1293 Machines That Dreamed Us First: How Science Fiction Built the Future We Now Live

Richard Syrett's Strange Planet

Richard Syrett & Glassbox Media

Society & Culture

4.5 • 1.9K Ratings

🗓️ 15 December 2025

⏱️ 59 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

FOLLOW RICHARD Website: https://www.strangeplanet.ca YouTube: @strangeplanetradio Instagram: @richardsyrettstrangeplanet TikTok: @therealstrangeplanet EP. #1293 Machines That Dreamed Us First: How Science Fiction Built the Future We Now Live Tonight, in Part Two of our four-part series, we plunge into the mechanical heart of science fiction—and the chilling realization that our world of drones, algorithms, and AI was imagined long before it was built. From Čapek’s enslaved robots to Asimov’s hopeful laws, from Wells’s remote-controlled war machines to Orwell’s watchful screens, the blueprints were drawn in stories. Professor Mark Brake reveals how these fictions didn’t just predict the future—they scripted it. Are we masters of our creations, or have the machines we dreamed up already begun reshaping humanity itself? The déjà vu is real. The reckoning is now. GUEST: Professor Mark Brake is a leading science communicator and author exploring the hidden feedback loop between imagination and innovation. He is the author of FutureWorld: Where Science Fiction Becomes Science and numerous bestselling books examining the real science behind Star Wars, superheroes, time travel, and the multiverse. Known for translating complex ideas into gripping narratives, Brake argues that science fiction doesn’t merely entertain — it quietly shapes the laboratories, technologies, and futures we eventually inhabit. LINKS: https://www.instagram.com/profmbrake BOOKS: FutureWorld: Where Science Fiction Becomes Science The Science of Star Wars The Science of Harry Potter The Science of Star Trek The Science of Doctor Who The Science of Jurassic World The Science of James Bond The Science of Sherlock The Science of The Beatles The Science of Super Heroes SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! GHOSTBED GhostBed is a family-run company, founded and still led by real manufacturing experts with more than 20 years of mattress-making experience. They’re not marketers chasing trends. They’re craftsmen focused on building quality you can feel, night after night. Every GhostBed mattress is designed with premium materials, proven cooling technology, and their exclusive ProCore™ layer—a targeted support system that reinforces the center of the mattress where your body’s heaviest. It helps keep your spine aligned and your back supported while you sleep. Right now, during GhostBed’s Holiday Sale, you can get 25% off sitewide for a limited time. Just go to GhostBed.com/strangeplanet and use promo code STRANGEPLANET at checkout. That’s GhostBed.com/strangeplanet, promo code STRANGEPLANET. Upgrade your sleep with GhostBed—the makers of The Coolest Beds in the World™. Some exclusions apply, see site for details. FOUND – Smarter banking for your business Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found dot com. That’s F-O-U-N-D dot com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Join the hundreds of thousands who’ve already streamlined their finances with Found. HIMS - Making Healthy and Happy Easy to Achieve Sexual Health, Hair Loss, Mental Health, Weight Management START YOUR FREE ONLINE VISIT TODAY - ⁠HIMS dot com slash STRANGE⁠ ⁠https://www.HIMS.com/strange⁠ MINT MOBILE Premium Wireless - $15 per month. No Stores. No Salespeople. JUST SAVINGS Ready to say yes to saying no? Make the switch at MINT MOBILE dot com slash STRANGEPLANET. That’s MINT MOBILE dot com slash STRANGEPLANET BECOME A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER!!!⁠ ⁠https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm⁠ Three monthly subscriptions to choose from. Commercial Free Listening, Bonus Episodes and a Subscription to my monthly newsletter, InnerSanctum. Visit ⁠https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm⁠ Use the discount code "Planet" to receive $5 OFF off any subscription. We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our w Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm/

Transcript

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0:00.0	Think about cheese.
0:02.0	Make your thoughts cheesier.
0:04.2	Now add 100% chicken breast fillet,
0:06.3	Chipotle sauce and Amadea cheese melt.
0:08.3	And it's giving the new cheesy chicken stack at McDonald's.
0:12.0	Did we mention it's cheesy?
0:13.9	Cheese.
0:15.8	Availments at the 4th of Jan, 2026 from 11am.
0:18.1	Price and participation may vary.
0:19.2	Subjects availability.
0:20.2	There's a reason we re-watch Home Alone every year.
0:23.5	Merry Christmas, you filthy animal.
0:25.7	It's because the best stories stay with you.
0:28.6	And Disney Plus is where you'll find your next great story.
0:32.5	Whether it's fantastic four first steps.
0:35.1	We will protect you.
0:36.2	High power drama, all's fair.
0:38.2	Tell us your story.
0:39.1	Or brand new Percy Jackson.
0:41.0	That is just the beginning.
0:42.5	A lifetime of great stories awaits on Disney Plus.
0:46.5	Now streaming 18 plus.
	...

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