Galaxies and Goddesses: A Sci-Fi & Fantasy Bookcast

Reading Foundation in 2026: What Holds Up and What Feels Dated

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Foundation by Isaac Asimov, one of the most influential works in classic science fiction. Together they explore the concept of psychohistory, and how the novel’s ideas about power, technology, religion, and knowledge preservation still resonate today. They also discuss what feels dated in a mid-century sci-fi classic, from communication technology to the near absence of women in positions of power, and reflect on how modern readers engage with older speculative fiction. Along the way, the conversation branches into AI, technological dependence, and why some books remain classics even when they challenge or frustrate us as readers.  01:01 Expectations for a Classic 03:04 Serialized Structure and Star Wars Vibes 05:48 Psychohistory and Power Politics 09:41 What Aged Poorly and Who Gets Included 14:13 Who Decides What is a Classic 17:43 Why is it a Classic 18:54 Tech Dependence And AI 29:30 Ratings And Wrap Up Freakonomics Radio episode “New Technologies Always Scare Us. Is AI Any Different?” https://freakonomics.com/podcast/new-technologies-always-scare-us-is-a-i-any-different [https://freakonomics.com/podcast/new-technologies-always-scare-us-is-a-i-any-different/] The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist. 2026. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt39150120/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt39150120/]

Independent Bookstore Day Adventures in Montana

On this week’s episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, join Andrea and Elizabeth as they share their Independent Bookstore Day adventures on a bookish road trip through cozy indie bookshops in Bozeman and Livingston to an unexpected stop in West Yellowstone. They talk about the bookstores they visited, books they picked up, and the unique experiences that made each shop special, from discounts and staff picks to author events and community art. Along the way, they reflect on the role independent bookstores play in supporting local communities and connecting readers. If you love bookstore crawls and hauls this episode is for you.  00:59 What is Independent Bookstore Day 02:17 Bozeman Bookstores & Bargains 15:32 Livingston Bookstores & Community Vibes 23:17 West Yellowstone 27:57 Take a Book Leave a Book Finds 28:17 Overall Vibes 29:46 Thoughts for Next Year Books mentioned in this episode: Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones Exhalation by Ted Chiang A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro Shōgun by James Clavell The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Tolkien’s Legacy: The Hero’s Journey and Literary Nods to Middle-earth

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, we explore the lasting influence of J. R. R. Tolkien on modern fantasy and beyond. From shaping iconic tropes in The Lord of the Rings to inspiring authors like R. F. Kuang and Christopher Paolini, Tolkien’s impact spans generations. We also discuss the Hero's Journey as a timeless storytelling framework and how it plays into the Lord of the Rings. At the end of the episode we announce our next trilogy pick, swinging back into the realm of science fiction with Isaac Asimov’s Foundation trilogy. 03:43 Spotting Tolkien References 05:56 Influence vs Infringement 08:57 What Is The Hero’s Journey 12:16 Why Tropes Still Work 13:56 Travel Inspired by Books 14:40 Back to The Hero's Journey 16:50 The Circle as a Symbol 20:48 Tolkien-esque Names 25:51 Tolkien Language Intent 28:52 Eragon And Dragon Nostalgia 32:05 Next Read Foundation Trilogy 33:56 Episode Wrap And Teaser Books Mentioned The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien Katabasis by R. F. Kuang The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman  Outlander by Diana Gabaldon The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown Brimstone by Callie Hart When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Eragon by Christopher Paolini Foundation by Isaac Asimov Love chatting about books? Follow Galaxies and Goddesses and leave a review to support the show.

Return of the King: Epic Battles, Healing Hands, and Returning to the Shire

Join Andrea and Elizabeth as they discuss The Return of the King, the epic conclusion to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, highlighting standout moments, character arcs, and what makes the ending memorable. They compare book and film differences, while emphasizing the book’s quieter moments and added history. They focus on Aragorn’s kingship revealed through the House of Healing, Éowyn’s confidence and role in defeating the Lord of the ringwraiths, and Faramir’s unexpected romance. They note the extensive chapters after the Ring’s destruction and both rate the series five stars, giving appreciation to Tolkien for his gift to the world. 00:52 Where Return of the King Begins 05:26 Books Versus Movies Debate 07:55 Stand Out Moments 10:52 Love in the House of Healing 15:54 Encounters with Saruman 18:39 The Battle Isn't the End of the Story 24:348 Library Reading Buddies 29:59 Feelings at the End 32:28 It's Not a Trilogy 38:05 Ratings Spoiler warning for: The Fellowship of the Ring The Two Towers The Return of the King Reddit fan theories mentioned in the episode: Was Bilbo’s mithril coat originally made for Legolas? https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienfans/comments/yr9lrl/bilbos_mithril_coat_was_made_for_legolas/ [https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienfans/comments/yr9lrl/bilbos_mithril_coat_was_made_for_legolas/]

Adding 3 Books to Our TBR: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Picks, Wild Cards & Intimidating Reads

In this special one year anniversary episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, we’re reflecting on our favorite moments from the past year of podcasting, how our reading habits have evolved, and the books that have shaped our journey. Instead of looking back at our top reads, we’re each adding three intentional picks to our TBR: a highly anticipated sci-fi or fantasy book, a wild card outside our usual genres, and an intimidating or long read we’ve been putting off.  06:49 The ‘River of Books’ & Managing a TBR 09:33 Highly Anticipated Sci-Fi or Fantasy Book 15:41 Wild Card Book Pick 21:23 An Intimidating Read 25:09 Tolkien and The Silmarillion 27:45 Looking Ahead Books mentioned in the episode: The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr. 1984 by George Orwell Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury The Housemaid by Freida McFadden How to Art: Bringing a Fancy Subject Down to Earth by Kate Bryan The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon Moby-Dick by Herman Melville In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien Follow along & explore more: Our 26 to Read in 2026: https://www.instagram.com/p/DT-wnMqicdB/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DT-wnMqicdB/] TBR Mindset Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVNlgZfD7F8/ [https://www.instagram.com/p/DVNlgZfD7F8/] Independent Bookstore Day (last Saturday in April): https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day [https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day]  💫 Have a favorite sci-fi or fantasy trilogy we should read next? Let us know! We’d love your recommendations!