In this episode, host KMO speaks with Kevin, co-host of the podcast and Substack publication "Synthesize Sunsets," which explores speculative fiction and the evolution of popular culture in the age of AI and algorithms.
Key Discussion Points:
- 17776 by John Boyce: Kevin discusses this multimedia science fiction narrative and how it represents a missed opportunity for innovation in digital storytelling formats.
- Decades losing their distinctiveness: The conversation explores how time periods had unique visual and cultural identities in the 20th century, while the 21st century has seen a flattening of aesthetic differences between decades.
- Publishing industry consolidation: They discuss how the consolidation of publishing houses has led to less diversity in science fiction and contributed to the growth of romance-focused fantasy at the expense of traditional science fiction.
- Science fiction authors and works: The pair share their perspectives on influential authors including Gene Wolfe's "Book of the New Sun," Ursula K. Le Guin, N.K. Jemisin's "Broken Earth" trilogy, Ted Chiang, Iain M. Banks, and Cixin Liu.
- Christianity and literature: How religious literacy impacts readers' ability to engage with certain works, particularly Gene Wolfe's writing which contains subtle Christian themes.
- Political perspectives in fiction: The challenges of creating politically engaged fiction that doesn't feel didactic, using examples like Banks' "Culture" series and contemporary works.
- Media and intellectual diversity: Kevin expresses hope for greater intellectual diversity in media and publishing, noting that Chinese sci-fi author Cixin Liu represents a genuinely different cultural perspective.