Geek's Guide to the Galaxy - A Science Fiction Podcast

Tom Gerencer, author of the upcoming novel The Magic Ski Mountain, joins to explore Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits. They discuss the complex legacy of Ellison and his impactful dystopian narratives, connecting them to contemporary issues of surveillance. The duo examines the emotional depth and chilling themes of artificial intelligence in Ellison's work. Gerencer also shares insights on writing while naked and the whimsical approach behind his children's book, inspired by ski adventures. Tune in for a lively discourse on storytelling's power!

James Wynn and Craig Brewer, co-hosts of the Rereading Wolfe podcast, delve into the depths of Gene Wolfe’s The Fifth Head of Cerberus. They explore themes of identity, colonialism, and the impact of shapeshifting aliens. The conversation reveals the complex character dynamics and the narrative structure that challenges traditional storytelling. They discuss the novella's significance in Wolfe's literary evolution, as well as theories surrounding cloning and deception. Listeners gain insights into Wolfe's intricate style and ongoing literary debates.

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the movies Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, and Anon, all of which were written by Andrew Niccol.Time stamps: Gattaca (11:57), The Truman Show (45:09), Simone (1:03:13), In Time (1:18:08), Anon (1:25:59). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melinda M. Snodgrass joins us to discuss the New Mexico Mafia, a tight-knit community of fantasy & science fiction writers that formed in New Mexico in the 1970s and 1980s, a group that included George R. R. Martin, Roger Zelazny, Stephen R. Donaldson, and Fred Saberhagen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Malcolm Collins, co-host of the Based Camp podcast and a prominent figure in the pronatalist movement, shares thought-provoking insights on demographic collapse, genetic engineering, and AI. He dives into how advancing technologies could reshape society and discusses the potential economic impacts of declining birth rates. Collins also explores unique cultural solutions to fertility challenges, the implications of genetic optimization, and the need for reforms in education amid an evolving AI landscape.

Daniel H. Wilson and Zach Chapman join us to discuss the Netflix series Terminator Zero, an animated spinoff of the classic films Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Gerencer, author of *Think Like Google* and *Intergalactic Refrigerator Repairmen Seldom Carry Cash*, dives into the legacy of Roger Zelazny. They discuss Zelazny's influence on sci-fi and dissect notable works like *Doorways in the Sand*. The conversation touches on the challenges of story selection, the depth of unlikable narrators, and the psychological themes in *He Who Shapes*. Gerencer also explores how Zelazny's stories balance humanity and advanced AI, culminating in a celebration of the joy found in literary creation.

Lisa Yaszek, John Kessel, and Robby Soave join us to discuss Robert Heinlein’s classic novel Stranger in a Strange Land, about a young man raised by Martians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Matthew Kressel, a noted science fiction writer, Anthony Ha, an influential media strategist, and Sara Lynn Michener, a passionate critic, as they explore Arthur C. Clarke's 'Rendezvous with Rama.' They discuss the allure of the unknown in sci-fi, contrasting Clarke's minimalist character development with modern storytelling. The conversation delves into the upcoming film adaptation, the challenges of maintaining narrative integrity, and the mysteries surrounding interstellar objects like Oumuamua. Their insights spark a thrilling exploration of humanity's quest for knowledge.

Seth Dickinson, Abby Goldsmith, and Mercurio D. Rivera join us to discuss Vernor Vinge’s classic 1999 novel A Deepness in the Sky, a prequel to his novel A Fire Upon the Deep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices