Shows
Synthesized SunsetsXXIII: Writing Realistic Children w/ Dylan O'NealThis week we talked to Dylan O’Neal, author of the first short story submission accepted by Synthesized Sunsets, Snowlight. In addition to the story, we discussed what got him into writing, how to write compelling children in stories, lucid dreaming, Game of Thrones, and the book he is working on currently, “Orange Sky, Dark Sun”.Similar to the last couple episodes this one was recorded a long time ago, but in the backstage portion was recorded more recently we discussed Kevin’s recent article in Republic of Letters, “Ah, The Nerdish Joys Of Quizbowl.”We hope you...
2025-10-131h 41
Synthesized SunsetsXXII: Sinopticon and the World of Wǎngwén w/ Xueting Christine NiThis week on the podcast we had on Xueting Christine Ni, an independent researcher of Chinese culture who is most famous for her collections Sinopticon and Sinophagia (which focus on Chinese science fiction and Chinese horror, respectively), as well as her nonfiction writings on Chinese mythology. We spent a bit of time talking about the stories in those two collections, as well as the wide world of Chinese web fiction (wǎngwén) and the implications that it has for China and the rest of the world.This episode was recorded quite a long time ago, but th...
2025-09-161h 26
Synthesized SunsetsXXI: Is Sci-fi Suffering from Success? w/Lillian Wang SelonickWe were super excited to talk to science fiction writer and fellow Substacker Lillian Wang Selonick. We discuss some topics from her essays on the value of Worldbuilding, the adoption of sci-fi tropes in literary books, what is meant by the term speculative fiction, Death’s End, Philip K. Dick, and more.Apologies for the long delay between episodes. We recorded this episode about three weeks ago, but due to going to Worldcon, Gordon getting sick (twice!), and Kevin going on vacation it took a while to publish. In the backstage portion, we talk about our experience at...
2025-09-011h 47
Synthesized SunsetsSPRING 2025 FINALE: ONE YEAR OF SYNTHESIZED SUNSETSToday marks exactly one year since the first post on Synthesized Sunsets. To celebrate the occasion, Gordon and Kevin take a look back at how it all began. We also discuss Kevin’s recent article, “Shunrō Oshikawa, ChatGPT, and the Birth of the "Pre-Translator"”, as well as its follow-up post and the ways in which AI translation might (or might not) pave the way for a utopian multilingual Internet future. It’s been a great season at Synthesized Sunsets, and we thank you all for reading! We’ll see you next season for the Hugo Awards!!TI...
2025-07-1658 min
Synthesized SunsetsXX: A Career in Science Fiction Criticism w/Rich HortonThis week we spoke with long time Science Fiction reviewer and anthologist Rich Horton. We talked about his experience in the early internet sci-fi community on Usenet, his career in sci-fi criticism at Tangent and Locus, his work creating sci-fi/fantasy best of the year anthologies, our thoughts on the current slate of Hugo Award nominees, and more.We hope you enjoy!TIMESTAMPS:0:14 - Introduction0:39 - What drew you to Substack?1:33 - Rich Horton started Substack by reading people already here (Ted Gioia, Lincoln Michel, Naomi Kanakia)
2025-07-101h 38
Synthesized SunsetsXIX: Characterizing Rational Fiction w/ Alexander WalesThe week we were joined by prolific author of rational fiction Alexander Wales. We of course discuss his works, particularly Worth the Candle, This Used to be About Dungeons, and The Metropolitan Man, but also talk about time travel, writing under a pseudonym, crafting believable characters, and more.Thanks for Listening!TIMESTAMPS:0:12 - Introduction0:55 - What are the characteristics of Rational Fiction?6:11 - Discussing Worth the Candle7:14 - Using a pseudonym releases pressure as an author10:32 - How much of Worth the Candle...
2025-06-131h 42
Synthesized SunsetsXVIII: Chinese Sci-Fi Fandom w/ Regina Kanyu WangThis week we hosted Regina Kanyu Wang, an award-winning writer and editor of Chinese science fiction. In 2022, she co-edited The Way Spring Arrives, a pioneering collection of stories from Chinese female and non-binary authors. We were super excited to have someone from the scene help us develop our thoughts about Chinese science fiction, which eventually turned into Kevin’s article “Golden Age Science Fiction is Being Reborn… in China?”.In this episode, we discuss Regina’s curatorial approach, the differences between America and China, and what it’s like to be a sci-fi fan outside of the Anglosphere...
2025-06-031h 35
Synthesized SunsetsXVII: Imagining Alien Ecosystems w/ Adrian TchaikovskyThis week we were joined by Adrian Tchaikovsky, a sci-fi and fantasy author most well known for writing the award-winning Children of Time series. His books often discuss the interactions between unique artificial and biological intelligences, and for this year’s Hugo awards he has two nominees for Best Novel in that space with Alien Clay and Service Model.We discuss Alien Clay, the allure of existing at the end of time, the differences between British and American Sci-fi, and the historical and biological inspirations for Adrian Tchaikovsky’s fiction. Thanks for listening!
2025-05-281h 40
Synthesized SunsetsXVI: The Art of the Tale w/ Naomi KanakiaThis week we hosted Naomi Kanakia, a literary critic who writes about the health of the prestige publishing ecosystem and the value of reading the Great Books on her Substack Woman of Letters. She is also an accomplished speculative fiction author, with stories published in major outlets like Clarkesworld and The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.Our discussion focused on the short story as a form, both in general and within the context of speculative fiction. We also discussed sentimentality in literature, the surprisingly messy origins of the novel, and, of course, Scott Alexander. ...
2025-05-201h 20
Synthesized SunsetsSPRING 2025: SEASON INTROWelcome to the fourth season of Synthesized Sunsets: a seasonal magazine about speculative fiction and the future of pop! This spring, the mag will shift in direction yet again. The biggest change will be a renewed focus on fiction. Both of us will be trying to get published in mainstream SFF magazines this year, and we hope to use the more futurist articles in the magazine as inspiration for future stories. With luck, you’ll be able to see the genesis of published sci-fi stories right here on the podcast!Also, both of us will be attending th...
2025-05-0954 min
Synthesized SunsetsXV: Brandon Sanderson & the Future of AI Writing w/ Merrick + RajThis week we got together with friend of the pod Merrick and friend of the friend of the pod to discuss Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive. Along the way we had some pretty interesting speculation about the future of algorithms, AI writing, and open-source software. I personally think that this was the most interesting episode we have ever done content-wise, so I would encourage you to give it a listen! We’ll see you all with a fresh season next week.Thanks for listening!TIMESTAMPS00:00:12 - Intro00:00:38 - The group trie...
2025-04-261h 36
Synthesized SunsetsEpisode XIV: Building a More Ambitious Social Network w/ Visakan VeerasamyThis week just Kevin (no Gordon) talked with internet theorist, writer, and owner of Kevin’s favorite twitter account Visakan Veerasamy. We talk about Visa’s work in building a worldwide social network of friendly ambitious nerds, Sci-Fi’s themes and ideas being stuck in the past, and some current uses of LLM’s.Thanks for listening!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:0:12 - Introduction and discussion of Visa’s “50 year plan for a global nerd network”6:56 - Explaining this Dominos Image10:26 - People are remarkably unambitious in their social networks14:58 - H...
2025-04-051h 01
Synthesized SunsetsXIII: Eras of Pokémon Fanfiction w/ ButterfreeThis week we talked to Butterfree, an Icelandic author of several works of speculative Pokémon fanfiction and the longtime webmaster of Kevin’s favorite Pokémon website The Cave of Dragonflies. We also discussed Morphic, a fanfic about Pokémon-human hybrids that Butterfree wrote as an edgy teen, as well as what is was like to grow up in the heyday of Pokémon fansites. And, of course, the MARQUEE OF DOOM.In this edition of Synthesized Sunsets Backstage, we discuss Gordon’s debut short story “Unfit for Human Perception”, the argument of psychophysical harmony, the mind-body pr...
2025-03-2854 min
Synthesized SunsetsEpisode XII: Superheroes and Simulation Theory w/ Daryl GregoryThis week we talked with author, comic book writer, and fellow Chicagoland native Daryl Gregory. We discussed his upcoming novel “When We Were Real”, which takes place on a cross-country tour place seven years after the world was revealed to be a simulation. We also cover a variety of other topics including superheroes, sports teams, and sinus congestion.In our backstage segment we go more in depth on the implications of living in a simulation on free will, and discuss Kevin’s recent article “The Problem with Where Oaken Hearts Do Gather”.Thanks for listening!
2025-03-071h 17
Synthesized SunsetsXI: South Asian Speculative Fiction w/ Gautam BhatiaThis week we talked to Gautam Bhatia, the coordinating editor of speculative fiction magazine Strange Horizons and an advocate for South Asian speculative fiction right here on Substack (Words for Worlds). We discussed his latest novel The Sentence, the state of South Asian science fiction, and the tension between movements on the periphery of science fiction and its mainstream institutions. Oh, and fanfiction.This season will bring a second segment to the show: Synthesized Sunsets Backstage. In this more casual segment, Gordon and myself will unpack the main part of the episode and also discuss the most...
2025-02-201h 02
Synthesized SunsetsWINTER 2025: SEASON INTROWelcome to the third season of Synthesized Sunsets: a seasonal magazine about speculative fiction and the future of pop! This winter, the mag will get properly into full swing: we’ll be starting a regular update schedule (posts every Thursday and the occasional Monday), hosting trivia for paid subscribers, and writing original fiction.This issue is all about purgatory. Think liminal spaces, the afterlife, and spaces outside of time. Liminality is a pet fascination for many Internet enthusiasts, and I am no exception. I like how liminality can be found in settings that are both ethereal and mu...
2025-02-1146 min
Synthesized SunsetsX: Eras of Fantasy and Satire w/ Clifford Stumme (Past the Dragon)This week we talked to fellow fantasy Substacker Clifford Stumme (Past the Dragon) about his essay “The 8 Eras of Fantasy Literature” and how fantasy can enrich our lives beyond simple hedonistic entertainment. We also talk a lot about Ursula K. Le Guin, especially her novel The Beginning Place. And we poke some fun at both anime and romantasy (but hey, Gordon gave Fourth Wing three stars). Check it out now!We messed around with the audio a bit for this episode, so if it sounds weird we apologize!! Also this is a re-upload because the original only had...
2025-02-031h 08
Synthesized SunsetsIX: Origins of Romantasy + Memories of Clarion West w/ Rashida SmithThis week we were joined by Rashida Smith who is the program director of Clarion West as well an author of Romantasy novels under the pen name Jasmine Silvera. We discuss the integration of romance and fantasy as genres, her experience as a student at Clarion West taught by Octavia Butler, and the allure of small strange towns. We hope you enjoy!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:0:29 - How did you create your pen name Jasmine Silvera?1:37 - What is your favorite book that you have written? (“Death’s Dancer”)2:44 - What did yo...
2025-01-2643 min
Synthesized SunsetsVIII: Density, Devotion, and Disintegration in "The Book of the New Sun" w/ Henry HaleThis week we sat down with our friend Henry Hale, who made the case for his favorite science fiction novel: Gene Wolfe’s The Book of the New Sun. Along the way, we talked about which sci-fi will be remembered, why some fantasy worlds feel “dense”, what gives Catholic its enduring power, and the disintegration of the self. Check it out!For further context, check out Kevin’s recent article: Gene Wolfe’s ‘The Book of the New Sun’ and the Quest for Timeless Sci-Fi!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00:27 - What causes sci-fi works to last and what...
2025-01-1636 min
Synthesized SunsetsVII: Keeping Kids Interested in Science and Fiction w/ Trevor WaldorfThis week we talked with graphic designer and music producer Trevor Waldorf about the Star Wars expanded universe, how to get people reading into adulthood, and fond childhood memories of Internet espionage.00:40 - What makes Star Wars compelling?02:56 - Video games and the depth of the Star Wars universe07:13 - Star Wars movies have to live up to an incredible amount of hype11:00 - The Clone Wars and straddling the line between children’s and adult media14:58 - Does reading Star Wars books lead you into a lo...
2025-01-101h 01
Synthesized SunsetsVI: Postmodernism & the Art of Shitposting w/ Ari SchwartzNote: This episode contains spoilers for the film Gattaca and the short story “Real Artists” by Ken Liu.This week we sat down with Ari Schwartz— a composer, harpist, and all-around experimental artist. We talk about Ari’s talent for shitposting as well as whether or not postmodernism has killed sincerity. And, of course, whether or not you would genetically engineer your kids. Find out who!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00:28 - How has the romantic movement affected postmodernism?00:01:38 - The challenges of conveying sincerity during postmodernity00:06:48 - Ari's attempts to make high art...
2024-12-191h 05
Synthesized SunsetsV: Origins of the Clarion West Writers' Workshop w/ Marnee ChuaThis week we talked with Marnee Chua who is the executive director of the speculative fiction writers’ workshop Clarion West. We talk about the history and goals of Clarion West, but move onto topics including the challenges in adapting books into movies, how it is easy to get a simplified view of other cultures in America, and why books should have different versions. We hope you enjoy!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:00:30 - History of Clarion West03:51 - Clarion West’s Mission04:30 - Structure of the Standard Six Week Writers’ Workshop05:4...
2024-12-0352 min
Synthesized SunsetsIV: Worldbuilding and Civilizational Decay w/ Henry WolffNote: This episode contains massive spoilers for the Studio Ghibli film Castle in the Sky and the short story “Sandkings” by George R.R. Martin.This week we sat down with Henry Wolff, who has been channeling his passion for Tolkien-style worldbuilding into TTRPGs for much of the past decade. We talk about known world-builders George R. R. Martin, Hayao Miyazaki, and J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as the rise and fall of civilizations. How often do you think about the fall of the Roman Empire? Henry thinks they had it coming. Tune it to find out...
2024-11-2654 min
Synthesized SunsetsIII: Molecular Aging and the Fullness of Time w/ Euan McCubbinThis week we talked with molecular biology student and plant enthusiast Euan McCubbin about what a society would look like without aging, whether old Sci-fi that gets the science wrong is bad, and the challenges that come with writing a superintelligence. All stories (and movie) we cover are listed in the timestamps below and if you wish to avoid spoilers for anything feel free to skip that section. Euan also wrote a story “The Backgammon Player”, which is published on Synthesized Sunsets which you hope you give a read. Hope you enjoy!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:00...
2024-11-141h 06
Synthesized SunsetsII: Disintegration of the Modern Media Landscape w/ Merrick OhataLots of changes to the podcast coming down the pipe! We now have a permanent co-host: Gordon Anderson. You can find him at Gordon on Substack! This week we sat down with composer and ML researcher Merrick Ohata to talk about the atomization of media, the AI-ification of media, and the benefits of lying to children. While this conversation kinda goes all over the place, we think there are some real gems in here. We hope you do, too. Thanks for listening!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00:12 - Episode Start00:00:51 - How has the media landscape...
2024-11-051h 22
Synthesized SunsetsI: Climate Fiction w/ Isaac OlsonYep, you heard that right— Synthesized Sunsets is starting a podcast! We are still experimenting with the format, so please forgive us for any growing pains. Future episodes will feature my co-host Gordon, as well as better audio quality.Our guest this week is Isaac Olson, who is (fittingly) studying oceanography and science communication at the University of Washington. We will be talking about Isaac’s guest article, which you can find here. In general, this podcast will be discussing the role of climate fiction, striking the right balance between optimism and pessimism, romantic art, and...
2024-10-311h 16