Welcome to Dragons & Spaceships, your ultimate guide to the best books in sci-fi and fantasy! Whether you're into the latest releases or timeless classics, we've got you covered. Our mission is to promote reading and the exploration of new imaginary worlds, diving into all sub-genres from action and suspense to mystery and romance. Join our host Brandi Nelsen as we authentically share our love for these genres, have fun, and share the hottest books out. Whether you're a hardcore D&D fan or j ...
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Ippen Digital Podcasts
Looking to explore the intersection of AI and journalism? Influential thought leaders in the industry join data scientist and media entrepreneur, Nikita Roy, each week to explore what's next with AI and its implications for the media landscape. In each episode, industry experts discuss how automated newsrooms have the potential to change journalism and uncover opportunities to optimize workflows and increase efficiency without compromising journalistic integrity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c ...
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Markus Franz: How Germany's Ippen Digital Is Prototyping the AI-Powered Newsroom of the Future
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51:44How do you redesign a newsroom’s entire workflow when AI is no longer a single tool, but a collection of agents, voice interfaces, and ambient intelligence changing how journalism gets produced? This week on Newsroom Robots, host Nikita Roy is joined by Markus Franz, Chief Technology Officer at Ippen Digital, one of Germany’s largest digital media …
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Tav Klitgaard: How Zetland turned a newsroom problem into a global AI business
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38:13This week on Newsroom Robots, host Nikita Roy is joined by Tav Klitgaard, the CEO of the Danish newsroom Zetland, to unpack the origin story of GoodTape — an AI transcription tool that began as an internal newsroom solution and evolved into a profitable, global product used far beyond journalism. Zetland is an audio-first newsroom in Denmark. But G…
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The Only One Left | Haunted Houses, Twisted Confessions, and Riley Sager at His Best
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8:04Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi unpacks Riley Sager’s gothic thriller The Only One Left, a story dripping with atmosphere and tension. Set inside Hope’s End, a crumbling mansion perched on a cliff, the book creates an eerie cinematic experience where every shadow feels alive and every typed confession reveals anothe…
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Love, Loyalty, and Monsters | Shield of Sparrows Deep Dive
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9:08Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi returns to the world of Devney Perry’s Shield of Sparrows and explores why this fantasy romance has captured the hearts of readers. Brandi breaks down the emotional layers, the monster mythology, and the complicated line between love, loyalty, and bravery. She also spotlights the high…
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Why Everyone's Talking About Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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7:42Send us a text Atmosphere is a story about courage, ambition, and the quiet strength it takes to live authentically when the world tells you not to. Brandi explores how Taylor Jenkins Reid blends heart, history, and humanity to create a story that feels both intimate and expansive. If you love emotional character arcs and stories that reach for the…
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Love and Other Words: A Slow Burn That Stays With You
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7:44Send us a text Love and Other Words is the kind of slow burn that sneaks up on you. Every chapter adds another clue, another emotional layer, and the alternating timeline gives it a nostalgic, bittersweet rhythm. It is technically a romance, but it is also a story about self-discovery. It is about reopening your heart after years of keeping it clos…
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Olle Zacharison: How BBC News is Shaping its AI Strategy for the Next Era of Journalism
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1:05:39How do you bring AI into a newsroom as big and globally distributed as the BBC, an editorial network that stretches across 42 languages and more than 5,000 journalists? This week on Newsroom Robots, host Nikita Roy talks to Olle Zachrison, Head of News AI at BBC News, where he leads the BBC’s efforts to advance AI use and strengthen its journalism …
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The Knight and The Moth: A Story That Bleeds and Heals
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6:28Send us a text The Knight and The Moth by Rachel Gillig cuts deep. It is raw, poetic, and unforgettable. In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi explores Gillig’s breathtaking writing style and the emotional themes that make her work both painful and healing. Rachel Gillig’s prose feels alive: sharp, mythic, and deeply human. If The Knigh…
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The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah + Adaptation Talk
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7:42Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi explores The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah — a raw, emotional story of survival, love, and the strength it takes to endure both wilderness and heartbreak. Set in the rugged beauty of Alaska, this novel asks what happens when isolation becomes both a sanctuary and a prison. Brandi brea…
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The Mean Ones: Trauma, Horror, and Healing with Tatiana Schlote
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16:55Send us a text In this chilling and deeply introspective episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi sits down once again with acclaimed horror author Tatiana Schlote (also known as The Buff Writer) to discuss her latest psychological folk horror novel, The Mean Ones. The story follows Sadie, a 29-year-old woman haunted by the trauma of witnessi…
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Love, Lies, and Murder: Exploring The Perfect Marriage
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8:18Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into Jeneva Rose’s dark, twisty psychological thriller, The Perfect Marriage. Sarah Morgan, a high-powered defense attorney, steps in to defend her husband Adam when his mistress is brutally murdered, revealing the morally gray complexities of their relationship. Jeneva Ros…
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Vilas Dhar: Why the Future of Journalism Is Still Human
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46:58This week on Newsroom Robots, host Nikita Roy sits down with Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, one of the world's foremost philanthropies advancing AI for public good. Dhar leads a $1.5 billion endowment that has committed over $500 million to projects spanning climate action, public health, education, and democratic gove…
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Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony — a powerful historical novel set in 1970s Dublin, when contraception was still illegal. The story follows Mara and Bernie, two brave women who risk everything to smuggle contraceptives and fight for bodily autonomy. Brandi ex…
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Friends, Lovers, and Summer Escapes: Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation
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9:12Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through Emily Henry’s bestselling romance, People We Meet on Vacation. We dive deep into Poppy and Alex’s annual summer trips, their opposites-attract dynamic, and the slowburn tension that has made readers laugh, cry, and swoon. Through dua…
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Locked in Mystery: The Woman in Cabin 10 Deep Dive
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6:52Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, the hosts dive into Ruth Ware’s gripping psychological thriller, The Woman in Cabin 10. Set aboard a luxurious cruise liner, the story follows journalist Lo Blacklock as she uncovers a chilling mystery, navigating deception, danger, and the frustration of a world that tries to silence her. T…
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Ludwig Siegele: Inside The Economist’s AI Playbook
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41:17How does a 182-year-old global magazine stay ahead in the age of generative AI? This week on Newsroom Robots, host Nikita Roy is joined by Ludwig Siegele, Senior Editor for AI Initiatives at The Economist. After more than 25 years reporting from San Francisco, Berlin, and London, Siegele now leads the publication’s AI strategy. He discusses how The…
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Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi explores the thrilling YA fantasy debut, Powerless by Lauren Roberts. Journey through the brutal kingdom of Aaliyah, where magic determines worth, as ordinary Paedyn Gray defies the odds in deadly competitions filled with sharp-witted heroines and enemies-to-lovers tension. Also featu…
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The Stories That Shape Us: A Deep Dive into The Lost Bookshop
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8:40Send us a text In this enchanting episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into Evie Woods’ The Lost Bookshop, a novel that beautifully blends historical fiction with magical realism. Through the intertwined lives of Opaline, Martha, and Henry, Woods explores themes of belonging, love, and the transformative power of literature. Brandi…
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Ivar Krustok: How Estonia’s Media Giant Builds AI That Actually Works
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1:05:58In Estonia, Delfi Meedia has built one of the strongest foundations for AI in journalism. With one of the highest digital subscription rates in the world, Delfi has moved beyond the buzz around AI to put it into everyday practice, supporting both its journalism and business. In this episode, host Nikita Roy is joined by Ivar Krustok, Chief AI & Inn…
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Djordje Padejski: Why AI Literacy Belongs at the Core of Journalism Education
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47:40As a new academic year begins, journalism schools face a defining challenge: how to prepare students for a profession being reshaped by AI. At Stanford University, Djordje Padejski is leading the way. A veteran investigative journalist and now associate director of the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford, he created one of the earlies…
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Summer, Love, and Growing Up: Exploring Jenny Han’s Classic
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5:52Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into Jenny Han’s beloved novel, The Summer I Turned Pretty. Known for capturing the magic and melancholy of adolescence, Han tells a story about love, family, and the bittersweet process of growing up. Host Brandi discusses the themes that resonate with readers—from the excitement an…
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Motives, Power, and Transformation in Rose in Chains
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6:29Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive deep into the layered world of Rose in Chains. Rather than focusing solely on plot, we turn our attention to the characters who breathe life into the narrative. Host Brandi unpacks the motivations, conflicts, and relationships that shape the series’ intricate drama, highlighting the …
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Jennette McCurdy’s Journey: Surviving Stardom & Reclaiming Power
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7:16Send us a text In this powerful episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi explores Jennette McCurdy's bestselling memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died. Known worldwide as Sam Puckett on iCarly and Sam & Cat, McCurdy steps beyond the spotlight to share a raw and honest account of her childhood stardom, her fraught relationship with her mother, and her …
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Sara Beykpour: The Next Chapter in News Aggregation
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51:31In this episode, host Nikita Roy is joined by Sara Beykpour, co-founder and CEO of Particle News — the AI-powered news aggregator. Launched in November 2024, Particle blends multi-perspective coverage, concise AI-generated summaries, and a bias meter that makes framing visible, giving readers both speed and trust in the same experience. Key topics …
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Dark Truths & Dead Air: Carter Wilson’s Tell Me What You Did
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4:03Send us a text In this gripping episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into Carter Wilson’s chilling new thriller, Tell Me What You Did. The story follows Poe Webb, a true crime podcast host whose own past is darker than any confession she’s aired. When a mysterious guest claims to be her mother’s killer, Poe is forced to confront sec…
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Time, Language, and Identity: Two Novels That Redefine Reality
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5:10Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we explore two genre-defying novels that challenge how we perceive time, language, and identity. First, we dive into Alexander Boldizar’s The Man Who Saw Seconds, a pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller about Preble Jefferson, a man who can see five seconds into the future. This g…
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One of Us Is Lying: Secrets, Pressure & High School Suspense
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7:39Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into the tangled web of secrets and social pressure in One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus. Brandi explores the layered character dynamics of Bronwyn, Addie, Nate, and Cooper—each navigating the intense scrutiny of high school while hiding truths that could change everything. From th…
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Exploring Magic and Family in 'The Spell Shop'
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5:47Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into the magical world of The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst. With a charming blend of spellcraft, family tension, and entrepreneurial spirit, this cozy fantasy explores what it means to forge your own path. We also spotlight Ali Hazelwood’s Problematic Summer Romance and share the la…
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Religion, Rebellion, and Rome: Talking Vesta with Marcia Twain
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34:04Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi sits down with author Jeffrey Hops (writing as Marcia Twain) to explore Vesta and Her Children—a powerful historical novel set in the twilight of ancient Rome. From gender and legacy to religious identity and crumbling empires, this story offers a bold reimagining of the forces t…
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Florent Daudens: How Open-Source AI Puts Newsrooms Back in the Driver’s Seat
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1:04:24What if the future of journalism isn’t locked behind the paywalls of big tech companies, but freely available to every newsroom willing to embrace it? Too often, the conversation around AI in newsrooms centers on big tech, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. These are powerful tools, no doubt but they come with caveats: mainly cost, limited t…
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Fabian Heckenberg, Naja Nielsen & Gard Steiro: The Hard Truths About AI Every Newsroom Leader Can’t Ignore (Recorded Live at Nordic AI in Media Summit 2025)
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40:21In this live episode of Newsroom Robots, host Nikita Roy moderates a panel discussion recorded at the Nordic AI and Media Summit in Copenhagen. The conversation features Gard Steiro (Editor-in-Chief and CEO of VG in Norway), Fabian Heckenberger (Managing Editor and Senior Editor for AI at Süddeutsche Zeitung in Germany), and Naja Nielsen (Media Dir…
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Power, Passion & Identity
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6:22Send us a text In this special episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we trade dragons for drama as we dive into the glitzy, heartbreaking world of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. From old Hollywood glamour to raw emotional truths, we unpack Evelyn’s unapologetic ambition, her complex identity, and the love story that defined …
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Unraveling the Dark and Twisted World of Verity by Colleen Hoover
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7:10Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we unravel the chilling layers of Verity by Colleen Hoover—a psychological thriller that’s haunted BookTok and divided readers with its jaw-dropping twists. Is it genius or manipulative madness? We weigh in. Then, we shift gears into the magical realm of Wings of Starlight, a fantasy romance…
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Found Family, Emotional Baggage & Summer Love in "Just for the Summer"
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7:26Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, we dive into the delightful emotional rollercoaster that is Abby Jimenez’s Just for the Summer. With its blend of found family, romantic tension, and emotional baggage, this rom-com delivers both laughs and depth. Then we shift to the sun-soaked pages of Emily Henry’s Beach Read, a fan-favor…
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Gina Chua: Where Journalism’s Value Lives When AI Tells the Story
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51:15In this live episode, host Nikita Roy sits down with Gina Chua, Executive Editor of Semafor, recorded at an event at New York University hosted in collaboration with the AI networking group, Humans in the Loop. Gina brings a uniquely expansive lens to the AI conversation, grounded in her leadership across global newsrooms—from Reuters and The Wall …
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None of This is True by Lisa Jewell | Thriller Deep Dive
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6:40Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi unpacks the chilling brilliance of Lisa Jewell’s None of This is True. With its layered characters, haunting secrets, and razor-sharp tension, this psychological thriller keeps readers guessing until the very end. We explore the novel’s major themes—identity, trust, and the shadows of…
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Send us a text In this emotionally charged episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi explores Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us. With raw honesty and thoughtful analysis, Brandi unpacks the novel’s exploration of love, abuse, and self-worth—while also addressing the controversy surrounding its upcoming film adaptation. From Li…
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Zach Seward: How a Five-Person AI Team Is Powering Innovation at The New York Times
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58:35In this live episode, host Nikita Roy sits down with Zach Seward, Editorial Director of AI Initiatives at The New York Times, recorded at the ONA x Newsroom Robots AI Leadership Summit in Detroit. With a background that spans journalism, product, and executive leadership, Zach brings a rare blend of newsroom insight and entrepreneurial thinking to …
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Cheryl Phillips: How AI Is Uncovering Hidden Stories in Local Government
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51:01When officials in Santa Clara County (home to Silicon Valley) publicly proclaimed they were not sharing data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, they likely did not expect to be caught in a contradiction. Yet behind the scenes, those same officials had recently signed new contracts with the federal agency — a fact that might have remaine…
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Love, Dreams, and Darkness — A Deep Dive into Two Powerful Novels
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6:11Send us a text In this emotionally rich episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi guides listeners through two unforgettable reads: Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez and Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop. Brandi unpacks the emotional weight of love, distance, and family expectations in contemporary romance, while also exploring how dre…
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Exploring Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Time, Memory & Surrealism
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8:14Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into the novel Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, exploring its unique narrative style that blends reality with surrealism. The discussion highlights the book's themes of time, memory, and the emotional depth of its characters, who serve as philosophical guides rathe…
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Inside The Murderbot Diaries: Sci-Fi's Smartest Antihero
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9:32Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into the trending sci-fi series The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, exploring its unique character, themes of identity and autonomy, and the upcoming Apple TV Plus adaptation. The conversation also touches on other trending reads and listener questions, providing a comp…
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Inside the Mind Games: Exploring "The Housemaid" and Psychological Thrillers
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7:03Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi dives into the world of psychological thrillers, focusing on 'The Housemaid' by Freida McFadden. The discussion covers the book's gripping plot, character dynamics, and themes of trust and deception. Additionally, Brandi highlights upcoming book releases and engages with listener…
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Book Trends & Bold Turns: A Fresh Direction for Dragons in Spaceships
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9:31Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi introduces a new direction for the podcast, focusing on trending books from various genres. The episode highlights 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry, exploring its themes, character dynamics, and emotional depth. The discussion includes a spotlight on another trending book, 'The Twist…
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Unearthing the Past: The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
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7:15Send us a text In this episode, host Brandi takes a deep dive into Fiona Davis’s The Stolen Queen, a historical fiction novel that weaves together the stories of two women from different time periods. The novel touches on themes of female empowerment, archaeology, and the intriguing mysteries of history. Brandi explores how the past and present con…
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The Brothers Hawthorne: Secrets, Stakes, and Sibling Rivalry
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6:07Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandi delves into 'The Brothers Hawthorne' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, a thrilling spinoff from the Inheritance Game series. The discussion covers the intricate character dynamics of the Hawthorne brothers, Grayson and Jameson, as they navigate personal challenges and high-stakes adventur…
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Why Once Upon a Broken Heart Lives Rent-Free in Our Heads
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6:27Send us a text In this magical episode of Dragons and Spaceships, Brandi dives into the enchanting world of Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber — the BookTok fantasy romance that’s captured the hearts of readers everywhere. From epic love stories and heart-wrenching betrayals to the dark allure of magic, Brandi unpacks the book’s biggest t…
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Exploring the Dark Fantasy of Quicksilver by Callie Hart
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9:18Send us a text In this episode of Dragons & Spaceships, host Brandy dives into the dark and captivating world of Quicksilver by Callie Hart. This fantasy romance brings together the tension of enemies-to-lovers dynamics, the allure of the Fae, and the intrigue of alchemy. Join us as we explore the morally gray characters, high-stakes conflicts, and…
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Send us a text In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandy delves into the literary depths of 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey, a unique sci-fi novel that explores existential themes through the lives of six astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The conversation highlights the book's introspective narrative, its philosophical in…
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Kasper Lindskow: Building a Scalable AI Infrastructure at Denmark's JP/Politikens Media Group
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59:47When it comes to AI adoption, experimentation is easy—scaling is hard. So, what is the difference between AI projects that fade out and those that transform newsrooms? A strong infrastructure. In this episode of Newsroom Robots, Kasper Lindskow, the head of AI at JP/Politikens Media Group joins host Nikita Roy. Kasper shares how as one of Denmark's…
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