No Win Scenario

Trevor Chamberlain and Don Schechter

Star Trek, Dune, Babylon 5, The Expanse, Star Wars, Neon Genesis Evangelion and more — we are your gateway to science fiction entertainment. As we spar over diverse perspectives and dissect popular narratives, you'll be passionately divided, loving and loathing us in equal measure. Tune in as yours hosts, Don and Trevor, engage with industry experts to explore the day-to-day realities of production and the increasing prominence of mental health concerns in the film and television industry. Our initial guests include: Dave Blass (Production Designer, Star Trek Picard) Liz Kloczkowski (Art Director, Star Trek Picard) Todd A. Marks (Computer/Video Playback Supervisor, Star Trek Picard) Jeremy Benning (Cinematographer, The Expanse) Kent Sanderson (President, Acquisitions and Ancillary Distribution at Bleecker Street) David Mack (NY Times Best Selling Author, Star Trek: Picard: Firewall) Jenny R Johnson (Artist) Derek Tyler Attico (Award winning Author, The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko) Brian Tamm (Executive Director, Boston Independent Film Festival) Todd E. Slayton, Cathy Debono, Robin Morselli, Mark Lentry,  (Star Trek Deep Space Nine) Created by Trevor Chamberlain and Don Schechter ©2024 Charles River Media Inc

  1. 19h ago

    310 - Don's Away Mission with Author Jon Land

    In this episode of No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission, Don Schechter sits down with bestselling author Jon Land for a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, suspense, writing across genres, and what it takes to keep readers turning the page.Jon shares lessons from his prolific career writing thrillers and beyond, from recognizing which ideas are worth pursuing to building action scenes, creating cliffhangers, and finding the emotional core of a story. He also discusses why writers need to love what they’re writing, how his childhood and love of film shaped his storytelling style, and why the fundamentals of great storytelling remain the same whether you’re writing thrillers, science fiction, or something entirely different.The conversation also dives into Jon’s novel Icefall, his approach to writing without an outline, and the challenges authors face trying to reach new readers in today’s changing publishing landscape.Highlights include: What makes an idea strong enough to become a novelWhy writers need to love their own stories firstWhat modern writers can learn from oral storytellingHow suspense, chapter hooks, and cliffhangers keep readers engagedJon’s approach to writing without detailed outlinesWhy starting in the middle of the action can pull readers into a storyBalancing character development with fast-paced actionHow Jon builds and escalates action sequencesThe inspiration and premise behind IcefallHow film and television influenced Jon’s storytelling styleWriting from the inside out and “roleplaying” characters as an authorUsing information, suspense, and curiosity to engage readersThe challenge of finding and building an audience in today’s publishing worldHow publishing and book distribution have evolvedJon’s advice for authors building a long-term writing careerSound Bites:“Love what I write so the reader will love it too.”“My action scenes are my lifeblood.”“Writing is a marathon, not a sprint.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Jon Land and his prolific career 00:57 What makes an idea worthy of a book? 02:01 The importance of loving your story as a writer 03:08 Storytelling: From campfires to books 04:09 The craft of storytelling across mediums 06:26 Handling audience reactions and writer's doubt 11:12 Writing without outlines and creating suspense 12:16 Homer's advice: Start in the middle of the scene 14:27 The importance of chapter hooks and cliffhangers 17:08 About Icefall and its inspiration 18:33 The plot of Icefall: Alien creatures and climate change 20:12 Building action scenes and escalating tension 21:43 The power of storytelling in TV and movies 23:19 Roleplaying as a writer: Inside-out storytelling 26:32 Manipulation in storytelling: Creating suspense and curiosity 29:06 Finding and building your audience in a changing market 35:43 Jon Land's future projects and writing advice 37:11 Closing remarks and gratitude Podcast: No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission Episode Number: S03E10 Release Date: August 14, 2026 Duration: 38:09 Host: Don Schechter Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867 TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcastDon says: Order the Ascendants novel: https://www.ascendantsbook.comTrevor says: Watch Front Row Reactions: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontRowReactionsSubscribe on your favorite platformMental Health Crisis ResourcesIn the US: Call or text 988 Online: https://988lifeline.org©2026 Charles River Media https://www.CharlesRiverMedia.com

    310 - Don's Away Mission with Author Jon Land

  2. Jun 28

    309 - Disclosure Day and the Politics of First Contact (A NWS Quick Hit)

    In this no frills, no commercials, and no production design whatsoever episode of No Win Scenario, Don and Trevor dig into Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg’s new science fiction story about alien contact, political fear, and the fragile state of human empathy. On the surface, Disclosure Day is about what happens when humanity learns we are not alone. But the bigger question may be what happens when people are asked to care about someone, or something, they do not understand. Spielberg uses the familiar language of first contact to explore a very current anxiety: have we become too divided to respond to the unknown with curiosity instead of suspicion? We talk about the film’s political undertones, its treatment of empathy, and why science fiction remains one of the best genres for examining the present without simply lecturing the audience. Disclosure Day may be about aliens, but like the best Spielberg stories, it is really about people.  No Win Scenario is a sci-fi podcast where two friends who hate each other talk movies, television, storytelling, worldbuilding, and the future we probably deserve.

    309 - Disclosure Day and the Politics of First Contact (A NWS Quick Hit)

  3. Jun 13

    308 - SPECIAL EPISODE: Star Trek Las Vegas Convention and Lost Without Trevor

    Don went to Creation Entertainment’s STLV: Trek to Vegas 2025 Convention in Las Vegas. Trevor did not. In this special episode of No Win Scenario, Trevor finally gets to experience the convention secondhand as he reacts to Don's adventures at the largest Star Trek convention in the world. From celebrity encounters and fan interviews to convention floor discoveries and questionable decisions, Don shares stories from Las Vegas while Trevor attempts to determine whether any of it was worth leaving him behind. The episode features highlights and reactions from Don's convention coverage, including interviews with fans, creators, and fellow Trek enthusiasts, along with plenty of commentary, good-natured jealousy, and the kind of friendship that only survives through public ridicule.If you've ever attended a convention, dreamed of attending one, or wondered what happens when one co-host disappears into a Star Trek convention without the other, this episode is for you .No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry. Podcast: No Win Scenario Episode Number: S03E08 Release Date: June 2026 Duration: 24:20 Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor ChamberlainWebsite: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867 TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast Order the Ascendants novel:  https://www.ascendantsbook.com Subscribe on your favorite platform Mental Health Crisis Resources In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)Or text HELPLINE to 62640 Or email helpline@nami.orgInternational: visit suicidestop.com ©2026 Charles River Media  https://www.CharlesRiverMedia.com

    308 - SPECIAL EPISODE: Star Trek Las Vegas Convention and Lost Without Trevor

  4. Jun 1

    307 - The Arborist Writer and Director Andrew Mudge and Don's Shameless Self-Promotion

    Writer/director Andrew Mudge joins No Win Scenario to discuss his acclaimed thriller The Arborist, a tense and atmospheric mystery that explores obsession, secrets, and the darkness hidden beneath seemingly ordinary lives. Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain  dive into the film's origins, its striking visual style, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and how Mudge crafted a story that keeps audiences guessing until the very end. In a completely shameless act of self-promotion, the conversation also turns to Don's science fiction novel Ascendants. From publishing and marketing to building a multi-platform universe, Don shares the journey of bringing his debut novel into the world, while Trevor does his best to keep the discussion from becoming a full-length infomercial. Whether you're a fan of indie thrillers, filmmaking, science fiction, or just enjoy watching Trevor suffer through Don's latest obsession, this episode has something for you.No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry. Podcast: No Win Scenario Episode Number: 307 Release Date: June 1, 2026 Duration: 01:09:51 Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain Guest: Andrew Mudge Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867 TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcastSubscribe on your favorite platform

    307 - The Arborist Writer and Director Andrew Mudge and Don's Shameless Self-Promotion

  5. 08/30/2025

    306 - The Wrath of Clips - (Clip Show Part 2)

    The No Win Scenario Clip Show "Shades of Gray" was so successful so we're back with more. the Wratch of clips includes interviews with Star Trek author Derek Tyler Attico, Star Trek Picard Nemesis, Anchorman 2, Quantum Leap (and so on) Computer/Video Playback & Projection Supervisor Todd A. Marks, The Expanse and The Boys Cinematographer Jeremy Benning, Bleecker Street CEO Kent Sanderson, and Brian Tamm the Executive Director at Independent Film Festival Boston. Listen to this episode then go back to Seasons 1 and 2 for the full interviews. No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry. Podcast: No Win Scenario Episode Number: 306 Release Date: January 12, 2025 Duration: 00:39:44 Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor Chaberlain Guests: Derek Tyler Attico, Todd A. Marks, Jeremy Benning, Kent Sanderson, Brian Tamm Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867 TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast Subscribe on your favorite platform Mental Health Crisis Resources In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Or text HELPLINE to 62640 Or email helpline@nami.org International: visit suicidestop.com

    306 - The Wrath of Clips - (Clip Show Part 2)

  6. 08/26/2025

    305 - Paradise and This is Us Editor Lai-San Ho

    Editor of Hulu's Paradise and NBC's This is Us Lai-San Ho beams into the No Win Scenario studio. In other breaking news, Trevor admits to liking Attack of the Clones. No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry. Podcast: No Win Scenario Episode Number: 305 Release Date: August 26, 2025 Duration: 00:59:00 Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain Guests: Lai-San Ho Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867 TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast Subscribe on your favorite platform Mental Health Crisis Resources In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Or text HELPLINE to 62640 Or email helpline@nami.org International: visit suicidestop.com

    305 - Paradise and This is Us Editor Lai-San Ho

  7. 08/25/2025

    304 - Our "Shades of Gray" Clip Show (Seasons 1 and 2)

    Star Trek The Next Generation had it's Shades of Gray episode - so this is ours. We go back into the vault and reflect on highlights from our first two seasons.  No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry. Podcast: No Win Scenario Episode Number: 304 Release Date: August 25, 2025 Duration: 00:36:47 Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain Guests: Dave Blass, Liz Kloczkowski, Davif Alan Mack, Jenny R. Johnson, Todd E. Slayton, and Robin Morselli Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867 TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast Subscribe on your favorite platform Mental Health Crisis Resources In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Or text HELPLINE to 62640 Or email helpline@nami.org International: visit suicidestop.com ©2025 Charles River Media, Inc. All Artwork AI created and not meant to represent any real or fictional people.

    304 - Our "Shades of Gray" Clip Show (Seasons 1 and 2)

  8. 08/24/2025

    303 - Superfan Sam and Apple Vision Pro

    Don gets lost in his Vision Pro and Superfan Sam joins us in the No Win Scenario studio.  Podcast: No Win Scenario Episode Number: 303 Release Date: August 24, 2025 Duration: 00:31:58 Hosts: Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain Guests: Superfan Sam Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867 TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast Subscribe on your favorite platform Mental Health Crisis Resources In the US: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Or text HELPLINE to 62640 Or email helpline@nami.org International: visit suicidestop.com ©2025 Charles River Media, Inc. All Artwork AI created and not meant to represent any real or fictional people.

    303 - Superfan Sam and Apple Vision Pro
See All (22)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Star Trek, Dune, Babylon 5, The Expanse, Star Wars, Neon Genesis Evangelion and more — we are your gateway to science fiction entertainment. As we spar over diverse perspectives and dissect popular narratives, you'll be passionately divided, loving and loathing us in equal measure. Tune in as yours hosts, Don and Trevor, engage with industry experts to explore the day-to-day realities of production and the increasing prominence of mental health concerns in the film and television industry. Our initial guests include: Dave Blass (Production Designer, Star Trek Picard) Liz Kloczkowski (Art Director, Star Trek Picard) Todd A. Marks (Computer/Video Playback Supervisor, Star Trek Picard) Jeremy Benning (Cinematographer, The Expanse) Kent Sanderson (President, Acquisitions and Ancillary Distribution at Bleecker Street) David Mack (NY Times Best Selling Author, Star Trek: Picard: Firewall) Jenny R Johnson (Artist) Derek Tyler Attico (Award winning Author, The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko) Brian Tamm (Executive Director, Boston Independent Film Festival) Todd E. Slayton, Cathy Debono, Robin Morselli, Mark Lentry,  (Star Trek Deep Space Nine) Created by Trevor Chamberlain and Don Schechter ©2024 Charles River Media Inc

Information

  • Creator
    Trevor Chamberlain and Don Schechter
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    No Win Scenario