On this episode of TFTB Film Club, we travel back to 2001 and chat about the cult classic; Donnie Darko . If you need a quick refresher - the film is about a teenager named Donnie Darko, who meets a demonic rabbit named Frank while sleepwalking. Happens all the time. Shenanigan's ensue, and the audience is left to wonder: Was it a dream? An alternate reality? Or a cry for help? We cover it all, and we’d love to get your take. Let us know on our socials below! Please let us know if there is ...
Mar 05, 2025•44 min•Ep 122•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we talk about Adrian Tchaikovsky 's novel, Service Model . This leads us into a bit of a discussion on audiobooks vs reading the old-fashioned way. Kevin talks about how governments are employing science fiction writers as futurists to consider " resilience beyond observed capabilities ." It's interesting stuff, and we're sure to talk more about this in... the future. We also talk about what else we're reading and unveil the next book of the month, ...
Feb 19, 2025•33 min•Ep 121•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we sit down with Neil Clarke . Many of you know Neil as the award-winning editor of Clarkesworld Magazine . Neil launched Clarkesworld in 2006 as a companion to his online bookstore. Clarkesworld is a monthly science fiction and fantasy publication, and each issue contains interviews, articles, and works of original fiction. Neil is also a three-time Hugo Award winner for Best Editor-Short Form and a four-time winner of the Chesley Award for Best Art Director. In the seventeen y...
Feb 05, 2025•52 min•Ep 120•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we sit down with up-and-coming author Ben Berman Ghan . Ben is a frequent contributor to Clarkesworld Magazine (IYKYK), amoung other cool science fiction publications. Ben came on to talk about his new novel, The Years Shall Run Like Rabbits, published with Buckrider Books in 2024. We're excited to introduce Ben to our listeners at TFTB, and we strongly encourage you to check out his work. Ben's Website: https://inkstainedwreck.ca/about/ Clarkesworld: https://clarkeswo...
Jan 22, 2025•38 min•Ep 119•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode we sit down with NYT bestselling author James Rollins . We talk about his latest instalment for A MoonFall Saga , and of course we get the latest on The Sigma Series . We also dig into his process, and his other career as a (still practicing), veterinarian. We had a lot of fun, and covered a lot of ground on this one. You can find out more about what James is up to here: https://jamesrollins.com/ Please let us know if there is a book that you want us to review on the podcast! You...
Jan 08, 2025•46 min•Ep 118•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we're happy to welcome back Dennis E. Taylor to the show. He might be best known for his Bobiverse Series , but we'll cover his other great work as well, and catch up on what he has been up to. Naturally, we'll chat about the 5th book from The Bobiverse, " Not Till We Are Lost " which is available on Audible now. We'll also get a peek at what's next for the series, and some of his other projects. Dennis has a great Newsletter that we recommend,...
Dec 23, 2024•45 min•Ep 117•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of TFTB , we discuss The Mercy of Gods . A new series from James S.A. Corey , the writing duo behind one of the finest space operas ever published, The Expanse . The chances that this new series will also land on your television screen are good. The authors have teamed up with the former showrunners of The Expanse to create a media company called Expanding Universe . Under this shingle, they will be able to seamlessly transition their work from book to screen, and word is... that...
Dec 11, 2024•43 min•Ep 116•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode of Film Club, we discuss the a classic Ron Howard film, Cocoon . Released in 1985, the movie actually garnered an Oscar for best visual effects . You could say…. 1985 was a simpler time. When else could a film with octogenarian protagonists carry a sci-fi thriller. It’s an under-rated classic, worthy of discussion. They don’t green light these kinds of stories anymore. Or do they? Let us know what you think using the links below. Let’s make our way over to the Bridge! Please let ...
Nov 27, 2024•34 min•Ep 115•Transcript available on Metacast Joining us on the Bridge is author, illustrator, and game designer, Andrew Kolb. Andrew has just released his third Tabletop Role Playing Game ; Wonderland , which is out now. We had a great time talking about RPGs, and game design. Andrew is also a prolific artist and illustrator whose work draws on some of our favourite themes here on TFTB, so we've got plenty to cover. Check out Andrew's website here: https://www.kolbisneat.com/ , and his Instagram is a must-follow here: https://www...
Nov 13, 2024•46 min•Ep 114•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we sit down with New York Times best selling Fantasy author, Travis Baldree . If you haven’t read Legends and Lattes , we highly recommend it. The series falls into an emerging sub-genre that we’ve covered in the past called ‘ cozy fantasy ’. It’s nice escape for those looking for a nice low-key read. Our conversation covered a lot of ground, and it was great to have Travis on the show. Let’s make our way over to the bridge! Please let us know if there is a book you want us to re...
Oct 30, 2024•44 min•Ep 113•Transcript available on Metacast We're excited to have Scott Ryan on the Bridge this week. Scott is the author of The Last Days of Letterman , and best-seller, Moonlighting: An Oral History . We dig into his latest book The Last Decade of Cinema , which argues that the 1990s was the last decade of truly original film. We also get his take on Deep Space Nine , and Star Trek, which you need to hear. We had a lot of fun, and Scott made some points that are pretty tough to argue. Make sure to check out Scott's website, an...
Oct 16, 2024•43 min•Ep 112•Transcript available on Metacast You may have already listened to our episode where we talk about The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August . We liked the book so much… we wanted to see if we could have a chat with the author. Sure enough, Claire North (aka Catherine Webb), was kind enough to join us on the bridge, and we really had a great time. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Check out Claire’s website: https://www.clairenorth.com/ she is a prolific, and highly talented writer, and you’ll find lots of gre...
Oct 02, 2024•45 min•Ep 111•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we discuss our book of the month, Recursion by best selling author, Blake Crouch . We also get into some science news , and share the other books and media that we’ve been enjoying. We have a special guest as well, so be sure to forgive us for that. Finally, as always, we have our next book of the month, which also includes a bonus graphic novel. Let’s make our way over to the bridge! Please let us know if there is a book you want us to review or an author you want us to have on ...
Sep 18, 2024•35 min•Ep 110•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of TFTB Film Club we look at Ridley Scott’s, Blade Runner ! It’s not all fun and games though, it’s a dark film and so was our discussion. There is also a controversial opinion on Harrison Ford … We also name our next film of the month and apparently we are still happily stuck in the 80s. Alright, let's make our way over to the bridge. Please let us know if there is a book you want us to review or an author you want us to have on the podcast! You can always reach us on our s...
Sep 04, 2024•39 min•Ep 109•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we cover our book of the month: The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, by Claire North . This book was was a critically acclaimed success, and has become a word of mouth bestseller. Be sure to add it to your Summer reading list. We also look at a study that searched for travellers from the future. So… pretty typical TFTB fun on this one, we hope you enjoy! Alright, let's make our way over to the bridge! Please let us know if there is a book you want us to review or an auth...
Aug 21, 2024•37 min•Ep 108•Transcript available on Metacast Back on the bridge this week with hope, sunshine, and rainbows, are fan favourites; Peter Watts and Richard K. Morgan. In Part Two of our conversation we are informed of our pending doom in the most delightful manner. Either way, here are two sci-fi authors who should be in the same room together more often. We hope you enjoy this as much as we did. Peter's website: rifters.com Richard's website: richardkmorgan.com Please let us know if there is a book you want us to review or an autho...
Aug 07, 2024•52 min•Ep 107•Transcript available on Metacast Here at TFTB, we find ourselves talking about Science Fiction movies almost as much as we talk about Science Fiction books. So as a companion to our Book Club episodes, we are going to start a Film Club. For our first discussion, we've decided to talk about a classic; Alien (1979) . For future episodes, we're going to make it more of a challenge, and our movie selections will have to be chosen in alphabetical order. So our next film choice will start with a B, and we're betting th...
Jul 31, 2024•41 min•Ep 106•Transcript available on Metacast Joining us on the bridge this week are fan favourites; Peter Watts and Richard K. Morgan. It’s not everyday that you get this kind of twofer, and this conversation goes there. So much so, that we had to break it into two parts. So lots of doubles happening here. Either way, here are two sci-fi authors who should be in the same room together more often. We hope you enjoy this as much as we did. Keep an eye out for part 2 in a couple of weeks. Peter's website: rifters.com Richard's websi...
Jul 24, 2024•55 min•Ep 105•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we sit down with Fantasy author, R.R. Virdi . We discuss The First Binding, along with his latest work. We get into comparative fiction and mythology through a South Asian lens. This takes us into language and storytelling with a South Asian frame narrative . We also discuss his latest foray into Science Fiction and the Space Opera, Shepherd of Light. Please let us know if there is a book you want us to review or an author you want us to have on the podcast! You can always reach...
Jul 10, 2024•41 min•Ep 104•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we discuss The Three Body Problem, by Liu Cixin , and things get grim. In Science Fiction - Science Fact we also look at alien life, the Ferme paradox , and the notion of evolutionary filters that limit the longevity of civilizations - which is why they aren't calling. A new study applies all of this to Artificial Intelligence, and it's worth a listen. We'll set aliens and doom aside to chat about what we've been up to in books, film, and even some travel. We...
Jun 26, 2024•38 min•Ep 103•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we chat with Science Fiction literary icon, Robert Silverberg . Named to the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 1999, Robert has won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards. A list of his writing credits would be too long to list here, but chances are excellent that you've read his work in some form. As an alumnus of the Golden Science Fiction era, he has incredible stories to share, and we got to scratch the surface during his visit to The Bridge. Check out Robert Silverberg's w...
Jun 12, 2024•43 min•Ep 102•Transcript available on Metacast We're excited to have Wes Ball join us on the bridge. Wes is the director of newest addition to the Planet of the Apes franchise, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Wes tells us about adapting the graphic novels of David Peterson's Mouse Guard for the screen and his experience creating animated shorts that lead to his film directing career. We talk about computerized apes, regular humans and a bunch more. Alright, let's make our way over to the bridge! Please let us know if there ...
Jun 01, 2024•44 min•Ep 101•Transcript available on Metacast We have somehow managed to hit 100 episodes! It's been such a fun journey, and we're going to celebrate with a feature-length show covering our favourite moments, and a few of our outstanding guests. We'll look at our favourite Science Fiction - Science Fact stories from the past 3 seasons. We have some shout-outs to our listeners who live in some pretty cool places around the world . We'll also discuss our favourite books , and what else we're watching and reading. It w...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 100•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we sit down with Kate Trefry , one of the writers who worked closely with the Duffer Brothers to bring Netflix's Stranger Things to the screen. Now she has brought the Stranger Things lore to the stage with The First Shadow , now playing in London, UK, soon to be on Broadway. Kate tells us about her path to working on Stranger Things eight years ago, to writing the final episodes and adapting a new story for the theatre. Kate is fun and hilarious to chat with. We hope you e...
May 15, 2024•48 min•Ep 99•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we sit down with fantasy and sci-fi author, Rebecca Thorne . We cover a lot of fun stuff and dive into topics like 'Cozy Fantasy', and her Tomes and Tea series. We also look at her 5 Sentence Method for aspiring authors ( also a great read ) and find out how she uses her ADHD as a writing superpower. She is on a book tour this spring, so be sure to check out her site to see if she'll be at a bookstore near you! Link below. Please let us know if there is a book you...
May 01, 2024•45 min•Ep 98•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode of TFTB we review The Expanse - the whole series, by James S.A. Corey. We are big fans of these novels, and the show , so if you're into the Expanse, or happen to be Expanse-curious , this is the episode for you. We also challenge the idea that Mars is the best planetary neighbour for colonization, and circle back to Karl Schroeder's argument for Venus. We'll also share what other sci-fi books , comics , and shows that we're enjoying such as Dune Part 2 and G....
Apr 17, 2024•38 min•Ep 97•Transcript available on Metacast BH (Brian Henri) Panhuyzen has published four works of fiction a collection of short stories and three novels, along with stories in literary and speculative fiction magazines. Kevin and Tristan have a great chat with Brian about his latest novel, A Tidy Armageddon. We also talk about anti-consumerism, his software development background, music and our fascination with the apocalypse. https://brianpanhuyzen.com/ Please let us know if there is a book you want us to review or an author you want us...
Apr 03, 2024•39 min•Ep 96•Transcript available on Metacast "Do you know who the 8th Doctor was? Or how many miles it is from Hobbiton to Mordor? Join us for this interactive panel as we ask the audience fun questions of all kinds. Prizes to be handed out to the highest scoring nerds!" This episode consists of some of the highlights from our panel at Toronto Comicon 2024. Please let us know if there is a book you want us to review or an author you want us to have on the podcast! You can always reach us on our social media links below or email u...
Mar 20, 2024•15 min•Ep 96•Transcript available on Metacast Kevin and Tristan sit down with multi-award winning author, Richard Morgan . Richard wrote the cyberpunk thriller novel, Altered Carbon , that was adapted for a series on Netflix. He talks to us about writing for Marvel, video games, and his latest novel. We also talk about Mars, punk-isms, social-politics and more. Please let us know if there is a book you want us to review or an author you want us to have on the podcast! You can always reach us on our social media links below or email us at ta...
Mar 06, 2024•56 min•Ep 95•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we review The Thousand Earths , by Stephen Baxter . This was an interesting book, but we're not in agreement on this one. On Science Fiction - Science Fact we look at bringing loved ones back from the dead using AI . If this sounds like a Black Mirror episode you'd be right. We also get into the book of the month, and we've got a pretty great pick for you this month. Please let us know if there is a book you want us to review or an author you want us to have on the...
Feb 28, 2024•32 min•Ep 94•Transcript available on Metacast 
