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Can science fiction save us from an A.I. apocalypse?

October 24, 2026 · 27 min

Show notes

Robert J. Sawyer has been called “the Dean of Canadian science fiction.” He's written 25 novels, countless columns, book reviews and keynote speeches. When he was diagnosed with cancer six years ago, he was told not to go public, fearing it would hurt his chances of having future books published. Despite a terminal diagnosis, he has persevered and published several novels since. His new book is a collection of articles, reviews and speeches reflecting on decades of writing science fiction and what we can learn from the genre about entering an uncertain future. Plus, hear where writer and professor Michelle Porter finds true happiness while answering The Next Chapter's version of the Proust Questionnaire.


Books discussed on this week's show include:

Sawyer on Science Fiction by Robert J Sawyer

A Glacier’s Guide to Dying by Michelle Porter


Liked this conversation? Keep listening:

Why fantasy novels offer much more than escapism

Celina ‘Spooky Boo’ Myers on writing the next great vampire novel


Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

All episodes of The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

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