Best John M. Collins Podcasts (2025)

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#102: An Accident in the Forensic Lab and Lessons Learned 47:29

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3d ago47:29

47:29

In this episode, John tells the full story about his battle with hearing loss, how it started, and what steps are now being taken to give him back his hearing. It is a story involving a serious accident in a forensic laboratory many years ago - sometime around 1995 - and one that provides some important lessons about safety, leadership, and persona…

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605. The Best of Greg Egan Part 3 Review (with Anthony Ha) 1:54:14

3d ago1:54:14

1:54:14

Anthony Ha joins us to discuss the last six stories from the book The Best of Greg Egan. Stories discussed: “Crystal Nights,” “Zero for Conduct,” “Uncanny Valley,” “Bit Players,” “3-adica,” “Instantiation.” Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#101: Command Coaching at the Point of Promotion 49:44

10d ago49:44

49:44

As we near the end of our 5th season, John Collins first takes a moment to discuss his upcoming surgery and his battle with hearing loss following an accident that occurred in a laboratory where he worked while he was in his early 20s. He then discusses "command coaching," which is an application of coaching at the initial points of promotion for s…

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604. The Best of Greg Egan Part 2 Review (with Anthony Ha) 1:43:52

23d ago1:43:52

1:43:52

Anthony Ha joins us to discuss six more stories from the book The Best of Greg Egan. Stories discussed: “Silver Fire” (1:30), “Reasons to be Cheerful” (16:42), “Oceanic” (28:10), “Oracle” (44:19), “Singleton” (1:04:54), “Dark Integers” (1:16:32). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your …

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603. The History of Sword & Sorcery (with Philip Gelatt, Morgan Galen King) 1:30:58

1M ago1:30:58

1:30:58

Philip Gelatt and Morgan Galen King, creators of The Spine of Night, join us to discuss the book Flame and Crimson: A History of Sword and Sorcery by Brian Murphy. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#100: "Wing Violence" and the Murder of Charlie Kirk 38:08

2M ago38:08

38:08

In the 100th episode of Crime and the Courtroom, host John Collins pauses the celebration to examine the shooting death of Charlie Kirk in Utah and what it reveals about public safety, due process, and the health of civic life. Drawing on his experience in the Atlanta Olympic bombing investigation, Collins unpacks how early speculation and "wing vi…

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602. The Best of Larry Niven Part 2 Review (with Mercurio D. Rivera) 1:41:44

2M ago1:41:44

1:41:44

Mercurio D. Rivera joins us to discuss nine more stories from the book The Best of Larry Niven. Stories discussed: “Inconstant Moon” (1:34), “Rammer” (18:42), “Cloak of Anarchy” (27:42), “The Fourth Profession” (38:22), “Flash Crowd” (47:59), “The Defenseless Dead” (59:37), “Flight of the Horse” (1:15:55), “The Hole Man” (1:22:29), “Night on Mispec…

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#99: How Much Control Should Judges Have Over the Testimony of Expert Witnesses? 1:09:11

2M ago1:09:11

1:09:11

Judges hold tremendous power in the American criminal justice system, and possibly more power than we realize. In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins shares his thoughts about a trend being encountered by expert witnesses whose testimony is being limited or controlled by judges. In some cases, the identification of latent prints o…

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601. Fantastic Fiction at KGB (with Matthew Kressel) 1:43:10

2M ago1:43:10

1:43:10

Matthew Kressel joins us to discuss Fantastic Fiction at KGB, a monthly science fiction reading series in New York City. Support the Fantastic Fiction at KGB fundraiser over at www.gofundme.com/f/fantastic-fiction-reading-series-at-the-kgb-bar. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad…

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600. Steph Grossman, co-host of The Basement Girls 1:38:30

2M ago1:38:30

1:38:30

In this special 600th episode David Barr Kirtley interviews his wife Steph Grossman, short story writer and co-host of the Basement Girls horror podcast. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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#98: The ISHI Forensic Leadership Alliance: Looking Ahead to the 2025 Symposium 1:09:52

2M ago1:09:52

1:09:52

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, host John Collins is joined by colleagues Dr. Pamela Marshall, Julie Sikorsky, and Dr. Ray Wickenheiser to discuss their ongoing collaboration, the Forensic Leadership Alliance. The group reflects on their shared work since 2020 in providing leadership development opportunities for forensic scientists, wi…

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599. The Clarion Writers' Workshop (with Tom Gerencer) 1:30:11

3M ago1:30:11

1:30:11

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book Storyteller: Writing Lessons and More from 27 Years of the Clarion Writers’ Workshop by Kate Wilhelm. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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#97: Police Culture, Federal Funds, and Forensic Science Laboratories 41:28

3M ago41:28

41:28

John Collins examines the growing challenges facing U.S. forensic science laboratories as federal funding programs come under political pressure in Washington. Drawing on decades of experience as a former laboratory administrator and current leadership coach, Collins explores how dependence on federal grants has affected laboratory budgets, priorit…

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598. The Story of Elden Ring (with Matt London) 1:29:14

3M ago1:29:14

1:29:14

Matt London joins us to discuss narrative design, George R. R. Martin, and the new book Grace Given: The Mythology of Elden Ring by George Truscott. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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#96: Cyber Hell? A Conversation with Tom Arnold 55:01

3M ago55:01

55:01

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, host John Collins speaks with Tom Arnold, a leading expert in digital evidence and cyber crime investigation. Mr. Arnold has led major breach investigations involving thousands of servers and has advised agencies including the U.S. Secret Service. He currently teaches at San Jose State University and the …

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597. Matthew Kressel, author of Histories Within Us and Space Trucker Jess 1:28:40

4M ago1:28:40

1:28:40

Matthew Kressel joins us to discuss his short story collection Histories Within Us and his new novel Space Trucker Jess. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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#95: The Wrongful Conviction of Forensic Science and the Attack on Firearm Identification 1:05:33

4M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

In this episode, John Collins provides a thought-provoking and direct follow-up to episode #94, which covered the Oregon appellate court ruling in State v. Adams. In Adams, the court rejected the science of firearm identification and reversed the conviction. John explains the recent historical forces that have made forensic science a target of crim…

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596. God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert Review 1:46:26

4M ago1:46:26

1:46:26

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert, the fourth book in the Dune series. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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#94: Firearm Testimony Blocked by Oregon Appellate Court - A Call to Action 29:31

4M ago29:31

29:31

SPECIAL EPISODE: In a June 2025 decision, the Oregon Court of Appeals delivered a controversial ruling on forensic evidence admissibility in State v. Adams, a case involving a 2018 shooting in Portland. The ruling has been interpreted and reported as a categorical rejection of the method of linking spent shell casings to a particular firearm—common…

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#93: The Highly Impressive Expert Witness - Training Priorities and Strategies 48:06

5M ago48:06

48:06

In this coaching session with John Collins, we explore specific priorities and strategies for developing professionals who give courtroom testimony as a part of their normal responsibilities. This episode is useful for accelerating the development of all kinds of expert witnesses, especially forensic laboratory scientists and administrators. Season…

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595. The Business of Science Fiction (with Tom Gerencer) 1:10:47

5M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Business of Science Fiction by Mike Resnick and Barry N. Malzberg. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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#92: Evaluating Expertise in an Era of Compromised Integrity - A Coaching Session 42:06

5M ago42:06

42:06

In this coaching session with John Collins, we discuss the problem of placing our trust in subject-matter experts in a time when it seems that integrity has gone out of style. John offers some solutions and strategies for how to be more effective in screening the individual expertise, competence, and character of individuals who claim to be experts…

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594. Andor Season 2 Review (with Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, Matt London) 1:26:36

5M ago1:26:36

1:26:36

Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, and Matt London join us to discuss Season 2 of the Disney+ series Andor, a prequel to the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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#91: Psychopaths and Copycats - A Conversation with Dr. Jacqueline Helfgott 56:00

6M ago56:00

56:00

Jacqueline Helfgott is the Director of the Crime and Justice Research Center at Seattle University and the author of "Copycat Crime: How Media, Technology, and Digital Culture Inspire Criminal Behavior and Violence." In this episode, Dr. Helfgott speaks with John Collins about the subject of psychopathy and how prevalent it is across the human popu…

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593. Roger Zelazny's Writing Advice (with Warren Lapine) 1:08:55

6M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

Warren Lapine joins us to discuss editing the book On Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy by Roger Zelazny. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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592. The Best of Greg Egan Part 1 Review (with Anthony Ha) 2:24:07

6M ago2:24:07

2:24:07

Anthony Ha joins us to discuss the first eight stories in the book The Best of Greg Egan, part of the SF Masterworks series of science fiction classics. Stories discussed: "Learning to Be Me" (20:42), "Axiomatic" (44:03), "Appropriate Love" (50:10), "Into Darkness" (1:00:30), "Unstable Orbits in the Space of Lies" (1:14:47), "Closer" (1:26:42), "Ch…

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#90: A Conversation with Jeff Asher on Crime Data, Trends, and Reporting Challenges 32:07

6M ago32:07

32:07

John Collins speaks with Jeff Asher, a data-analytics expert and Substack writer specializing in - as Jeff puts it - crime, data, and crime data. Jeff has an impressive history working in the Department of Defense and the CIA, among others. In this episode, John and Jeff discuss the measurement of crime in the United States, how it is done, and the…

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591. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 3 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 2:39:59

6M ago2:39:59

2:39:59

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Top of the Volcano: The Award-Winning Stories of Harlan Ellison, which contains 11 stories not included in Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits. Stories discussed: "A Boy and His Dog" (1:39), "The Region Between" (37:12), "Basilisk" (48:29), "Adrift Just Off the Islets of Langerhans: Latitude 38° 54' N, Longi…

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#89: Dr. Nancy La Vigne - A Conversation with the Dean of Rutgers' School of Criminal Justice 45:27

6M ago45:27

45:27

Nancy La Vigne is the Dean of the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice, based at the campus in Newark, New Jersey. In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins and Dr. La Vigne discuss her new responsibilities at Rutgers, as well as contemporary priorities in criminal justice research, technology, and education. Dr. La Vigne also shares h…

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#88: Preventing Catastrophic Misconduct in Accredited Forensic Science Laboratories (Part 2 of 2) 1:00:19

7M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

In this episode, John Collins builds on the themes and recommendations covered in episode 87, with regards to forensic laboratory accreditation and its strengths and limitations. Seven policy priorities are discussed to help forensic science laboratories, their parent agencies, and their jurisdictions prevent instances of catastrophic misconduct be…

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590. The Best of Larry Niven Part 1 Review (with Mercurio D. Rivera) 1:48:40

7M ago1:48:40

1:48:40

Mercurio D. Rivera joins us to discuss the first nine stories in the book The Best of Larry Niven, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Stories discussed: "Becalmed in Hell" (5:10), "Bordered in Black" (17:54), "Neutron Star" (26:35), "The Soft Weapon" (38:16), "The Jigsaw Man" (56:27), "The Deadlier Weapon" (1:02:55), "All the Myriad Ways" (1:08:16), "Not …

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589. Dune Prophecy Season 1 Review (with Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, Rajan Khanna) 1:37:16

7M ago1:37:16

1:37:16

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss Season 1 of the HBO series Dune: Prophecy, a prequel set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#87: When Catastrophic Misconduct Happens in a Forensic Science Laboratory (Part 1 of 2) 35:57

8M ago35:57

35:57

John Collins answers an email from an audience member who wonders: What's the point of accreditation if a catastrophic failure or major act of misconduct can still happen under the radar. Season: 5 Episode: 87 Duration: 35:57 YOUTUBE CHANNELSMain Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSORLearn About the Innovators at Promega International …

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588. The Urth of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe Review (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer) 1:27:33

8M ago1:27:33

1:27:33

James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Urth of the New Sun, a sequel to The Book of the New Sun. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#86: Caitlin Burchill, Investigative Reporter with NBC Connecticut 40:30

8M ago40:30

40:30

Caitlin Burchill is an investigative reporter with NBC Connecticut and a proud member of the production team that created the documentary, Traces of Doubt: The Forensics of Dr. Henry Lee, which is now available in its entirety on YouTube. Caitlin speaks with John Collins about her life and career as an investigative reporter, and sheds light on her…

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587. Movie Review: Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, Alphaville 1:51:20

8M ago1:51:20

1:51:20

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the science fiction noir movies Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, and Alphaville. Time stamps: Dark City (3:25), Strange Days (28:55), The Thirteenth Floor (48:19), Looker (1:00:43), Alphaville (1:16:19). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over…

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85# Sarah Chu on Forensic Evidence and Post-Conviction Advocacy 59:02

9M ago59:02

59:02

Dr. Sarah Chu is the Director of Policy and Reform at the Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice at the Cordoza School of Law in New York. In her role at the center, she applies her own extensive background in science and public policy to take an active lead on advancing our criminal justice system's efforts to utilize forensic evidence with maximum e…

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586. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 2 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 1:58:04

9M ago1:58:04

1:58:04

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the second half of book Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits. Stories discussed: "On the Downhill Side" (2:34), "Paladin of the Lost Hour" (12:00), "The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World" (30:08), "I'm Looking for Kadak" (39:10), "How Interesting: A Tiny Man" (48:42), "Djinn, No Chaser" (59:36), "How's the…

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#84: Forensics - A Different Kind of Science, and Here's Why 43:22

9M ago43:22

43:22

In Episode 84 of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins explores why forensic science is distinct from traditional sciences and often misunderstood. He examines how forensic methods—such as fingerprint and bullet comparisons—are rooted in stochastics, the study of randomness and unique patterns. Addressing past criticisms, Collins argues that forens…

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#83: Remembering a Forensic Science Pioneer - John Murdock 26:03

9M ago26:03

26:03

The profession of forensic science has lost one its greatest thinkers and pioneers. His name is John Murdock, and his body of work contributed to the professionalization and trustworthiness of the evidentiary analyses performed by forensic science laboratories all over the world. In this update, your host John Collins commemorates the life and care…

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#82: One Officer, One Bullet, and Two Critical Lessons on Police Culture 34:24

9M ago34:24

34:24

In this inaugural episode of Crime and the Coutroom, John Collins shares what he describes as "the craziest case I ever experienced in a forensic science laboratory." As he explains, sometime in late 1995 or early 1996, John conducted what started as a routine forensic analysis of a firearm used by a police officer in a shooting invovling an armed …

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585. Philip Gelatt, writer of The Europa Report and The Spine of Night 1:05:22

10M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

Philip Gelatt joins us to discuss writing the hard science fiction film The Europa Report and the animated sword & sorcery film The Spine of Night. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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#81: One thing kids must learn to keep themselves safe (Update) 5:34

10M ago5:34

5:34

In this quick holiday update, John Collins shares what he argues is the one key message to teach children so that they can grow up as attentive, cautious adults who can take care of themselves.By John M. Collins

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584. The Making of Secret Level (with J.T. Petty) 58:45

10M ago58:45

58:45

J.T. Petty joins us to discuss serving as executive producer on the new Amazon series Secret Level, a collection of animated shorts set in the worlds of popular video games. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Episode 43: Jeff Barth, PhD, John Edward Fowler Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences 53:50

10M ago53:50

53:50

Dr. Jeff Barth, the creator of sport concussion research, joins us to discuss his groundbreaking work that has reshaped athlete safety worldwide. From his roots in New Jersey playing basketball and lacrosse to founding the UVA Brain Injury and Sports Concussion Institute, Dr. Barth shares his journey, his impact on professional sports, and his visi…

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#80: Forensic Evidence in the Luigi Mangione Investigation 14:25

11M ago14:25

14:25

John Collins discusses emerging forensic results in the investigation of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and why one evidentiary issue might allow the defense to make some noise. References Mangione attorney says he will challenge forensic results' admissibility, accuracy Crime Lab Report (2019, Academic Press)…

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#79: Announcing Major Change to Podcast Name and Format 14:26

11M ago14:26

14:26

A major decision has been made to expand the reach of our podcast while continuing to prioritize the challenges and opportunities facing the forensic laboratory community. In this final CoachCast update of 2024, John Collins explains the changes that are taking effect, and the strategic basis for those changes. The result will be an expanded audien…

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583. Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits Part 1 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 1:57:08

11M ago1:57:08

1:57:08

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the first half of the book Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "'Repent Harlequin,' Said the Ticktockman" (13:08), "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" (26:00), "The Deathbird" (37:17), "Chatting with Anubis" (47:39), "The Whimper of Whipped Dogs" (51:29), "Jefty is F…

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#78: CoachCast Update and Tip on Thinking Strategically 11:13

11M ago11:13

11:13

John Collins, in a special Crime Lab CoachCast update, reflects on the importance of creating conditions for the criminal justice system to be elevated by professionals with the right expertise, attitudes, and leadership skills. He emphasizes the significance of executing consequential roles in striving for personal success, and the need to careful…

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582. The Fifth Head of Cerberus by Gene Wolfe Review (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer) 1:32:12

11M ago1:32:12

1:32:12

James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Fifth Head of Cerberus, about two planets that may or may not be inhabited by shapeshifting aliens. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm…