1295 Manufactured Nightmares: When Science Fiction’s Monsters Crawl Out of the Lab

Richard Syrett's Strange Planet

Richard Syrett & Glassbox Media

Society & Culture

4.5 • 1.9K Ratings

🗓️ 19 December 2025

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

FOLLOW RICHARD Website: https://www.strangeplanet.ca YouTube: @strangeplanetradio Instagram: @richardsyrettstrangeplanet TikTok: @therealstrangeplanet EP. #1295 Manufactured Nightmares: When Science Fiction’s Monsters Crawl Out of the Lab Monsters were never meant to be real. They were warnings. In the final chapter of our four-part series on Science Fiction & Reality, we confront the most unsettling idea of all: the creatures that once haunted novels and movie screens were never fantasies — they were prototypes. From mutants and cyborgs to engineered viruses, mind control, cloning, and immortal elites, science fiction didn’t invent our fears. It documented them in advance. Tonight, with Professor Mark Brake, we ask the forbidden question no one in power wants answered: What if the real monster was never the creature… but the human who created it? 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!!! CARGURUS CarGurus is the #1 rated car shopping app in Canada on the Apple App and Google Play store. CarGurus has hundreds of thousands of cars from top-rated dealers, plus those deal ratings, price history, and dealer reviews on every listing so you can shop with confidence. Their advanced search tools and easy-to-use app put you in control, with real-time alerts for price drops and new listings so you’ll never miss a great deal. And when you’re ready, CarGurus connects you with trusted dealerships for a transparent and hassle-free buying process. Buy your next car today with CarGurus at cargurus dot ca. GHOSTBED 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. 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. 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	You know, when I started this podcast, it felt like I had to become 10 people overnight.
0:05.3	Producer, editor, marketer, designer, it was a lot.
0:08.9	And I kept thinking, I wish I had someone in my corner to help me figure this out.
0:13.6	That's why I love today's sponsor, Shopify.
0:16.2	It's like having a built-in business partner.
0:19.4	Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, from giants like Jim Shark to scrappy
0:24.6	upstarts just getting going.
0:26.6	With Shopify, you can launch your own studio or store using hundreds of stunning templates
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0:46.3	Turn your big business idea into with Shopify on your side. Sign up for your $1 per month trial
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0:56.1	dot co.com.com slash glassbox. Go to shopify.com.com.com.com.com.com. There's a reason we rewatch
1:06.7	home alone every year. Merry Christmas, you filthy animal. It's because the best stories stay with you.
1:13.6	And Disney Plus is where you'll find your next great story.
1:17.6	Whether it's Fantastic Four First Steps.
1:19.6	We will protect you.
1:20.6	High power drama, All's Fair.
1:22.6	Tell us your story.
1:23.6	Or brand new Percy Jackson.
	...

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