Hugo, Girl!
Three space feminists read, dissect, and rant at Hugo Award-winning pieces of fiction.
Tue, April 15, 2025
Happy Things
A new thing we're trying - occasional episodes in which we share 5 things making us happy lately. No genre content, just chatting.
Mon, April 07, 2025
2025 Hugo Finalist Announcement
We’re 2025 Hugo finalists! Thank you so much to everyone who nominated us. Check out our voter packet submission . See the full list of finalists here . Hope to see you in Seattle!!
Tue, April 01, 2025
Episode 79 - Moby-Dick at the Opera
We're an opera podcast now, and you get to come with us to New York to see Moby-Dick at the Met ! Bonus content: a Shamrock Shake tasting, boat facts at the South Street Seaport Museum , and documentation of every dog in Manhattan. Music by Pets of Belonging Transcript library - Many transcripts have not been edited. Anyone can edit them and make corrections, and we appreciate anyone who does!
Wed, March 05, 2025
Episode 78 - The Vor Game: Jackson's Whole Grimussy
Miles is back at it. DM: Haley Music by Pets of Belonging LINKS: Jo Walton's Review
Mon, February 17, 2025
Second Anne-ual Hugo Quiz Show: Eight Monster
Officially now a tradition, friend of the pod Anne joined us for another quiz on past episodes!
Sat, February 08, 2025
Episode 77 - The Wanderer: Horniest Hugo Winner
When you get to the end, you'll wander why you even read this. Terrible! DM: Amy Music by Pets of Belonging An unedited transcript is available in our transcript library . Anyone can edit it and make corrections, and we appreciate anyone who does! LINKS James Nicoll's review TIDES
Mon, January 13, 2025
Interview with Ann Michelle Harris
Podcast bestie Ann Michelle Harris joined us for a wide-ranging conversation about her debut novel North , and all things publishing and writing. If you've ever wondered how stray thoughts can become a novel, now is your chance to find out! Ann Michelle is a published author, lawyer, and contributor to the Hugo-winning fanzine, Nerds of a Feather. Want a signed copy of North? Join us for the book launch on January 18th from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Eagle Eye Books in Decatur, GA! Links: Purchase North by Ann Michelle Harris Ann Michelle's website Ann Michelle on Nerds of a Feather Halfway to Life Day Cookbook Special Follow Ann on social media: Threads | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky | Twitter
Wed, January 01, 2025
Episode 76 - A Deepness in the Sky: That's Just Like, Your Opinion, Cobber
Y2K Hugo winner A Deepness in the Sky sure is long! And oh hey, happy new year! Skip ahead about 9 minutes from the start if you want to avoid a discussion of neighbor parking drama. DM: Lori CW/TW: SA Music by Pets of Belonging
Wed, December 04, 2024
Episode 75 - Red Mars: Other Effluvia
Hey, you know what? This wasn't so bad! There's about 20 extra minutes of chitchat at the end, mostly about Endurance (the Shackleton Expedition). Feel free to ignore it! DM: Haley CW/TW: we discuss animal death in Endurance during the post-episode chitchat Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging
Mon, November 04, 2024
Episode 74 - Better Living Through Algorithms
It's a(nother) stressful week, so you can have little an early episode, as a treat. Hang in there. This month we read and discussed Naomi Kritzer's Hugo-winning short story, Better Living Through Algorithms. You can read it for free or listen to it thanks to Clarkesworld! This is a wide-ranging discussion where we used the story as more of a jumping-off point to talk about a lot of other things, from sailing to crossfit to facial recognition software. Support Clarkesworld Picture Me Coding, ft. Amy
Wed, October 30, 2024
Spooky Special: Beetlejuice/Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
It's showtime! Happy Halloween, listeners!
Wed, October 02, 2024
Episode 73 - The Dispossessed: Stop Saying T1tties!
This month we read The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin. We were joined by special guest and delightful person and ambitopia expert, author Redfern Jon Barrett! We had so much fun chatting with Redfern that this is a bit of a maxisode. Digressions abound. DM: Haley CW/TW: brief discussion of SA Redfern’s website Purchase Proud Pink Sky Ambitopia: Futures Beyond the Binary Amy's guest appearance on Picture Me Coding Music by Pets of Belonging
Sun, September 08, 2024
Glasgow Worldcon Report
It was fun! It was windy! Lori and Kevin tell all. Boring warning : at about 17:45, you're gonna hear like 5 minutes of voice notes about dogs. Feel free to turn off the podcast. Eating noise warning : if you make it this far, at 22:05-22:25, Lori will loudly eat a tea cake, so skip that if you can't stand mouth noises. Want a mug? A sticker? How about a shirt? Check out our Redbubble shop .
Wed, September 04, 2024
Episode 72 - A Fire Upon the Deep: Scrotum Riders
Well, what else were we supposed to call it? This month we read Vernor Vinge's A Fire Upon the Deep, suggested by listener Raj. Thanks, Raj! Amy is DM. Music by Pets of Belonging Links: Jo Walton's review
Thu, August 01, 2024
Episode 71 - This is How You Lose the Time War: Blue & Red's Excellent Adventure
Being gay and doing crime, all across space and time! Our long-awaited, most cursed episode is finally here. Requested by Haley and Raj. Lori is DM. Music by Pets of Belonging Links: Strange Horizons Review - Adri Joy Interview with the authors The Joy of Reading Books You Don't Entirely Understand The 12 Days of Bigolas Dickolas Wolfwood
Wed, July 03, 2024
Episode 70 - The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas: The Pilot
Over five years ago, we test drove this thing. It's rough, but we hope you'll enjoy it! For various reasons, we had to push back our planned schedule. This is How You Lose the Time War will drop in August, followed by A Fire Upon the Deep in September.
Wed, June 05, 2024
Episode 69 - Mirror Dance: Res-erection
Another attack of the clones. We liked it! DM: Haley CW/TW: rape, sexual abuse, transphobia, intersexphobia, fatphobia Music by Pets of Belonging Links: The Extractivism of Setting and the Traitor's Text - Vajra Chandrasekera Jo Walton's Review
Wed, May 01, 2024
Episode 68 - The Fountains of Paradise: Battery Dingleberry
This month we read Arthur C. Clarke's perfectly fine novel, The Fountains of Paradise. It is fine! And it has an admittedly banger ending, if you can stand the first 200 pages. Recommended, maybe? Amy is DM. Music by Pets of Belonging Links: Wikipedia - Sigiriya Sculpture and Poetry of Sigiriya
Mon, April 01, 2024
Episode 67: Hugo Girls Gone Wild: Twilight: OnlyFangs
We discuss the hottest film romance in genre fiction: Twilight! We love it. DM: Lori CW/TW: It's Twilight. Music by Pets of Belonging
Wed, March 06, 2024
Episode 66 - The Wind Whales of Ishmael: #NotMyIshmael
This month we read Philip José Farmer's extended fart joke The Wind Whales of Ishmael. This episode is kinda ridiculous, which is fitting for a book which is also kinda ridiculous. We chatted for 15 minutes before we got into the book, as follows: 0:00-7:00ish - general chat and update on Haley's fava beans, as requested by listener Amber 7:00ish-14:30 - tasting and discussion of Coca-Cola Spiced, which is not very good 14:30-15:30 - an anecdote from Haley's college radio days 15:30-end - an actual episode of Hugo, Girl! the podcast Support Locus Magazine Music by Pets of Belonging
Wed, February 07, 2024
Episode 65 - The Sparrow: Trigger Warning
This month we read Mary Doria Russell's divisive novel The Sparrow. It's got a bit of everything - Jesuits, space travel, food, friendship, sexual assault, victim-blaming, and child murder. Amy is DM. Did we mention trigger warning? Yikes! CW/TW: see description above, and it's really serious so skip this one if you need to! We like you! By the way, we did a LOT of chatting at the top of this one, so skip to about the 12 minute mark if you want to get straight into the book discussion.
Mon, January 15, 2024
First Anne-ual Hugo Quiz Show
Friend of the pod Anne joined us and quizzed us on past episodes! We also discussed our favorite reads of 2023 and what we're looking forward to reading in 2024. Happy New Year, and thanks for listening!
Wed, January 03, 2024
Episode 64 - Spin: Eating Disorder Lawton
Jason is a genius, Diane is a diamond, ED is a Lawton, and Carol is drunk. Our narrator - He's just Tyler. This month we read Spin by Robert Charles Wilson. We liked it! Lori is DM. Note: There is no actual discussion of eating disorders in this episode or in the book. One character is named ED, and his name is repeated one million times. Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging Links: Speculition's Review of Spin
Wed, December 06, 2023
Episode 63 - Lord of Light: We Get Slizzard
This month we read Roger Zelazny's classic Lord of Light. We did not like it, and we are sorry. DM: Haley References: The Nerantel Gem Episode Read the Nerantel Gem Jo Walton's Review Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging
Wed, November 01, 2023
Episode 62 - Blood of the Dragon: Dugs Talk
This month we discussed Blood of the Dragon, which won George RR Martin the Hugo Award for best novella in 1997. Blood of the Dragon consists of the Daenerys chapters from Game of Thrones. You can read it here or here . DM: Amy CW/TW: It's Game of Thrones, so you know the deal: SA, SA, and more SA. Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging
Mon, October 30, 2023
Your Feminist Favorite
WE WON A HUGO AWARD!
Wed, October 04, 2023
Episode 61 - Carrie: Dirtypillows Talk
Hold on to your dirtypillows and don't forget to plug it up - spooky season is here! We read Carrie, Stephen King's 1974 debut novel. Lori is DM. Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging Links: Tor.com review Carrie on stephenking.com
Wed, September 06, 2023
Episode 60 - The Snow Queen: Kind of a Janet
This month we read The Snow Queen by Joan D. Vinge. We liked it. No further analysis! DM: Haley NOTE: Sound quality is bad. Amy was sick so we recorded remotely, and your friend Lori did a bad job adjusting the gain. For best results, use your crummiest headphones. Also, it's come to our attention that Joan's last name might be pronounced Ving-ee, or maybe Vinjee. If we said it wrong, we're sorry! Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging
Wed, August 02, 2023
Episode 59 - The Moon is a Harsh Mistress: Funny-Once
This month we read The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein, and boy howdy is it ever a Mojo Dojo Casa House up there on Luna. We'll stay here on Earth, thanks. DM: Amy CW/TW: every expression of misogyny! Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging LINKS: 7 Fictional Characters that Changed the World Cronkite Interview with Heinlein and Clarke Jo Walton's Review
Wed, July 05, 2023
Episode 58 - To Say Nothing of the Dog: Technical Difficulties
While we were discussing Connie Willis's 1999 Hugo winning novel To Say Nothing of the Dog, our memory card went kaput. We hope that you enjoy this somewhat disjointed discussion with an awkward break in the middle, because when we thought we'd lost the whole discussion, we almost abandoned ship! It must've been the net causing slippage. Lori is DM. Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging
Mon, July 03, 2023
Scream warning! Also, the cake was shaped like a rocket!
Turn down the volume because we're Hugo finalists again so it's about to get loud!! Hear us drink champagne and talk for 5 minutes about the special rocket-shaped cakes Lori made without ever actually describing them! Yay!! Congratulations to all the finalists! Check out the full list here .
Wed, June 07, 2023
Episode 57 - The Sword in the Stone: Cheeky Fantasy
This month we read T.H. White's retro Hugo winner for best novel, The Sword in the Stone. Digressions abound! Haley is DM. Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging
Tue, May 16, 2023
Halfway to Life Day: Star Wars Cookbook Special
In this special episode, we celebrate the midpoint between Life Day 2022 and Life Day 2023 (it's Halfway to Life Day!) with a review of the Star Wars Life Day Cookbook by Chef Strono Tuggs . We were joined by friend and writer Ann Harris for an eclectic feast from a galaxy far, far away. This is a cookbook episode, so we're eating, and it sounds like we're eating. We even talk with our mouths full (especially Lori), so if that's gonna gross you out, skip this one. LINKS: Follow author Ann Harris on Twitter! Hook, Line, and Sinker anthology, featuring Ann's short story "Changeling" Good, easy bread recipe Chewbacca speaking English
Wed, May 03, 2023
Episode 56 - The Yiddish Policemen's Union: Too Much Pizza
This month we discussed The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon. We swam in a sea of metaphors and similes so you don't have to. But you might want to, because in spite of itself, this storm of words is good! DM: Amy Big thanks to Lori's cousin Sarah, who did a sensitivity edit for us, and wrote us such a banger of an email that we asked her to turn it into a review ! Heck, maybe we do written reviews now! Who knows! Check out our new shop! Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging Lots 'o Links: NY Mag Review NYT Review Tor.com: Is Alternate History SF? Keith Law's Review London Review of Books Academic Dictionaries & Encyclopedias
Wed, April 05, 2023
Episode 55 - Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang: OH NO MAT PLAY
This month we discussed Kate Wilhelm's 1977 Hugo winner, Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang. This is the second book in our accidental 2023 Clone Duology (after Cyteen), and it's pretty weird! This episode covers some important topics, such as whether sex between clones is more like incest or more like masturbation. DM: Lori CW/TW: Lots of weird sex stuff. DON'T LISTEN WITH YOUR KID(S) IN THE CAR. Thanks to Cody from the Hugonauts podcast for joining us! Each episode of Hugonauts dives into a single book or series in the sci-fi canon. They also do incredible author interviews, including a recent episode with Becky Chambers. Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging
Sat, April 01, 2023
The Sounds of Sci Fi
BIG NEWS: We're dropping our very first ALBUM!! We've curated all your favorite Sci Fi hits in one exclusive mix: The Hugo, Girl! Sounds of Sci Fi! Supplies are limited, so order yours now !
Wed, March 01, 2023
Episode 54 - Cyteen: Tape Worm
This month we discussed CJ Cherryh's hot em dash mess, Cyteen. Weighing in at 1 lb 10.7 ounces (or 757 grams), Cyteen is a whole lotta book, and we definitely read every page of it. SPOILER WARNING: There's a pretty uninteresting spoiler for Cyteen's sequel Regenesis, around the 45-46 minute mark. If you don't want to know who killed Ari, skip that part. DM: Haley CW/TW: sexual assault Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging Links: Dragonflight and the Extinction of the Bodice Ripper Cyteen. (meadowparty.com) - Review by Keith Law nerds of a feather, flock together: The Hugo Initiative: Cyteen Designing people and societies: C.J. Cherryh’s Cyteen John Mulaney's Happy Birthday Sketch
Wed, February 01, 2023
Episode 53: Doomsday Book: Apocalyptic!
This month we read Doomsday Book, Connie Willis's 1993 Hugo Award for Best Novel. We had no idea it was going to be an eerily prescient pandemic story, with parallels to today, right down to the oft-mentioned toilet paper shortage. Necrotic! Amy is DM. Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging Links: Doomsday Book, the 1992 time-travel novel that sheds light on today’s pandemic. (slate.com) New York Review of Science Fiction
Tue, January 03, 2023
Episode 52 - The Big Time: Maintainer Majora
This month we read Fritz Leiber's 1958 Hugo winner, The Big Time, which despite the cover art is not actually about a very tall lady. It was weird! DM: Lori Transcript Library Music by Pets of Belonging LINKS: 1958 Hugo Nominees by Jo Walton Fritz Leiber's 1982 Introduction Neil Gaiman's Review
Wed, December 07, 2022
Episode 51 - Neuromancer: Peppered with Breasts
This month we jacked into cyberpunk classic Neuromancer, by noted orange cat owner William Gibson. Neuromancer won the Philip K. Dick Award and the Nebula Award in 1984, and the Hugo for Best Novel in 1985. There's some fun stuff in there! We don't hate it! Your console cowboy for this episode is Haley. TW/CW: SA Links: Hard-Wired Traumas Scene from Johnny Mnemonic
Wed, November 23, 2022
Episode 50 - The Emperor's Soul: Kuzco's Poison
It's the fourth and final installment of Novella-vember! That was a lot! Phew! For our last episode, we read The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson, which won the Hugo for best novella in 2013. Amy is DM.
Wed, November 16, 2022
Episode 49 - The Last of the Winnebagos: Spaceballs
It's week 3 of Novella-vember! This is the third installment in our series. We'll be releasing four weekly episodes in November, covering a Hugo Award-winning novella. For this week's episode, we read The Last of the Winnebagos by Connie Willis, which won the Hugo for best novella in 1989. Lori is DM.
Wed, November 09, 2022
Episode 48 - Houston, Houston, Do You Read?: Clone Wars
It's week 2 of Novella-vember! This is the second installment in our series. We'll be releasing four weekly episodes in November, covering a Hugo Award-winning novella. For this week's episode, we read Houston, Houston, Do You Read? by James Tiptree Jr., which won the Hugo for best novella in 1977. Haley is DM. CW/TW: sexual violence, brief discussion of suicide Transcripts Music by Kevin
Wed, November 02, 2022
Episode 47 - The Word for World is Forest: Little Green Men
It's Novella-vember! This is the first installment in our series. We'll be releasing four weekly episodes in November, covering a Hugo Award-winning novella. For this week's episode, we read The Word for World is Forest, which won the Hugo for best novella in 1973. Amy is DM. CW/TW: sexual violence, murder, colonial violence, slavery, racism Transcripts Music by Kevin
Mon, October 24, 2022
Episode 46 - Event Horizon: No Actual Boding
It's time for our Halloween Spooktacular Special! We watched and discussed the 1997 sci-fi/horror film Event Horizon, which has some incredible practical effects and solid performances, and is also very nearly scary. DM: Kevin!! CW/TW: violence, body horror, discussion of gross/graphic injuries Episode transcripts available via: https://www.hugogirlpodcast.com/transcripts Spooky special music by Kevin
Wed, October 05, 2022
Episode 45- Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand: Taints & Feints
This month we read and discussed Samuel R. Delany's 1984 queer sci-fi masterpiece, Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand, chosen by our fundraiser winner and friend, Steven! It was wild and it was weird and you should probably give it a shot if you haven't read it. DM: Lori CW/TW: none really, but lots of sex talk so FYI if you're listening with your kids or your parents in the car We've picked our books for Novella-vember : The Word for World is Forest Houston, Houston, Do You Read? The Last of the Winnebagos The Emperor's Soul Links: Sex With the Six-Legged Strangers Discussing 'Stars in my Pocket Like Grains of Sand' with Dale Cooper Samuel Delany Answers Your Science Fiction Questions! Like Pop Rocks for the Brain by Jo Walton ________________________ Episode transcripts Music by Eon
Mon, October 03, 2022
Chicon 8 Report
We debrief after attending Chicon 8! Nearly 4 weeks after the fact, so the focus is largely on pizza. Tl;dr - we didn't win the Hugo, had fun anyway! 5 stars, would do again. Transcripts Music by Eon
Wed, September 07, 2022
Episode 44 - Jupiter Ascending: I Love Dogs!
This month we watched and discussed the beloved camp classic, Jupiter Ascending. What makes a good movie, anyway? If it has great costumes, sweeping spacescapes, and Eddie Redmayne alternately whispering and screaming, isn’t that enough to be good ? Plot, dialogue, and acting are overrated, honestly. DM: Haley Episode transcripts available via: https://www.hugogirlpodcast.com/transcripts Music by Eon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links Movie Yelling from The Toast Notes on Camp by Susan Sontag Fiasco! episode of This American Life Lori was right about genetic copies.
Wed, August 03, 2022
Episode 43 - Among Others: Doing is Doing!
This month we discussed Jo Walton's debatably fantastical novel Among Others, winner of the Hugo for best novel in 2012. Your DM for this episode is Amy! CW/TW: CSA, child death Episode transcripts are available within a few days after the audio. Music by Eon Links: Jo Walton's Gizmodo Interview
Sun, July 24, 2022
Hugo Woman: A Whole Absence of Ladies
Last month, we had the pleasure of appearing on City Lights, our local NPR station's arts and culture show, for an interview with senior producer Kim Drobes. We discussed the Hugo Awards, common issues in science fiction, and our favorite podcast segments. AND THEN...the text version of our interview got scraped, run through a not-very-good thesaurus, and posted on a goofy "news" site. The result was hilarious, and we are pleased to present you with a dramatic live reading! Check out the original (legitimate) version (you can listen or read the interview highlights) on WABE's website .
Wed, July 06, 2022
Episode 42 - 2001: A Space Odyssey: Friends of Hal
This month we read and watched 2001: A Space Odyssey. The film won the Hugo for Best Dramatic Presentation in 1969. The poor book won no awards. This sprawling classic prompted many College Thoughts. Will we find the meaning of life? Probably not. Also, please enjoy a cameo from Haley's mom! DM: Lori Episode transcripts available via: https://www.hugogirlpodcast.com/transcripts Music by Eon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links: Interview with Clarke
Wed, June 01, 2022
Episode 41 - The Terror: Our Problematic Fave
At long last, we discussed our oft-referenced favorite tale of Terror (and Erebus), Dan Simmons' 2007 novel The Terror, a fictionalized and dubiously supernatural account of the Franklin Expedition. Is it Peak Dan Simmons? Yes, it is! Is it as good the second time? No, it isn't! Did we still LOVE discussing it so much that we talked for nearly two hours, which Kevin has painstakingly pared down to 90 minutes? You betcha! Haley is both the captain and ship's cook for this episode. She made us pea soup and custom-monogrammed hardtack to fuel our discussion. Amy joined us remotely due to having a bit of a cough, hence the slight difference in sound quality. Safety first! CW/TW: Every -ism. Sexism, racism, colonialism. Violence against indigenous people. Hypersexualization of indigenous women. Violence, murder, cannibalism, death. If it's upsetting, it's in here. Yikes! Episode transcripts available via: https://www.hugogirlpodcast.com/transcripts Music by Eon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Wed, May 04, 2022
Episode 40 - Kallocain: Fun with Fascism
This month we read and discussed Karin Boye’s novel Kallocain, which was nominated for a Retro Hugo for 1941. This is an excellent, if bleak, book, which we think should be taught in US classrooms alongside 1984 and Brave New World. We scream a few times during minute 29, so mind your volume! The full text of the novel is available to read free online , courtesy of the University of Wisconsin. Digressions include a live tasting of the new space-flavored Coke. Our DM for this episode is Amy. Kallocain Review - The Blank Garden CW/TW: sexual assault Episode transcript available via: https://www.hugogirlpodcast.com/transcripts Music by Eon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Thu, April 07, 2022
Big announcement! With screaming, so turn your volume down!
Hey guess what!! We are nominated for a Hugo Award for Best Fancast!! We're excited and screaming and don't want to hurt your ears, so turn down that volume! Thank you so much to everyone who nominated us, and who listens, likes, comments, shares, leaves reviews - we are over the moon!
Wed, April 06, 2022
Episode 39 - Dreamsnake: An Endorsement Nonetheless
This month we read and discussed Vonda McIntyre's 1979 Hugo Award winning novel, Dreamsnake, which is beloved by everyone except a very vocal handful of men on the internet. Even Orson Scott Card said it was readable! DM: Lori CW/TW: CSA, addiction Episode transcript available via: https://www.hugogirlpodcast.com/transcripts Music by Eon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links: https://gizmodo.com/feminism-astronauts-and-riding-sidesaddle-talking-to-30859488 Dreamsnake: The controversial Hugo winner that's no longer in print (gizmodo.com)
Fri, April 01, 2022
Hugo Hotline
In this special episode, we're going live to the phones to answer urgent questions across space and time! Big thanks to special guest stars Kevin and Emmanuel! Episode transcript available via: https://www.hugogirlpodcast.com/transcripts
Mon, March 21, 2022
Station Eleven TV Series Special
We watched and discussed the new HBO Max limited series adaptation of Station Eleven. We had a VARIETY of opinions, so if you loved it or you hated it, you'll find something to agree with/be mad about in this episode. And we are joined by special guest, Kevin! DM: Chaos CW/TW: murder/death, violence, death in childbirth, intimate partner violence Music by Eon: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links: Vulture recaps: Station Eleven — TV Episode Recaps & News (vulture.com) Graphic novel art produced for the miniseries: https://twitter.com/dtnart/ status/1483500557742583810?s= 21
Wed, March 02, 2022
Episode 38 - Ringworld: Tasp That Ass
This month we discussed Larry Niven's Ringworld, which is verifiably a book that won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1971. Even a truly fantastic talking warrior cat couldn't save this litany of Misogynist Moments, but there were still a few things to like. DM: Haley CW/TW: rape, addiction Music by Eon: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links: Credit to Simon Bisson for the amazing Moby-Dick crossover: http://file770.com/this-will-ring-your-chimes/ https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2010/jul/02/larry-niven-ringworld http://lovehistory.net/blog/2012/07/27/ringworld-by-larry-niven-1970/
Wed, February 02, 2022
Episode 37 - Barrayar: Vorld of Vorkraft
This month's read is Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold. Despite what Haley described as “an oppressive fantasy feeling,” we all really enjoyed this classic novel in which all the women are strong, all the men are weird-looking, and all the children are the subject of murder plots. DM: Amy CW/TW: rape, weird pregnancy & birth stuff, disability discrimination Transcript: https://www.hugogirlpodcast.com/barrayar Music by Eon: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links https://www.tor.com/series/rereading-the-vorkosigan-saga/ https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/293438-the-vorkosigan-saga-reading-order-debate-the-chef-recommends
Sun, January 30, 2022
Website Launch and Hugo Nominations Reminder
Hello! A couple of things - 1) We launched a website! It's a work in progress, but please check it out at https://www.hugogirlpodcast.com/ 2) The deadline to purchase a membership so that you can nominate for the 2022 Hugo Awards is TOMORROW (January 31, 2022). We were just a few nominations short of making it onto last year's ballot, so we would love your support. All levels of memberships are available for purchase on the Chicon website . A $50 supporting membership will allow you to nominate now and vote once the final ballot is released.
Mon, January 17, 2022
Hyperspace Special: Moby-Dick
In honor of the recent Moby-Dick Marathon, it's time for a special episode on one of our favorite books of all time. Have you ever wondered if Moby-Dick was Star Wars or Lord of the Rings? It's time to find out! Your ship's captain for this special episode is Haley! More about the Moby-Dick Marathon: https://www.whalingmuseum.org/program/moby-dick-marathon-2022/ Theme music courtesy of Alexander Nakarada - The Wellerman - Royalty Free Cinematic Version DOWNLOAD ► http://bit.ly/34TXdyG - More than 370 non-copyrighted pieces can be found on my website BANDCAMP ► <a dir="auto" style= "white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #f9f9f9;" href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWNic2xCZEswQktqT2lnRUFaQTBrOHRHSFV6Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuT0p0NjlzWXhjd0hRcDF4MzF3d2RNZkxkakptanVEaXh2ZzlReG9QRk15N0wzOFZZRWxadXVURGdSY2JkcFFUbDVVY28
Wed, January 05, 2022
Episode 36 - Leviathan Wakes: Not Leviathan's Wake
This month we read 2012 Hugo nominee for best novel, Leviathan Wakes by James SA Corey. Spoiler alert for how many times you can deride sex workers in one novel! Despite that, we all basically liked this book, we promise. Your DM for this episode is Haley! Music by Eon: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Tue, January 04, 2022
Worldcon 2021 Special
Kevin and Lori went to Worldcon in Washington, DC! It was fun! We'll tell you a little bit about the con itself, plus lots about dogs and food and meeting new friends. We were very excited to find out after the Hugo Awards that we were on the long list for best fancast! We were only a few nominations away from the ballot. If you'd like to nominate us this year, be sure to grab your Worldcon 2022 membership by the deadline, January 31. You can purchase a membership online at https://chicon.org/ . For a thorough and nuanced discussion of the sponsorship and site selection issues, check out this free Patreon post by Hugo-nominated fan writer Paul Weimer: https://www.patreon.com/posts/60266480 Music by Eon: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Tue, December 07, 2021
Physics Special with Emily Duden
In this special episode, we learn all of physics, courtesy of amazing physicist Emily Duden! Hear the answers to burning questions like "would a flashlight be useless for a person traveling at the speed of light" and "will I stay young forever if I just never leave an airplane" and "is Interstellar a bunch of foolishness?" Also, relativity! And gravity! And did you know that anything can be a clock?! Yay, science! Check out our Instagram to see a couple of helpful diagrams that Emily used to teach us three hapless English majors about relativity. If you enjoy this episode, please consider supporting classroom access to scientists by making a donation to Skype a Scientist at https://www.skypeascientist.com/ or Venmo @skypeascientist.
Wed, December 01, 2021
Episode 35 - The Forever War: The Turd Dimension
What’s not to love about 800 years of a straight man’s discomfited rumination on “homolife?” This month we read Joe Haldeman's military sci-fi classic, The Forever War. Your DM for this episode is Lori! Music by Eon: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss TW/CW: homophobia, compulsory sex Links: https://www.reddit.com/r/sciencefiction/comments/31n046/im_joe_haldeman_author_of_the_forever_war_ama/ https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2011/apr/14/back-to-the-hugos-joe-haldeman
Wed, November 03, 2021
Episode 34 - Foundation: Tokyo Drift
This month we discussed Isaac Asimov's groundbreaking novel about various pairs of dudes scheming in rooms for over a century. Your DM for Foundation is Amy! CW/TW: sexual harassment/assault at cons (especially by Asimov) Music by Eon: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links https://twitter.com/petersagal/status/1176115797107838976?lang=ca https://gizmodo.com/dont-look-away-fighting-sexual-harassment-in-the-scifi-1785704207 https://www.tor.com/2021/10/06/asimovs-foundation-and-finding-hope-in-crisis/
Tue, November 02, 2021
Movie Minisode - How Y'all Dune?
We discussed Denis Villeneuve's new movie adaptation of Dune. We liked it a lot! Recommended reading: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/10/28/dune-muslim-influences-erased/ Recommended listening: https://thenerdsofcolor.org/2021/10/25/the-middle-geeks-episode-31-dune-review/ Music by Eon: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Wed, October 06, 2021
Episode 33 - The Uninvited: Shirt & Trousers
It's our Halloween Spooktacular! This month for spooky season we read and discussed Retro Hugo nominee The Uninvited by Dorothy Macardle. Published in 1941 under the dubious title Uneasy Freehold, this book is chock full of our favorite things: ghosts, breakfasts, lesbians, and a nice orange cat. It has a great twist so we REALLY hope you'll read it. Be warned: spoilers and spirits abound! Your super spooky DM for this episode is Haley! The House - Vivek Abhishek https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=2Do5iRAhbtg Irish Times article about our author, who was "no ideal woman:" https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/dorothy-macardle-de-valera-s-friend-no-exemplar-of-his-ideal-woman-1.4084223
Wed, September 01, 2021
Episode 32 - The Three-Body Problem: Bottle, Bertle
This month we discussed The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu (translated by Ken Liu), winner of the 2015 Hugo Award for best novel. Did you know that we are in fact three bodies? And by the end of this episode, we are also self-taught physicists. Music by Eon: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/06/24/liu-cixins-war-of-the-worlds
Wed, August 04, 2021
Episode 31 - Murderbot Diaries - All Systems Red: Jahoob Talk
This is a short book so detours abound, but we did (mostly) love that Murderbot! After almost a year and a half of a whole pandemic, who can't identify with wanting to shut your helmet faceplate and feed thousands of hours of TV directly into your brain? Murderbot is all of us. Music by Eon: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links : NPR review: https://www.npr.org/2019/01/27/688354123/sulky-cynical-murderbot-is-one-of-sci-fis-most-human-characters NK Jemisin's blog: https://nkjemisin.com/2010/05/dont-put-my-book-in-the-african-american-section/
Wed, July 28, 2021
Cookbook Minisode Part 2: The Eating
It's time to eat! Join us as we eat and discuss delicious dishes inspired by The Witcher, The Broken Earth Trilogy, The Legacy of Orïsha, and Lord of the Rings from Cooking for Wizards, Warriors and Dragons , by Thea James and Isabel Minunni. Be forewarned, there's plenty of chewing because this food was good! We are allowed to share a handful of recipes, so send us an email or reach out on social if anything piques your interest! Music by Eon: https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Tue, July 27, 2021
Cookbook Minisode Part 1: The Unboxing
This minisode we open and peruse Cooking for Wizards, Warriors and Dragons , a fantasy-inspired collection of recipes, created by Hugo Award winner and co-founder of The Book Smugglers, Thea James, and chef Isabel Minunni. The book also includes forty beautiful illustrations by artist Tim Foley. Listen as we...read the table of contents and talk about lactose intolerance and flossing. It's cuter than it sounds, we promise! This Minisode Part 1 is us going through recipes to select which ones we want to cook. Part 2 will be the actual tasting and review. We are allowed to share up to 8 recipes from the book, so if anything sounds super delicious to you, let us know and we'll try to hook you up with the recipe!
Wed, July 07, 2021
Episode 30 - The City & the City: Earl Kerma
This month we read The City and the City by China Miéville, which was...fine? Maybe goodish? Is it "New Weird," or is it just weird? We don't know. But we do know that Mare of Easttown would have cracked this case with half as many commas as Inspector Borlú. Music by Eon: https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Mon, June 07, 2021
A Birthday Minisode - The Nerantel Gem, a fairy tale by Haley Zapal
In honor of her birthday, please enjoy this reading of Haley's middle school Star Wars fanfiction. There are twins, a quest, an evil guy who definitely isn't just the Emperor, an underwater eatery, 35 minutes of nonstop giggling, cameos by Kevin - you name it, we've got it! This episode is dedicated to our nice friend Juan, who appreciates our giggling. Read along with us and view the author's original cover art here: https://haleyzapal.com/2015/04/16/the-nerantel-gem-or-middle-school-haley-shines-bright-like-a-diamond/
Wed, June 02, 2021
Episode 29 - Hyperion: A Maxisode!
Episode 29 is here, and now with 50% more podcast! This month we read Hyperion by Dan Simmons, winner of the 1990 Hugo for best novel, and we took a whopping hour and a half to discuss it. This is a very good book, rife with problems and problematics, and a HEAPING helping of boob talk. CW/TW: sexualization of underage girls Music by Eon: https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Wed, May 05, 2021
Episode 28 - A Memory Called Empire: Emma Jo
This month we read A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine, winner of the 2020 Hugo for best novel! This was a fun, steampunky romp. Don't forget to tweet us your Teixcalaanli name! CW/TW: brief discussion of death by suicide at 41:20-43:00. Music by Eon: https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links: https://www.npr.org/2019/04/07/710356506/questions-for-arkady-martine-author-of-a-memory-called-empire Random number generator: https://www.google.com/search?q=random+number Random noun generator: https://randomwordgenerator.com/noun.php
Wed, April 07, 2021
Episode 27 - Starship Troopers: 2 Bunner 2 Tuggles
This month we went back into the bunner tuggles as we discussed Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein. Music by Eon: https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Thu, April 01, 2021
Episode 26 - The Fellowship of the Ring: My Favorite Mordor
BIG NEWS! We're jumping on the true crime train. For our inaugural episode, we discussed the sensational jewelry heist of approximately 3,070 years ago, popularly known as The Lord of the Rings. These events were originally covered by true crime reporter JRR Tolkein in the 1950s. Music: Sir Fireheart by Ean Grimm https://youtu.be/8DCvn484bXw?t=1146 Links: Cinema Therapy: Aragorn vs. Toxic Masculinity https://youtu.be/pv_KAnY5XNQ
Wed, March 03, 2021
Episode 25 - Dragonflight: Misogynist Moments
This month we discussed Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey. We didn’t like it. CW: rape, intimate partner violence Music by Eon: https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links: http://corabuhlert.com/2021/01/20/fanzine-spotlight-nerds-of-a-feather-flock-together/ http://corabuhlert.com/2021/02/24/fancast-spotlight-hugo-girl/
Wed, February 03, 2021
Episode 24 - The Stone Sky: Hippopotabus
Hitch a ride on the nearest vehimal and join us for the conclusion of NK Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy! It's been a wild ride, and everyone is either dead or turned to stone or both. CW: everyone’s dead or dying; medieval torture mastectomy (you read that correctly) Music by Eon: https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links: https://www.npr.org/2017/08/19/542469223/in-the-stone-sky-some-worlds-need-to-burn http://corabuhlert.com/2021/01/22/fanzine-spotlight-hugo-book-club-blog/ http://hugoclub.blogspot.com /
Wed, January 06, 2021
Episode 23 - The Obelisk Gate: Butter Marble
WE WERE KIND OF CONFUSED BUT MOSTLY LIKED THIS BOOK AND ALSO GEORGIA IS BLUE!! IT'S BLUUUUUUUE! Music by Eon: https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Sat, December 19, 2020
Maxisode Special: Fantastical Foods with Ginger Lee Thomason
For this supersized super special episode, we were joined by Ginger Lee Thomason, who is currently writing her thesis on food in fiction and knows every snack in the book! Join us as we geek out over everything from lembas to roach jello to seared krayt dragon. Sound quality is always a crapshoot when recording remotely, so this time around, Lori and Haley are coming to you from the bottom of a well - sorry! Find Ginger at https://gingerleethomason.com/ and @wordsofginger on Twitter.
Wed, December 02, 2020
Episode 22 - The Fifth Season: Orogenous Zones
This month we discussed the 2015 Hugo winner for best novel, The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin. There's a lot going on in this book, so our plot summary is longish. If you don't need a plot summary you can skip 5:48-14:35. CW/TW: LANGUAGE and sexual content that you REALLY probably do not want your kids to hear in the car and chant over and over during Zoom school, but if that does happen please tell us because that sounds funny. Music by Eon: https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Links: https://whatever.scalzi.com/2015/08/06/the-big-idea-n-k-jemisin-4/ http://nkjemisin.com/2015/08/creating-races/
Wed, November 04, 2020
Episode 21 - To Your Scattered Bodies Go: The Crossover
We're taking a break from recording this month, so we're releasing the crossover episode we recorded back in January of 2020 with Seth Heasley, creator and host of the Hugos There podcast. This book is wild - all of humanity (and humanoid...ity??) is dead and in a bizarre, harsh afterlife. Actually now that I write that out, it feels familiar. Is 2020 just Riverworld?? CW/TW: suicide, sexual assault, slavery, antisemitism, racism, Nazis, sexism Music by Eon: https:/ www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Tue, October 27, 2020
Episode 20 - Conjure Wife: Beefy
It's our Halloween Spooptacular! In honor of Spooptober, we bring you a special episode on Fritz Leiber's 1944 retro Hugo winner for best novel, Conjure Wife. Big thanks to Seth (@hugospodcast) for suggesting this 180-page Misogynist Moment, which asks (over and over and over) if witchcraft might be real. Warning: major digressions ahead. Topics include Elvira and whether or not spit is water. Music by Eon: https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss Article about the many covers of Conjure Wife: https://www.blackgate.com/2014/02/15/lust-women-and-the-devil-seven-decades-of-fritz-leibers-conjure-wife/
Wed, October 07, 2020
Episode 19 - A Canticle for Leibowitz: Old Tumater Woman
This month we discussed A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter H. Miller, winner of the 1961 Hugo Award for best novel. It has lots of men, lots of death, and almost no women - and we all loved it! We loved it so much, we forgot about our Boob Talk segment, but there are no boobs in this book anyway. CW: discussion of the author's death by suicide Music by Eon: https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss New Yorker article: https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/science-fiction-classic-still-smolders
Thu, September 24, 2020
Hugo Babygirl #1: Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience™
Welcome to our inaugural Hugo Babygirl episode! These are shorter episodes (hence the "baby") where we read and discuss Hugo Award-winning short fiction (and other stuff if we feel like it). For this episode we read Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience™ by Rebecca Roanhorse, which won the Hugo Award for best short story in 2018. Spoiler: we all thought it was excellent. Apologies for some weird audio in this one. The results of recording remotely are always a surprise! Read the story via Apex Magazine: https://apex-magazine.com/welcome-to-your-authentic-indian-experience/ Or listen to LeVar Burton read it to you on your favorite podcast app or at http://www.levarburtonpodcast.com/
Wed, September 02, 2020
Episode 18: The Courtship of Princess Leia - Toyota Corellia
To borrow a term from our friend Seth at the Hugos There podcast, this was a comfort read chosen by Haley. As far as we know, it won no awards, but it is composed of many words printed on paper and is definitely a book. Plus, there are Force witches! We also announce our fundraiser/book drive in support of the Women's Prison Book Project ( https://wpbp.org/ ). Details are on our social media. The short version is if you donate money to them or ship them items off their Amazon wish list and email us the receipt, you'll be entered to win some sweet HG merch! Deadline is 8PM EST on 9/18/2020. Music by Eon: https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Wed, August 05, 2020
Episode 17: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell - Rad Bromance
This month we bring you a supersized episode for a supersized book. We read (and read and read) the 2004 winner for Best Novel, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. We also recorded the day after the Hugo Awards, so we discussed that for a while. If you'd prefer to skip straight to the book talk, start at 14:15. CW: Discussion of Clarke's antiquated racial language at 48:20-49:30 Amy's links: The SF Site: An Interview With Susanna Clarke (Steven H. Silver) Strange Horizons - The Fantasy of Talking Back: Susanna Clarke's Historical Present in Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell (Elizabeth Hoiem) Introduction to the Caribbean Books of Magic, Second Edition (Jennifer Oksana) Music by Eon: https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Wed, July 01, 2020
Episode 16: Ancillary Justice - Ship Protecc, Ship Attacc
This month we discuss Ancillary Justice, winner of the 2014 Hugo for best novel, and the first book in Ann Leckie's Imperial Radch trilogy. It's got sentient ships, zombie soldiers, tons of tea, and no he/him pronouns, which threatens a lot of men on Goodreads, apparently! We were also thrilled to have special guest Colette Fozard, co-chair of DisCon III, the 79th World Science Fiction Convention, join us for this episode! Find out more about the 2021 convention in Washington, DC here: https://discon3.org/ or @worldcon2021 on social. Music by Eon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Wed, June 10, 2020
Episode 15: The Calculating Stars - Thousands of Tampons
This episode we discussed The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal (Lori's new bff). We had no complaints, and we digressed often. This one was great fun! CW: sexism, racism, anxiety, brief reference to suicide attempt
Wed, June 03, 2020
Podcast Blackout
TW/CW: racial violence, police violence A few days ago we learned about the Podcast Blackout, started by Cult 45 Podcast. In solidarity, we are not releasing our planned episode today. Instead, we are sharing some thoughts on how to be a better white ally, and speaking the names of 100 black victims of police violence. Black lives matter. Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh Rachel Cargle on Instagram Rachel Cargle's The Great Unlearn on Instagram Fair Fight
Wed, May 06, 2020
Episode 14: The Windup Girl: Six Springs a'Kinking
On day 5,000 of shelter-in-place, we discussed The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi, which won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards for best novel in 2010. We would have voted differently. CW: rape, rape, and more rape, sexual slavery, colonialism Music by Eon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Wed, April 01, 2020
Episode 13: Bloodchild - Mademoiselle T'Gatoi (and a special announcement!)
This month your podcasters discuss Bloodchild by Octavia Butler, winner of the 1985 Hugo Award for best novelette, and a boatload of other awards. We also make a special announcement at the top of the episode. CW: forced pregnancy/birth, colonialism, giant insects Music by Eon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Mon, March 23, 2020
Episode 12: Station Eleven - Social Distancing Special
We got together (remotely!) to responsibly record a pandemic special for these weird times. We discuss Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2015 winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the Toronto Book Award), elephants, and why you should stay inside! CW: mention of rape/sexual assault Music by Eon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVbvE0PJyss
Wed, March 04, 2020
Episode 11: Speaker for the Dead — Bugger Duggars
In this month's episode, we revisit Ender Wiggin, perennial Mary Sue, 20-ish (but also 3,000-ish) years after the events of Ender's Game. Ender is thirty(-five), flirty, and thriving in his career as an intergalactic funeral director. But drama abounds when Ender gets caught in a love rhombus with an adolescent AI, a troubled teen on a faraway planet, and his own sister. Will Starfleet blow up an innocent planet? Has Haley learned how to say Valentine? Listen to find out!
Wed, February 05, 2020
Episode 10: The Man in the High Castle — This Could Have Just Been Bullet Points
February's selection is Philip K. Dick's Man in the High Castle . You've probably seen the Amazon TV series, which is based loosely on this novel. Ever wonder what would have happened if Germany and Japan had won World War II? You can kind of find out in this novel, in between lengthy discussions about the state of American antiques, Colorado shopping trips, and awkward dinner parties.
Wed, January 01, 2020
Episode 9: Dune — Lowbacca
Happy 2020! This episode, your three favorite space witches tackled Frank Herbert's magnum opus — Dune! This book has everything: jedi ladies, poop suits, misogyny, and a main character from the year 10,191 named JESSICA. Show notes: Frank Herbert interviewed by W. McNelly in 1969
Wed, December 04, 2019
Episode 8: Rendezvous With Rama — Big Dumb Object
This one was a classic, y'all! December's selection was Arthur C. Clarke's Rendezvous With Rama — a meditation on the power of awe, ancient alien life, gravity-defying space boobs, genetically engineered monkeys masquerading as house elves, and more.
Wed, November 20, 2019
Minisode 1: The Unboxing
Presenting our very first minisode! We had forgotten a few things and had some extra news to share, so voila! Salient points include: -follow-up snake research -our Robert J. Sawyer mail correspondence -a shout-out to Hugos There, our counterpart podcast Enjoy!
loading...