James Payne

Journey Through Sci-Fi: A Science Fiction Film Podcast

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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

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Episodes

How Time Travel Works: Time Travel Series Introduction 06.08.2020

Welcome back to Journey Through Sci-Fi . In this episode we begin our brand new series exploring one of science fiction's most popular subgenres: time travel . We discuss how time travel became such a powerful storytelling device in sci-fi and why filmmakers continue to return to the idea of travelling across the past and the future. Along the way we also preview some of the films we'll be coverin...

Space Exploration Series Recap: The Best of Space Cinema 04.06.2020

In the final episode of our Journey Through Space series, we look back at the incredible journey we've taken through the cosmos. Across the series we explored the many ways science fiction has imagined space — from early visions of travelling to the Moon to stories about alien contact, deep-space missions and humanity's future among the stars. In this episode we revisit some of our favourite films...

Star Trek: How Sci-Fi Shaped Our Vision of Space Exploration 28.05.2020

As we approach the end of our Journey Through Space series, we revisit the Star Trek universe to talk about one of the franchise's most important ideas: faster-than-light travel. In this episode we explore concepts like warp drive and wormholes , and how Star Trek has imagined humanity travelling vast distances across the galaxy. Along the way we discuss several classic episodes from across the fr...

DEVS Mini Series: Ending Explained and What It All Means (Ep 7 & 8) 26.05.2020

In this final episode of our DEVS mini-series, we dive into the gripping conclusion with Episodes 7 & 8. The mysteries unravel as we reach the endgame, where the true purpose of the DEVS program is revealed, and the characters face the ultimate consequences of their actions. What is the final truth that the series presents, and how does it challenge everything we've learned so far? Join us as we e...

Aniara (2018) & High Life (2018): Existential Space Journeys 21.05.2020

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore the darker side of the space subgenre. First we discuss Aniara (2018) , the Swedish sci-fi drama about a spaceship carrying refugees from Earth that is knocked off course and left drifting endlessly through space. Then we look at High Life (2018) , Claire Denis' unsettling film about prisoners sent on a deep-space mission toward a black hole....

DEVS Mini Series: Can We Alter the Course of Fate? (Ep 5 & 6) 19.05.2020

In this episode, we dive deeper into the intense and philosophical world of DEVS , focusing on Episodes 5 & 6. As the series reaches a critical point, we explore the profound questions it raises about fate, free will, and the consequences of ultimate knowledge. Join us as we unravel these complex themes and prepare for the approaching climax of the mini-series. CONTAINS SPOILERS Visit our website ...

DEVS Mini Series: How Deep Does the Rabbit Hole Go? (Ep 3 & 4) 14.05.2020

In this episode, we continue our journey into the complex and mysterious world of DEVS , focusing on Episodes 3 & 4. As the plot thickens, we delve deeper into the unsettling questions the series raises about reality, perception, and the consequences of uncovering the truth. How far will the characters go to reveal the secrets of the DEVS program, and can they handle what they discover? Join us as...

Gravity (2013) & The Martian (2015): Surviving the Final Frontier 07.05.2020

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we explore two films that focus on the challenge of surviving in space . First we discuss Gravity (2013) , Alfonso Cuarón's intense thriller about an astronaut stranded in orbit after a devastating accident. Then we look at The Martian (2015) , Ridley Scott's sci-fi adventure about an astronaut forced to survive alone on Mars using science and ingenuity....

DEVS Mini Series: What Is the True Purpose of the DEVS Program? Ep 1 & 2) 30.04.2020

It's a brand new Mini Series! In this episode, we begin our deep dive into the enigmatic and thought-provoking world of  DEVS , focusing on Episodes 1 & 2. We explore the mysterious tech company at the center of the story, unravel the intricate web of secrets and questions it presents, and discuss the show's exploration of fate, determinism, and the boundaries of technology. What is the true purpo...

Stargate (1994) & The Fountain (2006): Cosmic Gateways & Timeless Journeys 23.04.2020

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we venture into the realms of space and time . First we discuss Stargate (1994) , Roland Emmerich's sci-fi adventure about an ancient alien device that opens a portal to distant worlds. Then we explore The Fountain (2006) , Darren Aronofsky's ambitious and visually stunning film that blends science fiction, history and philosophy to tell a story about lo...

Interstellar (2014) & 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984): Continuing the Odyssey 16.04.2020

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we revisit the Odyssey in space. First we discuss 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984) , the sequel to 2001: A Space Odyssey , which follows a mission to Jupiter to uncover the truth behind the mysterious events of the original film. Then we explore Interstellar (2014) , Christopher Nolan's epic sci-fi journey through wormholes, black holes and distant...

Sunshine (2007) & The Wandering Earth (2019): Race to Save Humanity 09.04.2020

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we continue our exploration of the space subgenre by looking at two films where humanity must turn to space to survive. First we discuss Sunshine (2007) , Danny Boyle's sci-fi thriller about a mission to reignite the dying Sun. Then we explore The Wandering Earth (2019) , the Chinese blockbuster that imagines humanity moving the entire planet to escape a...

Event Horizon (1997) & Pandorum (2009): Terror in Deep Space 02.04.2020

The Horror of Deep Space In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we're joined by Mike Muncer from The Evolution of Horror podcast to explore the terrifying side of the space subgenre. First we discuss Event Horizon (1997) , the cult sci-fi horror film about a rescue mission to a spaceship that may have travelled somewhere far worse than deep space. Then we look at Pandorum (2009) , a psycholog...

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016): Episode in Lockdown 26.03.2020

In a special bonus 'lockdown' episode of the podcast James & Matt discuss Dan Trachtenberg's debut feature 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016), as voted for by listeners. CONTAINS FILM SPOILERS Visit our website  https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow us on  TWITTER Add us on  INSTAGRAM Like us on  FACEBOOK Follow us on  LETTERBOXD

Explorers (1985) & Contact (1997): Are We Alone? 19.03.2020

First Contact in Space Sci-Fi In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we continue our exploration of the space subgenre by looking at two films about humanity receiving signals from beyond Earth. First we discuss Explorers (1985) , Joe Dante's 80s sci-fi adventure about three kids who build a spacecraft after receiving mysterious messages in their dreams. Then we explore Contact (1997) , Rober...

Solaris (1972) & Europa Report (2013): Searching the Unknown 12.03.2020

The Mystery of Deep Space In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we continue our exploration of the space subgenre by looking at two films that tackle the mystery of deep space. First we discuss Solaris (1972) , Andrei Tarkovsky's philosophical sci-fi classic about a research station orbiting a planet with a mysterious intelligence. Then we explore Europa Report (2013) , a modern space missio...

Destination Moon (1950) & Apollo 13 (1995): From Fiction to Reality 05.03.2020

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we continue our exploration of the space subgenre by pairing Destination Moon (1950) with Apollo 13 (1995) . First we look at Destination Moon , one of the earliest sci-fi films to treat lunar travel with real scientific seriousness. Then we explore Apollo 13 , Ron Howard's gripping dramatization of the real-life NASA mission that turned into a fight for...

Woman in the Moon (1929) & Moon (2009): Secrets of the Moon 27.02.2020

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we continue our exploration of the space subgenre with two films that imagine journeys to the Moon from very different eras of cinema. First we look at Woman in the Moon (1929) — Fritz Lang's pioneering silent-era sci-fi film about a lunar expedition. Then we explore Moon (2009) , Duncan Jones' modern science-fiction drama about a solitary worker station...

A Trip to the Moon (1902): Launching Sci-Fi Cinema 20.02.2020

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , we begin a brand new series exploring one of the most iconic sci-fi subgenres: space . To kick things off, we go right back to the beginning of science-fiction cinema with A Trip to the Moon (1902) , Georges Méliès' groundbreaking silent film about a group of astronomers travelling to the Moon. Along the way we discuss the origins of the space genre, the...

Star Wars Finale - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) 09.01.2020

In a special bonus episode of the podcast James & Matt discuss Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) the final film in the Skywalker saga. Does it live up to the legacy of the franchise? or is it simply retracing the steps of the previous films? CONTAINS FILM SPOILERS Visit our website  https://www.journeythroughscifi.com/ Email Us! Follow us on  TWITTER Add us on  INSTAGRAM Like us on  FACEBOOK...

Artificial Intelligence Series Wrap-Up: Themes, Insights, and Impact 26.12.2019

In the final episode of their journey through Artificial Intelligence , James and Matt look back at everything they've discovered during the series. From rogue supercomputers and emotional androids to cyborg heroes and machine rebellions, artificial intelligence has produced some of the most fascinating ideas in science fiction. To celebrate the end of the series, they host the first ever Journey...

Star Trek's AI Icons - Data & The Doctor 19.12.2019

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , James and Matt delve into the Star Trek universe to explore two of the franchise's most iconic artificial intelligence characters: Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Doctor from Star Trek: Voyager . Through a selection of classic episodes, we examine how Star Trek has explored questions of AI consciousness, identity and the rights of artifi...

Ex Machina (2014) & Her (2013): The Emotional Turing Test 12.12.2019

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , James and Matt continue their Artificial Intelligence series by exploring two modern films that examine the emotional and philosophical side of AI. First we dive into Ex Machina (2014) , Alex Garland's chilling sci-fi thriller about testing the consciousness of a humanoid artificial intelligence. Then we explore Her (2013) , Spike Jonze's futuristic love...

Battlestar Galactica (2004) & Westworld (2016): AI Revolutions on TV 05.12.2019

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , James and Matt are joined by film and TV critic Rhianna Dhillon to explore two modern sci-fi television series with artificial intelligence at their centre. First we examine Battlestar Galactica (2004) , the acclaimed sci-fi drama about humanity's struggle for survival against the intelligent machines known as the Cylons. Then we dive into Westworld (201...

Uncanny (2015) & Zoe (2018): Love and Androids 28.11.2019

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi , James and Matt continue their Artificial Intelligence series by exploring two modern films about relationships between humans and artificial beings. First we examine Uncanny (2015) , a psychological sci-fi drama exploring whether a highly advanced android can truly pass as human. Then we explore Zoe (2018) , a near-future story about synthetic partners d...

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