Best Geek It Up Radio Podcasts (2025)

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

Play Pause

17d 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…

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Hot Pockets 27:23

25d ago27:23

27:23

On this freshly handcrafted episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser shares his thoughts about the past, present and future of “Doctor Who,” before jumping into the news with J.D. to discuss recent developments in streaming TV, games, shopping and aggressively priced high-fashion iPhone slings. Just press Play for Episode 388! • “Doctor Who” (BBC) • Why …

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

1M 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

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The Hacker Shuffle 31:44

1M ago31:44

31:44

On this episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser and J.D. discuss — among many other things — electronic playing-card shufflers, Oreos, A.I. slop, robot hands and “Peacemaker.” Listen in on PTJ 387! • How Hacked Card Shufflers Allegedly Enabled a Mob-Fueled Poker Scam That Rocked the NBA (Wired) • Real Estate Is Entering Its AI Slop Era (Wired) • Phony A…

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

2M 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 …

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

2M 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

3M 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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Squat Bots and Milk Bread 34:48

3M ago34:48

34:48

On this episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser and J.D. dive into the ocean of Apple announcements and other recent tech news — and ponder Japanese-style 7-Eleven stores on this side of the Pacific. All this and more in Episode 386! • iPhone 17, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3, and everything else announced at Apple’s hardware event(TechCrunch) • Apple Octob…

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

3M 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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601. Fantastic Fiction at KGB (with Matthew Kressel) 1:43:10

4M 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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Analog Signals 35:56

4M ago35:56

35:56

On this episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser and J.D. discuss Google’s new Pixel 10 phones, Apple’s upcoming iPhone plans and dumb things done by artificial intelligence, all before pondering new trends related to GenZ’s growing fascination with “predigital” technology. Listen up here on Episode 385! • “What We Do in the Shadows” (FX/Hulu) • Google P…

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

4M 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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Boops, Toots and Squeals 27:46

4M ago27:46

27:46

On this week’s episode, El Kaiser and J.D. wade into the river of recent news about artificial intelligence — while stopping to pour one out for the soon-to-be-discontinued AOL dial-up modem service. Hear it all (and more) with one click of the Play button for PTJ 384! • Alexa Got an A.I. Brain Transplant. How Smart Is It Now? (The New York Times) …

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

4M 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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Dreams & Streams 34:45

5M ago34:45

34:45

On this episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser and JD discuss expert reaction to Apple’s iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe public betas, as well as a handful of other headlines from around the tech world. The hosts also share thoughts on 2025’s crop of summer movies and streaming TV. All this and more when you click Play on PTJ 383! · ‘Only Murders in the Buildin…

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

5M 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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Grok Spock 26:12

5M ago26:12

26:12

While counting down the minutes to the new season of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” this week, El Kaiser and J.D. discuss recent developments in the tech world and reflect upon the opening-weekend box office for the latest Superman movie. Spin up PTJ 382 to listen in! Google confirms it's 'combining' Chrome OS and Android into a single platform (A…

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

5M 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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Bye-Bye Blue 28:49

5M ago28:49

28:49

On this week’s episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser and JD discuss Microsoft’s recent announcement regarding changes to “the unexpected restart experience, the stack of Substacks piling up and A.I.’s effect on plant life. Apple’s new “F1” movie with Brad Pitt, the upcoming “Superman” film and El Kaiser’s belated journey with “Andor” are also part of …

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

6M 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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Cooking With Gas 31:01

6M ago31:01

31:01

Apple’s annual World Wide Developers Conference brought its usual load of software announcements last week and El Kaiser and J.D. share some thoughts about it all — including the new Liquid Gas, er, Liquid Glass interface design. But it’s not ALL about Apple this episode, as Google and Nintendo had some announcements of their own. Spin up PTJ 380 f…

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

6M 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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594. Andor Season 2 Review (with Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, Matt London) 1:26:36

7M 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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593. Roger Zelazny's Writing Advice (with Warren Lapine) 1:08:55

7M 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

7M 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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591. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 3 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 2:39:59

8M 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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590. The Best of Larry Niven Part 1 Review (with Mercurio D. Rivera) 1:48:40

8M 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

9M 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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588. The Urth of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe Review (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer) 1:27:33

9M 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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587. Movie Review: Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, Alphaville 1:51:20

10M 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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586. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 2 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 1:58:04

10M 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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The Roots of Everyday Words - Exploring the Origins of Common Phrases 57:13

11M ago57:13

57:13

In this week’s episode of Nerdish Nerdy Nerd News, join Jess, Kristian, and Fergal as they unravel the unexpected and sometimes bizarre histories behind the words and phrases we use every day. From nautical terms to ancient myths, they’ll dive into the fascinating world of etymology! Here’s what to expect: ⚓ Nautical Origins – Ever wondered why we …

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

11M 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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584. The Making of Secret Level (with J.T. Petty) 58:45

12M 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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583. Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits Part 1 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 1:57:08

12M 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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Gosh Numbers - Holy Moly, It’s a Math-tastic Adventure! 53:21

12M ago53:21

53:21

In this week's laugh-packed episode of Nerdish Nerdy Nerd News, your favorite trio—Jess, Kristian, and Fergal—takes you on a numerical joyride! From base systems to buttloads (yes, it’s a real measurement), we’re crunching numbers and cracking jokes like never before. Dive into the world of Gosh Numbers as we explore decimal, binary, and even hexad…

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

1y 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…

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581. Andrew Niccol Movies: Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, Anon 1:56:51

1y ago1:56:51

1:56:51

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the movies Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, and Anon, all of which were written by Andrew Niccol. Time stamps: Gattaca (11:57), The Truman Show (45:09), Simone (1:03:13), In Time (1:18:08), Anon (1:25:59). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreo…

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580. New Mexico Science Fiction Writers (with Melinda M. Snodgrass) 1:23:59

1y ago1:23:59

1:23:59

Melinda M. Snodgrass joins us to discuss the New Mexico Mafia, a tight-knit community of fantasy & science fiction writers that formed in New Mexico in the 1970s and 1980s, a group that included George R. R. Martin, Roger Zelazny, Stephen R. Donaldson, and Fred Saberhagen. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/ge…

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579. The Future of Demographic Collapse (with Malcolm Collins) 1:17:54

1y ago1:17:54

1:17:54

Malcolm Collins, co-host of the Based Camp podcast, joins us to discuss future scenarios involving demographic collapse, genetic engineering, and AI. 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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578. Terminator Zero Season 1 Review (with Daniel H. Wilson, Zach Chapman) 1:24:50

1y ago1:24:50

1:24:50

Daniel H. Wilson and Zach Chapman join us to discuss the Netflix series Terminator Zero, an animated spinoff of the classic films Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. 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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It's That Time of Year Again! 26:36

1y ago26:36

26:36

If it's September, it must be time for an Apple Event to announce new iPhones! El Kaiser and J.D. discuss the presentation and the new fall line-up of Apple gear, and take side trips into Amazon's new Batman show and El Kaiser's dilemma about saving a high-end display. And we pour one out for James Earl Jones, who made a twisted soul sound so darn …

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577. The Best of Roger Zelazny Review (with Tom Gerencer) 2:29:54

1+ y ago2:29:54

2:29:54

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Best of Roger Zelazny, part of the SF Masterworks series of science fiction classics. Stories discussed: "Corrida" (20:04), "LOKI 72181" (24:05), "The Doors of His Face, the Lamps of His Mouth" (27:08), "The Great Slow Kings" (35:21), "Permafrost" (38:56), "Home is the Hangman" (44:13), "He Who Shapes" …

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Antitrust Exercises 26:50

1+ y ago26:50

26:50

On this episode of Pop Tech Jam, El Kaiser and J.D. roll on up through the recent tech-world headlines — including a recent court ruling against Alphabet and continuing fallout from last month's global IT meltdown — and celebrate the joys of streaming video. All this and more on PTJ 378!

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576. Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein Review (with Lisa Yaszek, John Kessel, Robby Soave) 1:30:51

1+ y ago1:30:51

1:30:51

Lisa Yaszek, John Kessel, and Robby Soave join us to discuss Robert Heinlein’s classic novel Stranger in a Strange Land, about a young man raised by Martians. 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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575. Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke Review (with Matthew Kressel, Anthony Ha, Sara Lynn Michener) 1:16:50

1+ y ago1:16:50

1:16:50

Matthew Kressel, Anthony Ha, and Sara Lynn Michener join us to discuss Arthur C. Clarke’s classic novel Rendezvous with Rama, about astronauts exploring a giant alien spacecraft. 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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Tangled Up in Blue 31:51

1+ y ago31:51

31:51

If a few lines of bad computer code from a cybersecurity company can cause an epic global IT meltdown/Blue Screen of Death festival across the Windows systems that run the airlines, healthcare, banking and other major industries, J.D. and El Kaiser ponder: Just how sturdy is the world's technological infrastructure these days? Along with a quick ne…

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574. A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge Review (with Seth Dickinson, Abby Goldsmith, Mercurio D. Rivera) 1:16:10

1+ y ago1:16:10

1:16:10

Seth Dickinson, Abby Goldsmith, and Mercurio D. Rivera join us to discuss Vernor Vinge’s classic 1999 novel A Deepness in the Sky, a prequel to his novel A Fire Upon the Deep. 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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573. Robert Charles Wilson on Science Fiction and Atheism 42:14

1+ y ago42:14

42:14

Robert Charles Wilson joins us to discuss his books The Perseids and Other Stories and Owning the Unknown: A Science Fiction Writer Explores Atheism, Agnosticism, and the Idea of God. 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
Retro Fever 44:05

1+ y ago44:05

44:05

El Kaiser and J.D. take a walk down a repaved Memory Lane on this installment of Pop Tech Jam, discussing the growing public interest in old 20th-century analog treasures like film cameras, vinyl records — and "X-Men" cartoons. Later in the show, El Kaiser reviews a pair of sleek wooden headphones, the Meze 99 Noir model. All this and more here on …