Episodes

  • Episode 559: Yesterday’s Dream was a Full Page

    Episode 559: Yesterday’s Dream was a Full Page

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Real Life Roundup

    Let’s address the elephant not in the room: Devon is dead. Well, not dead-dead. Just birthday-visit-family-IRL-dead. We pour one out for our absent co-host, and prepare for his resurrection next week.

    Meanwhile, Steven has been watching robots get wild. The Wild Robot, that is. The new animated flick has dropped (IMDB link), and Steven's verdict is in: heartwarming vibes, metal clanking emotions, and just enough kid-friendly existentialism to make you question whether your Roomba has feelings.

    Also, did you know Black Adam shows up in DC League of Super Pets? Steven does. And he’s not okay about it.

    Then came Doom. And then came
 more Doom. One minute Steven’s a casual fan, next he’s elbows-deep in lore breakdowns and watching two-hour YouTube essays on timeline chaos. Marines killing demons across dimensions? Say less. Just hand him the BFG and back away slowly.

    Oh—and he’s forging now. He didn’t elaborate. Just forging. Like, swords? Friendships? The future? Who knows. Steven contains multitudes.

    Ben, on the other hand, has been diving into his subconscious with dream journaling. The result? Vivid, borderline cinematic dreamscapes. Not terrifying at all.

    He’s also been getting deep with the Waking Up app, based on the book by Sam Harris. (Here’s the app link). Ben reports that it’s good for mindfulness, bad for avoiding personal epiphanies. Use at your own risk.

    Future or Now

    Ben introduces us to Space to Bark, a bizarre, short dungeon crawler where you play as a first-person Dogman navigating an underground labyrinth.
    Created by ComputerJames, it features:

    Bark-based controls ([SPACE] to BARK!)

    Wobbly hand-drawn dog sprites

    Combat! Puzzles! Dogmen lore!

    Dogman95 isn’t just a pup with a dream—he’s a legend in training, guided by the sacred Dogmaiden. This is the kind of weird internet treasure we live for. Hat tip to Web Curios for digging this one up.

    Devon, once again, is astral projecting or off the grid. No one really knows.

    Steven had
 nothing. Just an existential stare.

    Book Club (but not really)

    This week’s book club has been canceled due to lack of effort. Blame Devon. Blame the Void. Blame our over-scheduled lives. Either way, we didn’t read anything this week, and we’re not sorry.

    Next week, however, we’re diving into “Liking What You See: A Documentary” from Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang. It’s a short story about beauty, perception, and what happens when you turn off the part of your brain that notices appearances. It's Chiang, so expect deep thoughts and possible feelings.

    That’s it from us! Come back next week for more co-host resurrection, dream logic, robotic feelings, and maybe even a book.

    If you like what we do, bark into the void or support us on Patreon. Your choice.

  • Episode 558: Starts with S, Ends with T

    Episode 558: Starts with S, Ends with T

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Real Life

    Devon
    [Redacted silence.] Possibly building up for a season finale of his own. Or meditating on NASA budget cuts. Either way—stoic.

    Steven
    We wrapped Andor, and while it stuck the landing, there’s still one huge question: Where are Hera, Chopper, and the Ghost crew?!
    Justice for space moms and droid chaos: #ReleaseAndorTheRebelsCut
    Also, Steven took us on a wild detour into Monopoly studies with college students—spoiler alert: inherited wealth makes people awful. Shocking, we know.

    Ben
    Fresh from science camp and rocking a healthy dose of jet lag, Ben managed to be late to his own poetry reading. But hey—archery, mountain biking, and night hikes do things to a man. Possibly became a druid out there.

    Future or Now

    Steven
    “Hand hand fingers thumb
”
    No, we didn’t start a toddler book club—Steven shared research that suggests chimpanzees drum with distinct rhythmic patterns depending on their subspecies.
    Which means your drummer friend? Maybe not that unique.
    The longest drum solo in history begins now.

    Devon
    NASA is facing a 53% cut to its science budget under the proposed presidential plan. That includes major slashes to earth and space science programs. Meanwhile, human spaceflight would get a commercial makeover.
    We quote Devon’s son: “Does Trump believe in God?”
    Also, we’re apparently heading back to the moon—just, you know, without a weather report.

    Read about the cuts

    Ben
    Ben took us on an emotional journey through the 2024 animated documentary Piece by Piece, which somehow manages to combine Lego stop-motion, Carl Sagan, and protest imagery into one transcendent experience.
    Trailer? Here.
    Carl Sagan clip? Also here.
    “Happy”? But make it devastating: This.
    More? Wikipedia’s got you.

    Book Club

    This week: The Evolution of Human Science by Ted Chiang
    What if human research became too advanced for most people to understand? No characters, just ideas. It’s written like a news article, and it's fascinating. Humanity has split into Normies and Meta-Humans, the latter genetically optimized before birth to the point that they operate on an entirely different intellectual plane.
    They use “DNT” (Digital Neural Transfer) and leave the rest of us behind with our podcasts and spreadsheets. Thought-provoking stuff.

    Included with Audible [if you’re listening along].

    Next week: Liking What You See by Ted Chiang
    Yes, we’re doing another Chiang short, because why not dive deeper into techno-philosophical existential dread?
    (Roughly 1.5 hours—get reading!)

    Want more? Join the Discord. Support us on Patreon to get early episodes, bonus content, playlists, and the unedited chaos. And if you’re listening on YouTube—hit that subscribe button. Or don’t. But then we’ll tell the Meta-Humans on you.

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  • Episode 557: You Can't Call Them Skin Babies

    Episode 557: You Can't Call Them Skin Babies

    · Science Faction Podcast
    Real Life

    Devon went full medieval this week with a trip to a Renaissance Fair—this one featuring permanent structures that actually looked “authentic” instead of slapped together by ye olde hot glue. There were swinging rides, wooden horses, and some legit jousting. Unfortunately, the real fantasy was thinking the kids would have fun. Big downer energy.

    Steven is gearing up for an Arizona trip but had to make a sudden detour into Best Buy territory after his TV gave up the ghost. On the plus side, Andor continues to be amazing and makes up for any consumer electronics woes. (It really is still that good.)

    Ben has seen Labyrinth (have you?), and he's here for the dream logic and David Bowie’s entire vibe. Also thrown into the cinematic blender: The Island and Cliffhanger. We’re now seeking out more films where geological or man-made features are basically the co-stars. Let us know if you have one.

    Oh, and Ben also saw the Slate all-electric pickup truck, which looked like something out of Black Mirror. Meanwhile, TVs just
 work now? What a time to be alive.

    Future or Now

    Time for some spicy Star Wars takes.

    We got into it over which trilogy was better: the Prequels or the Sequels. Episode IX (The Rise of Skywalker) got roasted—Devon called it "the worst." Ben leaned sequel-side, arguing they’re better than the prequels overall. The breakdown went something like:

    Prequels: bad films, good plots

    Sequels: good films, bad plots

    There were also complaints about Starkiller Base, which feels like someone said “What if Death Star, but more?”

    But then there’s Andor, which everyone agrees is just pure excellence. So Star Wars can still be good when they let writers write.

    Our rankings for maximum judgment:

    Devon’s list: The Phantom Menace, The Force Awakens, Rise of Skywalker, Attack of the Clones, The Last Jedi, Revenge of the Sith

    Ben’s list: Rise of Skywalker, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi

    Your move, Internet.

    📚 Book Club

    Next Week:
    We’re diving into Ted Chiang’s “The Evolution of Human Science,” which you can find in Stories of Your Life and Others (also included with an Audible subscription, if you’re fancy like that).

    This Week:
    We read Jorge Luis Borges’ strange and unsettling tale There Are More Things. It’s Borges doing Lovecraft, but with fewer tentacles and more existential dread.

    We were all in until the end, where it kinda
 fell off a cliff. Still worth the read for the vibes alone. Also relevant: this animated gif of a tesseract, because the story kinda goes there.

    New episode drops each week. Subscribe, tell a friend, and go re-rank your Star Wars opinions. We’ll wait.

  • Episode 556: Quesorios

    Episode 556: Quesorios

    · Science Faction Podcast
    Real Life:

    Devon would like to make one thing clear: queso is fine. Queso is acceptable. Just
 not on everything, okay? Some of us still want to taste the actual food under the goo. That said, he did just survive a kid’s pool party, so maybe he’s earned the right to eat whatever the hell he wants — even fake grass, which he claims is "for winners." We’re choosing not to dig into that statement.

    Steven, meanwhile, embraced the full Force of May 4th with joy, lightsabers, and an animated binge of Tales of the Empire — now fully released and featuring everyone’s favorite dead-or-maybe-not-dead villainess Asaaj Ventress and the cowboy space bug bounty hunter Cad Bane. Is she still canonically dead? Who knows anymore. The rule is: if you didn't see the body dissolve, they can always come back.

    Also, Steven’s forge is officially up and running. That’s right — he’s now a blacksmith. We’re still waiting to see if this is a long-term thing or just a midlife crisis in steel-toed boots.

    Over in The Last of Us land, Season 2 Episode 4 dropped, and fans collectively screamed, cried, and probably tweeted GIFs because one of the game’s most beloved scenes finally made it to screen — and yes, they nailed it. In a good way. Not like a fungal-mutant-jaw-through-your-neck way.

    Ben went to a roller derby bout in Irvine (report: chaotic and excellent), wandered the capitalist labyrinth that is Daiso, and wants to remind you it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. So tell a teacher they rock, preferably with coffee, snacks, or a handwritten note of pure gratitude.

    Future or Now

    Ben brought us Writing Tools, a sleek, free, open-source app created by a high school student in Bangalore (hi, Jesai!) that gives Mac, Windows, and Linux users a system-wide writing boost via AI. It fixes grammar, summarizes content, and even helps you rewrite your angsty emails into something that won’t get you fired. Bonus points for working offline and being featured basically everywhere. Teachers, students, chaotic creatives — check it out on GitHub.

    This also led us down the rabbit hole: Are LLMs bad? Short answer: not inherently. Long answer: come back next week for a full debate, complete with Devon’s skeptical eyebrows and Ben’s tech optimism.

    Devon watched Mickey 17, and the verdict is
 “eh?” He appreciated the weirdness but didn’t feel like the weird ever came together in a satisfying way. Unlike Parasite, which he still recommends, Mickey 17 left him shrugging with existential confusion, which is not his preferred flavor of sci-fi.

    Steven hit us with some mouse science: researchers have engineered gut bacteria that can detoxify methylmercury in mice, even when those mice are on a diet of bluefin tuna. The mice — and their babies — showed fewer signs of mercury poisoning. This means your sushi habit may one day come with a side of helpful microbes. Until then, maybe cool it on the sashimi.

    Book Club:

    This week, we read A Brief Dance to the Music of the Spheres by Michael Kurland (from The Best of Omni Science Fiction, 1983). It’s a sleek, sharp short story that offers a fresh take on the Fermi Paradox: if there’s intelligent life out there, why haven’t we seen it?

    The story gives us a possible answer — one we won’t spoil here, except to say it involves jazz, physics, and a little cosmic humility. You can read it on Archive.org or listen to the adaptation here.

    Next week: we’re diving into Jorge Luis Borges’ There Are More Things. Yes, it’s a Borges horror story. Yes, we’re terrified and delighted. Yes, Devon has thoughts.

    Got thoughts on queso, metal mice, or fictional villains who refuse to stay dead? Hit us up. And thank a teacher. Seriously. They’ve seen some things.

  • Episode 555: Not His First Time (Building A Lightsaber)

    Episode 555: Not His First Time (Building A Lightsaber)

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Real Life
    Devon just got back from Barcelona, where his sister-in-law’s wedding was equal parts joyful and medically confusing (house-wide illness, mystery IV drip, etc.). Between family chaos and questioning the overwhelming religious vibes, he managed to sneak in a tour of tapas bars—including Bobby’s Free, a barbershop turned speakeasy where you open a safe to get a drink. Also on the agenda: the Sagrada Familia, which still looks like Gaudí teamed up with an alien architect. Take a virtual tour and judge for yourself.

    Steven went full Jedi at Disney’s Star Wars Night on Batuu, adding more lightsabers to a collection that's now approaching General Grievous territory. He caught the live Storyteller Show (“shockingly emotional for a theme park thing”) and did some heavy-duty geeking out at the custom saber forge. Series two sabers are out now. Good luck, your wallet.

    Ben’s been working on his nap game. He’s reading Take a Nap! Change Your Life by Sara Mednick (link), thanks to a recommendation from Cool Tools. Lucid dreaming, better brain function, and maybe—just maybe—a dream where he finally builds his own lightsaber.

    Also: Devon didn't watch The Naboo Movie, which we’re still not convinced is real.

    Future or Now
    Ben found a Reddit guide to rewiring your brain—more philosophy than prescription, but helpful as a reminder: break bad loops, reframe your thinking, stay mindful. Simple ideas, not always simple to do.

    Devon brought the science bombshell: astronomers may have detected a biosignature outside our solar system. It’s not a “we found aliens” headline, but it’s the strongest hint yet that something biological might be out there. Researchers are cautious, but intrigued. So are we.

    Steven recapped Andor season 2, episodes 1–3. The political tension is still top-tier, the pacing’s tighter, and the existential dread remains on-brand. Also, WondLa season 2 is out now (IMDb), if you need more sci-fi world-building in your queue.

    Book Club
    No book this week—we’re recharging. But next time, we’re reading “A Brief Dance to the Music of the Spheres” by Michael Kurland from The Best of Omni Science Fiction #6. Read it here, and don’t skip the illustrations—they’re wild in the best way.

    Back next week with cosmic dances, dream experiments, and at least one more lightsaber.

  • Episode 554: Swinging for the Stars

    Episode 554: Swinging for the Stars

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Hey, it’s a new week and your favorite trio is back—well, two-thirds of us, anyway. Devon is currently living his best life in Barcelona, probably sipping espresso in a narrow sunlit alley or arguing with someone about FC Barcelona tactics. Meanwhile, the rest of us have been busy with spring break chaos, Santa Cruz curiosities, and turning broken laptops into gaming slabs.

    Real Life Stuff

    Steven hit up Santa Cruz for a classic California spring break trip. That meant a day at the boardwalk, a ride up the mountains on a steam engine to hunt Easter eggs with the family, and—yes—the infamous Mystery Spot. For the uninitiated, it’s California State Historical Landmark #1055 and basically a physics-defying tourist trap nestled in the redwoods. It’s $10 and you walk out wondering if your equilibrium is off or if you’ve just witnessed real magic. Verdict? Worth it. Especially if you enjoy a healthy mix of skepticism and whimsy.

    Ben had the kind of spring break that only a tech tinkerer dreams of. He loaded Bazzite SteamOS onto his desktop (yes, it’s real, and yes, it’s cool: bazzite.gg). Then he cracked open a MacBook Pro with the dreaded FlexGate issue—1/10 on the repairability scale, even with help from ifixit.com—and turned it into a Steam-powered “SlabTop.” Also in Ben's world: a visit from Mom, and a daycare full of cute dogs and chicks (the feathered kind, relax).

    We also detoured into The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2. Let’s just say the show continues to spark great conversation—and some tension between game purists and show-only folks.

    The Future Is Now

    Ben brought the indie darling GOTY (Game of the Year) Lushfoil Photography Sim to our attention—an atmospheric exploration game that’s more about vibes than objectives. Think beautiful desolation and digital zen.

    He also shouted out Radio Garden—a global map where you can spin the world and listen to live radio from just about anywhere. It’s the chillest rabbit hole you’ll ever fall into.

    And for anyone trying to make sense of the digital mess that is our current internet, he also found this guide to misinformation-fighting tools. Even though it’s aimed at journalists, it’s super handy for the rest of us trying to tell real news from ragebait.

    Steven took us on a hyperspace jump to Star Wars Celebration updates. Highlights? The Mandalorian and Grogu movie, Andor Season 2 (yes, please), Ahsoka Season 2, Maul: Shadow Lord, a new Star Wars: Starfighter movie, and Star Wars Visions Volume 3. Basically, it’s a great time to be a galaxy-far-far-away fan.

    Book Club

    We’re taking next week off from Book Club (don’t worry, we’ll still be recording). But this week we dove into William Gibson’s “Fragments of a Hologram Rose”—his first published story and a dense little piece of cyberpunk mood. It follows a man piecing together memories of his ex via a near-future tech called ASP (Apparent Sensory Perception). It’s sad, it’s moody, it’s very Gibson. The whole idea of fragmented memory and identity hits especially hard in a world where we're all just scrolling, recording, and replaying everything.

    We’ll be back next week (with or without Devon depending on how good that Barcelona weather is). As always, hit us up with your thoughts, your favorite indie games, your weird spring break stories, or your take on who’s actually in the right: Joel or Ellie. See you then!

  • Episode 553: Don't Hit It With A Sword

    Episode 553: Don't Hit It With A Sword

    · Science Faction Podcast
    Real Life:

    This week’s episode kicks off with Devon missing in action, attending a wedding and recovering from, well
 life. Also, he’s apparently deep into building off-brand LEGO, which raises some very important questions: How many pieces? How many regrets?

    Meanwhile, Ben survived a 5.2 earthquake and checks in to let us know that everyone’s safe. He also shares a couple links to Desert Child, an indie hover-bike racer/RPG that mixes hip-hop, ramen, and pixel art vibes—and may or may not be rolling onto Xbox soon thanks to some juicy UI integration rumors.

    https://store.steampowered.com/app/844050/Desert_Child/

    https://isthereanydeal.com/game/desert-child/info/

    https://www.theverge.com/news/633478/microsoft-xbox-steam-games-support-ui

    Steven’s life update is more... fluffy. Literally. He’s in line to pick up baby chicks for the backyard flock (Black Sexlinked and Smokey Pearl, if you're curious), and discovers that mailing baby birds is a surprisingly common thing. Also, he’s deploying next-level parenting tricks by disguising fun surprises as errands. The dad game is strong.

    Also: The Last of Us S2 premiere dropped and Steven gives it a glowing 10/10. We talk a bit about how the show mirrors the game—and why it’s working so well.

    Ben also brings us something very important: The Naboo Movie. It's real. It’s glorious. It’s here: watch it now.

    Future or Now:

    Ben drops some cosmic perspective with a planetary fact that blew our minds: All the planets in our solar system could line up between the Earth and the Moon. That includes Pluto, for those of you still rooting for the little guy.

    Steven introduces us to Mad Mouse—no, not a Disney spinoff. This is about AI mapping mouse brains. A new model simulates how the mouse visual cortex responds to images. Basically, it’s science fiction getting closer to just
 science. Read the study here.

    Book Club:

    This week, we took a listen to the first episode of It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton, featuring “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Love, Death” by Caroline M. Yoachim. It’s a short, beautiful, gut-punch of a story about love across time and space—a real Gordian knot of feels. Check it out on Lightspeed Magazine.

    Next week we’ll be diving into “Fragments of a Hologram Rose” by William Gibson, part of his Burning Chrome collection. It’s a short one—just 15 minutes—and dripping in cyberpunk atmosphere.

    And if you're wondering about the Star Trek side of our brains: yes, we saw the new Strange New Worlds trailer. Yes, it looks wild. Yes, we’re watching. Peep it here.

  • Episode 552: From Magic Mirrors to Microchips

    Episode 552: From Magic Mirrors to Microchips

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Real Life:
    This week’s episode has movie madness, creepers, princesses, and ducks with vendettas. Devon took a deep dive into the Minecraft Movie—yes, it’s real, and yes, it might haunt him forever. Steven watched Disney’s live-action Snow White and has thoughts... strong ones. Meanwhile, Ben got cartoon-punched in the face (in the best way) by The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (IMDb). Think: Bugs Bunny meets alien invasion.

    Future or Now:

    Solar Panels on Canals? Yes, Please:
    Ben brings us Project Nexus—the U.S.’s first solar panel canopy system over irrigation canals. The $20 million pilot is up and running in California’s Turlock Irrigation District and could be a game-changer. Benefits include reducing water evaporation, improving quality, and cutting down on canal maintenance. Also? Clean energy. Read more

    TV Necromancy:
    Devon reports on shows coming back—some you missed, some you didn’t know you missed, and a few you assumed were never coming back. Television's not dead. It’s just rebooting.

    ba-ba-ba-BA-baaaaaa:
    Steven delivers the science: a Western diet can mess you up in just two weeks. Inflammation, weakened immunity, and long-term disease processes all kick in fast. But the good news? Switching to a traditional African diet (think fiber, fermented foods, veggies) can start reversing the damage just as quickly. Check it out

    “Book Club”:

    This week we read Johnny Mnemonic by William Gibson. A short story that drips with classic cyberpunk vibes, data couriers, and one incredibly dangerous dolphin. Devon didn’t totally connect with it, but Steven loved the gritty worldbuilding and its ties to Neuromancer. Ben was onboard for the full ride—hacker noir, neon grit, and all.

    Next week: We’re tuning in to It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton (link) and covering “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Love, Death” by Caroline M. Yoachim (read it here). Time travel and heartbreak? Sign us up.

  • Episode 551: What the Dummy Does

    Episode 551: What the Dummy Does

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Real Life: This week’s episode is packed with real-life chaos, sci-fi intrigue, and some good ol’ tabletop talk. Devon's 4-year-old had to audition for attending a school, and guess what? It's a little stressful! Audible is now offering free content to subscribers, kinda like The Great Courses. Steven brings us part two of our City of Mist saga and shares his latest D&D session with the kids using *Peril in Pinebrook*, a free starter adventure. Also, D&D vs. City of Mist—how do they compare? Oh, and the neighbor’s dog ATE one of his chickens. Not cool. Ben recommends the first episode of Storytime with Wil Wheaton (https://wilwheaton.net/podcast/), where he narrated the incredible time travel love story "Rock, Paper, Scissors, Love, Death" by Caroline M. Yoachim (https://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/rock-paper-scissors-love-death/). You know how people will move heaven and earth for their loved ones? What if they moved time itself? We may cover this in an upcoming Book Club, watch out for that. Plus, Win or Lose, Pixar’s new show, is a WIN.

    Future or Now:

    Like Brains, But Better: Electrical and computer engineers have developed a 'Super-Turing AI,' which operates more like the human brain. This new AI integrates certain processes instead of separating them and then migrating huge amounts of data like current systems do.

    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250326123554.htm

    This Week in Space: NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has detected the largest organic (carbon-containing) molecules ever found on the red planet. The discovery is one of the most significant findings in the search for evidence of past life on Mars.

    https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/03/nasas-curiosity-rover-has-found-the-longest-chain-carbon-molecules-yet-on-mars/

    https://www.sciencealert.com/nasas-unexpected-discovery-of-the-largest-organics-on-mars-explained

    “Book Club”:

    This week we covered three thought-provoking stories by Scott Base:

    The Giving Man: https://www.badspacecomics.com/post/giving-man

    A billionaire sacrifices everything, including the world, to try to fight his cancer. Living forever through the heat death of the universe.

    Scour: https://www.badspacecomics.com/post/scour

    The rings of Saturn are not what we thought. They’re made of BONES.

    Hell and Back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXVBlC3hmoc

    No body survives Venus.

    Next week: we’re tackling Johnny Mnemonic by William Gibson—a cyberpunk adventure that’s still eerily relevant today. https://youtu.be/aIwYxSuAzDA?si=SgcfWqx1cyiBoO1F



  • Episode 550: A Healthy Patina of Experience

    Episode 550: A Healthy Patina of Experience

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Real Life

    This week, Steven got his hands dirty—literally. Between digging, yard work, and wrestling with a modem that decided to give up on life mid-game, it’s been an eventful time. Speaking of games, we dove into City of Mist, where Greg has to decide: is he the "Crusty DM" or simply sporting a "healthy patina of experience"? Devon, meanwhile, is a street shark (but NOT the cartoon kind), Steven’s embodying Job (maybe the biblical one?), and Ben’s teenage runaway Lily Chow has freed a djinn her parents were up to no good with. Good times, until technology betrayed us.

    Outside of RPGs, we had a Margaritaville party (because sometimes you just need to lean into the chaos), and we gave Let’s Summon Demons a solid 4/5. Meanwhile, Devon tried out Harmonies—a game in the vein of Cascadia—and highly recommends it. If you want to check it out, here’s the link: Harmonies on BGG. Oh, and Devon’s also been watching Daredevil: Born Again, so we’ll probably hear more about that soon.

    Ben, on the other hand, watched Flow (IMDB), an indie Latvian/French post-apocalyptic film with animals, boats, and a slow but gorgeous vibe. Sci-fi? He says yes. Thrill ride? Not quite, but definitely worth a watch.

    Future or Now?

    Ben took a deep dive into his cosmic worldview this week, courtesy of a Substack quiz designed to help pinpoint one’s beliefs about reality. Turns out, he hovers somewhere between animism, Gnosticism, and multiverse theory—because why pick just one? He also explored Emergent Materialism, the idea that consciousness and social phenomena are more than the sum of their physical parts, while Steven proudly waved the banner of Reductive Materialism: "We’re all just atoms and molecules—deal with it!" Devon, ever the skeptic, leaned into Pragmatic Instrumentalism: “Do we even know what reality is?” And of course, the multiverse debate made an appearance. Do we really buy into it? We debated it all
 while channeling our inner Matt Murdock.

    Steven also brought up some interesting research on how we misinterpret our dogs’ emotions. Humans have a habit of projecting their own feelings onto their pets, leading to misunderstandings about what they actually need. Here’s the study if you want to check it out. Ben, meanwhile, admitted that his labrador has him trained rather than the other way around—because, let’s face it, food is the ultimate motivator.

    Book Club

    This week, we discussed To Be Taught, If Fortunate: Votum by Becky Chambers. Topics ranged from chirality and molecular handedness to the ultimate decision-makers in the universe. Steven had thoughts about the book’s ending
 and let’s just say he made sure we all heard them. Repeatedly.

    Next week, we’re diving into three stories by Scott Base: The Giving Man, Scour, and Hell and Back (watch here). If you want to read along, now’s your chance!

    That’s it for this episode! Let us know your thoughts, especially if you have strong opinions on RPG archetypes, cosmic worldviews, or whether your dog is secretly running your life. Catch you next time!

  • Episode 549: Electric Feels

    Episode 549: Electric Feels

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Real Life

    Devon has been diving into The Electric State, and the discussion turns to the unique blend of kid-friendly aesthetics and eerie, unsettling imagery. The upcoming movie adaptation ( IMDB link ) raises the question: who is this really for?

    Meanwhile, Steven is excited about the group finally playing City of Mist with Greg—expect some noir-drenched, super-powered storytelling soon. Also, Windows 11 users, rejoice (or at least breathe a little easier): Microsoft is making moves to remove ads from its interface. Progress? We hope so.

    Ben bids farewell to Clawed, a beloved companion. Losing a pet is never easy. As a result, he's rethinking his relationship with social media. When you're grieving, the internet can be both a comfort and a drain. Is it time to step back and reevaluate our online spaces?

    Future or Now

    Ben introduces us to SEN, a project aiming to revolutionize desktop environments with a data-centric approach. Unlike existing knowledge management systems, SEN prioritizes local storage and metadata integrity over cloud-based solutions. If you're into Obsidian, Haiku OS, or just wish your computer worked with your thoughts instead of against them, check it out ( SEN introduction ). And for those interested in the philosophy behind it, the Data-Centric Manifesto lays out the foundation of this approach.

    Devon takes us way, way back—to LUCA, the Last Universal Common Ancestor. New research suggests all life on Earth traces back to this single organism that existed only 400 million years after Earth formed. Even more fascinating? LUCA likely had an early immune system, meaning it was already fending off viruses. ( Read more ) Life finds a way, indeed.

    Book Club

    Next week, we're reading To Be Taught, If Fortunate: Votum by Becky Chambers. If you’re following along, now’s the time to grab a copy!

    This week, we covered To Be Taught, If Fortunate: Opera. One of the standout moments:

    “It was not a cozy storm, a curl-up-with-a-book-and-a-blanket storm. This was weather that resented us.”

    That kind of atmospheric writing is why we love Becky Chambers.

    In other media news, Steven and Ben wrapped up Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and were blown away. A season-long What If? style arc that absolutely delivered. Meanwhile, Devon and Steven have jumped into Daredevil: Born Again. How does it hold up to expectations? You'll have to listen to find out.

    That’s it for this week! If you’re enjoying the podcast, let us know what you think about the books, games, and tech we’re covering. And if you have a take on LUCA, Windows 11, or The Electric State, we’d love to hear it.

  • Episode 548: Be Aware, Don’t Sink Into Despair

    Episode 548: Be Aware, Don’t Sink Into Despair

    · Science Faction Podcast

    This episode contains:

    Daylight savings hit, and we’re all just trying to cope.

    Real Life (or Whatever That Is)

    Devon Saw Apocalyptica in Dallas—three cellists and a drummer, blasting Metallica covers. It was energetic, intense, and apparently, the drums were a standout. Nita Strauss opened, because Devon only goes to shows with legendary guitarists involved. Also, he went to a production of Cheaper by the Dozen, which was
 a different vibe entirely. Steven got into Marvel Crisis Protocol, which he describes as similar to Shatterpoint. More importantly, he won his first game against his friend Greg, which obviously means he’s an expert now. Devon saw Wicked and was deeply underwhelmed. (Expect fan outrage.) Ben went to a production of Million Dollar Quartet, which tells the story of a legendary jam session between Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. If you don’t know what that is, here’s a Wikipedia link: Million Dollar Quartet.

    Future or Now (Depends on Your Perspective)

    Remember Me!

    Steven presents a real-life prequel to Fallout. Sweden is burying its radioactive nuclear waste in sealed bedrock for 100,000 years. The challenge? How do we make sure future generations don’t dig it up and think, “Oh cool, ancient glowing rocks!” Scientists have some ideas, and they range from the practical to the deeply sci-fi.

    Check it out:

    Science Daily | Highly radioactive nuclear waste: how to keep it from oblivion

    A PDF of the actual Key Information File

    CALM DOWN, JEEZ

    Ben brings us a podcast from NPR and the TED Radio Hour about how we handle emotions, featuring insights from neuroscientist Ethan Kross on managing emotional overwhelm. Science-backed coping mechanisms? Yes, please. An example: talking to yourself in the second person to coach yourself.

    Listen here: NPR - Ethan Kross on Managing Emotions

    Also, Ben’s dog has got Diabetes insipidus, which, despite the name, has nothing to do with regular diabetes. More on that here: Diabetes Insipidus

    Book Club:

    Continuing coverage of the novella To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers.

    This week, our crew traveled to Mirabilis (also the name of the chapter we read)—a planet of ice, deep-sea creatures, and they brought with them some existential dread. Some key themes:

    Survival of the fittest (but at what cost?)

    The emotional toll of killing an animal for survival

    Missing communications from Earth

    The sheer terror of the unknown

    Devon asked, “Are they vegan?”—a question inspired by his recent reading of Animal Liberation Now. Also, sometimes Devon’s not in the mood for fiction, but Becky Chambers’ writing is worth it.

    Next week: the chapter “Opera” (same book, different planet).

  • Episode 547: Sweet Meteor of Death

    Episode 547: Sweet Meteor of Death

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Real Life

    Devon had a little adventure at Meow Wolf, which, as expected, was a wild, surreal ride. Also, finally got around to fixing the fence—fingers crossed it actually stays fixed this time.

    Over in office world, the TV is officially on the wall, the SNES emulator is up and running, and Devon has entered the inevitable "but how does it work?" phase. This led to Ben patiently explaining BIOS, which, if you're curious, has a whole Wikipedia page that is both informative and an excellent cure for insomnia. Meanwhile, Devon has also started reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance because, apparently, philosophy is the next rabbit hole.

    Steven, on the other hand, has nothing new to report. Just wrangling the circus as usual.

    Ben is saying a fond farewell to Windows 10 and Skype—pour one out for the relics of the past. In more exciting news, he checked out the demo for Wheel World, and it’s super cool. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth a look on Steam. Also, he’s officially made the jump to Linux, currently rocking Kubuntu and going full customization mode. Speaking of Linux, SteamOS is doing some interesting things, which you can check out here.

    Future or Now

    Devon got a bit of a scare with the whole “asteroid might hit Earth” thing, but turns out, the European Southern Observatory has pretty much ruled out a 2024 YR4 impact. So, we’re good—for now. Still, it brings up the whole Sweet Meteor of Death (SMOD) meme, because wouldn’t it just be the most on-brand way for things to go? If you haven't seen Don’t Look Up, now’s a great time. Also, AES Andes is doing some interesting environmental work, which you can read about here.

    Ben actually has some good news for once! Engineers have created the first flat telescope lens that can capture color while detecting light from faraway stars. Science is officially magic. If you’re curious, Phys.org has all the details.

    Steven? Still nothing. Just vibes.

    “Book Club”

    Next week, we’re diving into To Be Taught, If Fortunate the Mirabilis chapter by Becky Chambers, so if you want to read along, now’s your chance.

    This week, we covered To Be Taught, If Fortunate: Please Read This, and Aecor (and Earth)—all Becky Chambers, all the time. We got into some fun (and mildly unsettling) topics, like torpor—aka space hibernation, but with an existential twist. Sleeping without dreaming, aging super slowly—would you do it? And then there’s somaforming, where instead of terraforming planets, you change humans to survive in space. Also, radiation-resistant food, glitter face (yes, really), and the idea of “crowd-funded” space travel—would that actually work? Lots to love about these stories so far, and we’ll keep the discussion going next time.

    See you next week!

  • Episode 546: Overfilled Wine Glasses, Octavarium, and Overpopulation

    Episode 546: Overfilled Wine Glasses, Octavarium, and Overpopulation

    · Science Faction Podcast
    Real Life Updates

    Devon’s Redecoration Adventure
    Devon has been painting and redecorating—at Jen’s request—to make things look more "adult." This involved taking down metal posters to put up a TV for gaming, which led to a frustrating experience with Displate (spoiler: they suck). While redecorating, Devon also came across a fascinating philosophy YouTuber, Alex O’Connor.

    ▶ Watch Alex O’Connor: YouTube Link

    Also, ChatGPT can apparently generate a perfect glass of wine
 all the way to the top.

    Steven’s Gaming Corner
    Steven has been playing Avowed (part of Xbox Game Pass—so "free"). His verdict? "Pretty fun." Thanks to his beefy new graphics card, he’s playing on PC.

    ▶ Check out Avowed: Steam Link

    He also tried Keep Driving, a game about driving to the right, avoiding potholes, picking up hitchhikers, and helping a little girl find her parents—all while managing fuel, energy, and car repairs.

    ▶ Try Keep Driving: Steam Link

    Ben’s Solitaire Obsession
    Ben has discovered Scoundrel Solitaire by Zach Gage and Kurt Bieg, a solitaire game played with a real deck of cards and a D20.

    ▶ Learn how to play: Rules PDF
    ▶ Play online: Itch.io Link

    Future or Now: Music & Media

    Renee’s Music Question:
    Renee’s kid is getting into 90s rock (Weezer, The Offspring, etc.), and that sparked a conversation about favorite musical sounds and guitar solos. Here’s what we came up with:

    Ben: The sound of an orchestra tuning up (potential energy). Favorite solo: We Will Fall Together – Streetlight Manifesto

    Steven: Any heavy bass sound. Favorite solo: Waking the Demon

    Devon: Pinched harmonics. Favorite solo: Octavarium (Razor’s Edge) – John Petrucci

    ▶ Dream Theater - Octavarium Guitar Solo: YouTube Link

    Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
    We checked out Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, which fills in gaps between the Tom Holland movies. Like X-Men '97, it takes some big swings.

    ▶ More on the show: IMDB Link

    Devon’s Disturbing Read
    Devon is reading Animal Liberation Now by Peter Singer. It’s unsettling, to say the least. More thoughts after he finishes.

    ▶ Read it here: Google Books Link

    Steven’s Movie Night
    Steven watched some of Wicked Part 1 with his kids. They haven’t asked to watch more. Suspicious. He also revisited Return to Oz, which remains a fever dream.

    ▶ Return to Oz: Rotten Tomatoes Link

    Book Club Corner

    Next Week: To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
    A look at 22nd-century space exploration using somaforming—biological modifications that allow astronauts to survive hostile environments. But what happens when Earth moves on without them?

    ▶ Audiobook: Audible Link

    This Week: Billennium by J.G. Ballard
    A classic dystopian short story exploring extreme overpopulation. But why "20,000 million"? And what would you do if you suddenly came into wealth? Would you help others?

    ▶ Read it here: PDF Link

    ▶ World population discussion: Worldometer

  • Episode 545: The Rat Chambers

    Episode 545: The Rat Chambers

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Real Life:

    Steven’s been back at the forge for Blacksmithing Class #2, where Ben learned the existence of trivets (yes, those little metal stands your grandma probably had). Meanwhile, babysitting round two for Steven’s nephew went... well, let’s just say he survived. Rainy days are not great for four-year-olds. On the tabletop front, we got into Dungeon Crawl Classics (aka the ‘70s cranked up to 11) with its insane artwork and a spell system that just loves making you regret your choices. Then there’s Mutant Crawl Classics, which, well... we didn’t get as far, but you know it’s gotta be weird and radioactive. Ben, on the other hand, had feedback about last week’s discussion of Mothership. Devon’s character was from Planet America, and Ben played Rodney McKay, based on our favorite Grumpy Scientist from Stargate: Atlantis. Also, Ben’s dog has bladder problems (is it Cushing’s disease?), and he’s making custom Mac Mini decals that look like that Joy Division album cover that you probably know from Hot Topic t-shirts.

    Future or Now:

    Since Devon’s not here, let’s talk about video games.

    Dragonsweeper is Minesweeper meets dungeon crawler, and it’s addictive as heck. Play it for free on the web at one of these two links:

    https://dragonsweeper.com/New-Dragonsweeper-Version

    https://danielben.itch.io/dragonsweeper

    Also, can we finally talk about UFO 50, that game that combines 50 indie games in one, all looking like they’re straight out of the 80s? Ben waxes on and on about Party House: a deckbuilding game where you gather as many guests as you can to throw a huge party, but don't let it get out of hand! If it was released separately, it’d probably have been game of the year.

    https://ufo50.miraheze.org/wiki/Party_House

    Paper, Watch Out! Scientists in Japan are making biohybrid hands with lab-grown muscle tissue. These “MuMuTAs” are a step toward prosthetics and robots that mimic real muscle movement. Read more about it here:

    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250212151423.htm

    This reminded Ben of a love poem he wrote recently: Colonies:

    https://ben.lawless.rocks/poetry/colonies/

    “Book Club”:

    This week:

    Burning Chrome by William Gibson, specifically the titular story in the collection that brought us cyberpunk classics like Johnny Mnemonic.

    Next week:

    Billennium by J.G. Ballard — a 1962 dystopian tale of extreme overpopulation, where people live in minuscule rooms in overcrowded cities. Sounds like fun, right?

  • Episode 544: A Sacred and Blessed Choice

    Episode 544: A Sacred and Blessed Choice

    · Science Faction Podcast
    Real Life:

    How silly is Devon? According to him, not at all. But his big toe pain might argue otherwise. The jury is still out. Steven took a blacksmithing class, and it turns out, there’s a whole process to it. Safety docs? Check. Appropriate clothing? Check. Payment going to the blacksmithing museum? Very cool. His first project? A letter opener—definitely not a shiv. (Side note: Can you just carry knives around? What if you’re being particularly menacing?) Good news: Steven is now a Level One Blacksmith and qualifies for the Level Two class! There’s even talk of a blacksmithing tournament and chili cookoff. Speaking of knives
 does everyone remember sock knives? On a more serious note, Ben reflects on the passing of his neighbor, Ronna, and the challenge of timing at the end of life. A moment to acknowledge those we lose and the impact they have.

    Future or Now:
    Ben’s Dive into the Desktop Metaphor

    Ben took us down a philosophical rabbit hole about the desktop metaphor in computing. How does it relate to capitalism? How did William Gibson envision computing? Are there better metaphors we should be using? If you want to dig deeper, here’s some background reading:

    History of the Graphical User Interface

    Xerox PARC and DNLS from 1968

    Liber Indigo - Metaphysical Prisoners of the Desktop

    MercuryOS and Jason Yuan’s vision

    Steven’s Reaction: Uh
what?

    Steven, caught off guard, tried to process it all. But then he found an interesting study: link. The question is: Are its findings really about gender differences, or are they tied more to familial and societal roles? Let’s just say, we have some thoughts about the methodology.

    Book Club (But Make It TTRPG): Next Week’s Read: Burning Chrome by William Gibson

    We had to shift things around this week since Ben had a family emergency. But next week, we’re diving into Burning Chrome by William Gibson. Get ready for some cyberpunk goodness!

    Mothership: A Sci-Fi Horror TTRPG Review

    Instead of discussing books, we reviewed Mothership, the sci-fi horror RPG that Steven ran, with Devon as a player. Here’s the rundown:

    The setup: A distress call leads the crew to a ship.

    The dilemma: Follow company orders or investigate the alien presence?

    The experience: Mystery, clues, and big decisions.

    The result: Devon said he’d play again—high praise!

    If you’re into sci-fi horror with a heavy dose of corporate greed and existential dread, Mothership might be worth checking out.

    That’s it for this week! As always, let us know your thoughts, and we’ll see you next time for Burning Chrome and more weird, wonderful discussions.

  • Episode 543: The Nailed God

    Episode 543: The Nailed God

    · Science Faction Podcast
    Real Life

    Devon’s journey to California was an absolute disaster—airline delays, misfortune, and plenty of travel woes. We also dive into how our phones are both doom-scroll machines and powerful learning tools. Devon shares his love for the music app Simply Piano, which teaches more than just piano.

    Meanwhile, Steven and Devon jammed out on piano and acoustic guitar, and Ben reflected on fatherhood—specifically how video games can help break generational trauma.

    We also tackle a big question: Who can we trust for accurate news anymore? And why does it seem like we only feel tragedy when Americans are attacked? What does that say about us as humans, and is there any way to break the cycle?

    Fantasy Media & Devon’s Deep Dives

    Devon has been lost in The Stormlight Archive, an epic fantasy series spanning thousands of pages. (Check it out: Stormlight Archive). We talk about what got Devon into fantasy in the first place—The Name of the Wind and Red Rising—and how playing D&D shaped his storytelling.

    Speaking of books, Devon brings up Exturb1a’s poetry, which gets Ben way too excited. Then we take a detour into The Saxon Stories, which may not technically be fantasy, but Devon argues otherwise. We also discuss “The Nailed God” and its historical parallels. (More on The Saxon Stories)

    Steven is prepping to run a Mothership TTRPG session for Devon, Ben, and friends. He shares his process for session creation, and we get into how ChatGPT is surprisingly useful for game prep—and how AI might shape video games in the future. (Mothership TTRPG)

    Some Good AI / LLM Talk

    Ben has been experimenting with Notebook LM by Google, which is basically a 90% accurate study guide. But is that good enough? We also discuss Dropout TV, Cartoon Hell, and the weird world of AI in everyday life—like how Steven had to sign an AI release just to get pet healthcare?!

    Ben compares all of this to that chaotic Invader Zim episode, "Play The Tape!" and quickly plugs Becky Chambers’ To Be Taught If Fortunate. (Check it out here).

  • Episode 542: The Good, the Bad, and the Quadruply Identical Armadillo

    Episode 542: The Good, the Bad, and the Quadruply Identical Armadillo

    · Science Faction Podcast

    Real Life
    Devon is gearing up for a trip to Barcelona in April, planning a Friday-to-Wednesday itinerary. The big question: is it worth it? We’ll see how he weighs the travel time, costs, and must-see sights against the trip’s duration.

    Meanwhile, Steven has been deep in Sonic nostalgia. He picked up a remake of Sonic the Hedgehog from the original Sega on the Switch, only to find his oldest daughter struggling with its difficulty. Ben suggests they try Sonic Adventure from the Sega Dreamcast era, but Steven is skeptical. On top of that, they’ve watched the first two Sonic movies—but Steven refuses to pay to see Sonic 3. Also, a side note from parenting life: manage expectations when handing kids new electronics. In other news, Steven has started learning Latin on Duolingo and already has thoughts—mostly about the overwhelming number of ads.

    Ben has been learning some unexpected rat facts since his son got new pet rats. Steven, from prior experience, warns that they don’t have the longest lifespans. Speaking of things taking a dark turn, Ben draws a comparison to the game Heavy Rain, where a child finds a dead bird—definitely a tonal shift from Super Mario Brothers.

    Future or Now
    Ben revisited Star Trek: Section 31 and had a moment of deep reflection—too deep, according to Steven. Is Section 31 aimed at 11-year-olds? Are the plot holes too much? Devon steps in to explain Section 31 to Steven, who—by his own admission—is a Star Trek dummy. Meanwhile, Ben is also reading Star Trek: Discovery: Die Standing for even more Trek content. If you're curious, check it out on Goodreads.

    Devon drops an incredible animal fact: the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is the only vertebrate that always gives birth to identical quadruplets. Every single time. Scientists still aren’t sure why this happens, but it’s a fascinating mystery of biology. Read more on IFL Science and Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

    Steven, meanwhile, has been thinking about water scarcity and the challenges we might face in the near future. He calls it "Not a Drop to Drink" and shares an article which you can read here.

    Book Club
    Next Week: We’re diving into Burning Chrome by William Gibson. If you’ve ever wanted to jack into the Toronto construct matrix, this is the time. Gibson, often credited with popularizing the term "cyberspace," helped define cyberpunk as a genre. Burning Chrome prefigures his famous novel Neuromancer and introduces one of the first literary computer hackers. Unfortunately, the story isn’t available online, but you can find it in the Burning Chrome short story collection.

    This Week: We discussed "Fondly Fahrenheit" by Alfred Bester. Bester, best known for The Demolished Man, was a unique figure in Golden Age sci-fi—not just a visionary storyteller, but also an incredible writer. "Fondly Fahrenheit" is a dark, gripping short story about a servile android-robot that turns murderous. What makes it unforgettable is the way Bester plays with language, shifting perspective and structure in ways that make the writing an essential part of the story itself. If you haven’t read it, you can find it on Goodreads or read it online here. Be warned: it’s a dark one, featuring a serial killer narrative that may not be suitable for younger readers.

    That’s it for this week—see you next time for more real-life updates, sci-fi debates, and deep dives into classic literature!

  • Episode 541: Give it the Ol' Singularity!

    Episode 541: Give it the Ol' Singularity!

    · Science Faction Podcast

    This episode contains: Steven is under the weather and Devon had to run fast for Sonic 3. Ben’s making his way through the Knuckles TV show (lots of bowling in this one) before seeing the absolute zaniness turned up to 11 of Sonic 3. Do y’all remember “Dumb Running Sonic” on Tumblr? Devon recommends Jury Duty (Amazon Prime): Imagine a prank show where everyone’s an actor
 except one guy. Chaos ensues. Devon says it’s a must-watch, as is The Wild Robot. It’s all about nature, death, and a reminder that “nature is real.” Production babies galore! Ben explains how he got a Virtual Boy emulator on his 3DS, while Steven has been reading the book Filter World. Ben’s also been playing GRIP Combat Racing, which is kinda like Mario Kart if you prefer ecstasy to mushrooms. You can get it for free right now from Amazon Gaming. Devon’s contemplating getting Mario Maker, but then he’d have to get a Switch and that’s, like, a lot of work, man


    Dumb Running Sonic: https://dumbrunningsonic.tumblr.com/

    3DS Virtual Boy Emulator: https://github.com/skyfloogle/red-viper

    Filterworld: https://www.kylechayka.com/filterworld

    My Video Went Viral. Here's Why: Veritasium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHsa9DqmId8

    Tokyo Override: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32581509/

    GRIP Combat Racing on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/396900/GRIP_Combat_Racing/

    GRIP Combat Racing on Amazon Gaming: https://gaming.amazon.com/grip-gog/dp/amzn1.pg.item.d2358a22-76ef-4c8a-aa76-17b9a10543f5?ingress=amzn

    Future or Now:

    The Magic Schoolbus meets Rick and Morty: Ben recommends WTF 101 from Dropout TV. A quartet of kids in detention are schooled by an eccentric and sometimes cynical teacher who takes them on often horrifying field trips with the help of a time-traveling/teleporting/shrinking device. Their travels take them face to face with nature's most ruthless parasites, humanity's dumbest failed inventions, and much, much more. If WTF 101 had just made up all of these lessons, it'd still be a funny watch thanks to the clever storytelling, fast-paced plot, and punched-up dialogue. But it's the fact that the show seeks to educate audiences on real-world factoids that gives it that extra shine. It’s hilarious, gross, weird, profane, and mostly true! It is NOT FOR KIDS and very much NSFW. Devon reflects on debates between theists and atheists. Why does evil exist? Maybe the animal kingdom knows.

    Watch the first episode for free on Youtube (The Gruesome Truth About Parasites): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aZVgyUlSng

    Check out the entire series on Dropout: https://www.dropout.tv/wtf-101



    Burn it all down: Steven presents a groundbreaking study that reveals RNA — not DNA — might trigger sunburns. Sunburn has traditionally been attributed to UV-induced DNA damage. However, a new study by the University of Copenhagen and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, reveals that RNA, another vital cellular molecule, plays a major role in triggering acute sunburn reactions.

    Read more at Sciene Daily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250117112413.htm

    Now for something a little more cheerful from Devon: Quantum suicide and immortality, a thought experiment exploring the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. The experiment involves repeatedly engaging in an activity with a 50/50 chance of death, with the idea that consciousness will always exist in the universe where the individual survives. Ben is reminded of the short film “One-Minute Time Machine” where a man repeatedly uses a time machine to retry a conversation with a woman, but what happens in the realities he leaves behind?

    More on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_suicide_and_immortality

    One-Minute Time Machine on Youtube: https://youtu.be/CXhnPLMIET0



    “Book Club”:

    This week: Philip K. Dick's short story "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” (1966). The story follows Douglas Quail, a man obsessed with Mars who seeks out a company to implant fake memories of a Martian trip. It’s very different from the 1990 film adaptation of Total Recall, the film's action-oriented approach was very different from the story's focus on psychological elements. Is remembering something the same as living it? “I remember recording a good podcast once.” “Steven, we’ve never recorded a good podcast.”

    Read it here: https://philosophy.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/We%20Can%20Remember%20It%20for%20You%20Wholesale%20-%20Philip%20K.%20Dick.pdf

    Next week: Alfred Bester’s Fondly Fahrenheit. Though the story's disturbing premise—that a servile android-robot could turn on its human superiors and commit murder—was probably radical at the time, without Bester's way with words, Fondly Fahrenheit wouldn't have become the classic science fiction short story that it is today. It's still cited as one of the best sci-fi stories ever.

    Read it here: http://www.sfsfss.com/stories2/Bester,%20Alfred%20-%20Fondly%20Fahrenheit%20v1.0.htm

  • Episode 540: Coins, Consequences, and Coverage Denied

    Episode 540: Coins, Consequences, and Coverage Denied

    · Science Faction Podcast
    REAL LIFE

    Devon:
    We celebrated Nolan's Mario-themed birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's, and it was pure Mario madness—even down to LEGO sets! At home, we dove into the SNES Classic, revisiting classics like Super Mario World and Mario Kart. Speaking of Mario Kart, Ben has a lot of thoughts about kart racing games. Oh, and let's not forget Super Metroid made a cameo in our gaming nostalgia.

    Steven:
    Exciting news! We're now on YouTube! Check out The Science Faction Podcast for all our latest episodes and content. Also, Steven got his hands on the 5-disc Complete Collector's Edition of Blade Runner. Talk about sci-fi collector goals!

    Ben:
    Ben's been under the weather—boo! But that meant more movie time—yay! He's here to defend rewatching so-called "terrible" films like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. But hey, the Indiana Jones videogame nails the adventure vibe. Steven couldn't agree more—there's nothing better than punching Nazis! Also, fun fact: The Matrix reused sets from Dark City, which Roger Ebert loved so much he even recorded commentary tracks for it. And yes, both Ben and Devon admit to falling asleep during The Phantom Menace... in theaters. Oops!

    FUTURE OR NOW

    Ben:
    "The Buddhists Know How to Party" might sound like an odd statement, but Ben dives into the Five Remembrances of the Buddha, a reflection on aging, illness, and impermanence. It really got Devon thinking about Stoicism. Curious? You can read them here:

    I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.

    I am of the nature to have ill-health. There is no way to escape having ill-health.

    I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.

    All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.

    My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground on which I stand.

    Steven:
    Steven brings up a serious topic: the insurance crisis in California. State Farm is pulling out of the state due to restrictions on raising rates, leaving them unable to cover major disasters like the LA fires. They currently have about $3 billion, but with an estimated $4 billion needed for payouts, this gap could lead to insolvency. Who's at fault—the state for blocking rate hikes or the companies for not adjusting sooner? Steven urges us not to "Luigi the wrong people" in this situation.

    BOOK CLUB

    This Week:
    We took a deep dive into Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" from The Wind's Twelve Quarters. You can read it here. Ben found it "super fascinating," while Devon unpacked its core themes: a utopia sustained by the suffering of one child and the moral quandary of staying or walking away. Ben summed it up with, "The terror of not knowing keeps people away." Also, Devon joked that Omelas could just be Salem spelled backward—thanks, Oregon road signs! Devon also mused, "Ethics cannot be logically discerned."

    Next Week:
    Get ready for Philip K. Dick's "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale" (1966). Here's a PDF. And no, Devon—you can't just watch Total Recall instead!

  • Montre plus