James Payne

Journey Through Sci-Fi: A Science Fiction Film Podcast

Tv EN ↓ 190 episodes

A sci-fi film podcast where two hosts pair movies to explore how science-fiction cinema evolved. Each episode connects two films (often from completely different eras) to uncover how sci-fi ideas, themes and storytelling have changed over time. From Metropolis to Dune, The Terminator to Ex Machina, Journey Through Sci-Fi explores the history of science fiction through smart, unexpected pairings.🎧 New episodes every other Thursday

Author

James Payne

Category

Tv

Podcast website

www.journeythroughscifi.com

Latest episode

Jun 24, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Fantastic Voyage (1966) & Innerspace (1987): Attack of the Tiny Tourists 07.05.2025

Two films. One mind-blowing concept: what if you could go  inside the body? This episode, we explore the micro-madness of Fantastic Voyage (1966) and Innerspace (1987) - two very different takes on internal exploration. From high-concept sci-fi to comedic calamity, we look at how the trope of the shrunken scientist has mutated through the decades. Want to watch the classics we're chatting about on...

Bride of Frankenstein (1935) & Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994): Monstrous Mates 24.04.2025

It's alllliiiiiiiive!...again This week, we continue our journey through mad science examining two continuations of the Frankentesin cinematic legacy: James Whale's Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and Kenneth Branagh's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994). We delve into how Whale's Gothic flair and camp sensibility redefined the story, while Branagh's Shakespearean touch added tragic depth and a fair s...

Dr. Strangelove (1964) & Young Frankenstein (1974): Satirising Mad Science 09.04.2025

This week on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we examine how Stanley Kubrick's Doctor Strangelove (1964) and Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein (1974). cleverly parody the mad scientist archetype. Whether it's triggering global catastrophe or reanimating the dead, these films remind us that playing god can lead to comedic—and catastrophic—consequences. Want to watch the iconic films we're discussing on the po...

The Absent-Minded Professor (1961) & The Nutty Professor (1963): Swinging Scientists of the '60s 27.03.2025

​ In this episode, we take a comedic detour into 60s sci-fi as we revisit Disney's "The Absent-Minded Professor" and Jerry Lewis' "The Nutty Professor." From gravity-defying Flubber to the egotistical Buddy Love, we unpack how these eccentric inventors helped shape the mad scientist archetype. Expect flying cars, chaotic labs, and a surprising amount of heart as we explore the cultural legacy of t...

Mickey 17, The Electric State & Daredevil Born Again: Future Frontiers 20.03.2025

Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17 is here—but can it live up to the hype? Meanwhile, Netflix drops The Electric State with a mind-blowing $250M budget… and audiences aren't impressed. Plus, Daredevil: Born Again gets brutal, The End gives us a sci-fi musical, and we dig into Wheel of Time season 3. All that, plus listener questions!  (Oh, and gold star if you catch Matt's cat's podcast cameo) Want to be a...

Eyes Without a Face (1960) & The Skin I Live In (2011): Sinister Surgeons & Stolen Skin 13.03.2025

When science and obsession collide. We break down Eyes Without a Face (1960) and The Skin I Live In (2011), two chilling films about stolen faces, extreme body modifications, and the horror of losing yourself—literally. With guest Mike Muncer ( Evolution of Horror ), we discuss mad scientists, surgical nightmares, and the disturbing legacy of these two films. Want to watch the films we're covering...

The Man with Two Brains (1983) & The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962): Love, Lust & Loose Brains 27.02.2025

From The Brain That Wouldn't Die 's predatory surgeon to The Man with Two Brains 's lusty neurosurgeon, mad science films often mix unethical experiments with unchecked libido. We examine how these films handle (or fail to handle) their problematic gender dynamics and how exploitation cinema shaped the portrayal of scientists on screen. Visit our website  https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email...

The Fly (1957) & The Fly (1986): When Science Turns to Horror 13.02.2025

This week, we're discussing The Fly —both the 1958 and 1986 versions—to talk about teleportation experiments gone very, very wrong. From the old-school murder mystery of the original to Cronenberg's stomach-churning body horror, we dissect what makes these films ultimate mad science nightmares. Listen now... before your DNA gets scrambled Visit our website  https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Ema...

Dune: Prophecy, Star Trek: Section 31, Captain America & More 06.02.2025

We're back with our sci-fi check-in! This month, we dive into Dune: Prophecy , K raven , and Wallace & Gromit's latest adventure (yes, really). We also break down new releases, including Star Trek: Section 31 , Companion , and Captain America: Brave New World . Plus, we debate whether Mary Poppins is secretly sci-fi and answer your listener mail! 🛸💥 🎧 Tune in now – and yes, Matt still hasn't wa...

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) & The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957): When Science Gets Small 30.01.2025

What happens when science makes you way too small? This week, we're diving into accidental shrinking in sci-fi, from the eerie existential crisis of The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957) to the backyard-sized adventure of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989). Join us as we explore the thrills, fears, and fun of shrinking stories—why they captivate us, what they say about our place in the universe, and wh...

Jurassic Park (1993) & The Man in the White Suit (1951): Science for Sale 16.01.2025

From high-tech fabric to genetically engineered dinos, we discuss The Man in the White Suit (1951) and Jurassic Park (1993), as Mad Science meets commerce in this weeks episode. What happens when groundbreaking inventions threaten the balance of power—and profits? We explore the ethical dilemmas, corporate greed, and unintended consequences behind these sci-fi classics.  Visit our website https://...

Severance Season 1 Recap: Theories, Spoilers & Unpacked Secrets 02.01.2025

Get ready to step back into the office… if you dare! With  Severance season 2 just around the corner, we're releasing our deep dive into the mind-bending first series! While we enjoy our festive break (before reality and work hit), this spoiler-filled recap is the perfect refresher for all you fans gearing up for more Lumon Industries intrigue. We unpack the sci-fi thriller that had everyone buzzi...

Dr. Cyclops (1940) & Downsizing (2017): Tiny Terrors 05.12.2024

This week on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we're tackling the science of shrinking with two unique takes on mad experiments. First, the technicolor terror of Dr. Cyclops (1940), where a power-mad scientist shrinks his colleagues to doll-sized proportions. Then, the satirical Downsizing (2017), where miniaturization is pitched as a solution to society's woes—with some bizarre twists. Join us as we explo...

Kraven the Hunter, Sonic 3, Star Wars Skeleton Crew: Future Frontiers 02.12.2024

It's Christmaaaaas! (well almost). This episode, we're unwrapping December's sci-fi and genre releases —  Kraven the Hunter , The Lord Of The Rings:The War of the Rohirrim , Sonic 3 , Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and  Squid Game: Season 2 . Plus, we're talking festive sci-fi classics, sharing what we've been watching, and answering your big questions. It's a jam-packed sleigh ride through all things s...

Darkman (1990) & The Invisible Ray (1936): Supervillains & Antiheroes 21.11.2024

This week on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we're disussing a couple of scientists who lose the plot thanks to their own experiments. First up, it's a 1930s classic— The Invisible Ray (1936)—where Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi team up for a tale of cosmic rays, glowing death touches, and some tense scientific rivalry. Then, we fast-forward to Sam Raimi's Darkman (1990), where Liam Neeson stars as a disf...

Doctor X (1932) & Time After Time (1979): Time-Traveling Killers & Synthetic Flesh 07.11.2024

In this week's episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we're taking a look into the minds of scientists on the trail of killers and unraveling the mysterious motives of mad doctors! Join us as we explore Doctor X (1932), directed by Michael Curtiz. The pre-Code thriller in which Dr. Xavier and his team of scientists search for the notorious "Moon Killer." Then, we fast-forward to  Time After Time (1979...

Sci-Fi Buzz – Dune: Prophecy, Megalopolis & Venom 3 04.11.2024

In this month's Future Frontiers bonus episode, we're diving into the sci-fi screenings we caught in October and sharing our thoughts on Megalopolis , Joker: Folie à Deux , Venom 3: The Last Dance , The Wild Robot , and Transformers One . We're also spotlighting our indie pick for November, Things Will Be Different , directed by Michael Felker, a frequent collaborator of Benson and Moorhead. Looki...

Island of Lost Souls (1932) & The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996): Mad Experiments On & Off Screen 24.10.2024

This week on Journey Through Sci-Fi , we cover another of H.G. Wells' works brought to the big screen— The Island of Dr. Moreau —and examine two film adaptations:  Island of Lost Souls (1932) and The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996).   One is a haunting masterpiece from the 1930s, known for its eerie atmosphere and groundbreaking makeup effects, while the other is infamous for its chaotic production, b...

The Invisible Man - From Classic Horror to Modern Thriller (1933 & 2020) 10.10.2024

On this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we cover The Invisible Man from the father of sci-fi himself ,H.G. Wells. We're tackling both the 1933 classic movie directed by James Whale and the 2020 modern reimagining from Leigh Whannell. From groundbreaking special effects to intense psychological horror, we explore how this sci-fi mad scientist evolved across the decades.  Visit our website  https...

Looking Ahead - October's Biggest Sci-Fi & Your Questions Answered 03.10.2024

This week, we're kicking off a brand-new monthly special on the podcast— Future Frontiers ! Join us as we gaze into the crystal ball of October to uncover all the exciting sci-fi coming your way!  We'll be diving into the month's lineup on both our main feed and Patreon so you can get a head start on your film homework! We'll keep you up to date with the latest movies hitting cinemas in October an...

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde - The First Split Personality (1912 & 1931) 26.09.2024

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we dive into the cinematic history of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde . From the early 1912 silent film to the groundbreaking 1931 adaptation, we explore how filmmakers brought Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story to life on screen. We'll break down the incredible visual effects, dive into the pre-code era's bold storytelling, and discuss why this tale of good...

Journey Through Sci-Fi: Mad Science (Trailer) 12.09.2024

Welcome to Journey Through Sci-Fi , the science fiction film podcast that explores the history and meaning of sci-fi cinema, one theme at a time. Hosted by (us!)  James and Matt , two lifelong movie fans, the show takes a closer look at the films, directors, and ideas that shaped science fiction - from Metropolis to The Matrix , Blade Runner to The Fly . Each series focuses on a different sci-fi s...

Frankenstein on Film - From 1910's Silent Horror to the 1931 Classic 12.09.2024

Join us on a new journey through sci-fi as we dive into the sub genre of  Mad Science . In our first episode, we explore Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , often seen as the first science fiction novel. We'll discuss Shelley's inspirations and examine two early film adaptations: the 1910 silent film and the iconic 1931 version by James Whale and Universal pictures. Discover how these adaptations shaped...

5 Years of Sci-Fi: Introducing Our New Series & September Lineup 22.08.2024

We're celebrating 5 years of Journey Through Sci-Fi with some big news! In this special episode, we're unveiling our next subgenre for the podcast and teasing what's coming up on the main podcast and over on Patreon this September.  Needless to say, we've got an incredible selection of sci-fi films and TV to dive into and can't wait for you to join us for the next Journey Through Sci-Fi.  Visit ou...

Space Opera Series Wrap-Up - Celebrating the Best of the Genre 09.05.2024

After 27 episodes and 54 films and TV shows, we've finally reached the conclusion of our epic series on Space Opera! To celebrate, we're recapping it all with the Journey Through Sci-Fi awards show, where we dish out some well-deserved awards to our favorite films and shows from this series. We'll reflect on what we've learned along the way and share some of the highlights that made this journey s...

Listen to the Journey Through Sci-Fi: A Science Fiction Film Podcast podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.