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New Books in Science Fiction

New Books Network
Science Fiction
Andor
Climate Change
Alien Earth
Star Wars
The People Of the Ruins
Speculative Fiction
The Other Valley
Philosophy
Cassian Andor
Dystopia
Star Trek
Scott Alexander Howard
My Heart Is Human
Octavia E. Butler
Boy Cavalier
Feminism
World War I
Odile Ozan
Rebellion

This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field. Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: ⁠newbooksnetwork.com⁠ Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to ... more

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Latest Episodes

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to watch a double sunset on Tatooine, stand among the sand dunes of Arrakis or gaze at the gas-giant planet Polyphemus from the moon Pandora? In Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact (Reaktion... more

Flaxman Low, literature’s first professional, full-time “occult detective”—that is, an intrepid investigator who deploys the scientific method when tackling paranormal phenomena—appeared in a dozen stories first published from 1898–1899. Flaxman Low... more

It’s The Pop Culture Professors, and we analyze the first two episodes of Vince Gilligan’s new series Pluribus. The show posits an extraordinary intervention in worldwide politics and culture producing a utopia (that is of course simultaneously a dys... more

It’s The Pop Culture Professors, and we conclude our analysis of the FX series Alien: Earth with episode 7, “Emergence” and episode 8, “The Real Monsters.”

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Recent Guests

Keith Cooper
Author of Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact
Reaktion (publisher)
Episode: Keith Cooper, "Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact" (Reaktion, 2025)
Alexander B. Joy
Scholar and expert on Flaxman Low; discusses the MIT Press reissue
Independent scholar / Academic expert on Victorian-era science fiction
Episode: E. and H. Heron, "Flaxman Low: Occult Detective" (MIT Press, 2026)
Liz Webber
Professor of Instruction of Chinese and Research Professor at University of Rochester, specializing in Chinese Literature and translation.
University of Rochester
Episode: Wu Jianren, "New Story of the Stone: An Early Chinese Science Fiction Novel" (Columbia UP, 2025)
Kim Stanley Robinson
A leading science fiction novelist and voice in climate fiction.
Episode: 154 Planetary Boundaries are Non-Negotiable: Kim Stanley Robinson
Elizabeth Miller
Professor of English and Chair of Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, and scholar of environmental literature.
Episode: 154 Planetary Boundaries are Non-Negotiable: Kim Stanley Robinson
Christy Climenhage
Author of The Midnight Project, an anticipated science fiction thriller.
Wolsak & Wynn
Episode: Christy Climenhage, "The Midnight Project" (Wolsak & Wynn, 2025)
Lindsay Wong
Award-winning author of "The Woo-Woo" and "Tell Me Pleasant Things About Immortality"
Penguin
Episode: Lindsay Wong, "Tell Me Pleasant Things about Immortality: Stories" (Penguin, 2023)
Rob Farley
Professor at the University of Kentucky, founder of the blog Lawyers, Guns, and Money.
University of Kentucky
Episode: The Politics of Andor (Season 2 Episodes 7-9): Truth and Discipline
Mellissa Chan
Award-winning journalist with roots in Hong Kong
Independent
Episode: Badiucao and Mellissa Chan, "You Must Take Part in Revolution" (Street Noise Books, 2024)

Host

Rob Wolf
Host of New Books in Science Fiction on the New Books Network; frequent interviewer of science fiction authors.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 59 ratings
  • A New Favorite

    Rob Wolf takes on all things sci-fi in this great interview podcast that highlights some of the best the genre has to offer-as well as some up-and-comers. Wolf’s questions are targeted and insightful, demonstrating that he has not just read the books he’s discussing, but has engaged with them and is genuinely interested to expand his understanding of the author’s intent. Any author should be so blessed as to have such an engaged reader. This care that he has for the books he platforms makes me w... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    OBGreen
    United States2 years ago
  • Great show!

    Marshall, host of the podcast, highlights all aspects of new reads and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    malfoxley
    United States5 years ago
  • My favorite book podcast!

    As witness to my love of this new book, science fiction/ fantasy podcast, of which I am a new listener, I have bought 5 books, put one previously purchased book on the top of my TBR stack and I have completed only 8 episodes starting back in 2011! The interviewers are knowledgeable, informed and well-read in the genre and ask questions that really engage the author. Great insights to the featured books and I enjoy hearing the authors talk about their craft and their excitement about this genre.... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    7dogs7
    United States5 years ago
  • Another shill

    Could not keep politics out of a science fiction interview. Deleted

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    TheMatrix
    United States6 years ago
  • Fantastic Interview Show

    This show's approach to interviews with authors about their influences and craft is fantastic. The interviews really dig into the work, the author's approach, the world of science fiction, etc. That makes for a show that feels more like a Lipton-style craft and life conversation than a simple PR-centered conversations. Those are the interviews I tune back into because I actually feel like I've learned something new and interesting.

    So if you love SF literature and you really want to hear author... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Arconna
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners feel politics can intrude on strictly literary discussions.
Listeners praise the host's preparation and genuine interest in authors' intents.
High production quality and insightful guests are common positives.
Consistently strong lineup of new and established authors.
Engaging, thoughtful interviews with deep dives into craft and themes.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Keith Cooper, "Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact" (Reaktion, 2025)
Q: What are some of the most well-researched fictional worlds you discuss, and why are they compelling from a science standpoint?
He highlights The Left Hand of Darkness (Gethen) and Dune (Arrakis) as exemplary for their scientifically informed climate and planetary evolution, with Gethen's ice coverage and Arrakis's desert hydrology as models of thoughtful worldbuilding.
Keith Cooper, "Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact" (Reaktion, 2025)
Q: How did science fiction deal with exoplanets before real exoplanets were known, and what changed after their discovery?
Cooper describes the shift from solar-system-based worldbuilding to acknowledging real exoplanets, noting that early fiction assumed Earth-like worlds and that discoveries like hot Jupiters and pulsar planets forced writers to adapt, often creating more diverse and plausible settings.
Keith Cooper, "Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact" (Reaktion, 2025)
Q: Could you start us off please by introducing yourself a little bit and tell us why you decided to write this book?
Keith Cooper explains that he is a science journalist focusing on astronomy and physics, a lifelong science fiction fan, and wanted to explore how realistic science fiction worlds align with real exoplanet discoveries, blending entertainment with education.
Maria Dadouch, "I Want Golden Eyes" (U Texas Press, 2025)
Q: Can you explain a bit more about the translation process and your relationship with Sawad Hussain?
Marsha highlights the complexity of translating speculative fiction, emphasizing their ongoing communication during the translation process to ensure clarity and pacing in the narrative, culminating in a collaborative effort to achieve an engaging final product.
Maria Dadouch, "I Want Golden Eyes" (U Texas Press, 2025)
Q: What makes Maria Dadouch's work special to want to translate them into English?
Marsha believes that Maria's humor and her ability to engage young readers through funny and well-paced narratives are what makes her work desirable for translation into English.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About New Books in Science Fiction

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

A thoughtful interview series focused on contemporary science fiction literature, with frequent forays into climate fiction, translations, and the societal stakes embedded in speculative narratives. Conversations center on authors' craft, worldbuilding, and the political and cultural implications of their work, often drawing connections to environmental crises, technological advances, and ethical questions. The show tends to feature prominent sci-fi writers, translators, and scholars, offering deep-dive discussions that appeal to readers, researchers, and industry professionals seeking thoughtful, literature-forward insights. A standout is the blend of literary critique with interdisciplinary perspectives, making it a strong fit for listene... more

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New Books in Science Fiction launched 14 years ago and published 265 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 New Books in Science Fiction?

Recent guests on New Books in Science Fiction include:

1. Keith Cooper
2. Alexander B. Joy
3. Liz Webber
4. Kim Stanley Robinson
5. Elizabeth Miller
6. Christy Climenhage
7. Lindsay Wong
8. Rob Farley

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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