In episode 71, Richard and Michael reach the finale of the Xenogenesis trilogy. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:02:01 - Chapter 15 predictions 00:04:44 - Chapter 15 00:05:06 - Consensus and radio signals 00:18:31 - Chapter 15 again 00:21:39 - End of chapter 15 and consensus again 00:28:43 - Chapter 16 predictions 00:31:53 - Chapte…

In episode 68, Richard and Michael, after long New Year break, go off tangent about adaptations of various series. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:02:19 - Chapter 13 predictions 00:04:21 - Chapter 13 00:07:54 - Neocolonalism [1] 00:16:05 - Chapter 14 predictions 00:17:43 - Chapter 14 00:21:58 - Colony and choices of humans 00:27:0…

In episode 69, (Nice ;) ) Richard and Michael discuss the gritty real feel of Octavia’s fantastical world and how this is achieved, The Ooloi take the gloves off in influencing the humans, and the humans seem to have made some rare sensible decisions. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:02:00 - Chapter 11 predictions 00:04:00 - Realis…

In episode 68, Richard and Michael discuss how our eyes adjust to darkness and how much more powerful the construct Oankali are in creating an aphrodisiac. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:02:14 - Chapter 9 predictions 00:02:46 - Chapter 9 begins 00:05:58 - Darkvision [1 - 5] 00:15:44 - Back to chapter 9 00:18:18 - “You know we won…

In episode 67, Richard and Michael discuss another rare human genetic disorder, the tactlessness of the Ooloi and the confusion of the humans about the mysterious evaporation of their reservations about the Oankali now that they’ve experienced them. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:28 - Welcome and Extra arms 00:02:40 - Chapter 7 predictions 00:04…

In episode 66, Richard and Michael discuss the nature and complexity of human infidelity. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:03:06 - Chapter 5 predictions 00:04:34 - Chapter 5 summary 00:05:51 - Examples of extreme human behaviour [1, 2] 00:08:26 - Human contradiction and fish smell 00:11:29 - Acute need for mates 00:14:30 - Back to …

In episode 65, Richard and Michael discuss the Ooloi genetic memory being a form of external storage as well as Tomas and Jesusa’s discovery that the can’t be away from Jodahs. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:30 - Welcome 00:01:20 - Chapter 3 predictions 00:03:28 - Chapter 3 summary 00:05:32 - Dissolution of Aaor’s body 00:07:10 - Danger of loose…

In episode 64, Richard and Michael discuss the ooloi perspective and Nikanj’s sinister advices. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:03:26 - Back at Kahguyaht 00:03:59 - Chapter 1 predictions 00:05:39 - Chapter 1 summary 00:09:43 - Lilith’s advise 00:11:12 - Kahguyaht is an … 00:13:03 - Lilith’s sacrifice 00:16:31 - Change in Oankali 0…

In episode 63, Richard and Michael discuss Lilith’s disapprobation of Jodahs’ approach to the acquisition of Human mates, Spina bifida, Neurofibromatosis, the resilience of the Oankali organelle and trendiness in scientific publishing. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:31 - Welcome 00:01:28 - Last Chapters of par II 00:01:54 - Chapter 11 prediction…

In episode 62, Richard and Michael discuss if Pangolins sweat and realize that Michael’s view of Oankali is still too normal. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:37 - “Friend”? 00:02:24 - More energy, full optimism 00:02:57 - Chapter 9 predictions 00:03:51 - Chapter 9 summary begins 00:05:57 - Michael fanboying at Richard [1] 00:10…

In episode 61, Richard and Michael consider the parallels between the Oankali to vampires. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:31 - Welcome 00:01:50 - Chapter 7 predictions 00:05:00 - Orbital Oankali eyes? 00:06:36 - Chapter 7 summary starts 00:06:42 - Jodhas’ stalker vibes 00:08:02 - Human faced pangolin to creepy clone 00:09:50 - Horror or Jodhas’ …

In episode 60, Richard and Michael discuss Jodhas’ new form as a giant stalkery pangolin with a human face and hands. We also meet fertile new pair of humans with a genetic condition, Jesusa & Tomas. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:31 - Welcome 00:01:40 - Chapter 5 predictions 00:02:17 - Chapter 5 summary starts 00:04:26 - Jodhas’ peculiar appear…

In episode 59, Richard and Michael discuss the open sex culture of the Oankali families and El Chupacabra that Jodahs became. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:58 - Chapter 3 predictions 00:03:51 - Chapter 3 summary starts 00:06:45 - Vision’s importance [1] 00:08:40 - Post-nuclear sickness [2 - 4] 00:13:09 - Chapter 3 ends 00:14:…

In episode 58, Richard and Michael discuss the abilities of ooloi constructs and how the resisters should mess with Nikanj’s family. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:00:58 - Content corner 00:15:36 - Part 1 summary 00:22:51 - Chapter 1 predictions 00:24:24 - Chapter 1 summary 00:29:31 - Ooloi possessiveness 00:32:13 - Chapter 1 aga…

In episode 57, Richard and Michael discuss the drama ensuing from Jodahs and its family’s departure and encounter with some unpleasant resisters. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:40 - Welcome 00:02:30 - Chapter 7 predictions 00:03:45 - Chapter 7 summary 00:06:00 - Experimenting on the humans in stasis 00:06:40 - Closer 1st person on Johdas 00:10:0…

In episode 56, Richard and Michael discuss the pressure on Jodahs and his family as well as Lilith’s guilt. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:53 - Chapter 5 predictions 00:06:39 - Chapter 5 summary 00:07:38 - Lo and the ships 00:12:07 - Back to chapter 5 00:15:44 - Tehkorahs 00:18:14 - Chapter 6 predictions 00:19:13 - Chapter 6 s…

In episode 55, Richard and Michael discuss the biology of the ooloi and their Yashi organ. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:03:07 - Chapter 3 predictions 00:05:08 - Chapter 3 summary 00:11:27 - Chapter 4 predictions 00:12:42 - Chapter 4 summary 00:13:03 - Multiple metamorphoses in animals 00:15:15 - Rhesus disease and evolutionary …

In episode 51, Richard and Michael discuss th exciting first two chapters of the last book of the Xenogenesis trilogy and their new protagonist. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:02:53 - Meaning of Imago 00:04:21 - Chapter 1 predictions 00:05:45 - Chapter 1 summary begins 00:07:41 - Maturation process and acquiring new senses (not s…

In episode 53 (Special Episode 3), Richard and Michael discuss Ageing and Immortality, from a biological and Ethical prespectives. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:31:00 - Intro 00:03:22 - Historical Lifespan Trends [1,2] 00:08:36 - Definitions: Ageing, Immortality 00:11:54 - Aging as increasing risk of death with time [3,4], Negligible senescence [5…

In episode 52, Richard and Michael discuss the Final 2 Chapters of Adulthood-Rites and reflect on the book as a whole. Tangents include smoke inhalation and gait recognition technology. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:30 - Welcome to the last Episode of Book 2 00:02:58 - Chapter 7 predictions 00:04:12 - Chapter 7 begins 00:04:22 - Fire! 00:05:41 …

In episode 51, Richard and Michael discuss the possibility of uranium enrichment in a biological system. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:03:29 - Chapter 5 predictions 00:04:30 - Chapter 5 begins 00:07:41 - Story got dark 00:10:07 - Issues with the first colonies and colonists on Mars 00:17:49 - Akin’s small stature [1 - 3] 00:23:3…

In episode 50, Richard and Michael discuss the effects of hypothermia on the human body, dislike towards Gabe and the fact that Akin has Stockholm syndrome. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:33 - Expectations towards Gabe 00:02:07 - Chapter 3 predictions 00:03:01 - Chapter 3 summary 00:04:56 - Hypothermia and cryopreservation [1 …

In episode 48, Richard and Michael discuss teraforming, revisit the biology of Huntington’s disease and talk about the difference between the ideals and the institutions of science. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:38 - Welcome 00:03:28 - Chapter 1 predictions 00:04:43 - Chapter 1 summary begins 00:16:26 - Chapter 1 ends 00:16:46 - Chapter 2 predi…

In episode 48, Richard and Michael discuss Akin’s task to prepare the way for a Human Akjai, Tiikuchahk’s choice of a sex/gender, and get a bit sidetracked relating the workings of the Oanlaki consensus to human political considerations. We also reflect on the ark and review some of the subjects we discussed while reading it. Timestamps 00:00:00 - …

In episode 47, Richard and Michael discuss Fungal communications & Oankali ooloi pheromones and sexual interactions that the author is exploring without settling on any answers. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:22 - Chapter 9 predictions 00:03:51 - Chapter 9 summary begins 00:04:57 - Message system 00:06:11 - Sterility on the sh…

Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:37 - Welcome 00:01:03 - Still with the Giant caterpillar Oankali 00:02:20 - Chapter 7 predictions 00:03:22 - Chapter 7 Summary 00:03:24 - Akin’s Akjai mentor 00:03:52 - Gravity on the Ship - DBZ & Expanse references [1] 00:05:53 - Akin learns about working with the Animal and plants of the ship 00:06:10 - Missed op…

In episode 45, Richard and Michael discuss if conscious animals that are happy to do what we want is really a good idea… (it really is not). Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:13 - We are still salty about not knowing about the propulsion method 00:03:26 - Chapter 5 predictions 00:04:11 - Chapter 5 starts with a sphincter 00:06:01…

In episode 44, Richard and Michael discuss the shuttle’s structure, propulsion and the feelings it experiences in space, as well as the mothership’s power source. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:50 - Quick clarification about naked molerats 00:05:15 - Chapter 3 predictions 00:05:53 - Chapter 3 summary begins 00:08:01 - Inconven…

In episode 43, We learn some interesting new things about Oankali biology and Akin acts adolescent. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:39 - Welcome 00:04:56 - Chapter 1 predictions 00:07:22 - Chapter 1 Summary begins 00:09:30 - Puberty in the Human / Oankali Constructs 00:15:04 - Tino’s Discomfort with Dichaan & the Nature Vs. Nurture Theme 00:30:05…

In episode 42, Richard and Michael finish and summarise their experience from part 2 Phoenix of the book Adulthood Rites. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:02:00 - Content corner 00:15:34 - Predictions for Chapter 23 00:16:46 - Summary of Chapter 23 begins 00:17:58 - Gabe, Tate and the Oankali 00:19:47 - Super Sayian Lilith 00:23:58…

In episode 41, Richard and Michael discuss if Akin is a version of a messiah Paul Atreides from Dune. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:03 - Content corner - new species, anime, books, movies and more! [1] 00:10:07 - Predictions for chapter 20 00:11:06 - Chapter 20 summary begins 00:12:11 - Re-creating ancient animals [2 - 4] 00:…

In episode 40, Richard and Michael discuss: Oankali sibling bonding, and how they handle their booze. How Octavia’s characters are rich, complex, contradictory, real, and redeamable. The Nature of sleep and dreams, as well as the character of Human extinction. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:34 - Welcome 00:01:49 - What will we read when we’re do…

In episode 39, Richard and Michael discuss plastics ill advised use of alcohol as an anaesthetic and possibility of a human Akjai Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:10 - Almost done with part II Phoenix 00:01:56 - Chapter 16 predictions 00:02:07 - Pronunciation of Neci? 00:03:56 - Chapter 16 summary begins 00:06:17 - How much was …

In episode 38, Richard and Michael really quickly go off tangent about cephalopods. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:18 - Chapter 14 predictions 00:02:14 - Michael notices a pattern on types of character in the book 00:03:10 - Chapter 14 summary begins 00:04:14 - Eyes and evolution [1 - 3] 00:08:09 - Cephalopods and camouflage […

In episode 37, Richard and Michael discuss the priorites of which knowledge should be written down first to preseve it in future. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:00:53 - Richard needs to work on his response time 00:01:31 - Chapter 12 predictions 00:02:35 - Chapter 12 summary starts 00:05:46 - We marvel again about Oankali memory …

In episode 36, Richard and Michael come up with a new, scientifically proven diet. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:00:53 - Michael looks forward to the future part 00:02:14 - Predictions for Chapter 10 00:02:59 - Chapter 10 summary begins 00:03:50 - Ability to detect protein levels [1] 00:12:41 - Adipocytes and fat lipids [2-4] 00…

In episode 35 Michael & Richard initially become distracted by Anime and return to discuss Akin’s Arrival at Phoenix. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:28 - Intro 00:01:00 - YOYOing on arival at Phoenix 00:01:32 - Why they were avoiding Phoenix 00:02:10 - We took a summer break 00:02:30 - We discuss some stuff we read/watched while away 00:02:44 - …

In episode 34, Richard and Michael discuss who would and has survived the nuclear holocaust in Xenogenesis’ world. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:02 - Chapter 7 predictions 00:01:43 - Chapter 7 starts 00:02:11 - A Karen version of a human being 00:04:48 - Michael still can’t comprehend the behaviour of the captors 00:09:26 - B…

In this episode: Richard and Michael thank fungi for the lack of giant bugs. Akin engages in unintentional creepy child horror gas-lighting. We also see a reprise of the Agouti. Richard sells out humanity (again), but offers a cunning plan for their survival first. Also: This is the version Octavia toned down? Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:30 -…

In episode 32, Richard and Michael discuss how badly humans would probably mess up having conscious control of our low level bodily functions. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:20 - Chapter 3 predictions 00:03:37 - DnD character 00:04:06 - Chapter 3 summary begins 00:05:07 - Implications of infrared vision were already discussed …

In episode 31, Richard and Michael discuss how small mistakes in movies can really be bothering and how irritatingly stupid the humas are in the book. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:13 - Richard prounances the unprounancable 00:01:43 - Oankali language basis 00:03:07 - If we miss stuff, it will be in the references 00:03:40 - …

In Episode 30 Michael and Richard discuss Akin’s cool under pressure. Tangents include: transformative works in copyright, Deep sea creatures, Uranium enrichment, and Swiss neutrality. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:31 - Intro 00:01:28 - Length of the books 00:02:14 - F&*K the DMCA [1] 00:03:00 - Transformative works Google Vs Perfect 10 [2] 00:…

In episode 29, Richard and Michael discuss Tino’s extensive fascination with Lilith’s breasts… Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:40 - Richard’s interactive plot 00:02:18 - Chapter 6 predictions 00:04:38 - Chapter 6 summary begins 00:06:10 - How would movie adaptation look like? [1] 00:07:30 - People appreciate costumes and animat…

In episode 28 Tino visit the village, is the center of attention and misses the mark on Oankali technology. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:30:00 - Intro 00:01:40 - Stargate Atlantis 00:02:37 - New things you hear about on podcasts 00:03:15 - Michael’s Predictions 00:04:20 - Schrodinger’s Richard 00:04:30 - Chapter Summary 00:05:16 - Tino Arrives wi…

In episode 27, Richard and Michael learn more about Akin’s family and admire Lilith’s strength. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:01:53 - Michael tries to explain how he feels about Book 1 and 2 of Xenogenesis trilogy 00:05:31 - Chapter 3 predictions 00:06:40 - Chapter 3 summary begins - Ahajas 00:08:10 - Richard keeps his mouth shu…

In episode 26, Richard and Michael finally delve into the Book 2 of Octavia Butler’s Xenogenesis trilogy, Adulthood Rites. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Start 00:00:32 - Welcome 00:02:27 - Chapter 1 predictions 00:04:01 - Chapter 1 summary begins 00:06:30 - Experience that no-one can remember 00:09:12 - Development of self-consciousness in babies [1, 2] 00…

Michael and Richard discuss and analyse the film GATTACA, cinemtographically and in terms of the bioethical questions it raises. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:32 - Welcome to our special episode on GATTACA 00:55:00 - Why GATTACA? - Good hard sci-fi for biology 00:02:05 - The challenge of predicting the future in a science of complexity like bio…

In Episode 24, Richard and Michael discuss the final chapter of Xenogenesis Book 1: Dawn. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:32 - Opening discussion 00:01:03 - Michael and Richard discuss the final spoiler of the chapter… 00:01:52 - Chapter 9 predictions 00:03:25 - Everyone is a future-teller, just with wrong timings 00:04:13 - End of the World pred…

In Episode 23, Richard and Michael discuss the issues with the Oankali scientific research. Timestamps 00:00:32 - Intro 00:01:21 - A whole year of content 00:03:37 - Chapter 7 predictions 00:05:46 - Chapter 7 summary begins 00:09:06 - Kahguyaht destroys Curt 00:13:34 - The battle begins 00:16:05 - “It’s ok, it will heal” 00:17:23 - The Oankali had …

In Episode 22, Richard and Michael talk about ants and bees, how bad people are at long-term planning, and how can we imagine new experiences (seeing in infra-red, UV, etc.). Timestamps 00:00:33 - Intro 00:03:01 - Chapter 5 predictions 00:03:38 - Chapter 5 summary begins 00:04:47 - Oxbow lake formation [1] 00:06:40 - Gabriel having issue with Lilit…