Geek's Guide to the Galaxy - A Science Fiction Podcast
David Barr Kirtley
** Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks ** Host David Barr Kirtley, author of the book Save Me Plz and Other Stories, talks geek culture with guests such as Neil Gaiman, George R. R. Martin, Richard Dawkins, Simon Pegg, Bill Nye, Margaret Atwood, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy has appeared on recommended podcast lists from NPR, The Guardian, Wired, The A.V. Club, BBC America, CBC Radio, WVXU, io9, Omni, The Strand, Library Journal, and Popular Mechanics. CBC Radio writes, "You may not think a podcast about science fiction and fantasy would be the place to go for political insight, but -- it is. Geek's Guide to the Galaxy manages to be more insightful about politics than many pundits." View a complete list of guests and topics at geeksguideshow.com/episodes/. Listen to the show on YouTube at youtube.com/@geeksguidetothegalaxy to easily skip ahead to our discussion of a particular movie or story.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 58min
586. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 2 Review (with Tom Gerencer)
Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the second half of book Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits. 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
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 5min
585. Philip Gelatt, writer of The Europa Report and The Spine of Night
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.
Dec 22, 2024 • 59min
584. The Making of Secret Level (with J.T. Petty)
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
Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 57min
583. Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits Part 1 Review (with Tom Gerencer)
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!
Nov 30, 2024 • 1h 32min
582. The Fifth Head of Cerberus by Gene Wolfe Review (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer)
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.
Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 57min
581. Andrew Niccol Movies: Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, Anon
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
Nov 3, 2024 • 1h 24min
580. New Mexico Science Fiction Writers (with Melinda M. Snodgrass)
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
Oct 20, 2024 • 1h 18min
579. The Future of Demographic Collapse (with Malcolm Collins)
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.
Oct 6, 2024 • 1h 25min
578. Terminator Zero Season 1 Review (with Daniel H. Wilson, Zach Chapman)
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
Aug 25, 2024 • 2h 30min
577. The Best of Roger Zelazny Review (with Tom Gerencer)
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.
