Podcasts about heinlein

Trauer um den Vater, Kälte, Luftalarm: Janine Lietmeyer vom Kinderhilfswerk World Vision warnt vor den Langzeitfolgen für ukrainische Kinder. Viele müssen von Stadt zu Stadt ziehen und können nicht zur Schule gehen. Lietmeyer bewundert deren Resilienz. Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Zum vierten Jahrestag der russischen Invasion pocht Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius auf weitere Unterstützung für die Ukraine. Russland sei in einer zunehmend schwierigen wirtschaftlichen Situation. Jetzt müsse man erst recht Kurs halten. Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Zum vierten Jahrestag der russischen Invasion pocht Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius auf weitere Unterstützung für die Ukraine. Russland sei in einer zunehmend schwierigen wirtschaftlichen Situation. Jetzt müsse man erst recht Kurs halten. Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Trauer um den Vater, Kälte, Luftalarm: Janine Lietmeyer vom Kinderhilfswerk World Vision warnt vor den Langzeitfolgen für ukrainische Kinder. Viele müssen von Stadt zu Stadt ziehen und können nicht zur Schule gehen. Lietmeyer bewundert deren Resilienz. Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Informationen am Morgen

Rick Partlow is that rarest of species, a native Floridian. Born in Tampa, heattended Florida Southern College and graduated with a degree in History anda commission in the US Army as an Infantry officer.His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel andthe other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarkeand on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. Andsomewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his ownworlds.He has written over 60 books in a dozen different series, and his short stories have beenincluded in twelve different anthologies.He is currently writing the best-selling Drop Trooper series for Aethon Books, a mil-SF alieninvasion series, as well as the Taken to the Stars series for Variant Publishing.He lives in northern Wyoming with his wife and a goofy blackmouth cur. Besides writing andreading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping. Moreinformation can be found about Rick at: Rick Partlow | Aethon Books

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Informationen am Abend

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Informationen am Abend

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Informationen am Abend

Mike Sheffield is a 35-year Senior Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman Space Systems and a former U.S. Air Force Electronic Warfare Specialist. A passionate sci-fi fan, Mike joined the Heinlein Society in 2001, chaired its blood drive committee until 2010, has led the scholarship committee since 2012, served on the board from 2006–2014, and was the fourth Chair and President for its final four years. He discusses his love for science fiction, the origins of Heinlein-inspired blood drives at conventions (starting 1999 NASFiC), participation tips, the Heinlein for Heroes veteran book program, connections between L. Ron Hubbard and Robert A. Heinlein, thoughts on Final Blackout and Battlefield Earth, his favorite Heinlein works, the Writers of the Future legacy, and a message for global listeners.

Mike Sheffield is a 35-year Senior Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman Space Systems and a former U.S. Air Force Electronic Warfare Specialist. A passionate sci-fi fan, Mike joined the Heinlein Society in 2001, chaired its blood drive committee until 2010, has led the scholarship committee since 2012, served on the board from 2006–2014, and was the fourth Chair and President for its final four years. He discusses his love for science fiction, the origins of Heinlein-inspired blood drives at conventions (starting 1999 NASFiC), participation tips, the Heinlein for Heroes veteran book program, connections between L. Ron Hubbard and Robert A. Heinlein, thoughts on Final Blackout and Battlefield Earth, his favorite Heinlein works, the Writers of the Future legacy, and a message for global listeners.

The inevitable never happens. It is the unexpected always. -- J.M. Keynes 1938   Almost everyone plays with predicting the future. Persons who speak with presumed authority and say that some outlandish thing is inevitable often get a lot of media attention. The more media attention, the more people come to think that the outlandish thing really is inevitable. In warfare, I have lived through the inevitability of guerilla warfare as the model for all future warfare; the inevitable demise armored warfare, the transformation of maneuver warfare; counter-insurgency warfare as the inevitable future war form; and more recently, that drones will so dominate the battlefield, that all previous forms of warfighting will be obsolete. In my opinion, inevitability has a rather bad track record. From time to time in these podcasts, I will revisit some of these predictions and see which of these were inevitable and which were overcome by reality.   The information in these podcasts is solely my own opinion and do not represent the position of the U.S. Department of Defense, or any other organization I am or have ever been associated with.   Certified 100% natural intelligence. No artificial intelligence was used in making this podcast.   References: Pournelle, J., The Mercenary, (1977, republished 1986, ISBN 9780671655945) Recompiled with other works of the series and published as: Pournelle, J. and Stirling, M., The Prince (2002) (ISBN 0-7434-3556-7) Heinlein, R., Starship Troopers, (1959) ISBN 978-0450044496 Music: Kiilstofte, P. Mercenaries, Machinamasound (Licensed)

When 17-year-old Corinne Perry disappeared from Creston, Iowa, she seemed to vanish into thin air, leaving behind only an abandoned car and carefully folded clothes. The mystery of what happened in the hours before her death and just who was responsible has evaded investigators for decades. This is the story of a missing girl, which hit too close to home, so soon after another young boy went missing, leaving a community reeling. Anyone with information about the murder of Corinne Perry is asked to contact:The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at (515) 725-6010, email dciinfo@dps.state.ia.us,or contact the Creston Police Department at (641) 782-8402.Connect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.comCavallier, A. (2020, April 10). Decades-old murder of Iowa teen in 1983 remains unsolved. Yahoo News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/decades-old-murder-iowa-teen-171200453.htmlCorinne Elaine Perry (1965-1983) - Find a grave. . . (1965, August 28). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/143319127/corinne-elaine-perryCoulter, C. (2025, June 7). She went to the laundromat alone — then a man followed her out, and she was never seen alive again. People.com. https://people.com/corrine-perry-iowa-teen-vanished-laundromat-11748033Gene “didn't run away. . .his birthday was coming.” (1984, September 2). The Des Moines Register, 6A.Heinlein, G. (1984, November 4). Young hunters find remains of Corinne Perry. The Des Moines Register, 3B.Iowa Cold Cases, Inc. (2025, December 13). Corinne Perry | Iowa Cold cases. Iowa Cold Cases. https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/corinne-perry/National Missing Children's Day | About Missing Children's Day | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (n.d.). Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/nmcd/about-missing-childrens-dayO'Brien, C. (2024, December 3). The Murder of Corinne Perry. Medium. https://medium.com/@Charlie_OBrien/the-murder-of-corinne-perry-e02aa50ff8dbOffer reward for teen. (1983, May 10). The Daily Reporter, 3.Pastor conducts prayer vigil for missing girl. (1983, May 15). The Des Moines Register, 8B.Perry, C., Creston Police Dept., & Iowa DCI. (1983). HOMICIDE VICTIM. https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/media/cms/ICC_Playing_Card_9_clubs_5DE29B15A4BA0.pdfRaffensperger, G. (1984, February 6). Search goes on for girl missing nearly 10 months. The Des Moines Register, 3A.Santiago, F. (1983, July 3). Creston folks gather to find young woman who is missing. The Des Moines Register, 5B.Santiago, F. (1984a, November 5). Officers seek death cause. The Des Moines Register, 2A.Santiago, F. (1984b, November 7). Cause of Perry death may remain a mystery. The Des Moines Register, 2A.Shaw, B. (1984, September 18). Call about missing daughter mystifies, unnerves Iowa mother. The Des Moines Register, 2M.Woman still searching for justice in sister Corinne Perry's murder nearly 40 years after she was killed after leaving Iowa laundromat. (2020, April 11). NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/woman-still-searching-justice-sister-corinne-perry-s-murder-nearly-n1181291If you enjoyed the episode, consider leaving a review or rating! It helps more than you know! If you have a case suggestion, or want attention brought to a loved one's case, email me at bookofthedeadpod@gmail.com with Case Suggestion in the subject line.Stay safe, stay curious, and stay vigilant.

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Das war der Tag

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Informationen am Abend

Trump droht Gegnern seiner Grönland-Pläne mit Strafzöllen. Das ist völlig inakzeptabel, sagt Bernd Lange, Vorsitzender des Handelsausschusses im Europäischen Parlament. Die EU müsse mit gezielten Gegenmaßnahmen wie der „Handelsbazooka“ reagieren. Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

US-Präsident Trump will Grönland den USA einverleiben. Wenn dies gelingt, stellt dies die internationale Ordnung von Grund auf infrage, sagt Annalena Baerbock, Präsidentin der UN-Vollversammlung. Sie warnt jedoch auch vor Defätismus. Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Unlock a deeper connection with your horse in this inspiring conversation with Denise Heinlein and Debbie Roberts Loucks. Denise, a world-renowned Monty Roberts Certified Instructor, brings decades of experience teaching gentle, trust-based horsemanship across five countries and at the Monty Roberts International Learning Center. Her global perspective on horse behavior, ground manners, and effective communication offers listeners actionable insights that transform how we relate to our equine partners. Together, they dive into how mindful communication, rooted in the horse's language of Equus, builds confidence, reduces fear, and creates willing partners. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just beginning your journey, this episode offers fresh perspectives, practical tools, and heartfelt stories that will elevate your horsemanship and deepen your bond with your horse. Listen in... Horsemanship Radio 295:Show Host: Debbie LoucksGuest: Denise HeinleinTitle Sponsor: HandsOn Gloves, All-In-One Shedding/Bathing/Grooming GlovesPhotos used with permissionLearn more about Good Horsemanship at Monty Roberts EQUUS Online University Monty's CalendarPlease follow Monty Roberts on FacebookFollow Monty Roberts on Twitter or on InstagramSee more at: MontyRoberts.comHear all the shows on the Horse Radio NetworkSupport the show

Unlock a deeper connection with your horse in this inspiring conversation with Denise Heinlein and Debbie Roberts Loucks. Denise, a world-renowned Monty Roberts Certified Instructor, brings decades of experience teaching gentle, trust-based horsemanship across five countries and at the Monty Roberts International Learning Center. Her global perspective on horse behavior, ground manners, and effective communication offers listeners actionable insights that transform how we relate to our equine partners. Together, they dive into how mindful communication, rooted in the horse's language of Equus, builds confidence, reduces fear, and creates willing partners. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just beginning your journey, this episode offers fresh perspectives, practical tools, and heartfelt stories that will elevate your horsemanship and deepen your bond with your horse. Listen in... Horsemanship Radio 295:Show Host: Debbie LoucksGuest: Denise HeinleinTitle Sponsor: HandsOn Gloves, All-In-One Shedding/Bathing/Grooming GlovesPhotos used with permissionLearn more about Good Horsemanship at Monty Roberts EQUUS Online University Monty's CalendarPlease follow Monty Roberts on FacebookFollow Monty Roberts on Twitter or on InstagramSee more at: MontyRoberts.comHear all the shows on the Horse Radio NetworkSupport the show

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Informationen am Abend

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Informationen am Abend

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Das war der Tag

A bit thinky this time.  All those years we read Heinlein and Rand so as to understand the fascist position. And now I find out the fascists have a new gospel and a new prophet. All the smalldicks (credit: Jason Isbell) get together in one-handed bookclubs and talk about a white America.  Tell me again how MAGATS=/= Nazis.

Hometown Radio 12/23/25 6p: Dr. James Papp and Terry Heinlein discuss architecture

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Hometown Radio 12/11/25 4p: James Papp and Terry Heinlein discuss architecture from Frank Gehry to Trump's Ballroom

Aufklärung, Verhütung und die wildesten Geschichten, die drei Menschen jemals in ein Mikro geflüstert haben – willkommen Basti Heinlein, Legende und unsere Zukunft. Basti berichtet von einer Vasektomie, die eigentlich eine Netflix-Doku verdient hätte. Von Kindern, die plötzlich alles wissen wollen. Von Eltern, die beim Sex gefühlt Stadionlautstärke haben. Und von Teenies, die mit Snapchat kommunizieren, als wären sie Geheimagenten. Fanny packt ihre traumatischsten „Tür auf – Eltern nackt – Hilfe“-Flashbacks aus. Alina erklärt, warum Sprühsahne niemals sexy war. Und Basti klärt auf, warum Verhütung für Männer eigentlich voll easy wäre… außer bei ihm. Du bist schwanger und fühlst dich gerade überfordert, unsicher oder allein? Das Hilfetelefon „Schwangere in Not“ ist jederzeit für dich da – anonym, kostenlos und in 19 Sprachen. Du bist nicht allein: www.hilfetelefon-schwangere.de Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte: https://linktr.ee/mama_leisa Du möchtest Werbung in diesem Podcast schalten? Dann erfahre hier mehr über die Werbemöglichkeiten bei Seven.One Audio: https://www.seven.one/portfolio/sevenone-audio

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Das war der Tag

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Wenn man Gebietsabtretungen akzeptiert, gibt man die dort lebenden Menschen auf, sagt Nataliya Pryhornytska von der Allianz Ukrainischer Organisationen. Sie rät den Europäern, den Sieg der Ukraine als Ziel zu definieren - auch zum eigenen Schutz. Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Das war der Tag

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Das war der Tag

You can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out!Starship Troopers (1997): Would you like to know more?We're suiting up for Paul Verhoeven's gloriously un-subtle space satire—where propaganda pops like bubblegum, the bugs aren't the dumb ones, and “service guarantees citizenship.” We talk giant arachnids, bigger egos, and why so many people somehow missed the joke.What we coverThe Federal Network effect: recruitment ads, newsreels, and how the film weaponises UI/UX to sell fascism with a smile.Rico's journey: classroom ideology → boot-camp brutality → battlefield meat grinder (medic!… too late).Co-ed everything: showers, squads, and the film's on-purpose glossy, soap-opera casting.Verhoeven's satire dialled to 11: why it's meant to be pretty and brain-dead—and why that still stings today.Effects that hold up: Tippett's creature work + 1997 CGI that still rips (and rips people in half).The brain bug finale: “It's afraid.” Why that triumphant cheer is the darkest punchline.Book vs film: Heinlein's straight-faced militarism vs Verhoeven's neon-lit mockery.Why this episode?Because it's a perfect “did you get it?” movie—one that works as a pulpy bug-hunt and as a razor-sharp critique. We go deep but keep it rowdy: football flips, knife tricks, Ironside growls, and the most cursed workplace shower chat in cinema.“If you mistake the recruitment ad for the message… congratulations, trooper—you're already enlisted.”

Zac and Phil go deep on Magic: The Gathering's growing obsession with outside IPs, asking the big question — when did “nods” become “crossovers”?In this episode, they explore how Magic evolved from subtle flavor callbacks (like Theros's Greek myth inspiration or Arabian Nights' literary roots) to full-on Universes Beyond product lines. The conversation spans design philosophy, flavor theory, and even a little literary criticism — all centered on why Magic feels different now.From Avatar: The Last Airbender to Spider-Man and beyond, the guys debate what makes some collaborations work and others feel… off. Is it art style? Setting? Narrative tone? Or is it that Magic used to suggest connections rather than define them?

New York hat einen neuen Bürgermeister: Der Demokrat Zohran Mamdani ist jung, links und der erste Muslim in diesem Amt. Die Politologin Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook sieht in Mamdanis Wahlerfolg ein deutliches Zeichen gegen den Kurs von US-Präsident Trump. Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Der Kanzler lädt zum Stahlgipfel. IG-Metall-Vizechef Jürgen Kerner erwartet verpflichtende Zusagen von der Bundesregierung. Er fordert einen besseren Schutz vor Billigstahl, günstigeren Industriestrom und die Bevorzugung von heimischem Stahl. Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Außenminister Wadephul (CDU) löste eine Debatte um die Rückführung von Flüchtlingen aus. Unter Syrern hat das Angst verbreitet, sagt Nahla Osman vom Verband deutsch-syrischer Hilfsvereine. Gut integrierte Fachkräfte fürchteten nun die Abschiebung. Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Interviews

Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Das war der Tag

Paul Verhoeven's adaptation of Heinlein's classic novel divided critics at the time as many found the satire to be indistinguishable from endorsement, but its antifascist subtext plays a bit different in 2025. In episode 360, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they compare the film to Helldivers II, try to find the line between satire and approval, recount some surprising behind-the-scenes stories, and finally cast their votes on which version is better: the book or the movie? Pickup any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Familiar Faces video Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Drohnen über Polen und Skandinavien, Kampfjets über Estland, Cyberangriffe auf europäische Flughäfen. Was steckt hinter den Provokationen des Kreml? Braucht es von der NATO ein militärisches Zeichen der Stärke oder mehr Diplomatie? Heinlein, Stefan www.deutschlandfunk.de, Kontrovers

Often called the "Dean of Science Fiction Writers,” Robert A. Heinlein is considered one of the “Big Three” of English-language classic science fiction, but why isn't he read more today? In episode 359, join Luke Elliott & James Bailey as they explore Heinlein's complex legacy of shifting political philosophy, grapple with an explicitly militaristic yet utopian vision of the future, trace the origins of power armor, and lay the groundwork for their comparison next week with the Paul Verhoeven's memorable adaptation. Pickup any of the novels they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop! https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects! https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm Ink to Film's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm) Home Base: inktofilm.com Familiar Faces video Luke Elliott Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications James Bailey Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Welcome back to Snafu with Robin Zander. In this episode, I'm talking with Bobby Podesta, longtime Pixar animator and storyteller. We dig into why storytelling and art matter, and why finding your own voice is more important than copying anyone else. Bobby opens up about his journey as an artist, the imposter syndrome he's faced, and how he learned to create art in a style that's truly his. We talk about how he turned a written novel into a graphic novel, translating dialogue and descriptions into illustrations along the way. He shares lessons from his college design teacher about noticing the art all around us—not just in museums or galleries. We also explore how design and storytelling balance function and emotion, in ways you might not even realize in everyday life. Bobby's story shows that creativity isn't about perfection – it's about showing up and being authentic. He gives a fresh perspective on how storytelling shapes the way we see the world and connect with others. This episode is full of insights for anyone who cares about art, design, and telling stories that matter. 00:00 Start 03:13 The Importance of Human Connection in Storytelling Bobby on storytelling Background: 30 years in film, always thinking about story structure. Drama is about “what you're both keeping back and what you're waiting to surprise your audience with.” Steve Jobs anecdote Jobs builds suspense with “one more thing.” On stage, he asks: “Has anyone ever wondered what this small pocket is for?” (the tiny jeans pocket). Instead of something expected like a coin, he pulls out “the world's smallest iPod and people flip out.” Why it works: audience knows the pocket's size → no need to explain iPod's dimensions. Structure: setup → familiar norm → question → twist → payoff. Bobby's takeaway: “That's really good storytelling, man. It's really good storytelling.” “People call him a salesperson. Like he's a great salesman. He's a great storyteller. If you can tell a good story, you're pulling people in. That's the key.” Robin on storytelling & AI His work is making commercials and mini-docs for startups. Says video itself doesn't matter as much as impact: “What I care about is changing human behavior and changing human emotion.” Believes the value of human storytelling is timeless: “The value of sitting at Homer's feet and listening to him recite the Iliad is never going to go away.” Bobby on storytelling & art Storytelling = fundamental way to convey and connect. Sees it like art: “Art is a way to express your opinion and how you process the world around you in a manner that hopefully other people can experience and relate to.” Calls art his “oldest friend, who I've probably treated the worst… neglected, starved, and then expect it to show up and perform.” Believes everyone can create: “Art is not a zero-sum game… art is ultimately subjective because art is an opinion about how you see the world.” Goal of art/storytelling: help others “find some relationship to the world around them through it.” 06:01 Art as a Form of Expression Robin's setup Grew up between an artist mother and entrepreneur father – “perfect intersection” of art + business. Distinguishes museum art (“old, on walls”) from art that's “around us all the time.” Points out modern communicators (Musk, Trump) as powerful storytellers/branders – even if you disagree with the content, “that is great art in the form of good communication.” Asks: why do we separate “high” art (Iliad, museums) from everyday, cultural storytelling (Pixar, branding)? Art is everywhere Bobby uses the car-buying analogy to explain awareness: “You're looking for a midsize pickup and suddenly you see them everywhere. They didn't just appear. You're just paying attention.” Art works the same way – once you start noticing, you realize it's all around you. Lesson from a design teacher: “If it wasn't dug up or grown, it's designed.” Everything man-made carries intention – and therefore, art. Pushes back on the museum-only view of art: “Saying art is only in museums is like saying there are only cars at dealerships. There are cars everywhere. There's art everywhere.” Examples of art woven into daily life: Clothing, headphones, glasses Desks, chairs, pottery, textiles Buildings, skylines, sidewalk prints Freeway dividers, lamps Even tools: “Go get a hammer. The handle's probably painted a color. It may be a penny's worth of art, but it's art, man.” Definition of art: “All these things are working with that balance between functionality and making you feel something.” Even branding choices – a color, a shape – are designed to evoke feeling. Perspective shift: Once you adjust your lens, “there's a lot of art out there. It's really, really amazing.” 12:04 The Relationship Between Artist and Art Bobby compares practice to a relationship: “It's like the people that love you the most, sometimes you treat the worst.” Practice is like a loyal friend or character always waiting: Wants to be fed, but often ignored. Always ready to show up again. “It's like that little character that shows up and is always there to help you out.” Robin asks if practice is a character on his shoulder. Bobby: “It probably is… but I love it. If there's a napkin, I'll doodle.” Art as a shared childhood language: Everyone starts out drawing: “Have you ever met an adult who didn't draw as a kid? Everyone says yes.” Drawing is how children interpret the world. Family encouragement made “the artist” part of his identity. Becoming a writer: Took a UC Berkeley Extension class called “Finishing the Novel.” Professor's advice: “You're all taking classes. None of you are professionals. Go form a writers' group.” Writers' group provided accountability → led to a first draft. Draft → literary agent → graphic novel → published book. “Flash forward all these years later and I have a book that comes out… I guess I'm an author.” Lessons on growth and identity: Identity comes from practice and persistence, not instant recognition. Progress isn't linear: “The road is not a straight line.” Common trap: believing “I should have been there already.” Bobby reframes time: “You can often have what you want, or you can have something when you want it. But you can rarely have what you want when you want it.” Letting go of rigid timelines gives a better chance of arriving. 18:01 The Process of Creating a Graphic Novel Robin asks why this story, why now, and why as a debut novel. Bobby admits he had played with different story ideas before. Thought to himself: “If I only have one chance to do this, what story do I want to tell?” Origin spark: a daydream while driving. “What if an animal just jumped out in front of me?” What if it leapt into the air and flew away? “What if that animal was a reindeer?” Question: what would a reindeer be doing here? That “what if” became the seed of the story. Bobby folded parts of himself into the idea. Loves holiday stories and movies → wanted to write one. Describes storytelling as crafting from a “pantry of experiences.” Not autobiography or documentary, but infused with pieces of his life. Details of the novel: Protagonist is an 11-year-old girl in 1955 Colorado. Bobby: “I was neither alive in 1955, nor have I ever been an 11-year-old girl, nor have I found a flying reindeer — spoiler alert.” Still, fragments of his own experiences and emotions shape the narrative. Goal as an author: To blend reality with imagination. To create something unique, fresh, and able to stand on its own. 20:58 Visual Storytelling vs. Written Storytelling Robin asks about storytelling: what's similar between Steve Jobs' two-minute iPod reveal and a 350-page graphic novel? Bobby: scale is different, but fundamentals are the same. Both are about introducing an idea, building drama, and pulling the audience in. Events and books both follow arcs: setup → build → climax → resolution. “He doesn't start the event with that, he ends the event with that. That's the climax.” Storytelling has shape across mediums: Characters introduced → audience grows to care → surprises and turns → payoffs. Example: Steve Jobs' coin pocket reveal → set up, then payoff. In a book, the payoff may come 100 pages later instead of 30 seconds. Analogy: whether you play 30 seconds of a song or an hour-long concert, you're still using the same fundamentals of music. Robin shifts to Bobby's background as a visual storyteller. As an animator of 30 years, Bobby is comfortable with visual stories, while Robin is more comfortable with written ones. Robin compares Bobby's graphic novel to The Bone Compendium (which he revisits often) and contrasts with Heinlein novels he might attempt. Robin: making comics doesn't have to be like “my mother's artwork she slaved over for years.” It can be like newspaper comics compiled into story. Asks Bobby for advice on where to begin if he wanted to try sketching a visual story. Bobby's advice: Many people don't think visual storytelling is possible for them. Shares personal story: On his first post-college date with his wife (now 25 years married), he said he wanted to write a book. It took him 25 years to actually write one. Never thought of doing a graphic novel because his drawing style didn't look like Marvel or X-Men. Even as a professional artist, felt imposter syndrome Realization: it's not about imitating Spider-Man — it's about drawing in your own style. Art is your opinion expressed visually. Stick figures can work if they serve the story. Doesn't have to be polished airbrushed paintings. How his graphic novel came about: Originally wrote the story as a regular novel. Sent to publishers with just a few illustrations. All said no — except one, who said: “I love the illustrations. Would you consider making this a graphic novel?” Bobby: “All right.” Treated it as an invitation. Decided to draw in his own style. Practical process: Took all the dialogue he had already written. Turned descriptions into drawings. Book was already written in close third person, without inner thoughts → made translation easier. First pass: dialogue in speech bubbles, description drawn. Realized: “I guess this works.” Takeaway: You don't have to start by drawing an entire book from scratch. You can begin with writing, then translate description into visuals.   28:10 Resilience in the Face of Rejection Robin points out the sheer amount of work Bobby went through: writing a book, getting rejected repeatedly, reinventing it with illustrations, then turning it into a graphic novel only to be rejected again. Robin: “It's almost the literal definition of courage… getting back up and trying again.” Notes that outsiders might think: “30-year Pixar animator, easy for you.” But the reality was rejection after rejection. Asks: how do you come back? What is your relationship with practice that allows you to face no 50 times and keep going? Bobby on optimism and imagination: “I'm lucky that I happen to be what myself and other people probably call an optimistic person.” Describes himself as “an optimist with a vivid imagination” → always assuming, “Yeah, we'll figure this out.” Loves being middle-aged because experience gives perspective: you've seen enough to know you can recover. The arc of a career/life: Beginning stage: fearless. “I can do anything because I cannot die.” Willing to leap into anything: start a company, go broke, jump off a cliff → “We'll figure it out.” Middle stage: awareness of consequences. Relationships, responsibilities, failures and successes → “I don't know if I should do anything.” Weight of awareness can freeze you. Later stage: resilience. “I'm still here, I figured it out.” Confidence comes not from avoiding mistakes but from knowing: “I can recover from anything.” Personal examples: Bobby's two kids are both in college. He reflects on their application process: multiple schools, multiple options. His own experience was the opposite: Applied to only one school (CalArts). Barely got in. Supported by his single mother, who let him pursue art school. That early challenge taught him persistence and how to “figure it out.” The practice of persistence: Life and career filled with moments of trial and error. “That didn't work. Okay, maybe this. Well, that didn't work. Maybe this.” Sometimes progress feels like moving backwards before going forward again. Analogy: like a Roomba. Hits an obstacle → bounces, changes direction, keeps moving. “I don't know that equating myself to a robot vacuum is the best thing, but it eventually gets the whole job done.” 33:33 Storytelling Frameworks and Structures Bobby on classical story structure in his book: Book follows a traditional arc: opening, inciting incident (

A high-stakes nuclear facility teeters on the brink of disaster — not from mechanical failure, but from the fragile minds of the men who keep it running.Join the DARKNESS SYNDICATE: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.IN THIS EPISODE: it's #ThrillerThursday. Tonight I'm bringing you some dark science-fiction… which ended up after the story was published, being less science fiction and more science fact. Almost as if the author was a prophet. "Blowups Happen" is a 1940 science fiction short story by American writer Robert A. Heinlein. The story describes the tensions among the staff of a nuclear reactor. Heinlein's concept of a nuclear reactor was one of a barely contained explosion, not the steady-state thermal plants developed later. As a consequence the work is dangerous, and the slightest mistake could be catastrophic. All the technical staff are monitored by psychologists who have the authority to remove them from the work at any time lest they crack under the pressure and precipitate a disaster. The monitoring itself contributes to the problem.SOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“Blowups Happen” by Robert Heinlein, from the book “The Astounding Science Fiction Anthology”: https://amzn.to/3BsZ2mU=====(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: July 22, 2021NOTE: Some of this content may have been created with assistance from AI tools, but it has been reviewed, edited, narrated, produced, and approved by Darren Marlar, creator and host of Weird Darkness — who, despite popular conspiracy theories, is NOT an AI voice. (AI Policy)EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/blowups-happen-by-robert-heinlein-full-audiobook-weirddarkness/