The Blasters and Blades Podcast

The Blasters & Blades PodcastA Solo Mission to Save Earth: Reviewing Project Hail MaryMemory loss, interstellar extinction, and an unlikely alien partnership—Andy Weir’s brilliant hard-sci-fi novel has officially hit the big screen! In this movie review panel, we’re strapping in and heading for the Tau Ceti solar system to dissect the cinematic adaptation of Project Hail Mary. Join us as we break down Ryan Gosling’s performance as lone astronaut Ryland Grace, the translation of science-heavy problem solving from page to screen, and how the filmmakers brought everyone’s favorite spider-like alien engineer, Rocky, to life. Is it a worthy successor to The Martian? We’re analyzing every orbit!
Today's Host: JR HandleyWe work for free, so if you wanna throw a few pennies our way there is a linked Buy Me A Coffee site where you can do so. Just mention the podcast in the comments when you donate, and I'll keep the sacred bean water boiling!Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AuthorJRHandley Our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/blastersandbladespodcast Today's SponsorThe Blasters & Blades Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AuthorJRHandley Check out the Movie!Movie Link: https://www.amazon.com/Project-Hail-Mary-Blu-ray-Gosling/dp/B0GPRB3SPLMovie Trailer Link: https://youtu.be/m08TxIsFTRI?si=DxBFpboNTGlo2Vtf Follow Charli Cox on social mediaCharli’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Charli-Cox/author/B0C8BX33XL Charli’s Website: https://www.charlicox.net/ Charli’s Substack: substack.com/@charlicox1121Charli’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharliCoxAuthor/Charli’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlicox1121?lang=enCharli’s Dot Page: https://dot.cards/charlicox Follow JR Handley on social mediaJR’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-R.-Handley/author/B01N0SEX3AJR’s Website: https://jrhandley.com/JR’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgt.jr.handleyJR’s Substack: https://jrhandley.substack.com/Follow Melissa McShane on social mediaMelissa’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Melissa-McShane/author/B00TON8E1Q Melissa’s Website: www.melissamcshanewrites.com Melissa’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mcshaneminions Melissa's Store: http://www.nightharborpress.com/ #scifishenanigans #scifishenaniganspodcast #bbp #blastersandblades #blastersandbladespodcast #podcast #scifipodcast #fantasypodcast #scifi #fantasy #books #rpg #comics #fandom #literature #comedy #veteran #army #armyranger #ranger #scififan #redshirts #scifiworld #sciencefiction #scifidaily #scificoncept #podcastersofinstagram #scificons #podcastlife #podcastsofinstagram #scifibooks #awardwinningscifi #newepisode #podcastersofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcast #scifigeek #scifibook #sfv #scifivisionaries #firesidechat #chat #panel #fireside #religionquestion #coffee #tea #coffeeortea #JRHandley #NickGarber #MadamStabby #MovieReview #Review #OpalKingdomPress #JenaRey #JanaSBrown #CharliCox #MelissaMcShane #TravisCox #ProjectHailMary #ProjectHailMary #ProjectHailMaryMovie #HailMary #RyanGosling #MovieReview #SciFi #ScienceFiction #SpaceMovie #PhilLord #ChrisMiller #AndyWeir #BookToFilm #Rocky #AmcTheatres #IMAX #MustWatch #MovieNight #SciFiMovie #Gosling #BelieveInTheHailMary #RyanGosling #MovieReview #SciFi #HailMary #PhilLord #ChrisMiller #AndyWeir #Rocky #SpaceMovie#DrRylandGrace #RylandGrace #SandraHüller #EvaStratt #JamesOrtiz #Rocky #LionelBoyce #Carl #KenLeung #YaoLiJie #MilanaVayntrub #OlesyaIlyukhina #LizKingsman #OrionLee #DrLi #MichelleGreenidge #DamiendeFroberville #RayPorter #MerylStreep #ProjectHailMaryMovie #Eridian #SciFiMovies #CinematicSciFi #MoviePodcast #SciFiPodcast #HardSciFi #SpaceMovies #FistBumpCopyright @ Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) & Amazon MGM Studios LLC 2026. Any illegal reproduction of this content will result in immediate legal action by the rights holder. The clips used in this movie review were utilized under the Fair Use Doctrine and are transformative in nature.

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWhat would you do if you won the ultimate trip to space, only to realize the mission holds dangerous secrets? In this episode, we sit down with author Kieran Fanning to discuss his thrilling science fiction adventure, Ticket to Mars. Blending fast-paced exploration, futuristic tech, and gripping suspense, Fanning delivers a story that pulls readers straight into the cockpit of interplanetary travel. We discuss his inspiration for the book, how he balances realistic space science with high-octane storytelling, and his secret to writing middle-grade and YA adventures that keep readers glued to every page. This was a fun interview, so go check out this episode. Join us for a fun show! We're just a couple of nerdy Army veterans geeking out on things that go "abracadabra," "pew," "zoom," "boop-beep" and rhyme with Science Fiction & Fantasy. Co-Hosts: JR Handley (Author) (Grunt)Nick Garber (Comic Book Artist) (Super Grunt)Madam Stabby Stab (Uber Fan) (Horror Nerd)Jana S Brown (Author) (Chief Shenanigator)We work for free, so if you wanna throw a few pennies our way there is a linked Buy Me A Coffee site where you can do so. Just mention the podcast in the comments when you donate, and I'll keep the sacred bean water boiling!Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AuthorJRHandley Our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/blastersandbladespodcast Today's SponsorThe Steel Trap by R Max Tillsley: https://www.amazon.com/Steele-Trap-Susie-Adventures-Book-ebook/dp/B07STKQYYQ/ Ticket to Mars by Kieran Fanning: https://a.co/d/04yYQQan Follow Kieran Fanning on social mediaKieran’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kieran-Fanning/author/B0034PYCXY Kieran’s Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Kieran-Fanning/258294516 Kieran’s Website: https://www.kieranfanning.com Kieran’s Twitter: https://x.com/KieranJFanning Kieran’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@kieranfanningauthor Kieran’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kieran.fanning.129 Kieran’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kieranfanningauthor/ Kieran’s Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ie/shop/KieranFanningBooks Kieran’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/purplekf #scifishenanigans #scifishenaniganspodcast #bbp #blastersandblades #blastersandbladespodcast #podcast #scifipodcast #fantasypodcast #scifi #fantasy #books #rpg #comics #fandom #literature #comedy #veteran #army #armyranger #ranger #scififan #redshirts #scifiworld #sciencefiction #scifidaily #scificoncept #podcastersofinstagram #scificons #podcastlife #podcastsofinstagram #scifibooks #awardwinningscifi #newepisode #podcastersofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcast #scifigeek #scifibook #sfv #scifivisionaries #firesidechat #chat #panel #fireside #religionquestion #coffee #tea #coffeeortea #CoffeeBrandCoffee #JRHandley #NickGarber #MadamStabby #JenaRey #JanaSBrown #OpalKingdomPress #TicketToMars #KieranFanning #starwars #jedi #georgelucas #lucasfilms #startrek #trekkie #firefly #serenity #browncoat #wheeloftime #wot #robertjordan #brandonsanderson #gameofthrones #got #grrm #georgerrmartin #ChroniclesofNarnia #CSLewis #triceratops #CharolettesWeb #SalmonOfKnowledge #ninja #SciFiReads #MarsMission #SpaceAdventure #YASciFi #MiddleGradeSciFi #KidsLit #YAAuthor #SciFiBooks #SpaceExploration #InteractiveFiction #AuthorInterview #WritingCommunity #ChildrensAuthors #STEMinLit #BookTok #Bookstagram #MustReadSciFi #BookRecommendation #MiddleGradeReads

The Blasters & Blades PodcastStep into a world where light isn’t just a comfort—it’s a lifeline. In this episode, we sit down with fantasy author Trevor Ryback to dive into his captivating book, City of Lanturn. Blending rich worldbuilding, deep mystery, and high-stakes tension, Ryback crafts an unforgettable urban setting where danger lurks just beyond the glow. We discuss the spark behind his unique setting, his process for weaving complex mysteries into high fantasy, and how he builds characters that shine even in the darkest circumstances. Light your torches and tune in for a fascinating chat on speculative fiction craft! This was a fun interview, so go check out this episode. Join us for a fun show! We're just a couple of nerdy Army veterans geeking out on things that go "abracadabra," "pew," "zoom," "boop-beep" and rhyme with Science Fiction & Fantasy. Co-Hosts: JR Handley (Author) (Grunt)Nick Garber (Comic Book Artist) (Super Grunt)Madam Stabby Stab (Uber Fan) (Horror Nerd)Jana S Brown (Author) (Chief Shenanigator)We work for free, so if you wanna throw a few pennies our way there is a linked Buy Me A Coffee site where you can do so. Just mention the podcast in the comments when you donate, and I'll keep the sacred bean water boiling!Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AuthorJRHandley Our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/blastersandbladespodcast Today's SponsorSuave Rob's Double-X Derring Do by J. Daniel Sawyer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008CNLLRI City of Lanturn by Trevor Ryback: https://a.co/d/0if3mXcQ Follow Trevor Ryback on social mediaTrevor’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/trevor-ryback Trevor’s Cover Artist: https://www.instagram.com/royalomari_

The Blasters & Blades PodcastWant to know the secrets of writing award-winning science fiction? Today, we are interviewing grandmaster Robert J. Sawyer about his essential book, Sawyer on Science Fiction. Far from a standard manual, this collection of essays and commentaries is a brilliant, witty, and deeply insightful look at the genre's history, craft, and future. Stream the full episode to hear Rob talk about his legendary career, his writing process, and his advice for the next generation of speculative fiction authors! This was a fun interview, so go check it out. Join us for a fun show! We're just a couple of nerdy Army veterans geeking out on things that go "abracadabra," "pew," "zoom," "boop-beep" and rhyme with Science Fiction & Fantasy. Co-Hosts: JR Handley (Author) (Grunt)Nick Garber (Comic Book Artist) (Super Grunt)Madam Stabby Stab (Uber Fan) (Horror Nerd)Jana S Brown (Author) (Chief Shenanigator)We work for free, so if you wanna throw a few pennies our way there is a linked Buy Me A Coffee site where you can do so. Just mention the podcast in the comments when you donate, and I'll keep the sacred bean water boiling!Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AuthorJRHandley Our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/blastersandbladespodcast Today's SponsorSawyer on Science Fiction by Robert J. Sawyer: https://sfwriter.com/buylinks.htm Follow Robert J Sawyer on social mediaRobert’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-J.-Sawyer/author/B0H8K6S3DL Robert’s Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/authors/robert-j-sawyer Robert’s Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Robert-J-Sawyer/266550639 Robert’s Website: https://www.sfwriter.com/ Robert’s Twitter: https://x.com/RobertJSawyer Robert’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/robertjsawyer.com Robert’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertjsawyer/ Robert’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjsinto/ Robert’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/robertjsawyer Robert’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robertj.sawyer Robert’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/robertjsawyer Robert’s Substack: https://robertjsawyer.substack.com/ Dr. Chris Raynor YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisRaynorMD/videos #scifishenanigans #scifishenaniganspodcast #bbp #blastersandblades #blastersandbladespodcast #podcast #scifipodcast #fantasypodcast #scifi #fantasy #books #rpg #comics #fandom #literature #comedy #veteran #army #armyranger #ranger #scififan #redshirts #scifiworld #sciencefiction #scifidaily #scificoncept #podcastersofinstagram #scificons #podcastlife #podcastsofinstagram #scifibooks #awardwinningscifi #newepisode #podcastersofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcast #scifigeek #scifibook #sfv #scifivisionaries #firesidechat #chat #panel #fireside #religionquestion #coffee #tea #coffeeortea #CoffeeBrandCoffee #JRHandley #NickGarber #MadamStabby #JenaRey #JanaSBrown #OpalKingdomPress #SawyerOnScienceFiction #RobertJSawyer #starwars #jedi #georgelucas #lucasfilms #startrek #trekkie #firefly #serenity #browncoat #wheeloftime #wot #robertjordan #brandonsanderson #gameofthrones #got #grrm #georgerrmartin #ChroniclesofNarnia #CSLewis #Stegasaurus #Triceratops #Thagomizers #Thagomizer #herbivore #brontosaurus #UtahRaptor #Raptor #Velociraptor #Primeval #Ontario #Mesozoic #Paleolithic #X-1 #XMinusOne #X-One

The Blasters & Blades PodcastAnother World, Another Time: Revisiting The Dark CrystalLong before CGI dominated the big screen, Jim Henson and Frank Oz dared to dream up an entire high-fantasy world brought to life exclusively through revolutionary puppetry, animatronics, and sheer artistic ambition. In this retro movie review episode, we’re hopping into the way-back machine to heal the Crystal of Truth and revisit the 1982 cult classic, The Dark Crystal. Join us as we break down the terrifying horror of the Skeksis, the quiet grace of the Mystics, Brian Froud’s legendary visual design, and why this dark, unapologetically eerie fantasy traumatized—and enchanted—an entire generation of kids.Co-Hosts:JR HandleyJana S BrownWe work for free, so if you wanna throw a few pennies our way there is a linked Buy Me A Coffee site where you can do so. Just mention the podcast in the comments when you donate, and I'll keep the sacred bean water boiling!Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AuthorJRHandleyOur LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/blastersandbladespodcastToday's SponsorOpal Kingdom Press: https://opalkingdompress.com/Check out the Movie!Movie Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Crystal-Limited-Steelbook-Blu-ray/dp/B0FJMRV72P/Movie Trailer Link: https://youtu.be/eaH6cOR8NKc?si=pv0dteBLCTtm1oJ3Follow Aaron of Big-Water Outdoors on social mediaMr Bigs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587334632868Mr Bigs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigwater_outdoorsMr Bigs YouTube: https://youtube.com/@bigwater_outdoorsMr Bigs TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigwaheh76cFollow Bill McUisdean on social mediaBill’s Website: https://zorne.substack.com/ Bill’s Substack: https://substack.com/@wylder396 Bill’s Twitter: https://x.com/Wylder396 Follow Jarret Keene on social mediaJarret’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jarret-Keene/author/B001JOTUPW Jarret’s Website: https://www.jarretkeene.net/ Jarret’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJarretKeene/ Follow Melanie Deer on social mediaMelanie’s Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Melanie-Deer/author/B0FCRHZ148Melanie’s Website: https://melaniedeer.wordpress.com/Melanie’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieDeerOfficialMelanie’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/melaniecdeer#scifishenanigans #scifishenaniganspodcast #bbp #blastersandblades #blastersandbladespodcast #podcast #scifipodcast #fantasypodcast #scifi #fantasy #books #rpg #fandom #literature #comedy #veteran #army #armyranger #ranger #scififan #redshirts #scifiworld #sciencefiction #scifidaily #scificoncept #podcastersofinstagram #scificons #podcastlife #podcastsofinstagram #scifibooks #awardwinningscifi #newepisode #podcastersofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcast #scifigeek #scifibook #sfv #scifivisionaries #panel #fireside #religionquestion #coffee #tea #coffeeortea #JRHandley #NickGarber #MadamStabby #MovieReview #Review #RetroMovieReview #OpalKingdomPress #JenaRey #JanaSBrown #TheDarkCrystal #JimHenson #FrankOz #AaronBigWaterOutdoors #BillMcUisdean #JarretKeene #MelanieDeer #DarkCrystal #FilmReview #DarkFantasy #FantasyFilm #80sMovies #CultClassic #PuppetMovie #Henson #CrystalOfTruth #MoviePodcast #FilmPodcast #PodcastRecommendation #NowPlaying #WhatImWatching #MoviePodcast #FilmReview #FantasyFilm #StephenGarlick #JerryNelson #KathrynMullen #LisaMaxwell #BillieWhitelaw #BarryDennen #DaveGoelz #PercyEdwards #MichaelKilgarriff #SteveWhitmire #LouiseGold #Gourmand #ThickWilson #BrianMuehl #Ornamentalist #urZah #SeánBarrett #BobPayne #JohnBaddeley #MikeQuinn #DavidBuck #TimRose #CharlesCollingwood #JeanPierreAmiel #HughSpight #RobbyBarnettCopyright @ Universal Pictures Associated Film Distribution & United International Pictures LLC 1983. Any illegal reproduction of this content will result in immediate legal action by the rights holder. The clips used in this movie review were utilized under the Fair Use Doctrine and are transformative in nature.