Sci-fi Talk

In this special throwback episode, we sit down with the ever-compelling William Fichtner to explore the craft behind some of his most memorable roles. From covert ops to cosmic wonder, Fichtner brings a quiet intensity to every performance—and in this conversation, we unpack how he does it.

In this episode, Tony dives into the psychological horror series The Expecting with star AnnaSophia Robb and director Mary Harron. The story follows a young woman whose unexpected pregnancy spirals into a surreal and terrifying ordeal — blending body horror, paranoia, and questions of identity.

In this special double-feature episode, we revisit two vintage conversations with the incomparable Christopher Judge — the voice and soul behind Teal’c, Stargate SG-1’s stoic warrior with a heart of gold. Across these candid interviews, Judge opens up about his time on the iconic sci-fi series, sharing behind-the-scenes memories, favorite episodes, and the deep camaraderie that defined the cast. From the early days of SG-1 to the emotional weight of The Ark of Truth, Judge reflects on the evolution of Teal’c, the show’s enduring fanbase, and the creative choices that made Stargate a genre-defining phenomenon. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the series anew, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the legacy of Stargate through the eyes of one of its most beloved stars. Start Your Free One Year Trial Today

In this special Rewind episode, we journey back to New York Comic Con for an electrifying conversation with 12 Monkeys co-executive producers Travis Fickett and Terry Matalas, joined by the unforgettable Emily Hampshire, who brings Jennifer Goines to life with chaotic brilliance. Season One of 12 Monkeys reimagines the cult classic film into a sprawling, time-twisting saga — and this episode dives deep into the creative process, character evolution, and the show's bold narrative risks. From unraveling paradoxes to crafting emotionally grounded sci-fi, Fickett and Matalas share how they built a world where time isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a weapon. Emily Hampshire reflects on embodying Jennifer’s fractured genius and how the role challenged and transformed her as a performer. 

Recorded live at San Diego Comic-Con 2012, this episode of Rewind drops you into the heart of the action with an roundtable conversation featuring the cast and executive producers of Falling Skies. As Season Two unfolded with new revelations and shifting alliances, we sat down with the creative minds and faces behind the resistance to unpack the emotional and narrative stakes of the series.

In this episode, Tony sits down with Eric Bromberg, the visionary head of Dust Studios, to explore the birth of a cinematic universe dedicated to science fiction shorts and features. Recorded in 2018, this conversation captures the early momentum behind DUST—a platform that would go on to redefine how audiences discover and engage with speculative storytelling. Eric shares the origin story of DUST, from its mission to spotlight emerging sci-fi filmmakers to its ambition to become the go-to destination for short-form genre content. He discusses the studio’s curatorial approach, the emotional and philosophical themes that drive their selections, and how DUST bridges the gap between indie creators and global audiences hungry for new worlds. Start Your Free One Year Trial Of Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today  

In this installment of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi, I dive into the uncanny valley of artificial intelligence and the human psyche with the host of Suspicious Minds, Sean King O'Grady . From chatbot roleplay to AI-induced delusions, this episode explores the psychological terrain where machine learning meets mental health—and where reality begins to blur.

In this episode, we beam back to 1951 to explore the enduring legacy of The Day The Earth Stood Still, a sci-fi landmark that fused Cold War anxiety with cosmic diplomacy. From the casting of Michael Rennie as the enigmatic Klaatu to the cryptic command that launched a thousand theories—“Klaatu barada nikto”—we unpack the film’s cultural resonance and behind-the-scenes revelations. Tony dives into the film’s production secrets, including the surprising contributor behind Professor Barnhardt’s blackboard equation, the actor who nearly broke character with laughter, and the unexpected architectural pedigree behind the spaceship’s interior. Plus, we examine the Department of Defense’s real-world reaction to the film’s message and the haunting resurrection of Klaatu—what it meant then, and what it still stirs today.

This week’s episode of Explore Weekly dives into the latest buzz from Hollywood and beyond, spotlighting blockbuster updates, heartfelt tributes, and deep creative insights from the stars and creators shaping pop culture. Tron: Ares Box Office Update The third installment in the Tron franchise, Tron: Ares, has pulled in $60.5 million at the box office so far, following its October 10 U.S. release. Directed by Joachim Rønning and starring Jared Leto, the film explores the collision of digital and real worlds with a $180 million budget. The Making of Tron Lightcycles A behind-the-scenes look at how the futuristic Lightcycles were conceptualized and brought to life for Tron: Ares, blending digital artistry with real-world engineering. Zoe Saldana on Motion Capture Mastery Saldana shares her journey mastering motion capture, from Avatar to Guardians of the Galaxy, and how the technology transforms performance. Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 Runtimes Get the scoop on how long each episode of Stranger Things

In this episode, we sit down with legendary make-up designer Donald Mowat, Department Head of Make-up for Tron: Ares, to explore the artistry behind one of the most anticipated sci-fi films of the decade. From crafting the digital-meets-human aesthetic to collaborating with iconic actors and creatives, Donald shares an insider’s view of bringing the Grid to life.

Ernest Lilly and Tony Tellado talked with celebrated science fiction author and physicist David Brin, whose works have shaped the genre and challenged readers to think critically about technology, society, and the future. Brin, best known for novels like The Postman, Earth, and Startide Rising, shares insights into the intersection of science and storytelling, the ethical dilemmas posed by emerging technologies, and the role of science fiction in shaping public discourse. Start Your Free Trial For Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today

In this episode, I Zoom with  Alexandra Masangkay, who brings the fierce and enigmatic Paz to life in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. Alexandra shares what instantly drew her to the character when she first read the script, and how Paz’s complexity and emotional depth made her irresistible to play. We dive into Paz’s powerful connection to True Love, exploring the layers of loyalty, vulnerability, and survival that define their bond. Alexandra also opens up about stepping into the iconic Walking Dead universe—what it’s like to join such a legendary franchise, and how the gritty, post-apocalyptic world of Daryl Dixon challenged and inspired her as an actor. Plus, a look at the pivotal episode “Contrabando,” where Paz’s choices take center stage and the stakes reach a whole new level. 

In this concluding episode of Rewind On The Boys, we go full throttle into the heart of Season Two with an all-star Zoom roundtable featuring the powerhouse cast: Jack Quaid (Hughie), Erin Moriarty (Starlight), Karl Urban (Billy Butcher), Laz Alonso (Mother’s Milk), Chace Crawford (The Deep), and Jesse T. Usher (A-Train). From behind-the-scenes chaos to character deep dives, this candid conversation pulls back the curtain on the season’s biggest twists, emotional gut-punches, and fan-favorite moments. Hear firsthand how the cast navigated the show’s wild tone, bonded off-screen, and brought their characters to life in one of the most talked-about seasons of television. Start Your Free One year Trial Today On Sci-Fi Talk Plus

Welcome to Explore Weekly, your cosmic compass for the latest in sci-fi, horror, comics, and fantasy. This week’s roundup is bursting with streaming hits, a spooky list, Broadway-bound musicals, and interplanetary intrigue:

In this revealing conversation, we sit down with Michael Emerson during the height of Lost’s cultural dominance to unpack the layered, elusive, and often unsettling character of Ben Linus—or was it Henry Gale? From his chilling debut as a mysterious captive to his evolution into one of television’s most complex antagonists, Emerson shares insights into the psychological depth, moral ambiguity, and quiet menace that made Ben unforgettable. We explore:

Boldly going where speculation meets celebration, Trek Tuesday has Jeremy Vilmur of Strange New Pod—to explore the final frontier of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Recorded during the lead-up to Season 2, each episode was a spirited mix of deep Trek lore, character analysis, and hopeful predictions for what lay ahead.

In this episode, I chat with the multitalented Chris Giarmo—vocalist, performer, and now solo artist behind the  new tracks of Boys Don't Fight, featuring the sci-fi-inspired Megaman. You may know Chris from his standout role in the Broadway production of American Utopia, where his voice helped bring David Byrne’s vision to life. But today, we dive into Chris’s own creative universe.

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, thi

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.

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?