Galaxies and Goddesses: A Sci-Fi & Fantasy Bookcast

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth revisit reading goals and New Year's resolutions set back in January. They check in on their 26 in 2026 reading lists, compare mid-year reading stats, and share the books that have stood out most so far this year. They also talk about the challenge of choosing what to read next, the freedom to put down books that aren't working, and h...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth discuss Foundation and Empire, the second book in Isaac Asimov's Foundation trilogy. They explore the novel's central question: can one person change the course of history? Along the way, they examine psychohistory, Bayta's role as a standout female character, Asimov's concise writing style, and why Foundation and Empire felt like a s...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth discuss the complicated world of book covers and how first impressions shape our reading expectations. From romantasy trends and movie tie-in editions to mass market paperbacks, special editions, and social media influence, they explore whether anyone can truly avoid judging a book by its cover. Along the way, they share stories about...

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 c...

On this week’s episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, join Andrea and Elizabeth as they share their Independent Bookstore Day adventures on a bookish road trip through cozy indie bookshops in Bozeman and Livingston to an unexpected stop in West Yellowstone. They talk about the bookstores they visited, books they picked up, and the unique experiences that made each shop special, from discounts and staf...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses , we explore the lasting influence of J. R. R. Tolkien on modern fantasy and beyond. From shaping iconic tropes in The Lord of the Rings to inspiring authors like R. F. Kuang and Christopher Paolini, Tolkien’s impact spans generations. We also discuss the Hero's Journey as a timeless storytelling framework and how it plays into the Lord of the Rings. At th...

Join Andrea and Elizabeth as they discuss The Return of the King , the epic conclusion to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings , highlighting standout moments, character arcs, and what makes the ending memorable. They compare book and film differences, while emphasizing the book’s quieter moments and added history. They focus on Aragorn’s kingship revealed through the House of Healing, Éowyn’s confi...

In this special one year anniversary episode of Galaxies and Goddesses , we’re reflecting on our favorite moments from the past year of podcasting, how our reading habits have evolved, and the books that have shaped our journey. Instead of looking back at our top reads, we’re each adding three intentional picks to our TBR: a highly anticipated sci-fi or fantasy book, a wild card outside our usual...

Andrea and Elizabeth continue their journey through The Lord of the Rings with The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien. With the Fellowship scattered, the story suddenly expands across Middle-earth, following Merry and Pippin’s unexpected role in the fall of Isengard, Aragorn and the Riders of Rohan at Helm’s Deep, and Frodo and Sam’s increasingly complex relationship with Gollum. Along the way, they dis...

Join Andrea and Elizabeth as they explore the remarkable friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, including their Oxford writing groups, shared faith, as documented in the graphic novel biography The Mythmakers by John Hendrix. They discuss how belief, war, and literary community shaped The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, then pivot to memoirs and the power of telling your...

Andrea and Elizabeth dive into J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, comparing it to The Hobbit and the film adaptations while unpacking Tolkien’s themes of power, temptation, fellowship, and endurance. They discuss differences in pacing, tone, and character development, reflect on first-time versus reread experiences, and consider how reading The Hobbit first adds emotional depth. The conv...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses , Andrea and Elizabeth dive into the trilogies they are currently reading and eagerly anticipating. They discuss Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, Callie Hart’s Brimstone , and Colson Whitehead’s Harlem Trilogy, while exploring what makes the three book structure so compelling for readers. From historical fiction to fantasy, they reflect on the joy of committing...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth revisit J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, diving into a spoiler-light discussion for new and returning readers. They reflect on personal reading experiences, explore Tolkien’s world building, songs, and maps, and compare the book to the movie adaptations. Join them as they share nostalgia, laugh at the dragon’s antics, and discuss why The...

In this Season Two kickoff episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth look back at their Top 10 books of 2025, spanning sci-fi, fantasy, romantasy, literary fiction, and standout nonfiction that reads like fiction. From epic, immersive reads and thought-provoking classics to surprising favorites and an audiobook honorable mention, they reflect on reading habits, bookish stats, and wha...

Andrea and Elizabeth dive into their December book pick, Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao. This listener voted book pick made it to the second round of the Goodreads Choice Awards, is discussed in detail, including its synopsis and thematic elements. The story follows Hana Ishikawa, the new owner of a mystical pawn shop in Tokyo, as she embarks on a journey to find her missing father. The hosts...

Andrea and Elizabeth delve into the world of novellas, discussing the defining characteristics of a novella and the blurry line where it becomes a novel. They share their favorite short reads of the past month, including Automatic Noodle , The Outsiders , and Amsterdam . The episode also highlights Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol , exploring its cultural impact, the accuracy of its numerous ada...

Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Becky Chambers’ solarpunk novella Psalm for the Wild-Built and explore its themes of hope, utopia, and relatable self-discovery. They discuss Sibling Dex’s journey, the meaning of sentience, and how solarpunk reimagines sustainable futures in science fiction. Episode Chapters 00:00 A Psalm for the Wild-Built 00:55 Understanding Solarpunk 01:57 Initial Impressions 05:...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into the age-old debate of borrowing versus buying books. They discuss their personal experiences, motivations, and the joy of owning or sharing books. Highlights include anecdotes about book fairs, the allure of special editions, independent bookstores, and the ethical considerations of supporting authors and local businesses. T...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses , Andrea and Elizabeth dive into When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker, a sweeping romantasy filled with dragons, magic, and mystery. They unpack the novel’s intricate world building, discuss what defines epic fantasy versus romantasy, and share their first impressions, including how this hefty book compares to War and Peace in sheer size. From the prot...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses , Andrea and Elizabeth lean into spooky season. They discuss their favorite books featuring witches, vampires, and other supernatural elements. Andrea shares her thoughts on The Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli, a YA book focused on witches, while Elizabeth reflects on reading Carrie, Stephen King's debut novel. They also touch on the history of Hall...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth delve into Ursula K. Le Guin's sci-fi classic The Dispossessed. They discuss major themes such as privacy, identity, societal structure, and capitalism vs. socialism, exploring how these themes remain relevant today. They examine how Le Guin's world-building brings new perspectives on familiar societal norms and reflects on how the bo...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth recap their Summer Book Bingo Challenge, discussing their favorite reads and the books that stood out to them. Elizabeth proudly shares her three bingos, while Andrea talks about edging out a single bingo with a bit of strategic shuffling. Both highlight the works that contributed to their wins, including discussions on titles like By...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, join Andrea and Elizabeth as they recap Andrea’s recent experience at WorldCon 2025 in Seattle. They delve into the Hugo Awards, explaining their significance and highlighting the 2025 winners in categories like Best Novel, Best Novella, and Best Series. The episode also covers what makes a book a sci-fi or fantasy classic, mentioning influential books fr...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses , Andrea and Elizabeth delve into Sangu Mandanna's cozy fantasy novel The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches . They explore how main character Mika Moon connects to their lunar theme for the year, the heartwarming found family at the center of the story, and how trust takes time to build. They touch upon the 'twee' aesthetic of the book, comparing it...

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, hosts Andrea and Elizabeth dive into the sub-genre of Dark Academia, discussing its key elements.. They talk about essential Dark Academia characteristics such as elite academic settings, gothic elements, and intellectual pursuits, citing examples like ‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt and TV shows like ‘Wednesday’. The hosts discuss the allure of magic...