No Win Scenario

In this episode of No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission, Don Schechter and surprise co-host Trevor Chamberlain sits down with author and media creator Elliot Blake to talk about making the leap from helping tell other people’s stories to creating a science-fiction world of his own. Elliot discusses the creation of his new novella, Into the Great, and how living through a period of extraordinary technological and social change influenced the story. The conversation explores why science fiction remains such a powerful way to process the world around us, the challenge of imagining the future when technology is evolving so quickly, and how creators can turn uncertainty into compelling storytelling.Don and Elliot also dig into the creative decisions behind Into the Great, including why Elliot chose the novella format, the book’s visual influences, and the writers and films that helped shape his approach—including William Gibson and Blade Runner.They also look beyond the book to possible adaptations, including audiobooks, animation, and film, while discussing the current state of the entertainment industry and the realities of staying creatively active when the business itself is undergoing enormous change.Highlights include:

• Elliot Blake’s career in media and storytelling
• Making the transition from helping create other people’s stories to writing his own
• The inspiration behind Into the Great
• How rapid technological and societal change shapes modern science fiction
• Using science fiction to process uncertainty about the present and future
• Why Elliot chose to tell the story as a novella
• The visual thinking behind the book’s cover and design
• Influences including William Gibson and Blade Runner
• How creators decide what the future should look and feel like
• Plans for audiobook, film, animation, and other possible adaptations
• The changing state of the entertainment industry
• Balancing professional work with personal creative projects
• Why today’s tools can mean “fewer excuses, more stories to tell”

Sound Bites:“Fewer excuses, more stories to tell.”“Choosing the life you want in a destabilized world.”“Science fiction as a way to process current times.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest
01:19 Elliot Blake's background in media and storytelling
02:20 The inspiration behind Into the Great
04:39 The influence of current global changes on the story
06:30 Storytelling as a reflection of societal fears
09:35 The impact of the current era on creative work
13:38 Media adaptation plans for Into the Great
16:32 Why a novella? Length and publishing choices
20:18 Cover art and design influences
22:26 Literary influences and sci-fi inspirations
26:23 Living in a time of rapid change and storytelling
30:03 The state of the entertainment industry and future projects
36:06 Balancing creative work with industry realities

Guest Links:
Elliot Blake: https://elliotblake.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/elliotblake


Podcast: No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission
Episode Number: S03E11
Release Date: August 15, 2026
Duration: 40:12
Host: Don Schechter
Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com
Email: [email protected]
Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario
Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867
TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast
Don says: Order the Ascendants novel: https://www.ascendantsbook.com
Trevor says: Watch Front Row Reactions: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontRowReactionsSubscribe on your favorite platformMental Health Crisis ResourcesIn the US: Call or text 988
Online: https://988lifeline.org©2026 Charles River Media
https://www.CharlesRiverMedia.com

In this episode of No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission, Don Schechter sits down with bestselling author Jon Land for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, suspense, writing across genres, and what it takes to keep readers turning the page.Jon shares lessons from his prolific career writing thrillers and beyond, from recognizing which ideas are worth pursuing to building action scenes, creating cliffhangers, and finding the emotional core of a story. He also discusses why writers need to love what they’re writing, how his childhood and love of film shaped his storytelling style, and why the fundamentals of great storytelling remain the same whether you’re writing thrillers, science fiction, or something entirely different.The conversation also dives into Jon’s novel Icefall, his approach to writing without an outline, and the challenges authors face trying to reach new readers in today’s changing publishing landscape.Highlights include:

• What makes an idea strong enough to become a novel
• Why writers need to love their own stories first
• What modern writers can learn from oral storytelling
• How suspense, chapter hooks, and cliffhangers keep readers engaged
• Jon’s approach to writing without detailed outlines
• Why starting in the middle of the action can pull readers into a story
• Balancing character development with fast-paced action
• How Jon builds and escalates action sequences
• The inspiration and premise behind Icefall
• How film and television influenced Jon’s storytelling style
• Writing from the inside out and “roleplaying” characters as an author
• Using information, suspense, and curiosity to engage readers
• The challenge of finding and building an audience in today’s publishing world
• How publishing and book distribution have evolved
• Jon’s advice for authors building a long-term writing career

Sound Bites:“Love what I write so the reader will love it too.”“My action scenes are my lifeblood.”“Writing is a marathon, not a sprint.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Jon Land and his prolific career
00:57 What makes an idea worthy of a book?
02:01 The importance of loving your story as a writer
03:08 Storytelling: From campfires to books
04:09 The craft of storytelling across mediums
06:26 Handling audience reactions and writer's doubt
11:12 Writing without outlines and creating suspense
12:16 Homer's advice: Start in the middle of the scene
14:27 The importance of chapter hooks and cliffhangers
17:08 About Icefall and its inspiration
18:33 The plot of Icefall: Alien creatures and climate change
20:12 Building action scenes and escalating tension
21:43 The power of storytelling in TV and movies
23:19 Roleplaying as a writer: Inside-out storytelling
26:32 Manipulation in storytelling: Creating suspense and curiosity
29:06 Finding and building your audience in a changing market
35:43 Jon Land's future projects and writing advice
37:11 Closing remarks and gratitude

Podcast: No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission
Episode Number: S03E10
Release Date: August 14, 2026
Duration: 38:09
Host: Don Schechter
Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com
Email: [email protected]
Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario
Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867
TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcastDon says: Order the Ascendants novel: https://www.ascendantsbook.comTrevor says: Watch Front Row Reactions: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontRowReactionsSubscribe on your favorite platformMental Health Crisis ResourcesIn the US: Call or text 988
Online: https://988lifeline.org©2026 Charles River Media
https://www.CharlesRiverMedia.com

In this no frills, no commercials, and no production design whatsoever episode of No Win Scenario, Don and Trevor dig into Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg’s new science fiction story about alien contact, political fear, and the fragile state of human empathy.

On the surface, Disclosure Day is about what happens when humanity learns we are not alone. But the bigger question may be what happens when people are asked to care about someone, or something, they do not understand. Spielberg uses the familiar language of first contact to explore a very current anxiety: have we become too divided to respond to the unknown with curiosity instead of suspicion?

We talk about the film’s political undertones, its treatment of empathy, and why science fiction remains one of the best genres for examining the present without simply lecturing the audience. Disclosure Day may be about aliens, but like the best Spielberg stories, it is really about people. 

No Win Scenario is a sci-fi podcast where two friends who hate each other talk movies, television, storytelling, worldbuilding, and the future we probably deserve.

Don went to Creation Entertainment’s STLV: Trek to Vegas 2025 Convention in Las Vegas. Trevor did not.

In this special episode of No Win Scenario, Trevor finally gets to experience the convention secondhand as he reacts to Don's adventures at the largest Star Trek convention in the world. From celebrity encounters and fan interviews to convention floor discoveries and questionable decisions, Don shares stories from Las Vegas while Trevor attempts to determine whether any of it was worth leaving him behind.

The episode features highlights and reactions from Don's convention coverage, including interviews with fans, creators, and fellow Trek enthusiasts, along with plenty of commentary, good-natured jealousy, and the kind of friendship that only survives through public ridicule.If you've ever attended a convention, dreamed of attending one, or wondered what happens when one co-host disappears into a Star Trek convention without the other, this episode is for you

.No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry.

Podcast: No Win Scenario
Episode Number: S03E08
Release Date: June 2026
Duration: 24:20
Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor ChamberlainWebsite: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com
Email: [email protected]
Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario
Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867
TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast
Order the Ascendants novel:  https://www.ascendantsbook.com

Subscribe on your favorite platform

Mental Health Crisis Resources
In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)Or text HELPLINE to 62640
Or email [email protected]: visit suicidestop.com

©2026 Charles River Media
 https://www.CharlesRiverMedia.com

Writer/director Andrew Mudge joins No Win Scenario to discuss his acclaimed thriller The Arborist, a tense and atmospheric mystery that explores obsession, secrets, and the darkness hidden beneath seemingly ordinary lives. Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain  dive into the film's origins, its striking visual style, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and how Mudge crafted a story that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

In a completely shameless act of self-promotion, the conversation also turns to Don's science fiction novel Ascendants. From publishing and marketing to building a multi-platform universe, Don shares the journey of bringing his debut novel into the world, while Trevor does his best to keep the discussion from becoming a full-length infomercial.

Whether you're a fan of indie thrillers, filmmaking, science fiction, or just enjoy watching Trevor suffer through Don's latest obsession, this episode has something for you.No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry.

Podcast: No Win Scenario
Episode Number: 307
Release Date: June 1, 2026
Duration: 01:09:51
Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain
Guest: Andrew Mudge
Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com
Email: [email protected]
Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario
Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867
TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcastSubscribe on your favorite platform

The No Win Scenario Clip Show "Shades of Gray" was so successful so we're back with more. the Wratch of clips includes interviews with Star Trek author Derek Tyler Attico, Star Trek Picard Nemesis, Anchorman 2, Quantum Leap (and so on) Computer/Video Playback & Projection Supervisor Todd A. Marks, The Expanse and The Boys Cinematographer Jeremy Benning, Bleecker Street CEO Kent Sanderson, and Brian Tamm the Executive Director at Independent Film Festival Boston. Listen to this episode then go back to Seasons 1 and 2 for the full interviews.

No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry.



Podcast: No Win Scenario
Episode Number: 306
Release Date: January 12, 2025
Duration: 00:39:44
Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor Chaberlain
Guests: Derek Tyler Attico, Todd A. Marks, Jeremy Benning, Kent Sanderson, Brian Tamm

Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario

Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867

TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast

Subscribe on your favorite platform

Mental Health Crisis Resources
In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Or text HELPLINE to 62640
Or email [email protected]
International: visit suicidestop.com

Editor of Hulu's Paradise and NBC's This is Us Lai-San Ho beams into the No Win Scenario studio. In other breaking news, Trevor admits to liking Attack of the Clones.

No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry.


Podcast: No Win Scenario
Episode Number: 305
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Duration: 00:59:00
Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain
Guests: Lai-San Ho

Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario

Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867

TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast

Subscribe on your favorite platform

Mental Health Crisis Resources
In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Or text HELPLINE to 62640
Or email [email protected]
International: visit suicidestop.com

Star Trek The Next Generation had it's Shades of Gray episode - so this is ours. We go back into the vault and reflect on highlights from our first two seasons. 

No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry.

Podcast: No Win Scenario
Episode Number: 304
Release Date: August 25, 2025
Duration: 00:36:47
Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain
Guests: Dave Blass, Liz Kloczkowski, Davif Alan Mack, Jenny R. Johnson, Todd E. Slayton, and Robin Morselli

Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario

Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867

TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast

Subscribe on your favorite platform

Mental Health Crisis Resources
In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Or text HELPLINE to 62640
Or email [email protected]
International: visit suicidestop.com

©2025 Charles River Media, Inc.
All Artwork AI created and not meant to represent any real or fictional people.

Don gets lost in his Vision Pro and Superfan Sam joins us in the No Win Scenario studio. 

Podcast: No Win Scenario
Episode Number: 303
Release Date: August 24, 2025
Duration: 00:31:58
Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain
Guests: Superfan Sam

Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario

Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867

TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast

Subscribe on your favorite platform

Mental Health Crisis Resources
In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Or text HELPLINE to 62640
Or email [email protected]
International: visit suicidestop.com

©2025 Charles River Media, Inc.
All Artwork AI created and not meant to represent any real or fictional people.

Supernatural and Mad Men actress Julie McNiven beams into our studio for our first ever video podcast. Listen as Trevor couldn't be less excited or prepared and Don rushed the merch and made one horrible typo.

No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry.

Podcast: No Win Scenario
Episode Number: 302
Release Date: August 23, 2025
Duration: 1:01:27
Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor
Guests: Julie McNiven

Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario

Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867

Tik Tok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast

Subscribe on your favorite platform

Mental Health Crisis Resources
In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Or text HELPLINE to 62640
Or email [email protected]
International: visit suicidestop.com


©2025 Charles River Media, Inc.
All Artwork AI created and not meant to represent any real or fictional people.