SciFi4Chicks - A Genre Podcast with a Woman's Perspective

Women. They can be kind, caring, beautiful, sexy. They can be damaged, ruined, dirty, tragic. But which is the hero?Director James Cameron claims that Wonder Woman is a step back in comparison to Sarah Conner, that a woman needs to be damaged to be strong. Is he right?How about William Golding's classic novel, Lord of the Flies which is going to have its third film adaptation....with girls.Yup, girls.Has Hollywood become so desperate for projects that they feel they need to take a book about male aggression and attempt to say girls are the same? Why did Golding write about boys and not girls? Can strong women be equal to strong men? And are girls equally savage as boys?What do the Chicks think? Well, you'll have to listen to find out.

Will the eclipse ruin your food? Does it make animals act weird? Can you see eclipses at the North and South poles? Jackie Beucher of the Astronomical Society of Kansas City joins us for a chat about the upcoming solar eclipse on August 21. This will be her 12th eclipse. She answers these questions plus many others while teaching us about how to safely enjoy the show being called the Great American Eclipse, the first contiguous eclipse the U.S. has seen since 1979. Plus, for our listeners in the Kansas City region under the center line, Jackie has information for the local shin-dig being held north of us and what we can expect. So sit back and enjoy her stories and passion as we countdown to our two minutes and some seconds of total daytime darkness. Find out more at GreatAmericanEclipse.com and askc.org.

They're called "gateway drugs" — those first little things that get us thinking, "It's not so bad..." which lead to bigger things. And before we know it, we're hooked. Can't get enough. And we want to share it with our kids. No, not the special brownies... we're talking about science fiction, fantasy — and yes, even horror — and how in our enthusiasm, we go about sharing our madness for Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Firefly, Superman, Wolverine, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Space: 1999, comic books, video games, and Ray Harryhausen. Do you have a favorite way of introducing the next generation to The Next Generation? Share it with us in an e-mail. scifi4chicks@scifi4me.com The panel: Mindy Inlow, Jennifer Wise, Sonya Rodriguez, Ann Laabs, James Hunt

The Walt Disney Company is known for their ground-breaking classic animated films: SNOW WHITE, CINDERELLA, SLEEPING BEAUTY, plus more recent classics like THE LION KING, THE LITTLE MERMAID, MULAN, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. In recent years, though, they've been dipping back into that same well to take those classic animated stories and rework them into live-action pieces such as MALEFICENT, 101 DALMATIANS, and CINDERELLA. The latest release, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, gives us a chance to compare and contrast this version and the classic animated feature. Along the way, we discuss the other projects in the pipeline: MULAN, a sequel to THE JUNGLE BOOK, THE LION KING, DUMBO, and more. Should Disney be re-making all of these classic films? Or should they work to deliver new classics? The panel: Mindy Inlow, Jennifer Wise, Teresa Wickersham, Sonya Rodriguez, Ann Laabs, Lauren Garrison

The Oscar-nominated movie HIDDEN FIGURES highlighted previously unknown contributions of African-American women to America's space program and spurred discussion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers for women today. SciFi4Chicks digs into both on our March podcast. Our discussion ranges from the multiple challenges faced and overcome by the pioneering African-American women of NASA to the work done today to inspire young women to pursue STEM careers. Mindy and Ann also reflect on their own histories with STEM subjects. Listen in and tell us your stories and experiences in the worlds of STEM!

Fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. Which of these three has more appeal for you? How are these different from each other and why do we like them (or not like them)? Even though you may have a preference, our discussion finds that the crossover elements can enhance the experience with favorite pieces of work. However, why do people tend to steer away from one particular category? Is it too broad or too technical and realistic? Listen and find out if you agree! The panel: Jen Wise, Mindy Inlow, Ann Laabs, and Kayce Taylor

This month, the ladies of SciFi4Chicks discuss the recent fates of two iconic women: Wonder Woman and Carrie Fisher. Nearly two months after being "hired" by the United Nations to help raise awareness of Goal 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, she is fired for "objectifying women" in her scantily clothing, basically being a pin-up girl. But let's ignore why she is a good role model for women. And speaking of role models for women, as the world mourns the loss of Carrie Fisher, what is the fate of the Star Wars films? Lucasfilms has made an official statement on the use of CGI, so how will they handle her death? We have theories and of course, many opinions. The panel: Jen Wise, Mindy Inlow, Sonya Rodriguez, Ann Laabs

In this episode, the Chicks -- and Jeff! -- turn their attention to that most confusingly reviled summer remake, Ghostbusters. Spanning from analysis of how "cosplay-ish" the trailer felt to what downright just worked in this film, every angle is dissected. Did it live up to our fond memories of the original 80's classic? Or are our childhoods legitimately ruined and our psyches irrevocably damaged? How did the media's treatment of every tiny reveal, from the original announcement to the opening weekend, help or hinder? Everything is on the table and nothing is safe -- except Mike Hat, the anxiety dog. Listen in on our round-table ramblings, and comment to let us know your thoughts! The panel: Jen Wise, Carolyn Wise, Mindy Inlow, Angie Fiedler Sutton, Heather French, Sonya Rodriguez, Kathryn Sanders, Jeff Hackworth

Forget Game of Thrones, this year it was more like Game of Queens. The sixth season not only brought back recurring characters, but it brought out the strongest female characters we have seen yet, and what better way to celebrate the women of Game of Thrones, than to have the Chicks dish out on their favorite females? This episode, we delve into the world created by George R. R. Martin and relive our favorite moments, as well as the more unsavory ones. The Chicks talk about what gives a strong character her strength, what depths she’ll have to go, some fan theories, and much much more. So pour yourself a glass of wine, breath in the last of the Summer air, for Winter has arrived. The panel: Allison Isberg, Jen Wise, Kiri Evins

In this episode, the Chicks discuss Black Widow and the possibility that she might finally get her own solo movie from Marvel. What would that mean for the Marvel Cinematic Universe? But more importantly, what would it mean for fans? Especially women and girls who would like to have some role models of their own? What would it mean to have a female lead character who's not defined by her relationships to the men in the group? And what went wrong with Black Widow's presentation in Avengers: Age of Ultron that might have set her back a bit? The discussion ranges from when (or if?) the solo movie would happen, and whether it might or might not be a better fit for Netflix. What about recasting younger for a prequel series? We also discuss the action figures, the toys — or lack thereof — and if the industry is ever going to really understand that the audience is 51% female... The panel: Allison Isberg, Ann Laabs, Sonya Rodriguez, Jennifer Wise, Lauren Garrison, Kiri Evins

This season of iZombie is now over. Unfortunately, the zombie-like virus that has hit Dorin and Heather is not over. But even a week later, the Chicks have some definite thoughts on how this season has wrapped up. We get two episodes at once, almost like a mini-binge watch. That will have to do until season three. (YEAH!) Dorin and Heather return to the microphone to discuss the episodes "Dead Beat" and "Salvation Army." How will Major get out of jail? Will Dale make her case? Can Liv save Drake, or is this another failed zombie hook-up? Is Blaine a good bad guy, or a bad good guy, or something else? Will Ravi earn a new badge in his Call of Duty squad? How will Clive take the news that things haven't been what he thought? What will Vaughn do now that he's up for membership in the Three Comma Club? Why does Vivian want Super Max and all that goes with it? Do nice guys really finish last? And how exactly does a heart break?

Dorin and Heather return to the microphone to discuss the episode "Reflections of the Way Liv Used to Be." Will Liv find out what really happened to Drake? Is helping Rita really VDC'stop second priority? Is Clive really serious about joining the FBI? Is Blaine faking, or does he really have no memory? Are Don E and Silent Chief really thinking that they can take over Blaine's businesses as well as take on Boss? Would Ravi really honor Major's wishes to not lose his memory just to stay alive? Is Major really going to go all full on zombie mode? And would Peyton really make Liv put away all the kitchenware even if she ate a new brain? So many questions, so little time! What did you think of this week's episode? Join the discussion in the comments or on Twitter! Let us know your favorite part: Liv and Clive, Blaine and Ravi, Blaine and Don E & Silent Chief, Rita and Daddy V, Peyton and Liv, or Ravi and Major. Finally, rate the episode on our iZombieHotness Scale.

Episode 216 "Pour Some Sugar, Zombie" - iZombie strips down to give us a story that moves more pieces into place. The question is... does it move the story along? Peyton is back where she belongs in our circle of friends. (Looking back, it makes us wonder if Gunther was on Team Z! Just look at that hair!) She seems to be fully embracing the whole 'my roommate is a zombie' thing, even to the point that she's using Liv's visions to help bring down Stacy Boss. But things don't quite work the way she plans when Liv gets in touch with her stripper side! While the ladies try to bring down a killer and a mob boss, Blaine is having an identity crisis without even realizing it. Speaking of an identity crisis, Ravi finds out that his bromance isn't what he thought as he learns Major has been keeping a major secret. Talk about trust issues! Meanwhile, Drake is still on ice and Rita hits the freezer for a brainburger. Being a zombie is the least of her worries! (She should have had a bite of Liv's BLT... brain, lettuce and tomato sandwich. Still waiting for that iZombie cookbook!)Dorin and Heather return to the microphone to discuss the episode "Pour Some Sugar, Zombie." (Yes, you may sing along and thrash your mullet!) What will happen to poor Z-Rita? Will Liv figure out what's really happened to Drake? Does Clive even need Liv to solve Crimes anymore? Can Peyton bring down boss, or is she getting in too deep? Will Scott E and Silent Z start there own business? Can Blaine survive realizing that he is a former double zombie and three times human? Does Ravi really think Major is the Chaos Killer, or is he just holding a grudge about Minor?

iZombie tries to be poetry in motion, but do they succeed? After a month long break (please stop!), Team Z is back at work solving crime in Seattle. Well, Clive and a snot-nosed kid are busy solving crime. Ravi is stressed trying to find out why the zombie cure isn't working, Liv is obsessing over a boy, and Blaine gets moody.Dorin and Heather return to the microphone to discuss the episode "He Blinded Me ... With Science." Will Liv stay with Drake? Will she care that Blaine and Major may be closer to true death than they hoped? Are Clive and Dale about to find out what's really going under right under their noses? Or will one or both of them fall prey to zombies ... or worse, VDC!? Is Blaine re-human again? Will he be himself or a do-gooder? Is Rita doomed? Or is it VDC that should be scared?

Episode 213 "Eternal Sunshine of the Caffeinated Mind" - The sun shines down on Seattle in the latest iZombie episode, even though it's raining air conditioners. This leads to the perkiest Liv we've seen all season as she and Clive investigate the murder of the owner of the happiest coffee shop in the West! While Ravi tries to see a future with a blissfully Star Wars ignorant barista, our trio of once and future zombie men battle their own demons.Dorin and Heather return to the microphone discuss the episode "Eternal Sunshine of the Caffeinated Mind." Will Drake be found out? Will Major come clean about what he's done? What will happen when re-dead Blaine resurfaces? Is Liv going to make the connection between Rita and VDC? Can Ravi help Darcy see the light saber, or has their not-yet relationship already gone the way of New Hope?

Lies! All lies I tell you! What do you expect when you eat the brain of a notorious liar? It seems, though, that Liv's transformation into her victims is not going unnoticed! (Yea Clive!) And while her visions don't necessarily lead to a resolution to the crime, they do open a new can of worms, at least as far as her personal life is concerned.Dorin and Heather return to the microphone to discuss the episode "The Whopper." How will Liv's vision of Drake affect their budding relationship? Will Blaine and Major form an anti-bromance? Can Blaine triumph over Frau Baddie? Do they have "One More Day" to find a cure? And does bacon really make everything taste better? (because that brain burger looked good!)As a BONUS, stick around at the end for a special "The Drinking Dead," a segment with Heather and Dorin talking about the mid-season premiere of The Walking Dead because, well, they just HAD to say SOMETHING!

It seems iZombie is prepping us for the season finale early by having worlds collide. For the first time, Liv has to go without a crime brain. What's a crime-fighting zombie to do? First, you make sushi with the brain you have on hand! Unfortunately for Liv, her meal turns her into a social media maven who snaps selfies with a blood boat, records herself unpacking a box, and posts brainy food porn! That may be the least of her problems now that the crime intersects with Major and VDC, her new beau is caught between his mom and a crime boss, and her best friend is pulling a Karen Allen on Ravi!Dorin and Heather return to the microphone to discuss the episode "Physician, Heal Thy Selfie." Can Liv solve this case without a crime brain? Will her one vision be a cold shower on her new romance? Will Major find a way out from the rock/hard place he's put himself in? Who's more menacing... VDC or Boss? Or will Blaine take over the creepy crown? Most importantly, are marshmallows a cure for a whiskey hangover?

Episode 211 “50 Shades of Grey Matter”We’re FINALLY back with a new episode of iZombie, which gets the Chicks a little hot and bothered… but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Liv creates her latest culinary treat before she realizes that it’s the brain of an erotic romance novelist. Rut-roh! Not good when you start having Ally McBeal fantasies about random men and wondering about handcuffing a muscle zombie. But it seems you don’t just have to be on sexy brains to be frisky... just ask Peyton, Blaine, Dale and Clive!Dorin and Heather return to the microphone to discuss the episode “50 Shades of Grey Matter.” Will Liv regret being with Drake? Can Dale and Clive find another way to get Blaine? Does Blaine care for Peyton, or is he just using her? WIll Major get over Minor? Will Ravi figure out what’s going on with Major? And when will the iZombie cookbook come out?! (Our idea, CW! Remember that!)

The CW gives us a mid-season teaser (we can't bring ourselves to call it a premiere) of iZombie, just enough to whet our appetites and raise our expectations. But do they deliver? After a crazy holiday, we get this one episode to hold us through the cold month of January, but they certainly didn't skimp on the details! Not only do we get (almost) all our heroes, but both villains are back to begin plotting their nefarious plans. Throw in a school full of zombies, a lab full of Romaros, and a craft service table full of food (yum!), and you have a recipe for the next pork rind addicting hit!Dorin and Heather return to the microphone to discuss the episode "Method Head." Are Liv and Major really broken up or just on a break? Will Ravi be able to find a true cure? Will Blaine get cozy with the FBI as well as the ADA? Can Clive get fresh muffins for the precinct? Does VDC trust his daughter or his bromance more? Will Minor be a major problem? Will Wyatt be the next Blue Ranger?Tune in for the latest installment of SciFi4Chicks and hear Heather and Dorin's opinions about the plot thickening, stories intertwining, relationships breaking apart and coming together.So many questions, so little time! What did you think of episode nine? Join the discussion in the comments or on Twitter! Let us know your favorite part: Liv and Clive, Ravi and Liv, Clive and Dale, Blaine and Dale, or a zombie high school drama!