Podcast appearances and mentions of erika ensign

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.

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.

Jason, Chip and Erika break down “The Well,” in which Russell T Davies (and his co-writer Sharma Angel-Walfall) decided to play the hits and serve up what “Doctor Who” does best. It’s a base on an alien planet that’s been out of contact for days. (Nuking the site from orbit is the only way to be sure, right?) Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.

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.

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.

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, 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.

Time for an animated discussion about old cartoons, two-dimensional characters, American accents, metafictional wall-breaking, and lots more about this week’s episode, “Lux.” Also, Jason places a $5 bet on an extremely wacky theory involving Mrs. Flood. Jason Snell, Erika Ensign and Chip Sudderth.

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 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.

We are here in praise of Austen’s Pride & Prejudice but also for wet shirts, poorly executed proposals, and good face acting. Join our much overdue mission about BBC’s 1995 Pride & Prejudice. Since this mission was as fun as a ball at Netherfield, it may lead to more infatuated missions about other Austen adaptations. Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk, Erika Ensign and Katie Mack.

We are here in praise of Austen’s Pride & Prejudice but also for wet shirts, poorly executed proposals, and good face acting. Join our much overdue mission about BBC’s 1995 Pride & Prejudice. Since this mission was as fun as a ball at Netherfield, it may lead to more infatuated missions about other Austen adaptations. Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk, Erika Ensign and Katie Mack.

It’s a special edition of Doctor Who Feuding Families, recorded live in the courtyard at the LAX Marriott during Gallifrey One 2025! Join us as a group of Doctor Who fans (and, as it turns out, podcasters) brace themselves at the sheer gall of some of the answers given by you, the listeners… Jason Snell with Steven Schapansky, Erika Ensign, Heather Berberet, Sarah Murphy, Chip Sudderth, Riley Silverman, Warren Frey and Tom Dickinson.

It’s a special edition of Doctor Who Feuding Families, recorded live in the courtyard at the LAX Marriott during Gallifrey One 2025! Join us as a group of Doctor Who fans (and, as it turns out, podcasters) brace themselves at the sheer gall of some of the answers given by you, the listeners… Jason Snell with Steven Schapansky, Erika Ensign, Heather Berberet, Sarah Murphy, Chip Sudderth, Riley Silverman, Warren Frey and Tom Dickinson.

In this episode, Lovyn gets his face ate; Naiasa makes poor life choices that are tactically unsound across a range of dimensions; Fritatt’ha bellows into a beak; Hermioneigh struggles to hit; and Lonewalker loses his elk. Oh, and Tony doesn’t know cupcakes. Tony Sindelar with Erika Ensign, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Mikah Sargent and Sebastian Runnings.

In this episode, Lovyn gets his face ate; Naiasa makes poor life choices that are tactically unsound across a range of dimensions; Fritatt’ha bellows into a beak; Hermioneigh struggles to hit; and Lonewalker loses his elk. Oh, and Tony doesn’t know cupcakes. 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.

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.

In this episode, Frittat’ha is still looking for her brother; Lonewalker chats with a tree; Hermioneigh doesn’t need a whole body’s worth of blood; Naiasa knocks on a suspicious door; and Lovyn looks down a suspicious well. Oh, and Tony doesn’t know trees. Tony Sindelar with Erika Ensign, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Mikah Sargent and Sebastian Runnings.

In this episode, Frittat’ha is still looking for her brother; Lonewalker chats with a tree; Hermioneigh doesn’t need a whole body’s worth of blood; Naiasa knocks on a suspicious door; and Lovyn looks down a suspicious well. Oh, and Tony doesn’t know trees. Tony Sindelar with Erika Ensign, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Mikah Sargent and Sebastian Runnings.

Editors' Intro: Lynne M. Thomas and Michael Damian Thomas Short Fiction: “The Island with the Animals” by Stephanie Malia Morris, as read by Matt Peters Poetry: “Time loop for the day I die.” by Abdulrazaq Salihu, as read by Matt Peters Interview: Lynne M. Thomas Interviews Stephanie Malia Morris   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

In the first episode of a new Candlekeep adventure, Naiasa is down to party; Hermioneigh whips it good; Lovyn does some stylish stabbing; Lonewalker tries to walk alone; and Frittath’a just wants to eat out of a tree stump. Oh, and Tony did not bring enough berzerkers. Tony Sindelar with Erika Ensign, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Mikah Sargent and Sebastian Runnings.

In the first episode of a new Candlekeep adventure, Naiasa is down to party; Hermioneigh whips it good; Lovyn does some stylish stabbing; Lonewalker tries to walk alone; and Frittath’a just wants to eat out of a tree stump. Oh, and Tony did not bring enough berzerkers. Tony Sindelar with Erika Ensign, James Thomson, Kathy Campbell, Mikah Sargent and Sebastian Runnings.

The party wraps up their prison adventure, and it’s the moment of truth - do they get out with subtlety, leaving no trace? Or do they leave chaos in their wake? You might be surprised! (Or you might not!) Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Lincoln Hayes and Monty Ashley.

The party wraps up their prison adventure, and it’s the moment of truth - do they get out with subtlety, leaving no trace? Or do they leave chaos in their wake? You might be surprised! (Or you might not!) Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Lincoln Hayes and Monty Ashley.

Book Club travels to the far future for the sci-fi/fantasy mash-up “Moonbound” by Robin Sloan. Here be dragons! Not to mention wyrd multidimensional witches at the bottom of a pool, Arthurian proto-heroes, friendly sentient robot hive minds, and plucky talking beavers! Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Scott McNulty, Joe Rosensteel and Heather Berberet.

Recorded live in the courtyard at the LAX Marriott at Gallifrey One in February 2025! Listen as random podcasters and one astrophysicist are ambushed during a nice brunch in the sun with the recording of the 42nd edition of Random Pursuit. Do you know where your towel is? Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Jason Snell, Katie Mack, Chip Sudderth and Heather Berberet.

Recorded live in the courtyard at the LAX Marriott at Gallifrey One in February 2025! Listen as random podcasters and one astrophysicist are ambushed during a nice brunch in the sun with the recording of the 42nd edition of Random Pursuit. Do you know where your towel is? Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Jason Snell, Katie Mack, Chip Sudderth and Heather Berberet.

Erika and Steven have somewhat opposite feelings about this story, at least in terms of emotional baggage. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Book Club travels to the far future for the sci-fi/fantasy mash-up “Moonbound” by Robin Sloan. Here be dragons! Not to mention wyrd multidimensional witches at the bottom of a pool, Arthurian proto-heroes, friendly sentient robot hive minds, and plucky talking beavers! Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Scott McNulty, Joe Rosensteel and Heather Berberet.

Is there an escape room in this prison? No. Does it practice good cable management? Also no. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Lincoln Hayes and Monty Ashley.

Is there an escape room in this prison? No. Does it practice good cable management? Also no. Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Lincoln Hayes and Monty Ashley.

Is this prison a dungeon? Is the party here to make friends? Did anyone bring a spare corpse? The answer to all of these is “no.” Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Lincoln Hayes and Monty Ashley.

Is this prison a dungeon? Is the party here to make friends? Did anyone bring a spare corpse? The answer to all of these is “no.” Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Lincoln Hayes and Monty Ashley.

Steven and Erika finish off the Barry Letts era and vibe with the Doctor and Harry. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Arrakis. Dune. Desert Planet. But maybe not the one you’re thinking of. In our own very peculiar way we honor David Lynch by discussing the feature film he probably liked the least, 1984’s “Dune.” Sting with a knife! Patrick Stewart riding a sandworm! How does it all compare with the modern version? Does it have its own special lower-budget charms? (Don’t mention the voiceovers…) What about the voiceovers? And how much does nostalgia fit into our appreciation of this movie? Jason Snell with Steve Lutz, Erika Ensign, Dan Moren and John Siracusa.

Welcome back to “Inconceivable!”, the show that tests two teams’ knowledge of the nerdy, the useless, and the obscure. For our tenth anniversary episode, we’ve invited our most frequent panelists to combat in a series of grueling challenges. They’ll have to identify famous books from their discarded titles, find the fake entries in popular romantasy series, and go undercover with some spy movie mash-ups. Kathy Campbell, Tony Sindelar, and Erika Ensign take on Antony Johnston, Liz Myles, and Steve Lutz in a nail-biter for the ages. Dan Moren and Lex Friedman with Kathy Campbell, Tony Sindelar, Erika Ensign, Antony Johnston, Lizbeth Myles and Steve Lutz.

When is a mop not a mop? When our adventurers go undercover and arrive at the prison. It’s big! And cold! Tony Sindelar with Annette Wierstra, Chip Sudderth, Erika Ensign, Lincoln Hayes and Monty Ashley.