Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

In this special edition of Trends, we dive deep into the evolving world of artificial intelligence—its promises, its pitfalls, and its place in our collective imagination. From speculative fiction to real-world innovation, this episode brings together a dynamic mix of voices shaping how we think about AI.

🔮 Featured Guests:

Grey Scott, futurist and techno-philosopher, explores the ethical and emotional dimensions of AI’s future.

Tommy Pallotta (A Scanner Darkly, Waking Life) and Max Pozdorovkin (The Truth About Killer Robots) reflect on AI’s role in storytelling and documentary filmmaking.

Zack Strauss, screenwriter and director, shares insights on crafting AI-driven narratives that challenge and provoke.

Brent Spiner and Robert Picardo, beloved for their iconic portrayals of artificial beings in Star Trek, offer personal reflections on how fiction has shaped public perception of AI.

Chris Longo, editorial director at Den of Geek, weighs in on the cultural moment AI is having—from Hollywood to headlines.

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News on New Frankenstein movie at Venice Film Festival. DC Vs Marvel comparison from Frank Grillo, Dinos in Jurassic World video game, plus a demand from Stephen King in The Long Walk.

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Rewind features my interview with Mickey Sumner, Iddo Goldberg, and Rowan Blanchard. It’s a thoughtful conversation that dives into character psychology, the show’s sociopolitical allegories, and the actors’ collaborative dynamics on set. 

Rowan Blanchard & Mickey Sumner Interview: explores how Alexandra Cavill and Bess Till navigate grief, loyalty, and moral ambiguity.

Iddo Goldberg Interview: offers a look into Bennett Knox’s role in Layton’s pirate train mission.

Bonus Comments: Timothy V Murphy

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This week on Trek Tuesday, we beam into convention territory with the legendary Vaughn Armstrong, whose theatrical roots brought unforgettable depth to the Star Trek universe. With a staggering 12 distinct characters across 27 episodes—including five on Voyager alone—Armstrong’s versatility is a masterclass in transformation. From Klingons to Cardassians, and most memorably as Admiral Forrest on Star Trek: Enterprise, his performances are etched into Trek lore.

🎭 Stage to Starfleet Vaughn shares how his classical theater background shaped his approach to each role, revealing the emotional and physical nuances behind the mask of alien prosthetics. Whether commanding a starship or navigating interstellar diplomacy, his characters always carried a pulse of humanity.

🎶 The Banjolele Chronicles Beyond the screen, Vaughn’s musical talents shine through his banjolele—a ukulele played in banjo style. He treats us to stories from his American roots repertoire, including Civil War-era songs and folk traditions that echo the soul of a different kind of frontier.

🎥 Sci-Fi Talk Plus Spotlight: The Conjuring — Last Rites Subscribers to Sci-Fi Talk Plus get exclusive access to Tony’s deep-dive coverage of The Conjuring: Last Rites. From sit-down interviews with the cast to a behind-the-curtain special featuring 43 clips and rare footage, it’s a hauntingly rich experience. Some podcast episodes even come with companion videos for a full-spectrum look at the film.

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Whether you're here for Trek nostalgia or supernatural chills, this episode bridges the best of both worlds. Vaughn Armstrong reminds us that behind every great character is a great storyteller—and sometimes, a great banjolele.

In this roundtable conversation, actors Rory Alexander and Sadhbh Malin join us to explore their transformative roles as young Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser and Jocasta Cameron in Outlander: Blood of My Blood. As the prequel breathes new life into beloved characters, Rory and Sadhbh share how they navigated the emotional terrain of portraying younger versions of figures already etched into fans’ hearts.

From the subtle tension of unspoken affection to the weight of inherited grief, they unpack the complexity of Murtagh and Jocasta’s evolving relationship—one shaped by longing, loyalty, and the shadow of Ellen MacKenzie. We dive into the challenges of playing “the right emotions” opposite each other, especially when the characters’ futures are already known to the audience.

Costume as Character: Both actors discuss how their period costumes helped shape posture, presence, and emotional authenticity

Uncomfortable Scenes: Behind-the-scenes stories of filming emotionally raw or physically demanding moments, and how trust between castmates made all the difference

Moments of Joy: Rory and Sadhbh share their favorite “pleasant scenes”—from quiet walks on set to spontaneous laughter during rehearsals

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In this unnerving installment of Byte, we sit down with Ben Hardy and Mia Tomlinson—stars of The Conjuring: Last Rites—for a Zoom interview provided by Warner Bros. The actors portray Tony Smurl and Judy Warren, a real-life couple who moved into a duplex in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, only to face a series of escalating paranormal events: foul odors, slamming doors, dragged furniture, phantom voices, unexplained bruises—and something far more sinister lurking in the shadows.

Hardy and Tomlinson share what it was like to speak directly with the real Tony and Judy, and how those conversations shaped their performances. They reflect on stepping into the emotionally charged world of the Conjuring franchise, working alongside horror legends Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, and collaborating with director Michael Chaves, whose joyful energy helped balance the darkness of the story.

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In this hauntingly heartfelt Zoom interview, Byte welcomes back franchise icons Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga to discuss their final outing as Ed and Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring: Last Rites. With interviews provided by Warner Bros., the duo reflects on over a decade of supernatural storytelling, and why audiences continue to connect with the franchise’s blend of terror and tenderness. They also share behind-the-scenes insights into working with director Michael Chaves, whose joyful energy helped shape the tone of this cinematic swan song.

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In this special retrospective episode, we revisit three years of live conversations with Kevin Bacon at New York Comic Con, tracing the emotional and psychological evolution of FBI agent Ryan Hardy from The Following. From the show's explosive debut to its final season, Bacon reflects on Hardy’s unraveling psyche, his battle with addiction, and the twisted intimacy between hunter and hunted.

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This week on Explore Weekly, we dive into a genre-rich roundup of the biggest stories in entertainment—from supernatural satire to superhero synergy. Michael Sheen teases the ineffable return of Good Omens, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein prepares to electrify Venice, and Stephen King’s The Institute gets a chilling season two renewal. Plus, we unpack the cultural phenomenon of KPop Demon Hunters, explore the viral screen test that crowned David Corenswet as Superman, and decode the latest DC Studios crossover buzz between Batman and the Man of Steel.

We also spotlight the evolution of Peacemaker in season two, with fresh Easter eggs and canon shifts, and offer a heartfelt review of Upload season four—Prime Video’s digital afterlife comedy that ends with a surprisingly emotional punch.

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