Tales From The Bridge

Have you ever hummed Darth Vader's Imperial March as your Mother-in-Law approached? In this episode, we go deep-geek with Erik Woods , host of the Cinematic Radio Podcast . We learn about your favourite soundtracks and get a peek behind the curtain at what goes into them. Make sure to check out the Cinematic Sound Radio Network and their slate of great programming. You can always find more Ta...

In this episode, we sit down with author, journalist, and translator, Sue Burke . She is well known for her acclaimed science fiction novels Semiosis (2018) and its sequel, Interference (2019). Sue is a Clarion workshop alumnus and has published over thirty short stories. We cover plenty of ground in our discussion; from alien plant-sentience to feminism in sci-fi. It was a great conversation and...

In this episode, we sit down with writer, storyteller, and podcaster Damien Walter .  A graduate of the Clarion sci-fi writer’s workshop at UCSD, and host of the Science Fiction podcast .  We talk about what science fiction has been, what it is becoming, and its greater impact on the high-ground of our global culture. We also discuss the myths propping up many of the ideas behind hard-science fict...

In this episode, we review 2312 by renowned sci-fi author Kim Stanley Robinson .  As always, we've got the latest science news on Science Fiction - Science Fact , where we consider a sun shield for Mars and moving to the Moon. We also give away a Death Star toaster in our trivia segment, so make sure to hang in until the end! Do you want to help out with the podcast?  Do us a solid, and rate...

In this episode, we sit down with best-selling author,  Daniel H. Wilson to talk about our future robot overlords.  We cover his writing process and advances in AI and robotic technology. With a Ph. D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University, Daniel brings a level of probability to his angry robots that will leave you treating your Roomba with a little more respect.    Daniel H. Wilson is the...

Are you into board games?  We are living in a board game renaissance and as a result, the field has gotten pretty crowded.  Join us as we sit down with a special guest, Ryan The Tabletop Guy.   A walking board game-encyclopedia, Ryan shares his extensive knowledge, and we discover that there is much to learn.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode and hopefully, we introduce you to a new favour...

Join us as we sit down with sci-fi, urban fantasy, and horror author, Seanan McGuire . Not only is Seanan an award-winning writer, but she is also the owner of 3,000 My Little Ponies, the ex-owner of a tapeworm, and an advance scout for a hostile alien race of plant people. We promise that you will enjoy every course of this podcast meal. Make sure to stop by seananmcguire.com to discover some gre...

On this episode of TFTB, we review Ancestral Night by acclaimed science fiction and fantasy author Elizabeth Bear .  Ancestral Night is a Space Opera in the new vein that covers psychology,  politics, diversity, artificial intelligence, and still manages to include space pirates. It's quite a ride and we have plenty to talk about. In 'Science-Fiction, Science-Fact' we consider the p...

Join us as we sit down with the one and only Jim Al-Khalili as we discuss Earth's overdue magnetic pole switch, promising dark matter theories and concepts,  his experience writing the science fiction novel, Sunfall , and much more. Jameel Sadik "Jim" Al-Khalili is a theoretical physicist, author, and broadcaster. He is also a professor of theoretical physics and Chair at the Univer...

On this episode of TFTB, we sit down with acclaimed science fiction and fantasy author Elizabeth Bear .  Elizabeth shares her thoughts on world-building and representation in sci-fi. We also look at government as technology and righting your mind. As a bonus, we also hear our favorite definition yet of what constitutes a space opera. It is all listening-time well spent. You can always find more ep...

On this episode of TFTB, we sit down with science fiction author, scientist & transparency/internet security expert, David Brin . A fascinating conversation that will leave you just a little bit smarter and ready for your next Zoom dinner party. You can always find more episodes on our website , you can also find us on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook to see what is happening on The Bridge....

In this episode, we review The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin. On Science Fiction - Science Fact we look at mining in space and what it looks like to put regular people in orbit. We also announce our next book of the month (it's a good one) and test your Terminator knowledge. You can always find more episodes on our website , you can also find us on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook to see wh...

In this episode, we talk with author Greg Bear and discuss many things from his early involvement with the Halo franchise to pandemics in his science fiction novels. We also hear about his favourite TV shows and get some deep insight into his theistic experiences and opinions. For more Greg Bear visit gregbear.com You can always find more episodes on our website , you can also find us on Twitter ,...

On this episode of TFTB , we review Denis Villeneuve 's Dune! It's okay... Just kidding, it's a cinematic feat, and our panel of Dune pundits takes you through it all. We cover the film, the books, and the strange dependence on swords in a universe filled with lasers. We also discover Tristan's animosity towards another sci-fi franchise that has us wondering how well we really...

On this episode of TFTB, we sit down with journalist, activist, and science fiction author Cory Doctorow .  In this sprawling conversation, we cover techno-politics,  good exposition,  and the absurdity of watching Justin Trudeau marching with Greta Thunberg... against his own policies. For more, check out Cory's website and blog: at https://craphound.com/ You can always find more episodes on...

All of us at TFTB podcast attended FanExpo Canada recently and wanted to share our experience. From meeting William Shatner (twice?) to hosting three different panels with authors like Karl Schroeder and Peter Watts, we all had a lot to talk about.  At one of our panels we had an open conversation with audience members and everyone had the chance to recommend their favourite books, TV shows and mo...

In this episode of TFTB, we review  Shards of Earth , an ambitious new space opera from one of our favorite authors, Adrian Tchaikovsky.  In Science Fiction - Science Fact, we meet the kind of AI robot that you can introduce to your Mom (and not worry about it enslaving her). We also discuss some of the other books that we're reading and dig into some Star Trek trivia.   You can always find m...

On this episode of TFTB, we sit down with Sci-Fi and Fantasy author Adrian Tchaikovsky.  We look at how faster than light travel has an impact on story-telling. We also meet some disaffected insects and discuss the trouble with Dune. A prolific author with world-building skills that leave his readers in awe, this conversation does not disappoint.   You can always find more episodes on our website...

On this episode of TFTB, our 4 hosts will step into a sci-fi trivia ring of fire, but only one will leave in glory.  Categories include, but are not restricted to; Dune, Film & TV, Books, and Cartoons from the 80's. The winner will claim bragging rights, and the wrong kind of street-cred.  You can always find more episodes on our website , you can also find us on Twitter , Instagram , and...

On this episode of TFTB, we review John Scalzi's amazing debut novel,  Old Man's War . On Science Fiction - Science Fact , Kevin takes us through Dogecoin and space billboards. Marty and Sam rave about Loki , and then we test your Star Wars knowledge with some Han Solo trivia. You can always find more episodes on our website , you can also find us on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook to...

We have a twofer for you in this episode. We sit down with Hollywood Director, Producer, Writer and Animator, Neill Blomkamp , and Hard-Sci-fi author Peter Watts . For this grand meeting of the minds, we cover space vampires, human extinction, the justification for sentience, and discover how a little bit of solipsism can lead to murder. Make sure to check out Oats Studios , for great online conte...

In this episode, Kevin, Marty, and Tristan sit down with science fiction author and futurist, Karl Schroeder . We discuss science fiction influences and current reads. In his latest novel Stealing Worlds , Karl creates an ambitious "near-future cyberpunk thriller about economic revolutionaries, surveillance capitalism, augmented-reality live-action role-playing, and burglary".  He also l...

On this episode of TFTB we review Andy Weir's latest book Project Hail Mary . You may have enjoyed Andy's last novel (and movie), The Martian , which was a big hit, and we will see if his follow-up meets the high standard he has set for himself. We also discuss billionaires in space, Batman, and The Court of Owls , and wind things up with some trivia. You can always find more episodes on...

In this episode, Tristan, Kevin, Sam, and Marty review The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet , by Becky Chambers .  This is the first book in the Hugo Award-winning 'Wayfairer' series that began life with a Kickstarter campaign and moved on to international acclaim.  On Science Fiction-Science Fact , Kevin covers the latest from DARPA , fission rockets, and supersonic air travel.  Marty...

Set aside some quality time for yourself, and dig into our feature-length interview with hard-science fiction author, Peter Watts . In this expansive discussion, we cover AI, split-brain personalities, mind links, a monkey with a fork in its head, and stories with real ideas in them. Are you listening to this on your commute? This episode will get you to work, and home again, and you'll be fo...