Lockdown Diaries

This is a pilot episode for a podcast discussing modern science fiction novels, originally recorded in August 2022. We were hoping to record and release more of these, but life, as it does, got in the way a little bit.The release of the trailer for the Netflix adaptation of 3 Body Problem prompted us to dig this out and share it with the world. If you like what you hear and want more, email scifibookclubpodcast@gmail.com or jackrbkirby@gmail.com.

Some reflections on the first few weeks of fatherhood, plus mini reviews of:The Burning by Laura BatesSmash Bros. UltimateAladdinKnives OutCommunity

Our baby is here! I tell you about what that is like!

I talk about our incoming baby, some criticisms of Keir Starmer and the return of football.

Content warning: Racism, murder, slaveryIn this episode, I talk to my friends Kyah and Mishka about what white people can do in order to be a good ally to black people and other people of colour.I was inspired to record this conversation after reading Kyah's excellent Facebook post, which you can read here: https://www.facebook.com/kyah.mm/posts/10101388897167964

A very chilled entry, I'm just chuntering to myself whilst pottering in the greenhouse. Perhaps this is good background noise? If anyone wants to put some ambient sounds on this, that would be dope. I also try some AMSR whispered counting at some point, if you're into that x

In this longer than usual update, I talk aboutOur latest baby scanDriving in LondonBlack Lives Matter and the protests vs Covidiots going to the beachOur virtual baby shower!Ludo the dog's weeing habitHow to Argue With a RacistSpace ForceThe Andrew Marr Show and the pernicious march of the war on truth. Enjoy!

Doom and gloom. I talk about how depressing the news is at the moment, with the ongoing fallout from Cummings Gate, the murder of George Floyd and John Boyega being criticised for being ant-racist. On the bright side, I've been trying yoga and veganism.