Biff! 281: Lanterns ep 5 & 6

Matt’s dad is back for a visit and, surprise surprise, he still kinda sucks. Jason gets some miles on his wheels, but romance is still pretty tricky for him. The real highlight of this episode is Landry helping Tim pass his English class. Now where did I put my Crucifictorious band shirt? Hosts Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

In this penultimate episode of Season 4, we get quite the rollercoaster of emotions (Brian admits to crying at least 3 times); but, there’s plenty of reason to get excited, too. For one, our guest panelist, Erika Ensign, is back again! Join Chip, Erika, and Brian for the ride. In fact, why don’t you ride the bus with us to Ashton Gate to cheer on the Greyhounds? Hosts Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren with Erika Ensign.

For the second time this year, we bring together some lovely, generous Kickstarter backers who helped make Uncanny Magazine Year 12 happen! The cards bring us scandals, numbers, and lots of fun! Hosts Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky with Ben Ostermeier, Glenn Fleishman, Laura Majerus, Peter Jones, and Timothy Reed.

Brandy pauses in her many (potentially obsessive, but we don’t judge!) pursuits to share about just one of her numerous intriguing talents. Host Sandra Wong with Brandy Schillace.

Unlike us, Listener Jerry has spent his entire career on robots. Listener Jerry helps us understand why the term “cobot” exists, and what it really means. Thank you, Listener Jerry. Hosts John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

Things in Rushville come to a head as Hal tries to take down the Manhunter all by himself. Meanwhile, John and Zoe get to know each other a little better just before all hell breaks loose. Then we’re back to the present day as the plot picks up again when John’s mother brings Hal back into his life. Hosts Dan Moren, John Moltz, and Guy English.

Scott has the command codes and Jason has been banished to a spooky haunted starship, or is a puppet now, or maybe is fighting his fairy-tale doppelganger? Meanwhile, three lovely guests are joining Scott to discuss the just-concluded season of “Strange New Worlds.” Host Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston, Joe Rosensteel, and Heather Berberet.

Erika and Steven start watching a story that Erika doesn’t remember at all! Hosts Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Once a subcategory for mysteries, “cozy” feels like the latest craze in publishing with every genre getting in on the act. Is it really a new thing? Are authors able to take sci-fi or horror and turn it into something to be read while cuddled into a warm blanket with a cup of tea at one’s elbow? Our panel discusses what makes a piece of media cozy, drafts a few books (sometimes with media tie-ins), and then throws it open to anything that gives us that cozy feeling. David includes tea pairings with his choices and Antony tells us how he ended up writing a cozy mystery series. Host Shannon Sudderth with Antony Johnston, Annette Wierstra, Shelly Brisbin, David J. Loehr, and James Thomson.

From white hole to black hole, from the near future to the present (of the future), it’s time for Scott and Jason to wrap up another season of “Strange New Worlds” with a delightful time-bending episode that puts Uhura(s) at the center. (Don’t miss Scott’s triumphant return to Random Trek! And stay tuned soon for our season-wrap-up panels both here and on The Incomparable!) Hosts Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.