Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

A journey back to Gotham’s golden age of animation with exclusive roundtable interviews from New York Comic Con 2018. Join host Tony as he sat down with the creative titans and voice legends behind Batman: The Animated Series, including:

🎨 Bruce Timm – visionary co-creator and guiding force

🛠️ Eric Radomski – series producer and stylistic architect

🎭 Diane Pershing – the voice of Poison Ivy

🦸 Loren Lester – Robin/Nightwing himself

🦇 Kevin Conroy – the definitive voice of Batman

🗣️ Tara Strong – Batgirl and voice acting powerhouse

Together, they reflect on the series’ legacy, its groundbreaking artistry, a...

Star Trek III’s Valkris, actor of stage and screen, and star of the new film The Filmmaker

This week on Trek Tuesday, we’re joined by the magnetic Catherine Shirriff, best known to Star Trek fans as Valkris, the Klingon operative who risked everything to obtain the Genesis data in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. Catherine brings warmth, humor, and a treasure trove of behind‑the‑scenes stories from across her remarkable career.

Catherine dives into her latest project, The Filmmaker, a bold and intimate story told entir...

Go behind the scenes of Outlander: Blood of My Blood Season Two with Showrunner and Executive Producer Matthew B. Roberts and Executive Producer Maril Davis as they discuss the creative decisions, character journeys, and historical storytelling that shape the latest chapter of the Outlander universe.

In this roundtable discussion, fellow journalists and I explore how Season Two balances its multiple storylines while remaining emotionally grounded in the relationships that have made the series resonate with fans. Roberts and Davis offer insight into the season's development, the importance of the writer's room in guiding long-form storytelling...

On this episode of Byte, we dive into the animated adventure Forgotten Island with voice stars H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Dave Franco, courtesy of Universal Pictures for the audio.

H.E.R., who voices Jo, Liza Soberano, who brings Raissa to life, and Dave Franco, the voice of Raww, discuss what drew them to the project and the unique challenges of creating memorable characters. The animated film is based on Filipino culture as a basis.

The conversation explores how the filmmakers balanced action-packed adventure with comedy and genuine emotional stakes. The...

In this special on-location edition of Byte, we head deep into the Amazon rainforest to speak with stars Jessica Rothe and Kiana Madeira, along with director Mike Nelson, from the set of the upcoming horror film Beware the Boiuna with audio courtesy of Lionsgate. 

The cast reflects on what drew them to this ambitious project, discussing the film's unique blend of folklore, suspense, and psychological terror.

Director Mike Nelson dives into the mythology behind the Boiuna, exploring how the creature's origins in Amazon folklore helped shape the film's atmosphere and themes. 

Th...

“Voices Across the Timeline: Conversations from Seasons 1–4”

In this special edition of Rewind: On For All Mankind, we’re celebrating the journey of Apple TV+’s alternate‑history epic by bringing together interview moments from across the show’s first four seasons. 

Whether you’re revisiting the early days of the space race or reflecting on the seismic shifts of the Helios era, this episode offers a rare look at how the world of For All Mankind evolved—on screen and behind the scenes.

In this special throwback episode, we sit down with the ever-compelling William Fichtner to explore the craft behind some of his most memorable roles. From covert ops to cosmic wonder, Fichtner brings a quiet intensity to every performance—and in this conversation, we unpack how he does it.

🎬 In This Episode:

All the Devil’s Men – Fichtner reflects on stepping into the world of black ops and moral ambiguity, and how he approached the role of a seasoned CIA handler navigating a world of shifting loyalties.

Contact – A deep dive into his portrayal of Kent, th...

Welcome to another episode of Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi. A deep dive into the world of Octavia Butler, the legendary science fiction writer whose groundbreaking work continues to shape the genre and challenge the way we look at our society. Host Tony Tellado is joined by guests Damien Duffy and John Jennings, the minds behind the graphic novel adaptations of Butler’s iconic works, including "Kindred" and, most recently, "Parable of the Talents."

In this episode, Tony shares his own personal encounter with Octavia Butler, setting the stage for a heartfelt discussion about her influence, vision, and th...

In this episode, Tony Tellado Zooms  with the rising stars in London as they step into three of the most beloved characters in modern fantasy: Jaxon Knopf as Harry Potter, Rhys Mulligan as Ron Weasley, and Nina Barker‑Francis as Hermione Granger. Together, they unpack the emotional core of the trio’s journey—friendship, fear, growing up, and the quiet moments that shape legends.

This conversation goes beyond wands and wizardry. It’s about the human story beneath the magic.

Jaxon and Rhys open up about portraying the tension b...

She plays engineer Juliette Nichols of the Silo charged with keeping it running. She talks about her character and finding the right accent.

Welcome  to another intriguing episode of the Sci-Fi Talk's Byte  Podcast. We're embarking on a captivating journey through the cerebral maze of "The Prisoner," a classic series that fiercely champions individual identity and personal freedom. We kick off with the inaugural episode titled "Arrival," where we are introduced to the enigmatic world of The Village, a place where people are stripped of their names and given numbers instead. We follow Number Six, our resilient protagonist, as he grapples with the insidious Number Two and the peculiar, yet authoritarian society he's been thrust into.

Join us as I de...

Destination Moon is the scientifically grounded, engineering‑focused, optimistic vision of space travel; Rocketship X‑M is the darker, cautionary tale that uses space exploration to comment on nuclear war and human self‑destruction. Both shaped the genre, but in very different ways.

Today, we’re diving into a fascinating moment in sci‑fi history — two films released just weeks apart in 1950 that helped define what science fiction on screen could be. Destination Moon and Rocketship X‑M arrived at the dawn of the space age, but they took radically different paths: one rooted in engineering realism, the other in n...

A dive into danger, unpredictability, and the newest wild energy in The Walking Dead: Dead City

In this conversation, actor and musician Shawn Andrews steps into the spotlight to discuss his role as Reverend Anthony, one of the newly introduced Dead Squad in The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3, Episode 5. Known to many for his cult‑favorite performance as Kevin “Pickford” Pickford in Dazed and Confused, Andrews brings a volatile spark to the Dead City universe — one that blends eccentricity, and a surprising philosophical edge.

Reverend Anthony arrives in Dead City as part of the Dead Squ...

In this episode, Tony Zoomed with Dayo Okeniyi, the Atlanta‑based Nigerian‑American actor who brings one of Dark Matter’s most fascinating and volatile characters to life: Leighton Vance, the CEO of Velocity Labs and a central architect of the show’s multiverse project.

Okeniyi’s performance stands for its range — portraying multiple versions of Leighton across alternate realities, each with distinct philosophies, flaws, and ambitions. It’s a role that demands precision, imagination, and a willingness to explore the darker edges of human potential.

Leighton Vance is introduced as a visionary CEO working alongside Jaso...

For the sixth chapter of Star Trek at 60, Tony revisits a remarkable 2009 conversation with Leonard Nimoy — actor, director, photographer, author, musician, and the man who originated Spock, one of the most iconic characters in science fiction history.

But Nimoy’s creative life extended far beyond the ears and the uniform. He directed films — including Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, and Three Men and a Baby — released albums, wrote poetry, taught acting, served in the U.S. Army, and built a respected career in photography and stage performance.

This epi...

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 pe...

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, Et...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

Roundtable with Norman Reedus and Gale Ann Hurd from New York Comic Con.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

“U...

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.

Unlock the universe with Sci‑Fi Talk Plus...

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.

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...

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 ge...

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 

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...

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 e...

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 S...

At D23, the galaxy feels closer than ever — and in this special episode of Byte, Tony brings listeners inside the celebration with exclusive conversations courtesy of Disney+. With Dave Filoni, Hayden Christensen, and Rosario Dawson all taking the stage, this episode captures the anticipation, emotion, and creative fire powering Ahsoka Season Two. 

“Beyond the bright lights of sci‑fi lies a deeper truth. Full episodes, behind‑the‑scenes footage, interviews, and  clips — all unlocked for $1.99 a month, with your first month free. Sci‑Fi Talk Plus. Step into the dark.”

Tony Zooms  with Tim Soergel, Emmy‑nominated stunt performer for Fallout, whose work inside the iconic Power Armor helped define the series’ brutal, immersive action. Tim shares what it’s really like to embody one of the most recognizable figures in the Fallout universe — from the physical toll to the creative thrill — and how the stunt team brought the wasteland to life with authenticity and grit.

Inside The Power Armor 

The physical challenges — weight, heat, restricted movement, and the mental discipline required

Daily coping strategies — staying centered, staying safe, staying sharp

Working alongsid...

Colby Hollman is a vivid, thoughtful dive into one of Fear the Walking Dead’s most quietly powerful character arcs. As Wes, Hollman brought a rare blend of idealism, artistic sensitivity, and hardened survival instinct to the series—an evolution that mirrors the shifting moral landscape of the Walking Dead Universe itself.

Colby reflects on Wes’s journey from a guarded, paint‑wielding loner to a committed fighter shaped by grief, community, and the brutal realities of the apocalypse.

“Unlock the universe — podcast plus video. Sci‑Fi Talk Plus. Try it free.”

In this episode, Tony connects over Zoom with Sean Konrad, Visual Effects Supervisor on Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, for a sweeping conversation that spans the MonsterVerse, Marvel, and even Avatar. Konrad breaks down the artistry, engineering, and emotional logic behind bringing Kong, Godzilla, and the newly introduced Titan X to life—while also reflecting on his earlier work on Deadpool 2, Loki, and his consulting role on James Cameron’s Avatar.