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The Skiffy and Fanty Show

The Skiffy and Fanty Show·Hosted by Shaun Duke, Daniel Haeusser, Trish Matson and Paul Weimer·300 episodes

ArtsBooksSocietyCultureTvFilmSpeculative fictionAuthor interviewsMovie criticismRecurring segmentsHugo finalistStandalone episodes

The Skiffy and Fanty Show 4x Hugo Finalist podcast covering a wide range of science fiction, fantasy, and horror content from interviews and genre discussions to movie reviews and a monthly *bad* movie review (for the lolz). The show is also a 3x finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Fancast. Not too shabby, eh? If you want to find out more about us and our other shows, go to skiffyandfanty.com or @skiffyandfanty!

Why listen

The Skiffy and Fanty Show is a long-running, Hugo-nominated hangout for science fiction, fantasy, horror, and cult movie fans. Episodes move between author interviews, book discussions, genre talk, and funny group reviews of strange or bad movies, so listeners get both thoughtful criticism and fannish enthusiasm. It is especially good for readers and viewers who like speculative fiction communities, creator conversations, and opinionated but welcoming pop culture chat.

Episodes

1 hr 1 min
May 29, 2026
863. Aerospace Engineering w/ Eric Choi — SF At School

Space metal, exploration, and mars rovers, oh my! Trish Matson sits down with Eric Choi for an educational conversation about aerospace engineering and science fiction. Together, they explore the value of space exploration, the impact of aerospace engineering of human civilization, editing collections, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Eric Choi’s Things: Website Bluesky Threads Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

56 min
May 20, 2026
862. Sunyi Dean (a.k.a. Architect of Layers) — The Girl with a Thousand Faces

Ghost cats, haunted histories, and traditions, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser interview Sunyi Dean about The Girl with a Thousand Faces! Together, they explore Sunyi’s approach to point of view, Kowloon Walled City and weaving history into a story of ghosts, different ghost traditions, and so much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Sunyi Dean’s Things: Website Bluesky Facebook Threads Instagram The Girl with a Thousand Faces (Tor) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at pa

59 min
May 18, 2026
861. S&F Discusses (Impromptu): 2026 Hugo Awards

Fan awards, books, and delicious finalists, oh my! Shaun Duke and Trish Matson host an impromptu discussion about the 2026 Hugo Awards. Together, they share and talk about the finalists, talk about the exhaustion of fandom drama, explore ballot dynamics, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: The 2026 Hugo Award Finalists (LAcon V) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

49 min
May 15, 2026
860. John Chu (a.k.a. The Dimensional Chef) — The Subtle Art of Folding Space

Skunkworks, broken physics, and family issues, oh my! Shaun Duke and Paul Weimer are joined by John Chu for a discussion about his new novel, The Subtle Art of Folding Space! Together, they explore John’s treatment of food, the real and fantastical science in the book, weird family dynamics, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: John Chu’s Things: Website Bluesky The Subtle Art of Folding Space (available now!) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr 9 min
May 12, 2026
859. Deaf Crocodile + Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel (1979; dir. Grigori Kromanov)

Alien discos, mysterious resorts, and film restoration, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser join forces to talk w/ Dennis Bartok and Craig Rogers about Deaf Crocodile Films. Together, they talk about how they got into film restoration, the trials and wonders of the process, global cinema, their upcoming Roy from Space release AND their latest release, Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel. Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Deaf Crocodile’s Things: Website Bluesky Facebook Instagram Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel (1979) Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel (Deaf Crocodile’s Release) Roy from Space – Lost Animated Film Returns (Kickstarter) This is no longer running, but you should follow for future release information and then buy it! Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every <a href="https://www.

47 min
Apr 11, 2026
858. Tonya R. Moore (a.k.a. The Story Chef) — The Cookout — Signal Boost

Community, cookouts, and space potato salad, oh my! Shaun Duke and Jennifer Brozek join forces to talk to Tonya R. Moore about The Cookout, a new anthology coming soon! Together, they talk about Moore’s approach to co-editing, the task of building an anthology, the current submissions call, and the cultural importance of the cookout! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Tonya R. Moore’s Things: Website Bluesky The Cookout (submissions open!) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr 20 min
Mar 28, 2026
857. Aubrey Sitterson (a.k.a. The Comicstorian) — Free Planet

Revolutions, defining freedom, and empires, oh my! Shaun Duke and Stephen Geigen-Miller sit down with comics writer Aubrey Sitterson for a conversation about Free Planet! Together, they talk about Sitterson’s collaboration with artist Jed Dougherty, his approach to visual storytelling, the narrative style of Free Planet, comics formalism, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Aubrey Sitterson’s Things: Website Bluesky Instagram Free Planet (Image Comics) Free Planet Volume 1 Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. Yo

1 hr 4 min
Mar 15, 2026
856. Mannequin 2 (1991; dir. Stewart Raffill) — Torture Cinema #162

Pink Cadillacs, ridiculous fantasies, and dancing, oh my! Shaun Duke, Daniel Haeusser, and Paul Weimer join forces to talk about 1991’s Mannequin 2! Together, they talk about why the film even exists, its approach to comedy, the absurdity of its plot, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! Mannequin 2 (1991)(IMDb) Grades: Shaun: F Daniel: F Paul: F+ Average: F-ish If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. <p class="has-text-align-left wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio wp-

1 hr 7 min
Mar 13, 2026
855. Oliver Brackenbury + Molly Tanzer (NESS) — Signal Boost

Wanderers, big swords, and snake cults, oh my! Shaun Duke and Trish Matson join forces to talk about sword and sorcery with Oliver Brackenbury and Molly Tanzer. Together, they explore the history of the subgenre, talk about New Edge Sword & Sorcery and its current crowdfunding efforts, Tanzer’s work with Joiry, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: New Edge Sword & Sorcery’s Things: Website Bluesky Backerkit Campaign (support this!!!) Oliver Brackenbury’s Things: Website Bluesky Molly Tanzer’s Things: Website Bluesky Instagram And Side By Side They Wander (get this book!)(Tordotcom) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! <p class="wp-block-paragraph" id="block-8e3fbb4e-

51 min
Mar 10, 2026
854. Krakatit (1948; dir. Otakar Vávra) — At the Movies

Surrealist apocalypses, power games, and WMDs, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser join forces to discuss Krakatit (1948; dir. Otakar Vávra), recently re-released by Deaf Crocodile. Together, they explore the film’s gorgeous visuals, its surrealist dream logic, its politics and ideas about mass destruction, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Krakatit (1948; dir. Otakar Vávra)(Wiki) Krakatit (Deaf Crocodile; buy it!) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

47 min
Feb 28, 2026
853. Stephen Graham Jones (a.k.a. The Slasher) — Night of the Mannequins

Awakenings, horror heroes, and pranks gone wrong, oh my! Daniel Haeusser and DanDan join forces to interview Stephen Graham Jones to talk about Night of the Mannequins. Together, they explore Stephen’s approach to writing and point of view, tropes in horror, mannequins (shiver), and so much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Stephen Graham Jones’ Things: Website Bluesky Instagram Night of the Mannequins (buy it!!!) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

48 min
Feb 15, 2026
852. Looking Back, Moving Forward (2025; 2026)

Turbulent times, spreading love, and finding hope, oh my! Shaun Duke, Trish Matson, and Jennifer Brozek join forces to share the things they loved in 2025 and the things they’re looking forward to in 2026! We discuss books, movies, geeky things, experiences, and much more! Plus, we share some VERY important announcements about the show! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: 2025 Things: Shaun: Susana Morris’ Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler  All of the independent films Daniel and I got to watch and write or talk about (thanks Strike Media and Deaf Crocodile!) The two podcasts I got to be on to talk about movies I genuinely love: Reserved Recommendations with Hugh Dingwall (on Nightbreed) and Fine Beats and Cheeses (on Mac & Me)!  Trish: Death of the Author: A Novel by Nnedi Okorafor Andor S2: aired April 22, 2025 through May 13, 2025, 12 episodes. Mad props to producer Tony Gilroy. Revolutions Podcast Season 11 (Mars), by Mi

1 hr 2 min
Dec 30, 2025
851. Pandorum (2009; dir. Christian Alvart) — Torture Cinema #161

Tight spaces, space cannibals, and space madness, oh my! Shaun Duke, Daniel Haeusser, and Aurelius Raines II join forces to talk about 2009’s Pandorum! Together, they tackle the film’s set design, get squiggly about space spelunking, talk about space cannibal families, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! Pandorum (2009) Grades: Shaun: B Daniel: D+ Aurelius: C Average: C If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

53 min
Dec 28, 2025
849. In the Mouth of Madness (1994; dir. John Carpenter) — At the Movies

Literary apocalypses, cosmic abysses, and Sam Neill, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser join forces to discuss In the Mouth of Madness (1994; dir. John Carpenter). Together, they explore the film’s treatment of cosmic horror, its themes of literary-induced madness, what makes it distinctly a Carpenter film, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! In the Mouth of Madness (1994; dir. John Carpenter) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

49 min
Dec 27, 2025
848. Martha Wells (a.k.a. The Raksura Amanuensis) — Queen Demon

Grand conspiracies, colonization, and intentions, oh my! Shaun Duke and Sandra Wong are joined by the wonderful Martha Wells for an interview about Queen Demon and The Rising World series. Together, they discuss Wells’ approach to worldbuilding, explore the link between magic and pain, talk writing process, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Martha Wells’ Things: Website Bluesky Instagram Queen Demon (Tor) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr 2 min
Dec 26, 2025
847. Fran Wilde (a.k.a. Chadwick’s Prodigy) — A Philosophy of Thieves

Delicious heists, messy pasts, and subterfuge galore, oh my! Shaun Duke is joined by Fran Wilde for an interview about A Philosophy of Thieves! Together, they explore Wilde’s approach to cross genre writing, the roots of the novel’s heist premise, the complexities of power and capital, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Fran Wilde’s Things: Website Bluesky Instagram Facebook A Philosophy of Thieves (get it!) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

50 min
Dec 23, 2025
846. The Fog (2005) — Torture Cinema #160

Cringe radio, angry ghosts, and cute Superman, oh my! Shaun Duke, Trish Matson, and R.E. Junker join forces to talk about 2005’s The Fog! Together, they tackle the film’s take on family sins, why ghosts are confusing, cute sweaters, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! The Fog (2005) Grades: Shaun: C- Trish: C Robert: C Average: C If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr 1 min
Dec 22, 2025
845. From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell — Reading Rangers

Alternate histories, grim conspiracies, and hellish visions, oh my! Shaun Duke, Daniel Haeusser, and Stephen Geigen-Miller join forces to discuss From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell! Together, they explore the work’s complex plot of conspiracies and philosophical terrors, its graphic violence and art style, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell (Top Shelf Productions) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

54 min
Dec 21, 2025
844. Jack Frost (1998; dir. Troy Miller) — Torture Cinema #159

Snowball wars, blues bands, and questionable anatomy, oh my! Shaun Duke, Aurelius Raines II, and R.E. Junker join forces to talk about 1998’s Jack Frost! Together, they explore the film’s formulaic Christmas narrative, snowman puppets, ridiculous snow stunts, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! Jack Frost (1998) Grades: Shaun: B Aurelius: B Robert: C Average: B- ish If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

52 min
Dec 20, 2025
843. Gremlins (1984) — At the Movies

Fedoras, Christmas traumas, and chainsaws, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser join forces to discuss Gremlins (1984; dir. Joe Dante). Together, they talk about the film’s legacy, its brand of slapstick and macabre comedy, the adorableness of Gizmo, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Gremlins (1984; dir. Joe Dante) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

55 min
Dec 19, 2025
842. Harry and the Hendersons (1987) — Torture Cinema #158

Fur-matronics, foot games, and big foot burial practices, oh my! Shaun Duke and Julia Rios join forces to talk about 1987’s Harry and the Hendersons! Together, they discuss the film’s ridiculous plot, the fine use of animatronics and physical comedy, production oddities, the 80s, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! Harry and the Hendersons (1987) Grades: Shaun: B+ Julia: B+ Daniel (in absentia): A Average: B+ish If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

Dec 18, 2025
841. Sophie Burnham (a.k.a. The Materfamilias) — Sargassa

Imperial histories, class resistance, and alternative Romes, oh my! Shaun Duke and Paul Weimer are joined by novelist Sophie Burnham for an interview about Sargassa, the second book in the Ex Romana trilogy! Together, they discuss Burnham’s approach to alternate history and worldbuilding, the role of internal resistance in oppressive systems, the challenges of writing a series, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Sophie Burnham’s Things: Website Bluesky Instagram Sargassa (get it now!) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

55 min
Oct 4, 2025
840. Geeky Collectibles — S&F Discusses

Gorgeous dice, occult texts, and birbs, oh my! Shaun Duke, Jennifer Brozek, and Sandra Wong join forces to talk about why we collect and, more importantly, WHAT we collect. Each host shares some of their collectible objects, talk about why they matter, and more. This episode has a visual component, so checking out the video might be beneficial if you’re able! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Liquid Core Dice Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

54 min
Sep 21, 2025
839. Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss by Steven Barnes — Thrawn and On and On #8

Grand insectoid mothers, web sensitive grubs, and purple lightsabers, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser join forces to discuss the new canon novel, Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss by Steven Barnes. Together, they explore the novel’s approach to the titular Star Wars character, Barnes’ fantastical worldbuilding and narrative choices, some of the new characters who appear in the book, and so much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss by Steven Barnes Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

57 min
Sep 15, 2025
838. Thomas Ha (a.k.a. The Ambiguitor) — Uncertain Sons & Other Stories

Ambiguous worlds, subdued worries, and a talking tiger, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser are joined by short fiction extraordinaire Thomas Ha for an interview about his new collection, Uncertain Sons and Other Stories! Together, they discuss Ha’s approach to short fiction and storytelling, some of the common themes in the collection, the process of assembling a collection, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Thomas Ha’s Things: Website Bluesky Uncertain Sons and Other Stories (Undertow Publications) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator! <p class="wp-block-

55 min
Sep 8, 2025
837. Jason Sanford (a.k.a. Biographer of Vengeance) — We Who Hunt Alexanders

Blood maws, neurodivergence, and the monstrous, oh my! Shaun Duke and Paul Weimer are joined by the wonderfully weird Jason Sanford for an interview about his new novella, We Who Hunt Alexanders! Together, they discuss Sanford’s approach to monstrosity, neurodiverse protagonists, writing style and influences, and so much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Jason Sanford’ Things: Website Bluesky Mastodon Threads Instagram We Who Hunt Alexanders (Apex Books) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at <a href="ht

1 hr 4 min
Sep 1, 2025
836. Unknown Island (1948) — Torture Cinema #157

Warthog sloths, dinosaur hugs, and lecherous captains, oh my! Shaun Duke, Jen Zink, and special guest R.E. Junker join forces to talk about 1948’s Unknown Island! Together, they discuss the film’s remarkably ridiculous dinosaurs, the many types of 1940s men, plot contrivances, Corriganville, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! Unknown Island (1948) R.E. Junker’s Stuff: Threads Grades: Shaun: F Jen: D R.E.: D Average: D- If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at

59 min
Aug 27, 2025
835. Susana M. Morris (a.k.a. The Positively Professorial) – Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler

Writing barriers, intense habits, and Octavia’s life, oh my! Shaun Duke is joined by scholar and biographer Susan M. Morris to talk about her new book, Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler! In this riveting conversation, they discuss some of the fascinating aspects of Butler’s life, Morris’ approach to writing a biography of such a celebrated writer, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Susana M. Morris’ Things: Website Instagram Facebook Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler (Amistad) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, nav

1 hr 3 min
Aug 11, 2025
834. Andrea Hairston (a.k.a. the Polyrhythmic Professor) — Mindscape

Alien barriers, sweet Majors, and messy diplomacy, oh my! Shaun Duke and Trish Matson are joined by returning champion Andrea Hairston for an interview about Mindscape! Together, they explore Andrea’s approach to writing character and dialogue, the roots of the novel’s premise, the influence of language on culture and the self, reality TV, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Andrea Hairston’s Things: Website Instagram Facebook Bluesky Mindscape (Tor Books) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole

1 hr 9 min
Aug 4, 2025
833. The Secret Power by Marie Corelli (1921) — Mining the Genre Asteroid

Gendered rants, bird ships, and secret cities, oh my! Shaun Duke, Paul Weimer, and Trish Matson join forces to discuss Marie Corelli’s The Secret Power (1921). Together, they examine the reception of Corelli in her time, explore Corelli’s legacy, discuss the book’s approach to social relations, villainy, technology, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! The Secret Power by Marie Corelli Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr 3 min
Jul 30, 2025
832. Shin Kamen Rider (2023) — Righteous Kicks #10

Bug hybrids, evil organizations, and intense vertical kicks, oh my! Brandon O’Brien and Iori Kusano are joined by Jennifer Brozek to discuss 2023’s Shin Kamen Rider! Together, they explore their feelings about the SHOCKER organization, Hideaki Anno’s approach to Kamen Rider, where this particular version fits into the canon of the franchise, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Shin Kamen Rider (2023) Jennifer Brozek’s Things: Website Bluesky Instagram Mastodon Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr 4 min
Jul 28, 2025
831. Doom Runners (1997) — Torture Cinema #156

Brain sucking, kite hoverboards, and upgraded dogs, oh my! Shaun Duke and Trish Matson are joined by special guest and longtime listener, DanDan the Transient, to talk about 1997’s Doom Runners! Together, they talk about Tim Curry’s remarkable performance, the logic of the film’s post-apocalyptic world, the “Corporations,” and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! Doom Runners (1997) DanDan’s Stuff: Bluesky Grades: Shaun: C+ Trish: C+ DanDan: C+ Average: C+ If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his

52 min
Jul 21, 2025
830. Johanna van Veen (a.k.a. The Bog Phantom) — Blood on Her Tongue

Bog bodies, ticks, and familial terror, oh my! Shaun Duke is joined by a special guest host and friend, Kendra Hare, for an interview with Johanna van Veen, author of Blood on Her Tongue. Together, they explore Johanna’s approach to 19th century gender relations, tackle the remarkable history of bog bodies, uncover the depths of madness and perspective, and much more. Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Johanna van Veen’s Things: Website Instagram Blood on Her Tongue (Poisoned Pen Press) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr
Jul 14, 2025
829. Kate Elliott (a.k.a. Scholar of Worlds) — The Witch Roads

Mystical fungus, rigid empires, and haunts, oh my! Shaun Duke and Paul Weimer are joined by Kate Elliott for an interview about her new novel, The Witch Roads! Together, they explore Kate’s approach to worldbuilding, the structure of empire and writing characters who are part of its machinery, and much more. Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Kate Elliott’s Things: Website Bluesky The Witch Roads (out now from Tor) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

46 min
Jul 5, 2025
828. Our Happy Place (2024; dir. Paul Bickel) — At the Movies

Mountain isolation, reality warping, and axes, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser join forces to discuss Paul Bickel’s Our Happy Place (2024). Together, they explore the film’s themes of isolation and psychological destruction, Paul Bickel’s direction and Raya Miles’ performance, ways of interpreting its narrative, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Our Happy Place (2024) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr 1 min
Jun 28, 2025
827. Creature from Black Lake (1976) — Torture Cinema #155

Oil City, big feets, and a coke, oh my! Shaun Duke, David Annandale, and Trish Matson join forces to discuss 1976’s Creature from Black Lake! Together, they talk about the history of big foot myths in the South, how this film approaches its anthropological narrative, a cacophony of bad jokes, burgers and fries, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! Creature from Black Lake (1976) Grades: Shaun: B David: A- Trish: B+ Average: B+ If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patre

58 min
Jun 28, 2025
826. The Mummy (1999) — Totally Pretentious #29

Dashing scoundrels, naughty mummies, and sand, oh my! Shaun Duke, David Annandale, and Trish Matson wander into the archives to discuss 1999’s The Mummy! Together, they discuss the film’s connection (or lack thereof) to its predecessor, its visual stylings and narrative structure, the threat of the apocalypse, librarians, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! The Mummy (1999) Our next film: Magnificent Warriors (1987) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

59 min
Jun 21, 2025
825. Helen Marshall (a.k.a. The Tightrope Historian) — The Lady, the Tiger and the Girl Who Loved Death

Snarky elders, dark magics, and macabre displays, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser are joined by Helen Marshall for an interview about her new novel, The Lady, The Tiger and the Girl Who Loved Death! Together, they explore Marshall’s approach to storytelling, the complexities of family trauma, history, and war, circus acts, research, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Helen Marshall’s Things: Website Bluesky The Lady, the Tiger and the Girl Who Loved Death (Titan Books) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later,

58 min
Jun 14, 2025
824. Sleep Phase by Mohamed Kheir (trans. Robin Moger) — Reading Rangers

Translucent people, cookie cutter cities, and madness, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser join forces to discuss Mohamed Kheir’s Sleep Phase! Together, they explore the work’s lyrical prose, its themes of change, alienation, and madness, its surrealist approach to the fantastic, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Sleep Phase by Mohamed Kheir (translation by Robin Moger)(Two Lines Press) “Goodbye my homeland” by Hossam Dirar If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr 4 min
Jun 7, 2025
823. Furry Culture & Literature w/ Kyell Gold + Robert Lyle — SF At School

Gamer foxes, finding your people, and literature with fur, oh my! Shaun Duke is joined by Kyell Gold and Robert Lyle for a wide-reaching discussion of furry culture and fandom, furry literature, the Furry Writers’ Guild, and more! If you’ve ever wanted to know about this vibrant community, this episode will learn you a thing or two! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Kyell Gold’s Things: Website Bluesky Mastodon Robert Lyle’s Things: Linktree Bluesky Recommended Reads: Gods with Fur edited by Fred Patten The Ursa Major Awards Anthology edited by Fred Patten Furry Writers’ Guild You can find a wide variety of literature through FurPlanet (ebooks) and Bad Dog Books!</li

1 hr 11 min
Jun 2, 2025
822. Billy the Kid Versus Dracula (1966) — Torture Cinema #154

Milquetoast heroes, creepy uncle Dracula, and stagecoaches, oh my! Shaun Duke, David Annandale, and Daniel Haeusser join forces to discuss 1966’s Billy the Kid Versus Dracula! Together, they talk about how the film got made and its place in cinematic history, why Dracula isn’t named in the film, Carradine’s weird performance, silent films, and so much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! Billy the Kid Versus Dracula (1966) Grades: Shaun: D+ David: C Daniel: C- Average: C- If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

53 min
May 24, 2025
821. Martha Wells (a.k.a. The Raksura Amanuensis) — Murderbot and More

Fanbots, questionable eye contact, and steampunk adventurers, oh my! Shaun Duke and Paul Weimer are joined by the wonderful Martha Wells for a discussion about her career, Murderbot (and the new TV show on Apple TV+), the Emilie books, and more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Marth Wells’ Things: Website Bluesky Instagram The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 1 The Emilie Adventures Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr
May 17, 2025
820. The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag — Reading Rangers

Complicated families, long lost friends, and lizard creatures, oh my! Shaun Duke and Stephen Geigen-Miller join forces to discuss Molly Knox Ostertag’s Hugo Finalist graphic novel, The Deep Dark! Together, they discuss the work’s various metaphors and core themes, examine intergenerational trauma, and deep dive into the visual poetry and structure of this brilliant work! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag (via Graphix) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

55 min
May 10, 2025
819. Ugetsu monogatari (1953; dir. Kenji Mizoguchi) — At the Movies

Haunted desires, lakes of death, and agrarian utopias, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser join forces to discuss Kenji Mizoguchi’s Ugetsu monogatari (1953). Together, they discuss the film’s tragic storyline, the nature of desire and its destructive force, Mizoguchi’s women, the film’s production, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Ugetsu monogatari (1953) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr
May 3, 2025
818. Tochi Onyebuchi (a.k.a. The Adroit Detective) — Harmattan Season

Colonial cities, hard-boiled detectives, and murder, oh my! Shaun Duke and Trish Matson are joined by Tochi Onyebuchi for an in-depth interview about Harmattan Season! Together, they discuss the book’s West African setting, Tochi’s influences in and approach to detective fiction, the complex social influences of colonialism, and so much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Tochi Onyebuchi’s Things: Website Bluesky Instagram Harmattan Season (buy it!) Video versions of our episodes appear on our handy YouTube channel! Sub and watch! Don’t forget to catch our live format every Friday at 7 PM Central on Twitch at AlphabetStreams! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. <p class="wp-block-parag

1 hr 2 min
Apr 26, 2025
817. Atlantic Rim (2013) — Torture Cinema #153

Canned performances, cheap sets, and lost plots, oh my! Shaun Duke and Daniel Haeusser join forces to discuss 2013’s Atlantic Rim! Together, they talk about the mockbuster genre, examine the film’s plot and cast, laugh about nonsensical stock footage and shot sequences, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! Atlantic Rim (2013) Grades: Shaun: D- Daniel: D+ Average: D For something fun, check out Keith Pille’s The Kraken Busters! If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

55 min
Apr 19, 2025
816. The Car (1977) — Totally Pretentious #28

Patriarchal systems, a modded Continental, and dynamite, oh my! Shaun Duke and David Annandale wander into the archives to discuss 1977’s The Car! Together, they discuss the film’s reception, tackle its themes of vengeance and repressive politics, and dive into the logic of an evil car, plus more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! The Car (1977) Our next film: Magnificent Warriors (1987) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr
Apr 12, 2025
815. The Solar System and Planetary Science w/ John E. Moores — SF At School

Methane gas, planetary disks, and Martian sunsets, oh my! Shaun Duke and Paul Weimer are joined by John E. Moores for a discussion about the solar system, planetary science, Mars, and other wonders of our little corner in the universe! Unsurprisingly, we learned a lot, and so will you! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! John E. Moore’s Things: Website Bluesky Daydreaming in the Solar System: Surfing Saturn’s Rings, Golfing on the Moon, and Other Adventures in Space Exploration (co-written with Jesse Rogerson and illustrated by Michelle D. Parsons)(BUY IT) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

59 min
Apr 8, 2025
814. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip (1974) — Mining the Genre Asteroid

Mythical boar, pastoral vibes, and wizards, oh my! Shaun Duke, Paul Weimer, and Trish Matson join forces to discuss Patricia A. McKillip’s 1974 fantasy novel, The Forgotten Beasts of Eld! Together, they tackle the novel’s examination of fairytales, the meaning and terror of controlling someone’s mind, and the destructive power of revenge, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! The Forgotten Beats of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!

1 hr 8 min
Mar 29, 2025
813. The Monster of Camp Sunshine (1964) — Torture Cinema #152

Rage virus rats, anachronistic intertitles, and nudists, oh my! Shaun Duke, David Annandale, and Trish Matson join forces to discuss 1964’s The Monster of Camp Sunshine or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Nature! Together, they get a film history lesson from David, chat about the bizarre film universe of the film, ponder just who made this movie, side-eye Motley Crue, and much more! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: Send us your comments, questions, and suggestions! Follow us on Twitch! The Monster of Camp Sunshine or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Nature (IMDb) Grades: Shaun: F- David: B+ Trish: D- Average: D- (ish) If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You can support his work at patreon.com/holymole. See you later, navigator!