Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

Featuring Eric McCormack on Jack Nash, Alien Viruses, and the Thrill of a Classic Techno‑Thriller
I revisit the 2008 mini‑series adaptation of Michael Crichton’s The Andromeda Strain — a story that blends hard science, government secrecy, and the terrifying possibility of an extraterrestrial pathogen.

This look‑back is built from a press conference at the time of release, featuring Eric McCormack, who stepped into the role of investigative cable‑news reporter Jack Nash. Nash becomes the unlikely first witness to a fallen satellite and the classified alien microorganism known as Andromeda — a discovery that pulls him into a crisis far bigger than any breaking‑news cycle.

🎙️ Eric McCormack on Becoming Jack Nash
McCormack reflects on crafting a reporter who is both dogged and deeply human. He shares:

His inspiration for Jack Nash — a blend of real‑world journalists, classic conspiracy thrillers, and the relentless curiosity that drives people to chase truth even when it puts them in danger.

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In this episode, Tony Tellado Zooms  with the rising stars in London as they step into three of the most beloved characters in modern fantasy: Jaxon Knopf as Harry Potter, Rhys Mulligan as Ron Weasley, and Nina Baker‑Francis as Hermione Granger. Together, they unpack the emotional core of the trio’s journey—friendship, fear, growing up, and the quiet moments that shape legends.

This conversation goes beyond wands and wizardry. It’s about the human story beneath the magic.

✨ Inside the Episode
⚡ Harry & Ron: When Friendship Fractures
Jaxon and Rhys open up about portraying the tension between Harry and Ron

📚 Hermione’s Transformation

Nina Baker‑Francis reflects on Hermione’s evolution from brilliant girl to young woman finding her voice.

🔥 The Scene Before the Showdown

The most difficult moment to film wasn’t the confrontation with the one‑who‑must‑not‑be‑named—it was the quiet, intimate scene right before it.

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A Conversation with the Voices Behind the Galaxy

This episode takes us back to the buzzing halls of San Diego Comic-Con, where I sat down with some of the standout performers who brought Star Wars: The Clone Wars to life. It’s a chance to revisit the early days of the series, hear candid reflections from the cast, and celebrate the artistry behind one of the most beloved animated chapters in the Star Wars universe.

Ashley Eckstein – Ahsoka Tano
Ashley shares her journey stepping into the role of Ahsoka, the evolution of the character, and how she approached voicing a young Padawan.

Catherine Taber – Padmé Amidala
Catherine reflects on giving voice to Padmé’s strength, diplomacy, and emotional depth.

Tom Kane – Yoda and Narrator
Tom brings his trademark warmth and humor as he discusses voicing both the wise Jedi Master and the show’s signature newsreel-style narrator.

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In this special episode of Exploring Humanity Through Sci‑Fi, Tony sits down with one of the most influential — and often unsung — figures in modern space exploration: Gentry Lee, Chief Engineer for Planetary Exploration at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and longtime collaborator of Arthur C. Clarke.

Lee’s fingerprints are on some of humanity’s most iconic voyages into the unknown:

the Viking missions, which delivered the first close‑up look at Mars

But Lee is more than an engineer. He’s a storyteller. A philosopher. A bridge between the scientific frontier and the imaginative frontier. His collaborations with Arthur C. Clarke helped define the future before it arrived, and his friendships with figures like Carl Sagan shaped the way we dream about the cosmos.

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In this episode of Byte, Tony sits down with actor Aleks Paunovic, who brings the legendary Cyclops Polyphemus to life in Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Known for his towering presence and emotional depth, Aleks delivers a performance that’s equal parts monstrous, tragic, and unexpectedly human.

From the challenges of prosthetics and heat to the delicate balance of myth and emotion, Aleks shares how he approached one of Greek mythology’s most iconic figures—and why Polyphemus is more than just a beast.

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