a terrifying new method of viral delivery threatens the world. It's a conversation that blends legacy, performance, and pure survival‑horror adrenaline. SAVE 17% ON PLUS, TODAY    

Tony zoomed with Amanda Jones—Emmy winner, Emmy nominee, and one of the most inventive composers working in genre storytelling today—to dive into her electrifying score for Murderbot. Known for her ability to fuse synth, orchestra, and rock instrumentation into a seamless emotional engine, Jones breaks down how she built the sonic identity of one of sci‑fi's most beloved antiheroes. This conversation is equal parts craft, curiosity, and pure creative joy. INSIDE THE SCORE WHAT WE EXPLORE Hybrid Sound Design — Jones explains how she blends analog synths, orchestral textures, and gritty rock elements to mirror Murderbot's internal contradictions Driving Cues — You dig into her signature rhythmic propulsion, and she reveals how she intentionally slows things down mid‑cue to let tension breathe, giving listeners a moment inside Murderbot's thought process. Sanctuary Moon — Jones walks you through composing the theme for Sanctuary Moon, the gloriously cheesy in‑universe TV show Murderbot is obsessed with. She shares how she leaned into melodrama, camp, and over-the-top musical tropes to make it feel perfectly, hilariously bad—in the best way. Synth as Storytelling — Jones describes how the synth became the backbone of the series' musical language, allowing her to express Murderbot's emotional distance, digital interiority, and evolving humanity. Her Creative Process — From early sketches to final mixes, she breaks down how she approaches character-driven scoring, why experimentation matters, and how she keeps the music grounded even when the world is futuristic.Jones continues to expand her footprint across film and television, bringing her genre‑blending style to new projects and collaborations. Her recent work highlights her versatility and her ability to move fluidly between drama, sci‑fi, comedy, and documentary storytelling. Amanda Jones continues to expand her footprint across film and television, bringing her genre‑blending style to new projects and collaborations. Her recent work highlights her versatility and her ability to move fluidly between drama, sci‑fi, comedy, and documentary storytelling. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

The New York City premiere of The Odyssey continues with another dynamic round of red‑carpet conversations supplied by Universal Pictures. This edition deepens the tapestry of perspectives behind the film — from its mythic heroes to its grounded human characters, from its costume architecture to its emotional undercurrents. From The Red Carpet Logan Marshall‑Green  Jon Bernthal  Jesse Garcia  John Leguizamo  Himesh Patel  Ellen Mirojnick — The film's Costume Designer  James Remar  Corey Hawkins  Benny Safdie  SAVE 17% ON PLUS

New York City Premiere At the New York City premiere of The Odyssey, the red carpet felt electric — a collision of ancient myth, contemporary filmmaking, and the creative forces who've reimagined Homer's epic for a new generation. In this special episode of Byte, Tony brings listeners inside the event with interviews provided by Universal Pictures, featuring the film's cast and creative team as they reflect on music, destiny, family, and the emotional architecture of this sweeping adaptation. From the Red Carpet Ludwig Göransson — The Oscar‑winning composer Zendaya  Thomas Hayslip — Executive Producer  Tom Holland  Lupita Nyong'o  Samantha Morton SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Tony Zooms with Denise Pizzini, Emmy‑nominated Production Designer for the genre‑bending series Pluribus. A former set decorator turned visionary production designer, Denise breaks down the extraordinary creative and logistical challenges behind crafting the show's shifting realities — each one grounded in character, story, and emotional truth. Topics Include: Building Carol's World From the Ground Up Recreating Power: Air Force One Transforming the Everyday: The Supermarket The Warehouse of Secrets A Banquet Across Borders Elvis's Suite in Las Vegas A House in the Canary Islands… in New Mexico SAVE 17% ON PLUS

Fear as a Villain, Humanity as the Battleground Tony zoomed with filmmaker Christopher Piñero to explore how psychological horror can illuminate the most vulnerable corners of human experience. Piñero's award‑winning short film The Prowler — starring Aaron Dominguez of Only Murders in the Building — is a tense, unsettling descent into fear, paranoia, and the fragile line between perception and reality. As The Prowler prepares for its LA debut at the LA Shorts International Film Festival, Piñero joins Tony to unpack the film's origins, emotional architecture, and the cultural influences that shaped its haunting atmosphere. Piñero reveals the spark behind the film: “What if fear itself became the villain?” This question became the creative engine driving The Prowler, a story designed to keep audiences questioning what's real until the final moment. Tony and Piñero dig into how psychological horror can externalize internal battles — turning emotion into threat, and tension into narrative propulsion. Aaron Dominguez's Unsettling Performance Dominguez delivers a grounded, disquieting performance that anchors the film's psychological tension. Tony and Piñero discuss how Dominguez navigates the character's unraveling — guiding audiences through a night where nothing is quite what it seems. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

In this episode, Tony sits down with Chris MacLean, the Overall Visual Effects Supervisor for Foundation, for a sweeping conversation about how the show's visual language continues to evolve in scale, sophistication, and emotional depth. From hybrid location/virtual sequences to metaphysical constructs like the Tree of Time, Chris breaks down how the VFX team expands the universe each season while keeping the story's humanity at the center. Chris MacLean — Overall Visual Effects Supervisor, Foundation A guiding force behind the series' most ambitious visuals, Chris oversees the expanding workload across studios, continents, and timelines. His insights reveal how the show's VFX pipeline blends cutting‑edge technology with grounded storytelling. Covered Are: The Photobike Sequence Holograms & The Tree of Time Clarion Station Cloning Facility Destruction The Sacrifice of Demerzel The Mule's Eye Power SAVE 17% ON PLUS

A conversation with writer/director/star Britt Bankhead & star Grace Patterson In this episode, Tony zooms with Britt Bankhead — the writer, director, and lead actor of The Town That Takes — along with co‑star Grace Patterson, to explore the chilling mystery at the heart of their new film. The story begins with a father whose son vanishes in a remote town. As he teams up with two detectives, the trio must confront the terrifying legend of CROATOAN before another child disappears. What unfolds is a collision of Native American mythology, supernatural dread, and action.

Widow's Bay: Crafting Worlds with Emmy Nominees Steve Arnold & Jennifer Engel In this behind‑the‑scenes deep dive, Tony sits down over Zoom with Steve Arnold, Emmy‑nominated Production Designer, and Jennifer Engel, Emmy‑nominated Set Decorator for Widow's Bay. Together, they unpack the creative engineering behind one of television's most atmospheric series — from designing entire environments across multiple soundstages to sourcing the unusual, character‑defining props that give the show its eerie, lived‑in texture. They also share candid reflections on receiving Emmy nominations, what recognition means at this stage in their careers, and how the collaborative spirit of Widow's Bay shaped every frame. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Emily Hampshire interview is always electric — she's one of those performers whose mind moves as fast as her characters. As Jennifer Goines on 12 Monkeys, she delivered one of the most unpredictable, heartbreaking, and darkly hilarious performances in modern sci‑fi. And now, with a slate of recent projects ranging from horror‑thrillers to sharp indie dramas, she's in one of the most creatively exciting phases of her career. This conversation explores how she built Jennifer's fractured psyche, why she loves characters who “don't care about being liked,” and how her career has expanded into bold new territory. SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

From the red‑carpet special, Tony spoke with the U.S. cast of Syfy's Being Human at the Paley Center in New York. during the run of the series — starring Sam Witwer, Meaghan Rath, Sam Huntington, and Sarah Allen — reimagined the supernatural roommate concept with surprising emotional depth. Running from 2011 to 2014, the show became a breakout hit, marking Syfy's strongest winter scripted launch in nearly a decade. Alongside the cast, Tony also interviews Mark Stern, then President of Original Programming at Syfy, who reflects on why Being Human resonated so powerfully with audiences. SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY  

Three centuries after the fall of the Systems Commonwealth, the Andromeda Ascendant awakens into chaos — and standing at the captain's right hand is Beka Valentine, the fiercely loyal, sharp‑witted first officer who helped chart a path toward rebuilding civilization. In this rare vintage interview with Lisa Ryder talking about the role that when the series was young.  The role earned her a Gemini Award nomination for Best Performance in a Featured Supporting Role. SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

For the 30th anniversary of Star Trek: First Contact, Trek Tuesday presents a rare and lovingly reconstructed special drawn from Tony's original Beverly Hills roundtable, long‑lost New York radio segments, and a recent conversation with Jonathan Frakes. This anniversary episode brings together the voices who defined one of the most celebrated films in the franchise: Patrick Stewart, Rick Berman, Alice Krige, Brent Spiner, James Cromwell, Alfre Woodard, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, and Jonathan Frakes. SAVE 17% ON PLUS, TODAY  

In the final installment of your Cosmos series, Tony sits down with Mitchell Cannold and Brannon Braga, the executive producers who helped shape Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey and Cosmos: Possible Worlds. This episode explores how they preserved the spirit of Carl Sagan while reinventing Cosmos for a new generation — visually, narratively, and philosophically. SAVE 17% ON PLUS WITH A CLICK

Legacy, Ocean, and the Voices Who Carry the Story Forward On the red carpet for the World Premiere of Moana, with the filmmakers, performers, cultural leaders, and craftspeople who brought this new chapter of Moana's journey to life. From the screenplay to the choreography, from costume design to visual effects, this episode reveals how a global phenomenon stays rooted in Pacific identity and storytelling. Thanks to Disney Pictures for the audio.  Featuring Dana Ledoux Miller, Auli'i Cravalho, Catherine Laga'aia, Emma Puahi‑Shapazian, Amaya Masoli, Frankie Adams, John Tui, Lin‑Manuel Miranda, Maia Kayser, Rena Owen, Thomas Kail, Tiana Nonosina Liufau, and Liz McGregor.

A dive into the ambitious new adaptation of The Odyssey, featuring an ensemble cast that reimagines Homer's timeless tale through character, consequence, and cosmic law. From the burden of heroism to the fragile threads of family, this conversation explores how ancient myth becomes urgent, human storytelling. Sit down with Matt Damon (Odysseus), Anne Hathaway (Penelope), Tom Holland (Telemachus), John Leguizamo (Eumaeus), Himesh Patel (Eurylochus), and writer‑director Christopher Nolan, along with Lupita Nyong'o (Helen of Troy) and Jon Bernthal (Menelaus). Additional reflections come from Benny Safdie (Agamemnon), Zendaya (Athena), Samantha Morton (Circe), and Damon again on the power of this cast. Themes That Hit Hard The Law of Zeus — not just divine rule, but the moral architecture of the universe. Homecoming vs. Identity — what remains of a person after years of war and wandering. Faith, Fate, and Defiance — the eternal tension between mortal will and cosmic design. Family as Myth — the stories we inherit, the ones we rewrite, and the ones we fight to return to. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

In this episode of Rewind, Tony revisits the ambitious sci‑fi series Raised by Wolves, a haunting tale of two androids — Mother and Father — tasked with raising human children on the distant world of Kepler‑22b after Earth collapses under religious war. Though short‑lived, the series carved out a unique space in modern science fiction, blending existential dread with intimate questions about parenting, belief, and what it means to be human. Tony chats with two of the voices who shaped the show's soul: Aaron Guzikowski — series creator Abubakar Salim — Father, the steadfast caretaker android Kepler‑22b is more than a setting — it's a crucible. A barren, mysterious landscape where survival is fragile and belief systems collide.  SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY  

Tony revisits the haunting 2013 Sundance breakout We Are What We Are, a slow‑burn horror drama that redefined the cannibal‑family subgenre with emotional depth and atmospheric dread. The film — now streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, Roku Channel (as of July), Tubi, Fawesome, and Pluto TV — remains a landmark in modern American horror. Tony speaks with the filmmakers and cast who shaped its unsettling world: Nick Damici — co‑writer and cast member Jim Mickle — director Bill Sage — Frank Parker, the patriarch Julia Garner — a rising talent whose performance signaled a major career ahead Set against relentless rain and rural isolation, We Are What We Are follows the Parker family as they cling to a ritualistic, generational secret. Mickle and Damici's adaptation of the Mexican original transforms the story into a meditation on grief, faith, and the terror of inherited duty. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Brian Herbert reflects on the extraordinary process of interpreting and expanding the notes his father left behind. He discusses: The discovery of Frank Herbert's outline for the final Dune novel The emotional weight of continuing a story his father began Collaborating with Kevin J. Anderson to honor the original intent while expanding the universe Featured Audio: A Moment from the Dune Audio Series Courtesy of Macmillan Audio, listeners hear a vivid excerpt from the Dune Audio series — a moment that captures the tension, mysticism, and grandeur of the later Dune novels. This immersive clip anchors the conversation in the sound and spirit of Arrakis, offering a sensory bridge between the Herbert legacy and the world they created. SAVE 17% ON PLUS   

Tony revisits the red carpet for Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, the two‑part animated epic directed by Jay Oliva and adapted from Frank Miller's seminal 1986 comic. Released in 2012 and 2013, the films depict a dystopian Gotham where an aging, battle‑scarred Bruce Wayne, now 55, is forced out of retirement as the city collapses under violence, corruption, and moral decay. Conversations with David Selby (Commissioner Gordon), Jay Oliva, and legendary voice director Andrea Romano capture the creative energy behind a story that reshaped how audiences understand Batman — not as a symbol of youth and invincibility, but as a man confronting time, trauma, and the consequences of a lifetime of war. Setting the Stage: Gotham in Decline Ten years after Batman's disappearance, Gotham is overrun by the Mutants, a violent gang whose rise symbolizes societal collapse. Bruce Wayne, haunted by the death of Jason Todd, struggles with aging, guilt, and the fading relevance of his mission. The film's dystopian tone reflects Miller's original intent: a world where institutions fail, heroes fracture, and morality becomes a battlefield. The Dark Knight Returns is a cornerstone of modern superhero storytelling — a meditation on identity, legacy, and the human cost of heroism.  SAVE 17% ON PLUS

Indie Sci‑Fi, Horror & Fantasy Spotlight Two indie films that approach fear, identity, and the unknown from completely different angles. One is cosmic terror in the woods; the other is a psychological fantasy that turns romance into revelation. Together, they showcase why indie genre filmmaking remains one of the most daring corners of cinema. Extraterrestrial — Colin Minihan's Alien Terror in the Trees A cabin getaway becomes a nightmare when a group of friends witness a mysterious crash in the woods. What they find isn't debris — it's an alien spacecraft, complete with footprints leading away from the impact site. A conversation with Colin Minihan explores how he built tension from isolation, paranoia, and the fear of breaking a cosmic pact. Minihan's approach blends classic alien‑abduction dread with indie grit, making Extraterrestrial a standout for fans of grounded sci‑fi horror. Where to watch: Prime Video and Netflix. Reflections — Anthony Khaseria's Dark Fantasy of Self‑Confrontation A beautiful couple enters a charming café expecting a romantic evening. Instead, they discover a hidden mirror that doesn't show their ideal selves — it shows the truth they've been avoiding. In Reflections, the mirror becomes a portal into a malefic cycle, trapping the couple in a loop where they must confront their inner demons. The film blends fantasy with psychological horror, offering moments that feel almost like a Harry Potter‑style magical reveal, except the magic here exposes unsettling realities rather than wish fulfillment. Khaseria's award‑winning short uses minimalism, atmosphere, and emotional precision to create a story that lingers long after the final frame. It's a reminder that fantasy can be intimate — and terrifying — when it turns inward. Where to watch: YouTube   SAVE 17% On PLUS    

Enjoy these popular shorts. Maybe they work because they hit the sweet spot — iconic genre performers reflecting on character evolution, emotional truth, and the moments that shaped fan‑favorite stories. This set feels like a curated anthology of sci‑fi, fantasy, and horror insight, each clip delivering a sharp, memorable beat.  Included Are:  Alexander Skarsgård — The Evolution of Murderbot David Dastmalchian — Keeping Humanity Lynn Collins — Revisiting John Carter Andrew Robinson — Garak & Bashir's First Meeting Andrew Lincoln — What Drew Him to The Walking Dead SAVE 17% ON PLUS   

This episode digs into the newest, blood‑splattered chapter of the Evil Dead legacy — a story that twists grief, family, and demonic possession into a brutal, character‑driven nightmare. With exclusive audio from Warner Bros. and interviews that illuminate the film's creative choices, Evil Dead Burn becomes a showcase of how the franchise keeps evolving while staying ferociously true to its roots. The film centers on a woman reeling from the loss of her husband. Seeking refuge, she retreats to stay with her in‑laws — hoping for comfort, stability, and a chance to breathe again. Instead, she finds herself trapped in a home where the familiar becomes monstrous. One by one, her in‑laws transform into deadites, twisting the bonds of family into weapons of terror. As she fights to survive, she discovers a chilling truth embedded in the film's core theme. The vows she took in life — survive even in death. Interviews & Creative Insights Luciane Buchanan — Becoming a Deadite Tandi Wright & Madeleine Davey — Building the Family Dynamic George Pullar & Erroll Shand — The Art of Prosthetics Hunter Doohan — Playing Joseph Souheila Yacoub — The Mystery of Alice Sébastien Vanicek — Connecting Burn to Evil Dead Lore & Making Something New Connecting Burn to the established lore without repeating what's been done Crafting something unique, with new rules, new emotional stakes, and a fresh visual identity Vanicek explains how he honored the franchise's DNA — the Book, the deadites, the brutality — while pushing the mythology into new territory. SAVE 17% ON PLUS     

This episode dives deep into the creation of Planet of the Apes (1968), tracing how a bold, philosophical sci‑fi concept became one of cinema's most iconic films. You walk listeners through the production journey, the evolution of the script, the artistry behind the apes, and spotlight three characters whose performances shaped the franchise's legacy. Topics include: Budget realities forced a dramatic pivot: the ape society became pre‑industrial, leaning into horses, huts, and tribal hierarchy. Filming Locations - The production leaned heavily on rugged, natural environments: The Score - Jerry Goldsmith's avant‑garde composition  Shooting The Finale Design Forced perspective shots Matte painting enhancements SAVE MONTHLY ON SCI-Fi TALK PLUS

July's episode is stacked — major franchise updates, bold creative swings, industry losses, and one of the biggest “power rankings” lists in fandom history. This edition gives your listeners a clean, high‑impact overview of what's shaping genre storytelling right now. The Stories This Month Silo Season Three Supergirl — Screenwriter Speaks My Take On Supergirl House of the Dragon   Robert Eggers' Werwulf Five Nights at Freddy's 3 Writer  The Death of Robin Hood — Make‑Up & Costumes An Absolute Batman Series CBR's “40 Strongest Fictional Characters of All Time” SAVE MONTHLY ON PLUS WITH A LOW PRICE  

Season Three of Falling Skies opens with a bold time jump, dropping the 2nd Mass into a radically changed world. Charleston has become a fledgling capital, Tom Mason is now President, and humanity is attempting to rebuild while still under the shadow of alien occupation. But the biggest shift is the uneasy alliance with the Volm, a mysterious extraterrestrial race promising salvation from the Espheni. Their arrival brings hope, suspicion, and a new layer of political tension — especially as the 2nd Mass discovers that peace is far from guaranteed. This Comic‑Con roundtable captures the cast and creators reflecting on the season's expanded mythology, evolving characters, and the moral complexity of fighting alongside one alien race to defeat another. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

A roundtable with Bear McCreary at San Diego Comic‑Con is a gift — he's one of the few composers whose work doesn't just accompany genre storytelling, it defines it.  Bear McCreary, the Emmy‑nominated composer whose music has shaped some of the most influential genre stories of the last two decades. With six Emmy nominations and a résumé that spans space opera, pirate adventure, apocalyptic horror, dystopian sci‑fi, and high fantasy, McCreary's work has become synonymous with emotional depth and world‑building through sound. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

In this episode, Tony chattged with Medina Senghore, who brought quiet strength and emotional clarity to Annie Smith in The Walking Dead's final season. Introduced in Season 11, Episode 13 (“Warlords”), Annie emerges as a respected figure within the Riverbend/Riverside community, offering counsel, stability, and moral grounding during one of the show's most politically volatile arcs. Though her time on the series is brief, Annie's presence reshapes the emotional landscape around Negan, revealing a side of him defined not by brutality, but by responsibility, partnership, and the terrifying hope of a future. Her performance balances warmth with resilience — a survivor who has already made peace with the world's darkness and refuses to let it define her family's future. SAVE 17% ON PLUS WITH COMMERICIAL FREE EXCLUSIVES