Sci-fi Talk

In this episode, we journey back to the golden age of Star Wars fandom with Craig Miller, the original Director of Fan Relations at Lucasfilm from 1977 to 1980. Craig shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time shaping the galaxy’s most passionate fanbase—before the internet, before social media, and before Star Wars was a household name. Craig was the architect of the Official Star Wars Fan Club and the editor of Bantha Tracks, the club’s beloved newsletter. He produced the unforgettable Star Wars segments on Sesame Street, operated R2-D2’s head on set, and helped bring the Force to Saturday morning commercials—including the iconic Underoos ads. Craig’s created the legendary 800-number hotline for The Empire Strikes Back, where fans could call in and hear exclusive messages recorded by the film’s stars. It was a pioneering moment in fan engagement, and Craig was at the heart of it. His memoir, Star Wars Memories: My Time in the (Death Star) Trenches, is a treasure trove of anecdotes, insights, and cultura

On this Trek Tuesday edition of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, Tony participated in a round table with actors Paul Wesley and Ethan Peck to talk about their journeys into the Star Trek universe. Wesley, stepping into the iconic role of Captain James T. Kirk, and Peck, carrying forward the legacy of Spock, share how they built chemistry on screen and how they each found their own voice within characters that have defined generations. Before it's too late sign up for Plus with podcasts and video now

In this episode of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, Tony chatted with actress Lynn Collins to explore her journey through two very different but equally ambitious projects. From embodying Leah Shaw on The Walking Dead—a character caught between loyalty, survival, and love—to starring in the ill-fated Disney epic John Carter, Collins reflects on the challenges and revelations of playing roles that push the boundaries of human resilience and imagination. Before Its too late get my special Black Friday Plan for Plus for only 99 cents a month

In this special Byte conversation, writer J Holtham takes us inside the creative process of reimagining Hawkeye for Marvel’s Wastelanders audio series. Set in a bleak future where heroes have aged and the world has changed, Holtham explores what it means to write Clint Barton not as the sharp‑shooting Avenger we once knew, but as a man confronting legacy, regret, and resilience. Hurry my Black Friday Special Ends on December 31st. Only 99 cents a month

From the buzz of the London premiere to the looming mysteries of season two, Byte brings you a conversation with Graham Yost, the creative mind steering Apple TV+’s acclaimed sci‑fi series Silo. On the red carpet, Yost reflects on the season one setting up the series, and the source of Juliet's arc. Black Friday Special Expires On Dember 31st. Take advantage of savings as much as 17%  

In this episode, I chatted with acclaimed composer Kurt Farquhar, whose music has shaped some of the most memorable moments in television. From the electrifying beats of Black Lightning on The CW to the haunting atmosphere of Netflix’s First Kill, Farquhar’s work spans genres and generations. His latest projects include Beyond the Gates and the revival of the beloved animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. Take advantage  of My Black Friday Special as it runs out on December 31st. 

This Month's News

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of Prehistoric Planet with Elliot Newman, EFX Supervisor for the groundbreaking Apple TV+ series that reimagines the age of dinosaurs through a documentary-style lens. Over the course of three years, Elliot and his team tackled immense technical and creative challenges—from simulating realistic water physics and animating deep snow to designing 58 entirely new dinosaur species. Elliot shares how visual effects and virtual production techniques were used to seamlessly blend real-world location photography with CGI assets, creating environments that feel both scientifically accurate and emotionally immersive. He also discusses the critical role of previsualization in shaping the narrative, refining workflows, and grounding each scene in a believable setting—whether it’s a windswept desert or a frozen tundra. In This Episode:

In this episode, we dive into the epic scope of Apple TV+’s Foundation with Chris MacLean (Overall Visual Effects Supervisor) and Mike Enriquez (Visual Effects Supervisor). From the grandeur of the Starbridge to the intricate planetary environments, they reveal how the show’s ambitious world-building was achieved under pandemic constraints and relentless deadlines. Chris and Mike share how they collaborated with production designer Rory Cheyne to translate abstract concepts from Isaac Asimov’s legendary sci-fi saga into tangible, cinematic experiences. They discuss the challenges of remote workflows, the evolution of visual effects pipelines, and the emotional weight behind designing scenes that feel both futuristic and mythic. In This Episode:

In this mind-bending episode, I zoomed with authors M.E. Ellington and Steven Stiefel to explore their provocative story that begins with a routine paleontological dig—and ends with a challenge to everything we think we know about time, science, and human history. When the bones of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex are unearthed alongside modern human skeletons and a piece of an aircraft—stripped of all identifying marks—the scientific community is thrown into chaos. Ellington and Stiefel take us behind the scenes of their genre-defying narrative, where paleontologists and crash investigators must confront the limits of their disciplines and the uncomfortable possibility that their academic foundations may be built on sand. As personal agendas clash and professional reputations hang in the balance, the mystery deepens: What really happened more than 65 million years ago? Take Advantage Of My Black Friday Special Before It's Gone

In this special episode, Batmen, we bring together three iconic voices who have defined the Dark Knight across generations: Adam West, Kevin Conroy, and Jason O’Mara. Each actor reflects on their favorite moments inhabiting Gotham’s most famous vigilante and shares how they approached the role in their own unique way. What You’ll Hear

In this episode, Tony Zooms with Cuban-American actress and dancer Jeanine Mason, the voice behind Eva in Wondla. Known for her breakout role in Roswell, New Mexico, Jeanine brings a rich background in dance and theater to her animated performance—infusing Eva with instinct, empathy, and fierce loyalty.

In this episode of Byte on Horror, Tony dives into three distinct corners of the genre universe—audio fiction, folk magic, and extraterrestrial terror—to explore how creators are reinventing horror across platforms.

In this episode, Tony speaks with Chris Porter, creator and co-director Jenny Curtis of the acclaimed science fiction audio drama Solar. Together, they explore the creative vision behind this immersive series and the challenges of bringing a cinematic story to life through sound.

This holiday episode brings a feast for film lovers as Tony sits down with Donald Mowat, the celebrated Make-Up Department Head for Dune. Together, they carve into the artistry behind one of cinema’s most visually striking epics. ✨ Designing Duke Leto Donald walks us through the creative process of shaping Duke Leto’s look, balancing subtle character cues with the grandeur of Denis Villeneuve’s vision.

In this episode, Tony Zooms with acclaimed actor Russell Hornsby for a wide-ranging conversation about craft, legacy, and the joy of storytelling. Hornsby opens up about the roles that have defined his career and the lessons he’s carried with him along the way. ✨ Playing Don King Russell shares how embodying the legendary boxing promoter was about tapping into showmanship and theatricality. He reveals that the role allowed him to explore aspects of his personality that Hollywood hasn’t often seen, but that his friends and family know well. It was a chance to bring hidden layers of himself to the screen.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes with two titans of the make-up world: Bruce Grayson and Jeff McKinnon. From red carpets to starships, their work has shaped how we see Hollywood’s biggest icons. Bruce Grayson, his lifelong passion that led Bruce to become the Make-Up Department Head for The Oscars, The Emmys, The Golden Globes, and The Grammys. I caught up with him while he’s in the thick of prepping Mariah Carey’s Holiday Special, and he reflects on the evolution of glamour, precision, and storytelling through make-up. Jeff McKinnon, Emmy Award-winning artist and head of the Make-Up Department for Star Trek: Picard, joins us from the set to talk prosthetics, sci-fi aesthetics, and the emotional power of transformation. With credits that include Halloween H20 and Bicentennial Man, Jeff brings a deep understanding of genre, character, and craft. Together, Bruce and Jeff offer insights into the artistry, legacy, and innovation that define their careers—and the unforgettable faces they help bring to life