Space the Nation
Space the Nation
On Space the Nation, we take our love of science fiction (and fantasy and horror) and smash it together with our professional passions: international relations (as brought to the table by Tufts University professor and Washington Post columnist Dan Drezner) and cultural criticism (as brought to the table by political columnist Ana Marie Cox). It's a highly informed but hilarious conversation that starts with an examination of a particular text (everything from Ursula K. LeGuin to the MCU, Star Trek to Colson Whitehead) and veers into current events, mental health practices and imagined conversations between Ted Cruz and the Predator. For people who like white papers and graphic novels, Chapo Trap House and what Political Science Twitter used to be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 33min
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER TWO
Dan and Ana stop fighting long enough to have a civilized drink. We're wrapping up Fishmas, the most wonderful time of the year, with what might be the most delightful installment yet. There's a lot of discussion of Chapter One in this episode; you'll likely need to watch both to fully appreciate both Chapter Two and this discussion! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 19min
PREDATORS
Dan and Ana are in a blood feud with the Super-Podcasters; don't get in their way. This may be one of the most less-than-the-sum-of-its-parts movies we've ever seen! Two Oscar winners are in this movie! And Walter Goggins! Topher Grace is genuinely funny. And yet. And yet. There is less IR in this movie than you'd think, but a surprisingly robust critique of capitalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 17, 2025 • 2min
WE'RE FINE, HOW ARE YOU?
Just been a little bit since we saw you and thought we'd check in.We had some behind-the-scenes stuff get more bumpy than usual! We're good now but we appreciate your patience with our little hobby pod and we hope you're doing ok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
MATRIX RELOADED (FISHMAS FUTURE)
Christmas comes but once a year, but Fishmas lasts all year long--at least as Dan and I practice it. We've had some personal and professional chaos over the past month, so forgive our tardiness. The good news is that the wait is worth it, which is more than you can say about this sequel to The Matrix! It has not aged particularly well! But Dan liked the Luddite rave. More to come very soon and we love you very much. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 21, 2024 • 51min
THE COLONY (FISHMAS PAST)
I'm dreaming of a terrible movie / Just like the ones Dan nominates / Where the plot is leaden / And acting deadens / But Laurence Fishburne's charisma dominates, so dominates...Continuing Fishmas with one of the worst movies we've done for this pod--and Fishburne is still fantastic. Look for our other Fishmas classics on the feed! Become a Patron to skip the ads! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 21, 2024 • 46min
EVENT HORIZON (FISHMAS PAST)
Sam Neill baby / slipped a time-space fold under the tree / for meI'm an awful good captain / Sam Neill, baby / so let's get the f*ck out this is much too creepy for meFishmas Past continues with one of our favorite episodes of all time! Please enjoy our Fishmas Present episodes, including the upcoming Matrix Reloaded as well as the recently-out Contagion! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 21, 2024 • 1h 4min
THE MATRIX (FISHMAS PAST)
Have yourself a merry little Fishmas / Let your pill be red / From now on this movie's themes / will be misread...Happy holidays! Please enjoy our other Fishmas offerings, including the new episodes for Contagion and (soon to drop) Matrix Reloaded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 21, 2024 • 1h 26min
CONTAGION (FISHMAS PRESENT)
Merry Fishmas! We celebrate all things somber and authoritative with a selection of Laurence Fishburne masterpieces. In addition to Contagion, we're re-releasing our other Fishburne bangers including audience favorite Event Horizon and the truly execrable The Colony (our only episode devoted to script doctoring!).However, be forewarned: This is a non-jolly re-watch. Contagion has aged all too well, even four years after lockdown.We appreciate your patience with our erratic posting as of late: Dan got sick, Ana's house sprung a leak, and, you know ::gestures vaguely:: We hope you're doing ok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 7, 2024 • 1h 8min
SPACEGIVING 2024
In a festive twist, the hosts express gratitude for intriguing sci-fi works like 'House of the Dragon' and 'Titanium Noir.' They delve into Octavia Butler's chilling 'Parable of the Sower,' reflecting on its climate themes and survival dynamics. There's a playful chat about 'The Penguin,' showcasing its gritty Gotham narrative. Mixed feelings surface around shows like 'Bad Monkey,' while personal anecdotes underscore the importance of community and friendships. As they celebrate, the anticipation for new traditions like 'fishmas' adds a light-hearted touch!
Nov 25, 2024 • 56min
STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE “IN A MIRROR, DARKLY”
Ana and Dan put on their midriff-baring uniforms for this visit to the Mirror Universe, in Star Trek: Enterprises spin on the familiar Trek plot device that allows your favorite characters play slutty Halloween versions of themselves. There's IR but not enough critique of capitalism to sustain Ana's interest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
