Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe The Martian Revolution (featuring Mike Duncan)
18 snips
Jun 3, 2025 
Mike Duncan, a renowned history podcaster and bestselling author, joins the conversation to explore the captivating intersection of economics, politics, and revolution on Mars. He discusses how historical context enriches science fiction storytelling, particularly around a future Martian revolution. The debate shifts to the practicality of colonizing Mars, questioning motivations and the feasibility of a resource like phosphide for clean energy. Additionally, Duncan critiques visions of Mars governance and sharing insights on his upcoming writing projects, weaving together themes of survival, independence, and societal dynamics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Teleporters as Murder Machines
- Mike Duncan views Star Trek teleporters as murder machines that disassemble identity to recreate a copy elsewhere.
- He refuses to use this technology due to the philosophical implications for personal identity.
Fictional Mistakes? A Silly Complaint
- Mike received a serious email titled "Errors and mistakes in the Martian Revolution" pointing out inaccuracies in his fictional work.
- He responded that mistakes can't be claimed in a work of fiction since it's invented, not factual history.
Pattern of Revolutions Revealed
- Revolutions follow a pattern: a broken regime, elite complicity, and outcomes fracturing the revolutionaries into factions.
- This cycle of faction splits and purges is key to understanding historical and fictional revolutions alike.
