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

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the science fiction noir movies Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, and Alphaville. Time stamps: Dark City (3:25), Strange Days (28:55), The Thirteenth Floor (48:19), Looker (1:00:43), Alphaville (1:16:19). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the second half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "On the Downhill Side" (2:34), "Paladin of the Lost Hour" (12:00), "The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World" (30:08), "I'm Looking for Kadak" (39:10), "How Interesting: A Tiny Man" (48:42), "Djinn, No Chaser" (59:36), "How's the Nightlife on Cissalda?" (1:09:06), "From A to Z, in the Chocolate Alphabet" (1:17:32), "Eidolons" (1:26:13), "All the Lies that are My Life" (1:32:36). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philip Gelatt, a talented writer and director known for his horror films and acclaimed sci-fi works, shares his insights on crafting stories in challenging genres. He delves into the complexities of making 'The Europa Report,' discussing the balance of scientific accuracy with engaging narratives. Gelatt also highlights the innovative animation techniques used in 'The Spine of Night' and reflects on his passion for dark themes. The conversation touches on his creative roots, influences from horror legends, and the evolving landscape of storytelling in Hollywood.

J.T. Petty joins us to discuss serving as executive producer on the new Amazon series Secret Level, a collection of animated shorts set in the worlds of popular video games. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. 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. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. 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. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices