Every Hugo Ever

By: Sam Johnson & Jack Alexander
  • Summary

  • Every Hugo Ever is the show exploring the history and legacy of the science fiction genre through the illustrious Hugo Awards! Each week co-hosts Jack Alexander and Samael Johnson will read and discuss the winner of the Hugo Short Story Award, ranking them one by one to discover the best of the best. With over 50 years of history, there's plenty to discover. Join us to read fascinating stories, find your new favorite author, get a fun recommendation, and figure out if we can find the through line across decades of robots, rockets, and ringworlds.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sam Johnson
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Episodes
  • 16 - "Soldier, Ask Not" (1965)
    Dec 11 2024

    This is not a short story! The 1960s saw the Hugos group all the non-novel writing awards under "short fiction" and at a whopping 56 pages, Gordon R. Dickson delivers "Soldier, Ask Not", a tale that is clearly aimed at people who are already familiar with his Dorsai series. Nevertheless, Sam and Jack take the plunge to learn about war correspondent Tam Olyn and his actions on the planet of St. Marie. Torn apart by a war between human splinter races, Tam surely breaks some ethical guidelines to tip things in his favor.


    Recommendations:

    The Childe Cycle by Gordon R. Dickson

    Ethics in America produced by Columbia University

    Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein

    Nightcrawler directed by Dan Gilroy


    Next Episode: 1997's "'The Soul Selects Her Own Society: Invasion and Repulsion: A Chronological Reinterpretation of Two of Emily Dickinson's Poems' A Wellsian Perspective" by Connie Willis


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    This podcast is not affiliated with the Hugo Awards or Worldcon. Music provided by HookSounds.com, Pixabay.com, and Joel Steudler


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 15 - "The Star" (1956)
    Nov 20 2024

    Content Warning for discussions of child abuse from 18:00-22:30

    Hades game spoilers at 3:10


    Scientific studies and organized religion have both benefited from each other and butted heads over the centuries, and science fiction is no different. Many writers have their takes on how greater understanding of our universe can shape our faiths. Arthur C. Clark opens the universe to one devout astrophysicist who finds a sign that doesn't disprove God, but makes him wonder about the kind of mercy the Almighty provides.


    Recommendations:

    The Book of Job translated by Robert Alter

    Enders Game & Speaker of the Dead by Orson Scott Card

    The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask developed by Nintendo


    Next Episode: 1965's "Soldier, Ask Not" by Gordon R. Dickson


    Support Us on Ko-fi

    Follow us on Bluesky!


    This podcast is not affiliated with the Hugo Awards or Worldcon. Music provided by HookSounds.com, Pixabay.com, and Joel Steudler


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
  • 14 - "That Hell-Bound Train" (1959)
    Nov 6 2024

    There's always a devil, a man, a deal to be made. For how sacred a soul is supposed to be, many don't seem to have issues with signing away their eternal fate for a bit of mortal pleasure. Martin is one such person, trying like many have before to get one over on the Adversary and avoid that Hell-Bound train. He can stop the ride at any time, but does he really want that? Sam and Jack discuss the iterations of the Faustian bargain, Halloween traditions, and one nominee that everyone seems to think really should have won.


    Recommendations:

    “Beat the Devil” by Kris Kristofferson

    “Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band

    “A Soldier’s Tale” by Igor Stravinsky

    "Friends on the Other Side" from The Princess and the Frog

    "The Devil's Hands are Idle Playthings" from Futurama

    Puella Magi Madoka Magic animated by Shaft



    Next Episode: 1956's "The Star" by Arthur C. Clark


    Support Us on Ko-fi

    Follow us on Twitter


    This podcast is not affiliated with the Hugo Awards or Worldcon. Music provided by HookSounds.com, Pixabay.com, and Joel Steudler


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 12 mins

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