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Alternate Futures

Alternate Futures

By: Alternate Futures
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Fun, interesting, unusual, and always thought-provoking, The Alternate Futures podcast features interviews with indie science fiction creators where we discuss their work, the world, and anything in-between.Alternate Futures Science Fiction
Episodes
  • 77. Machine Intelligence, Empathy, and Ethics with Greg Woolford
    Dec 22 2025

    Cybersecurity by day, author by night, Greg Woolford explores the intersection of technology and philosophy in his debut novel, The Maker's Heir, where an AI's path leads from quiet companionship to existential questions. In this episode, we discuss the ethical responsibilities of creating a self-aware entity, the intersection of AI and human emotion, and how AI may redefine our societal roles. We also ask whether machines may ever reach a state of personhood and whether the concept of a soul could apply to a machine.

    Books of his we discuss: The Maker's Heir

    Further info on this and other episodes can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AlternateFutures.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alternatefutures.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • 76. Interstellar Intrigue, AI Overlords, and Space Operas, with DL Young
    Dec 5 2025

    DL Young is a Pushcart Prize nominee and Independent Press Award winner known for his fast-paced science fiction novels. In this episode, we delve into his latest trilogy, 'Empire and Ashes,' which weaves together elements of space opera, political intrigue, and espionage. We also explore the vast world-building involved, including alien races, advanced technologies, and star gates. Young shares his journey from business professional to full-time writer and offers insights into his creative process and marketing strategies.

    We also, we discuss the potential future impact of AI and what it could mean for humanity.

    Books of his we discuss: Jeryn's Dagger (Empire and Ashes trilogy), Cyberpunk city trilogy

    Further info on this and other episodes can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AlternateFutures.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alternatefutures.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • 75. Global Thrills and Ancient Mysteries with Michael Bianco
    Nov 26 2025

    Michael Bianco has turned some his attention from engineering fruit preservation technology to crafting Orion's Seed, a pulse-pounding thriller that features an historical power struggle, ancient mysteries, and extraterrestrial visitors from the depths of history. Our conversation spans the frozen wastelands of Antarctica to the most inaccessible places on Earth.

    We also discuss powerful shadowy groups, crop circles, and whether humanity needs help to survive.

    Books of his we discuss: Orion's Seed

    Further info on this and other episodes can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AlternateFutures.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    If you're on Wordpress.com, you can follow the podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alternatefuturespodcast.wordpress.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Finally, you can also find the podcast, and follow my articles on science fiction, socio-technological issues, and futurism at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alternatefutures.substack.com⁠⁠⁠

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    1 hr and 5 mins
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