Best Cosmic Circus Podcasts (2025)

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Superman Movie Review and the Future of James Gunn's DC Universe | The Cosmic Circle 1:15:24

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1d ago1:15:24

1:15:24

Host Uday discusses with Brian, Vic, and John the new SUPERMAN film starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult (with spoilers!)... The four also talk about James Gunn's handling of the DC univese so far, and hopes and concerns for the future of the DCU. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider supporting us by joining our Pa…

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Exclusive Interview: Matt Kurzyneic of 'Beetlejuice the Musical' 21:15

12h ago21:15

21:15

We're so excited that Beetlejuice the Musical is returning once again to Detroit in what may be one of our most anticipated shows for this coming Broadway in Detroit season! This hilarious show captures the zany energy of Tim Burton's vision, heightened through the addition of music and, of course, the comedy styling of a demon from hell! We recent…

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Episode 54 - Beneath the Surface: Uncovering M&A Risk with Guidance from‘Bread and Circuses’ 11:44

23h ago11:44

11:44

If there is one area in business where risk, opportunity, and culture collide, it is in mergers and acquisitions. The promise of new markets, talent, and technology is always balanced against the possibility of hidden liabilities, clashing values, and operational chaos. In the world of corporate compliance, no moment is more perilous or more reveal…

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Episode 53 - Starship Oversight: AI Governance Lessons from The Ultimate Computer 12:40

1d ago12:40

12:40

One of Star Trek’s enduring gifts to corporate compliance professionals is its willingness to ask: What happens when innovation runs ahead of governance? Nowhere is this question more provocatively posed than in the classic episode “The Ultimate Computer.” As we hurtle into an era where artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction but busin…

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Episode 52 - Five Cross-Cultural Compliance Lessons from “The Omega Glory” 13:17

2d ago13:17

13:17

As compliance professionals, we often talk about global organizations “boldly going” where few have gone before, into new markets, unfamiliar territories, and diverse cultures. But what happens when the culture you find is fundamentally different, yet disturbingly familiar? Star Trek’s “The Omega Glory” is one of the original series’ most controver…

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Exclusive Interview: Michelle Murphy of Tipping Point's 'Keeper' 32:53

3d ago32:53

32:53

There are many benefits to the performing arts, but one that speaks to me the most is the ability it gives us to reflect on ourselves and the lives we've lived. Whether it is through another's work or a piece that we've created ourselves, those involved can learn a great deal about themselves as they bring a performance to life on stage. Michelle M…

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Episode 51 - Breaking Barriers: Five Compliance Communication Strategies from ‘By Any Other Name’ 14:12

3d ago14:12

14:12

There may be no better pop culture exploration of compliance communication under pressure than Star Trek’s “By Any Other Name.” This episode, from Star Trek: The Original Series, places the crew of the Enterprise under the control of the Kelvans, alien beings with immense power, cold logic, and a total misunderstanding of what it means to be human.…

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Episode 50 - Five Ethics Lessons from ‘Patterns of Force’ for the Modern Compliance Professional 11:49

4d ago11:49

11:49

One of the defining strengths of Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) is its willingness to confront the thorniest questions of morality, leadership, and power. Few episodes tackle these issues as directly, or as provocatively, as “Patterns of Force.” For compliance professionals, “Patterns of Force” offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of co…

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Episode 49 - Compliance, Controls, and Cosmic Risks: What Return to Tomorrow Teaches About Risk Assessments 11:45

5d ago11:45

11:45

Few episodes of Star Trek TOS capture the perils and promise of risk assessments like “Return to Tomorrow,” the classic second-season adventure where Kirk and his crew face a literal mind-bending dilemma. For compliance professionals, “Return to Tomorrow” offers more than sci-fi drama. It serves as a blueprint for effective risk assessment, rich wi…

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Fantastic Four's Iconic Comic Runs and Movie Inspirations | Cosmic Circus Comics 28:02

6d ago28:02

28:02

Join Vin and Vic as they delve into the world of The Fantastic Four in the lead-up to the release of the new Marvel Studios film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. In this podcast, they discuss some of the iconic comic runs for Marvel's First Family and their influence on the upcoming MCU film. Featured recommendations: - Fantastic Four by Jonathan H…

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Episode 48 - When Compliance Gets Complicated: Navigating the ‘Should We’ Question with Captain Kirk 13:31

6d ago13:31

13:31

There comes a time in every compliance professional’s journey when the rules and the regulations alone cannot answer the central ethical question at hand. In the fast-moving, high-stakes world of business, it’s easy to focus on what is permissible or whether we can do something. But the actual test of leadership, integrity, and organizational cultu…

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Episode 47 - Charting Unseen Risks: Investigative Strategies from ‘The Immunity Syndrome 10:42

7d ago10:42

10:42

There is a moment in every compliance professional’s career when you must venture into the unknown: a new country, a new business line, or a merger with a company whose culture, controls, and risks you only dimly perceive. In many ways, this is the compliance professional’s dilemma when launching operations in a new jurisdiction or business venture…

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Episode 46 - Compliance Across Cultures: Star Trek’s “A Piece of the Action” as a Guide for Global Ethics 12:13

8d ago12:13

12:13

Any compliance professional who has ever led a team into a new country, or even a new region, knows that the journey is never as simple as applying the same playbook. Corporate values may be universal, but their application, reception, and risk profile shift dramatically with local context. Cross-cultural compliance isn’t just about checking legal …

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Exclusive Interview: Dave Davies of The Planet Ant Home Team at Tipping Point Theatre 28:16

8d ago28:16

28:16

It seems like right now, with everything going on in the world, everyone needs a good laugh. Laughter helps us feel lighter, shedding the weight of all the bad things that are going on right now, bringing us back to the moment. Tipping Point understands that need and is bringing a healthy dose of fun to their Northville theater this summer with a s…

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Episode 45 - Beyond the Arena: Compliance Hotlines, Speak-Up Culture, and Lessons from “The Gamesters of Triskelion” 11:53

9d ago11:53

11:53

For compliance professionals, building a culture where employees feel empowered to speak up, whether as victims or as bystanders, is both an ethical imperative and a business necessity. Yet, fostering this environment goes far beyond simply installing a hotline or posting policies on the intranet. It requires trust, accessibility, and leadership th…

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Exclusive Interview: Care Nagle and Russ Schwartz of Rosedale Community Players' 'Eyes to the Stars' 40:02

9d ago40:02

40:02

Why are so many fascinated with space? Is it because of its untapped potential as the final frontier? The vastness that extends past galaxies and superclusters filled with the promise of other planets with life just like Earth? Whatever it may be, so many people turn their eyes to the stars in wonder, a wonder that Rosedale Community Players are br…

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Superman (2025): James Gunn's Bold Reimagining and Hopes for the Future of the DCU | Cosmic Circus Reviews 24:11

10d ago24:11

24:11

Join Vin and Cam as they dive into the dynamic world of Superman (2025), written and directed by James Gunn. With a fresh perspective, this episode explores the film's engaging storyline featuring a modern-day battle between Superman and Lex Luthor, enriched by Gunn's unique perspective. Delve into the charm of this new Superman, played by David Co…

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Episode 44 - Furry Lessons: The Case for Humor in Compliance Training, from The Trouble with Tribbles 13:04

10d ago13:04

13:04

If you ask any Star Trek fan to name a classic episode that brings a smile to their face, you’re likely to hear a chorus of “The Trouble with Tribbles!” The episode, famous for its furry creatures and lighthearted spirit, stands out not just as a fan favorite but as a masterclass in the effective use of humor to deliver meaningful lessons, somethin…

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Episode 43 - In the Shadow of Doubt: Lessons from Star Trek’s “Wolf in the Fold” 12:11

11d ago12:11

12:11

Every compliance professional, sooner or later, must confront the uncomfortable truth that sometimes the system gets it wrong. Whether due to circumstantial evidence, unconscious bias, or institutional inertia, there are moments when the innocent stand accused and the integrity of the investigative process itself is on trial. Star Trek: The Origina…

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Marvel's Ironheart Review and Future of the Story Discussion | The Cosmic Circle 1:01:11

12d ago1:01:11

1:01:11

Podcast host and writer Brian Kitson is joined by writers Ayla Ruby and Uday Kataria to discuss Marvel Studios' newest series Ironheart starring Dominique Thorne, Lyric Ross, Anthony Ramos, Alden Ehrenreich, and Sacha Baron Cohen. The three discuss Riri's motivations and character journey in the series, as well as how magic and technology are blend…

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Episode 42 - Objectivity Under Fire: What “Obsession” Teaches Compliance Leaders 10:39

12d ago10:39

10:39

In the world of corporate compliance, the most challenging issues are often not the ones found in policies and procedures but the ones that hit close to home. When an investigation, a potential violation, or a risk becomes personal, even the most seasoned compliance professionals can struggle to maintain objectivity, leadership, and ethical clarity…

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Episode 41 - Duty Over Ego: Leadership Change in “The Deadly Years” 10:06

13d ago10:06

10:06

If you have spent any time in leadership, especially in compliance or corporate governance, you know that one of the most gut-wrenching duties is addressing a colleague who can no longer fulfill their responsibilities. Today, we step onto the bridge and examine five ethical lessons for compliance professionals faced with these hard but necessary tr…

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Episode 40 - Prime Directive Decisions: Ethics in Action from Star Trek’s “Friday’s Child” 12:03

14d ago12:03

12:03

Star Trek has always been about more than adventure. It is often a mirror for our ethical challenges, especially for those tasked with steering organizations through the tricky space of corporate compliance. The original series episode “Friday’s Child” offers a compelling look at negotiation, trust, and ethics under fire. While set on the distant p…

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'The Wiz' Music and Technical Aspects | Box Seat Babes Podcast 33:55

15d ago33:55

33:55

As we continue our journey to the Emerald City, we'll turn our focus from the story and characters of The Wiz to some of the other aspects you can expect when the national tour arrives at a theatre near you. While the story may feel familiar to those who have visited the land of Oz before, there's much that makes this production of The Wiz unique, …

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Episode 39 - Federation Fundamentals: What “Journey to Babel” Teaches Us About Global Compliance 11:18

16d ago11:18

11:18

In the ever-expanding universe of corporate compliance, the question of how to bridge cultural divides is as critical as it is complex. Navigating global operations, integrating diverse teams, and balancing conflicting interests. These challenges would be familiar to Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise, particularly in the Star Trek: The Or…

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Episode 38 - Professionalism in the Unknown: Compliance Leadership Lessons from “Metamorphosis” 10:35

16d ago10:35

10:35

In the universe of corporate compliance, pressure is a constant. Whether facing a sudden investigation, navigating a crisis, or mediating high-stakes negotiations, the capacity to remain professional and ethically grounded is what separates a merely good compliance officer from a great one. Few pop culture references embody this principle more vivi…

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Episode 37 - Corporate Governance Lessons from Star Trek's “I, Mudd” 11:28

17d ago11:28

11:28

In this episode “I, Mudd,” the Enterprise crew encounters Harry Mudd once more, stranded on a planet ruled by androids who are both obsessed with order and baffled by human irrationality. Mudd attempts to exploit the androids' logic for his gain but soon finds himself captive to their strict interpretation of governance, leading Kirk and crew to in…

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Jurassic World Rebirth: A Missed Opportunity for the Franchise | The Cosmic Circle 36:47

18d ago36:47

36:47

In this episode of The Cosmic Circle, hosts Uday Kataria and Cameron Brook delve into the controversial reception of 'Jurassic World Rebirth.' While tackling the question of whether the film truly revitalizes the franchise, they discuss its plot inconsistencies, character development issues, and missed opportunities. Despite high expectations, coul…

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Getting Nostalgic Talking Superman & Superman II with Lizzie & Vin | Cosmic Circus Reviews 32:39

18d ago32:39

32:39

In this episode of Cosmic Circus Reviews, Vin and special guest, Lizzie Hill, Editor-in-Chief of Cosmic Circus, delve into the timeless influence of the original Superman movies - Superman 1978 and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. These films hold a special place in their hearts and are credited as foundational to their love for comic book cine…

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Episode 36 - Crisis Management in Compliance: Lessons from Star Trek’s “Catspaw” 11:00

18d ago11:00

11:00

Today, we boldly journey into the Star Trek: TOS episode "Catspaw," an engaging yet somewhat eerie tale, to uncover practical crisis management insights that can benefit corporate compliance practitioners. In "Catspaw," Captain Kirk and his stalwart crew encounter alien beings who utilize illusions, fear tactics, and psychological manipulation to c…

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Episode 35-Root Cause Lessons from Star Trek’s "The Doomsday Machine" 11:41

19d ago11:41

11:41

Compliance professionals are forever tasked with pinpointing the root causes behind organizational failures, missteps, or breaches. This deep dive is critical, not only for remediating issues but for ensuring they don’t recur. In this compliance exploration, let’s boldly go where few compliance bloggers have gone before, into the riveting episode "…

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The Matrix In Shared Reality at COSM - An Immersive Movie Going Experience | Cosmic Circus Reviews 35:51

20d ago35:51

35:51

John Dotson tells Vin about a new experience called The Matrix in Shared Reality, exclusively at Cosm LA and Cosm Dallas. The Matrix in Shared Reality is a collaborative project between Cosm Studios, Little Cinema, and Warner Bros., bringing the 1999 sci-fi classic back to the big screen in a new, immersive way. Cosm is a venue where attendees can …

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Episode 34 - Ethical Insights from the “The Apple” 12:35

20d ago12:35

12:35

One of the most rewarding experiences for a compliance professional is identifying ethics and integrity lessons in seemingly unrelated fields—especially in unexpected places, such as the far reaches of space, as depicted in the classic "Star Trek: The Original Series" episode "The Apple." This imaginative story about the crew's encounter with a see…

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Episode 33 - Investigative Lessons from Star Trek’s “Mirror, Mirror” 9:54

21d ago9:54

9:54

In the episode titled "Mirror, Mirror," Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy, Uhura, and Scotty encounter a transporter accident that thrusts them into a parallel universe. This alternate reality is a distorted mirror image of their universe, familiar yet different, governed by violence, suspicion, and fear rather than trust and mutual respect. Drawing directly…

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'The Wiz' Story and Characters | Box Seat Babes Podcast 33:08

22d ago33:08

33:08

The Wiz has been entertaining people for 50 years and shows no sign of stopping anytime soon! This reimagining of the classic The Wizard of Oz follows the young Dorothy as she's thrust into the colorful world of Oz. Lost and looking for a way home, she sets out on a journey, making some friends along the way. There's such richness to the North Amer…

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Episode 32 - Leadership Lessons for Compliance Professionals from “The Changeling” 10:33

22d ago10:33

10:33

Compliance, fundamentally, is about leadership. It is about guiding individuals and entire organizations to act ethically, responsibly, and effectively, even when the path is uncertain or challenging. Today, we venture boldly into the classic episode "The Changeling," which offers rich lessons in leadership directly applicable to the world of corpo…

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Exclusive Interview with Scott Berman, Director of 'Resolution: A Cinephonic Rhapsody of the Soul' 39:20

23d ago39:20

39:20

Vin interviews SCOTT BERMAN, writer and director of RESOLUTION: A CINEPHONIC RHAPSODY OF THE SOUL. The revolutionary film is an immersive 360° dome experience, now playing at the Fort Worth Omni Theater, the University of North Texas' Sky Theater, and soon to spread across the US, UK, and EU. The feature is the latest from Scott's 30-year collabora…

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Episode 31 - Compliance Training and Communications Lessons From ‘Who Mourns for Adonais?’ 9:47

23d ago9:47

9:47

In the vast and often perilous universe of corporate compliance, effective training, and communication are the twin stars guiding organizations safely through the asteroid fields of regulatory requirements, ethical dilemmas, and cultural complexities. Few stories illustrate these challenges as vividly as the classic Star Trek: The Original Series e…

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Episode 30 - Compliance Leadership Strategies Inspired by ‘Amok Time’ 11:15

24d ago11:15

11:15

In the vast universe of compliance lessons gleaned from the timeless classic Star Trek: The Original Series, few episodes hold as much richness in leadership insights as "Amok Time." In this iconic episode, we see Captain Kirk navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, regulatory procedures, and ethical dilemmas under the most extraordinary circumsta…

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Episode 29 - Compliance Lessons at Warp Speed: Insights from Operation—Annihilate 11:55

25d ago11:55

11:55

In corporate compliance, investigative techniques are not merely about uncovering facts; they're about discerning patterns, identifying root causes, and mitigating risks effectively. We can glean powerful investigative insights from unexpected sources. Today it is from the classic Star Trek TOS episode "Operation—Annihilate!" Today we delve deeper …

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Episode 28 - Compliance on the Edge: Lessons from Star Trek’s Ethical Frontier in City from the Edge of Forever 9:50

26d ago9:50

9:50

Today, we delve into perhaps the most iconic Star Trek: The Original Series episode, "The City on the Edge of Forever." Doubling as my favorite Star Trek episode of all time (Not Just TOS0, the episode not only represents a pinnacle in science fiction storytelling but also provides timeless lessons for corporate compliance professionals. In this ep…

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Exclusive Interview: Andrea Anderson, Kylie Wieand, and Lauren Phillips of OnOurOwn Productons’ ‘Seussical the Musical’ 22:12

27d ago22:12

22:12

OnOurOwn Productions has been hard at work, producing family-friendly shows in Fraser, Michigan! From classics, such as last year's Beauty and the Beast, to comedies, this theatre company has strived to make musicals accessible to all, regardless of age and stage of life they are in! This year, OnOurOwn Productions has jumped into the world of Dr. …

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Episode 27 - The Alternative Factor: Navigating Compliance Through Pattern Recognition Across Realities 10:46

27d ago10:46

10:46

Today, let's boldly delve into "The Alternative Factor," a peculiar episode from the original Star Trek series (TOS), to extract valuable lessons on pattern recognition and compliance. This often-overlooked episode presents a compelling study of chaos, confusion, and dual realities. The crew initially struggles to recognize and interpret patterns o…

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Episode 26 - Lessons in Data Analytics from Errand of Mercy 8:25

28d ago8:25

8:25

Star Trek's "Errand of Mercy" has long captivated viewers with its profound examination of conflict, diplomacy, and the limitations of perception. While it might not seem immediately apparent, this episode is rich with insightful lessons for the corporate compliance community, particularly regarding data analytics. Let's delve into five key data an…

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Episode 25 - Cross-Cultural Lessons from Devil in the Dark 11:36

29d ago11:36

11:36

Show Summary The classic episode, "Devil in the Dark," is a compelling exploration of misunderstandings, communication breakdowns, and reconciliation between drastically different cultures—lessons that resonate strongly for corporate compliance officers navigating today's global marketplace. In "Devil in the Dark," the USS Enterprise is dispatched …

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Exclusive Interview: Leon Anderson Jr. of OnOurOwn Productions' 'Seussical The Musical' 8:17

30d ago8:17

8:17

When was the last time you stepped back into the world of a childhood favorite? A story or a film that reminds you of how simple life is as a child and the joy that comes from fantastical adventures. As adults, sometimes we struggle to find that childlike wonder in our daily lives; however, every once in a while, we find it in spades. OnOurOwn Prod…

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Episode 24 - This Side of Paradise: Essential Takeaways for Compliance Vigilance 9:54

1M ago9:54

9:54

Star Trek has consistently excelled at blending imaginative storytelling with deeply reflective, ethical, and compliance lessons. In the episode "This Side of Paradise," Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise visit a colony thought to be lost, only to discover colonists who appear unnaturally happy and content due to the influence of stran…

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Episode 23 - Investigative Lessons from A Taste of Armageddon for Compliance Professionals 8:23

1M ago8:23

8:23

The episode “A Taste of Armageddon” offers a gripping narrative about two planets waging a computerized war, where casualties are “virtual” until real people are targeted for destruction by assassination teams. Beyond its science fiction thrills, this episode offers a rich canvas for compliance investigators to glean valuable insights into corporat…

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Episode 22 - Ethical Lessons from Space Seed 10:29

1M ago10:29

10:29

In the legendary Star Trek episode "Space Seed," Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise encounter a drifting vessel, the SS Botany Bay, which houses cryogenically frozen survivors from Earth's Eugenics Wars. Among these survivors is Khan Noonien Singh, a charismatic and genetically superior figure with ambitious plans to dominate those aro…

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John & Vin Become Infected by 28 Years Later and Discuss 28 Days Later Franchise | Cosmic Circus Reviews 52:11

1M ago52:11

52:11

John Dotson and Vin reflect on the 28 Days Later franchise and review the latest sequel, 28 Years Later. The new sequel sees the return of director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland, and centers on a child named Spike (Alfie Williams) who journeys to the infected mainland to find a cure for his mother, Isla (Jodie Comer). The film also star…