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Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

Tony Tellado

Where Imagination Meets What It Means To Be Human

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  • 89 episodes
  • daily
  • Avg 17 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S18 · E6
    September 14 · 22 min

    Star Trek at 60 — “Star Trek: Insurrection — The Rebellion Within”

    In this chapter of Star Trek at 60, Tony revisits Star Trek: Insurrection, the ninth film in the franchise and the third cinematic adventure for the Next Generation cast. Directed by Jonathan Frakes and released on December 11, 1998, the film centers on a moral crisis: when the crew of the USS Enterprise‑E uncovers a conspiracy between Starfleet and the alien Son’a to forcibly relocate the peaceful Ba’ku in order to exploit their planet’s rejuvenating properties, Captain Picard and his crew choose to rebel — against orders, against politics, and against the erosion of Starfleet’s ideals. Featuring performances by Patrick Stewart, F. Murray Abraham, Donna Murphy, and Anthony Zerbe, Insurrection blends ethical drama with character‑driven humor and romance. Though critics offered mixed responses — some praising Stewart’s gravitas and Frakes’s direction, others comparing the film to an extended TNG episode — the movie earned $118 million worldwide and secured nominations for both the Saturn Award and Hugo Award. This episode draws from Tony’s 1998 roundtable interviews with Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, and Brent Spiner, capturing their reflections at the moment the film was stepping into the world. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

  • #127
    September 11 · 10 min

    Star Trek at 60 — “Ethan Peck: Becoming Spock”

    For the fourth chapter of Star Trek at 60, Tony sits down with Ethan Peck, the actor who has carried the mantle of Spock across four modern Star Trek series — Star Trek: Discovery, Short Treks, Strange New Worlds, and Very Short Treks. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Peck comes from a remarkable artistic lineage: he is the grandson of legendary actor Gregory Peck and Greta Kukkonen, and the son of Stephen Peck, a former actor, documentary filmmaker, Vietnam veteran, and longtime leader of U.S. Veterans Initiative. His mother, Francine Matarazzo, is an abstract artist. Before Trek, Ethan made his mark with a main ensemble role as Patrick Verona in the television adaptation of 10 Things I Hate About You. But it was the role of Spock — one of the most recognizable characters in genre history — that transformed his career and connected him to a global fandom. This episode compiles Tony’s conversations with Ethan from New York Comic Con before Discovery Season Two and again at the start of Strange New Worlds Season Two, capturing the evolution of an actor finding his place within a legacy. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

  • S18 · E4
    September 10 · 13 min

    Star Trek at 60 — “Star Trek: Lower Decks — Boldly Going Below Deck”

    In this episode of Star Trek at 60, Tony dives into Star Trek: Lower Decks, the ninth series in the franchise and the first animated Trek since 1974 — as well as the first full‑on comedy in Trek history. Created by Mike McMahan for CBS All Access (later Paramount+), the series debuted in 2020 as part of Alex Kurtzman’s expanded universe and quickly became a fan favorite for its mix of heartfelt storytelling, deep‑cut references, and chaotic energy. As the foul‑mouthed, no‑nonsense Caitian chief medical officer Dr. T’Ana, Gillian Vigman brings a feral charm and comedic bite that instantly made the character iconic. SAVE 17% ON PLUS

  • S6 · E22
    September 9 · 58 min

    🖖 “Star Trek: Echoes Across the Quadrants”

    A 59-Year Celebration Through Voices, Memories, and Missions My combined three-volume oral history and tribute, weaving together rare interviews, behind-the-scenes reflections, and heartfelt anecdotes from cast and crew across Star Trek: First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis. Supplemented by intimate conversations with actors from The Next Generation, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, Enterprise, and even a special Star Trek literary event. Featuring 🎙️ Roundtable Revelations: Press junket gems from the TNG movie era 📞 Personal Frequencies: Phone, Zoom, and convention interviews with legacy actors A blend of nostalgia and discovery—part memoir, part documentary, part celebration. Ideal for fans who want to hear oral memories

  • S18 · E3
    September 9 · 11 min

    Star Trek at 60 — Prodigy: The Next Generation of Fans

    In this installment of Star Trek at 60, Tony turns to the tenth Star Trek series — Star Trek: Prodigy, created by Kevin and Dan Hageman and released from 2021 to 2024 as part of Alex Kurtzman’s expanded universe. As the franchise’s first fully 3D‑animated series and the first designed specifically for younger viewers, Prodigy carved out a unique place in Trek history. Set in the 24th century, the story follows a group of young aliens who discover the abandoned starship Protostar and, through its holographic mentor Kathryn Janeway, begin learning what it means to be Starfleet. It’s a coming‑of‑age tale wrapped in Trek’s deepest values: curiosity, cooperation, and the courage to grow. This episode features Tony’s conversations with: Kate Mulgrew — on playing both Admiral Janeway and the AI Hologram Janeway Brett Gray — Dal Ella Purnell — Gwyn Together, they illuminate how Prodigy became a gateway for new fans while still honoring the legacy of Trek’s past. SAVE 17% on PLUS

  • S18 · E2
    September 8 · 17 min

    Star Trek at 60 — “Enterprise: The First Bold Step”

    To launch Star Trek at 60, Tony revisits the series that dared to go earlier than ever before: Star Trek: Enterprise. Premiering in 2001 and set a century before Kirk and Spock, Enterprise chronicles humanity’s first true leap into deep space — fragile, inexperienced, hopeful, and determined. This episode blends franchise history with fresh reflections from two beloved cast members: Linda Park, who played linguist Hoshi Sato, shares candid memories of the show’s earliest promos, her admiration for Scott Bakula’s leadership, and the emotional vulnerability built into her character. John Billingsley, the ever‑delightful Dr. Phlox, revisits his standout episode Dear Doctor, where the Denobulan physician navigates ethics, attraction, and the complexities of early interspecies relationships. Together, their stories illuminate why Enterprise remains one of the franchise’s most thematically daring chapters — from the Temporal Cold War to the Xindi attack that reshaped the series and devastated Earth. SAVE 17% ON PLUS TODAY

  • S10 · E7
    September 4 · 28 min

    The Ghosts Of Devils Perch

    Interview with paranormal investigators Dave Schrader and Cindy Kaza about their eight part series where they investigate the paranormal in Butte, Montana. This old mining town has greed, murder, and many vices. A prime reciepe for the paranormal.

  • S13 · E19
    September 3 · 29 min

    Michael Shapiro’s Frankenstein

    I talk to the talented composer about his score for the classic 1931 film which is performed live in a variety of ways including an operatic version.

  • S5 · E11
    September 2 · 29 min

    Naomi Grossman

    Actor talks about her new movie, Bite Me, a kind of vampire romcom. We also talk about her role as Pepper on American Horror Story plus her one woman shows.

  • S18 · E1
    September 1 · 38 min

    Rewind: Person of Interest with Caviezel, Chapman, Henson, Plageman, Acker & Shahi

    The Early Days Of A Groundbreaking Series In this Rewind episode, Tony revisits the formative era of Person of Interest, when the show was still defining its identity — a fusion of crime drama, artificial intelligence, and moral complexity. Recorded at the start of its run, these conversations capture the cast and creators as they shaped what would become one of television’s most influential sci‑fi thrillers. Jim Caviezel-The Mystery Of John Reese Kevin Chapman - Detective Fusco's Grit Taraji P. Henson - Detective Carter - A sense of justice grounded Executive producer Greg Plageman - breaking down the show’s early creative vision Amy Acker - Root becomes central to The Machine Sarah Shahi - Sameen Shaw- dry humor, and great aim Unlock the universe with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free, uncensored genre.

  • S17 · E24
    August 31 · 18 min

    Rewind: From Dusk Till Dawn TV Series with Cotrona & González

    REVISTING A CULT WORLD REBORN FOR TV In this Rewind episode, Tony heads back to New York Comic Con for an inside look at the TV adaptation of From Dusk Till Dawn, the pulpy, supernatural crime saga reimagined for a new generation. The cast reflects on expanding the mythology, deepening character arcs, and honoring the wild, genre‑bending spirit of the original film. D.J. Cotrona discusses stepping into the role of Seth Gecko Eiza González shares how she approached transforming Santanico from an iconic film presence into a fully realized character with agency, vulnerability, and power. “Unlock the universe with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free, uncensored genre

  • #126
    August 30 · 7 min

    Dog Stars: Josh Brolin, Ridley Scott & Guy Pearce

    Courtesy of 20th Century Fox In this follow‑up Byte episode, Tony continues exploring the stark, emotional universe of Dog Stars, shifting focus to the film’s broader creative backbone. Through conversations with Josh Brolin, Ridley Scott, and Guy Pearce, we dig into the film’s layered performances, world‑building, and the philosophical undercurrent that drives its tension and humanity. Josh Brolin discusses the emotional architecture of his character Ridley Scott talks the appeal for him to direct Dog Stars Guy Pearce brings his trademark intensity to Dog Stars Unlock the universe with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free, uncensored genre.

  • August 29 · 3 min

    Byte Dog Stars:Elordi, Scott & Qualley

    Dog Stars: Jacob Elordi, Ridley Scott and Margaret Qualley Courtesy of 20th Century Fox In the first of a pair of Byte episodes, Tony dives into the world of Dog Stars, the bold new sci‑fi drama blending isolation, hope, and the fragile bonds that keep humanity alive. Through exclusive conversations with the film’s stars and director, we explore how the story’s intimate emotional core is elevated by sweeping cinematic ambition. Jacob Elordi opens up about crafting a performance rooted in vulnerability and quiet resilience. Director Ridley Scott gives his take on zombies. Margaret Qualley shares how she approached the film “Unlock the universe with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free, uncensored genre.

  • S17 · E23
    August 28 · 29 min

    Pen Densham: Photography & Iconic Storytelling

    Pen Densham returns to my podcast with a deeply personal conversation about Qualia, his new book of impressionistic nature photography — a collection born from capturing images in the most unlikely places, from Hawaiian surf to shimmering reflections and experimental long‑exposure landscapes. Pen Densham returns to Sci‑Fi Talk with a deeply personal conversation about Qualia, his new book of impressionistic nature photography — a collection born from capturing images in the most unlikely places, from Hawaiian surf to shimmering reflections and experimental long‑exposure landscapes. Densham shares the behind‑the‑scenes story of a key scene in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves — one he passionately defended during production. “Unlock the universe with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free, uncensored genre storytelling.

  • S17 · E23
    August 27 · 50 min

    The Terminator Chronicles Of Garret Dillahunt

    Garret Dillahunt reflects on joining the Terminator franchise through Cromartie — one of the most chilling, relentless cyborgs in The Sarah Connor Chronicles. He breaks down how he approached the physicality, precision, and eerie calm required to play a machine built for one purpose. We explore how he found humanity within the inhuman, how the show’s tone shaped his performance, and what it meant to step into a legacy defined by iconic characters, mythology, and fan expectations. Long before his turns in Fear The Walking Dead and Lanterns, Dillahunt was already proving his range — shifting from genre action to psychological nuance. His reflections here show how each role sharpened his instincts and expanded his creative toolkit. “Unlock a audio visual universe with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free, uncensored genre.

  • S17 · E22
    August 26 · 22 min

    Retro: DC 10th Anniversary Movie Collection

    The DC Animated Movie Universe didn’t just celebrate ten years — it marked a turning point. This retrospective revisits how the creative team unified standalone films into a shared continuity, aligning animation style, character arcs, and story events across multiple releases. What began as bold experimentation became a defining era for DC’s animated storytelling. our conversations at New York Comic Con brought together the architects and performers who shaped this era: Bruce W. Timm Alan Burnett James Tucker Vanessa Marshall James Krieg Jason O’Mara Tara Strong “Unlock the universe with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus — your home for commercial‑free, uncensored genre.

  • S17 · E21
    August 25 · 18 min

    Dark Matter Season Two

    Interviews with Jennifer Connelly, Joel Edgerton & VFX Supervisor John Heller In this episode, Tony steps back into the fractured realities of Dark Matter — Blake Crouch’s mind‑bending multiverse thriller — to explore the emotional, philosophical, and technical layers shaping Season Two. Jennifer Connelly and Joel Edgerton return to reflect on the consequences of the Box, the expanding moral terrain of identity and choice, and how Season Two pushes their characters into even more volatile territory. As a bonus, Tony is joined by John Heller, the Visual Effects Supervisor from Season One, who breaks down the creation of alternate Chicagos, digital doubles, and the visual logic behind the show’s shifting realities. This episode blends performance, craft, and world‑building into a single, cohesive exploration of Dark Matter. Jennifer and Joel offer emotional clarity, while John Heller provides the technical backbone that makes the multiverse believable. It’s essential listening for fans of the series, lovers of sci‑fi storytelling, and anyone fascinated by how character, technology, and theme collide to create a world where every choice branches into infinity. “Unlock the Sci‑Fi Talk Plus Special Feature Combo — your commercial‑free Dark Matter podcast and companion video with Tony’s interviews and the official trailer.

  • S17 · E20
    August 24 · 22 min

    Building Worlds Lost to Time: Russell Dodgson on Prehistoric Planet

    Tony Zoomed with Russell Dodgson, Visual Effects Supervisor and Sequence Director for Prehistoric Planet. Season Three expands the show’s ambition in every direction — more creatures, more environments, more scientific nuance — and Russell walks through how his team pushes CG to the edge of believability. From saber‑toothed predators to deadly otters, from La Brea Tar Pits reconstructions to planet‑scale environmental enhancement, Russell reveals how natural history filmmaking becomes cinematic world‑building. The conversation also dives into his earlier work on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the National Geographic series Mars, and the Emmy‑winning Black Mirror episode “USS Callister.” “In the shadows of the genre… Sci‑Fi Talk Plus reveals what’s hidden. Enter.”

  • August 23 · 4 min

    Byte — D23 Spotlight: Vision Quest, Percy Jackson, and Ahsoka Season Two

    At D23, the future of genre storytelling feels electric — and in this special episode of Byte, Tony brings listeners inside the heart of the celebration with exclusive conversations courtesy of Disney. From the Marvel multiverse to Camp Half‑Blood to the far reaches of the galaxy, this episode showcases three creators and performers stepping into defining new chapters of their characters. Paul Bettany, who returns to explore one of Marvel’s most enigmatic and emotionally rich characters. Bettany reflects on the evolving identity of Vision, From the halls of D23 to the shores of Camp Half‑Blood, Walker Scobell shares his excitement for the next chapter of Percy Jackson, and Eman Esfandi, who returns as Ezra Bridger in Ahsoka Season Two. “In a world of endless worlds, only one place lets you see everything. Full podcast episodes, cinematic companion videos, behind‑the‑scenes secrets, interviews, and exclusive clips — all for $1.99 a month, with your first month free. Sci‑Fi Talk Plus. Step inside.”

Showing 41–60 of 89 episodes