Alternate Futures

Edwin Rydberg

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SCIENCE FICTION

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.

8H AGO

79. Subconscious Secrets, Power Dynamics, and Spiritual Sound, with Alistair Conwell

Australian writer Alistair Conwell transforms four degrees across business and psychology, and years of transformative travel through Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent into his novel The Circadian Web: The Space of Time. We discuss how his experiences have influenced his thoughts on topics ranging from the Audible Life Stream and meditation to quantum physics, from consciousness and the costs of modern technology to where the chaos of the modern world might be headed — and what a deeper spiritual shift in humanity could mean for the future. Our conversation ranges from organizational culture and the “bad apple” myth to the idea of institutions and nations as emergent minds, including the tensions around immigration and identity. We also chat about the power dynamics threaded through The Circadian Web, the geopolitics behind its futuristic settings (Australia, America, and Taiwan), and why Alistair treats a neural AI implant as a character with its own agency. Books of his we discuss: The Circadian Web: The Space of Time, The Audible Life Stream www.facebook.com/AlistairConwell/ alternatefutures.substack.com alternatefutures.co.uk alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com

1h 29m
JAN 28

78. Diversity in Policing, Tech Encroachment, and Societal Shifts, with GS Morgan

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 gs-morgan.com alternatefutures.substack.com alternatefutures.co.uk alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com

1h 16m
12/22/2025

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

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

1h 22m
12/05/2025

76. Interstellar Intrigue, AI Overlords, and Space Operas, with DL Young

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

1h 9m
11/26/2025

75. Global Thrills and Ancient Mysteries with Michael Bianco

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

1h 5m
11/12/2025

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

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

1h 16m
10/29/2025

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

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

1h 39m
08/13/2025

72. Detectives, Magpies, and Metaphors: Stefan Mohamed and 'The House on Utopia Way'

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

1h 6m

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.

Creator

Edwin Rydberg
Years Active

2021 - 2026
Episodes

79
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Edwin Rydberg
Show Website

Alternate Futures