EP 42: Broken Futures

In this episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia are joined by special guest Ben Tanzer — author, podcaster, professor, and master of narratives that unsettle the ordinary. Together, they plunge into the speculative depths of Tanzer’s novel Orphans, exploring themes of broken futures, technological trauma, and the evolving human condition.The conversation ranges from clones and robots replacing human labor, to the haunting promise of forced leisure in an economy without purpose. With rich references to classic sci-fi literature, Twilight Zone episodes, and philosophical quandaries about identity, dignity, and obsolescence, this episode challenges listeners to rethink the very foundation of what makes us human.Plus: a look into Ben’s forthcoming memoir After Hours, and a surprise crossover announcement involving his podcast, This Podcast Will Change Your Life.More about our Guest:Ben Tanzer is an Emmy‑award–winning writer, coach, creative strategist, podcaster, and lecturer with over two decades of experience helping storytellers — including authors, nonprofits, and small businesses — find their voice. His award‑winning works span genres: from the science‑fiction novel Orphans to essay collections like Lost in Space and Be Cool, the short‑story collection Upstate, the recent novel The Missing, and his memoir After Hours: Scorsese, Grief and the Grammar of Cinema. Ben also hosts the long‑running podcast This Podcast Will Change Your Life. He teaches at Lake Forest College in Chicago and is deeply involved in both the literary and creative communities. Learn more at tanzerben.com.And don’t forget to Order: Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!The Scientist Article Featuring Joe: How Speculative Fiction Expands Scientific HorizonsIt’s Science for WeirdosWant to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on social media, Discord, share the podcast, and let us know what topics you are excited about. Leave a Comment. And for email alerts sign-up for the Substack newsletter and never miss an episode, exciting updates or the bonus images we talk about on the episodes. We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):What are your favorite examples of broken futures in sci-fi?Have you ever felt like technology was replacing something fundamentally human in your own life or work?Future Episodes:EP43: Animal SwarmsReleases September 3Swarm behavior, emergent intelligence, and the biology of the collective—science communicator Josh Fisher joins us to explore the strange genius of animals that move as one.EP44: H20MG: Lake Michigan, Life, and Everything in BetweenReleases September 17Cultural critic and writer Maud Lavin joins us to explore Lake Michigan as biome, metaphor, and muse. We dive into the intersections of ecology, identity, politics, memory, and myth.EP45-47: Three exciting episodes planned for our October month of Horror!Events:Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories – Book Release PartyJoe will be reading excerpts from the new anthology Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories at the official release party. Expect eerie storytelling, a Chicago DJ set by Plastic Crimewave, and over 10 authors reading live.Date: August 27Time: DJ starts at 6:00 PM; readings begin at 6:30 PMLocation: Comfort Station Logan Square, 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave., ChicagoEvent Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/761531809703016/Dragon ConJoe will appear as an Attending Professional at DragonCon in Atlanta from August 28 – September 1. Catch him on panels, in deep-dive discussions, and falling down more rabbit holes than time allows.For more stuff (Images, Episode Highlights, Notes and Fun Facts, events, etc), subscribe to our Substack newsletter!Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFVDon’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe