Sci-Fi and Science – “Exploring Science Through Science Fiction” 2nd ed (Springer, 2019) – Barry Luokkala interview

Barry Luokkala is a physicist and physics professor with Carnegie Mellon. He wrote a book on science and science fiction after he found that students enjoyed the class so much and he had enough material to write a book on the subject. We discussed the book. Check out the book here.

0:39 – Barry talks about how he developed this book.

2:24 – Barry talks about the focus of the book and how it introduces students

to science through science fiction movies and shows.

5:04 – Barry talks about how he approaches science fiction versus science fantasy.

8:37 – Barry talks about what movies and filsm most inspire aspiring scientists.

11:39 – Barry talks about Asimov’s robot novels.

12:54 – Barry talks about HAL 9000.

14:33 – Barry says Transcendence is the best movie right now that explores quantum computing.

19:47 – Barry has tried to avoid zombies and biology in his book. There isn’t enough science behind the idea. He also discusses Frankenstein as a science fiction novel. He then discusses a Kepler book that was science fiction.

22:24 – Barry discusses other writers who wrote science fiction in the 1600s.

24:48 – Barry talks about the giant ships in Indepedence Day and the science behind their hovering.

31:32 – Barry has a page on the Carnegie Mellon physics department webpage.

Links of interest

Check out the book here.

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4614-7891-1

https://www.cmu.edu/physics/people/faculty/luokkala.html

For more “Full Contact Nerd” please find me at http://crisalvarez.com, follow me on Facebook at crisalvarezwlc, on youtube at Cris Alvarez and on Instagram @crisalvarezscifi

Guests: Barry Luokkala

Host: Cris Alvarez

Tags: science fiction, science, carnegie mellom, zachary quinto, physics, singularity, time, space, matter, universe, extraterrestrial, biology, biotechnology, star trek, planet of the apes, artificial intelligence, robotics, doctor who, isaac asimov, forbidden planet, i robot, 2001, HAL 9000, Transcendence, Interstellar, frankenstein, zombies, Kepler, Die Another Day, Independence day, Jurassic Park

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Science Fiction Replicas – Master Replicas Group interview

Master Replicas Group is a producer of museum quality replicas from science fiction, science and other popular entertainment. I spoke with two of their senior members, Steve and Karl, at the GPCC 2019.

0:38 – Steve and Karl talk about what the Master replica Group does.

1:08 – Karl talks about how one becomes a professional replica maker. He talks about 2001, fossils and 3-D replicas.

3:06 – Karl talks about how model makers connect and get into licensed projects. Steve talks about the actual business side of the work.

6:15 – They discuss what technology advancements have changed the business.

8:20 – They talk about quality control of the [models] replicas.

10:36 – They talk about applying artistic design to their replicas.

15:43 – They talk about what sci-fi and fantasy works have inspired them.

19:35 – They talk about whether space exploration is inspiring people currently.

21:19 – Steve talks about the moon landing and people who don’t believe it.

22:10 – They talk about how they are able to work with people who work remotely for the company.

23:12 – They talk about how people joined their company.

24:50 – Steve talks about cash flow management.

28:55 – They can be found at masterreplicasgroup.com. They’re on facebook and twitter and have links all over google.

Links of interest

https://www.masterreplicasgroup.com/

For more of “Science Fiction and the Fantastic Inside Out” please follow me on Facebook at crisalvarezwlc, on youtube at Cris Alvarez and on Instagram @crisalvarezscifi

Guests: Master Replicas Group

Host: Cris Alvarez

Tags: science fiction, fantasy, art, artist , Warner brothers, dinosaurs, fossils, 2001, smithsonian, apollo, hal-9000, 3-D, white light scan, star wars, star trek, marvel