Galaxy One Radio welcomes Star Trek legend Jonathan Frakes for an exclusive interview. Frakes shares fresh details about the upcoming Star Trek series Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy, along with behind-the-scenes stories from the Lower Decks crossover episode 'Those Old Scientists.'

Frakes also discusses the mysteries surrounding Thomas Riker and William Riker and Deanna Troi’s son, as well as his experience directing The Orville.

Joining the conversation in the studio are longtime Trekkie Ada Gaud, Frakes’ close friend Warren Drummond, and new Trekkie Harry Czekalski.

Blake J. Harris is a bestselling author and journalist known for his in-depth reporting on the video game and tech industries. He’s the author of Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation, which was adapted into a documentary produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. 

His second book, The History of the Future: Oculus, Facebook, and the Revolution That Swept Virtual Reality, dives into the rise and fall of Oculus and the VR industry's evolution. In addition to his books, Blake has contributed to outlets like IGN and Rolling Stone, covering the ever-changing gaming landscape. 

Link to Blake Harris's books

- Console Wars (link)

- History of the Future (link)

In this episode, we’re joined by Garry Kitchen, Dan Kitchen, and David Crane—legendary developers who helped shape Activision’s early success with iconic games like Pitfall!, Keystone Kapers, Crackpots, Ghostbusters, and Pressure Cooker.

We dive into their groundbreaking contributions to gaming history, their perspectives on today’s gaming industry, and their latest projects, including Circus Convoy, Alien Abduction, and Casey’s Gold—a game nearly 40 years in the making (1982–2024)—along with four more titles they are developing for the Atari 2600+/7800+ through AudacityGames.com.

Author and accomplished artist Kevin Mowrer joins the podcast to discuss his debut novel, Victor, and shares the journey that inspired him to venture into writing

SUMMARY

In the shadowy factory district of Travaille, Vyctor Frahnknshtyne, a young inventor, uncovers a sinister plot to drain the life-force of the city’s poor. With government corruption rampant, Vyctor and his university friends form a secret society to combat mechanical beasts, ruthless oligarchs, and near-immortal foes. When Vyctor is gravely injured, his friends transfer his consciousness into a powerful metal body, forcing him to confront the dangers threatening his humanity.

BUY NOW on AMAZON

We speak with David Weiner, director of the In Search of Darkness series, about his upcoming installment focused on 90s horror.

Known for his extensive knowledge of genre films from the 1980s and 1990s, Weiner’s documentaries are celebrated for their comprehensive coverage, insider perspectives, and chronological exploration of film history.

This latest entry delves into the years 1990-1994, examining the horror genre's evolution and its early steps into the CGI era.

www.90shorrordoc.com

Join us for an in-depth conversation with gaming legend Warren Spector.

Discover how Warren revolutionized the industry with groundbreaking titles like the Ultima series, System Shock, and the iconic Deus Ex. Learn about his passion for immersive storytelling, player choice, and pushing the boundaries of gameplay.

From the dark world of Thief to the whimsical adventures of Epic Mickey, Spector's creativity and gift for storytelling has always shined through.

Tune in to hear about his latest top-secret project, the future of immersive simulations, and even his "controversial" thoughts on the role of AI in game development.

In this episode, hostsAnthony Gaud andDexter Weeks are joined by the accomplished scientist and science fiction authorRichard Phillips, the mastermind behind the "Rho Agenda" and "The Endarian Prophecy" series.

We'll explore his incredible journey from physics whiz to bestselling author and how his real-life experiences fuel his thrilling stories.

Guest hostsKevin Mowrer andRoman Gaud explore the mind of a writer who loves crafting tales about young heroes facing mind-blowing out of this world challenges.

We'll also chat about the blurry lines between science fiction and real-world science and ponder the big "what ifs" of advanced technology.

Oh, and did we mention we talk about UFOs?

• Richard Phillips on Amazon

• #ForcesBehindScienceFiction
• #RichardPhillips
• #RhoAgenda
• #ScienceFiction
• #Thriller
• #YoungAdultFiction
• #AuthorInterview
• #ScienceAndFiction
• #MilitarySciFi
• #WestPointGrad
• #LosAlamos
• #SelfPublishedAuthor
• #ScreenAdaptation
• #AlienEncounters
• #AdvancedTechnology
• #EthicalDilemmas
• #MoralComplexities
• #RealWorldScience

Following the success of 'Aliens Expanded,' writer and producer Ian Nathan is back with a chilling deep dive into John Carpenter's 1982 masterpiece, "The Thing."

Discover why this icy terror was selected as the second film in the 'Expanded' series. We'll uncover the legacy of "The Thing," from its initial mixed reception to its current status as a horror classic. 

We’ll explore the documentary's focus on the film's iconic practical effects, John Carpenter's thoughts, fan theories, and the artistry behind the matte paintings. We'll also examine the film's themes, influences, and extended universe.

Make sure to visit https://thethingexpanded.com/ to be part of the ultimate fan experience.

Please note that this episode may have some audio imperfections as Scott Cronick was on location during the recording.

Ryan Shore has composed scores for everything from multiple "Star Wars" animated series to the Oscars stage. In this episode, we explore his diverse career, including collaborations with his uncle, Howard Shore, and Lucasfilm’s Dave Filoni, and the creative process behind his Emmy and Grammy-nominated work. 

Discover the techniques Ryan uses to create music for iconic franchises, children's television, and everything in between. Whether you're a film fan, a musician, or just curious about the creative process, this episode offers a fascinating look at a composer who's truly done it all.

Stay tuned until the end of the podcast to hear some of Ryan's outstanding musical performances.

Explore Ryan's music on his website https://ryanshore.com/

We dive into the world of visual effects with Mark Kolpack, who has redefined creative direction in VFX production.

A seasoned VFX supervisor and director renowned for his work on "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." (2013-2020), where he supervised VFX for all seven seasons. Mark has also contributed to films like "Godzilla" (1998) and notable TV series such as "Heroes," "NCIS," as well as films like "Batman Forever" and "Rush Hour.” 

Fun Mark Facts:

• "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." achieved VFX on par with Marvel's cinematic universe, averaging 80 to 150 shots per episode!
• The series earned Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Special and Visual Effects in 2014 and 2015.

Tune in for insights from a true master of visual storytelling!

Website: www.MarkKolpack.com 

IMDB https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0464366/?ref_=ext_shr_sms

VFX Samples: https://youtu.be/4S5431He-o8?si=tsrRnJgzu_AszzJZ 

Interview arranged and produced by Warren Drummond

Kevin Mowrer is a highly accomplished entertainment industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in kids and all-family entertainment.

Website: www.KevinMowrerAuthor.com

Upcoming book, Vyctor

Kevin's accolades include two Emmy Awards, a Gemini Award, and a Leo Award nomination. As the founder and SVP Creative of Hasbro's Fantasy Factory, Kevin led the entertainment revival of iconic properties like Transformers, G.I. Joe, and My Little Pony.

His expertise spans television, film, web stories, publishing, gaming, and toy production.Kevin has collaborated with major studios and companies including Disney, DreamWorks, Warner Bros., Universal, and Paramount.

Kevin also served as SVP of Design at Hasbro's Kenner division. Known as the "franchise story doctor" in entertainment, Kevin works on major projects such as Batman, Jurassic Park, Dragons, and DC Comics.

His role often involves making big projects more relevant and expandable, ensuring they resonate better with fans and generate more revenue.

In his capacity, Kevin helps creators and studios challenge their stories to be bigger and more impactful. His extensive experience and creative vision have made him a sought-after figure in the industry, contributing significantly to the success and longevity of numerous beloved franchises.

Great white sharks have been making waves off the coast of Nova Scotia, with sightings increasing dramatically in recent years. What was once a rare occurrence has now become a significant phenomenon, potentially representing one of the largest concentrations of great whites in the world.

We interview PJ Naworynski about his new documentary "Great White North," featured in this year's Shark Week on Discovery+, which digs its teeth into this fascinating development. 

This episode explores the sudden surge in great white shark populations along Nova Scotia's coastline and its implications for both marine ecosystems and humans in Canadian waters.

Links

PJ Naworynski IMDB

Great White North

#GreatWhiteSharks #NovaScotia #SharkWeek #MarineConservation #OceanEcology #WildlifeDocumentary

For this bonus episode, Anthony Gaud steps in as host alongside co-hosts Dexter Weeks and Roman Gaud to discuss the generational divide between Gen X and Gen Z with a candid Gen Z guest who doesn’t hold back.

They navigate the fascinating shift of online social media, ponder the curious rise of “incels” within digital culture, and reflect on how social media’s growing influence might challenge mental health, relationships, and social skills—offering a glimpse into a complex, tech-driven future.

This episode offers a unique look at gaming's past and future through the perspectives of two unique American voices in the industry.

We're joined by John Romero, the legendary designer behind Doom, Quake, and arguably the father of the first-person shooter genre and esports.

Romero discusses his approach to game development, shares his thoughts on the intersection of gaming, and gambling, and gives us a glimpse into his current big TOP SECRET project.

Also with us is Ernie Stevens III, who brings a Native American perspective to our conversation about science fiction, video games, and their intersection with gambling.

#John Romero, #quake, #doom #esports

https://romero.com/

Author and entertainment executive Brendan Deneen discusses his new book "Aliens: Uncivil War" and his career in publishing and entertainment. Our discussion also explores his approach to writing for Marvel, as well as his previous works, including "The Ninth Circle" and "The Chrysalis," along with his upcoming post-apocalyptic thriller "Tracer."

Personal Website: https://www.brendandeneen.com

Book links:

• Alien: Uncivil War

• The Ninth Circle

• The Chrysalis

• Green Arrow: Stranded

• Flash Gordon: Invasion of the Red Sword

We talk with legendary Hollywood motion picture and television storyboard artist, Warren Drummond who talks about his favorite projects, Denzel, Ron Howard, and his new book, 'A Hard Day's Work" describing his 30-year career in the entertainment industry.

Purchase a SIGNED COPY of 'A Hard Day's Work' at https://dreamiam.com/products/hard-days-night-storyboards-stories-of-12-select-films-and-television-shows

Warren's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0238599/

In this episode, we chat with Dan Monroe from the hit YouTube channel "Movies, Music, and Monsters." Dan shares his journey to fame, insights on the movie industry, and his controversial take on Buffalo chicken wings. He also delves into classic movie props and their fascinating stories. Don't miss this engaging conversation with a rising star!

Important Dan info!

Youtube:

- https://www.youtube.com/@MoviesMusicMonsters

Website:

- https://www.moviesmusicmonsters.com/about

Today on our sci-fi podcast, we temporarily step away from fiction and delve into the world of science with Michai Mathieu Morin, a true polymath known for his groundbreaking work in data automation, digital art, futurism, and artificial intelligence.

As the CEO of Coeus Institute, Morin leads the development of AI-driven data-automation systems. Today, he will share his insights on how technological advancements are poised to reshape society, offering a glimpse into the future of economics, automation, and the ever-evolving tech landscape.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michai-morin/

https://coeus.institute

In this episode of The Forces Behind Science Fiction, we sit down with Ian Nathan, the writer and producer of the captivating new documentary about the iconic 1986 film, Aliens.

Ian shares insights into the innovative approach taken in creating this documentary, which features exclusive interviews and offers a fresh, in-depth look at the incredible story behind the making of the movie. 

Beyond the production itself, the documentary also explores our enduring fascination with Cameron's masterpiece and how our perception of the film, both then and now, has been shaped by a myriad of influences. Join us as we delve into the broader aspects of the Aliens experience and examine the factors that have contributed to its status as a beloved classic.

To pre-order the film, please visit https://aliens-expanded.com/

#AliensPodcast #IanNathan #AliensBehindTheScenes #AliensMakingOf #JamesCameron #AliensFranchise #Aliens1991 #DocumentaryFilm #FilmMaking #MovieMaking #ClassicSciFi #CultClassic #BehindTheCamera #MovieLove #Xenomorphs #SigourneyWeaver #ForcesBehindScienceFiction #ScienceFiction #SciFi

Anthony Gaud

Scott Cronick

Andrew Czekalski

Dexter Weeks

On this episode, Scott and the Forces Behind Science Fiction crew sit down with Hollywood veteran Gideon Hay, whose incredible makeup and practical special effects work has graced some of the biggest sci-fi and fantasy films of the last few decades.

Gideon shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time on iconic projects like The X-Files, Aliens vs. Predator, The Predator, Snakes on a Plane, and Wolverine. He also recounts his fascinating encounters with stop-motion legend Ray Harryhausen and visual effects pioneer Phil Tippett of Lucasfilm.

Gideon also opens up about the contrasts of working on independent films versus union productions, and how the COVID-19 pandemic and industry strikes impacted film workers like himself.

Finally, the conversation also dives into Gideon's experiences at cutting-edge CGI studio Mainframe, where he first crossed paths with Anthony, as well as his passion for teaching sculpture classes and exploring how new technologies like 3D printing and AI are shaping the makeup effects business.

IMDB: ⁠link⁠

Tim Lapetino returns in a special update episode to announce his appointment as Atari's new Creative Director. What does this mean for the rebirth of one of the most successful video game brands? Listen to find out!

The FBSF crew chats with Tim Lapetino, author of best-selling videogame books, 'The Art of Atari' and 'Pac-Man: Birth of an Icon'. Tim is also an acknowledged Tron expert and talks about the upcoming 'Tron Ares' and a Tron arcade machine he literally found on the street!

This interview originally aired on WOND Radio.

Links

• Art of Atari
• Pac-Man: Birth of an Icon
• Tron machine found on street!

The FBSF interviews Greg Weisman, the creative mastermind behind the animated series Gargoyles, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Young Justice and Star Wars Rebels. We discuss Greg's inspirations, the differences between creating for cable and streaming, upcoming projects and why Andrew is such a fanboy.

Greg Weisman's bio https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Weisman

Originally aired on WOND Radio: https://wondradio.com/personalities/scott-cronick

We sit down with the legendary Kevin Grevioux—the deep-voiced architect of Underworld, comic book creator, and science fiction powerhouse. 

From co-creating the iconic war between vampires and Lycans to his work with Marvel and DC, Grevioux has left an indelible mark on genre storytelling.

We dive into his journey from scientist to storyteller, his approach to world-building, and his passion for classic movie monsters in film. 

Plus, we explore his upcoming projects and what fuels his creative vision. Don’t miss this conversation with one of the most unique voices in sci-fi and horror.

Kevin's website: Dark Storm Comics

We take a look at Zack Snyder's much-anticipated and very divisive sci-fi spectacle, Rebel Moon, examining what it did right and what it lacked.

The scifi genre had a big year in 2023, and Scott, Dexter, Andrew and Anthony examine the year's successes and failures in cinema and streaming.

The Forces Behind Science Fiction podcast hosts their first live radio show on southern New Jersey's News Talk radio, WOND.

In this episode, we discuss Jonathan Majors' ban from Marvel, the specials on Dr. Who, and the love and hate associated with Zack Snyder as we anticipate his upcoming Netflix film, Rebel Moon.

Travel with us on an adventure through space and time as we explore all things Doctor Who and why has this eccentric, galaxy-hopping series captured imaginations across generations?

We break down what makes each incarnation of the Doctor so beloved, going through fan-favorite Time Lords from hook-scarfed Tom Baker to the popular quirky David Tennant to see which one stands the test of time.

We also count down the highest-ranked episodic adventures and examine the unique emotional impact of Doctor Who, the imagination that keeps it so creatively ageless, and why so many viewers have found a comforting, inspiring reflection in this mad man with a box. Allons-y!

In this episode, we discuss Toho's "Godzilla Minus One", a remake of the original 1954 Godzilla motion picture. If you take anything away from this episode, its that you need to watch this movie as soon as you can, and if possible, on IMAX!

Join us as we dive into an in-depth discussion on the legendary Godzilla franchise, exploring what has made this iconic monster - and other kaiju like Mothra and Mechzilla - such cultural mainstays since the 1954 original film. We analyze Godzilla as an atomic-age allegory and debate the series hits and misses across movies and the new Apple+ show “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.”

Looking back on decades of disaster filmmaking, we discuss the appeal of fantastical destruction, examine Toho’s expanding monster universe, and compare classics like “Destroy All Monsters” to modern takes like “Shin Godzilla.” What sets the best radioactive lizard flicks apart?

We also discuss the appeal of the film "Pacific Rim", where humans finally build big robots called Jaegers to physically fight back against the kaiju threat!

In our ghoulish debut episode, we'll discuss classic sci-fi horror films Alien and The Thing—and new favorites like the sci-fi slasher comedy Totally Killer and home invasion thriller No One Will Save You. Listen to our often screaming hot takes as we dive into the scream-filled crossover of sci-fi and horror on the premiere of The Forces Behind Science Fiction. Will we make it out alive?

Tune in for an exciting conversation with Paul Levitz a comic book icon who, as President of DC Comics⁠,⁠ shaped the modern era of superhero storytelling.

This episode dives into his time at DC, editing classics like Legion of Super-Heroes, Huntress, and his often turbulent collaboration with Alan Moore⁠,⁠ and the changing world of comics.

Paul shares priceless wisdom on storytelling and adapting to an evolving industry—a must-listen for comic enthusiasts.

Paul's website > https://paullevitz.com

Join us as we chat withGlenn Evans, a documentary producer who has transitioned to becoming a first-time feature film producer on 'Roswell Delirium,' a sci-fi thriller set in an alternate 1980s America devastated by nuclear attacks. 

This episode was one of our most enjoyable to record, featuring eclectic discussions on the soundtrack by Queens of the Stone Age, how casting Anthony Michael Hall led to the involvement of other '80s stars, the intriguing Shroud of Turin, and the unique challenges of filming a movie in your own home. 

Along the way, Glenn shares essential tips on making a compelling movie on a tight budget—an invaluable session for any aspiring filmmaker.

Roswell Delirium

• Watch the Trailer
• Rent or Buy onAmazon orApple TV

In this episode of Galaxy One Radio, we go deep with Dungeon Crawler Carl creator Matt Dinniman—self-publishing success story, former obituary writer, and artist behind work featured by IKEA and Target. From cat shows and chaotic writing routines to Patreon-powered storytelling and possible TV adaptations, Matt shares the wild ride that turned a quirky indie book series into a cult phenomenon.
Oh, and yes—we talk about the gore, the cats, the aliens, and imposter syndrome too.

#dungeoncrawlercarl #mattdinniman #litRPG #scifiauthor #indieauthor #podcastclips #galaxyoneradio

Join us as we dive into the world of the (so far) unexplained with our Forces Behind Science expert,Michai Mathieu Morin.

In this episode, we unravel the enigma of the mysterious sightings initially reported in New Jersey—whatever they may be. Together, we explore intriguing theories and edge closer to uncovering the truth like no other broadcast has done before!

From there, we transition into the groundbreaking realm of AI, dissecting Sam Altman's recent revelation about his company's approach to AGI—an entirely new form of thinking digital being.

This isn't science fiction, folks; this isreality unfolding before us. Don't miss this captivating hour!

COEUS Institute (link)

Michai Mathieu Morin (link)

Amazon (link)

Chuck Osieja joins us to explore his gaming history, from designing Sega Genesis classics likeJoe Montana Sports Talk Football andWorld Series Baseballto leading iconic AAA franchises likeNeed for Speed UndergroundandGears of War 4.

A veteran game designer and creative director, Osieja reflects on his groundbreaking career, shares insights into his creative process, and discusses the evolution and current state of the gaming industry.

In this episode, we sit down withRobin Block, Founder and CEO of CREATORVC, a London-based independent production company renowned for its acclaimed documentaries, including theIn Search of Darkness trilogy,In Search of Tomorrow,Aliens Extended,andFPS: First Person Shooter.

We also discuss the funding process behind CreatorVC's first feature film, the upcoming horror filmShelby Oaks directed by YouTube host Chris Stuckman.

Visit CREATORVC's website

Join hosts Scott, Anthony, and Warren as they dive into Terrorbytes, the gripping new five-part documentary series by award-winning writer and historian Richard Moss. This 5+ hour exploration uncovers the chilling history of horror video games, featuring behind-the-scenes stories from industry legends who created Silent Hill, Dead by Daylight, Clock Tower, Eternal Darkness, and many more including DOOM’s very own (and former Galaxy One Radio guest) John Romero. 

Purchase on the Terrorbytes website: https://terrorbytesdoc.com/ 

#videogames #terror #horror #gaming

Join us for an inspiring conversation with LaToya Morgan, the dynamic writer, producer, and showrunner taking Hollywood by storm!

Born and raised in Los Angeles, LaToya honed her craft at the American Film Institute and through prestigious fellowships like the Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop.

From her early days writing for Showtime’s Shameless to her work on The Walking Dead as a co-executive producer, she’s built an impressive career crafting compelling stories.

Now, with her production company TinkerToy Productions and a multi-year deal with Warner Bros., she’s co-created and showrun the hit Max crime thriller Duster alongside J.J. Abrams.

A two-time NAACP Image Award nominee and creator of the sci-fi graphic novel Dark Blood, LaToya is also a passionate advocate for diverse voices, mentoring emerging writers through AMC’s Inclusion Initiative.

Listen in to explore her remarkable journey, her hit Max series Duster, and her exciting work on the Night of the Living Dead reboot!!

Olatunde Osunsanmi is a Nigerian-American director and producer renowned for his work in film and television. He launched his career with the short film Etat, delving into Nigeria’s 1970s political landscape, and rose to prominence directing Universal’s horror thriller The Fourth Kind (2009).

Osunsanmi has since amassed a notable portfolio, including TNT’s Falling Skies and a record-breaking 14 episodes of Star Trek: Discovery, more than any other director. He also served as executive producer for Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Section 31, cementing his influence in horror and science fiction.

Join us for an engaging interview with Wil Wheaton, New York Times bestselling author, Hugo finalist, and award-winning audiobook narrator, who just launched his own podcast - “It's Storytime” with Wil Wheaton, a weekly podcast narrating speculative fiction from emerging authors. 

From his breakout role in Stand By Me to playing Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation and hosting The Ready Room, Wil shares his diverse career, including co-creating Tabletop with Felicia Day. 

A survivor of child abuse with CPTSD, Wil a passionate mental health advocate, honored with the 2014 NAMI Rona and Ken Purdy Award. He also reflects on child acting challenges, and his family struggles.

Also make sure you check out > Rent A Pal!

• #WilWheaton
• #StorytimeWithWil
• #ItsStorytime
• #AudiobookPodcast
• #SpeculativeFiction
• #SciFiPodcast
• #FantasyStories
• #ShortStories
• #PodcastLife
• #StarTrek
• #WesleyCrusher
• #StandByMe
• #Tabletop
• #MentalHealthAwareness
• #CPTSD
• #ChildhoodTrauma
• #NarrativePodcast
• #NewPodcast
• #Storytelling
• #FictionPodcast

🚀 In this episode of Galaxy One Radio, we break the barrier in more ways than one — welcoming our first female guest, Dr. Laura Troiano, Dean of the Honors College at Rutgers University–Newark!
Laura is an expert in popular culture, nostalgia, narrative theory, and the evolving ways we experience entertainment today.

From the generational impact of Minecraft to the enduring lessons of HBO’s Westworld, we explore how pop culture both reflects and shapes the world we live in.

Tune in as we dive into:
🎮 How Minecraft became a world-building phenomenon for Gen Z
🛡️ Why Westworld is essential for understanding American identity and frontier myths
🎢 The hidden cultural power of theme parks like Disneyland and Dollywood
🎥 Why Pixar films — and the stories we tell — matter more than ever
📚 The future of storytelling, education, and critical thinking in the age of social media
Get ready for a fascinating ride through pop culture’s past, present, and future!

This week on Galaxy One Radio we’re joined by comic book power duo Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner. From reinventing Harley Quinn at DC, to redefining Marvel Knights, to launching creator-owned hits like Painkiller Jane, their fingerprints are all over modern comics, movies, and pop culture.

We dig into how they build stories across mediums, what it’s like balancing art and business, and where their creative journey is heading next. That includes a first look at their new Kickstarter project, Deep Sea—a graphic novel that dives into sci-fi mystery and the unknown beneath the waves.

• DEEP SEA Kickstarter is available at this LINK

• PaperFilms LINK

This week we’re joined by Young Dirty Bastard—Bar-Sun Unique Jones—the son of the legendary Ol’ Dirty Bastard from Wu-Tang Clan. YDB is stepping into a new creative lane with SEGA, dropping the track “The Path Has Just Begun” for the launch of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. This broadcast also marks the radio debut of the song—right here on WOND!

We dig into Wu-Tang’s lifelong love of kung fu, YDB’s summer on tour, his favorite games, and what it was like creating an original song for one of SEGA’s most iconic series. From hip-hop legacy to gaming culture, this conversation explores how music, martial arts, and video games collide—bridging generations in the process.

Joining the conversation are Esports on SI (Sports Illustrated) editor Trent Murray as co-host, alongside legendary Hollywood storyboard artist Warren Drummond and his son John Drummond.

Great interview. Great artist. Great game!
------------

Official 'The Path has Just Begun' video >> LINK

Official Sega Shinobi website >> LINK

Derek Haas is a novelist, screenwriter, and television creator whose work spans blockbuster films, bestselling thrillers, and one of the most enduring franchises on network TV. He co-wrote movies like 2 Fast 2 Furious, 3:10 to Yuma, and Wanted, and is the author of the acclaimed Silver Bear series.

On television, he created Chicago Fire and helped build NBC’s “One Chicago” universe—spinning off Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice—while also co-creating FBI: International. His latest project, Countdown, is a crime thriller that debuted on Amazon Prime in June 2025.

From novels to Hollywood blockbusters to TV universes that have lasted more than a decade, Haas has built a career defined by fast-paced storytelling and characters that stay with you.

This episode's guest is a powerhouse of storytelling and one of the visionary forces behind one of the most beloved sci-fi series of all time: Quantum Leap.

Deborah M. Pratt didn’t just create the show's idea—she was the executive producer, head writer, showrunner, and even the voice of Ziggy, the A.I. computer.

From Broadway to NBC, from starring in episodes of Happy Days, writing Magnum, P.I. and Airwolf to directing the Quantum Leap reboot, Deborah’s career spans every corner of Hollywood.

She’s a graduate of the American Film Institute, a four-time Emmy nominee, and a trailblazer who’s broken down barriers for women and people of color across the industry.

But her influence goes well beyond the screen. Deborah has served on the boards of the Writers Guild, Directors Guild, and SAG-AFTRA, using her voice to fight for representation and equity in entertainment.

She’s the author of seven novels, the creator of the Vision Quest sci-fi universe, and is currently directing a film based on her YA fantasy novel MIRRORS. She’s developing a stage play about 18th-century composer Joseph Bologne and launching Warrior One, a new graphic novel series!

More on her website > ⁠https://deborahmpratt.com⁠

In this episode, we welcome Jen McGowan, who discusses key Hollywood challenges, including diversity and the role of artificial intelligence.

Jen is an acclaimed director known for her impactful work in film and television, including standout episodes of Star Trek: Discovery - where she had added her flair for emotional depth with the franchise’s signature sci-fi. 

With a background in independent cinema, McGowan made her mark with the award-winning Kelly & Cal, which earned the Gamechanger Award at SXSW, and the gripping thriller Rust Creek, which received significant accolades for its feminist perspective and strong female characters.

Her television credits span diverse genres, from Reign to The Purge, showcasing her versatility and character-driven storytelling. A Tisch School of the Arts graduate and advocate for women in film, McGowan continues to shape the industry with her bold vision and mentorship.

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4duvW50JzXNZIcSZgRRB

Join Mur Lafferty, a trailblazing author and podcaster, for a deep dive into science fiction and fantasy.

Known for her witty, character-driven stories, Mur has (at least) 9 novels, including the Hugo-nominated Six Wakes and the cozy sci-fi mystery Station Eternity.

A podcasting pioneer since 2004, she hosts I Should Be Writing and co-hosts the Hugo-winning Ditch Diggers.

In this episode, we explore her creative process, from crafting original alien cultures to expanding Star Wars canon in Solo: A Star Wars Story Expanded Edition.

Mur shares insights on her cozy murder mysteries, the Midsolar Murders series and offers inspiration for writers and sci-fi fans alike.

• Visit the ⁠Murverse Mothership⁠

In this landmark episode of Galaxy One Radio, we sit down with a true titan of the industry and Warren Drummond’s previous collaborator, Ron Howard. From his early days as a household name on The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days to becoming an Oscar-winning director and the architect of Imagine Entertainment, Ron has navigated Hollywood from every possible angle for over six decades.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Galaxy Far, Far Away: In honor of Star Wars Day 2026, Ron dives deep into the creative "moving train" of Solo: A Star Wars Story. He reveals the problem-solving required to steer a massive franchise and the unique pressure of taking the helm of cinema’s most beloved saga.
  
• The "Beautiful Madness" of Hollywood: We explore Ron’s recent, Emmy-nominated return to acting in Apple TV+’s The Studio. Ron shares candid thoughts on how realistically the show captures the chaos of the business and what it’s like to step back in front of the lens after years behind it.
  
• A Career of Reinvention: Whether it’s the foundational magic of The Grinch, the high-stakes tension of Apollo 13, or his Grammy-winning documentary The Beatles: Eight Days a Week, Ron breaks down his philosophy on storytelling and staying relevant in an ever-changing industry.

Bumper music provided by Nigel Ross-Yong-Ching

We’re joined by the multi-platinum recording artist and Grammy nominee Larry the Cable Guy. From his meteoric rise as part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour to becoming the voice of "Mater" in Disney/Pixar’s Cars, Larry has remained one of the most recognizable forces in American comedy.

Anthony Gaud and co-host BWG Global’s Justin Ruiss sat down with Joost van Dreunen, NYU Stern professor, author of One Up, and one of the sharpest analysts in the global video game industry, for a wide-ranging conversation about where games are headed in 2025.

We covered the major forces reshaping the industry, from why 2025 became the year of independent developers to how character design and storytelling are finally reflecting broader audiences. We dug into the real, non-PR version of AI in game development, unpacked Microsoft’s turbulent year, and wrapped with our picks for the 2025 Game Awards

Producer: Natasha Waller

Joost weblinks:

• NYU Stern
• SuperJoost Blog
• Buy ‘One Up’