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We return to 1995 not to hack into the Net but to wander, Netless, around Vienna with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Palm readers! Street poets! Plays featuring cows! It’s “Before Sunrise,” a movie in which nothing happens… except maybe the most extraordinary thing in two people’s lives. Jason Snell with Brian Hamilton, Erika Ensign, Annette Wierstra and Steven Schapansky.
Our Awards Book Club closes up shop for 2025 with a final set of rankings, the presentation of an award we made up, and an overview of all the Hugo-nominated short fiction. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Scott McNulty, Aleen Simms and Heather Berberet.
Our Awards Book Club closes up shop for 2025 with a final set of rankings, the presentation of an award we made up, and an overview of all the Hugo-nominated short fiction. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Scott McNulty, Aleen Simms and Heather Berberet.
The last of the recent trilogy of Doctor Who episodes of Feuding Families is ready for your ears! Do we still love our listeners? Of course we do! Do they know a lot about Doctor Who? Of course they d…checks notes…Of course some of them do! Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Evan Teng, Glenn Fleishman, Mikayla Micomonaco, Riley Silverman and Steven Schapansky.
The last of the recent trilogy of Doctor Who episodes of Feuding Families is ready for your ears! Do we still love our listeners? Of course we do! Do they know a lot about Doctor Who? Of course they d…checks notes…Of course some of them do! Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Evan Teng, Glenn Fleishman, Mikayla Micomonaco, Riley Silverman and Steven Schapansky.
Editor's Intro: Michael Damian Thomas Short Fiction: “The Garden” by Emma Törzs, as read by Erika Ensign Poetry: “Wishbone” by Prosper C. Ìféányí, as read by Matt Peters Interview: Michael Damian Thomas interviews Emma Törzs Want to join the Space Unicorn Ranger Corps? You can find new science fiction and fantasy stories, poetry, and nonfiction every month in Uncanny Magazine. Go to uncannymagazine.com or subscribe to the eBook version at weightlessbooks.com. This podcast was produced by Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky. Music created by Null Device and used with permission. Copyright © 2025 by Uncanny Magazine
2025 Awards Book Club nears the end with award nominees “Asunder,” “The Ministry of Time,” and “The Tainted Cup.” Plus: What else are we reading? Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms and Heather Berberet.
2025 Awards Book Club nears the end with award nominees “Asunder,” “The Ministry of Time,” and “The Tainted Cup.” Plus: What else are we reading? Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms and Heather Berberet.
In this installment of the 1955 edition of Careers, one player is a slick politician, one player is a business tycoon, and one player…gets hit by a karma. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Dan Moren, Deborah Stanish and Shelly Brisbin.
In this installment of the 1955 edition of Careers, one player is a slick politician, one player is a business tycoon, and one player…gets hit by a karma. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Dan Moren, Deborah Stanish and Shelly Brisbin.
We remain submerged for a very long time to watch a very long film, 1981’s “Das Boot.” This certifiable classic is certainly long and German, encompassing almost everything you might expect in the genre. There’s action, suspense, a lot of character moments, and long periods of tedium spent listening for bad sounds, punctuated by moments of terror as the boat goes to eleven (and beyond). Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Brian Warren, Casey Liss, Dan Moren and Philip Michaels.
We remain submerged for a very long time to watch a very long film, 1981’s “Das Boot.” This certifiable classic is certainly long and German, encompassing almost everything you might expect in the genre. There’s action, suspense, a lot of character moments, and long periods of tedium spent listening for bad sounds, punctuated by moments of terror as the boat goes to eleven (and beyond). Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Brian Warren, Casey Liss, Dan Moren and Philip Michaels.
In our second of two Uncanny Magazine Kickstarter Backer editions, we visit the world of places, learn about baseball, and do not learn about the U.S. Constitution. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Fred Paffhausen, Jason Snell, Laura Majerus, Peter Jones and Seb Pollard.
In our second of two Uncanny Magazine Kickstarter Backer editions, we visit the world of places, learn about baseball, and do not learn about the U.S. Constitution. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Fred Paffhausen, Jason Snell, Laura Majerus, Peter Jones and Seb Pollard.
The Summer of Submarines joins forces with Old Movie Club to take on 1958’s “Run Silent, Run Deep,” starring Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. It’s a tense thriller that has inspired sub and sci-fi movies for many decades. Erika’s gleeful reaction to the film’s abrupt ending may surprise you! Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Philip Michaels, Shelly Brisbin, Dan Moren and Casey Liss.
The Summer of Submarines joins forces with Old Movie Club to take on 1958’s “Run Silent, Run Deep,” starring Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. It’s a tense thriller that has inspired sub and sci-fi movies for many decades. Erika’s gleeful reaction to the film’s abrupt ending may surprise you! Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Philip Michaels, Shelly Brisbin, Dan Moren and Casey Liss.
The summer of submarines kicks off with 1995’s “Crimson Tide,” a taut character drama that pits a captain (Gene Hackman) against his XO (Denzel Washington) in a conflict that escalates as global tensions rise outside their nuclear submarine. Jason Snell with Philip Michaels, Lisa Schmeiser, Dan Moren, Casey Liss and Erika Ensign.
The summer of submarines kicks off with 1995’s “Crimson Tide,” a taut character drama that pits a captain (Gene Hackman) against his XO (Denzel Washington) in a conflict that escalates as global tensions rise outside their nuclear submarine. Jason Snell with Philip Michaels, Lisa Schmeiser, Dan Moren, Casey Liss and Erika Ensign.
It’s time once again to salute Uncanny Magazine Kickstarter Backers, and salute them we do, with questions! Difficult, specific, mostly-American questions! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Daniel Ryan, Joe Veneracion, Mikah Sargent, Pinky and Thomas Wouters.
It’s time once again to salute Uncanny Magazine Kickstarter Backers, and salute them we do, with questions! Difficult, specific, mostly-American questions! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Daniel Ryan, Joe Veneracion, Mikah Sargent, Pinky and Thomas Wouters.
Erika and Steven wrap up the Canada Day extravaganza by dipping their toes into “Genesis of the Daleks” — will Erika love it? like it? hate it? Nobody knows yet, not even Erika! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.
Steven and Erika finish off a rare (for this era) two-part story as the Canada Day fun continues! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.
Erika and Steven wax poetic about OB video and Sarah Jane Smith, as the Canada Day marathon continues. And Erika shares a partial list of favourite Doctor Who stories over the years. The stories on that list might surprise you! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.
Steven and Erika conclude “The Ark in Space” and complain about fireworks timing — another Canada Day tradition! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.
Erika and Steven natter on about problem-solving and TV-pacing, with a long tangent about food in Edmonton — so it’s basically what you’d expect on Canada Day! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.
Steven and Erika celebrate Canada Day in their traditional fashion — with a classic Doctor Who marathon and some delicious food! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.
Editor's Intro: Michael Damian Thomas Short Fiction: “The Diner at the Intersection of Duty and Despair” by John Chu, as read by Matt Peters Poetry: “Soft, Your Grief, and Leporine” by Lora Gray, as read by Erika Ensign Interview: Michael Damian Thomas interviews John Chu Want to join the Space Unicorn Ranger Corps? You can find new science fiction and fantasy stories, poetry, and nonfiction every month in Uncanny Magazine. Go to uncannymagazine.com or subscribe to the eBook version at weightlessbooks.com. This podcast was produced by Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky. Music created by Null Device and used with permission. Copyright © 2025 by Uncanny Magazine
The second (and final?) season of the BBC/Disney+ collaboration era of “Doctor Who” is at an end, and so our crew of fans is here to pick up the pieces and ponder what went right and (unfortunately) what went wrong. Where does this franchise go from here? Jason Snell with Steven Schapansky, Erika Ensign, Chip Sudderth, Annette Wierstra and Heather Berberet.
The second (and final?) season of the BBC/Disney+ collaboration era of “Doctor Who” is at an end, and so our crew of fans is here to pick up the pieces and ponder what went right and (unfortunately) what went wrong. Where does this franchise go from here? Jason Snell with Steven Schapansky, Erika Ensign, Chip Sudderth, Annette Wierstra and Heather Berberet.
Our Awards Book Club continues its run through the roses with a tougher than expected review of Vajra Chandrasekera’s “Raksefall,” Adrian Tchaikovsky’s “Alien Clay,” and Kelly Link’s “The Book of Love.” Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Aleen Simms and Erika Ensign.
Our Awards Book Club continues its run through the roses with a tougher than expected review of Vajra Chandrasekera’s “Raksefall,” Adrian Tchaikovsky’s “Alien Clay,” and Kelly Link’s “The Book of Love.” Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Aleen Simms and Erika Ensign.
Editor's Intro: Michael Damian Thomas Short Fiction: "The Breaker of Mountains and Rivers" by Aliette de Bodard, as read by Matt Peters Poetry: “moth boy” by Praise Osawaru, as read by Matt Peters Interview: Michael Damian Thomas interviews Aliette de Bodard Want to join the Space Unicorn Ranger Corps? You can find new science fiction and fantasy stories, poetry, and nonfiction every month in Uncanny Magazine. Go to uncannymagazine.com or subscribe to the eBook version at weightlessbooks.com. This podcast was produced by Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky. Music created by Null Device and used with permission. Copyright © 2025 by Uncanny Magazine
Let us explain. No, there is too much. Let us sum up the last episode of this run of “Doctor Who.” Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.
The end is near. Has the moment been prepared for? We make a wish and discuss Wish Babies and how they relate to Space Babies, the importance of vibes, the proper use of The Rani, and the rest of this episode. Onward to the (grand?) finale! Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.
This week Eurovision meets Doctor Who as the Doctor and Belinda steal the luxury box of our new favorite couple, Gary and Mike, and stumble into a scheme to avenge a planetary crime with a galaxy-spanning crime. Also: some surprise guest characters appear who are never, ever supposed to appear, but somehow have! And we gird ourselves for the inevitable RTD Finale Fireworks. Jason Snell and Erika Ensign.
We return once more to 1995, this time for a movie set at the turn of the century! It’s “Strange Days,” a cyberpunk movie with only a little bit of cyber but a lot of punk, along with grease and stink. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Tony Sindelar and Monty Ashley.
We return once more to 1995, this time for a movie set at the turn of the century! It’s “Strange Days,” a cyberpunk movie with only a little bit of cyber but a lot of punk, along with grease and stink. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Tony Sindelar and Monty Ashley.
A barbership in Lagos! A robot spider in a web of storytelling! Ancient gods watching Marvel movies! A surprise cameo, a deep-cut cameo, and an entirely unsurprising cameo! We break down writer Inua Ellams’s “Doctor Who” debut. Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.
The highest-grossing film of all time is straight-up sci-fi and yet in 15 years at this place we’ve never talked about it. That ends now, as we put on our oxygen masks and venture out into the moon of Pandora to meet the local Na’vi and the interloper Sky People and discuss why James Cameron’s “Avatar” became an enormous hit and then disappeared entirely (other than the theme-park attactions) until re-emerging with a sequel that was also an enormous hit. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Brian Warren, Brian Hamilton and Chip Sudderth.
The highest-grossing film of all time is straight-up sci-fi and yet in 15 years at this place we’ve never talked about it. That ends now, as we put on our oxygen masks and venture out into the moon of Pandora to meet the local Na’vi and the interloper Sky People and discuss why James Cameron’s “Avatar” became an enormous hit and then disappeared entirely (other than the theme-park attactions) until re-emerging with a sequel that was also an enormous hit. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Brian Warren, Brian Hamilton and Chip Sudderth.
Editor's Intro: Michael Damian Thomas Short Fiction: “Unfinished Architectures of the Human-Fae War” by Caroline M. Yoachim, as read by Erika Ensign Poetry: “A Full Belly” by Elizabeth Hart Bergstrom, as read by Erika Ensign Interview: Michael Damian Thomas interviews Caroline M. Yoachim Want to join the Space Unicorn Ranger Corps? You can find new science fiction and fantasy stories, poetry, and nonfiction every month in Uncanny Magazine. Go to uncannymagazine.com or subscribe to the eBook version at weightlessbooks.com. This podcast was produced by Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky. Music created by Null Device and used with permission. Copyright © 2025 by Uncanny Magazine
Grab a penny, pick it up, and all day long you’ll have good luck. This episode hit us like a bad penny, though, and the more we think about it the more we’re bothered. We lament the lack of Doctor and Belinda, but welcome back Ruby Sunday and her family. And just remember: podcasters are the real villains. Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.
Our walk through the 10 different novels nominated for the Hugo and Nebula awards in 2025 begins! In this episode we discuss “Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory” by Yaroslav Barsukov, “A Sorceress Comes to Call” by T. Kingfisher, and “Someone You Can Build a Nest In” by John Wiswell. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms, Scott McNulty and Heather Berberet.
Our walk through the 10 different novels nominated for the Hugo and Nebula awards in 2025 begins! In this episode we discuss “Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory” by Yaroslav Barsukov, “A Sorceress Comes to Call” by T. Kingfisher, and “Someone You Can Build a Nest In” by John Wiswell. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms, Scott McNulty and Heather Berberet.
In this final episode of The Lore of Lurue, Lovyn wants to leave, Naiasa hides under a corpse, Hermioneigh is like a really great dance troupe, Frittat’ha gets back on the horse, and Lonewalker hesitates to touch the book. Tony is a generous dungeon master, and anyone who suggests otherwise is a bad person. Oh, and listener secret_gaygent SAVES THE DAY. Tony Sindelar with Erika Ensign, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Mikah Sargent and Sebastian Runnings.
The year is 1995. The films: “Hackers” and “The Net,” in which computers are proven to be dangerous for society. One is a ridiculous movie about teen hackers that knows it’s silly, and the other is a ludicrous thriller about adult hackers that doesn’t. Jason Snell with Monty Ashley, Shelly Brisbin, Erika Ensign, Joe Rosensteel, Moisés Chiullán and Tony Sindelar.
Amazing! It’s the return of 7 or C, that long lost Game Show Thanksgiving tradition, this time not at Thanksgiving, nor is it returning in the seventh month, or in a month that starts with the letter C. Tony Sindelar with James Thomson, Dan Moren, Glenn Fleishman, Monty Ashley and Erika Ensign.
In this episode, Lovyn scampers out of the rage zone, Frittat’ha is finally tanking, Lonewalker does a little deelybob, Naiasa has secret agent vibes, and Hermioneigh shoves a berry in someone’s mouth. Oh, and Tony doesn’t want to call the wargs by name. Tony Sindelar with Erika Ensign, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Mikah Sargent and Sebastian Runnings.
In this episode, Naiasa does some John Woo action film moves, Hermioneigh makes a carbon copy of herself, Lonewalker approaches the grick, Frittat’ha is careful not to set her friends on fire, and Lovyn wants to know if there are still cupcakes. Oh, and Tony makes bird noises. Tony Sindelar with Erika Ensign, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Mikah Sargent and Sebastian Runnings.
In a world full of creative projects turned into intellectual property, our panelists join together to choose remakes and reboots that please us, those that displease us, and those items that are out there, waiting to be remade. Jason Snell with Brian Hamilton, David J. Loehr, Erika Ensign, Lisa Schmeiser, Moisés Chiullán, Monty Ashley, Philip Michaels, Shannon Sudderth and Chip Sudderth.