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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. FEB 12

    The Fellowship of the Ring: Long Roads, Dark Powers, Hope

    Andrea and Elizabeth dive into J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, comparing it to The Hobbit and the film adaptations while unpacking Tolkien’s themes of power, temptation, fellowship, and endurance. They discuss differences in pacing, tone, and character development, reflect on first-time versus reread experiences, and consider how reading The Hobbit first adds emotional depth. The conversation explores the corrupting influence and possible sentience of the Ring, Gandalf’s respect for hobbits, the mystery of Tom Bombadil, and how Tolkien builds scale through geography, time, and long roads across Middle-earth. ⚠️ Spoilers for The Fellowship of the Ring and The Hobbit 00:52 Synopsis and Initial Thoughts 02:13 Reading it for the First Time 05:01 Journey and Geography in Middle Earth 09:31 What Surprised You? 12:33 Tom Bombadil: A Mysterious Character 14:10 Standalone Novel Discussion 16:09 Goblins vs. Orcs: Clarifying the Confusion 17:07 The Sentience of the Ring 21:14 Sauron and Saruman: The Dark Forces 23:53 Tom Bombadil: The Enigma 27:51 The Fellowship and Character Bonds 28:53 Rating and Reviewing the Book 33:11 Fellowship Match Quiz Fellowship Match Quiz Discover your inner fantasy reader archetype with our quiz! Screenshot and share with us on Instagram so we can see who is part of our podcast fellowship!  https://forms.gle/6WWHLRoaWy4PGTnv9 ✨Connect with Us Follow along for bookish updates, polls, and behind the scenes content Instagram: @galaxiesandgoddesses

    35 min

  5. JAN 29

    Trilogies on our TBR: Commitment, Cliffhangers, and Classic Epics

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into the trilogies they are currently reading and eagerly anticipating. They discuss Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, Callie Hart’s Brimstone, and Colson Whitehead’s Harlem Trilogy, while exploring what makes the three book structure so compelling for readers. From historical fiction to fantasy, they reflect on the joy of committing to a trilogy and the anticipation of what comes next. The episode wraps up with their excitement for next week’s discussion of The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien, inviting listeners to read along. 00:55 Elizabeth's Recent Read: Wolf Hall 04:11 Andrea's Recent Read: Brimstone 07:18 Was the first book enough to commit? 08:45 Colson Whitehead's Harlem Trilogy 11:24 Book Covers and Shelf Frustrations 12:31 When is a Trilogy Really a Trilogy? 14:46 The Empire Trilogy and Thematic Storytelling 17:49 History through a Fantasy Lens 19:38 Dragon Trilogies Dilemma 21:33 Finally Diving into The Lord of the Rings 25:36 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead Trilogies and Series Mentioned: Wolf Hall Trilogy by Hillary Mantel  Fae & Alchemy Series by Callie Hart Harlem Trilogy by Colson Whitehead Hierarchy Series by James Islington The Empire Trilogy by J.G. Farrell The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi Series by Shannon Chakraborty The Moonfall Series by Sarah A. Parker Upcoming Read A Long Trilogy The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien The Fellowship of the Ring The Two Towers The Return of the King Support the Show Explore our Bookshop.org storefront to find the books we discuss. Purchases support independent bookstores and help keep the podcast going. https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

    27 min

  6. JAN 15

    Revisiting JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit: Nostalgia, Dragons, and Epic Adventure

    In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth revisit J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, diving into a spoiler-light discussion for new and returning readers. They reflect on personal reading experiences, explore Tolkien’s world building, songs, and maps, and compare the book to the movie adaptations. Join them as they share nostalgia, laugh at the dragon’s antics, and discuss why The Hobbit is the perfect introduction to Middle-earth. Fans of Tolkien, fantasy literature, and epic adventures won’t want to miss this episode!  00:32 Introduction to Middle-earth 01:33 Personal Reading Experiences 07:49 Tolkien's World Building 10:40 Oral Quality of the Tale 13:45 Why Bilbo? 15:44 Dwarven Songs 16:59 Maps! 20:29 The Lord of the Rings in Theaters 21:26 Would you read it again? 22:19 Delightful Moments 24:39 British Influence 26:27 Final Thoughts and Ratings A brief introduction to JRR Tolkien’s Maps https://www.tolkienestate.com/painting/maps/  The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition in Theaters January 2026 https://www.fathomentertainment.com/series/the-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy/ Soon May the Wellerman Come History https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellerman Follow us on Instagram @galaxiesandgoddesses for more books, magic, and updates! Support the Show: Explore our Bookshop.org storefront to find the books we discuss. Purchases support independent bookstores and help keep the podcast going. https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

    30 min

  7. JAN 1

    Best Books of 2025: Our Top 10 Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Standout Reads

    In this Season Two kickoff episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth look back at their Top 10 books of 2025, spanning sci-fi, fantasy, romantasy, literary fiction, and standout nonfiction that reads like fiction. From epic, immersive reads and thought-provoking classics to surprising favorites and an audiobook honorable mention, they reflect on reading habits, bookish stats, and what makes a story truly memorable. Stick around to the end for the big reveal of the podcast’s 2026 theme. 00:56 Top 10 Books of 2025 02:31 Similar Books in our Top 10 03:59 Long Books and Epic Reads 05:27 Medical Insights in Fiction 06:57 Stephen King's Dark Tower Series 08:00 Romantasy Reads and Sequels 10:28 Book Club Favorites 13:31 More of Elizabeth's Top 10 Books 23:15 Rounding Out the Top 10 25:12 Andrea's Favorite Audiobook of the Year 26:16 Number of Books Read for the Year 27:07 Epic Trilogies for 2026 Books Mentioned A Psalm for the Wild-Built — Becky Chambers (Andrea & Elizabeth) The Dispossessed — Ursula K. Le Guin (Andrea & Elizabeth) Awry with Dandelions — J.S. Fields (Andrea) The Covenant of Water —  Abraham Verghese (Elizabeth) Wolves of the Calla —  Stephen King (Elizabeth) The Moonday Letters — Emmi Itäranta (Andrea) Water Moon — Samantha Sotto Yambao (Andrea) Quicksilver — Callie Hart (Andrea) When the Moon Hatched — Sarah A. Parker (Andrea) All the Colors of the Dark — Chris Whitaker (Andrea) By Any Other Name — Jodi Picoult (Andrea) Wellness — Nathan Hill (Elizabeth) Bel Canto — Ann Patchett (Elizabeth) Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland — Patrick Radden Keefe (Elizabeth) James — Percival Everett (Elizabeth) Squeeze Me — Carl Hiaasen (Elizabeth) In the Heart of the Sea — Nathaniel Philbrick (Elizabeth) Blood Over Bright Haven — M.L. Wang (Andrea) Honorable Mention: Best Audiobook  You Didn’t Hear This From Me: Mostly True Notes on Gossip — Kelsey McKinney, narrated by the author  Referenced Articles and Media: New York Times: The 100 Best Books of the 21st Centuryhttps://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/best-books-21st-century.html The Global Wellness Economy Hits a Record $6.8 Trillion and Is Forecast to Reach $9.8 Trillion by 2029 https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/press-room/press-releases/the-global-wellness-economy-hits-a-record-6-8-trillion-and-is-forecast-to-reach-9-8-trillion-by-2029 The Smithsonian Magazine - The Snakes That Ate Florida https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/snakes-ate-florida-180972534/ Freakonomics Podcast - The First Great American Industry https://freakonomics.com/podcast/the-first-great-american-industry/ In the Heart of the Sea - IMDB https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1390411/

    31 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    Reflecting on Water Moon: A Journey Through a Magical Ghibli-esque World

    Andrea and Elizabeth dive into their December book pick, Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao. This listener voted book pick made it to the second round of the Goodreads Choice Awards, is discussed in detail, including its synopsis and thematic elements. The story follows Hana Ishikawa, the new owner of a mystical pawn shop in Tokyo, as she embarks on a journey to find her missing father. The hosts analyze the book's Ghibli-esque charm, poetic writing, romantic subplot, cultural references, and philosophical themes. They conclude with their ratings and comparisons to similar works, recommending it to fans of Japanese cozy fantasy and those intrigued by magical realism. Spoiler Alert: We do go into spoilers mid-episode! Content Note: This episode discusses themes of regret, reproductive choice (including implied abortion), and pregnancy/childbirth. 02:35 Meaning of the Title 05:49 Romance Sub-plot 10:15 Fictional Folklore 12:01 Japanese Vocab 14:26 Dreamlike Reflections of the Real World 18:47 Well, What About? 22:49 Spoilers and Interpretations 25:15 Flying Paper Birds 26:44 Folding the Cover 28:34 Ratings 29:53 Other Similar Books 31:16 Closing Remarks Similar Book Recommendations Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki  Similar Movie Recommendations Spirited Away Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Inception Other Books with Flying Paper Birds The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker What is the Super-Kamiokande?  https://www-sk.icrr.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/sk/about/outline/  No Face from Spirited Away https://ghibli.fandom.com/wiki/No-Face Kitsune from Japanese folklore https://www.britannica.com/topic/kitsune  The Art of Japanese Ceramics Repair - Kintsugi  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi Water Moon themed Playlist on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/25kdPSzyM0b9w6v0T7LYEV?si=DqPUE3jaSyefSQVK_PRDzQ Barnes and Noble Monthly Pick -  Guest Post by Samantha Sotto Yambao https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/samantha-sotto-yambao-guest-post/

    32 min
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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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