Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

In this episode, Tony Zooms with Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo to dig into the scripts and the new villian at the heart of the new season of Criminal Record.

Capaldi returns as DCI Daniel Hegarty, a detective whose old‑school instincts and ethically murky methods continue to deliver results—though not without fallout. Opposite him, Jumbo’s DS June Lenker remains a sharp, principled counterweight, navigating the pressures of police work while trying to maintain a personal life that’s increasingly strained by the job.

On Plus, Subscribers get access to the full video version of this conversation, featuring clips from the new season woven throughout the interview.

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Fight Pancreatic Cancer

In this episode, we sit down with the incomparable Amanda Tapping—actor, director, producer, and one of the most influential creative forces working in genre television today. Known to many for her iconic role as Samantha Carter in Stargate SG‑1, Amanda has since built an extraordinary directing career that spans some of the most beloved sci‑fi and fantasy series of the last decade.

Fans will have several opportunities to meet Amanda at upcoming events:

• Starfury: Ascension 2

• Gate Cruise 2027, featuring stars from Stargate SG‑1 and Atlantis

Donate to My Team for my walk with members and survivors for Purple Stride to fight Pancreatic Cancer

This special episode shines a spotlight on PurpleStride, the nationwide walk to end pancreatic cancer, and the powerful community behind Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer. I’m joined by two extraordinary guests—Armin Shimerman (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s Quark) and his wife, actor and pancreatic cancer survivor Kitty Swink—for a heartfelt, inspiring, and deeply personal conversation.

We talk about the upcoming PurpleStride event at the Santa Monica Pier, the lifesaving work of PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network), and the stories of courage, loss, and resilience that fuel this movement. From promising new drug trials to the emotional testimony of a woman who recently completed her walk while battling cancer, this episode is a reminder of why awareness and research matter.

And because it wouldn’t be a conversation with Armin without diving into Trek, we also explore the legacy of Deep Space Nine, the mystery behind the end of Starfleet Academy, Sirroc Lofton’s return as Jake Sisko, and how James Darren found his voice again thanks to DS9.

Donate to Team Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer

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In this premiere episode of Journey to Arrakis, we open the doors to the vast, windswept universe of Dune by going straight to the source. Author and biographer Brian Herbert joins us for an intimate conversation about his father, Frank Herbert, the mind behind one of the most influential science‑fiction sagas ever written.

Brian reflects on Frank’s creative process, the philosophical roots of the Dune universe, and the personal experiences that shaped the novel’s themes—ecology, power, religion, and human potential. Together, we explore how a single story about a desert planet grew into a cultural touchstone that continues to challenge and inspire readers more than half a century later.

Featured Audio With permission from Macmillan Audio, this episode includes select clips from the audiobook of Dune, offering listeners a vivid entry point into the world of Arrakis:

• Princess Irulan’s private writings, which frame the political and historical tensions surrounding Paul Atreides

• A dramatic moment in which Paul and Jessica, fugitives in the desert, encounter the Fremen for the first time—an encounter that will alter the fate of the Imperium

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Brian Herbert’s memories of Frank Herbert

• The philosophical and political questions that shaped the novel

• Immersive audio moments from the original Dune audiobook

Why This Episode Matters To understand Dune, you must first understand the man who imagined it. This conversation sets the foundation for the entire Journey to Arrakis series, grounding the sweeping mythology in the real human story behind it.

Support My Walk To Battle Pancreatic Cancer in Purple Stride

 

A return to the dark, rain‑soaked streets of Batman: Arkham City — and explore how it became a landmark in storytelling, performance, and game design. This deep‑dive episode features reflections from the legendary Mark Hamill (The Joker), a heartfelt conversation with the late Kevin Conroy (Batman), an inside look at the game’s soundscape with Audio Director Nick Arundel, and a narrative breakdown with writer Paul Dini.

Please Support my walk against Pancreatic Cancer with surivors and other volunteers.

A look into the heart of Merlin Season Four with two of the series’ most iconic performers. Anthony Stewart Head (King Uther Pendragon) and Bradley James (Prince/King Arthur) join us for a pair of candid, insightful interviews that explore the emotional turning points, behind‑the‑scenes challenges, and legacy‑defining moments that shaped this pivotal season.

Please donate for my walk against Pancreatic Cancer.

 

In this episode, we dive deep into the icy, post-apocalyptic world of Impact Winter, Audible’s hit audio drama created by writer and world‑builder Travis Beacham. You may know Travis from his story treatment that became Pacific Rim and his work as writer and co‑creator of Carnival Row. Now he’s turned his imagination toward a world plunged into darkness after a catastrophic impact event—one where vampires rise and humanity fights to survive.

We explore how Impact Winter blends horror, survival, and character‑driven storytelling, and how the audio format lets Travis build tension and atmosphere in ways screen media can’t.

About Impact Winter

Set seven years after a meteor strike blots out the sun, Earth has become a frozen wasteland where vampires thrive in the endless dark. At the center of the story is Darcy, a fierce and determined vampire hunter navigating this new world of shadows. As she protects her small band of survivors, Darcy must confront not only the monsters outside but the shifting loyalties and secrets within her own group.

Support My Walk To Fight Pancreatic Cancer

 

In this episode of Rewind, we dive into two powerful installments of the Quantum Leap sequel series—each showcasing the heart, humanity, and high stakes that define the franchise.

Episode Spotlight #1: “Family Style” — Directed by Deborah M. Pratt

We begin with Family Style, directed by the legendary Deborah M. Pratt—the first African‑American drama and sci‑fi Executive Producer in television. Pratt co‑created the original Quantum Leap, wrote 25 episodes, and co‑wrote another 15, shaping the DNA of the series from the ground up.

In Family Style, Ben Song (Raymond Lee) leaps into 2009 and finds himself in the middle of a struggling Indian family’s fight to save their restaurant. The episode blends cultural nuance, family tension, and the classic Quantum Leap urgency as Ben works to keep the family together and their dream alive.

Episode Spotlight #2: “Ben Song for the Defense”

Next, we examine Ben Song for the Defense, where Ben leaps into the body of an overwhelmed public defender—one of the few people who believes her client is truly innocent. The episode digs into the justice system, personal conviction, and the emotional toll of fighting for someone who has no one else in their corner.

This episode also features Nanrisa Lee as Jen Chu, whose grounded presence adds depth to the team dynamic. And of course, we discuss Ernie Hudson’s role as Herbert “Magic” Williams, whose leadership and history continue to anchor the series.

Support My Purple Stride Walk to Fight Pancreatic Cancer

As you enjoy this episode, I’m asking for your support in a cause that means a great deal to me. I’ll be walking in Purple Stride alongside survivors, families, and volunteers to help fight pancreatic cancer.

If you’re able, please consider donating through my page—the link is in the show notes. Every contribution helps fuel research, support patients, and bring hope to families facing this devastating disease.

This month's news includes: 

• Dune 3 Selling Out in 70MM
• Dark Matter Season Two News
• Paradise Season 2 Finale
• The Terror Details
• Batman 2 Films
• Aaron Pierre in Superman Sequel
• Weapons Prequel
• Supergirl Backlash
• Wheel Of Time Projects
• King Conan
• X-Men Reboot Writers
• Spider-Man Brand New Day New Shoots
• Phil Lord And Christopher Lord Honored
• The Testaments Review
• The Boys Season Five Review
• Film: The Grind Review
• Battle Los Angeles: An Appreciation
• List: 10 Sci-Fi Shows Without A Bad Season

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In this episode, we sit down with writer Landon Lee and director Allison Roberto to dive into their sharp, funny, and delightfully twisted short film Girls Night In—a satirical horror story born from one deceptively simple question:

What happens when you build a film around the Bechdel test… and then immediately break it in the most absurd way possible?

The Bechdel test, of course, asks whether a work of fiction includes at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man. Landon and Allison took that premise and flipped it on its head, asking:

“Where is the most ridiculous place two women could be fighting over some guy?”

The result is a genre-bending short that blends horror, comedy, and social commentary with a wink—and a few splashes of blood.