In this episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia are joined by special guest Ben Tanzer — author, podcaster, professor, and master of narratives that unsettle the ordinary. Together, they plunge into the speculative depths of Tanzer’s novel Orphans, exploring themes of broken futures, technological trauma, and the evolving human condition.
The conversation ranges from clones and robots replacing human labor, to the haunting promise of forced leisure in an economy without purpose. With rich references to classic sci-fi literature, Twilight Zone episodes, and philosophical quandaries about identity, dignity, and obsolescence, this episode challenges listeners to rethink the very foundation of what makes us human.
Plus: a look into Ben’s forthcoming memoir After Hours, and a surprise crossover announcement involving his podcast, This Podcast Will Change Your Life.
More about our Guest:
Ben Tanzer is an Emmy‑award–winning writer, coach, creative strategist, podcaster, and lecturer with over two decades of experience helping storytellers — including authors, nonprofits, and small businesses — find their voice. His award‑winning works span genres: from the science‑fiction novel Orphans to essay collections like Lost in Space and Be Cool, the short‑story collection Upstate, the recent novel The Missing, and his memoir After Hours: Scorsese, Grief and the Grammar of Cinema. Ben also hosts the long‑running podcast This Podcast Will Change Your Life. He teaches at Lake Forest College in Chicago and is deeply involved in both the literary and creative communities. Learn more at tanzerben.com.
And don’t forget to Order: Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!
The Scientist Article Featuring Joe: How Speculative Fiction Expands Scientific Horizons
It’s Science for Weirdos
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We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):
What are your favorite examples of broken futures in sci-fi?
Have you ever felt like technology was replacing something fundamentally human in your own life or work?
Future Episodes:
EP43: Animal Swarms
Releases September 3
Swarm behavior, emergent intelligence, and the biology of the collective—science communicator Josh Fisher joins us to explore the strange genius of animals that move as one.
EP44: H20MG: Lake Michigan, Life, and Everything in Between
Releases September 17
Cultural critic and writer Maud Lavin joins us to explore Lake Michigan as biome, metaphor, and muse. We dive into the intersections of ecology, identity, politics, memory, and myth.
EP45-47: Three exciting episodes planned for our October month of Horror!
Events:
Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories – Book Release Party
Joe will be reading excerpts from the new anthology Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories at the official release party. Expect eerie storytelling, a Chicago DJ set by Plastic Crimewave, and over 10 authors reading live.
Date: August 27
Time: DJ starts at 6:00 PM; readings begin at 6:30 PM
Location: Comfort Station Logan Square, 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/761531809703016/
Dragon Con
Joe will appear as an Attending Professional at DragonCon in Atlanta from August 28 – September 1. Catch him on panels, in deep-dive discussions, and falling down more rabbit holes than time allows.
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