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. Sep 10

    Summer Book Bingo 2026: The Books That Stood Out

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth wrap up Summer Book Bingo by sharing some of their favorite reads from the challenge. They talk about books that they couldn’t put down, the strange ways a Bingo category can change how you look at a book, and some thought provoking weird little books. A few are sci-fi, a few are fantasy, and some are just really great stories about community and character. 01:36 Books We Couldn't Put Down 07:22 The Books That Made Us Look Twice 12:35 Excellent Standalone Novels  18:32 Weird Little Books 26:17 One Word Title 27:34 A Book to Make You Smile Books discussed in the episode:  Good People — Patmeena Sabit  (Debut Novel) The Correspondent — Virginia Evans  (Bird on the Cover) White Fang — Jack London  (Bird on the Cover) Dungeon Crawler Carl — Matt Dinniman  (First Person POV) The Buffalo Hunter Hunter — Stephen Graham Jones  (Standalone Novel) The Everlasting — Alix E. Harrow  (Time Travel) This Is How You Lose the Time War — Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone  (Time Travel) The Factory — Hiroko Oyamada  (In Translation) The Empress of Salt and Fortune — Nghi Vo  (Novella) Small Things Like These — Claire Keegan (Novella) Beartown — Fredrik Backman  (One Word Title) Lobster Is the Best Medicine — Liz Climo  (Read in a Day) Books also listed on our Bookshop.org affiliate storefront:https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses Additional References:  The Tales Behind the Branding of 32 Storied Book Publishers. Brian LaRossa. https://brianlarossa.medium.com/the-tales-behind-the-branding-of-32-storied-book-publishers-f14679107742

  2. Aug 27

    Books We’ve Been Meaning to Read for Years

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into books on their TBRs for years, or even decades. This week, they're talking about the books and authors they've read a book or two and want to keep reading, from Margaret Atwood and Brandon Sanderson to Stephen King and George R.R. Martin. They discuss intimidating series, unfinished stories, forgotten books on their shelves, and the many ways book logistics influence what they actually read next. Elizabeth’s TBR Catch-22 — Joseph Heller  (because dystopia is on her mind) Oryx and Crake — Margaret Atwood  (because The Handmaid’s Tale was excellent!) The Dark Tower — Stephen King  (because it’s the last in the series) Andrea’s TBR The Blind Assassin — Margaret Atwood  (because she loved Oryx & Crake!) Mistborn — Brandon Sanderson  (because she loved Tress of the Emerald Sea) A Dance with Dragons — George R. R. Martin  (if the sixth book comes out) Additional References: The NPR Top 100 Science Fiction & Fantasy Books https://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/139085843/your-picks-top-100-science-fiction-fantasy-books

  3. Aug 13

    Assassin’s Apprentice: Our First Robin Hobb Deep Dive

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice. As the first book in the Farseer Trilogy, the story follows Fitz, a young royal bastard who is drawn into the dangerous world of court politics and magic. They talk about why this classic fantasy felt surprisingly familiar, yet how Hobb’s detailed writing and worldbuilding pulls in the reader. They also discuss favorite characters, the mysterious magic systems of the Skill and the Wit, and why they’re excited to read more. 01:41 Plot Recap and First Impressions02:43 Writing Style and Structure05:31 Names, Magic, and Influences10:34 Favorite Characters and Worldbuilding12:53 Words That Stuck with Us18:29 Word Choice and “Throve”20:50 YA Vibes and a Library Hunt24:05 Ratings 25:56 Bingo Squares and Final Wrap Additional References: The NPR Top 100 Science Fiction & Fantasy Books https://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/139085843/your-picks-top-100-science-fiction-fantasy-books

  4. Jul 30

    A Day, A Week, Forever, or Never: Dream Sci-Fi & Fantasy Vacations

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth explore the science fiction and fantasy worlds they'd most like to visit, from cozy escapes in the Shire and Panga to magical cities like Velaris, and dragon filled adventures at Basgiath.. Along the way, they debate what makes a fictional destination truly vacation worthy, whether they'd stay for a day, a week, or forever, and which famous worlds they'd rather avoid. Their conversation wanders through magical libraries, dragon safaris, space travel, and the surprisingly practical details of visiting imaginary worlds. 00:44 Dragons, Wildlife, and Fantasy Safaris 02:53 Choosing the Perfect Fantasy Vacation 06:44 Cozy Escapes or Epic Adventures? 10:07 Would Sci-Fi Worlds Actually Be Fun? 11:38 The Reality of Space Travel 14:31 Unexpected Tangents 18:06 Forever is a Very Long Time 19:57 Books Inspiring Real Life Travel 26:11 Library Must See Travel Plans 28:50 Worlds to Avoid 30:28 Does Travel Change Your Reading? 34:09 Outro Books & Series Mentioned: The Lord of the Rings — J.R.R. TolkienA Court of Thorns and Roses — Sarah J. MaasA Psalm for the Wild-Built — Becky ChambersFourth Wing — Rebecca YarrosProject Hail Mary — Andy WeirFoundation series — Isaac AsimovThe Maid and the Crocodile — Jordan IfuekoA Discovery of Witches — Deborah HarknessBrimstone — Callie HartGame of Thrones  — George R. R. MartinDune — Frank HerbertSnow Flower and the Secret Fan — Lisa SeeMemoirs of a Geisha — Arthur Golden Other references: Artemis II astronauts have toilet trouble on their way towards the Moonhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87wy05wr4no

  5. Jul 16

    Second Foundation: Asimov’s Trilogy Comes Full Circle

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Isaac Asimov's Second Foundation, the conclusion of the original Foundation trilogy. They discuss how the novel brings the series full circle while exploring its biggest ideas, including psychohistory, the rise and fall of civilizations, free will versus manipulation, and whether history can truly be predicted. Along the way, they examine the contrast between the First Foundation's physical sciences and the Second Foundation's mental sciences, debate the ethics of influencing society "for the greater good," and share why this classic science fiction trilogy continues to feel relevant more than 70 years after it was written. ⚠️ Spoiler warning: This episode contains discussion of major plot points from Second Foundation and the original Foundation trilogy. We avoid revealing the novel's biggest final twist. 03:28 Big Ideas That Stuck With Us 11:02 The Mystery of Second Foundation 14:03 Power, Control, and the Seldon Plan 22:59 Who Would You Recommend This Book 27:29 Final Thoughts and Ratings Additional References: The NPR Top 100 Science Fiction & Fantasy Books https://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/139085843/your-picks-top-100-science-fiction-fantasy-books Let’s Connect Podcast Instagram: @galaxiesandgoddesses If you loved the episode, be sure to subscribe and give a review!

  6. Jul 2

    Reading Goals Revisited: Our Mid-Year 2026 Book Check-In

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth revisit reading goals and New Year's resolutions set back in January. They check in on their 26 in 2026 reading lists, compare mid-year reading stats, and share the books that have stood out most so far this year. They also talk about the challenge of choosing what to read next, the freedom to put down books that aren't working, and how their Summer Book Bingo is going. Whether you're crushing your reading goals or completely off track, join the bookish banter and perhaps discover your next great read. 00:50 Revisiting Our Reading Resolutions07:55 Mid Year Reading Stats10:15 Progress on Our 26 in 2026 Lists11:41 Our Favorite Books of the Year So Far16:24 Deciding What to Read Next21:41 Book Bingo Updates23:31 Books We Couldn't Finish24:36 How to Join Our Summer Book Bingo25:30 Reading Goals for the Rest of 202627:52 Closing Thoughts & Next Episode Books Discussed in This Episode : The Lord of the Rings — J. R. R. Tolkien The Hobbit — J. R. R. Tolkien Her Body and Other Parties — Carmen Maria Machado Katabasis — R. F. Kuang Klara and the Sun — Kazuo IshiguroThe Traveling Cat Chronicles — Hiro Arikawa Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil — V. E. SchwabAtmosphere — Taylor Jenkins ReidThere There  — Tommy OrangeThe Serviceberry — Robin Wall KimmererGood People — Patmeena Sabit Project Hail Mary — Andy WeirThe Mythmakers — John HendrixThe Housemaid — Freida McFaddenI'm Glad My Mom Died — Jennette McCurdy Let’s Connect Podcast Instagram: @galaxiesandgoddesses If you loved the episode, be sure to subscribe and give a review!

  7. Jun 18

    Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov: The Power of a Single Word or Character

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth discuss Foundation and Empire, the second book in Isaac Asimov's Foundation trilogy. They explore the novel's central question: can one person change the course of history? Along the way, they examine psychohistory, Bayta's role as a standout female character, Asimov's concise writing style, and why Foundation and Empire felt like a stronger, more cohesive read than the first book. 05:39 The Group versus the Individual 08:27 Bayta as a Standout Character 12:25 Concise Words for Big Concepts 17:25 Unprintable Words 21:34 Needing a Break 25:14 Does History Repeat Itself? 30:18 Ratings & Final Thoughts Additional References: Bechdel Test https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test Why is Genre Fiction Obsessed with Belisarius? https://reactormag.com/why-is-genre-fiction-obsessed-with-belisarius/

  8. Jun 4

    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

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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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