Discovering Science Fiction Podcasts

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Thanks to the 2012 Hugo nominations, I’ve discovered some very enjoyable Science Fiction Podcasts. Prior to the Hugo nominations, I didn’t even realize that Science Fiction Podcasts existed. The Hugos actually refer to them as “Fancasts.”

Why do I love podcasts? I love podcasts because they make my spare time and “time in between” more productive. For me personally, I listen to podcasts using my iPod while I’m driving in my car. For my day job, I drive on average at least 50 miles per day including my commute. I’ve got friends who listen to podcasts while exercising or while performing household chores; podcasts give listeners a ton of flexibility.

Which Science Fiction podcasts have I sampled? I started with episode 232 of the StarShipSofa. Wow, this podcast was awesome!

I was especially mesmerized by Neil Gaiman’s ‘The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains.’ This tale was so good that I found myself arriving at my destination and not wanting to get out of my car because I was so hooked on the story. I wouldn’t categorize this story as Science Fiction; I think it falls more into the category of Fantasy, but it’s an excellent story regardless.

The entire rest of the podcast episode was a joy as well. I appreciate that the podcast includes contributors from both sides of the Atlantic. Tony C. Smith the host has an awesome voice and accent, although as an American I can barely understand him-wouldn’t want it any other way though.

Paul Finch closes the podcast playing clips of an old-school 50s era American radio show, Theatre of the Mind Magic Island. Paul’s coverage of this is both interesting and humorous.

Even the sound effects in this podcast are cool!

Next, I listened to the SF Squeecast. Episode 10: The Linguistic Divide of Pants. This podcast was superb as well. I get the impression that Seanan McGuire drinks about 15 cups of espresso before each episode. She really keeps the energy level high and keeps the mood fun.

I know it doesn’t sound glamorous, but this podcast is really just a bunch of Science Fiction geeks brain-dumping for an hour. Despite this description, it’s really fantastic!

Picture me driving around in my car jotting down different Science Fiction books and authors that they mention while trying not to crash. To complicate matters my car is manual, so I occasionally need to shift gears as I make my way through traffic. Listening to this podcast is well worth the traffic hazards.

To complete my trifecta of podcasts, today I listened to SF Signal Podcast: Episode 115: Military Science Fiction Mega Panel, Part 2. I was exposed to a broad array of Military Science Fiction books: some that I already know and love and others that were new discoveries. It was interesting to hear the panelists compare notes about what they think are the key ingredients for a successful Military Science Fiction story.

The panel included: Myke Cole, Jean Johnson, Andrew Liptak (Moderator), and T.C. McCarthy.

As a result of listening to this podcast, I added T.C. McCarthy’s book Germline (The Subterrene War #1) to my must-read list. Again, an enthusiast thumbs up for this podcast.

Next on my list are the other two Hugo nominees in the Best Fancast category: The Coode Street Podcast and the Galactic Suburbia Podcast. My commute will never be the
same after discovering all of these great Science Fiction podcasts.

By the way, if you want to follow any of your favorite 2012 Hugo Award Nominees on Twitter, I compiled all of the Twitter accounts here.

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  • http://twitter.com/CaseyBGH Casey Criswell

    Hah, I got hooked on SF Signal and SF Squeecast in the same manner, i.e. checking them out after the Hugo noms were released! I did go one step further though and actually started McCarthy’s “Germline” after that episode of SF Signal, it’s a great read so far!

    The newest (as of today) episode of SF Signal is solid as well talking about ‘Is Mars Cursed’. Pretty essential for sci-fi fans I think!

    • http://www.twistedscifi.com/ Blase Ciabaton

      Hi Casey,

      Thanks much for stopping by and adding to the conversation!
      Yes, just this morning, I listened to the “Is Mars Cursed” Podcast and very much enjoyed the discussion about Disney’s “John Carter” movie. I even added some comments to the SF Signal blog with my 2 cents about this topic.

      I agree that Disney blew it with the marketing for “John Carter,” and I think that’s why it wasn’t more of a financial success. I also believe that most film makers rely too heavily on special effects as opposed to focusing on telling a good story.

      Thanks also for the tip on “Germline;” I’ve added it to my ‘must read’ list on Goodreads.

      Thanks again!
      Blase

  • http://www.facebook.com/davidbarrkirtley David Barr Kirtley

    You might also be interested in checking out the Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy podcast, which we do on Wired.com. We discuss fantasy & science fiction and interview guests such as George R. R. Martin, Richard Dawkins, Simon Pegg, William Gibson, Chuck Palahniuk, Paul Krugman, Mary Roach, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

  • eps

    I have been a StarShipSofa aficionado for a number of years. The “Genre History” by Amy H (“Haytsch” as Tony pronounces it) Sturgis is absolutely one of if not THE most interesting segments re: SF anywhere on the web or even in print. I can’t imagine the amount of work that goes into each broadcast. I can recommend it without hesitation. I used to listen regularly to Clarksworld but the narration is such a distraction that I find it difficult to enjoy the stories.

    • http://www.twistedscifi.com/ Blase Ciabaton

      I quite enjoy Amy H Sturgis as well! She’s also a very talented narrator.

      I listen to Clarkesworld too and am actually quite a fan. I’m generally very pleased with the narration but it is sometimes a challenge using a female narrator for stories with a male voice.

      Thanks you for sharing your thoughts!