Best Erin Egan Podcasts (2026)

1
610. Megan McArdle, host of Reasonably Optimistic 1:03:14

Play Pause

4d ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle joins us to discuss her favorite science fiction and her new podcast Reasonably Optimistic. 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

1
Kaila Yu: Challenging Stereotypes and Defetishizing Asian Women 28:36

7d ago28:36

28:36

Kaila Yu lived many lives before she decided to write a memoir. As an actress, musician, and import model, Kaila learned firsthand about all the ways it is challenging to be Asian American, particularly as a woman. But she didn’t write about that experience until seeing her fellow Asian Americans attacked and vilified in 2020. Now a travel, food an…

1
609. Stephen King Movies: The Running Man, The Long Walk, The Dead Zone, The Mist (with Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, Tom Gerencer) 2:05:01

19d ago2:05:01

2:05:01

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the Stephen King movie adaptations The Running Man, The Long Walk, The Dead Zone, and The Mist. Time stamps: The Running Man (17:44), The Long Walk (47:14), The Dead Zone (1:10:45), The Mist (1:30:20). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. L…

101
Jeffrey Marsh: The Joyful Activism of Self-Love and Gender Identity 28:30

21d ago28:30

28:30

For nearly two decades Jeffrey Marsh has been a representative and advocate for LGBTQ people of all stripes. Whether on Vine, Tik Tok or Instagram, Jeffrey has built success on simple videos helping straight and LGBTQ people attain a lasting sense of peace and self-compassion. Jeffrey is the first non-binary person to sign a book deal with any “Big…

1
608. The Best of Larry Niven Part 3 Review (with Mercurio D. Rivera) 1:40:34

27d ago1:40:34

1:40:34

Mercurio D. Rivera joins us to discuss the last nine stories from the book The Best of Larry Niven. Stories discussed: “Flatlander” (2:06), “The Borderland of Sol” (17:15), “The Magic Goes Away” (31:40), “A Teardrop Falls” (44:00), “The Return of William Proxmire” (49:43), “Limits” (57:45), “Smut Talk” (1:07:21), “The Missing Mass” (1:12:35), “Caut…

1
Alex Ryvchin: The resilience of Australian Jewry 30:04

29d ago30:04

30:04

Alex Ryvchin is co-Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the author of internationally acclaimed books of history and politics, and a best-selling children’s author. Over the past twelve years he has been a fierce advocate for the Australian Jewish community and Israel. His advocacy and writing has seen him recognise…

1
607. Jean-Claude Van Damme Movies: Timecop, Universal Soldier, Cyborg, Replicant (with Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, Tom Gerencer) 2:01:34

2M ago2:01:34

2:01:34

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the Jean-Claude Van Damme movies Timecop, Universal Soldier, Cyborg, and Replicant. Time stamps: Timecop (15:21), Universal Soldier (41:27), Cyborg (1:01:35), Replicant (1:19:53). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your a…

1
Jonah Platt: 'Being Jewish' in Hollywood and Ending the "Bad Jew" Myth 31:28

2M ago31:28

31:28

"Bad Jews." It’s a label thrown around all too often, deepening divides and alienating those seeking connection. For actor, advocate, and podcaster Jonah Platt, it’s time to retire the term and focus on what actually strengthens the Jewish community: radical inclusivity. In this episode, the host of the award-winning Being Jewish with Jonah Platt p…

1
606. Alien: Earth Season 1 Review (with Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, Anthony Ha) 1:51:44

2M ago1:51:44

1:51:44

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Anthony Ha join us to discuss Season 1 of the FX series Alien: Earth, a prequel to the classic films Alien and Aliens. 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

1
AJ Edelman: The National Mission of an Olympic Athlete 35:36

2M ago35:36

35:36

There is a notion that observant Jews don’t have a chance to be professional athletes. The notion that Shabbat is an impediment and a sheer lack of role models make it hard for young athletes to find their way to elite sport. AJ Edelman is one of the trailblazing athletes working to change those conditions. Without any of the supports offered by th…

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

3M 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" (1:27), "Zero for Conduct" (19:18), "Uncanny Valley" (37:31), "Bit Players" (52:11), "3-adica" (1:05:17), "Instantiation" (1:19:51). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more …

1
Abraham Hamra: A Syrian Jew Challenging Stereotypes 20:53

2M ago20:53

20:53

Abraham Hamra knows the historic plight of the Jewish diaspora better than most. At six years old he was separated from much of his family, unsure if he’d ever see his grandparents again. He was among the last Jews left in Syria, and just a year after announcing Jews could leave Syria for the US, the Assad regime reversed course, and said the remai…

1
Lizzy Savetsky: Doubling Down on Israel 22:05

3M ago22:05

22:05

[Episode Recorded on September 11, 2025] Lizzy Savetsky is an influencer who has been a staple of pro-Israel social media since October 7th, 2023. Prior to October 7th, Lizzy had advocated for Israel alongside other causes, including supporting Jewish women who experienced miscarriages and sobriety, but after October 7th, she turned her focus entir…

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

3M 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 …

1
Emma's Torch’s Kerry Brodie: Cooking Up a New Life for Refugees 31:12

4M ago31:12

31:12

Kerry Brodie is the founder and Executive Director of Emma’s Torch, a non-profit social enterprise that provides refugees with culinary training and employability, equity and empowerment training. Kerry came up with the idea for Emma’s Torch while volunteering at a DC homeless shelter and made the connection between refugees looking for employment,…

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

4M 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…

1
Kalina Silverman: Creating Human Connection in a Disconnected World Through Big Talk 31:36

4M ago31:36

31:36

Kalina Silverman is a documentary journalist, entrepreneur, speaker, and creator of Big Talk — an award-winning viral media project that highlights meaningful conversations to foster empathy and human connection. Over the years, people worldwide have shared how Big Talk transformed their lives—from reconnecting with estranged family members and fin…

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

4M 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…

1
Tracy-Ann Oberman: Unabashedly Fighting Antisemitism and Reclaiming "The Merchant of Venice" 27:14

4M ago27:14

27:14

Tracy-Ann Oberman is a British actress. She gained prominence for her role as Chrissie Watts in the long-running British soap opera "EastEnders." Oberman has appeared in numerous television shows, including "Doctor Who," "Friday Night Dinner," and "Toast of London." Tracy-Ann is passionate about Jewish rights and uses her platform to speak about th…

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

5M 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…

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

5M 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

1
Mercy Kafotokoza: How Nurses are Revolutionizing Community Health in Rural Africa 28:43

5M ago28:43

28:43

Mercy Kafotokoza is a Malawian nurse, midwife and public health professional with a Master’s in Public Health. She is also a mother of three and a passionate advocate for equity, compassion and the power of proximity. As a young girl, Mercy experienced the heartbreak of losing her uncle to a preventable condition. She is now the founder of Wandikwe…

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

5M 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

1
Gene Baur: Confronting the Morality of Factory Farming 28:16

5M ago28:16

28:16

Gene Baur is the founder of Farm Sanctuary, a place of rescue, refuge, and adoption for hundreds of farm animals each year. Farm Sanctuary shelters enable visitors to connect with farm animals as emotional, intelligent individuals. Gene has also led campaigns to change laws about animal treatment and taken undercover photographs of farms, stockyard…

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

6M 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

1
Lani Anpo: The Erasure of Native American & Jewish Identity, and the Indijewnous Response 27:25

6M ago27:25

27:25

Today, IndiJewnous activist Lani Anpo joins Jay on the show. Lani is an influential advocate for global Indigenous and Jewish communities. A multi tribal Native American Jew, Lani passionately champions the rights and stories of marginalized groups with a focus on protecting Indigenous sovereignty, promoting self-determination, and preserving histo…

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

6M 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

1
Chama Mechtaly — Using Art to Deradicalize the Middle East 35:30

6M ago35:30

35:30

Chama Mechtaly is the Founder of The Emma Lazarus Institute for Liberty and Tolerance, an action tank bridging media and policy gaps between the Middle-East and the Democratic West. She is a policy advisor, public speaker, artist, entrepreneur and activist working in service of conflict transformation, deradicalization and regional integration in M…

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

7M 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

1
Tiffany Yu — Smashing Stereotypes and Building a Disability-Inclusive World 30:23

7M ago30:23

30:23

Tiffany Yu is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning social enterprise to elevate disability pride; the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, a monthly micro-grant that has awarded $92.5k to 93 disability projects in 11 countries; and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and B…

1
Princess Noor Pahlavi - Advocating for a Democratic Iran 32:09

7M ago32:09

32:09

Princess Noor Pahlavi was born into the Iranian royal family as the eldest child of the Crown Prince. She heard the call to civic duty from an early age, inspired by the legacy of her grandfather, the last Shah of Iran, along with her grandmother, The Empress of Iran. But she was not content to sit on the sidelines, and decided to use her place of …

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

7M 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

1
The Goodwill You Don't Know with CEO Steve Preston 29:53

7M ago29:53

29:53

Steve Preston is the CEO of Goodwill Industries. Though Goodwill is known for big stores where people can donate clothes and buy them secondhand, those stores are just the first level of what Goodwill Industries are about. Those stores fund an international organization that provides job training, employment placement services and other community-b…

1
Gary Sinise: Doing More for Our veterans with the Gary Sinise Foundation 27:29

8M ago27:29

27:29

Gary Sinise is an award winning actor, on the stage, TV and big screen. He is best known for playing Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. Inspired by this role and his family members, Gary is now the head of the Gary Sinise Foundation, which offers support for service members who need help with mental wellness, trauma, physical recovery, and loss. He Al…

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

8M 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

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

8M 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

1
Ashlyn So: Combating AAPI/Asian- Hate Through Peaceful Protest & Fashion 26:54

8M ago26:54

26:54

Ashlyn So is a remarkable rising star in the design world, already showcasing collections at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks by age 16. She powerfully combines her striking fashion with dedicated activism, driven by the belief that fashion provides both identity and a voice. This conviction fuels her work speaking out against bullying and AAPI/Asi…

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

8M 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…

1
Eli Beer & United Hatzalah: Saving Lives in 90 seconds or Less 30:20

9M ago30:20

30:20

Eli Beer is a pioneer, social entrepreneur, President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel. In thirty years, the organization has grown to more than 6,500 volunteers who unite together to provide immediate, life-saving care to anyone in need - regardless of race or religion. This community EMS force network treats over 730,000 incidents per yea…

1
591. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 3 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 2:39:59

9M 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…

1
Professional football player Jonathan Jones: Mentorship and Making an Impact in Your Community 22:49

9M ago22:49

22:49

Jonathan Jones is an NFL cornerback for the Washington Commanders who rose from the undrafted ranks to become two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, a businessman, philanthropist, and licensed pilot. In 2019, Jonathan founded the Jonathan Jones Next Step Foundation in 2019, a platform dedicated to empowering youth through educa…

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

9M 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 …

1
Jay Ruderman - How to Find Your Fight & Drive Social Change 32:17

10M ago32:17

32:17

Jay is more than just the host of All About Change podcast. He is a lawyer and international activist, who has focused his life’s work on seeking social justice by advocating for the rights of people with disabilities worldwide. On the special episode of All About Change, Mijon Zulu, the managing producer of the "All About Change" podcast, is takin…

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

10M 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…

1
Alexis Tutunnique of United Ukrainian Ballet - Ukrainian Cultural Resistance 26:52

10M ago26:52

26:52

Alexis Tutunnique is a ballet dancer, a graduate of the Kyiv National Ballet School, a member of the United Ukrainian Ballet Company, and the subject of the recent documentary Front Row. In Front Row, Alexis befriends and invites Sascha, a former Ukrainian soldier who lost his legs in a bombing, to join the dance troupe for a performance in LA. Jay…

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

10M 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…

1
Chris Nowinski - Protecting Athletes from Head Injuries & Preventing CTE 27:28

10M ago27:28

27:28

Chris Nowinski is a former football player at Harvard University and professional wrestler with WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment. After enduring a career-ending head injury, Chris has dedicated his professional life to serving patients and families affected by brain trauma, particularly Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a progressive neur…

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

11M 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…

1
Tyler Merritt - Before You Call the Cops, Storytelling and Empathy Driven Social Justice 30:59

11M ago30:59

30:59

Tyler Merritt is a Nashville-based actor, comedian, vocalist, and creator of The Tyler Merritt Project. He believes empathy is a powerful tool to fight injustice and encourages people to step out of the anonymity of social media and engage in face-to-face conversations. Using his creativity, Tyler Merritt challenges racism and promotes empathy. In …

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

11M 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…