Social Science Fiction Steve Michaels

Back from hiatus with a special episode. I'm joined by Stephen Kent of the Beltway Banthas podcast and Right Now with Stephen Kent on YouTube. We talk growing up with Star Wars, the fandom, and the politics of a galaxy far, far away.

A discussion of the politics of the Empire. What sort of leader is Palpatine? How does he stay in power? What does the Empire have in common with Syria? Also, my plans for the upcoming year.

A short episode this week as I take some time to enjoy the holiday season. Some more thoughts on Cyberpunk and the controversy surrounding its release.

I had to talk about Cyberpunk 2077. A discussion of the setting of Cyberpunk 2077 and my first impression of the game.

A discussion of how the George W. Bush administration, 9/11, and the War in Iraq influenced fiction of the time. Topics include Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Dark Knight, The 4400, V for Vendetta, 300, and Black Summer.

Power, authority, and legitimacy as portrayed in A Song of Ice and Fire. Does power reside where men believe it resides?