Shelf to Screen

Can one man really science his way off a planet that is actively trying to kill him? We are diving deep into the red dust of The Martian by Andy Weir and its high-octane 2015 adaptation directed by Ridley Scott. We answer the burning question: is this hard sci-fi or just a very expensive math exam with potato jokes? Hear Joe lose his mind over the missing Chinese subtitles in his copy! Hear Jen reveal her surprisingly accurate fan-casting choices that nearly beat the real thing! Hear Tom explain why Matt Damon’s disco-infused survival guide is basically competence porn for space nerds! We explore the science of orbital mechanics, the inaccuracy of Martian windstorms, and why Mark Watney is the ultimate space pirate. Whether you are a fan of binary code or just here for the 70's needle drops, this episode has the right stuff. All That, plus Joe’s fever dream about a not-so-secret ending you won’t believe!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

Today, we step through the wardrobe into the high-budget world of C.S. Lewis. Why did Disney turn a slim 200-page book into a massive CGI creature feature? We dive deep into the Christian allegory and the 5 million strands of fur that make up Aslan. Hear Joe confess his hatred for Catholic school required reading! He actually enjoyed it! Hear Jen describe the eerie silence of her local library! It was off-putting for a second! Hear Tom admit he missed out on Jesus-y fantasy as a kid! Now he loves reading it as a grown-up! We debate if Santa’s arrival with literal weapons was just a lazy plot device or a stroke of genius. Does Tilda Swinton’s White Witch lack depth, or is her icy presence enough to carry the film? We explore the major expansions from the text, including that high-stakes river crossing and the tactical warfare of the final battle. All That, plus the secret story of the modernization attempt that almost gave us enchanted cheeseburgers!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

Explore the mysterious field between Wall and Stormhold as we tackle the wild transition of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust to the big screen. Why did a $70 million blockbuster transform a melancholic meditation on aging into a high-energy frenzy? We examine the creative tension between a book written with a fountain pen and a Hollywood production that added an hour of extra action. Why did Michelle Pfeiffer emerge from retirement to chase a fallen star, and how did Robert De Niro end up as a flamboyant sky pirate? Hear Joe ponder if the book ruined the movie for him! Hear Jen not believe a word De Niro is saying! Hear Tom question who this movie is for!We break down the differences between the source material and the film, including the two Mondays riddle and the characters that were left on the cutting room floor. All That, plus the mystery of the talking tree that never was!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

Was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Martian adventure just a high-stakes vacation or a lobotomized fever dream? This week on Shelf to Screen, we dive deep into the 1990 sci-fi adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s short story, "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale." We explore how Paul Verhoeven turned a cerebral 22-page existential crisis into a gore-filled blockbuster. Hear Joe struggle to interpret the bizarre Martian revolution! Hear Jen gush over the most legendary one-liners in cinematic history! Hear Tom defend the practical effects and those unforgettable mutant space camels that almost were! We dissect the differences between the source material and the screen, debating whether memory manipulation makes identity a total construct. Could you survive a trip to Recall without losing your mind? Hear our hosts give their definitive five-star (or eleven-star) ratings on this 90s classic. We cover the high-octane action, the three-breasted mutant mystery, and the "See you at the party, Richter" delivery that still hits. All that, plus the connection between the Martian revolution and the classic 1990 movie Home Alone!                Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

What if the action movie you grew up loving was actually a giant middle finger to its source material? This week on Shelf to Screen, we dive deep into the bug-infested trenches of any 90s kid's favorite sci-fi satire: Starship Troopers. We compare Robert A. Heinlein’s pro-military novel with Paul Verhoeven’s blood-spattered critique of fascism. Hear Joe demand to know where the power suit went! Hear Jen scream about the lack of chemistry between the chiseled leads! Hear Tom realize the true meaning behind that brain bug’s terrified expression! We break down the propaganda of the Feddedration and discuss why critics in 1997 completely missed the joke. Whether you are a citizen or just a civilian, you won't want to miss our breakdown of this military science fiction cult classic. Does the movie actually improve on the book, or is it just a meat grinder for pretty faces? All That, plus a secret reveal about Johnny Rico’s true heritage!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

We dive into the physics-defying finale that traded whimsical fairy tales for heavy metal album covers. Hear Tom roast the goat cavalry and the $250 million price tag on digital chaos! Hear Jen question where those massive wereworms went after their ten-second cameo! Hear Joe defend his hot take on why this might actually be the most accurate adaptation of the bunch despite the absurdity! From the gold fever withdrawal to the questionable sexiness of dwarf prosthetics, we pick apart every digital frame of this Middle-earth climax. We examine the Peter Jackson strategy of nostalgia bait,  a wild ride through Lake-town destruction, and Elven power moves that leave the gang wondering if more is really more. All That, plus the definitive ruling on whether those eagles actually count as an official army!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

Is a hundred-million-dollar CGI dragon enough to save a story stretched thinner than a piece of lembas bread?  We are dissecting the gold-plated autopsy of this Middle-earth sequel to find out! Hear Jen vent about how the iconic barrel escape feels like it was choreographed by a toddler on a pixie stick bender! Hear Joe admit he cannot help but wonder why anyone would want to target Thorin when he is clearly the sexiest dwarf in the mountain! Hear Tom express his absolute outrage over a certain dwarf having 'hand sex' with an elf! This episode explores the controversial legacy of Peter Jackson and his decision to turn this Tolkien adaptation into a video game level. From the bizarre addition of Tauriel to Smaug’s fiery entrance, we cover every frustrating detail! All That, plus a debate on the physics of molten gold!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

In this episode of Shelf to Screen, Joe, Jen, and Tom dive into the controversial 2012 adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved classic, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. How did a breezy 300-page children's book become a "kinetic war epic" stretched across three massive films?The gang dives into the production's "decades-long legal battle" and the late-stage decision to expand from two films to a trilogy. They explore the brilliance of Martin Freeman’s "inspired casting" alongside the "atrocious" CGI of the white orc, Azog. We also uncover fascinating Tolkien trivia, including the author’s original "retcon" of the Gollum scene to align with The Lord of the Rings.Whether you’re a Tolkien purist or a fan of Peter Jackson’s vision, this episode offers a critical look at how "money grabs" and tonal shifts can impact literary adaptations. Join us for a nostalgic, funny, and brutally honest review of Middle-earth’s most divisive trilogy.Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

In this episode of Shelf To Screen Joe, Jen, and Tom review H.G. Wells seminal sci-fi novel The War of The Worlds and the 2005 Spielberg/Cruise adaptation of the same name. It's time to ride the lightning! We talk about adaptation choices, including some significant departures, and some surprising echoes! Tom really encourages reading, and his fellow Stuyvesant alum! Joe loves the quick pace, and hates aliens who get stuck on your photo wall! Jen brings her own heat ray, and doesn't like gear-heads! All that, plus peanut butter stunts and piss-poor planning!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

In this episode of Shelf To Screen Joe, Jen, and Tom review episode 6 of "A Knight of the Seven (Nine) Kingdoms" and compare it to the George R. R. Martin's novella "The Hedge Knight." We talk about adaptation choices for the whole story, including some significant changes in episode 6. Jen is pleased! Tom is not! Joe is happy with ambiguity! All that, plus hot takes and teases!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

In this episode of Shelf To Screen, Joe, Jen, and Tom review episode 5 of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" and compare it to the George R. R. Martin novella "The Hedge Knight." No book spoilers past the first five episodes, but we'll talk adaptation choices, including the inclusion of hungry hogs. Joe wishes flashbacks were halves! Jen gets claustrophobic! Tom gets in just in time! All that, plus really impressive sword throwing!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

In this episode of Shelf To Screen, Joe, Jen. And Tom review episode 4 of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" and compare it to the George R. R. Martin novella "The Hedge Knight." No book spoilers past the first four episodes, but we'll talk adaptation choices, including the important presence of flatulence. Tom was right, then wrong, then right again! Joe doesn't remember a scene! Jen has a husband that was tricked! All that, plus the mysterious absence of little people! Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

In this episode of Shelf to Screen, Joe, Jen, and Tom review episode 3 of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" and compare it to the George R. R. Martin novella "The Hedge Knight." No book spoilers past the first three episodes, but we'll talk adaptation choices, including whether that kid knew what those song lyrics meant. Jen does a character roll call! Tom doesn't like how they did the master of games dirty! Joe ponders how they got that horse to poop on command! All that, plus all the dramatic close ups you can ask for!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

In this episode of Shelf To Screen, Joe, Jen, and Tom review episode 2 of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" and compare it to the George R.R. Martin novella "The Hedge Knight." No book spoilers past the first two episodes, but we'll talk adaptation choices, including the size of that...puppet. Joe ponders the politics of kindness! Jen misremembers a quote! Tom still can't remember names! All that, plus they're teasing that "Office" crossover, aren't they?Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

In this episode of Shelf to Screen, Joe, Jen, and Tom review episode 1 of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms", and compare it to the George R. R. Martin novella "The Hedge Knight." No book spoilers past the first episode, but we'll talk adaptation choices, as well as compare it to other Game of Thrones adaptations. Tom wonders if there is another way to get females on the show! Joe enjoys apple puns! Jen wants more Punch and Judy! Are that laughing at us, or with us?Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

In our second episode of Shelf To Screen. Joe, Jen, and Tom welcome their old friend Brendan Johnston to discuss the 2024 film Dune: Part Two. We'll compare the film to the original novel, talk about style changes from part one, and what is coming next! Jen has some questions! Tom feels time go by faster! Joe feels the lack of creepy children! Brendan weighs in on the evils in pronunciation! Question: How do they get down from those worms?!Pick up Brendan's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/B.-Thomas-Johnston/author/Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

In this debut episode of Shelf To Screen, Joe, Jen, and Tom talk the 2021 adaptation of Frank Herbert's "Dune!" We'll dive into the origins of the novel, we'll talk a bit about the path it took to in being adapted, and then we'll review the movie! Joe sets the stage with the help of Oregon! Jen sets the bar high with a message on time! Tom tries to assign blame appropriately! Remember: This is only the beginning!Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod

After years of exploring the World of Dreams, Joe, Jen, and Tom are opening a new chapter. Introducing Shelf to Screen, the podcast that dissects the journey of sci-fi and fantasy stories from the library shelf to the silver screen.From the sands of Arrakis to the shores of Westeros, we’re diving deep into the adaptations that define the genre. We’ll explore what was lost in translation, what found new life on camera, and—most importantly—whether the book was actually better.If you enjoyed the chemistry and wit of Talk'aran'rhiod, join us for this brand-new adventure.Support the showInstagram: talk_aran_rhiodBluesky: @talkaranrhiodX: @arantalkDiscord: https://dsc.gg/talkaranrhiod