Hugos There Podcast
Hugos There Podcast is a literary discussion show dedicated to reading the winners of the Hugo Awards, the annual prizes for science fiction and fantasy. Each episode features a guest who joins the host to talk through one winning novel, novella, or short story, exploring its themes, characters, and place in the genre's history. The conversations mix plot summary with critical reaction and personal favorites, making it accessible to both longtime SF readers and newcomers. Over time the show works through decades of Hugo-winning works, offering a guided tour of what the award has celebrated.
Episodes
Author Interview: Fold Catastrophes, by Peter Watts
Checking the “Explicit” box for this one because I didn’t want to edit Peter’s authenticity much. This is a casual conversation with Peter Watts, about his new short story collection, Fold Catastrophes, a terrific collection of some previously published stories and one brand new story.
Foundational Fantasy: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, by Patricia McKillip, with Karen Beck and Rachel Young
“Fantasy is …when you take something either completely made up or something that starts in the real world and you add something to it.” …less of a technological fiction and more of a biological fiction…inventing races or magical abilities.” “Fantasy…includes elements of fairy tales and myths and legends.” This time I’m revisiting a book I … Continue reading "Foundational Fantasy: The F
2026 Hugo Award for Best Short Story nominees panel!
It’s the Hugo shortlist time of year! I’m doing my part (a very small part) by hosting some of my Internet Friends to discuss the 2026 finalists for the Hugo Award for Best Short Story! This was a super quick edit, so it’s perhaps not quite a tight or clean as a typical episode. But … Continue reading "2026 Hugo Award for Best Short Story nominees panel!"
Foundational Fantasy: Beauty, by Robin McKinley, with guest Megan Cutter
My sister Megan joins me for a discussion of the much-loved book she’s had since the early 80s, Beauty, by Robin McKinley, a retelling of “Beauty and the Beast.” Megan’s copy of the book, held together by a hair tie.
Hothouse, by Brian Aldiss (Hot Ones challenge), with Mythius, Sophia, and Sarah
A few of us from the Portland (and broader Pacific NW) chapter of the Nebulugo Book Club Discord got together in Portland to do a Hot Ones style challenge, with the questions done Book Club style as the sauces got hotter (well, that was the intent, but our sauces were all over the place). Audio … Continue reading "Hothouse, by Brian Aldiss (Hot Ones challenge), with Mythius, Sophia, and Sara
Foundational Fantasy: Titus Groan, by Mervyn Peake, with guest Dan Harris
“Fantasy is when we are presenting a world that isn’t our world, even if it’s just slightly off from our world.” Dan Harris from the Nebulugo Book Club Discord joins me for a Foundational Fantasy about Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast series, starting with Titas Groan. I highly recommend the print or ebook for this one, as … Continue reading "Foundational Fantasy: Titus Groan, by Mervyn Peake, wit
Interview with Ray Jamison, author of The Madcaps (and a sprinkling of Foundational Fantasy)
“Fantasy reflects…a simpler lifestyle and…an exaggeration of physical ability…and many different types of people.” Ray Jamison joins me for a quick Foundational Fantasy discussion about Fantasy Films, but is mostly here to plug his cool fantasy comic project, The Madcaps, currently running a Kickstarter campaign. I thought the project looked cool, so I invited him … Continue reading "Intervi
City, by Clifford Simak, with Christine Baker
Back to a regular episode this time with Clifford Simak’s City, winner of the International Fantasy Award in 1953, and I’m joined by the newest entry in what I call The Hugo Collective, Christine Baker from the excellent podcast, Hugo History! We go pretty much full spoilers right away, but this is a 70+ year … Continue reading "City, by Clifford Simak, with Christine Baker"
Foundational Fantasy: Magician, by Raymond E. Feist, with guest James Ralston
“It’s fantastical, it’s awe-inspiring, it’s extraordinary, it’s something that really doesn’t exist, hence the name fiction…you know, it inspires you.” – James Ralston It’s another Foundational Fantasy episode!Returning guest James (also my Take Me To Your Reader co-host) joins me for a discussion of Raymond E. Feist’s Magician, the first book (or is it two … Continue reading "Foundational F
Foundational Fantasy: Nine Princes in Amber, by Roger Zelazny, with guest Paul Weimer
“Fantasy is a comfort, an escape, a way to imagine other sorts of realities other than the one I’m in.” – Paul Weimer It’s another Foundational Fantasy episode!Returning guest Paul Weimer joins me for a discussion of Roger Zelazny’s Nine Princes in Amber, the first book of the Chronicles of Amber. And we chip away, … Continue reading "Foundational Fantasy: Nine Princes in Amber, by Roger Zel
Foundational Fantasy: Redwall, by Brian Jacques, with guest Colin Kuskie
This is the first in a series I hope to do for much of 2026, called Foundational Fantasy.What does that mean? Tune in to find out. Also find a fun discussion of Brian Jacques’s excellent Redwall, the first in a long-running series of children’s fantasy books. My close friend and podcast co-host Colin joins me … Continue reading "Foundational Fantasy: Redwall, by Brian Jacques, wi
Doorways in the Sand, by Roger Zelazny, with Bob Morrell
Bob Morrell joins me again for a brief discussion of the short but hilarious Hugo and Nebula finalist Doorways in the Sand, by Roger Zelazny Notes & Links: https://sites.google.com/site/bbbmorrell/bobs-writing-page https://magazine.trollbreath.com Ways to support the podcast: Buy Me a Book/Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasled Support Me on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.c
Bonus! Science Fiction and Fantasy Concepts Draft (with Dan, Emmanuel, and Kalin)
Ways to support the podcast: Buy Me a Book/Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasled Support Me on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/hugospodcast Pick a Book off the Mondo List and contact me: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s6JbgvwCB3ptr2cDZWWaEHvbc-BEmC5Y5avdf2kaLqQ/edit?usp=sharing Three of my Nebulugo Book Club friends join me for a draft of our favorite Science
Original Fiction: Bookends, or Libromancy, by Seth Heasley
Hi everyone, I hope you enjoy this microfiction fantasy story I wrote and submitted as part of NYC Midnight’s 250-word Microfiction Contest. This story made the cut in Round One, and then I had to submit another original story for Round Two, and that’s as far as I got. But I thought the story was … Continue reading "Original Fiction: Bookends, or Libromancy, by Seth Heasley"
Annihilation, by Jeff Vandermeer, with Mythius from the Nebulugo Discord
Mythius from the Nebulugo Book Club Discord Server joins me for a discussion of Jeff Vandermeer’s 2014 Nebula-winner, Annihilation. Ways to support the podcast: Buy Me a Book/Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasled Support Me on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/hugospodcast Pick a Book off the Mondo List and contact me: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s6JbgvwCB3pt
Glory Road, by Robert A. Heinlein, with James Hedrick
James from the podcast/blog Something About Dragons joins me for a discussion of Glory Road, by Robert A. Heinlein, which was shortlisted for the 1964 Hugo Award. It’s fantasy wrapped in science fiction wrapped in good old 1950s misogyny! https://somethingaboutdrag.wixsite.com/something-about-drag Ways to support the podcast: Buy Me a Book/Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasl
The Man Who Saw Seconds, by Alexander Boldizar, with Sophia Suhu and JW Wartick
A couple of my friends from the Nebulugo Book Club Discord join me for a more or less spur of the moment episode on a book I’d recommended to them after recently reading it. The book is The Man Who Saw Seconds, by Alexander Boldizar, the most recent winner of the Locus Award. Notes & … Continue reading "The Man Who Saw Seconds, by Alexander Boldizar, with Sophia Suhu and JW Wartick
Great America In Dead World, by David Agranoff (interview with the author)
(This one had a quick turnaround and I didn’t go back through and edit it for language, or really, anything. This is about as raw as you’ll get a Hugos There episode, so it’s marked Explicit for language.) I don’t do a ton of author interviews, but I was intrigued by David’s new book and … Continue reading "Great America In Dead World, by David Agranoff (intervi
Lightning, by Dean Koontz (with guests Megan Cutter and Colin Kuskie)
Ways to support the podcast: Buy Me a Book/Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasled Support Me on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/hugospodcast Pick a Book off the Mondo List and contact me: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s6JbgvwCB3ptr2cDZWWaEHvbc-BEmC5Y5avdf2kaLqQ/edit?usp=sharing It’s another Seth’s Picks episode, taking about an old favorite of mine, Dean Koont
Dispatches from Seattle WorldCon!
A bit of a download about WorldCon 2025, about people I met, interviews I did, and some plans for the future. Links and Photos! Translated Hugo Initiative: https://translatedhugo.org/about-us Endeavour Award: https://osfci.org/endeavour/ Brian Aldiss: https://brianaldiss.co.uk/ Ray Bradbury Center: https://give.myiu.org/iu-indianapolis/I380010312.html https://www.instagram.com/bradburycenter https
Zoomed Out: SFF Novelizations, with Andrew and Hannah from Authorized!
Ways to support the podcast: Buy Me a Book/Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasled Support Me on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/hugospodcast Pick a Book off the Mondo List and contact me: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s6JbgvwCB3ptr2cDZWWaEHvbc-BEmC5Y5avdf2kaLqQ/edit?usp=sharing Don’t forget to stick around for the quiz at the end of the podcast! (photos for th
2025 Hugo-nominated Novellas panel
I’m joined for a discussion of the 2025 Hugo nominees for Best Novella by a few of my best Internet Friends. Guests include: Video will be posted hopefully tomorrow. These episodes get very little editing, so if it sounds a bit rougher than normal, that’s to be expected, but the discussion was terrific, so I … Continue reading "2025 Hugo-nominated Novellas panel"
2025 Hugo-nominated Novels Panel
I’m joined for a discussion of the 2025 Hugo nominees for Best Novel by a few returning guests, and a couple of new people. Guests include: No video for this episode. Technology let us down and we lost Mythius and his video recording toward the end, which is why he’s not in the sign off, … Continue reading "2025 Hugo-nominated Novels Panel"
2025 Hugo-nominated Short Story Panel
If you prefer video, check us out here: https://youtu.be/pEPVVL7njFQ I’m joined for a discussion of the 2025 Hugo nominees for Best Short Story by a few returning guests. Guests include: These episodes get very little editing, so if it sounds a bit rougher than normal, that’s to be expected, but the discussion was terrific, so … Continue reading "2025 Hugo-nominated Short Story Panel"
The Stress of Her Regard, by Tim Powers (with guest Ray Alston)
It’s time for more Secret Histories with Tim Powers! This time it’s a World Fantasy Award and Locus Award nominee, and winner of the Mythopoeic Award, The Stress of Her Regard, which weaves a fantasy/horror story into the lives and deaths of the Romantic Poets. Don’t forget to reach out to me if you’ll be … Continue reading "The Stress of Her Regard, by Tim Powers (wi
Zoomed Out: Kurt Vonnegut, with guest Nic Pietersma
It’s another Zoomed Out, Author Deep Dive episode, this time on Kurt Vonnegut, with guest Nic Pietersma. Ways to support the podcast: Buy Me a Book/Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasled Support Me on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/hugospodcast Pick a Book off the Mondo List and contact me: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s6JbgvwCB3ptr2cDZWWaEHvbc-BEmC5Y5avdf2k
Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson, with guest Leah Borden
This is a Seth’s Picks episode, the very highly regarded, though not much honored at the time Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson. It’s like Ready Player One, but without all the references or terrible writing. (It’s not really like RPO at all, and that’s a very good thing.) This is one of my shorter episodes, … Continue reading "Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson, with guest
3x Hugo Finalist!
While I was recording with my TMTYR co-hosts, I realized I never recorded a reaction to my 2025 Hugo nomination, so I just sprang it on them (they were already in the know about the nomination because I can’t keep a secret from them). Thanks so much to everyone who nominated this podcast!
Zoomed Out: Sports SFF, with Chris Garcia
Ways to support the podcast: Buy Me a Book/Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasled Support Me on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/hugospodcast Pick a Book off the Mondo List and contact me: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s6JbgvwCB3ptr2cDZWWaEHvbc-BEmC5Y5avdf2kaLqQ/edit?usp=sharing This time it’s another Zoomed Out, Subgenre Spotlight episode on Sports Science Fic
![Old Man’s War, by John Scalzi (with guest Tony [redacted])](https://i0.wp.com/hugospodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/omw-hugos.png?fit=1200%2C1869&ssl=1)
Old Man’s War, by John Scalzi (with guest Tony [redacted])
My guest and I discuss a Hugo-nominee, Old Man’s War, by John Scalzi. I haven’t been loving Scalzi’s recent books, but I loved this one. This episode includes an unedited transcript that will be updated at a later time. Spoiler talk starts at 15:24 Ways to support the podcast: Buy Me a Book/Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasled Support Me … Continue reading
Zoomed Out: Lloyd Alexander, with Jared Crossley
This time it’s another Zoomed Out, Author Deep Dive episode on Lloyd Alexander. Joining me for this discussion is Jared Crossley, creator of the Lloyd Alexander documentary on YouTube. This episode includes an unedited transcript which will be updated at a later time. Segments and time codes: (03:00) – Intro to Lloyd Alexander (08:00) – … Continue reading "Zoomed Out: Lloyd Alexander, with J
My 2024 in books!
Just a quick look back at everything I read in 2024, including a bit of podcast reading, lots of graphic novels, and more than a little leisure reading. Video link here: https://youtu.be/9A2p_9y3TvE Adjoa Andoh is the narrator of Translation State and she’s an absolute beast. My Year in Books: https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2024/2459540# (or my 2024 Reading Challenge): … Contin
The Space Trilogy, by CS Lewis (feat. Evan Bradtke)
Guest Evan Bradtke joins me for a fairly lengthy discussion of CS Lewis’s Space Trilogy (more aptly called the Cosmic Trilogy), all three volumes of which were nominated for the Retro Hugo. It’s a normal-ish episode, with the exception being that we discuss all three books in some detail. The books are, to me, less accessibly … Continue reading "The Space Trilogy, by CS Lewi
“We’re all Superman to somebody, sometime,” a conversation about live-action Superman with Michael Gabriel
In this bonus episode, Michael Gabriel and I discuss (at length) live action Superman, particularly the recently-ended CW show Superman & Lois, with stops along the way to talk about our histories with Superman, the Arrowverse, and some comic book recommendations for anyone who’s interested in reading a few Superman books. Topics Covered: Michael’s social … Continue reading "“We
Zoomed Out: Military Science Fiction, with William from Future War Stories
Follow me on Bluesky! https://bsky.app/profile/hugospodcast.com This time it’s another Zoomed Out, Subgenre Spotlight episode on Military Science Fiction. Joining me for this discussion is returning guest William Bregnard from Future War Stories. An unedited transcript is included with this episode. A more polished transcript will be posted at a later date. Segments and time codes: … Continu
Blindness, by José Saramago (feat. Andy Parry)
Andy Parry from Sci-Fi Around the World joins me for a Seth’s Picks episode about Blindness, by Nobel-winner Jose Saramago. The book was originally published in Portuguese, which made Andy the perfect guest due to his international SF project. It’s a tough read for content reasons, including violence and sexual violence, but it’s one of … Continue reading "Blindness, by Jos
Bonus: Aliens (1986 movie) discussion panel
“Is this gonna be another stand-up fight, sir, or another bug hunt?” Well, neither really. It’s an October surprise! We’ve got Aliens, Colonial Marines, and four people who love the 1986 movie Aliens. Joining me for the discussion are my sister Megan Cutter, former guest / fellow podcaster Mandy Self, and fellow Portland-area podcaster Luke … Continue reading "Bonus: Aliens (1986 movie) disc
Zoomed Out: Jules Verne, with Emmanuel Dubois and Haley Zapal
This time it’s another Zoomed Out episode, focusing on Jules Verne, who despite Seth’s unforgiveable ignorance, was a French author who wrote in French. For this discussion, Emmanuel Dubois and Haley Zapal join to talk about a few of Verne’s better known works, and Emmanuel gives us a few ideas for future reading. Ways to … Continue reading "Zoomed Out: Jules Verne, with Emmanuel Dubois and
Lonesome Dove, by Larry McMurtry (feat. Amy Salley from Hugo, Girl!)
Amy Salley from Hugo, Girl!, joins me for a Seth’s picks episode about a book I’ve been wanting to read for years. It’s not science fiction, but it is award-winning, specifically a Pulitzer winner. It’s also in contention for Best Book I’ve Ever Read. We’ll return to normal SFF content in the next episode. But if … Continue reading "Lonesome Dove, by Larry
Zoomed Out: Speculative Fiction In Translation, with Rachel Cordasco
This time it’s another Zoomed Out episode, focusing on Speculative Fiction in Translation (SFT), with guest Rachel Cordasco. Below I’ve captured some of her recommendations. There are some light spoilers in the episode, but nothing that should detract from your enjoyment of these books and authors. Notes & Links: Ways to support the podcast: Buy … Continue reading "Zoomed Out: Speculativ
Why We Love Baseball (and Football), with Joe Posnanski
I’ve been listening to Joe’s podcast (the Poscast) and reading his books for years, and I’d originally reached out to him, hoping to get him on to discuss Brittle Innings, a Hugo-nominee but also a baseball book. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the bandwidth for extracurricular reading, but he had time to do a podcast with … Continue reading "Why We Love Baseball (and F
Declare, by Tim Powers (feat. Paul Williams)
Returning guest Paul Williams joins me for a discussion of the 2001 winner of the World Fantasy Award, Declare, by Paul Williams. Secret history, espionage, and fantasy all wrapped into one terrific novel. Spoiler talk starts at 15:03 Notes & Links: Ways to support the podcast: Buy Me a Book/Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasled Support Me on Patreon!: https://www.patreon
“Other people walk their dog, and I walk my book,” a conversation with JW Wartick
Legend says he’s still reading lists of books to this day. JW Wartick has read all of the Hugo-winning novels, but he’s also read all the Nebula winners, and all the Hugo-nominated novels. To say he’s a voracious reader is to vastly understate the case. But he’s also my friend, and I asked him to … Continue reading "“Other people walk their dog, and I walk my bo
Zoomed Out: Iain M. Banks, with Damian Mac Choiligh
Damo Mac Choiligh joins me for a deep look at Scottish SF author Iain M. Banks. Some reading recommendations and notes (not all of these are mentioned in the discussion): Banks 101: The Culture Series: Other SF: Mainstream Fiction: Themes: Advanced Banks: Weird Fiction: The Culture Series: Other SF: Links: https://www.facebook.com/groups/130411676997908
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L’Engle (feat. Mandy Self)
Mandy Self joins me once again to discuss A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L’Engle. This is a “Seth’s Picks” episode, but it’s also an award-winner, having won the Newberry Award in 1963. We get into spoilers about 15 minutes in. Mandy’s links:https://twitter.com/Brown_Ajahhttps://twitter.com/MandymoniumPod “Ticky Tacky little boxes” referenced by Mandy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Boxes Wa
Zoomed Out: Urban Fantasy, with Katie Heasley
My little sister Katie joins me for an informal discussion of her favorite subgenre, Urban Fantasy. This isn’t perhaps as scholarly as previous Zoomed Out episodes, just an off-the-cuff discussion with my sister. Sorry for the doggies’ panting that occasionally shows up in the background. The dogs love Katie and couldn’t stop snuggling up to … Continue reading "Zoomed Out:
Vernor Vinge Tribute episode
With the sad news of Vernor Vinge’s recent passing, I decided (at Olav’s prompting) to host a short-notice discussion panel about Vinge’s work. This podcast has previously covered his three Hugo-winning novels, but we go a bit deeper here, giving some other recommendations for Vinge reading. I’m mostly just here to facilitate, and more than … Continue reading "Vernor
Oscars 2024 (feat. Lori Anderson, Juan Sanmiguel, and Peter Knoch)
Lori from Hugo, Girl!, and Juan (frequent bonus episode guest) join Peter and me to discuss our picks for the 2024 Oscars.
Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir (feat. Peter Kuskie)
Update!: We covered Project Hail Mary (movie) on Take Me To Your Reader in March 2026, so be sure to check out the episode: https://pavementpodcast.com/archives/podcast/project-hail-mary-by-andy-weir-with-guest-peter-kuskie Peter Kuskie, son of my co-host Colin from TMTYR (and brother of my theme music composer), and also childhood friend of my son, joins me in person for a discussion … Cont
“Oh, I have a new limp now!”, a conversation about the World Marathon Challenge with Michael Gabriel
It’s been almost exactly a year since multiple-time guest of the podcast, Michael Gabriel, finished the World Marathon Challenge (Seven Days, Seven Marathons on Seven Continents), and I asked him to chat with me about the whole experience. it’s not science fiction related, but I just like to chat with interesting people, so this is … Continue reading "“Oh, I have a new limp
Alas, Babylon, by Pat Frank (feat. Mitch Wagner)
This is a “Seth’s picks” episode of the podcast, still Science Fiction related this time, with the classic 1959 nuclear war novel Alas, Babylon. Joining me for the podcast is returning guest Mitch Wagner. I noticed there are some pops and crackles on Mitch’s audio, and I did my best to clear them up, but … Continue reading "Alas, Babylon, by Pat Frank (feat. Mitch Wag
Bonus: Favorite 2023 Movies (with Ethan Heasley)
Ethan asked to do a favorite movies of 2023 episode with me. Since we recorded, we’ve both started watching stuff for our Oscars episode, so there’s definitely stuff we’d have done differently if we recorded today. Our Letterboxd profiles: https://letterboxd.com/sethheasley/ https://letterboxd.com/bevold/ Ethan’s List: 10. The Killer 9. Barbie 8. Creed 3 7. Mission: Impossible: D
Zoomed Out: Patricia A. McKillip, with Dr. Audrey Taylor
Dr. Audrey Isabel Taylor joins me for a look at the work of Patricia A. McKillip. Time codes included for the major sections, as well as two mini-discussions of McKillip’s World Fantasy Award winners. Checking those off the list! A transcript is available for this episode. Intro to Audrey Taylor (02:22) Intro to McKillip (07:53) … Continue reading "Zoomed Out: Patricia A. McKillip, wit
Zoomed Out: Pandemic Fiction, with Bob Morrell
In the first of hopefully many Subgenre Spotlights, Bob Morrell joins me for a discussion on Pandemic Fiction. Who doesn’t want to think about pandemics? Trigger warning for anyone who isn’t ready to talk about pandemics. Here we focus mostly on COVID-19 but also there’s substantial discussion of AIDS, so be warned. Links & Notes: … Continue reading "Zoomed Out: Pandemi
“I think of them as cartoon documentaries,” a discussion with Darryl Cunningham
Seth is joined by Darryl Cunningham, author of these tremendously interesting Graphic Nonfiction Titles: Darryl’s Links:https://myriadeditions.com/creator/darryl-cunningham//https://www.patreon.com/acmedarrylhttps://twitter.com/AcmeDarrylhttps://bsky.app/profile/acmedarryl.bsky.social
The Moon and the Sun, by Vonda McIntyre (feat. Sarah Elkins)
Seth is joined by Sarah Elkins to discuss the 1998 Nebula Award winner for Best Novel, The Moon and the Sun, by Vonda McIntyre. Just a more or less typical episode. Financially support this podcast (and others by Seth): Patreon (ongoing support): https://www.patreon.com/hugospodcast Buy Me a Coffee (one-time or ongoing): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sethheasled Time Codes: Start – … Co
2023 Fiction Nominees Panel!
Juan Sanmiguel, Sarah Elkins, Ivor Watkins, and Lacey Jane Wolfe join me for a discussion of the major nominees in the fiction categories. We don’t cover them exhaustively, just touching on the titles we enjoyed.
Zoomed Out: Isaac Asimov, with Alec Nevala-Lee
Alec Nevala-Lee, author of the stellar biographies Astounding and Inventor of the Future joins me for a discussion on Isaac Asimov, the author and his work. All discussions of the works mentioned stay fairly spoiler-lite. Asimov 101: Advanced Asimov: Alec’s Links:
Planet of the Apes, by Pierre Boulle (feat. Emmanuel Dubois)
In the first episode of Hugos There 2.0, Seth is joined by returning guest Emmanuel Dubois to discuss The Planet of the Apes, by Pierre Boulle, the 1963 novel (originally written in French) that spawned a major film franchise. Emmanuel’s links: https://twitter.com/manu_photo https://twitter.com/lafayettepod Notes/Mentions: https://www.lafayettepodcast.com/1969630/13073537-de-gaulle-jfk-and-t
Ask Me Anything!
I collected questions thru my Hugos There Future Survey, and this is the episode in which I answer them! My recording setup: Links: https://www.thehugoawards.org/the-voting-system/Lady Business Hugo Award Sheet of Doom!: https://bit.ly/hugoaward2023https://nebulas.sfwa.org/
Retrospective and What’s Next
Hugos There 1.0 is in the bank, so what’s next for this space? Seth goes into his thought process about what comes next, along with some feedback from listeners on what they’d like to see, laying out what he’ll do for Hugos There 2.0. Time codes: Here’s the Mondo List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s6JbgvwCB3ptr2cDZWWaEHvbc-BEmC5Y5avdf2kaLqQ/
Shortlisted!
Hey all, a fun announcement: This podcast is a finalist for the 2023 Hugo Award for Best Fancast! Woo! My buddy Colin jumped on a quick call with me since he was the one who noticed the nominations were announced. Thanks to everyone who nominated, and congrats and best of luck to the other nominees! … Continue reading "Shortlisted!"
HT#78: The Snow Queen, by Joan D. Vinge (feat. The Hugo and Nebula Readership Podcast)
Ann and Alice from the Hugo and Nebula Readership Podcast join me for a discussion of the 1981 winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novel, Joan Vinge’s The Snow Queen, which is a better book than The Wanderer, thank the Lady. The next episode you’ll see in the feed is my “What’s Next?” episode, … Continue reading "HT#78: The Snow Queen, by Joan D. Vinge (feat. The
HT#77: The Wanderer, by Fritz Leiber (feat. Brian Collins)
Seth is joined by Brian Collins to discuss the 1965 Hugo winner, Fritz Leiber’s The Wanderer. Start – 15:00 Intro through “Why this book?” 15:01 – 28:08 Non-Spoiler discussion 28:09 – end Spoiler discussion Take my Future of the Podcast survey! https://forms.gle/ycoyiAEv5CEjXHXE6 Brians’s links: Website: https://sffremembrance.com/ Twitter: https://twitter
SciFi Around the World, with Andy Parry
Seth is joined by Andy Parry, creator of the SciFi Around the World blog and podcast to talk about how he came up with the idea for the project, and how it’s going so far. He also administers a fun Hugo-based quiz to Seth. Links & Notes: Blog: https://scifiaroundtheworld.blogspot.com/ Books mentioned: The Three Body Problem, … Continue reading "SciFi Around the World, with Andy Par
HT#76: Shadow Over Mars, by Leigh Brackett (feat. Dr. Sue Vazakas)
Seth is joined by Dr. Sue Vazakas to discuss the 2020 Retro Hugo winner (for the year 1945), Leigh Brackett’s Shadow Over Mars. Start – 21:02 Intro through “Why this book?” (along with additional background) 21:03 – 31:44 Non-Spoiler discussion 31:45 – end Spoiler discussion Take my Future of the Podcast survey! https://forms.gle/ycoyiAEv5CEjXHXE6 Sue’s li
Common Errors in English Usage, with Dr. Paul Brians
Dr. Paul Brians, retired professor of literature (including SF) from Washington State University, joins me for a discussion of his website and book, as well as SFF movies and books, and some more recent reading recommendations outside the genre. Find the book here: https://wmjasco.com/william-james-company/22-common-errors-in-english-usage-3rd-ed.html Links: Paul’s WSU website (includes link
HT#75: A Desolation Called Peace, by Arkady Martine (feat. Cora Buhlert)
Seth is joined by 2022 Hugo Award-winning Fan Writer, Cora Buhlert, to discuss the winner of the 2022 Hugo Award for Best Novel, Arkady Martine’s A Desolation Called Peace. Start – 10:24 Intro through “Why this book?” 10:25 – 28:15 Non-Spoiler discussion 28:16 – end Spoiler discussion 1:00:54 Upcoming survey announcement Cora’s links: http://corabuhlert.co
Bonus Episode! Midnight Mass discussion panel
It’s Lent season as this episode is posted, and what better genre show to consider than the excellent Netflix limited series, Midnight Mass. This is just four Christian engineers discussing an awesome series that delves into interesting religious and philosophical topics, wrapped into a super compelling narrative. Joining me are Mandy Self and Scott Danielson, … Continue reading "Bonus
Cross-post: Oscars 2023 (from Brief & Not So Brief)
Cross-posting this episode to the main Hugos feed. It’s not Hugo-related, but it *is* award related, and I’d be shocked if at least one film on the Oscars list didn’t make it into the Hugo nominees this year. Let me know if you like this kind of thing being thrown into the feed. I know … Continue reading "Cross-post: Oscars 2023 (from Brief & Not So Brief)"
HT#74: Beyond This Horizon, by Robert A. Heinlein (feat. David Brin)
This isn’t a typical episode, but when you have David Brin on your podcast, you just kind of want to let him talk. So we occasionally touch on Robert A. Heinlein’s Beyond This Horizon, which won the 2018 Retro Hugo for Best Novel. But mostly we just chat. No real spoiler section for this discussion, … Continue reading "HT#74: Beyond This Horizon, by Robert A. Heinlein (feat. Davi
Spectology “Underrated SFF Movies” Reunion
During the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, I joined Adrian and Matt from Spectology for a draft of our favorite underrated SFF movies. As it happens, each of us had not seen at least one entry on another person’s list. So I decided to bring the guys on for a follow-up in which we … Continue reading "Spectology “Underrated SFF Movies” Reunion"
“We seem to not want a utopia”: A Conversation With S. Daniel Smith
This is a project that got lost on my computer (through neglect, not technology) for a long time. Dan Smith from Coffee In Space joins me for a discussion of the allure of Apocalyptic Fiction. Dan’s podcast is here: https://www.coffeeinspacepodcast.com Some titles mentioned in the podcast: A Canticle For Leibowitz, Walter M. Miller Alas, Babylon, … Continue reading "“We seem to n
HT#73: Paladin of Souls, by Lois McMaster Bujold (feat. Sarah Elkins)
Seth is joined by repeat guest (of other Hugos There content) Sarah Elkins to discuss the winner of the 2004 Hugo Award for Best Novel, Lois McMaster Bujold’s Paladin of Souls. Start – 9:39 Intro through “Why this book?” 9:40 – 31:41 Non-Spoiler discussion 31:42 – end Spoiler discussion Notes & Mentions: Chaucer, The Canturbury … Continue reading "HT#7
“Terraforming Ganymede”: A Conversation With Dr. Jim Woosley
A little bit of bonus content here. Dr. Jim Woosley, author of “Terraforming Ganymede: Science and Technology in Robert A. Heinlein’s Farmer in the Sky,” joins me for a conversation about his history as a SFF fan (books and film), and about his essay included in the Baen version of Farmer in the Sky.
HT#72: Farmer in the Sky, by Robert A. Heinlein (feat. Rick Childs)
Seth is joined by Rick Childs to discuss the winner of the 2001 Retro Hugo for Best Novel (for 1951), Robert A. Heinlein’s Farmer in the Sky. Start – 6:15 Intro through “Why this book?” 6:16 – 20:43 Non-Spoiler discussion 20:44 – end Spoiler discussion Notes & Mentions: Rick’s links: https://twitter.com/SmartassSciFihttps://twitter.com/bank_doc
HT#71: Slan, by A.E. Van Vogt (feat. Andrea Johnson)
Seth is joined by Andrea Johnson of RetroRockets to discuss the winner of the 2016 Retro Hugo for Best Novel (for 1941), AE Van Vogt’s Slan. Start – 9:28 Intro through “Why this book?” 9:29 – 21:59 Non-Spoiler discussion 22:00 – end Spoiler discussion Notes & Mentions: The Regeneration Trilogy, by Stephanie Saulter The Bourne … Continue reading "HT#71:
HT#70: The Stone Sky, by NK Jemisin (feat. Kristenelle-SFF Reader)
Seth is joined by Kristen (BookTuber) to discuss the third book in the Broken Earth trilogy, The Stone Sky, by NK Jemisin, winner of the 2018 Hugo Award for Best Novel. Start – 5:12 Intro through “Why this book?” 5:13 – 12:22 Non-Spoiler discussion 12:23 – end Spoiler discussion Notes & Mentions: James Baldwin quote … Continue reading "HT#70: The Stone Sky,
Catching Up With Keith Law
Baseball writer Keith Law guested on the podcast four years ago. Since then, he’s finished reading all the Hugo winners, and Seth wanted to have a chat with him about which books lived up to the hype, which surprised him, and a few that let him down. Seth weighs in on the same questions, despite … Continue reading "Catching Up With Keith Law"
Bonus Episode: Ladyhawke (1985 film) discussion panel
This is an audio-only version of a video Seth recorded with his sister Erin, along with JW Wartick and Sarah Elkins, discussing (lots of spoilers) the 1986 Hugo-nominated fantasy film Ladyhawke. Video available on YouTube! https://youtu.be/2XGBq6c6mk4 Seth’s Spectology appearance where he mentions Ladyhawke: https://www.spectology.com/e/in-conversation-our-favorite-underrated-sf-movies-with-
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