Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi
FiksjonWhere Imagination Meets What It Means To Be Human
Siste episoder av Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi podcast
- 🎙️ Byte: Inside Tron Ares with Jared Leto & Joachim Rønning (00:06:03)
In this electrifying episode of Byte, we dive deep into the digital frontier of Tron Ares with star and producer Jared Leto and visionary director Joachim Rønning. 🎬 Topics Covered: Jared Leto shares his personal connection to the Tron universe and why this story resonates with him. Joachim Rønning reveals his creative vision for Tron Ares and what he aimed to bring to the franchise. Behind the scenes: Jared Leto’s role as a producer and how it shaped the film’s direction. Why you absolutely must experience Tron Ares on the biggest screen possible—it's not just a recommendation, it's a necessity. 🎧 Audio courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures. 📺 For exclusive video content, head over to Sci-Fi Talk Plus.
- 🎙️ Rewind On The Boys – Season Two Roundtables (Part 1) (00:24:50)
Episode Title: Behind the Masks: Conflict & Connection in The Boys Season Two Description: In this electrifying first installment of our two-part roundtable series, Rewind On The Boys dives deep into the emotional and explosive dynamics of Season Two. Host [Your Name] welcomes an all-star Zoom panel featuring: Antony Starr (Homelander) Aya Cash (Stormfront) Giancarlo Esposito (Stan Edgar) Eric Kripke (Showrunner) Karen Fukuhara (Kimiko) Tomer Capon (Frenchie) Together, they unpack the season’s most intense character conflicts, shifting alliances, and the fragile relationships that define the show’s gritty heart. From Homelander’s unraveling psyche to Kimiko and Frenchie’s evolving bond, no emotional beat is left unexplored. Highlights include: How real-world tensions shaped the season’s themes The cast’s take on power, trauma, and redemption Behind-the-scenes stories from pivotal scenes Eric Kripke on balancing satire with soul Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the chaos, this episode offers rare insight into the minds behind the mayhem. 🎧 Tune in now—and stay tuned for Part Two, where the conversation turns to legacy, loss, and what’s next for The Boys. Start Your Free One Year Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today.
- 🎙️ Unmasking the Magic of Batman: The Animated Series with Joe Sutliffe Sanders (00:35:21)
In this episode, we dive deep into the shadows of Gotham with Joe Sutliffe Sanders, author of Batman: The Animated Series, a scholarly yet accessible exploration of one of the most beloved animated shows of all time. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the series, this conversation peels back the layers of what makes Batman: The Animated Series so enduring, influential, and artistically groundbreaking. 🦇 What We Cover: Bat Deco and Visual Identity: Joe breaks down the show's signature aesthetic—Bat Deco—a moody blend of noir, Art Deco, and timeless design that gave Gotham its haunting beauty and set a new standard for animated storytelling. Narrative Depth and Emotional Complexity: We explore how the series redefined superhero storytelling by embracing moral ambiguity, psychological nuance, and character-driven plots. Voice Acting and Casting Brilliance: From Kevin Conroy’s iconic Batman to Mark Hamill’s unforgettable Joker, we discuss how voice performances elevated the series to cinematic heights. Legacy and Influence: Joe reflects on how the show shaped the DC Universe, inspired future creators, and continues to resonate with fans across generations. Start Your One Year Free Trial Of Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today
- Crash Site and the Human Urge to Reach Out — with Director Jason Sperling (00:35:06)
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
- Behind the Scenes of Subspace Rhapsody: Roberto Campanella’s Choreographic Journey (00:16:12)
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.
- 🎙️ Rewind: Nat Geo’s Mars – Science, Storytelling, and the Red Frontier (00:30:16)
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
- Byte: Building the Walk — The Crafts Behind The Long Walk (00:09:40)
In this episode of Byte, we go beyond the screen to meet the creative minds who shaped the look, feel, and emotional texture of The Long Walk, Lionsgate’s chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian classic. 🎙️ Featured Guests 🧠 JT Mollner, screenwriter, on adapting King’s stripped-down narrative 🎨 Nicholas LePage, production designer, on building a world that feels both timeless and eerily familiar— 👗 Heather Neale, costume designer, on dressing the walkers in subtle layers of identity, rebellion, and vulnerability 💄 Doug Morrow, makeup artist, on the physical toll of the Walk—blisters, bruises, and the slow erosion of youth, rendered with startling precision Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today
- Byte: The Walkers Speak — Meet the Cast of The Long Walk (00:11:14)
In this special episode of Byte, we step into the boots of the young actors who bring The Long Walk to life. Adapted from Stephen King’s chilling dystopian novel, the film follows 100 teenage boys forced to walk without rest—until only one remains. Audio provided by Lionsgate. 🎬 Meet the Walkers Hear from the rising stars behind the numbers: 🟦 Ben Wang as Hank Olson (#46) 🟥 Charlie Plummer as Gary Barkovitch (#5) 🟨 Cooper Hoffman as Raymond Garraty (#47) 🟩 David Jonsson as Peter McVries (#23) 🟧 Joshua Odijk as Collie Parker (#48) 🟪 Garrett Wareing as Stebbins (#38) ⬜ Tut Nyout as Arthur Baker (#6) Legendary actor Mark Hamill offers insight into his portrayal of The Major, the enigmatic figure who oversees the Walk with chilling authority. 🔢 Tony’s Take: The Numbers Behind the Names Host Tony breaks down the symbolic and narrative weight of the walkers’ assigned numbers.
- 🎙️ James Gurney – Imagining Dinotopia (00:17:13)
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
- Rewind: Batman The Animated Series – A Retrospective (00:40:13)
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
- 🎙️ Rewind: Ben Bova on Mars Life – A Vintage Conversation (00:43:01)
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
- 🌍 Rewind: Building the Frozen Future of The Wandering Earth (00:25:04)
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
- Spark Hunter — Humanity, Ethics, and the Machine Mind (00:29:32)
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
- Byte: Jeremiah Fraites on Scoring The Long Walk (00:08:03)
In this episode of Byte, we sit down with Jeremiah Fraites—co-founder of The Lumineers—as he reflects on his cinematic debut composing the score for The Long Walk, the chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. Thanks to Lionsgate for the audio provided. 🎼 From Stage to Screen Fraites opens up about his long-standing desire to write music for film, and how The Long Walk arrived at just the right moment. His collaboration with director Francis Lawrence—rooted in a creative friendship dating back to Catching Fire—blossomed into a score that’s as emotionally resonant as it is unsettling. 🎙️ Inside the Episode How Fraites transitioned from folk-rock songwriter to film composer The influence of Stand By Me on the emotional tone of the score Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today.
- Byte: Scoring Survival — The Music of The Long Walk (00:08:28)
In this episode of Byte, director Francis Lawrence takes us behind the sonic curtain of The Long Walk, the haunting adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian classic. Known for his cinematic collaborations with artists like the Lumineers, Lawrence shares how his long-standing creative rapport with Jeremiah Fraites—co-founder of the band—led to Fraites’ selection as composer for the film. Special thanks to Lionsgate for the audio. 🎙️ Highlights Include Why Jeremiah Fraites was the perfect fit for this adaptation The evolution of Lawrence’s musical collaborations, from indie folk to cinematic scoring How acoustic and electronic elements were balanced to reflect the film’s shifting tone Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today
- Fringe: The Final Season Roundtable (00:34:41)
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
- 🦇 Batman: The Animated Series – Part Two (00:21:42)
🎙️ 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
- Rewind: Inside the Haunted Heart of Shining Vale (00:29:31)
In this episode of Rewind, we crack open the creaky doors of Shining Vale, the satirical horror-comedy that dares to ask: what if your midlife crisis was actually a possession? Featuring interviews with cast members Mira Sorvino, Judith Light, Merrin Dungey, Dylan Gage, Gus Birney, and co-creator Jeff Astrof, we explore the haunted house at the center of the series—and the haunted minds of the characters who live there. From the ghostly glamour of Rosemary (Sorvino) to the lithium-laced sharpness of Joan (Light), each character offers a layered look at identity, trauma, and transformation. Astrof shares how the show balances horror tropes with biting humor, while the cast reflects on the emotional shifts their characters undergo across two seasons. 🔪👻 Shining Vale originally aired on Starz and is now streaming on Max. Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus
- Prospect: Mining Humanity in Indie Sci-Fi (00:34:11)
In this episode, I chatted with Prospect’s breakout star Sophie Thatcher—known for her haunting turn in The Exorcist Season One—and co-director Zeek Earl to explore the making of one of indie sci-fi’s most atmospheric gems. 🌌 About the Film Prospect follows teenage Cee (Thatcher) and her father as they descend onto a toxic alien moon in search of valuable gems. What begins as a mining expedition quickly spirals into a tense survival story, where trust is scarce and every breath counts. Directed by Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell, the film is a masterclass in world-building, shot in the lush Hoh Rainforest of Washington State. Sophie Thatcher on crafting Cee’s emotional arc and stepping into genre storytelling Zeek Earl on building a believable sci-fi world on a shoestring budget Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today
- 🎙️Rewind: The Walking Dead Season One (00:45:30)
"The Apocalypse: First Wave” In this special Rewind episode, we travel back to the electrifying atmosphere of New York Comic Con 2010, where The Walking Dead was just days away from its world premiere. Recorded live at the Jacob Javits Center, this roundtable features candid, early reflections from the cast and creators who would go on to redefine modern horror television. Join host Tony as he sits down with: 🧟 Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes) 🧟 Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon) 🧟 Steven Yeun (Glenn Rhee) 🧟 Sarah Wayne Callies (Lori Grimes) 🧟 Laurie Holden (Andrea) 🧟 Jon Bernthal (Shane Walsh) 🧟 Robert Kirkman (Comic Creator & Executive Producer) 🧟 Frank Darabont (Series Developer & Showrunner) Highlights Include: The cast’s first impressions of their characters and the comic book source material Frank Darabont’s vision for adapting Kirkman’s gritty survival tale Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the pilot episode Reflections on the genre’s emotional depth and the human stories beneath the horrorWhy It Matters: This episode captures a rare moment in time: before the fandom, before the spin-offs, before the cultural phenomenon. It’s a love letter to the beginning, when The Walking Dead was still a gamble—and its creators were betting everything on character, atmosphere, and truth.Start Your Free One Year Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today
- On Byte: “Never Surrender – A Galaxy Quest Mini-Reunion with Enrico Colantoni & Missi Pyle” (00:05:45)
Guests: Enrico Colantoni – Mathesar, the earnest Thermian leader Missi Pyle – Laliari, the wide-eyed Thermian engineer In this delightfully weird and wonderful episode of Byte, Tony chatted with Enrico Colantoni and Missi Pyle for a mini-reunion that celebrates the cult classic Galaxy Quest. With warmth, wit, and a few tentacle jokes, the two actors reflect on their time as Thermians—those lovable, tentacled aliens who misunderstood Earth’s sci-fi as historical fact. Thermian Talk & Tentacle Technique → Enrico and Missi share how they developed the alien speech patterns and body language that became iconic. Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today
- On Byte: “Inside the TARDIS – The Making of Doctor Who: The Runaway VR” (00:03:27)
Tony chats with One of the creative minds behind Doctor Who: The Runaway, the animated VR short that lets fans step inside the TARDIS and join the Doctor on a high-stakes mission across space and time. With Jodie Whittaker reprising her role as the Thirteenth Doctor, this Oculus Rift experience blends storytelling, interactivity, and sci-fi spectacle in a way that feels like you're really there—sonic screwdriver in hand. Tony shares his own gameplay impressions, describing the thrill of scanning alien lifeforms, dodging galactic threats, and navigating the TARDIS interior with full 360° immersion. Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus, Today
- “Rolling the Future – Brennan Lee Mulligan on Dimension 20 (00:29:41)
Guest: Brennan Lee Mulligan – Game Master, Writer, Performer, and Co-Creator of Dimension 20. Legendary Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan joined me us to discuss the creation of his original online board game—a genre-bending experiment that blends classic tabletop mechanics with digital storytelling flair. Known for his work on Dimension 20, Brennan dives deep into the philosophy of game design, the emotional architecture of roleplay, and the collaborative magic that fuels his crew’s RPG adventures. Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today
- Classic BMan - Batman The Animated Series (00:11:22)
This limited podcast series starts off with one of the driving forces of this classic series in Bruce W. Timm from the roundtables at NYCC. Some great insights into the creation of an animated classic. Start Your Free One Year Trial At Sci-Fi Talk Plus
- Tom Jennings: Famous UFO Incidents (00:31:30)
Former Journalist and now producer of documentaries talks about two episodes of Shock Docs on UFO abductions on the Betty And Barney Hill and The Travis Walton cases Start Your Free Trial On Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today