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PODCAST

Alternate Futures

Alternate Futures is a podcast where speculative fiction meets real-world change. Join host Edwin H. Rydberg in deep-dive conversations with science fiction authors, futurists, and creative minds as they explore storytelling, emerging technologies, and humanity’s ever-shifting path forward. For writers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and future-curious thinkers alike.

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All Episodes

01:21:45

77. Machine Intelligence, Empathy, and Ethics with...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/12/22

Cybersecurity by day, author by night, Greg Woolford explores the intersection of technology and philosophy in his debut novel, The Maker's Heir, where an AI's path leads from quiet companionship to existential questions. In this episode, we discuss the ethical responsibilities of creating a self-aware entity, the intersection of AI and human emotion, and how AI may redefine our societal roles. We also ask whether machines may ever reach a state of personhood and whether the concept of a

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01:08:46

76. Interstellar Intrigue, AI Overlords, and Space...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/12/05

DL Young is a Pushcart Prize nominee and Independent Press Award winner known for his fast-paced science fiction novels. In this episode, we delve into his latest trilogy, 'Empire and Ashes,' which weaves together elements of space opera, political intrigue, and espionage. We also explore the vast world-building involved, including alien races, advanced technologies, and star gates. Young shares his journey from business professional to full-time writer and offers insights into his creative

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01:05:13

75. Global Thrills and Ancient Mysteries with Michael...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/11/26

Michael Bianco has turned some his attention from engineering fruit preservation technology to crafting Orion's Seed, a pulse-pounding thriller that features an historical power struggle, ancient mysteries, and extraterrestrial visitors from the depths of history. Our conversation spans the frozen wastelands of Antarctica to the most inaccessible places on Earth.We also discuss powerful shadowy groups, crop circles, and whether humanity needs help to survive.Books of his we discuss: Orion's

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01:16:20

74. Black Holes, Back Surgery, and Bestsellers with...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/11/12

Born out of an offhand comment post-back surgery, Paul's debut novel Black Void explores a catastrophic experiment at CERN, resulting in a technology that erases matter instantly. Paul shares his journey from a career in technology and business to becoming a sci-fi author, as well as details about his research trips and the challenges of marketing a self-published book.We also discuss the moral implications of advanced technology, the lack of self-awareness of ideologues, and creative uses of

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01:39:24

73. Polaroids, Passion, and Pocket Universes with...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/10/29

Tony Bible shares his humble beginnings, his writing inspirations, and his love for football and role-playing games. We delve into the intriguing tale of 'The Photo Jumper,' where protagonist Allister McClamroch transports himself into photographs in an attempt to solve his best friend's murder. Join us in a discussion about world-building, time travel, and the implications of an AI-driven future where everyone could potentially be a photo jumper. Books of his we discuss: Photo

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01:05:39

72. Detectives, Magpies, and Metaphors: Stefan...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/08/13

Stephan Mohamed, award-winning author and spoken word performer, takes us through his eclectic journey in creative writing sharing tips on editing and publishing. Discover the surreal and mind-bending world of his latest novel, 'The House on Utopia Way,' a noir detective tale set in a city where reality is fragmented.This episode explores the influences of internet echo chambers, the evolution of AI, and the vital role of human connection in a post-truth world.Join us for an insightful

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00:59:44

71. Music, Mind, and Metaphysics: In Conversation...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/07/23

In this episode, I sit down with M. Lazslo to discuss his evocative novel 'Anastasia's Midnight Song.' We delve into the creation of a richly detailed, cross-genre tale set during World War I, where characters grapple with schizophrenia and blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Laszlo shares insights on historical settings, the impact of music and technology on the human psyche, and his own experiences living in East Jerusalem. Don't miss this dive into the mind of a writer who

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00:35:25

70. LG Jenkins: Merit Hunters and Dystopian Dreams

Alternate Futures ·

2025/07/17

In this episode, I interview LG Jenkins, author of the new adult dystopian Merit Hunters series. Discover the intriguing world of 'The Sun of Endless Days,' where merit points dictate every aspect of life, and explore the inspirations behind Jenkins' gripping tales.This episode, recorded live at the Harrogate Library, delves into the pressures of modern society, the challenges of writing and marketing books, and the messages woven into dystopian science fiction. Jenkins shares insights

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01:02:23

69. Brent Golembiewski - The Boy, The Cube and The...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/07/04

In this episode, I chat with Brent Golembiewski, a retired US Air Force veteran turned indie sci-fi author. Brent shares fascinating stories from his military career, including his time working on electronic warfare and flying Huey helicopters. He also dives into his transition to writing, discussing his Flat Earth Trilogy, the captivating middle-grade 'Central Fire' series debuting with 'The Boy, The Cube, The Elf,' and his upcoming dystopian novel, 'Social Score.' Explore

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01:10:12

68. Ben Parris - Mars: Armor Forged: Colonizing Mars,...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/06/13

In this episode, I dive into a fascinating conversation with Ben Paris, an experienced NASA consultant and science museum executive director. We explore his work, including his novel 'Mars Armor Forged' and the complexities of human colonization on Mars. Ben shares his thoughts on political intrigue, the potential of synesthetic heroes in fiction, and the future of humanity in the face of AI and declining birth rates. Whether you're a sci-fi aficionado or just curious about our celestial

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01:11:20

67. Frederic S Durbin - The Country Under Heaven:...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/05/08

Ovid Vesper fought in one of the worst battles of the U.S. civil war where he was almost killed in an explosion. As he returned to the land of the living, something came with him and it's been following him on his journey to reconnect with post-war America, ever since.In this episode, I chat with Frederic S Durbin about the history and themes underpinning his latest novel The Country Under Heaven. Why did he set a paranormal story of post-war trauma in the Wild West? What similarities does the

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00:45:46

66. Alexander Boldizar - The Man Who Saw Seconds:...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/04/09

Imagine being able to see 5 seconds into the future and being able to chose the path you want from the myriad of posibilities. Preble Jeffereson has that ability and he knows how to use it. So, what could stop such a person?In part two of my chat with Alexander Boldizar, we delve more into the philosophical ideas behind The Man Who Saw Seconds. We discuss Laplace's Demon and whether omniscience is truly possible, we explore Asimov's Mule - the unexpected variant that can destabilize a

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01:05:08

65. Alexander Boldizar - The Man Who Saw Seconds: Is...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/03/27

Being able to see 5 seconds into the future may not seem like much, but in Alexander Boldizar's latest novel, The Man Who Saw Seconds, it's enough to change the world. This fast-paced story explores the dynamics of power structures, the line between good and evil, and the power of family. And it invites the reader to consider some serious questions:Can you return to what you were after you've crossed the line?How far is too far to save the people you love?Just how powerful is 5 seconds

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01:14:44

64. Sean Robins - Echoes of Extinction: Existential...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/03/14

Sean Robins' latest, Echoes of Extinction, the opening novel of his Voidwalkers Chronicles series, lives up to its title, serving up hefty doses of near extinction events. But it's not all doom and gloom. Canadian ex-pat Robins also seasons his story with an abundance of fun pop culture references, a sardonic AI companion, and the toughest Canadian to explore the galaxy.I chat with Sean about how teaching English has led him to travel the world, curing his OCD through writing, and just what

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00:54:21

63. Zack Samo - Exodus 2065: Facing Your Demons

Alternate Futures ·

2025/02/27

In Zack Samo's Exodus 2065, humanity encounters an extinction level event. They flee the Earth for an unknown future, chased by 'demons' from the bowels of the planet. But some choose to stay and face the threat, forging a new future for humanity on Earth.I chat with Zack about being an optometrist who writes science fiction, apocalypses, generation ships, artificial intelligence, and the importance of facing your demons.As usual, there are also the Big Questions.Books of his we discuss:

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01:15:38

62. Mori Grant - Deadliner: Generation ships, mothers...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/02/12

Mori Grant explores many human issues aboard Lucia, the generation ship in Deadliner, the first book of the Lucia Expeditions series. Not the least of these is the nature and importance of motherhood to the survival of a colony in space. We discuss this as well as the reality and fictional device of the generation ship and, of course, AI.As usual, there are also the Big Questions.Books of hers we discuss: Deadliner (Lucia Expedition series)Further info on this and other episodes, as well as author

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01:23:13

61. Zombies, Cycles of Renewal, and The Fall of...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/01/21

"The old world is dying and the new world can't yet be born. Now is the time of monsters." - Antonio GramsciShawn Whitney and I chat about his latest book Deads Rise! the fall of empires, zombies, cycles of death and rebirth, and... autodrive cars!? As usual, there are also the Big Questions. Books of his we discuss: Deads Rise! What if Zombies are the Heroes? Find Shawn Whitney at: ⁠shawnwriteshere.com⁠ Further info on this and other episodes, as well as author info and content, can

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01:42:40

60. Navigating Hyperspace, Writing Sci-Fi vs Fantasy,...

Alternate Futures ·

2025/01/03

Peter J Aldin returns, this time with AJ Gordon as we discus solutions to the dangers of navigating hypersapce, writing science-fiction vs fantasy, and whether there is a place in creative work for AI. We also chat about the co-authoring experience, the evolution of extraterrestrial human variants, and settling the solar system.Chris Kennedy publishing gets a positive mention also. As usual, there are also the Big Questions. Books of theirs we discuss: The Outer Reaches trilogy (Iconic, Quaestor,

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01:31:06

59. Being a Digital Nomad, Mythology, and LitRPG with...

Alternate Futures ·

2024/12/13

Matt Larkin and I discuss what it's like to be a digital nomad, writing science fiction and fantasy around mythologies, and LitRPG. We also chat about pyschics in space, warning from the past, and the consequences of pursuing truth at any cost.As usual, there are also the Big Questions. Books of his we discuss: Sins of Angels series (Echoes of Angels), Cthulu World, Black Ocean, and the Eschaton Cycle Further info on this and other episodes, as well as author info and content, can be found

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01:49:27

58. Politics, AI, and the Business of Writing with...

Alternate Futures ·

2024/11/29

The one where we talk politics! Michael Fedor and I discuss teaching reform, the political landscape, and artificial intelligence. We also delve into learning the craft and business of commercial fiction writing, and the collapse of empires.As usual, there are also the Big Questions. Books of his we discuss: What it takes to Kill a Bull Moose, The Tree of Liberty, The Senate Deception Further info on this and other episodes, as well as author info and content, can be found

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77 results

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