Podcast appearances and mentions of erika ensign

This episode features a job offer from a bearded fop, party introductions, a search for a missing person, a second bar, more beards, some purple shopping, and a midnight stroll. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

Editor's Intro: Michael Damian Thomas Short Fiction: "Immigrant Girl from the End of the World" by Hannah Yang, as read by Erika Ensign Poetry:  "Quorum" by Ceridwen Hall, as read by Matt Peters Interview: Michael Damian Thomas Interviews Hannah Yang   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 © 2026 by Uncanny Magazine

We went out to the movies to see “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” the first “Star Wars” film this decade. We had a really good time, thanks in large part to the charisma of many different puppets. (This is “Star Wars,” after all.) We aren’t without our criticisms—Is there ever really any danger? What is Sigourney Weaver doing?—but all in all, this film filled a Star Wars-shaped hole in our hearts. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Steven Schapansky, Helene Wecker, Moisés Chiullán, Dan Moren and Brian Warren.

Disregarding popular demand, Inestimable is back with another installment that pits panelists against numbers and Glenn against himself. Scorekeeper Tony helps keep chaos at bay—or causes more?—by insisting on the correct number of U.S. states, what a pyramid truly is, and why Americans are left handed. It’s in this don’t-miss episode of Inestimable that we will forgive you for missing. Glenn Fleishman and Tony Sindelar with Antony Johnston, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Jean MacDonald and Shelly Brisbin.

We’re starting a new, longer campaign. Here are your dramatis personae for Dragon Heist: Aleen Simms as Zaratha Dreamstrike, the Orc monk - A reformed bully who went to monk school Dan Moren as Squeak, the Rock Gnome warlock - A wannabe chef who overclocked a grill Erika Ensign as Starah Jhasmine, the Halfling bard - A star reporter who also knows music Steve Lutz as Bun Bun the Barhareian, the Harengon barbarian - A bunnyman with no echo, but lots of puns Tiff Arment as Yikes, the Harengon rogue - An antlered bunny who collects … teeth? But they’re not really necessary because Tony is gonna run the campaign for himself. If you’re an Incomparable member, check your First Class feed for the members-only session 0 where everyone planned their characters … sort of. Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Steve Lutz and Tiff Arment.

Let’s travel 40 years back in time, to Chicago in 1986, where on one legendary day, a high school student named Ferris Bueller bends time and space, all in service of cheering up his best friend. We break down what makes “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” still work after all these years. Jason Snell with Cicero Holmes, Quinn Rose, Deborah Stanish, Erika Ensign and John Siracusa.

Awards Book Club reconvenes for 2026, as we discuss Nebula-nominated novels “Katabasis” by R.F. Kuang, “Wearing the Lion” by John Wiswell, and “Death of the Author” by Nnedi Okorafor. The mood of the panel is… cautious. Also: What else are we reading? Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Heather Berberet, Scott McNulty and Paul Weimer.

Awards Book Club reconvenes for 2026, as we discuss Nebula-nominated novels “Katabasis” by R.F. Kuang, “Wearing the Lion” by John Wiswell, and “Death of the Author” by Nnedi Okorafor. The mood of the panel is… cautious. Also: What else are we reading? Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Heather Berberet, Scott McNulty and Paul Weimer.

Editor's Intro: Michael Damian Thomas Short Fiction: "The Snatchers" by Eugenia Triantafyllou, as read by Matt Peters Poetry:  "A Mermaid Looks at 40" by Fran Wilde, as read by Erika Ensign Interview: Michael Damian Thomas Interviews Eugenia Triantafyllou   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 © 2026 by Uncanny Magazine

By request, we take on this late-50s musical, directed by Stanley Donan. Our stars are Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn and Kay Thompson. (I’ll have lots to say about Kay.) Revolving, as it does around the fashion industry in Paris, Funny Face is pretty to look at, including many great costumes. It also features songs by the Gershwins and some better ones that are not by them. Shelly Brisbin with David Almeida, Lisa Schmeiser, Micheline Maynard, Erika Ensign and David J. Loehr.

By request, we take on this late-50s musical, directed by Stanley Donan. Our stars are Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn and Kay Thompson. (I’ll have lots to say about Kay.) Revolving, as it does around the fashion industry in Paris, Funny Face is pretty to look at, including many great costumes. It also features songs by the Gershwins and some better ones that are not by them. Shelly Brisbin with David Almeida, Lisa Schmeiser, Micheline Maynard, Erika Ensign and David J. Loehr.

A special Book Club panel provides an overview of Lois McMaster Bujold’s excellent Penric & Desdemona series of fantasy novellas (plus one novel). This series gives its characters time to learn, grow, and age. It’s got some perspectives you don’t see very often in fantasy fiction. We love it and think you will, too. Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Kat Benesh and Dan Moren.

A special Book Club panel provides an overview of Lois McMaster Bujold’s excellent Penric & Desdemona series of fantasy novellas (plus one novel). This series gives its characters time to learn, grow, and age. It’s got some perspectives you don’t see very often in fantasy fiction. We love it and think you will, too. Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Kat Benesh and Dan Moren.

We complete our run through blades with “Blade Runner 2049,” a late sequel in which Ryan Gosling plays a replicant detective searching for an explosive secret that could change everything… and is unsurprisingly tied to characters from “Blade Runner.” We discuss why a replicant might need a holographic girlfriend, Jared Leto’s eyes, and once again, if Deckard is a replicant or not and why that really doesn’t matter. Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Erika Ensign, Dan Moren and Monty Ashley.

We complete our run through blades with “Blade Runner 2049,” a late sequel in which Ryan Gosling plays a replicant detective searching for an explosive secret that could change everything… and is unsurprisingly tied to characters from “Blade Runner.” We discuss why a replicant might need a holographic girlfriend, Jared Leto’s eyes, and once again, if Deckard is a replicant or not and why that really doesn’t matter. Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Erika Ensign, Dan Moren and Monty Ashley.

In this thrilling conclusion, someone unexpected pays a visit to the final battle, someone expected performs a ritual, and (almost) everyone gets nicknames. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

In this thrilling conclusion, someone unexpected pays a visit to the final battle, someone expected performs a ritual, and (almost) everyone gets nicknames. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

No voiceovers! More unicorns! Our journey deep into the futuristic world of 2019 Los Angeles continues with another look at “Blade Runner” — this time, it’s “The Final Cut” edition. Deckard’s identity revealed, sort of? Voiceovers removed! Superfans and sort-of-fans compare, contrast, and discuss. Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Antony Johnston, Erika Ensign and Moisés Chiullán.

No voiceovers! More unicorns! Our journey deep into the futuristic world of 2019 Los Angeles continues with another look at “Blade Runner” — this time, it’s “The Final Cut” edition. Deckard’s identity revealed, sort of? Voiceovers removed! Superfans and sort-of-fans compare, contrast, and discuss. Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Antony Johnston, Erika Ensign and Moisés Chiullán.

The battle with the Mummy Lord begins! Will the adventurers prevail? Or will the eyes have it? Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

The battle with the Mummy Lord begins! Will the adventurers prevail? Or will the eyes have it? Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

Editor's Intro: Michael Damian Thomas Short Fiction: "The Woman Who Stole Flowers" by Theodora Goss, as read by Erika Ensign Poetry:  "The Truth About Wolves" by Marissa Lingen, as read by Matt Peters Interview: Michael Damian Thomas Interviews Theodora Goss   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 © 2026 by Uncanny Magazine

Steven and Erika re-review the other recently returned episode and pine for more. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Erika and Steven revisit an episode we first reviewed in 2016! Why? Because it’s no longer merely a reconstruction! Two episodes of “The Daleks’ Master Plan” were recently recovered, thanks to the good work of Film Is Fabulous. We’ve made good on our promise to return and re-cover recovered episodes, and “The Nightmare Begins” is the first of the two. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

The party fights another hard battle, locates another organ, and gets some answers from an unexpected source. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

The party fights another hard battle, locates another organ, and gets some answers from an unexpected source. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

Hit the books and polish up your comm badges, because it’s time to go to school—“Starfleet Academy,” that is. We check in on the first season of Star Trek’s latest (and last, for now?) TV series, and find that despite the YA focus, it’s still just really good “Star Trek” that’s worth your attention. Jason Snell with Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Moisés Chiullán and Tony Sindelar.

Hit the books and polish up your comm badges, because it’s time to go to school—“Starfleet Academy,” that is. We check in on the first season of Star Trek’s latest (and last, for now?) TV series, and find that despite the YA focus, it’s still just really good “Star Trek” that’s worth your attention. Jason Snell with Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Moisés Chiullán and Tony Sindelar.

Excellent role play including medical exams, impromptu nakedness, soothing music, and door-knocking meant the entire party gained inspiration! Tony didn’t award it until after the recording was over, but it did happen! Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

Excellent role play including medical exams, impromptu nakedness, soothing music, and door-knocking meant the entire party gained inspiration! Tony didn’t award it until after the recording was over, but it did happen! Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

Steven and Erika finish off “Revenge of the Cybermen” — and Season 12 of Doctor Who! And no need to email us — immediately after recording, Steven discovered the “heartbeat” music cue was Peter Howell, not Carey Blyton. Erika regrets her incorrect guess! (Ok not really. No actual regrets. Everyone is wrong sometimes!) Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Erika and Steven discuss what makes a good Cybermen story, and whether this is that. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Erika and Steven (finally) dive into the first Cybermen story they’ve covered in ages! Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Steven and Erika issue corrections, then talk about direction, music, and other assorted nonsense. Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Only the worst battles are followed by an autopsy. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

Only the worst battles are followed by an autopsy. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

Have your squire put on your best (and only) set of armor and be sure to re-paint your shield! We’re here to discuss the surprisingly delightful “Game of Thrones” spin-off “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” which features characters to root for, humor, and other things in short supply in other installments of the franchise. Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Erika Ensign and John Moltz.

Have your squire put on your best (and only) set of armor and be sure to re-paint your shield! We’re here to discuss the surprisingly delightful “Game of Thrones” spin-off “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” which features characters to root for, humor, and other things in short supply in other installments of the franchise. Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Erika Ensign and John Moltz.

The adventurers visit a demi-plane that’s mostly eyes and corridors. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

The adventurers visit a demi-plane that’s mostly eyes and corridors. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

Charge up your cyberspace deck and avoid all slamhounds! It’s time for us to discuss the second book in William Gibson’s famed Sprawl trilogy, “Count Zero.” Of course, Count Zero is the name of a great hacker… wait, it’s this kid? This is a book that defies audience expectations, from the title character to the way it follows up—or doesn’t, really—the events and characters in its famous predecessor. But, as our veteran Gibson readers note, it sets the template for his career to come. Jason Snell with Lisa Schmeiser, Antony Johnston, Glenn Fleishman and Erika Ensign.

Charge up your cyberspace deck and avoid all slamhounds! It’s time for us to discuss the second book in William Gibson’s famed Sprawl trilogy, “Count Zero.” Of course, Count Zero is the name of a great hacker… wait, it’s this kid? This is a book that defies audience expectations, from the title character to the way it follows up—or doesn’t, really—the events and characters in its famous predecessor. But, as our veteran Gibson readers note, it sets the template for his career to come. Jason Snell with Lisa Schmeiser, Antony Johnston, Glenn Fleishman and Erika Ensign.

Another adventure begins at Candlekeep Library. As usual, that means a weird book and a lot of meatball subs! And once again, the party is in a book - but not like usual. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

Another adventure begins at Candlekeep Library. As usual, that means a weird book and a lot of meatball subs! And once again, the party is in a book - but not like usual. Tony Sindelar with Bryan Guffey, Erika Ensign, Jason Snell, Mikah Sargent and Sarah Hendrica Bickerton.

Editor's Intro: Michael Damian Thomas Short Fiction: "What We Mean When We Talk About The Hole In The Bathroom" by Angela Liu, as read by Matt Peters Poetry:  "The Mighty Impervious Woman Considers Retirement" by Izzy Wasserstein, as read by Erika Ensign Interview: Michael Damian Thomas Interviews Angela Liu   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 © 2026 by Uncanny Magazine

Our Book Club reconvenes to discuss Emily Tesh’s “The Incandescent,” which offers a teacher’s perspective on a magical school (that’s mostly not magical, but infested by demons), an interesting story structure, and some very well-drawn characters. Plus: What else are we reading? Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Joe Rosensteel, Heather Berberet, Paul Weimer and Scott McNulty.

Our Book Club reconvenes to discuss Emily Tesh’s “The Incandescent,” which offers a teacher’s perspective on a magical school (that’s mostly not magical, but infested by demons), an interesting story structure, and some very well-drawn characters. Plus: What else are we reading? Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Joe Rosensteel, Heather Berberet, Paul Weimer and Scott McNulty.

Want to see a dead body? Bring your comb, stock up on cherry flavor Pez, and stay really quiet if you see a deer. We return to the 1980s and honor Rob Reiner by discussing 1986’s “Stand By Me,” a movie Jason has somehow never seen. It’s not a movie with Things That Happen, but that’s just fine with us. Jason Snell with Kelly Guimont, Erika Ensign, John Siracusa and Shelly Brisbin.

Hello, Carol. This is a recording. At the tone, you can leave a message to request anything you might need. We’ll do our best to provide it. Our feelings for you haven’t changed, Carol. But after everything that’s happened, we just need a little space. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Tony Sindelar, Moisés Chiullán and Glenn Fleishman.

After 800 episodes, we are in serious danger of repeating ourselves, but that never stopped us before. Some of our most prolific panelists fulfill the prophesy and draft Incomparable drafts. Jason begs them to give him new ideas, because after 800, he’s almost run out. And we use our powers for good and evil to mark classic episodes for deletion. Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Dan Moren, David J. Loehr, Erika Ensign, Kathy Campbell, Moisés Chiullán, Monty Ashley and Shelly Brisbin.