Sci-Fi Talk

Tony Tellado

Love Genre Entertainment ? Then discover more of what's out there. Exploring since 1994

  • 34 minutes 19 seconds
    Journey To Arrakis Episode One - The Birth Of Dune

    In this premiere episode of Journey to Arrakis, we open the doors to the vast, windswept universe of Dune by going straight to the source. Author and biographer Brian Herbert joins us for an intimate conversation about his father, Frank Herbert, the mind behind one of the most influential science‑fiction sagas ever written.

    Brian reflects on Frank’s creative process, the philosophical roots of the Dune universe, and the personal experiences that shaped the novel’s themes—ecology, power, religion, and human potential. Together, we explore how a single story about a desert planet grew into a cultural touchstone that continues to challenge and inspire readers more than half a century later.

    Featured Audio With permission from Macmillan Audio, this episode includes select clips from the audiobook of Dune, offering listeners a vivid entry point into the world of Arrakis:

    • Princess Irulan’s private writings, which frame the political and historical tensions surrounding Paul Atreides

    • A dramatic moment in which Paul and Jessica, fugitives in the desert, encounter the Fremen for the first time—an encounter that will alter the fate of the Imperium

    What You’ll Hear in This Episode

    • Brian Herbert’s memories of Frank Herbert

    • The philosophical and political questions that shaped the novel

    • Immersive audio moments from the original Dune audiobook

    Why This Episode Matters To understand Dune, you must first understand the man who imagined it. This conversation sets the foundation for the entire Journey to Arrakis series, grounding the sweeping mythology in the real human story behind it.

    Support My Walk To Battle Pancreatic Cancer in Purple Stride

     
    16 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 18 minutes 36 seconds
    Replay: Batman: Arkham City

    A return to the dark, rain‑soaked streets of Batman: Arkham City — and explore how it became a landmark in storytelling, performance, and game design. This deep‑dive episode features reflections from the legendary Mark Hamill (The Joker), a heartfelt conversation with the late Kevin Conroy (Batman), an inside look at the game’s soundscape with Audio Director Nick Arundel, and a narrative breakdown with writer Paul Dini.

    Please Support my walk against Pancreatic Cancer with surivors and other volunteers.

    15 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 24 minutes 22 seconds
    Rewind Merlin – Season Four

    A look into the heart of Merlin Season Four with two of the series’ most iconic performers. Anthony Stewart Head (King Uther Pendragon) and Bradley James (Prince/King Arthur) join us for a pair of candid, insightful interviews that explore the emotional turning points, behind‑the‑scenes challenges, and legacy‑defining moments that shaped this pivotal season.

    Please donate for my walk against Pancreatic Cancer.

     
    14 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 15 minutes 50 seconds
    Impact Winter with Creator Travis Beacham

    In this episode, we dive deep into the icy, post-apocalyptic world of Impact Winter, Audible’s hit audio drama created by writer and world‑builder Travis Beacham. You may know Travis from his story treatment that became Pacific Rim and his work as writer and co‑creator of Carnival Row. Now he’s turned his imagination toward a world plunged into darkness after a catastrophic impact event—one where vampires rise and humanity fights to survive.

    We explore how Impact Winter blends horror, survival, and character‑driven storytelling, and how the audio format lets Travis build tension and atmosphere in ways screen media can’t.

    About Impact Winter

    Set seven years after a meteor strike blots out the sun, Earth has become a frozen wasteland where vampires thrive in the endless dark. At the center of the story is Darcy, a fierce and determined vampire hunter navigating this new world of shadows. As she protects her small band of survivors, Darcy must confront not only the monsters outside but the shifting loyalties and secrets within her own group.

    Support My Walk To Fight Pancreatic Cancer

     

    13 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 8 minutes 42 seconds
    Byte: More Project Hail Mary: Behind the Scenes

    In this episode of Byte, we continue our deep dive into the making of Project Hail Mary with an extraordinary lineup of creative talent shaping the film’s visual, physical, and emotional identity. With exclusive audio provided by Amazon MGM Studios, we explore how the world of Ryland Grace is being built—from the spacecraft around him to the alien life he encounters, all the way to the music that carries the story’s heart.

    Interviews Include: 

    • Charles Wood — Production Designer known for Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, and Avengers: Infinity War

    • Greig Fraser — Oscar‑winning Cinematographer behind Dune, The Batman, and Rogue One

    • Neal Scanlan — Legendary Creature Designer whose work includes Star Wars, Prometheus, and Jurassic World

    • Daniel Pemberton — Award‑winning Composer known for Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse, Steve Jobs, and The Trial of the Chicago 7

    Please Support My Walk Against Pancreatic Cancer for Purple Stride

    I’m participating in Purple Stride to help defeat pancreatic cancer—a cause that means a great deal to me. 👉 Please click the link below to support my walk and help fund life‑saving research and patient support. 

    Every contribution makes a real difference.

    12 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 8 minutes 30 seconds
    Project Hail Mary: Behind the Scenes

    This episode of Byte takes you inside the creative engine behind Project Hail Mary, the highly anticipated adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling novel. With exclusive audio provided by Amazon MGM Studios, we explore how this ambitious sci‑fi story is being brought to life by an all‑star team.

    Joining the conversation are:

    • Andy Weir — original author of Project Hail Mary, The Martian, and Artemis

    • Drew Goddard — Academy Award–nominated screenwriter known for The Martian, The Cabin in the Woods, and Daredevil

    • Phil Lord & Chris Miller — the visionary directing duo behind Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse, The Lego Movie, and 21 Jump Street

    Support the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

    I’m participating in Purple Stride to help defeat pancreatic cancer—a cause that means a great deal to me. 👉 Please click the link below to support my walk and help fund life‑saving research and patient support. 

    Every contribution makes a real difference.

    11 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 18 minutes 23 seconds
    Rewind: Exploring Two Standout Episodes of the Quantum Leap Sequel

    In this episode of Rewind, we dive into two powerful installments of the Quantum Leap sequel series—each showcasing the heart, humanity, and high stakes that define the franchise.

    Episode Spotlight #1: “Family Style” — Directed by Deborah M. Pratt

    We begin with Family Style, directed by the legendary Deborah M. Pratt—the first African‑American drama and sci‑fi Executive Producer in television. Pratt co‑created the original Quantum Leap, wrote 25 episodes, and co‑wrote another 15, shaping the DNA of the series from the ground up.

    In Family Style, Ben Song (Raymond Lee) leaps into 2009 and finds himself in the middle of a struggling Indian family’s fight to save their restaurant. The episode blends cultural nuance, family tension, and the classic Quantum Leap urgency as Ben works to keep the family together and their dream alive.

    Episode Spotlight #2: “Ben Song for the Defense”

    Next, we examine Ben Song for the Defense, where Ben leaps into the body of an overwhelmed public defender—one of the few people who believes her client is truly innocent. The episode digs into the justice system, personal conviction, and the emotional toll of fighting for someone who has no one else in their corner.

    This episode also features Nanrisa Lee as Jen Chu, whose grounded presence adds depth to the team dynamic. And of course, we discuss Ernie Hudson’s role as Herbert “Magic” Williams, whose leadership and history continue to anchor the series.

    Support My Purple Stride Walk to Fight Pancreatic Cancer

    As you enjoy this episode, I’m asking for your support in a cause that means a great deal to me. I’ll be walking in Purple Stride alongside survivors, families, and volunteers to help fight pancreatic cancer.

    If you’re able, please consider donating through my page—the link is in the show notes. Every contribution helps fuel research, support patients, and bring hope to families facing this devastating disease.

    10 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 14 minutes 41 seconds
    Explore Monthy For A Jam Packed April

    This month's news includes: 

    • Dune 3 Selling Out in 70MM
    • Dark Matter Season Two News
    • Paradise Season 2 Finale
    • The Terror Details
    • Batman 2 Films
    • Aaron Pierre in Superman Sequel
    • Weapons Prequel
    • Supergirl Backlash
    • Wheel Of Time Projects
    • King Conan
    • X-Men Reboot Writers
    • Spider-Man Brand New Day New Shoots
    • Phil Lord And Christopher Lord Honored
    • The Testaments Review
    • The Boys Season Five Review
    • Film: The Grind Review
    • Battle Los Angeles: An Appreciation
    • List: 10 Sci-Fi Shows Without A Bad Season

    SAVE 17% ON PLUS

    9 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 23 minutes 46 seconds
    Girls Night In with Writer Landon Lee & Director Allison Roberto

    In this episode, we sit down with writer Landon Lee and director Allison Roberto to dive into their sharp, funny, and delightfully twisted short film Girls Night In—a satirical horror story born from one deceptively simple question:

    What happens when you build a film around the Bechdel test… and then immediately break it in the most absurd way possible?

    The Bechdel test, of course, asks whether a work of fiction includes at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man. Landon and Allison took that premise and flipped it on its head, asking:

    “Where is the most ridiculous place two women could be fighting over some guy?”

    The result is a genre-bending short that blends horror, comedy, and social commentary with a wink—and a few splashes of blood.

    8 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 27 minutes 41 seconds
    Ike Eisenmann and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

    This week on Trek Tuesday, we’re joined by actor Ike Eisenmann, a performer whose career spans beloved Disney classics and one of the most emotionally charged moments in Star Trek cinema.

    Most fans first discovered Ike as Tony in Escape to Witch Mountain and its sequel Return to Witch Mountain, where he shared the screen with legends like Christopher Lee and Bette Davis. In this episode, Ike opens up about what it was really like working with these iconic performers—offering candid, funny, and heartfelt stories from the set.

    But to Star Trek fans, Ike holds a special place in Federation history.

    He is Peter Preston, Scotty’s nephew and the young engineering cadet whose sacrifice in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan remains one of the film’s most powerful emotional beats. His performance helped shape the tone of the movie’s final act, and his character continues to resonate with fans decades later.

    And now, Peter Preston has taken on a new life: 🖖 He’s officially an action figure, thanks to the team at Nacelle.

    SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

     

    7 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • 21 minutes 29 seconds
    Rewind: For All Mankind — Special Compilation Episode
    “Voices Across the Timeline: Conversations from Seasons 1–4”

    In this special edition of Rewind: On For All Mankind, we’re celebrating the journey of Apple TV+’s alternate‑history epic by bringing together interview moments from across the show’s first four seasons. 

    Whether you’re revisiting the early days of the space race or reflecting on the seismic shifts of the Helios era, this episode offers a rare look at how the world of For All Mankind evolved—on screen and behind the scenes.

    🚀 Featured Guests 🎙 Shantel VanSanten (Karen Baldwin) 🎙 Ronald D. Moore (Co‑Creator) 🎙 Maril Davis (Executive Producer) 🎙 Wren Schmidt (Margo Madison) 🎙 Jodi Balfour (Ellen Wilson) 🎙 Edi Gathegi (Dev Ayesa) 🎙 Joel Kinnaman (Ed Baldwin)

    SAVE 17% ON PLUS

     
    6 April 2026, 4:00 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App