612. David P. Silverman: Science Fiction and Atheism

612. David P. Silverman: Science Fiction and Atheism

Author: David Barr Kirtley February 8, 2026 Duration: 1:03:12
David P. Silverman, author of Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World, joins us to discuss his new science fiction novella Darkshiner. Topics discussed: David's childhood, Star Trek and Trekkies, science fiction conventions, Douglas Adams, atheism among sci-fi fans, persuasion vs. coercion, the idea behind Darkshiner, fiction like Darkshiner, AI collaboration, human editors, scientific accuracy, character names, cover blurbs, Babylon 5, the current state of sci-fi TV, church tax breaks, Atheists for Liberty, Dungeons & Dragons, setting aside differences. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosted by David Barr Kirtley, author of "Save Me Plz and Other Stories," Geek's Guide to the Galaxy-A Science Fiction Podcast is a long-running conversation at the intersection of storytelling, science, and pop culture. Each episode features in-depth discussions with a remarkable roster of creators and thinkers, from legendary authors like Neil Gaiman, Ursula K. Le Guin, George R. R. Martin, and Margaret Atwood to scientists and personalities such as Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, and Richard Dawkins. The tone is thoughtful and engaging, more like a great conversation at a convention than a formal interview. Listeners get to hear these influential figures explore the ideas that fuel their work, dissect the nuances of genre fiction, and share personal insights on the stories and science that shape our world. It’s a deep dive for anyone curious about the mechanics of imagination and the real-world impact of speculative ideas. The podcast has earned its place on recommended lists from outlets like NPR, The Guardian, and Wired precisely because of its consistent quality and genuine passion for the subject. While the standard episodes are freely available, ad-free listening is offered as a benefit to direct supporters. At its core, this is a show built on the belief that the "geek" lens-one of deep curiosity and enthusiasm-offers a uniquely valuable way to examine everything from blockbuster films to cosmic questions.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Geek's Guide to the Galaxy - A Science Fiction Podcast
Podcast Episodes
573. Robert Charles Wilson: Science Fiction and Atheism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:14
Robert Charles Wilson joins us to discuss his books The Perseids and Other Stories and Owning the Unknown: A Science Fiction Writer Explores Atheism, Agnosticism, and the Idea of God. Ad-free episodes are available to ou…
571. Civil War Movie Review (with Myke Cole, Michael Livingston) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:45
Myke Cole and Michael Livingston join us to discuss the new Alex Garland movie Civil War, about a civil war breaking out in modern day America. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/ge…
569. Lionel Shriver: A Career of Courting Self-Destruction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:17
Lionel Shriver, author of We Need to Talk About Kevin, joins us to discuss her new books Mania and Abominations: Selected Essays from a Career of Courting Self-Destruction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho…
567. Téa Obreht, author of The Morningside [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:28
Téa Obreht, author of The Tiger’s Wife and Inland, joins us to discuss her dystopian novel The Morningside. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices