Sci-fi Talk

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.

Compiled Conversations with Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge & Michael Shanks Few sci‑fi series have carved out a cultural footprint as enduring as Stargate SG‑1. In this special episode, Tony brings together three cornerstone voices of the franchise — Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, and Michael Shanks — for a reflective, deeply human look back at a series that continues to resonate decades later. Amanda Tapping — Leadership, Compassion & the Evolution of Samantha Carter Christopher Judge — Teal’c, Honor & the Power of Stillness Michael Shanks — Daniel Jackson & the Heart of Curiosity 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 moments from around the world. Sign up now for just $1.99 a month. 

In this episode, Tony Zooms with Dave Fleming, the composer behind some of the most haunting and emotionally layered music in Widow’s Bay. Their conversation dives into the sonic DNA of the series — from the spectral whispers of The Fog, to the mythic dread of The Sea Hag, to the primal unease of The Boogeyman. Fleming opens up about his creative process, his partnership with a co‑composer, and the challenge of crafting horror music that avoids clichés while still delivering deep emotional impact. The Fog: Voices In The Mist The Sea Hag: Myth, Melody, And Terror The Boogyman: Fear Without Formula A Composer’s Palette — Mixing Elements for a Rich Score Beyond Widow’s Bay — Last Son for James Gunn's Superman SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

In this episode, Tony talked with three voices of the Resident Evil universe — Nicole Tompkins (Jill Valentine), Matthew Mercer (Leon S. Kennedy), and Stephanie Panisello (Claire Redfield) — for an inside look at their work on the animated feature set within the eerie confines of Alcatraz, where a terrifying new method of viral delivery threatens the world. It’s a conversation that blends legacy, performance, and pure survival‑horror adrenaline. SAVE 17% ON PLUS, TODAY    

Tony zoomed with Amanda Jones—Emmy winner, Emmy nominee, and one of the most inventive composers working in genre storytelling today—to dive into her electrifying score for Murderbot. Known for her ability to fuse synth, orchestra, and rock instrumentation into a seamless emotional engine, Jones breaks down how she built the sonic identity of one of sci‑fi’s most beloved antiheroes. This conversation is equal parts craft, curiosity, and pure creative joy. INSIDE THE SCORE WHAT WE EXPLORE Hybrid Sound Design — Jones explains how she blends analog synths, orchestral textures, and gritty rock elements to mirror Murderbot’s internal contradictions Driving Cues — You dig into her signature rhythmic propulsion, and she reveals how she intentionally slows things down mid‑cue to let tension breathe, giving listeners a moment inside Murderbot’s thought process. Sanctuary Moon — Jones walks you through composing the theme for Sanctuary Moon, the gloriously cheesy in‑universe TV show Murderbot is obsessed with. Sh

The New York City premiere of The Odyssey continues with another dynamic round of red‑carpet conversations supplied by Universal Pictures. This edition deepens the tapestry of perspectives behind the film — from its mythic heroes to its grounded human characters, from its costume architecture to its emotional undercurrents. From The Red Carpet Logan Marshall‑Green  Jon Bernthal  Jesse Garcia  John Leguizamo  Himesh Patel  Ellen Mirojnick — The film’s Costume Designer  James Remar  Corey Hawkins  Benny Safdie  SAVE 17% ON PLUS

New York City Premiere At the New York City premiere of The Odyssey, the red carpet felt electric — a collision of ancient myth, contemporary filmmaking, and the creative forces who’ve reimagined Homer’s epic for a new generation. In this special episode of Byte, Tony brings listeners inside the event with interviews provided by Universal Pictures, featuring the film’s cast and creative team as they reflect on music, destiny, family, and the emotional architecture of this sweeping adaptation. From the Red Carpet Ludwig Göransson — The Oscar‑winning composer Zendaya  Thomas Hayslip — Executive Producer  Tom Holland  Lupita Nyong’o  Samantha Morton SAVE 17% ON PLUS  

Tony Zooms with Denise Pizzini, Emmy‑nominated Production Designer for the genre‑bending series Pluribus. A former set decorator turned visionary production designer, Denise breaks down the extraordinary creative and logistical challenges behind crafting the show’s shifting realities — each one grounded in character, story, and emotional truth. Topics Include: Building Carol’s World From the Ground Up Recreating Power: Air Force One Transforming the Everyday: The Supermarket The Warehouse of Secrets A Banquet Across Borders Elvis’s Suite in Las Vegas A House in the Canary Islands… in New Mexico SAVE 17% ON PLUS