Galaxies and Goddesses: A Sci-Fi & Fantasy Bookcast

Andrea and Elizabeth
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Books
  • Updated Biweekly

Join Andrea and Elizabeth, two book-loving besties, as they dive into the boundless worlds of science fiction and fantasy! From epic space operas to enchanted realms, they break down the books they've read, spilling their thoughts on plot twists, worldbuilding, and the characters they love (or love to hate). Expect lively discussions, unfiltered opinions, occasional book-related tangents, and plenty of nerdy joy as they explore the most spellbinding and mind-bending stories across the genres. So grab your favorite cozy drink, settle in, and get ready to turn the page on a new adventure with Galaxies and Goddesses! New episodes are released bi-weekly on Thursdays! Follow & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Instagram: www.instagram.com/galaxiesandgoddesses Patreon: patreon.com/GalaxiesandGoddesses Email: galaxiesandgoddesses@gmail

  1. 1d ago

    Put a Bird on It: Judging Books by Their Covers & Summer Book Bingo

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth discuss the complicated world of book covers and how first impressions shape our reading expectations. From romantasy trends and movie tie-in editions to mass market paperbacks, special editions, and social media influence, they explore whether anyone can truly avoid judging a book by its cover. Along the way, they share stories about their current reads, misleading covers, and the books they almost didn’t want to be seen reading in public. Plus, they officially kick off the Galaxies and Goddesses Summer Book Bingo. 00:48 Currently Reading 04:01 Book Covers as Marketing 05:19 Blind Date with a Book 07:50 Special Editions and Movie Poster Covers 13:57 Social Media Influence 18:39 Misleading Covers 22:10 Embarrassing Covers 24:27 E-readers vs Physical Books 26:30 Summer Book Bingo Kickoff Books mentioned in the episode: Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov The Antidote by Karen Russell Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Crazies: The Cattleman, the Wind Prospector, and the War Out West by Amy Gamerman Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan The Moonday Letters by Emmi Itäranta The Strawberry Thief by Joanne Harris Chocolat by Joanne Harris The Memory of Forgotten Things by Kat Zhang Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon Portlandia – “Put a Bird on It” sketch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNpIOlDhigw

    29 min

  2. May 21

    Reading Foundation in 2026: What Holds Up and What Feels Dated

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Foundation by Isaac Asimov, one of the most influential works in classic science fiction. Together they explore the concept of psychohistory, and how the novel’s ideas about power, technology, religion, and knowledge preservation still resonate today. They also discuss what feels dated in a mid-century sci-fi classic, from communication technology to the near absence of women in positions of power, and reflect on how modern readers engage with older speculative fiction. Along the way, the conversation branches into AI, technological dependence, and why some books remain classics even when they challenge or frustrate us as readers.  01:01 Expectations for a Classic 03:04 Serialized Structure and Star Wars Vibes 05:48 Psychohistory and Power Politics 09:41 What Aged Poorly and Who Gets Included 14:13 Who Decides What is a Classic 17:43 Why is it a Classic 18:54 Tech Dependence And AI 29:30 Ratings And Wrap Up Freakonomics Radio episode “New Technologies Always Scare Us. Is AI Any Different?” https://freakonomics.com/podcast/new-technologies-always-scare-us-is-a-i-any-different The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist. 2026. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt39150120/

    35 min

  3. May 7

    Independent Bookstore Day Adventures in Montana

    On this week’s episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, join Andrea and Elizabeth as they share their Independent Bookstore Day adventures on a bookish road trip through cozy indie bookshops in Bozeman and Livingston to an unexpected stop in West Yellowstone. They talk about the bookstores they visited, books they picked up, and the unique experiences that made each shop special, from discounts and staff picks to author events and community art. Along the way, they reflect on the role independent bookstores play in supporting local communities and connecting readers. If you love bookstore crawls and hauls this episode is for you.  00:59 What is Independent Bookstore Day 02:17 Bozeman Bookstores & Bargains 15:32 Livingston Bookstores & Community Vibes 23:17 West Yellowstone 27:57 Take a Book Leave a Book Finds 28:17 Overall Vibes 29:46 Thoughts for Next Year Books mentioned in this episode: Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones Exhalation by Ted Chiang A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro Shōgun by James Clavell The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

    35 min

  4. Apr 23

    Tolkien’s Legacy: The Hero’s Journey and Literary Nods to Middle-earth

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, we explore the lasting influence of J. R. R. Tolkien on modern fantasy and beyond. From shaping iconic tropes in The Lord of the Rings to inspiring authors like R. F. Kuang and Christopher Paolini, Tolkien’s impact spans generations. We also discuss the Hero's Journey as a timeless storytelling framework and how it plays into the Lord of the Rings. At the end of the episode we announce our next trilogy pick, swinging back into the realm of science fiction with Isaac Asimov’s Foundation trilogy. 03:43 Spotting Tolkien References 05:56 Influence vs Infringement 08:57 What Is The Hero’s Journey 12:16 Why Tropes Still Work 13:56 Travel Inspired by Books 14:40 Back to The Hero's Journey 16:50 The Circle as a Symbol 20:48 Tolkien-esque Names 25:51 Tolkien Language Intent 28:52 Eragon And Dragon Nostalgia 32:05 Next Read Foundation Trilogy 33:56 Episode Wrap And Teaser Books MentionedThe Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. TolkienThe Hobbit by J. R. R. TolkienKatabasis by R. F. KuangThe Golden Compass by Philip Pullman  Outlander by Diana Gabaldon The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown Brimstone by Callie Hart When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Eragon by Christopher Paolini Foundation by Isaac Asimov Love chatting about books? Follow Galaxies and Goddesses and leave a review to support the show.

    35 min

  5. Apr 9

    Return of the King: Epic Battles, Healing Hands, and Returning to the Shire

    Join Andrea and Elizabeth as they discuss The Return of the King, the epic conclusion to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, highlighting standout moments, character arcs, and what makes the ending memorable. They compare book and film differences, while emphasizing the book’s quieter moments and added history. They focus on Aragorn’s kingship revealed through the House of Healing, Éowyn’s confidence and role in defeating the Lord of the ringwraiths, and Faramir’s unexpected romance. They note the extensive chapters after the Ring’s destruction and both rate the series five stars, giving appreciation to Tolkien for his gift to the world. 00:52 Where Return of the King Begins 05:26 Books Versus Movies Debate 07:55 Stand Out Moments 10:52 Love in the House of Healing 15:54 Encounters with Saruman 18:39 The Battle Isn't the End of the Story 24:348 Library Reading Buddies 29:59 Feelings at the End 32:28 It's Not a Trilogy 38:05 Ratings Spoiler warning for:The Fellowship of the Ring The Two Towers The Return of the King Reddit fan theories mentioned in the episode: Was Bilbo’s mithril coat originally made for Legolas? https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienfans/comments/yr9lrl/bilbos_mithril_coat_was_made_for_legolas/

    40 min

  6. Mar 26

    Adding 3 Books to Our TBR: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Picks, Wild Cards & Intimidating Reads

    In this special one year anniversary episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, we’re reflecting on our favorite moments from the past year of podcasting, how our reading habits have evolved, and the books that have shaped our journey. Instead of looking back at our top reads, we’re each adding three intentional picks to our TBR: a highly anticipated sci-fi or fantasy book, a wild card outside our usual genres, and an intimidating or long read we’ve been putting off.  06:49 The ‘River of Books’ & Managing a TBR 09:33 Highly Anticipated Sci-Fi or Fantasy Book 15:41 Wild Card Book Pick 21:23 An Intimidating Read 25:09 Tolkien and The Silmarillion 27:45 Looking Ahead Books mentioned in the episode: The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr. 1984 by George Orwell Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury The Housemaid by Freida McFaddenHow to Art: Bringing a Fancy Subject Down to Earth by Kate BryanThe Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha ShannonMoby-Dick by Herman Melville In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienThe Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien Follow along & explore more: Our 26 to Read in 2026: https://www.instagram.com/p/DT-wnMqicdB/ TBR Mindset Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVNlgZfD7F8/ Independent Bookstore Day (last Saturday in April): https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day  💫 Have a favorite sci-fi or fantasy trilogy we should read next? Let us know! We’d love your recommendations!

    30 min

  7. Mar 12

    The Two Towers: Hidden Heroism and Tolkien’s Deeper Themes

    Andrea and Elizabeth continue their journey through The Lord of the Rings with The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien. With the Fellowship scattered, the story suddenly expands across Middle-earth, following Merry and Pippin’s unexpected role in the fall of Isengard, Aragorn and the Riders of Rohan at Helm’s Deep, and Frodo and Sam’s increasingly complex relationship with Gollum. Along the way, they discuss the deeper themes of mercy and redemption, as well as how the pacing and storytelling shift dramatically from The Fellowship of the Ring. With five-star ratings from both hosts, they call The Two Towers a fast-paced, action-driven, and unexpectedly humorous turning point in the trilogy. ⚠️ Spoilers! for The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers 00:57 The Fellowship is Broken 02:59 Merry & Pippin’s Big Purpose 08:36 Merry and Pippin Continue to Shine 13:10 Palantiri 16:22 What Would Gandalf Do? 18:08 Realm of Rohan 21:44 Two Towers vs Fellowship 23:31 Meta Storytelling Moments 24:56 Gollum As A Timeless Character 30:51 Well What About? 31:30 Ratings J.R.R.Tolkien’s Study of Beowulf  “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics” (1936) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beowulf:_The_Monsters_and_the_Critics ✨Connect with Us Follow along for bookish updates, polls, and behind the scenes content Instagram: @galaxiesandgoddesses

    33 min

  8. Feb 26

    Mythmakers and Memoirs: The Power of Telling Your Own Story

    Join Andrea and Elizabeth as they explore the remarkable friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, including their Oxford writing groups, shared faith, as documented in the graphic novel biography The Mythmakers by John Hendrix. They discuss how belief, war, and literary community shaped The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, then pivot to memoirs and the power of telling your own story, highlighting reads like I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, Educated by Tara Westover, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, while debating why some celebrity memoirs resonate more than others.  00:53 Exploring Tolkien and Lewis's Friendship 02:36 The Mythmakers Graphic Novel 10:07 Celebrity Memoirs and Their Impact 13:35 Memoirs of Overcoming Trauma 19:18 Trevor Noah is Wonderful 23:56 Celebrities in Real Life 26:25 Lord of Maps! Books mentioned in this episode:  The Mythmakers by John Hendrix The Hobbit  by J.R.R. Tolkien The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis Katabasis by R.F. Kuang  Open Book by Jessica Simpson I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy Educated by Tara Westover The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry Spare by Prince Harry Born a Crime by Trevor NoahInto the Uncut Grass by Trevor Noah Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks Lord of Maps StampsBring your fantasy world to life with Lord of Maps stamps, designed for creating detailed, Middle-earth-inspired maps for tabletop gaming, journaling, or creative writing. For a limited time, use promo code GALAXIES for 10% off your order at https://lordofmaps.com/   Trevor Noah: Born a Crime 10-Year Anniversary and Tour DatesTrevor Noah’s bestselling memoir Born a Crime, which explores his childhood growing up during apartheid in South Africa, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a special re-release. Trevor Noah is also touring this year. https://www.trevornoah.com/  Jennette McCurdy Memoir Adaptation (Apple TV+)Jennette McCurdy’s bestselling memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died is being adapted into a 10-episode Apple TV+ series. Jennifer Aniston is set to star as McCurdy’s mother and will executive produce alongside McCurdy.   https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65360818/  Emerald City Comic Con 2026 Lord of the Rings Fan MeetupJoin us at Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, March 5–8, for a Lord of the Rings fan meetup celebrating the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. We’ll be gathering on Thursday, March 5 to connect with fellow fantasy readers, Tolkien fans, and cosplay enthusiasts.  https://www.emeraldcitycomiccon.com/en-us/experiences/meetups/meetup-info.html?gtID=923374&panel-name=Lord-of-the-Rings-Fan-Meetup  Galaxies and Goddesses Bookshop.org Storefront Browse and shop all the books mentioned in this episode through our Bookshop.org storefront. Every purchase supports Galaxies and Goddesses while also helping sustain independent bookstores across the United States. https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

    28 min
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About

Join Andrea and Elizabeth, two book-loving besties, as they dive into the boundless worlds of science fiction and fantasy! From epic space operas to enchanted realms, they break down the books they've read, spilling their thoughts on plot twists, worldbuilding, and the characters they love (or love to hate). Expect lively discussions, unfiltered opinions, occasional book-related tangents, and plenty of nerdy joy as they explore the most spellbinding and mind-bending stories across the genres. So grab your favorite cozy drink, settle in, and get ready to turn the page on a new adventure with Galaxies and Goddesses! New episodes are released bi-weekly on Thursdays! Follow & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Instagram: www.instagram.com/galaxiesandgoddesses Patreon: patreon.com/GalaxiesandGoddesses Email: galaxiesandgoddesses@gmail

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