Sci-fi Talk

Thrawn, Expanding the Galaxy, and Building Worlds Beyond the Empire In this vintage conversation recorded at a 1990s convention, Tony and Ernest Lilley of SF Revu sit down with acclaimed author Timothy Zahn, whose groundbreaking Thrawn Trilogy helped revive global interest in Star Wars long before the prequels arrived. Zahn reflects on crafting new corners of the galaxy, developing one of the franchise’s most iconic villains, and balancing tie‑in storytelling with his own original universes. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Weyoun, Brunt, Shran… and What Happens When They All Show Up in the Same Scene In this Trek Tuesday episode, at a convention, Tony and Dr Howard Margolin of Destinies The Voice Of Science Fiction sat down with Jeffrey Combs, one of the franchise’s most versatile and beloved performers. From the icy diplomacy of Weyoun, to the scheming ferocity of Brunt, to the honorable fire of Shran, Combs has shaped some of the most iconic alien characters in modern Trek. This conversation dives into the craft behind those transformations — the makeup, the mindset, the physicality — and the delightful chaos of imagining what would happen if two of his characters ever had to share the same scene. SAVE 17% ON PLUS    

Tony revisits the award‑winning documentary Science Fair, a vibrant and deeply human look at the students and educators who push the boundaries of what young scientists can achieve. Through conversations with teacher and mentor Serena McCalla, finalist Kashfia Rahman, and director Cristina Costantini, this episode explores the emotional stakes, the competitive fire, and the personal journeys behind one of the world’s most intense academic competitions.   Save 17% On Plus Today

NYCC Conversations with Emily Beecham & Aramis Knight In this episode of Byte, Tony revisits Into the Badlands, AMC’s visually stunning, genre‑defying martial‑arts saga that never got the mainstream recognition it deserved. Recorded live at New York Comic Con, Tony speaks with Emily Beecham (The Widow) and Aramis Knight (M.K.) Together, they reflect on the series’ ambitious fight choreography, its bold world‑building, and the character journeys that made Into the Badlands a cult favorite.   SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

In this episode of Byte, Tony sits down with writer J. Holtham to explore his work on Marvel’s Wastelanders: Hawkeye — the SiriusXM audio drama set decades after the villains have won and the heroes have fallen. Holtham digs into what it means to write a Clint Barton who’s older, damaged, and carrying the weight of a world he couldn’t save. The conversation blends craft, character, and the emotional architecture of storytelling in a universe where hope is scarce and survival is an act of defiance. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

In this episode of Rewind, Tony sits down with author and pop‑culture historian Herbie J Pilato to explore his acclaimed work on Elizabeth Montgomery, the beloved star of Bewitched. Herbie shares the story of meeting Montgomery in her later years, how that encounter shaped his understanding of her life and artistry, and how it ultimately inspired the books that reintroduced her to a new generation of fans. This is a conversation about legacy, compassion, and the power of telling someone’s story with care. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

Tony chatted with Michael James Shaw, who plays Mercer, the Commonwealth’s formidable head of security in The Walking Dead. Shaw dives into Mercer’s psychology, his shifting loyalties, and the emotional cost of enforcing order in a world built on fragile promises. From the iconic red armor to the character’s evolving moral compass, this episode explores why Mercer became one of the most compelling figures in the show’s final chapters.   SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

In this Rewind episode, Tony revisits the 2014 New York Comic Con roundtables for Season Four of Lost Girl — a season defined by fractured loyalties, shifting identities, and the Fae world growing more dangerous than ever. Actors Paul Amos (Vex) and Rick Howland (Trick) offer a candid, funny, and surprisingly emotional look at what fans could expect as the series pushed into its most mythic territory. SAVE 17% On PLUS

Phil Klemmer, Brandon Routh, Arthur Darvill & Ciara Renée on Building a Time‑Traveling Team of Misfits In this Rewind episode, Tony takes listeners back to the New York Comic Con roundtables for Season One of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow — a moment when the series was still a bold experiment in tone, genre, and character chemistry. Showrunner Phil Klemmer and cast members Brandon Routh, Arthur Darvill, and Ciara Renée break down the creative risks, the emotional arcs, and the sheer joy of building a superhero ensemble that doesn’t look or behave like any other on TV. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

In this Rewind conversation taped near the release of Season Two of The Boys, Tony sits down with Karl Urban (Billy Butcher) and Laz Alonso (Mother’s Milk) for a brutally funny, surprisingly heartfelt deep dive into the show’s most explosive themes. From moral boundaries to family ties, from on‑set gore to Toronto’s culinary surprises, this episode captures the cast at their most candid. Topics Include:  How Far Would Billy Butcher Go? Laz Alonso on Mother’s Milk & Butcher Toronto Food Adventures — And Is Cuban Food on the Menu? The Gore of The Boys — Including the Infamous Humping Dog Story Butcher vs. Homelander — And MM’s Family in the Crossfire SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Star Wars Memories author  Craig Miller, Lucasfilm’s original Director of Fan Relations and one of the key figures responsible for building the franchise’s early community. Miller reflects on his time working closely with Gary Kurtz, the producer of Star Wars (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980), offering rare insight into Kurtz’s creative philosophy, leadership style, and lasting influence on the saga. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Conversations with the Cast and Creators Bringing New Legends to the Galaxy In this second green‑carpet special from the World Premiere of The Mandalorian and Grogu, Tony speaks with the actors and filmmakers who expand the galaxy with new characters, new conflicts, and new emotional stakes. From seasoned legends to fresh faces, each guest shares what it means to step into the Star Wars universe — and how this film pushes Din and Grogu’s journey into bold new territory. Thanks to Lucas Film for the audio.  Featuring Jonny Coyne, Mathew Willig, Lee Isaac Chung, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Famuyiwa, and Jon Favreau, this episode captures the heart, humor, and craft behind the film.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ann Druyan, Brannon Braga & Mitchell Cannold on Crafted a Modern Cosmic Epic Tony joined a roundtable  with the creative minds behind Cosmos for Episode Three — a chapter that dives into the origins of life, the forces that shaped Earth, and the human stories that illuminate scientific discovery. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ann Druyan, Brannon Braga, and Mitchell Cannold reflect on the series' themes, the responsibility of science communicators, and the legacy of Carl Sagan’s original vision. This is a conversation about wonder, courage, and the power of storytelling to change how we see our place in the universe. SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson‑Whitfield, Neil Grayston, Wil Wheaton & EP Bruce Miller on the then Future of America’s Smartest Town From San Diego Comic‑Con edition of Rewind, Tony sits down with the cast and creative team behind Eureka to explore the twists, turns, and emotional resets of Season 4.5 — and what lay ahead for the beloved Syfy series. From alternate timelines to character reinventions to the evolving mythology of Global Dynamics, this episode digs into how the show kept surprising its audience while staying grounded in relationships and humor.     These show notes frame the episode with clarity, momentum, and that signature Rewind blend of nostalgia and behind‑the‑scenes depth. Featured Interviews  Colin Ferguson Salli Richardson‑Whitfield  Neil Grayston  Wil Wheaton Bruce Miller — Executive Producer (Start Us Off)  SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

In this episode, Tony sits down with Chris Graham and Dane Petrali, the creative minds behind The Chilling App, a platform redefining how audiences experience horror through immersive audio, interactive storytelling, and serialized fear. The conversation explores how the app grew from a passion project into a full‑scale storytelling ecosystem — and how that evolution led to a major collaboration with Netflix to promote the gothic mystery film The Pale Blue Eye. Together, they break down the craft, the tech, and the business strategy behind building a new kind of horror platform. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Tony chatted with acclaimed actor Beth Grant, who brought the formidable Carlotta Mayfair to life on AMC’s Mayfair Witches. Known for her unforgettable roles across film and television, Grant dives deep into the psychology, faith, fear, and fierce conviction that drive Carlotta’s most controversial decisions. Together, Tony and Beth explore the central question fans have been debating since the premiere: Is Carlotta Mayfair a protector, a villain, or something far more complicated? SAVE 17% ON PLUS    

Jason Ralph, Summer Bishil & Hale Appleman on Loss, Legacy, and What Comes After In this concluding Rewind episode on Season Four of The Magicians, Tony sits down with Jason Ralph, Summer Bishil, and Hale Appleman at San Diego Comic‑Con to unpack a finale that changed everything. From rewritten identities to the rise of the Monster, from the cost of restoring magic to the emotional fallout of Quentin’s fate, this conversation explores how the cast processed one of the boldest endings in modern fantasy television. The result is a candid, vulnerable, and deeply thoughtful look at a season defined by consequence. SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY  

Conversations with the Creative Forces Behind the Film Recorded on the green carpet at the World Premiere, this episode of Byte brings listeners directly into the excitement surrounding The Mandalorian and Grogu. from the carpet arethe filmmakers, designers, performers, and artists who shaped the movie — from the earliest concept sketches to the final mix. Featuring Dave Filoni, John Knoll, Doug Chiang, Andrew L. Jones, Brendan Wayne, Ludwig Göransson, and Sarah Finn, this episode captures the passion and precision behind bringing Din Djarin and Grogu to the big screen. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

Charting the Evolution of Imagination: Inside “The History of Science Fiction” In this episode, Tony sits down with legendary writer and publisher Mark Waid, whose graphic novel The History of Science Fiction maps the genre’s origins, revolutions, and reinventions across centuries. Known for his acclaimed work in comics and his deep understanding of narrative structure, Waid brings a historian’s precision and a fan’s enthusiasm to the conversation. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

A New Season, New Identities, and a World on the Brink At San Diego Comic‑Con on Rewind, Tony sat down with Olivia Taylor Dudley, John McNamara, and Sera Gamble to preview the bold, reality‑bending fourth season of The Magicians. With magic restored but at a terrible cost, the series pushes its characters into new identities, new dangers, and a new kind of storytelling ambition. This episode blends behind‑the‑scenes revelations, character deep dives, and candid reflections on how the show reinvents itself while staying rooted in its emotional core. SAVE 17% ON PLUS