Alienating the Audience

Children of Men

What happens to society when everyone on Earth goes sterile, and there’s no future generation to hand things off to or better the world for? Andrew Young and Josh Jennings join to discuss the film “Children of Men”. 

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We Are Legion, We Are Bob

Dennis Taylor’s “Bobiverse” comedically follows the exploits of an engineer whose mind is uploaded into a self-replicating probe, which becomes its own civilization of Bobs.  Tom Merritt joins to discuss the implications of immortality, and when…

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The Giant Universe of Doctor Who

Justin Robert Young comes on to discuss “Doctor Who,” arguably the most successful science fiction program (along with Star Trek) in history, and the most popular scifi program in Britain.

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Jordan Morris on Satire in a Dome

Jordan Morris is the author of “Bubble” and the co-host of “Jordan, Jesse Go!” on Maximum Fun. He joins the show to discuss culture and economic satire… in space.

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Los Angeles is Hideous

I have a new book out! . Arguably the funniest book ever written about the horribleness which is LA. Here are two quick readings from what is about to become your new favorite coffee table book. You can find “Los Angeles is Hideous: Poems About…

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False Memories in Science Fiction

In a world where you can download memories directly into your brain, how can you determine what’s reality and what’s artifice?  Jay Mutzafi returns to discuss implanted memories in science fiction, from “Total Recall” to “Rick and Morty.” 

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Logan’s Run is Afraid of Baby Boomers

“Logan’s Run” (1976) explores a society where everyone dies aged 30. In the most campy, over-the-top 70s scifi romp imaginable, it explores fear of ageing, fear of death, fear of infantalization… and fear of Baby Boomers.

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M. R. Carey on Hopeful Dystopias

M. R. Carey is the author of “The Girl with All the Gifts” (previously discussed on this program) as well as the Koli Trilogy. He joins the show, along with Ashland Viscosi, to talk about his approach to science fiction.  To see Carey’s books and…

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The Bioethics of “Gattaca”

“Gattaca” (1997) explores a dystopian future where inequality is staggering–and genetic. Andrew Mayne joins the show to discuss the implications of genetic engineering and to what extent it should be avoided morally or prohibited legally.

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Andy Weir on “Project Hail Mary”

Andy Weir, author of “The Martian,” joins the program to talk about science fiction, technology, and his new book “Project Hail Mary”  You can find his book, as well as others discussed on the program, by going to

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