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Artwork for Science Fiction

Science Fiction

Damien Walter
Science Fiction
Capitalism
Star Trek
Logan's Run
Judge Dredd
Alex Garland
Andor
Socialism
Oligarchy
Military Industrial Complex
Foundation
American Fascism
Dune
Donald Trump
George Orwell
Star Wars
Post-Humanism
Determinism
1970s Science Fiction
Achievement Culture

Join writer and storyteller Damien Walter on an exploration of the world as seen through a science fiction lens.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes89Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Science FictionArtsFictionBooks

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Artwork for Science Fiction

Latest Episodes

There is a single narrative technique that connects almost every multi-billion dollar science fiction franchise ever made. It is the invisible engine powering the most successful stories of the last century. And yet, if you ask ten working Hollywood ... more

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin is a novel written at the beginning of the future. It’s hard to remember today, after Logan’s Run, The Handmaid’s Tale and Hunger Games made “dystopia” an entertainment genre, but when Yevgeny Zamyatin was writing in the early ... more

Terminator is an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Arnold’s physique is the star of the film The progressive decay of the Body into the Machine is his co-star With the special effects that animated the Terminator as best supporting actor Or watch on YouTub... more

The year is 1920. The Empires of Europe have spent the last half decade blowing each other up with bombs, guns and heavy artillery. As World War 1 burns itself out, men who survived the fighting begin to wonder if a better world, a world without empi... more

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Recent Guests

Elana Gomel
An expert researcher and academic in both science fiction and post-humanism.
Episode: Prof. Elana Gomel on Stanislaw Lem
Olga Yakimenko
Filmmaker and longtime member of the science fiction community
Episode: The Verhoeven Paradox with Olga Yakimenko

Host

Damien Walter
Writer and storyteller focusing on science fiction criticism; host and essayist.

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 303 ratings
  • For the intelligent fan

    This podcast is like listening to a friend’s deep thoughts about science fiction. I love how Mr. Walter gets into the ideas and philosophies of authors such as Philip K. Dick and Ursula Le Guin. The recent episode analyzing Starfleet Academy in the context of corporate wokeness was a breath of fresh air compared to online hot takes. It’s a fun listen! He also has a YT show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ChristineNYC
    United States3 months ago
  • Brain treats for the smart and snarky

    Mind-blowingly smart social commentary, filtered through the lens of pop culture and sci-fi. Damien Walter is a philosophy professor and it really shows. What is also evident is his biting, dissociated genX sarcasm, sure to engage your laugh muscles as your brain cells mull over his greater point. I’ve watched him for years on YouTube, and am glad to follow along in audio form with his fantastic podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MarcoLandin
    United States4 months ago
  • One of my favorites

    The context of fictional works is the in-depth subject of this podcast, and it’s completely enthralling. His podcasts in Andor, for example, are some of the best content around.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    envoy510
    United States10 months ago
  • Interesting topics, but….

    I really like the different topics he tackles, as well as his, at times, lengthy digressions…but, Damien, please, for Christ’s sake, stop the ASMR drinking on your cast…for real, it’s like watching and hearing someone, mouth opened and in close up, chewing on extra mushy food…

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    GeoffNSW
    United Statesa year ago
  • Intelligent and Compelling Essays

    I just recently came across this podcast while trawling for new content, and was very impressed by the careful writing and with the wide-ranging approach to the material and the value of science fiction in all its aspects. I was initially taken by the episode on the end of modernity: a timely and passionate call for science fiction creators to meet the new challenges of our perilous times.

    I do find it strange that a couple of reviewers complained about the emphasis on politics in some episode... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alfred Jarry Jr.
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Thoughtful, rigorous sci‑fi analysis that challenges common takes.
The host blends philosophy with pop culture for deep, meaningful insights.
Accessible yet dense; rewards repeat listening for nuances.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#88
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#235
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#113
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#166
Belgium/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#184
Norway/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#216
India/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Iain McGilchrist interview
Q: What might a more hemispherically balanced future look like, perhaps?
A more hemispherically balanced future would be beautiful, kinder, with science making progress but not trampled by political correctness or wokeness.
Iain McGilchrist interview
Q: Can I ask you, what are your formative mythic influences, like myths maybe that you grew up with or that are important to you?
I've become intrigued in exploring further the mythos of Christianity, and I think that myths have a kind of truth which is greater than factual truth.
Prof. Elana Gomel on Stanislaw Lem
Q: What would be an example of a vision of freedom in Lem's work?
In one of Lem's stories, humanity achieves total freedom to biologically modify itself, highlighting profound debates on the nature of freedom.
Prof. Elana Gomel on Stanislaw Lem
Q: What do you think has made that range for science fiction as an academic discipline?
The field has gained respect due to contributions from cultural scholars like Frederick Jameson and the intersection of science fiction with critical theory topics.
Ken MacLeod on The Culture of Iain M Banks
Q: So is the culture communist in your eyes?
In some respects, yes, the culture functions as a classless, stateless, and moneyless society, which aligns with some definitions of communism, but critically does not conform to the historical models of Communism such as those of the Soviet Union or China.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Science Fiction

What is Science Fiction about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thought-provoking deep-dive into science fiction as a lens on culture, technology, and politics. Episodes routinely dissect films, books, and media through philosophy, social theory, and critical analysis, turning speculative fiction into a vehicle for discussing power, ethics, and future imaginaries. The host brings a rigorous, essayistic approach with clear prose, inviting listeners to rethink familiar sci-fi staples and their real-world implications. Noteworthy is the blend of high-level theory with accessible, engaging storytelling, plus occasional provocative takes that spark debate among devoted fans and newcomers alike.

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Which podcasts are similar to Science Fiction?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Science Fiction:

1. Podcast – Cory Doctorow's craphound.com
2. Imaginary Worlds
3. Macrodose
4. Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer
5. Jacobin Radio

How many episodes of Science Fiction are there?

Science Fiction launched 6 years ago and published 89 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Science Fiction?

Recent guests on Science Fiction include:

1. Elana Gomel
2. Olga Yakimenko

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