Sci-fi Talk

For this special Halloween edition of Rewind, actress Valerie Pettiford joins the podcast to look back at her memorable role in A Discovery of Witches. As one of the maternal figures helping guide young witch Diana Bishop through a world of magic, secrets, and destiny, Pettiford brought warmth, wisdom, and strength to the acclaimed fantasy series. In this conversation, Valerie reflects on joining the richly imagined world of witches, vampires, and daemons, working alongside a talented ensemble cast, and how the show's themes of family, mentorship, and self-discovery continue to resonate with audiences. She also discusses the special bond between her character and Diana, helping shape the journey of a young woman coming into her extraordinary powers. As part of our Halloween celebration, we explore what makes A Discovery of Witches such a perfect seasonal watch, blending supernatural intrigue, romance, historical mystery, and spellbinding storytelling. Valerie shares behind-the-scenes memories, insights into

Few actors have left a mark on Star Trek quite like Sir Patrick Stewart. In this special Trek Tuesday episode, I revisit three unforgettable roundtable sessions I attended with the legendary actor across the Star Trek: The Next Generation movie era, offering a fascinating snapshot of both Captain Picard's evolution and Stewart's own reflections on the franchise. Drawing from conversations surrounding Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Star Trek: Nemesis, Stewart discusses the origins of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and how the character developed into one of science fiction's most respected leaders. The conversation then moves to Star Trek: First Contact, where Stewart shares his thoughts on the film and addresses a question I asked in 1996 about whether he would consider directing again.  For Star Trek: Insurrection, Stewart discusses where Picard was emotionally and professionally at that point in the character's life. Turning to Star Trek: Nemesis, Stewart examines the growing sense that t

On this episode, I welcome Rory Alexander, who plays Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser, and Ruby Fubara, who portrays Grace, for a conversation about their characters' growing connection in Outlander: Blood Of My Blood's "Heart Of The Highlands." We discuss the evolution of Murtagh and Grace's budding romance and how their relationship develops from shared moments and emotional vulnerability into something much deeper. Rory and Ruby reflect on building the chemistry between their characters and the importance of making their journey feel authentic and meaningful for viewers. The conversation also explores the episode's most intimate moments, as Murtagh and Grace take their relationship to the next level. Rory and Ruby discuss approaching those scenes as actors, the trust required to bring them to life on screen, and how those moments reveal new layers of both characters. Beyond the romance, we talk about where Murtagh and Grace find themselves emotionally by the end of the episode and what makes "Heart Of The Highl

Go beyond the scares and spectacle as Byte takes a deeper look behind the scenes of Clayface with director James Watkins. In this episode, Watkins explores how the screenplay balances horror, tragedy, and comic book mythology while bringing one of Gotham's most fascinating villains to life. We discuss who Clayface is at his core, tracing the character's comic book origins and examining why his story remains one of the most emotional and relatable tales in the Batman universe. Watkins talks about grounding the film's larger-than-life elements in recognizable human struggles, making both Clayface and the people around him feel authentic and emotionally real. The conversation also focuses on Matt and Caitlyn, their importance to the story, and how their relationships help anchor the film's emotional journey. Watkins shares how character-driven storytelling became the foundation for everything from the script to the film's visual design. We also dive into the unique look of Gotham City, discussing the team's ap

A journey into the haunting origins of one of literature's greatest creations with a look back at A Nightmare Wakes, the film that explores the life, imagination, and emotional struggles of Mary Shelley as she creates Frankenstein. Joining me are stars Alix Wilton Regan and Giullian Yao Gioiello, who portray Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley in this atmospheric and deeply personal examination of the author's life. Rather than a traditional biography, the film blurs the lines between reality and fiction, revealing how Mary's grief, loss, fears, and complex relationships shaped the novel that would become the foundation of modern science fiction and gothic horror. In our conversation, Alix discusses bringing the legendary writer to life and capturing the emotional struggles that fueled Mary's creativity. Giullian reflects on portraying the passionate and often turbulent relationship between Percy and Mary, and how their partnership influenced her artistic journey. Together, they explore the film's unique

Few horror films have left a mark on popular culture like The Exorcist. In this special Halloween Horror Double Bill, we begin our exploration of one of the most influential and controversial horror movies ever made with Mark Ramsey, creator and host of the acclaimed podcast Inside The Exorcist. Mark takes us deep behind the scenes of William Friedkin's 1973 classic, examining how the film came together and why it continues to terrify audiences decades after its release. We discuss the adaptation of William Peter Blatty's novel, the unforgettable performances, and the creative choices that transformed The Exorcist into a cinematic landmark. The conversation also explores the film's lasting cultural impact, the stories and legends surrounding its production, and how its themes of faith, fear, and good versus evil resonate with audiences to this day. Subscribe to Sci-Fi Talk Plus for the commercial-free version of this episode. Enjoy exclusive content, early access, and more for just 99 cents a month with a

In part two of our Halloween Horror Double Bill, we shift from the groundbreaking 1973 film to the acclaimed television adaptation, The Exorcist. Although the series only ran for two seasons, it earned praise for expanding the mythology of the original story while delivering some of television's most unsettling supernatural horror. Recorded at New York Comic Con, this episode features conversations with Geena Davis, Brianne Howey, and executive producer/showrunner Jeremy Slater as they discuss the series' first season and its shocking connection to the classic film. Geena Davis talks about portraying Angela Rance, a mother whose family becomes the center of a terrifying demonic presence. Brianne Howey reflects on playing Kat Rance and bringing emotional depth to a story that balances family drama with supernatural horror. Meanwhile, Jeremy Slater shares how the creative team approached adapting a beloved horror property for television, building suspense over multiple episodes while remaining true to the spi

Three of horror's most enduring monsters take center stage in this special Halloween Horror compilation episode. Drawn from a collection of past interviews, this episode explores the evolution, mythology, and lasting appeal of vampires, werewolves, and zombies through conversations with the creators and stars who helped bring them to life. On the vampire side, James Marsters reflects on making Spike one of television's most beloved vampires on Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Kelly Overton discusses her role in Van Helsing and portraying a modern descendant of the legendary vampire hunter. Eiza González talks about stepping into the iconic vampire role made famous by Salma Hayek in From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, while Guillermo del Toro shares his unique and terrifying vision of vampirism in The Strain. The undead rise as Robert Kirkman explains how The Walking Dead television series expanded upon the world he created in the comics. Andrew Lincoln discusses the evolution of Rick Grimes as he navigates a world ov

Are legends real, or is there something still waiting to be discovered in the wilderness? In this special Halloween Horror episode, renowned anthropologist, primatologist, and explorer Dr. Mireya Mayor joins us to discuss her work on Expedition Bigfoot and the ongoing search for one of the world's most enduring cryptids. Dr. Mayor shares insights into the investigation taking place at the time of our conversation, examining the evidence, eyewitness accounts, and mysterious findings that continue to fuel speculation about the existence of Bigfoot. We explore the scientific approach behind the investigation and how researchers balance skepticism with curiosity when confronting unexplained phenomena. Subscribe to Sci-Fi Talk Plus for the commercial-free version of this episode. Enjoy exclusive content, early access, and more for just 99 cents a month with a one-month free trial.    

What happens when a terrifying urban legend steps out of folklore and into reality? In this Halloween Horror Special, filmmaker Peter Sullivan joins us to discuss The Cucuy, a chilling horror film inspired by the legendary creature that has haunted stories and warnings for generations. The conversation also dives into the creation of the creature itself, from early concepts and visual design to bringing this nightmare figure to life on camera. Peter shares insights into balancing practical and cinematic horror, building suspense, and crafting a monster that feels both ancient and terrifyingly real. If you're fascinated by folklore, creature design, and the art of modern horror filmmaking, this is a haunting behind-the-scenes look at how an enduring legend became a chilling movie experience. Subscribe to Sci-Fi Talk Plus for the commercial-free version of this episode. Enjoy early access, exclusive content, and more for just 99 cents a month with a one-month free trial.  

I welcome bestselling author and Dark Matter creator Blake Crouch for a deep dive into several key moments and themes from the acclaimed Apple TV+ series. We begin with the memorable episode "The Basic Oneness Of Everything" and discuss the inspired casting of Margo Martindale, exploring what she brought to the story and why her character played such an important role in the narrative. Blake shares insights into the episode's objectives and how it examined some of the show's most profound ideas about identity, connection, and the nature of existence. Our conversation also turns to "Love And Be Loved," an episode that highlights one of the central themes of season two. Blake reflects on the emotional core of the series, the importance of human connection, and how these concepts resonate throughout the evolving story. In addition, we take a look back at Wayward Pines, the ambitious science fiction thriller that Blake helped bring to television. We discuss how the series was ahead of its time and why its theme

This episode of Byte features actor Jimmi Simpson, whose recent work spans two very different but equally compelling genre series: Dark Matter and The Walking Dead: Dead City. Key Discussion Points:

Today we're looking at one of the most fascinating visual ideas hidden inside Stanley Kubrick's horror masterpiece, The Shining. It's a film famous for ghosts, the haunted Overlook Hotel, and Jack Nicholson's unforgettable performance as Jack Torrance. But beneath the scares lies a recurring image that appears again and again: mirrors. Mirrors aren't simply part of the hotel's décor. In many cases, they serve as a gateway between reality and the supernatural. A striking pattern emerges when you watch the film closely: almost every time Jack Torrance encounters a ghostly presence or moves deeper into the hotel's influence, a mirror is nearby. When Jack enters the Gold Room and first meets Lloyd the bartender, mirrors dominate the scene. The vast bar area reflects endless images of Jack and the empty room around him. Is Lloyd really there, or is Jack conversing with a reflection of his own growing madness? Kubrick leaves that question hanging. Enjoy commercial-free audio and video versions of this episode on S

On this episode, we dive into Outlander: Blood Of My Blood and the emotional events of "Small Mercies" with two of the series' standout performers, Sam Retford (Dougal MacKenzie) and Bobby Rainsbury (Maura MacKenzie Grant). We begin by exploring where Dougal and Maura's relationship stands at this pivotal point in the story and how the growing complexities between them continue to shape their journeys. Bobby and Sam discuss the evolving dynamic between their characters and the emotional challenges that come with navigating loyalty, family expectations, and personal desires. Sam also shares insights into one of the episode's most revealing moments: Dougal's powerful scene in the Vault.  The conversation also goes behind the scenes of the episode's tense underwater sequences as Dougal struggles to survive after seawater floods the Vault. Finally, Bobby and Sam examine the family prejudices and long-standing divisions woven throughout the series, and how those tensions deeply affect Maura and Dougal's decisions

Recorded at the Tribeca Film Festival, this special episode spotlights the Audience Award-winning film Here Alone. Joining me are stars Lucy Walters (Ann), Gina Piersanti (Olivia), and Adam David Thompson (Chris) for a thoughtful discussion about this gripping and emotional survival story. Here Alone follows a young woman struggling to survive after a mysterious epidemic devastates society, forcing her into isolation deep within the wilderness. As resources become scarce and trust becomes a dangerous necessity, the film explores what remains of our humanity when civilization disappears. In this conversation, we discuss the challenges their characters face in a world stripped of normal comforts and social structures. The cast reflects on themes of survival, loneliness, moral compromise, and the difficult choices people make when pushed to their limits. We also examine how the film balances intense suspense with deeply human moments, asking whether preserving one's humanity is the greatest challenge of all in

Few horror films have inspired as much discussion, analysis, and fascination as The Shining. In this premiere episode of The 80's Films That Defined Genre, we journey into the haunted halls of the Overlook Hotel and explore how Stanley Kubrick transformed Stephen King's novel into one of the most analyzed and influential horror films ever made.  This episode goes beyond the source material to examine the many influences that shaped the film, from psychological horror traditions to Kubrick's unique visual storytelling. We look at the remarkable casting of young Danny Lloyd as Danny Torrance and how his natural performance became one of the film's anchors. We also explore the groundbreaking use of the Steadicam by Garrett Brown, whose fluid camera work through the Overlook's endless corridors created a new visual language for suspense and tension. From Danny's tricycle rides to the unsettling appearance of the mysterious Grady twins, we examine the scenes that have become permanently embedded in popular cu

Step back into the shadows for this chilling edition of the Halloween Horror series as I sit down with acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Smith to discuss his atmospheric supernatural thriller, The Banishing. Set against the backdrop of 1930s England, The Banishing blends classic ghost story traditions with psychological horror, delivering a haunting period piece inspired by one of Britain's most infamous haunted houses. In our conversation, Christopher explores the challenge of creating terror through atmosphere and character rather than relying solely on modern horror conventions. We discuss the film's gothic influences, the importance of authenticity in bringing the era to life, and how the unsettling setting becomes a character in its own right. Christopher also shares insights into crafting suspense, balancing historical drama with supernatural elements, and the enduring appeal of classic haunted house stories. If you love eerie ghost tales, period-set horror, and behind-the-scenes conversations with visi

With Executive Producer Matthew Roberts Executive Producer Matthew Roberts In this episode,  I’m joined by Executive Producer Matthew Roberts to break down the latest Outlander: Blood Of My Blood episode, “Forgive Me Father.” We begin with one of the episode’s most powerful early moments as Collum prays alone in the chapel at Castle Leoch. Matthew discusses the significance of that scene and how it reflects the personal struggles and conflicts brewing beneath the surface. Our conversation explores the episode’s layered structure, contrasting the larger conflict of the Jacobite Revolution with the intensely personal battles being fought by several characters. We discuss Julia’s captivity at the hands of Seema, while Ellen and Grace find themselves prisoners of Robert McKinney, whose quest for vengeance is fueled by Ellen’s role in the death of his father. Matthew also reflects on the episode’s major battle sequences and a pivotal emotional moment between Henry and Brian, examining

Today we're heading deep into the dark heart of Gotham for a look at one of DC's most intriguing and tragic villains, Clayface. Thanks to Warner Bros. for the audio, you'll hear from stars Naomi Ackie and Tom Rhys Harries as they talk about bringing this unique story to the screen. We'll discuss the screenplay, Gotham's atmosphere, Matt Hagen's motivations, the relationship at the center of the film, and the question many fans have been asking: is Clayface really a horror movie? Get more content on Clayface on Sci-Fi Talk Plus Today for onlye 99 cents a month  

In this interview, actor Jimmi Simpson joins Tony to discuss one of the most challenging roles of his career: portraying the many different versions of Ryan Holder, the brilliant neuroscientist and founder of a groundbreaking neurotechnology startup in Dark Matter. Simpson pulls back the curtain on how he approached playing multiple iterations of the same character, each shaped by different choices, realities, and emotional journeys. The conversation explores the series' central concept of alternate lives and identities, with Simpson detailing the subtle performance choices that helped distinguish each version of Ryan while maintaining the core essence of the character. As Dark Matter examines the roads not taken, Simpson reveals how he navigated the complex psychological terrain required to bring these parallel versions to life. Tony also asks one of the show's biggest philosophical questions: Is The Box ultimately a good thing or a bad thing? Speaking as himself rather than as one of his characters, Simps