Science Fiction University

Latest Episodes:

Ep 29 Propaganda! Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

A dive into propaganda in science fiction, particularly those instances where aliens take over the world to the advantage of the privileged. What?
Links for this episode:
Ray Nelson, "Eight O'Clock In the Morning" available via the Internet Archive (free registration required) https://archive.org/details/sciencefictioncl0000unse_z5i2
Images of Arthur C. Clarke's "I Remember Babylon" https://imgur.com/gallery/i-remember-babylon-by-arthur-c-clark-2BX7I6R
Recorded live from the Cornfield Resistance. Podcast artwork by Frances Langum via BingAI.
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The Professional Left Podcast
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Ep 28 Apple TV's 'Dark Matter' and the Multiverse Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

Diving into Apple TV's new series "Dark Matter," based on Blake Crouch's bestselling novel. We'll explore how the show tackles concepts of both parallel realities, and the nature of identity across multiple timelines.

But the multiverse madness doesn't stop there! We'll expand our discussion to other sci-fi shows that have expertly played with alternate realities:

"Counterpart": How J.K. Simmons' dual roles illuminate questions of nature vs. nurture across parallel Earths
"Loki": Marvel's time-hopping adventure and its implications for free will and predestination
"The Man in the High Castle": Exploring how history and culture diverge in an alternate post-WWII reality

Science fiction is much more than quantum physics on paper, it's also a good "what if" story! We hope this episode will expand your list of "must watch shows" using multiverse theory in science fiction.
More at ScienceFictionUniversity.com.

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Andy Weir's Hopeful, Hard SF May 28, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of Science Fiction University, we dive into the works of Andy Weir, the author behind the hit novels The Martian and Project Hail Mary.

Project Hail Mary, Weir's latest novel takes readers on an epic journey across the cosmos. Like his earlier work, The Martian, PHM showcases Weir's talent for fusing cutting-edge science with an extremely human story of perseverance and hope. We'll analyze how Project Hail Mary embraces the conventions of "hard" science fiction while also delivering an optimistic, even spiritual message about humanity's ability to overcome challenges through cooperation and grace.

So join us as we explore the intricate worlds and big ideas contained within Andy Weir's captivating science fiction adventures.
More at sciencefictionuniversity.com.

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The Day The Earth Stood Still Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

We talk about "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and the 1940 short story that inspired it, sort of.
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Episode 25 | 3 Body Problem Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

We talk about the new Apple TV series "3 Body Problem," which we highly recommend. We also relate it to lots of other science fiction works.
Looking for political content? We were on The Brad Cast on Monday
https://bradblog.com/?p=14989
More at sciencefictionuniversity.com.
Our podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessionalLeft

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Ep 24 We drop everything to talk about Dune 2 Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

What the title says!
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Ep 23 The Maltese Falcon (Is Not Science Fiction) Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

We take a short break from Science Fiction to dive into the 1941 film noir masterpiece The Maltese Falcon, comparing and contrasting that Humphrey Bogart classic with two earlier versions, one made in 1931, and a Bette Davis comedy (?) version, "Satan Met a Lady," made in 1936. More at ScienceFictionUniversity.com

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Ep 22: How Did You Fall In Love With Science Fiction? Jan 30, 2024

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Driftglass and Blue Gal share their stories of falling in love with SF. More at sciencefictionuniversity.com.

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Ep 21: Labor Relations and 'The Icicle Works' Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

We discuss the very political "The Day the Icicle Works Closed" by Frederick Pohl, and also why science fiction stories often don't stand the test of time. More at sciencefictionuniversity.com.

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Ep 20 Time Travel and Netflix's 'Bodies' Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

The Netflix series "Bodies" brings up all kinds of connections to time travel in science fiction. We watched the 8 part series in three days -- it's good!

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