Commander Rick discusses first contact with various guests, how has this been depicted in speculative fiction and what would be the challenges of interacting with beings that could have different forms - could we even communicate with them
Commander Rick discuses fans of speculative fiction with various writers, artists and actors. The origins of fandom in early magazines are explored and the conventions spawned by their passion, as well their interactions both good and bad.
Commander Rick discuses Time Travel with various writers and whether it is indeed theoretically possible or is it just a plot device that allows us to examine our own society or to to satirize our culture.
Commander Rick discuses shared world's in speculative fiction, including the fantasy series "Thieves World", the sci-fi superhero series "Wild Cards" and the "Star Trek" novels. Also comics like Marvel and DC universes and others.
Commander Rick discuses the various awards for speculative fiction with winners of those awards. What do the awards mean in terms of personal satisfaction or success, do awards change them or their writing and are the awards fairly chosen.
Commander Rick, host of the speculative fiction series Prisoners of Gravity, dedicates an entire episode to celebrate the legendary comic book creator, Jack Kirby.
Commander Rick covers how speculative fiction has addressed racism previously and currently in discussions with a number of creators including Will Eisner, Andre Norton and Spider Robinson.
Commander Rick discuses immortality in speculative fiction from vampires to cryogenics to other methods of extending a normal lifespan. This raises questions such as are made to live longer, is it worth it and would we still be human.
Commander Rick and his guests discuss utopia or at least the idea of utopia as the consensus seems to be that a true utopia could not exist and that perhaps it is just the journey to a better society that is the true ideal.
Commander Rick and his guests discuss ecology and how science fiction in particular has highlighted the consequences of overpopulation and over consumption for decades despite the resistance of governments and other institutions.