Best David Seitz Podcasts (2025)

1
The Politics of Andor (Season 2 Episodes 7-9): Truth and Discipline 1:10:58

6m ago1:10:58

1:10:58

It’s the UConn Popcast, and we continue our analysis of Andor season 2 with episodes 7-9. We break down the politics of these episodes, focusing on the question of when in a rebellion must you break cover and insist - publicly - on the truth. We see a second major theme of this arc as discipline. The rebellion is moving from a para-military to a mi…

1
Smart Marketing Tactics That Work (Ep. 171) 22:29

13h ago22:29

22:29

In this powerhouse episode, the team unpacks real-world, actionable marketing tactics that restaurant owners can implement immediately to drive traffic, create loyal customers, and boost profits—without relying on gimmicks or deep discounts. From the power of thoughtful guest experiences to bounce-back promotions and handwritten letters to lapsed c…

1
The Politics of Andor (Season 2 Episodes 4-6): Too Much Information 55:24

5d ago55:24

55:24

It’s the UConn Popcast, and we continue our analysis of Andor season 2 with episodes 4-6. We break down the politics of these episodes, focusing on the mirrored political challenges faced by figures from the Empire and the Rebellion. We see a big theme of these episodes as “too much information,” as both sides struggle to distinguish friend from fo…

1
The Politics of Andor (Season 2 Episodes 1-3): The Personal is Political 51:28

13d ago51:28

51:28

It’s the UConn Popcast, and today we react to Andor Season 2, episodes 1-3. We break down the politics of these episodes, focusing on the motives and aims of the rebellion and the Empire. Both sides have major coordination problems in these episodes, although the causes are very different. We explain and analyze the recurrent problems of authoritar…

1
Beyond the Buzz – Embracing the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Movement in Restaurants 22:59

12d ago22:59

22:59

In this episode of Restauranttopia, Dave and Brian explore the growing non-alcoholic beverage movement and why it's a must for modern restaurants. They break down the cultural shifts, customer expectations, and real profitability behind offering thoughtful non-alcoholic options. Learn practical ways to adapt your menu, train your staff, and create …

1
Planetary Boundaries are Non-Negotiable: Kim Stanley Robinson and Elizabeth Carolyn Miller (JP) 50:52

15d ago50:52

50:52

In Season 9, Novel Dialogue set out to find the Venn diagram intersection of tech and fiction—only to realize that Kim Stanley Robinson had staked his claim on the territory decades ago. With influential series on California, on the terraforming of Mars, and on human civilization as reshaped by rising tides, KSR has established a conceptual space a…

1
5 Things I Learned in Vegas to Increase Restaurant Profitability (Ep. 169) 24:06

26d ago24:06

24:06

Summary In this episode, Brian shares five key lessons from Las Vegas that every restaurant operator should hear. From faster drink service to private room optimization and upsell strategy, these practical insights are designed to boost revenue while enhancing the guest experience. Learn how to modernize your operations, empower your staff, and gro…

1
Pain and Suffering – How It Can Lead to Better Leadership (Ep. 168) 15:47

1M ago15:47

15:47

In this thought-provoking episode, the team explores how pain and suffering can cultivate stronger leadership skills. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy, Buddhist parables, and personal experiences, they discuss the concept of the "two arrows"—how pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional—and how leaders can apply this mindset to stay co…

1
The Hidden Danger of Merchant Service Loans (Ep. 167) 18:01

2M ago18:01

18:01

Many restaurant operators are unknowingly signing their businesses away with predatory merchant cash advances (MCAs). These high-cost financing options promise fast money but come with crippling repayment terms that can put restaurants out of business. In this episode, we break down: What MCAs really are and why they’re dangerous How POS companies …

1
MALT – The 4 Key Elements That Shape Your Restaurant’s Atmosphere (Ep. 166) 27:44

2M ago27:44

27:44

A restaurant’s atmosphere can make or break the guest experience, but many operators overlook key environmental factors. In this episode, we break down MALT – Music, Ambiance, Lighting, and Temperature—the four elements that directly influence customer comfort, spending habits, and return visits. Learn how to fine-tune your restaurant’s environment…

1
5 Mistakes Restaurants Are Making (Ep. 165) 20:03

3M ago20:03

20:03

Are you making these five costly restaurant mistakes? Many independent restaurant operators are leaving money on the table by overlooking simple but essential strategies. In this episode, we break down five common mistakes and how to fix them right away. Listen now to learn: Why tracking prime costs daily can improve profitability How collecting an…

1
Badiucao and Mellissa Chan, "You Must Take Part in Revolution" (Street Noise Books, 2024) 50:04

3M ago50:04

50:04

You Must Take Part In Revolution is a mind-bending graphic novel by award-winning journalist Melissa Chan and acclaimed dissident artist Badiucao. A near-future dystopia in the vein of George Orwell's Animal's Farm, the book explores technology, authoritarian government, and the lengths to which one will go in the fight for freedom. Three idealisti…

1
Transforming Restaurant Managers into Hospitality Leaders with Jason Brooks - PART 2 (Ep. 164) 33:06

3M ago33:06

33:06

In this second part of our interview with Jason Brooks—speaker, author, and coach—we continue the conversation on leadership in the restaurant industry. With over 30 years of experience, Jason shares key insights from his upcoming book, including how to master meetings, provide impactful feedback, and harness the power of influence. We also discuss…

1
Ben Berman Ghan, "The Years Shall Run Like Rabbits" (Wolsak & Wynn, 2024) 39:25

4M ago39:25

39:25

Ben Berman Ghan is the author of the bestselling novel, The Years Shall Run Like Rabbits (Wolsak & Wynn, 2024). The Years Shall Run Like Rabbits is a gorgeously complex work of literary speculative fiction. With elements of science fiction and horror dropped in amongst stunning literary prose, the debut novel spans centuries, covering humanity’s co…

1
Restaurant Industry Challenges with Jason E. Brooks - PART 1 (Ep. 163) 41:26

4M ago41:26

41:26

In this episode, we sit down with Jason E. Brooks, a seasoned restaurant industry veteran turned speaker, author, and coach. Jason shares insights from his 30-year journey from dishwasher to VP of Operations, as well as highlights from his upcoming book on hospitality leadership. We explore his actionable leadership framework (MODEL), the importanc…

1
Anna Moschovakis, "An Earthquake Is a Shaking of the Surface of the Earth" (Soft Skull, 2024) 51:05

4M ago51:05

51:05

After a seismic event leaves the world shattered, an unnamed narrator at the end of a mediocre acting career struggles to regain the ability to walk on ground that is in constant motion. When her alluring younger housemate, Tala, disappears, what had begun as an obsession grows into an impulse to kill, forcing the narrator to confront the meaning o…

1
Online Ordering with Better Photos and Descriptions (Ep. 162) 7:20

4M ago7:20

7:20

In this episode, the Restauranttopia team dives into the essentials of optimizing your online ordering platform with high-quality food photography and effective menu descriptions. Learn how these small but impactful changes can increase sales, enhance customer experience, and showcase your brand's best. Show Notes: Episode Highlights: The Importanc…

1
Suzy Krause, "I Think We've Been Here Before" (Radiant Press, 2024) 24:39

5M ago24:39

24:39

Suzy Krause’s latest speculative fiction novel, I Think We’ve Been Here Before (Radiant Press, 2024) is a compulsively readable and cosy story. Marlen and Hilda Jorgensen’s family has received two significant pieces of news: one, Marlen has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Two, a cosmic blast is set to render humanity extinct within a matter…

1
Peter Darbyshire, "The Mona Lisa Sacrifice" (Poplar Press, 2024) 46:51

5M ago46:51

46:51

With this dry observance Peter Darbyshire introduces us to Cross, a man who has lived thousands of years, though he’d prefer not to have, and who is now hunting angels in a Barcelona filled with tourists, phone cameras and deep mystery. The Mona Lisa Sacrifice (Poplar Press, 2024) is a layered supernatural thriller, filled with history, magic and b…

1
Emily A. Weedon, "Autokrator" (Cormorant Books, 2024) 32:27

5M ago32:27

32:27

Born nameless, in a rigid, autocratic society that has relegated all women to non-person status — Unmales — two women fight against their invisibility in Autokrator (Cormorant Books, 2024), the gripping saga by Canadian author and screenwriter Emily Weedon. The disappearance of yet another Domestic means Cera must take on extra duties and tend the …

1
Are You Not Entertained?!? (Ep. 161) 34:02

5M ago34:02

34:02

In this episode of Restauranttopia, we explore creative ways to elevate your guests' dining experience and keep them coming back for more. From interactive menus and themed nights to customer spotlights and unique partnerships, we share actionable ideas to help you entertain, engage, and delight your customers. Don't miss this deep dive into the st…

1
Ursula Le Guin's Anarchist Alternative 1:09:07

5M ago1:09:07

1:09:07

In this Conversation on Anarres, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Ursula K. Le Guin's classic novel, The Dispossessed. We talk with Dr. Alexis Shotwell who is working to spell out Le Guin's anarchist philosophy. Shotwell speculates as to the features of "Odoian anarchism"--what values it expresses and how it is related to oth…

1
Treat Your Employees Like Customers (Ep. 160) 20:11

5M ago20:11

20:11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OblkAEH8AXg In this episode, the Restauranttopia team explores how to attract, engage, and retain top talent by treating employees like valued customers. From creating a standout workplace culture to leveraging marketing strategies in recruitment, discover actionable tips and insights to build a loyal and motivated t…

1
Jordan S. Carroll, "Speculative Whiteness: Science Fiction and the Alt-Right" (U Minnesota Press, 2024) 47:08

6M ago47:08

47:08

Fascists such as Richard Spencer interpret science fiction films and literature as saying only white men have the imagination required to invent a high-tech future. Other white nationalists envision racist utopias filled with Aryan supermen and all-white space colonies. Speculative Whiteness: Science Fiction and the Alt-Right (University of Minneso…

1
Benjamin Resnick, "Next Stop" (Simon and Schuster, 2024) 29:22

6M ago29:22

29:22

Today I talked to Benjamin Resnick about his novel Next Stop (Simon and Schuster, 2024) A hole opens in the universe and suddenly consumes a building, then a neighborhood, and then the entire country of Israel. Conspiracies and antisemitic paranoia simmer, violence erupts, and life for Jews around the globe becomes even more hate filled. But Ethan …

1
The Radical Futurity of Dune: Javier Sethness-Castro 53:03

6M ago53:03

53:03

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we speak with author Javier Sethness Castro about his new review of Dune II (2024). Sethness Castro argues that the Frank Herbert's vision of humanity, as laid out in the novels, is one of a multicultural, multiracial, and religiously pluralistic human race spread out among the stars. The persistence of …

1
CK Westbrook, "The Aftermath" (4 Horsemen Publications, 2024) 57:10

7M ago57:10

57:10

It's been almost five years since a wrathful extraterrestrial called Rex perpetrated a mass shooting that caused hundreds of millions of people to take their own lives. The world has mourned its losses and moved on, trying to adhere to The Pledge to save themselves from more violence. But when a solar storm conceals the dangerous activities being d…

1
Is Humanity Worth Saving? The Philosophy of Battlestar Galactica 1:05:49

8M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we talk with Dr. Jason Eberl who is the editor of the book Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy. Dr. Eberl is a featured speaker at the celebration of the 20th anniversary of 2004 reboot of Battlestar Galactica in Chicago. This series begins by asking an existential question: "Does humanity deserve to exi…

1
Francis Stevens, "The Heads of Cerberus and Other Stories" (MIT Press, 2024) 40:43

8M ago40:43

40:43

When three people in Philadelphia inhale dust developed by a scientist who has discovered parallel universes, they are transported into an interdimensional no-man's-land that is populated by supernatural beings. From there, they go on to an alternate-future version of Philadelphia—a frightening dystopian nation-state in which citizens are numbered,…

1
David Kroening Seitz, "A Different Trek: Radical Geographies of Deep Space Nine" (U Nebraska Press, 2023) 59:20

8M ago59:20

59:20

A different kind of Star Trek television series debuted in 1993. Deep Space Nine was set not on a starship but a space station near a postcolonial planet still reeling from a genocidal occupation. The crew was led by a reluctant Black American commander and an extraterrestrial first officer who had until recently been an anticolonial revolutionary.…

1
Emily Strand and Amy H. Sturgis, "Star Trek: Essays Exploring the Final Frontier" (Vernon Press, 2023) 1:00:42

8M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

n this special Star Trek Day episode on the New Books Network, hosted by Dessy Vassileva from Vernon Press, we celebrate over 55 years of Star Trek with a deep dive into the book Star Trek: Essays Exploring the Final Frontier (Vernon Press, 2023). Co-editors Emily Strand and Amy H. Sturgis join the discussion to explore how Star Trek has shaped sci…

1
Will Burrows and the Radical Future of Star Trek 45:42

8M ago45:42

45:42

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we interview artist Will Burrows. In the past few years, Burrows has become popular for his art that blends Star Trek with political themes and LGBTQIA pride.We wanted to talk to him about some of his best selling work in celebration of the Bell Riots--an event in Star Trek lore that sets the United Stat…

1
Edward Shanks, "The People of the Ruins" (MIT Press, 2024) 1:01:02

9M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

In The People of the Ruins (originally published in 1920), Edward Shanks imagines England in the not-so-distant future as a neo mediaeval society whose inhabitants have forgotten how to build or operate machinery. Jeremy Tuft is a physics instructor and former artillery officer who is cryogenically frozen in his laboratory only to emerge after a ce…

1
Graham McNeill, "Horus Heresy - False Gods" (Games Workshop, 2014) 31:39

11M ago31:39

31:39

For years, fans have been clamoring for novels about the Horus Heresy - the bloody civil war that set Space Marine against Space Marine and nearly spelled the end of mankind at the hands of the traitor Horus. False Gods takes the epic story onwards as Horus struggles to keep his armies in line and the seeds of his downfall are sown. Join us as we s…

1
Emily Strand and Amy H. Sturgis, "Star Wars: Essays Exploring a Galaxy Far, Far Away" (Vernon Press, 2023) 56:51

1y ago56:51

56:51

'Star Wars' is a global phenomenon that in 2022 celebrated its 45th year of transmedia storytelling, and it has never been more successful than it is today. More 'Star Wars' works than ever are currently available or in simultaneous development, including live-action and animated series, novels, comics, and merchandise, as well as the feature films…

1
Guerilla to Grandmother: Katherine Ann Power 1:18:24

1y ago1:18:24

1:18:24

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we talk with Katherine Ann Power about her new memoir, "Surrender: My Journey from Guerilla to Grandmother". For over twenty years, Power was on the FBI Most Wanted List for her involvement in a revolutionary armed cell that sought the overthrown of the US government. After a bank robbery in which a poli…

1
Wole Talabi, "Convergence Problems" (Astra Publishing House, 2024) 1:01:24

1y ago1:01:24

1:01:24

In his new story collection Convergence Problems (DAW Books, 2024), Wole Talabi investigates the rapidly changing role of technology and belief in our lives as we search for meaning, for knowledge, for justice; constantly converging on our future selves. In “An Arc of Electric Skin,” a roadside mechanic seeking justice volunteers to undergo a proce…

1
Adapting Liu Cixin’s "Three-Body Problem" for Television 1:21:46

1y ago1:21:46

1:21:46

It’s the UConn Popcast, and today we discuss Netflix’s new screen adaptation of Chinese science fiction author Liu Cixin’s Three Body trilogy. We discuss the battle between the eye and the idea in film and television science fiction, and whether the new show strikes a successful balance. We consider some of the challenges involved in adapting this …

1
Scott Alexander Howard, "The Other Valley" (Atria Books, 2024) 41:22

1y ago41:22

41:22

Sixteen-year-old Odile is an awkward, quiet girl vying for a coveted seat on the Conseil. If she earns the position, she'll decide who may cross her town's heavily guarded borders. On the other side, it's the same valley, the same town. Except to the east, the town is twenty years ahead in time. To the west, it's twenty years behind. The towns repe…

1
Bodhisattva Chattopadhyay, "The Inhumans and Other Stories: A Selection of Bengali Science Fiction" (MIT Press, 2024) 1:02:25

1y ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Kalpavigyan—science fiction written to excite Bengali speakers about science, as well as to persuade them to evolve beyond the limitations of religion, caste, and class—became popular in the early years of the twentieth century. Translated into English for the first time, in The Inhumans and Other Stories (MIT Press, 2024) you'll discover The Inhum…

1
Marie-Helene Bertino, "Beautyland" (FSG, 2024) 46:56

1y ago46:56

46:56

At the moment when Voyager 1 is launched into space carrying its famous golden record, a baby of unusual perception is born to a single mother in Philadelphia. Adina Giorno is tiny and jaundiced, but she reaches for warmth and light. As a child, she recognizes that she is different: She possesses knowledge of a faraway planet. The arrival of a fax …

1
Harry Turtledove, "Wages of Sin" (Caezik SF & Fantasy, 2024) 21:02

1y ago21:02

21:02

What if HIV started spreading in the early 1500s rather than the late 1900s? Without modern medicine, anybody who catches HIV is going to die. In Wages of Sin (Caezik SF & Fantasy, 2024), by Dr. Harry Turtledove, a patriarchal society reacts to this devastating disease in the only way it knows how: it sequesters women as much as possible, limiting …

1
Star Trek's Radical Hope: Una McCormack 1:19:52

1y ago1:19:52

1:19:52

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we speak with New York Times Best Selling author, Dr. Una McCormack. She has written over twenty science fiction novels, many of which are franchise novels that tie into the Star Trek, Firefly, and Dr. Who universes. We talk about how she prepares for writing her work and why she appreciates science fict…

1
DS9 and the Radical Imagination: David Seitz 57:20

1+ y ago57:20

57:20

In this Conversation on Anarres, we speak with Dr. David Seitz about his new book A Different Trek: Radical Geographies of Deep Space Nine. We talk about how Star Trek came to be part of his academic research project and why Deep Space Nine captured his imagination as a way to talk about radical politics in the world today. Our conversation touches…

1
Samantha Harvey, "Orbital" (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2023) 56:31

1+ y ago56:31

56:31

A slender novel of epic power, Orbital (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2023) deftly snapshots one day in the lives of six women and men hurtling through space--not towards the moon or the vast unknown, but around our planet. Selected for one of the last space station missions of its kind before the program is dismantled, these astronauts and cosmonauts--f…

1
Stefano Gualeni, "The Clouds: An Experiment in Theory-Fiction" (Routledge, 2023) 20:28

1+ y ago20:28

20:28

On a slow autumn afternoon, an atmospheric physicist working at the Malta Weather Station receives a surprising email from a colleague working in the United Kingdom: something troubling has apparently been detected during one of their research flights. The ensuing meteorological mystery is the starting point for the science fiction novella The Clou…

1
Waubgeshig Rice, "Moon of the Turning Leaves" (William Morrow, 2023) 45:31

1+ y ago45:31

45:31

It’s been over a decade since a mysterious cataclysm caused a permanent blackout that toppled infrastructure and thrust the world into anarchy. Evan Whitesky led his community in remote northern Ontario off the rez and into the bush, where they’ve been living off the land, rekindling their Anishinaabe traditions in total isolation from the outside …

1
Sex Work, Labor, Solidarity: Matilda Bickers 57:24

1+ y ago57:24

57:24

In this episode of Conversations on Anarres, we talk with Matilda Bickers, the co-editor of a new anthology, "Working It: Sex Workers on the Work of Sex" (PM Press, 2023), which is a collection of reflections by sex workers on the nature of their labor. She explains how she got into this form of advocacy and what similarities sex work has to other …

1
Best SciFi & Fantasy 2023 1:09:42

1+ y ago1:09:42

1:09:42

In this episode of TrekWars@OSU, we consider the sci-fi, fantasy, and other speculative fiction that helped us to imagine futures free of domination, exploitation, war, and empire.Our discussion panel included: Joseph Orosco, co-director of the Anarres Project; Randall Millstein, Robyn Morris, and Kaja Gjelde. Each of them mentioned their favorite …

1
Jarret Keene, "Hammer of the Dogs" (U Nevada Press, 2023) 41:09

1+ y ago41:09

41:09

Set in the wasteland of post-apocalyptic Las Vegas, Jarret Keene's, Hammer of the Dogs (University of Nevada Press, 2023), is a literary dystopian adventure filled with high-octane fun starring twenty-one-year-old Lash. With her high-tech skill set and warrior mentality, Lash is a master of her own fate as she helps to shield the Las Vegas valley's…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

David Seitz Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen