Category Archives: A Reader's History of Science Fiction

S2E20: Newbery Medal Winners

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I take one more look at children’s science fiction by surveying the winners of the prestigious Newbery Medal. Book recommendation: The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera Other books discussed:A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Mrs. Frisby … Continue reading →

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S2E19: Multiverse Fiction

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I explore sci-fi works that focus on the idea of the multiverse. Prospective book recommendation (I’m putting it on my own list): The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter PBS Space Time on the many worlds … Continue reading →

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S2E18: Catch-Up Episode #7: Sci-Fi Action Movies

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I give an overview of recent action movies in the sci-fi genre. Movie recommendation: Everything Everywhere All at Once Other movies discussed:TenetFree GuyThe Matrix: Resurrections Check out this episode!

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S2E17: Science Fiction in Video Games

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I bring back my cohost Greg for a conversion about how science fiction has shaped video games, and vice versa. Classic game recommendation: Chrono Trigger Ahoy finds the “first” video game. Check out this episode!

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S2E16: Catch-Up Episode #6: Children’s Sci-Fi Movies

Posted on January 9, 2023 by Alex R. Howe

I catch up on the sci-fi movies for kids that have come out in the pandemic era. Movie recommendation: The Mitchells vs. the Machines Background on Lightyear here and here. Other films discussed:Sonic the HedgehogOver the MoonFlora and UlyssesSpace Jam: A … Continue reading →

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S2E15: Religion in Sci-Fi

Posted on December 26, 2022 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I give an overview of the different ways that religion and religious themes are used in science fiction. Book recommendation: Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny My review of A Case of Conscience. Other works discussed:Riverworld series by Philip … Continue reading →

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S2E14: Margaret Weitekamp Interview

Posted on December 12, 2022 by Alex R. Howe

I interview Dr. Margaret Weitekamp, Curator and Chair of Space History at the National Air and Space Museum about her new book, Space Craze: America’s Enduring Fascination with Real and Imagined Spaceflight. Media recommendation: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Check out … Continue reading →

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S2E13: Gary Bengier Interview

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Alex R. Howe

In this episode, I interview Gary Bengier, former CFO of eBay and author of Unfettered Journey, a novel about philosophy and artificial intelligence. Gary’s book recommendation:Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky Check out this episode!

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S2E12: Catch-Up Episode #5: DC Movies

Posted on November 14, 2022 by Alex R. Howe

Complementing my Marvel catch-up, I review the new DC superhero movies that have come out since the start of the pandemic. Movie recommendation: DC League of Super-Pets Other movies discussed:Wonder Woman 1984Black AdamZack Snyder’s Justice LeagueThe Batman Check out this episode!

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S2E11: Nick Nocturne Discusses Unfiction

Posted on October 31, 2022 by Alex R. Howe

I interview Nick Nocturne, host of the YouTube channel Night Mind about the emerging genre of unfiction and its relation to science fiction. Nick’s recommendations:PBhere (sci-fi)Diminish (non-sci-fi) Check out this episode!

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