Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

In this episode ,I chat with Jason Sperling, director of the sci-fi short film Crash Site, which has garnered over 600,000 views on YouTube and sparked conversations about first contact, and curiosity Jason shares the film’s origin story, including his early connection with The Walking Dead’s Steven Yeun, and how that relationship helped shape the creative journey behind Crash Site. With a sharp script and visual effects that enhance rather than overwhelm, Crash Site explores the moment we might meet something — or someone — beyond ourselves. But the real story is about us: our need to know, to reach out, and maybe, as Jason candidly reflects, our assumption that we’ll be answered. Is it hubris to believe we’re the center of the universe? Or is it simply human? We also dive into themes of curiosity and exploration — core elements of this podcast’s mission to explore humanity. Why do some of us feel compelled to ask questions, to push boundaries, to make contact? And what does that say about who we are? 🔹 Crash Site is available now on YouTube   Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today

 It's Trek Tuesday again,  with  a special guest joining us, the incredibly talented Roberto Campanella! Roberto is an award-winning choreographer who recently worked on the mesmerizing Star Trek episode "Subspace Rhapsody." We'll be diving into the behind-the-scenes details of this musical extravaganza and exploring how Roberto's choreography brought the episode to life. From the challenges of coordinating dance numbers to the seamless integration of storytelling, singing, and dancing, Roberto reveals the secrets behind creating a truly captivating performance. Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today.  

In this expansive episode of Rewind, host Tony brings together a constellation of voices from the groundbreaking Nat Geo series Mars. Compiled from one-on-one and roundtable interviews at NYCC, SDCC, and a special New York Mars event, this episode explores the intersection of science fiction and science fact through the lens of one of television’s most ambitious hybrid series. 🎬 Featuring conversations with cast members and scientific minds, this episode includes: 🎤 Jihae – musician and actress who portrays dual roles with emotional depth 🎭 Jeff Hephner – actor reflecting on the human drama of colonizing Mars 📚 Susan Wise Bauer – historian offering context on exploration and myth 📖 Andy Weir – author of The Martian, sharing insights on realism and storytelling 🚀 Leland Melvin – former astronaut connecting lived experience to screen fiction 🧠 Dr. Michio Kaku – physicist unpacking the real science behind Martian colonization 🌌 Lucianne Walkowicz – astronomer and astrobiologist discussing ethics and planetary stewardship From the psychological toll of interplanetary travel to the philosophical implications of terraforming, this episode dives deep into the themes that make Mars more than just a TV show—it’s a thought experiment in humanity’s future. Start Your Free Trial Of Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today

Tony Tellado caught with this visionary artist and storyteller James Gurney, creator of the beloved Dinotopia series, at a convention. Gurney shares the origins of his fantastical world where humans and dinosaurs coexist in harmony, and reflects on the immersive storytelling, intricate world-building, and painterly techniques that brought it to life. From floating cities to dinosaur philosophers, Gurney’s work invites readers into a utopia built on cooperation, curiosity, and wonder. This conversation explores the creative process behind Dinotopia, the balance between realism and imagination, and the enduring appeal of illustrated storytelling. 🎨 Beyond Dinotopia, James Gurney is renowned as a paleoartist, restoring extinct fauna—both avian and non-avian dinosaurs—with scientific precision and artistic flair. His career spans: Recreating the voyages of Jason and Ulysses through lush, mythic landscapes Painting iconic covers for science fiction novels Designing dinosaur stamps for the U.S. Postal Service His work bridges art and science, myth and memory, and continues to inspire generations of readers, artists, and dreamers. Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today  

A journey back to Gotham’s golden age of animation with exclusive roundtable interviews from New York Comic Con 2018. Join host Tony as he sat down with the creative titans and voice legends behind Batman: The Animated Series, including: 🎨 Bruce Timm – visionary co-creator and guiding force 🛠️ Eric Radomski – series producer and stylistic architect 🎭 Diane Pershing – the voice of Poison Ivy 🦸 Loren Lester – Robin/Nightwing himself 🦇 Kevin Conroy – the definitive voice of Batman 🗣️ Tara Strong – Batgirl and voice acting powerhouse Together, they reflect on the series’ legacy, its groundbreaking artistry, and the enduring emotional resonance that continues to captivate fans decades later. Tony also dives into the show's unprecedented creative synergy—how writers, animators, and voice actors collaborated in ways rarely seen in television production. From the noir-inspired visuals to the emotionally rich scripts, Batman: The Animated Series redefined what animated storytelling could be. Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today

Host Tony Tellado chatted with the legendary science fiction author Ben Bova to discuss his novel Mars Life, part of his sweeping Grand Tour series. The conversation explores the ethical and scientific dilemmas of Martian exploration, the tension between religious fundamentalism and scientific inquiry, and Bova’s vision for humanity’s future among the stars. Bova shares his thoughts on terraforming, the search for extraterrestrial life, and why Mars should remain pristine while we study its secrets. His insights are sharp, provocative, and deeply rooted in decades of science-informed storytelling. 🪐 Mars Life continues Bova’s speculative saga of solar system colonization, blending political realism with cosmic wonder. 📚 Ben Bova’s prolific 60-year career spanned more than 120 works of fiction and nonfiction. He served as editor of Analog Science Fiction and Fact, and his Grand Tour series remains a landmark in speculative literature. New York Times writer Gerald Jonas once described him as “the last of the great pulp writers”—a fitting tribute to a voice that bridged eras and genres. Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today

I go behind the icy curtain of The Wandering Earth, China’s landmark sci-fi blockbuster, with special visual effects supervisor Samir Ansari of Pixomondo. From making digitalsnow look real  to planetary propulsion systems, Samir walks us through the creative and technical feats that brought this frozen apocalypse to life. We explore the cross-cultural collaboration between Pixomondo and the Chinese production team, diving into the challenges and rewards of working across languages, workflows, and cinematic traditions. Samir shares how trust and visual storytelling became the universal language on set. 🧊 Highlights include: Crafting realistic snow simulations and frozen cityscapes Designing futuristic vehicles that feel grounded in physics and culture Engineering the colossal “world engines” that push Earth out of orbit Navigating communication and creative synergy with a Chinese crew Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today

My dive into the sonic world of Spark Hunter, the high-concept audio drama starring Rebecca Ferguson and Mark Rylance. Set against a backdrop of surveillance, suspicion, and existential stakes, the story follows Spark Hunter—an AI so advanced she’s deemed rogue by the U.S. government. Over one final dinner with her creator, the question looms: is she a threat to humanity, or its last hope? A conversation with writer KB Miller and Teresa Tunney  Start You Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today  

In one of the most emotionally resonant roundtable sessions I’ve ever attended, the cast of Fringe gathered at San Diego Comic-Con to reflect on their groundbreaking series and share insights into the journey ahead for their final season. This intimate conversation is a heartfelt tribute to the show's legacy and a gift to fans who’ve followed its twists, timelines, and transformations. 🎧 Featured Guests Anna Torv (Olivia Dunham) Joshua Jackson (Peter Bishop) John Noble (Walter Bishop) Lance Reddick (Phillip Broyles) Jasika Nicole (Astrid Farnsworth) 💬 Why It Matters This roundtable isn’t just a farewell—it’s a celebration of Fringe’s impact on genre television. Whether you’re a longtime fan or revisiting the series, this episode offers rare insight into the minds behind the multiverse. Start Your Free Trial Of Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today

🎙️ Featuring Kevin Conroy, Tara Strong & Alan Burnett In this second installment of my deep dive into Batman: The Animated Series, I’m joined by three iconic voices behind the Bat-mythos: the late, legendary Kevin Conroy, the dynamic Tara Strong, and longtime series producer Alan Burnett. Together, we explore the enduring legacy of the show that redefined superhero storytelling for a generation. 🎬 What Makes This Series Timeless From its Emmy-winning writing to its haunting score and bold visual style, Batman: The Animated Series remains a benchmark for animated storytelling. This episode peels back the layers of its production and character work, revealing how it continues to resonate with fans and creators alike. Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Now