Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

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In this premiere episode of Journey to Arrakis, we open the doors to the vast, windswept universe of Dune by going straight to the source. Author and biographer Brian Herbert joins us for an intimate conversation about his father, Frank Herbert, the mind behind one of the most influential science‑fiction sagas ever written.

Brian reflects on Frank’s creative process, the philosophical roots of the Dune universe, and the personal experiences that shaped the novel’s themes—ecology, power, religion, and human potential. Together, we explore how a single story about a desert planet grew into a cultural touchstone that continues to challenge and inspire readers more than half a century later.

Featured Audio With permission from Macmillan Audio, this episode includes select clips from the audiobook of Dune, offering listeners a vivid entry point into the world of Arrakis:

Princess Irulan’s private writings, which frame the political and historical tensions surrounding Paul Atreides

A dramatic moment in which Paul and Jessica, fugitives in the desert, encounter the Fremen for the first time—an encounter that will alter the fate of the Imperium

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Brian Herbert’s memories of Frank Herbert

The philosophical and political questions that shaped the novel

Immersive audio moments from the original Dune audiobook

Why This Episode Matters To understand Dune, you must first understand the man who imagined it. This conversation sets the foundation for the entire Journey to Arrakis series, grounding the sweeping mythology in the real human story behind it.

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A return to the dark, rain‑soaked streets of Batman: Arkham City — and explore how it became a landmark in storytelling, performance, and game design. This deep‑dive episode features reflections from the legendary Mark Hamill (The Joker), a heartfelt conversation with the late Kevin Conroy (Batman), an inside look at the game’s soundscape with Audio Director Nick Arundel, and a narrative breakdown with writer Paul Dini.

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A look into the heart of Merlin Season Four with two of the series’ most iconic performers. Anthony Stewart Head (King Uther Pendragon) and Bradley James (Prince/King Arthur) join us for a pair of candid, insightful interviews that explore the emotional turning points, behind‑the‑scenes challenges, and legacy‑defining moments that shaped this pivotal season.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the icy, post-apocalyptic world of Impact Winter, Audible’s hit audio drama created by writer and world‑builder Travis Beacham. You may know Travis from his story treatment that became Pacific Rim and his work as writer and co‑creator of Carnival Row. Now he’s turned his imagination toward a world plunged into darkness after a catastrophic impact event—one where vampires rise and humanity fights to survive.

We explore how Impact Winter blends horror, survival, and character‑driven storytelling, and how the audio format lets Travis build tension and atmosphere in ways screen media can’t.

About Impact Winter
Set seven years after a meteor strike blots out the sun, Earth has become a frozen wasteland where vampires thrive in the endless dark. At the center of the story is Darcy, a fierce and determined vampire hunter navigating this new world of shadows. As she protects her small band of survivors, Darcy must confront not only the monsters outside but the shifting loyalties and secrets within her own group.

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