
Advertise on podcast: Alternate Futures
This podcast has
78 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Edwin RydbergExplicit
No
Date created
2021/08/24
Latest episode
2026/01/28
Average duration
68 min.
Release period
23 days
Description
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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Check latest episodes from Alternate Futures podcast
78. Diversity in Policing, Tech Encroachment, and Societal Shifts, with GS Morgan
2026/01/28
Former chief inspector, hostage negotiator, and emergency responder GS Morgan has turned indie sci-fi creator with his debut novel, 'Kris:PR Deus Ex Homine'. In this episode, we navigate his gritty tale of genetic supremacy, cybernetic warfare, and the philosophical descent into posthumanism, to explore the ethical dilemmas of CRISPR technology, the implications of AI on society, and the rise of spirituality in a high-tech world.
Our conversation branches out into real-life experiences from nearly two decades in law enforcement, examining the roots of human decision-making and the complex interplay between technology and control.
Books of his we discuss: Kris:PR - Deus Ex Homine
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77. Machine Intelligence, Empathy, and Ethics with Greg Woolford
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 soul could apply to a machine.
Books of his we discuss: The Maker's Heir
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
76. Interstellar Intrigue, AI Overlords, and Space Operas, with DL Young
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 process and marketing strategies.
We also, we discuss the potential future impact of AI and what it could mean for humanity.
Books of his we discuss: Jeryn's Dagger (Empire and Ashes trilogy), Cyberpunk city trilogy
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
75. Global Thrills and Ancient Mysteries with Michael Bianco
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 Seed
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
74. Black Holes, Back Surgery, and Bestsellers with Paul Yantus
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 micro black holes.
Books of his we discuss: Black Void: Nowhere to Run
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
73. Polaroids, Passion, and Pocket Universes with Tony Bible
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 Jumper
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
72. Detectives, Magpies, and Metaphors: Stefan Mohamed and 'The House on Utopia Way'
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 conversation that blends fiction with the complexities of modern life.
Books of his we discuss: The House on Utopia Way
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
71. Music, Mind, and Metaphysics: In Conversation with M. Laszlo
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 masterfully blends the real and the surreal.
Books of his we discuss: Anastasia's Midnight Song
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
70. LG Jenkins: Merit Hunters and Dystopian Dreams
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 into her creative process, her take on today's societal issues, and why she thinks we're already living in a form of dystopia.
Books of hers we discuss: The Sun of Endless Days (Merit Hunters series)
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
69. Brent Golembiewski - The Boy, The Cube and The Elf: Electronic Warfare, Fantasy in Space, and the Future of Freedom
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 insights into his creative process, publishing experiences with Scrivenings Press, and his thoughts on the future of freedom and technology. Perfect for fans of sci-fi, military history, and aspiring writers!
Books of his we discuss: The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf; Social Score; The Flat Earth series
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
68. Ben Parris - Mars: Armor Forged: Colonizing Mars, Synethesia, The Future of Humanity
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 prospects, this episode is packed with insights and compelling ideas.
Books of his we discuss: Mars: Armor Forged, Wade of Aquataine
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
67. Frederic S Durbin - The Country Under Heaven: Underground Worlds, The Nature of The Western, and Analog Typewriters
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 mid-1800s have to the modern era, and what important differences? And just how many analog typewriters can one person own?
Books of his we discuss: The Country Under Heaven
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
66. Alexander Boldizar - The Man Who Saw Seconds: Laplace's Demon, Asimov's Mule, and the Trolly Problem (2/2)
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 society, and we consider the trolly problem as a foil to limited omniscience.
Books of his we discuss: The Man Who Saw Seconds
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
65. Alexander Boldizar - The Man Who Saw Seconds: Is There a Price too Great to Save Your Family? (1/2)
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 of local omniscience?
In the first of our two-part discussion, I chat with Alexander about his path from law to writing, publishing with Clash Books and navigating the financial side of bookselling, and how to craft an entertaining story that can still be a vehicle for the exploration of ideologies.
Books of his we discuss: The Ugly, The Man Who Saw Seconds
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
64. Sean Robins - Echoes of Extinction: Existential Threats and Pop Culture References Galore
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 does he think of the latest Star Trek offerings?
As usual, there are also the Big Questions.
Books of his we discuss: Echoes of Extinction (Voidwalker Chronicles series), Crimson Deathbringer series
Further info on this and other episodes can be found at AlternateFutures.co.uk
If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com
Finally, you can follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at alternatefutures.substack.com
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