The Halfling and the Spaceman

Today we catch up with our friend, author and publisher,  Nicole Givens Kurtz., who we featured back in October of 2022!  She brings up up to speed on the events in her personal life as well as the goings on with Mocha Memoirs Press.References and Links:https://mochamemoirspress.com/https://nicolegivenskurtz.net/

We talked with Michelle Iannantuono live at AtomaCon..  She founded her own company Octopunk Media, and has produced 7 shorts, 4 features, and several music videos!  She leans towards the genres of horror, science fiction, and fantasy,   https://octopunx.tv/

We talked with the creative couple Ben Gibson and his wife Karen.  They are the writing team behind B.K. Gibson!  Ben has been writing table-top RPGs for over a decade under Coldlight Press.  Together, they’ve written sci/fi and fantasy novels as well as stories in anthologiesReferences and links:https://www.bkgibson.com/

Christian Sterling Hegg has been involved in a variety of creative projects including performances in theatre, audio drama and independent film, professional graphic design work with apparel, film posters and book covers, cosplay crafting, and writing and producing audio drama series!https://www.three-names-workshop.com/

We had an unexpected guest appearance at AtomaCon!  Christopher Waples. Known as the Grumpy Dungeon Master, he showed up just to talk with us!   He is a professional gamemaster.  He’s also the host of The Grumpy Dungeon Masters podcast, and he developed modules for 5th Edition D&D.https://grumpydungeonmasters.com/

We were excited to have Matthew Kresal with us!  Matthew is an author, critic, and podcaster with many and varying interests. He's written about and discussed topics as wide-ranging as the BBC's Doctor Who, Cold War fact and fiction, and the UFO phenomenon on podcasts.References and Links:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/KresalWrites/

We sat down and chatted with Kit Anderson.  Kit is a cartoonist and comics editor. She’s had several short comics published, and her first graphic novel, Second Shift, was released in June of 2025.  She’s also done graphic design work.  Lots of fun talking with her!References and Links:https://www.kitkanderson.com/

We were excited to talk with Don Mancha III.   Don is a writer and editor of comics and table-top RPGs.  It was definitely a lot of fun!References and Links:https://www.donmanchaiii.com/

We invited Ryan McGinnis to chat with us!  He’s written the Xavier Greene Thriller Series, several horror-themed short stories available for free on his website, and his brand-new sci-fi thriller, Terrestrial, came out in March of 2026.References and Links:https://ryan-mcginnis.com/

We were delighted to talk with James Metts.  James has always had the desire to contribute in some way towards the betterment of life and to show his appreciation. His book, Planet Storyland, was published in February of 2024References and Links:https://www.facebook.com/planetstoryland

We were excited to chat with Shane Gries.  He’s written several miliary sci/fi books as serials and been featured in anthologies.  His latest book, Battle Drills: Kill Zone, was published in February of 2026.  References and Links:https://x.com/ShaneMGries

We welcomed Malory to our show for a fun conversation!  Malory writes epic LitRPG and Progression Fantasy novels.  His latest book The Weird Map in Mr. Glimm's Skull, was released in December of 2025.References and Links:https://raconteurpress.substack.com/p/meet-malory-newest-boys-book-authorMost socials:@MaloryAuthor

We were excited to chat with Kara Dennison.  She has credits at Crunchyroll, Discotek, Sekai Project, and others.  She has written several short stories for anthologies and has written some stand-alone fiction and non-fiction.  We couldn’t get it all in our intro!References and Links:https://karadennison.blogspot.com/p/about.html

P.A Cornell stopped by to catch us up on what’s happened since she was on our show in February of 2023.  She is an award-winning, Chilean-Canadian, speculative fiction author. Her latest novella, SHOESHINE BOY & CIGARETTE GIRL, is now out.  References and Links:https://www.pacornell.com/

We had a great conversation with G. Scott Huggins.  Scott is the author of several short stories in various sci/fi and fantasy anthologies, as well as several books of his own.  His latest book, Through the Spyglass Darkly, is the first of The Adventures of Jehanne Dark.  It was released in January of 2026.References and Links:https://gscotthuggins.com/https://raconteurpress.substack.com/p/g-scott-huggins-author-interview

The Spaceman catches up with Avery Wild, the organizer and convention chair for Ret-Con.  Ret-Con is a literary-focused, speculative fiction convention serving the Raleigh-Durham Metro Area of North Carolina.   Ret-Con this year will be held on the weekend of March 6-8, 2026, at the DoubleTree Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park. The Halfling and The Spaceman will be there!https://www.ret-con.org/

We were happy to be joined by author James Young.  He and his wife are friends of the show and were first on our show in January 2023.  He’s an alternate history writer and stopped by to catch us up on what’s new with him.  He talks about a new anthology, among other things.  References and Links:https://us.amazon.com/Sea-Naval-Alternate-History-Ares/dp/1963830148

We had a great time talking with Stanley Wheeler!  Stanley is the author of several self-published books spanning many genres.  His most recent book, Accidental Pirates, was released in November of 2025.References and Links:https://stanleywheeler.com/https://stanleywheeler.blogspot.com/https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00FN5I7T8?ccs_id=e329a5d7-14e1-4a6d-b30d-0fab2aa3ced1

We got to chat with Alexander Verbeek-van den Toren!  Alexander is an author who writes and reads in English and Dutch. In the English language, his debut novel, Corruption was released January 13, 2026!References and Links:https://www.spacewizardsciencefantasy.com/author/alexander-verbeek-van-den-torenBook Blurb:Trapped on an island, surrounded by lava...with a secret.When their ability to connect to the magical Flow disappears, Revan and the other students at his college’s island are stranded, surrounded by fiery seas separating habitable regions. Revan can’t retreat to his home island, only in contact with people who don’t know his true identity.While most people only have one of the five crystals in their torso lit up—determining their role in society—Revan is among the few with more than one lit-up crystal. If anyone finds out, he’ll be considered Othercrystalled, and cast from society.Torn between his feelings for his male best friend and a female classmate, with his secret close to being revealed, Revan discovers evidence the magic might not have been cut off naturally. Someone might be using the chaos to hunt Othercrystalled. Someone full of Corruption.

Spaceman got to talk with and find out a little about Bob Brinkman!  Bob is a role-playing game designer and freelance author for Goodman Games and Shields of Faith Games, among others.

We were excited to talk with Griffin Barber.  Griffin has written stories across the SF&F field, from Alternate History to zombie fiction.  He’s gone from producer of the Baen Free Radio Hour podcast to also being an editor of Baen Books!References and Links:https://www.baen.com/https://griffinbarber.com/Baen Free Radio Hour - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdQqtgy5rN4KzKAefalnrSat5taM8ucSW&si=UDJpR1UO7oQ3lQTlFront Line Fiction - https://youtube.com/@frontlinefictionstudios?si=DIQbkDkybKf4qj_l

We had the great opportunity to talk with E. J. Isaacs.  E.J. is a tea vendor turned writer.  His first novel, A New Beginning - Book 1 of the Unforgiving Stars, is a military space opera, released in October of 2025.References and Links:https://www.solinterests.com/about-7-1https://www.spacewizardsciencefantasy.com/author/edward-isaacs

We were so excited to be talking with Marisa Wolf.  Marisa is the author of books, collaborations, and short stories in anthologies.  She’s written the gamut of sci/fi and fantasy.  Her latest book, A Plague of Magic, was released in September of 2025! References and Links:https://www.marisawolf.com/

We were excited to talk with Cedar Sanderson.  She is a fiction writer, including the Underhill series and The Groundkeeper series.  She’s been featured in different anthologies.  In addition, she is also a graphic designer and artistReferences and Links:https://www.cedarwrites.com/

We had a fun chat with J Kenton Pierce.  His stories have been featured in many anthologies of various genres.  His first novel, A Kiss for Damocles, the first book of the series, Tales from the Long Night, was released in June of 2025.References and Links:https://jkentonpierce.substack.com/

We were excited to talk with Marc Gunn!  Marc is a Celtic folk musician who was raised on science fiction and fantasy.  He decided to celebrate his differences.  Now he calls his music Sci F'Irish.References and Links:https://marcgunn.com/

We were pleased to have Rick Cutler on!  He’s written several short stories for various anthologies.  His debut book is scheduled for release in April of 2026!  References and Links:https://www.rickcutler.com/

We were so excited to have with us Melissa Olthoff.  She’s written several series in different genres, as well as being featured in anthologies.  Her latest in the Griffin Corps books, Rise from the Ruins, is now available in audio format.References and Links:https://www.melissaolthoff.com/

We were excited to talk with our friend Syrinx Starr!  He is the Head of Station Partnership Content and Development at OutWorld Fleet Radio and its On-Air Talent/Mixshow DJ   find out what all that means!References and Links:https://outworldfleetradio.online/https://thetemplesofsyrinx.com/

We were super excited to chat with Kacey Ezell!    She’s written several books and is featured in several anthologies.  Her book Magelight has recently been released on audio, which we know because we enjoyed listening to it!References and Links:https://kaceyezell.net/

We had a blast talking with Jennifer McCollom!!  She is a professional film makeup artist and teacher. She’s worked on films you probably know.  If it requires professional makeup or styling, she’s done it! References and Links:https://www.instagram.com/jensfxhttps://jensfx8.wixsite.com/jensfx/film

We’re excited to have with us John Van Stry.  John is the author of several military sci/fi series as well as other genres.  His latest book, End Game, Wolfhounds - Book 06 was recently released.  He’s also recently released a book in another series, Sometimes in the Fall,  which is Book Two of The Seasons.  References and Links:http://vanstry.net/vanstry/

In our latest episode, we welcomed Nick Nethery!  He’s written several short stories for various anthologies of various genres. His debut novel, Relics of the Fallen, was just released in August of 2025.  References:https://www.nicknethery.com/

We were excited to have J M Beal, author of the series Tales of a Watch-Cat and the Guardian’s Circle series. on our show!  Great conversation.References and Links:http://www.jmbeal.com/https://www.goldenfleecepress.com/https://www.instagram.com/j.m.beal/

We had the privilege of talking with Becky-Lee Evans.  She is a costumer, artist, seamstress, and maker.  She’s also the founder of Going Ape Costume.  References and Links:https://www.facebook.com/GoingApeCostumehttps://www.threads.com/@going_ape_costumehttps://www.twitch.tv/goingapecostumehttps://www.instagram.com/going_ape_costume/

Vinnie Sirna, who cosplays under the handle SirnaCosplay is a cosplayer in the mid-Atlantic region of the US specializing in villains! (Oh My!)   He frequents the conventions in the Del-Mar-Va area (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia) .References and Links:https://www.facebook.com/SirnaCosplay/https://www.instagram.com/sirnacosplayhttps://x.com/sirnacosplayhttps://bsky.app/profile/sirnacosplay.bsky.social

We were happy to have Jonathan Bartholomew back with us!  He is one half of the podcast team of the Strange Stories with the Seeker and the Skeptic.  He has recently published his first novel, Weird Scenes Inside the Gold Mine.References and Links:https://thelightfromalbemuth.substack.com/https://www.facebook.com/p/Strange-Stories-with-the-Seeker-and-the-Skeptic-100095293164654/

We were excited to have Dave Butler on our show!  Dave is a speculative fiction writer whose novel Witchy Kingdom won the Dragon Award for Best Alternate History Novel in 2020!  He’s also written many other novels.  In addition, he became the senior editor at Ark Press in January of 2025.  References and Links:https://davidjohnbutler.com/about-dave/

Roger and Janet take a few minutes to talk about changes to the format of "The Halfling and the Spaceman" and announce two new shows coming to YouTube.   Applied Game Mastery - Roger explores what it takes to become a legendary TTRPG game master.The Halfling's Book Nook - Janet reviews and comments on books from various nerdy genres.Join us next week for the start of Season 7

We were very excited to talk with Nichole Goodnight.  She’s a voice actress that has lent her talents to the NoSleep horror fiction podcast as well as a ton of other horror podcasts and games!

We had a great time talking with Ahmed Suffety.  He’s an Arab American writer, editor, project manager, and designer for tabletop RPGs. His latest work includes developmental editing for the Kingdom of Keshanar.References and Links:https://www.suffety.com/Merch Promo Code:   HalflingSpaceman20

Jennifer Povey has authored the Lost Guardians series.  She’s written several short fiction stories published in science fiction/fantasy magazines.  She also has several credited works in the RPG industry. References and Links:https://www.jenniferrpovey.com/

Recently, we got to talk with Dennis M Myers.  He’s the writer of the Rise of the Automated Empire series and is working on other sci-fi and fantasy novels, and recently, he’s become a tee-shirt designer!  Fun conversation!References and Links:https://automatedempire.com/home

We were able to talk with Randee Dawn!  She’s a journalist who’s also a writer, focusing on speculative fiction across the categories (science fiction, fantasy, and horror).  Great conversation!References and Links:https://randeedawn.com/

We got to talk with JC Kang!  JC is a fantasy author, perhaps best known for his award-winning Legends of Tivara series.  In addition to being a fantasy writer, he is an acupuncturist, a martial arts instructor, and has been a technical writer.References and Links:https://jckang.dragonstonepress.us/https://www.instagram.com/jc.kang/https://www.tiktok.com/@authorjckanghttps://www.facebook.com/LegendsOfTivarahttps://x.com/JCKang804

We were excited to talk with Alma Alexander.  A native of Yugoslavia, she’s a fantasy author who’s also published book reviews, travelogues, essays, and poetry.References and Links:https://almaalexander.org/

We got to talk with Delilah Dawson, live at AtomaCon!  Delilah is the author of primarily fantasy and science fiction.  She’s also written YA novels, steampunk paranormal romance, and even some comics!References and Links:https://www.whimsydark.com/Instagram: @DelilahSDawsonBlue Sky: @DelilahSDawsonThreads: @DelilahSDawson

The Spaceman had all the fun this episode talking with Heather Tracy.  Heather is the copy editor for the publishing company Space Wizard Science Fantasy, which her husband William Tracy owns.  She also owns Melvin’s Travel Adventures, a travel agency specializing in Nerdventures.  Her own first book has just been released.References and Links:Only a Chapter book link (signed copies available directly from Space Wizard): https://www.spacewizardsciencefantasy.com/book/only-a-chapterSocial Media for Heather Tracy, Author/Editor:Facebook: @HeatherTracyAuthorInstagram: @hunnyjar319Bluesky: @heathertracyauthor.bsky.socialMelvin's Travel Adventures: https://www.melvinstraveladventures.com/Social Media for Melvin's Travel Adventures:Facebook: @melvinstraveladventuresInstagram: @melvinstraveladventuresBluesky: @melvinsta.bsky.social

We were excited to catch up with CJ Hosack.  CJ was on our show in April 2024.  Now she’s got a new book out.  She told us about that and what she’s been doing, including rewriting the whole book!

We were happy to talk with Tara Tai.  They are an Asian American writer.  Their love of video games and tabletop RPGs has led to their first novel, “Single Player”, which has just come out.References and Links:https://bsky.app/profile/@taratai.comhttps://www.instagram.com/tarzaparzagagapanhttps://taratai.com/