In this gripping episode, join host Catherine and special guest, my older sister Cara, for the first part of the deep dive into 'The Man in the High Castle' series. From dissecting all four seasons to exploring the deviations from the book, they unravel the show's skill in crafting morally ambiguous characters and a harrowing world shaped by a victorious Axis in World War II. Step into the shadows of this alternate reality as they discuss the show's complexities, twists, and its portrayal of a chillingly brutal world.
This episode discusses the Big Time, one of the first sci-fi books to discuss time travel. Catherine and her guest Sarah talk about how time travel literature has changed over time, and how one makes a good mystery in a book.
Within this episode Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss They'd Rather Be Right, one of the most controversial Hugo wins of all time and the inherent sexism within early sci-fi. We also discuss how computers were viewed in the past and how sci-fi has advanced along with actual technology.
Within this episode, Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss the Demolished Man (the first ever book to win a Hugo), what are the origins of the sci-fi award, and how the genre has changed over the decades.
In the latest episode, join host Catherine and the wonderful guest Sammy as they journey into Philip K. Dick's alternate reality Hugo winner, The Man in the High Castle, which takes readers to a Japanese-ruled San Francisco, a world where the Allies lost World War II. Tune in as they unravel the intricacies of a narrative with surprisingly few fleshed-out characters, ponder the lack of a clear explanation surrounding the U.S. loss in World War II, and discuss the peculiar absence of rebellion against the oppressive regimes of Nazis and Japanese rule within the book.
In our latest episode, Catherine and special guest Aleksei embark on an exploration of Robert Heinlein's sci-fi classic, "Stranger in a Strange Land." Join us as we dissect Heinlein's narrative quirks, discussing his often-criticized portrayal of female characters and the unexpected twists that characterize "Stranger in a Strange Land." From literary analysis to cocktail-fueled banter, this episode promises a blend of insightful commentary and humorous musings on the peculiar world crafted by Heinlein.
In this bonus episode, Catherine is joined by her friend Charlie for an extended exploration of "A Canticle for Leibowitz." Return to the pages of this classic 1959 novel, as Charlie shares his thoughts on the book's right-to-life arguments and its exploration of apocalyptic Catholicism. If you loved the episode with Paul so much you wanna hear more about the world of Walter M. Miller Jr., this is for you.
In this episode, join host Catherine and special guest Paul as we delve into the Hugo Award-winning novel of 1962, "A Canticle for Leibowitz." Sipping on two distinctive cocktails - an Irish ale and a Death in the Afternoon - we explore Walter M. Miller Jr.'s darkly witty writing, the profound Catholic themes woven throughout the narrative, and the philosophical depth of the book.
Tune in for a captivating discussion on Miller's exploration of humanity's ability to survive its own scientific creations, notably the looming specter of the nuclear bomb. As we navigate the open-ended questions raised by the novel, we contemplate the delicate balance between faith, knowledge, and the future of our species. Don't miss this thought-provoking journey into a sci-fi classic that continues to resonate with its profound reflections on the human condition.
In this episode, join us as we dive into the sci-fi classic that won the Hugo Award in 1961, Robert Heinlein's "Starship Troopers." Hosted by Catherine, and joined by special guest Sam, we embark on a thrilling journey comparing the experience of reading the novel with watching the iconic movie adaptation. To set the mood, we sip on two distinctive cocktails with military backgrounds – a French 75 and a Gunfire, adding a touch of elegance to our discussion.
Tune in to hear our lively conversation about the themes of jingoism and the scarcity of well-developed characters in Heinlein's writing. We also dissect the over-the-top portrayal of the American military in the movie, examining the caricatures and cultural elements that make "Starship Troopers" a thought-provoking exploration of war, society, and patriotism. Don't miss this engaging analysis of a timeless classic in the world of science fiction literature and film!
Continuing our in-between episodes, we will be discussing Dianetics, L. Ron Hubbard's first book that would lead him to founding scientology. Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss L. Ron Hubbard's history and the start of scientology. We also consider the danger of cults, the language that leads people into such organizations, and how many groups in the modern world use cult-ish words.
Welcome to the Inbetween episodes! In this episode Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss Player Piano, a sci-fi book that we felt deserving of praise even though it sadly never won a Hugo. We talk about Vonnegut's classic dark humor writing, and his problems with our modern society that he articulated within Player Piano.
In this episode Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss A Case of Conscience, an early sci-fi book that explores how a catholic priest would react to extraterrestrial life. We also talk about the role of religion in sci-fi, why sci-fi authors so often focus on the Catholic church, and the nature of open-ended sci fi.
In this episode Catherine and her guest Sarah discuss Double Star, which is the first Hugo win of Robert Heinlein, who has won more Hugos than any other author to date. We talk about what makes a book enjoyable, and why early sci fi books often simply don't match up to modern standards.
Cosmos In the Cosmos is a podcast about cocktails and Hugo award winning sci-fi books. Every other week, host Catherine mixes a new book themed cocktail and reviews a sci-fi book, with a special guest. This first episode features Sarah. Tune in to learn about sci-fi from the 50's to the modern day, with a drink on the side. This is our introductory episode where we discuss what we like to read and why so listeners can get a feel for us as hosts.