In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Foundation by Isaac Asimov, one of the most influential works in classic science fiction. Together they explore the concept of psychohistory, and how the novel’s ideas about power, technology, religion, and knowledge preservation still resonate today. They also discuss what feels dated in a mid-century sci-fi classic, from communication technology to the near absence of women in positions of power, and reflect on how modern readers engage with older speculative fiction. Along the way, the conversation branches into AI, technological dependence, and why some books remain classics even when they challenge or frustrate us as readers. 

01:01 Expectations for a Classic

03:04 Serialized Structure and Star Wars Vibes

05:48 Psychohistory and Power Politics

09:41 What Aged Poorly and Who Gets Included

14:13 Who Decides What is a Classic

17:43 Why is it a Classic

18:54 Tech Dependence And AI

29:30 Ratings And Wrap Up

Freakonomics Radio episode “New Technologies Always Scare Us. Is AI Any Different?”

https://freakonomics.com/podcast/new-technologies-always-scare-us-is-a-i-any-different

The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist. 2026.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt39150120/