Sci-fi Talk

In this episode, Tony connects over Zoom with Sean Konrad, Visual Effects Supervisor on Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, for a sweeping conversation that spans the MonsterVerse, Marvel, and even Avatar. Konrad breaks down the artistry, engineering, and emotional logic behind bringing Kong, Godzilla, and the newly introduced Titan X to life—while also reflecting on his earlier work on Deadpool 2, Loki, and his consulting role on James Cameron’s Avatar. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

Tony chats with directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen to dig into the twisted, darkly comedic world of Villains—their breakout thriller starring Bill Skarsgård, Maika Monroe, and Jeffrey Donovan. What begins as a simple home invasion spirals into a surreal nightmare when two amateur criminals stumble into a secret their victims will do anything to protect. The conversation opens with Berk and Olsen sharing how crucial it was to bring Maika Monroe into the project—and how her instincts, presence, and genre experience helped define the film’s emotional core. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Tony zooms with composers Kara Talve and Anže Rozman, the musical architects behind Prehistoric Planet. Their score blends cutting‑edge experimentation with classical orchestral storytelling — all in service of bringing long‑extinct creatures to life through sound. From building instruments out of 3D‑printed fossil replicas to designing orchestral combinations that convey scale, movement, and behavior, Kara and Anže reveal how they crafted a sonic world that feels both scientifically grounded and emotionally resonant. Highlights:  Fossil‑Inspired Instruments Simulating Dinosaur Voices Orchestral World‑Building Movement as Music Balancing Science and Emotion “Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — premium genre, commercial‑free. Go Plus today!”

Featuring Dave Green, Eric Bauza, John Cena, Lana Condor & Will Forte Audio courtesy of Warner Bros. Tony brings you the creative team and cast of Coyote vs. Acme, exploring how they brought one of animation’s most iconic characters — Wile E. Coyote — into a new era of storytelling. Director Dave Green and stars Eric Bauza, John Cena, Lana Condor, and Will Forte dive into character interpretation, comedic philosophy, emotional beats, and the timeless cultural impact of the Looney Tunes universe. This episode blends nostalgia, craft, and the surprising heart behind a film built on cartoon chaos. You'll Hear From: Dave Green — Director Eric Bauza — Wile E. Coyote  John Cena — Buddy Crane C Lana Condor — Paige Avery  Will Forte — Kevin Avery  Sci‑Fi Talk Plus takes you inside the world of genre— with interviews, behind‑the‑scenes stories, and red‑carpet coverage from around the globe. Watch and listen to premium, commercial‑free podcasts and videos for just $1.99 a month. Click the link and go Pl

Featuring the Cast & Executive Producers of X‑Men ’97 Audio courtesy of Disney+ Recorded live at the X‑Men ’97 Finale Screening Event, this episode of Byte captures the voices behind Marvel’s most emotionally charged animated revival. Tony brings you legacy performers, new‑era cast members, and the executive producers who shaped the show’s modern identity. Across the conversations, the cast reflects on their characters, the finale’s emotional stakes, and the enduring cultural power of the X‑Men — icons of identity, resistance, community, and hope. Red Carpet Voices A.J. LoCascio — Gambit / Remy LeBeau  Ben Pronsky — Garrison Kane / Graydon Creed Gui Agustini — Sunspot Brad Winderbaum — Executive Producer  Christopher Barger — Archangel  Darin De Paul — Sabretooth / Omega Red  Isaac Robinson‑Smith — Bishop JP Karliak — Morph  Julia Lewald — Executive Producer  Eric Lewald — Executive Producer  Lenore Zann — Rogue  Rachel Kimsey — Computer Cube / Ship / Danger  Matthew Wa

A Conversation with Executive Producer Simon Allen Reinventing Ankh‑Morpork for a New Medium The Watch is one of the most daring and divisive fantasy adaptations of the last decade — a punk‑rock, genre‑bending police procedural inspired by Terry Pratchett’s Ankh‑Morpork City Watch. Developed by BBC Studios for BBC America, the series premiered 3 January 2021 and later arrived on BBC iPlayer on 1 July 2021, introducing viewers to a world where crime, chaos, magic, satire, and rebellion collide. In this episode of Rewind, Tony chatted with Simon Allen, the executive producer who led the charge in transforming Pratchett’s beloved Watch into a modern, serialized fantasy adventure. Together, they explore the creative decisions, challenges, inspirations, and controversies behind bringing the Discworld’s most dysfunctional police force to life. “Go premium with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free podcasts and videos. Get exclusive Summer Movie coverage, sit‑down interviews, film clips, and red carpet mo

Bill Nye & Brannon Braga on Science, Disasters, and the Stories That Save Lives In this special edition of Rewind, Tony explores the explosive, urgent, and deeply scientific world of The End Is Nye — a series that confronts real natural disasters and shows how science can help us survive, adapt, and rebuild. This episode features two conversations woven together: Bill Nye, host of The End Is Nye, on the science behind extreme weather, natural disasters, and the solutions that can protect us. Brannon Braga, executive producer, on crafting six disaster scenarios, balancing fear with hope, and how his past work — from Star Trek Voyager to Cosmos to The Orville — shaped the series’ tone and mission. Together, these interviews reveal how science communication, cinematic storytelling, and real‑world urgency collide in one of the most ambitious disaster‑science series ever made. “Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your universe, unlocked.”

In this episode, Tony chats with actor Mark O’Brien, who stars as Josh in the mind‑bending parallel‑universe thriller Parallel. The conversation explores how Mark approaches characters caught between moral tension, existential stakes, and the unknown — themes that echo across his standout performances in Arrival and Bad Times at the El Royale. Mark breaks down the creative and psychological challenges of starring in Parallel, a sci‑fi film where a group of friends discover a mirror that opens doorways into alternate realities. “Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your universe, unlocked.”

Building the Dune Prequel Universe In this chapter of Journey to Arrakis, Tony chatted with bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson, the longtime creative partner of Brian Herbert, to explore how the two architects of modern Dune lore constructed the sweeping prequel era — from House Atreides to The Butlerian Jihad and beyond. This episode dives into the craft, research, and narrative engineering behind the novels that broadened the Imperium’s history, deepened its mythology, and introduced generations of readers to the political, spiritual, and ecological foundations of Frank Herbert’s universe. Listeners also experience another atmospheric moment from the Dune Audio Book, courtesy of Macmillan Audio, adding sonic texture to the conversation.   “Sci‑Fi Talk Plus" — premium genre, commercial‑free. Go Plus today!”  

Prosthetic Makeup Effects Designer — Spider‑Noir, Fallout, Star Trek: Picard Tony zoomed with acclaimed prosthetic makeup effects designer Vincent Van Dyke, whose work continues to redefine how genre characters are built — physically, digitally, and emotionally. From the noir‑soaked streets of Spider‑Noir to the irradiated wastelands of Fallout, Vincent shares the craft, innovation, and storytelling instincts behind some of today’s most memorable transformations. Spider‑Noir — Building a Stylized, Shadow‑Driven World Jack Huston’s Sandman The Mutated Man‑Spider Fallout — Designing The Ghoul Digital Scanning vs. Plaster Casting SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

Featuring Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor & J.J. Abrams** Audio Courtesy Of Warner Bros Time Travel. Marriage, Dinos, and Making Of  In this episode of BYTE, Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, and producer J.J. Abrams to explore the emotional and cinematic engine behind The End of Oak Street. With  audio from Warner Bros, the trio break down the film’s central relationship, its time‑bending mystery, and the massive scope that transforms Oak Street into one of the summer’s most ambitious genre films. What I Dive Into The Complications of Greg & Denise Time Travel & Narrative Design Production Design & World‑Building Dinosaur Creation with ILM Explore More On Sci-Fi Talk Plus On Sci‑Fi Talk Plus, you’ll find a longer, extended version of this episode — including: Podcast And Video Interviews  A companion video featuring interviews, BTS footage, and a film clip (when available) Upgrade to Sci‑Fi Talk Plus to unlock the premium experience.

Featuring Christian Convey, Maisy Stella & David Robert Mitchell Inside The Action, The Heart And Dinosaurs  In this episode of BYTE, Tony dives into the thrilling world of The End of Oak Street with audio courtesy of Warner Bros. Stars Christian Convey and Maisy Stella, along with writer‑director David Robert Mitchell, break down the film’s pulse‑pounding action, its surprising emotional depth, and the dinosaur‑driven spectacle that powers its biggest moments. The Action That Drives the Story The Dinosaurs of Oak Street A Family at the Center On Sci‑Fi Talk Plus, you’ll find a longer, extended version of this episode — including: Interviews  Behind‑the‑scenes Footage A companion video featuring interviews, BTS footage, and a film clip (when available) Upgrade to Sci‑Fi Talk Plus to unlock the premium experience.  

Paola Lázaro — actor, playwright, and creator of unforgettable characters. Best known for portraying Juanita “Princess” Sanchez on AMC’s The Walking Dead (2020–2022) and Angela Gomez in Netflix’s Obliterated (2023). She holds a Master’s degree in Playwriting from Columbia University, a foundation that deeply informs her approach to character creation and emotional storytelling. In this episode, Tony chatted with Paola Lázaro for a vibrant, honest, and deeply creative conversation about her journey from playwright to screen actor, the moment she was cast as Princess in 2020, and how she shaped one of the most distinctive characters in The Walking Dead universe. Paola opens up about the craft behind Princess — her humor, her trauma, her resilience — and how she infused the character with her own lived experiences and artistic instincts. She also dives into Princess’s evolving relationship with Mercer, exploring the emotional layers, trust-building, and vulnerability that made the pairing a fan favorite. “Go pr

August brings a mix of celebration, reinvention, and reflection across the genre landscape. From DC’s latest casting shakeups to Marvel retrospectives, from animated Warhammer to the future of Children of Blood and Bone, this episode captures the pulse of where sci‑fi, horror, and comics are heading next. DC AND MARVEL HORROR AND DARK FANTASY'S BIG SWINGS TV STREAMING EXPANDING AND BIG BETS RANKING ALL MCU MOVIES Sci‑Fi Talk Plus is in orbit! Get premium, commercial‑free podcasts and videos — including Summer Movie dives, sit‑down interviews, film clips, and red‑carpet action from around the world. Jump in now for just $1.99. Hit the link and go Plus today!”

A Conversation with Emmy Nominee Ashley Michelle Marsh** Where Characters Live, We Learn Who They Are In this episode Tony Tellado Zoomed with Ashley Michelle Marsh, Emmy‑nominated set decorator for Pluribus, for a deeper exploration of the lived‑in spaces that define the show’s emotional core. Ashley’s work doesn’t just fill rooms — it reveals character psychology, hidden tensions, and the uncanny dualities that run through the series. Carol’s Home: Building Familiarity in a Fractured World The Supermarket Built by the Others Air Force One: Authenticity with a Twist Las Vegas: Elvis’s Suite Without the Excess Sci‑Fi Talk Plus is blasting off! Get premium, commercial‑free podcasts and videos — including Summer Movie deep dives, sit‑down interviews, film clips, and red‑carpet action from around the world. Jump in now for just $1.99. Hit the link and go Plus today!”

Strange New Worlds hitting Season Four is a milestone — not just for the series, but for modern Trek itself. This season is bolder, stranger, more emotionally charged, and the cast you spoke with brings that evolution into sharp focus. These show notes lean into your signature blend of character insight, thematic resonance, and production craft. In this episode, Tony attended a press day with the with the cast at the start of season two to explore how relationships deepen, identities evolve, and the show continues to push the boundaries of what Star Trek can be. Anson Mount on Pike & Number One: Trust, Command, and Quiet Intimacy Paul Wesley & Ethan Peck: Finding Their Chemistry as Kirk & Spock Melissa Navia on “Among the Lotus Eaters”: Trauma, Memory & Resilience Rebecca Romijn: Finding Una Chin‑Riley Through Her Own History Paul Wesley on Crafting His Kirk Melissa Navia & Celia Rose Gooding on Trek’s Enduring Appeal go premium with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free p

Composer of Pluribus, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, El Camino In this episode, Tony chats with Dave Porter, the award‑winning composer behind the sonic identity of Pluribus. Known for his long‑standing creative partnership with Vince Gilligan — beginning with Breaking Bad and continuing across multiple series — Porter brings a rare combination of classical training, electronic innovation, and narrative instinct to every project he touches. This conversation explores how Porter shaped the sound of Pluribus, from the unexpected use of vocals in the main theme to the way he threads vocal textures throughout the score. He breaks down how his classical foundation led him to electronic music, how experimentation became a core part of his process, and why one of his standout pieces draws inspiration from 1970s cinematic style. Tony also asks the question only Pluribus fans would dare: If Dave were absorbed into the collective, how would it change his music? His answer is as thoughtful as it is surprising. Go premi

Featuring Simu Liu, Winston Duke & Joe Russo Audio courtesy of Marvel Studios In this follow‑up Hall H special, Byte returns to the beating heart of San Diego Comic‑Con with audio courtesy of Marvel Studios. This edition captures the excitement of Marvel’s evolving slate, the creative voices shaping its future, and the unmistakable electricity of Hall H — a room where fandom becomes a force of nature. Tony brings listeners inside the conversations that define Marvel’s next era, spotlighting performers and filmmakers whose work continues to expand the MCU’s emotional and narrative reach. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

Featuring Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Hannah John‑Kamen, Hayley Atwell, James Marsden & Kevin Feige Audio courtesy of Marvel Studios In this special Byte presentation from Hall H at San Diego Comic‑Con, Tony brings listeners inside one of the most electric rooms in entertainment. With audio courtesy of Marvel Studios, this episode captures the adrenaline, the surprises, and the creative insight that define Marvel’s biggest stage. Across film, streaming, and the expanding multiverse of characters, this Hall H showcase features conversations with some of Marvel’s most charismatic performers and its chief architect — offering fans a front‑row seat to the future of the MCU. SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

In this conversation, Tony Zoomed with John Koyama, the Supervising Stunt Coordinator and Second Unit Director behind some of the most explosive, outrageous, and technically demanding moments in The Boys. From the Oval Office finale to the infamous Herogasm sequence, Koyama breaks down how the team blends danger, comedy, spectacle, and character to create stunts that feel as unhinged as the world they inhabit. This episode also traces Koyama’s long‑running collaboration with Zack Snyder, including Rebel Moon and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and his reflections on earning another Emmy nomination for The Boys after already taking home a win. Building The Stunts Of The Boys The Oval Office Finale - Controlled Chaos at Scale Herogasm - Infamous Day On Set Looking Back At Zack Snyder Collarborations Emmy Recognition - Past Wins & New Nomination Go premium with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free podcasts and videos. Sign up now for just $1.99.