Stars End: A Foundation Podcast

Update!

Still need to vote for your Hari Awards selections? We have to record tomorrow night! Voting will close at 5 pm EDT on 10/10/25!

Thanks!

Stars End S6E12 With Foundation Season 3 in the rearview, we attempt to take a holistic look at the entire season and put it all into perspective, not just within the show but its production. Spoilers to come as usual! We're joined by Travis Johnson, Friend of Stars End, formerly of the Black Alert Podcast and Star Trek Podigy, both Star Trek Podcasts, and much more!

On our latest episode we take a deep dive into #Foundation Season 3 with Special Guest Travis Johnson! What does it all mean and what does it portend for S4 and beyond? Listen and find out!

#FoundationOnAppleTVPlus #AppleTVPlus #Asimov #ScienceFiction #Psychohistory

The Third Hari Awards Ballot Hello! It's time to vote in the Third Newly Biannual Hari Awards for Foundational Excellence, all about Foundation on Apple TV+'s Season 3! Please help us and vote in the survey below. The survey will be open for one week, until Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 3:00 pm EDT. And please comment! We look forward to hearing from you! Our season three recap episode will drop this weekend!

Voting for the 2025 Hari Awards for Foundational Excellence is

We want to hear from YOU! Voting is now open for the 2025 Hari Awards for Foundational Excellence!

VOTE and let us know what YOU think about Season 3!

#Foundation #FoundationOnAppleTV+
#AppleTV+
#Asimov #ScienceFiction #

Stars End S6E11 Hoo boy! That was one hell of a season finale, wasn't it? You may have noticed that none of us were exactly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as we remonstrated about Foundation's Season 3, Episode 10, "The Darkness." "The Darkpodcastness." Spoiler Alert, as usual. Of course, you can listen without watching first, but this one needs to be seen to be believed.

We were all taken aback by "The Darkness!" I'm hoping Jared Harris wakes up next to Suzanne Pleshette! Can @CoraBuhlert help us find some light? Listen and see!

#Asimov #ScienceFiction #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast #Podcasts #AppleTVPlus #Foundation

Stars End S6E10 In which we ruminate about Foundation, S3E09, "The Paths that Choose Us." Spoiler Alert, as if that wasn't obvious. "The Podcasts That Choose Us." If you thought that episode 8 was intense, this one was a philosophical gut punch after another. And they come, fast and powerful. We see the full extent of the Mule's power as Gaal tries to free Warden Greer.

Can a philosophical episode metaphorically slap you around?

The new #Foundation says YES!. Join us on The Paths That Choose Us!

#Asimov #ScienceFiction #SciFi #Podcasts #AppleTVPlus #StarsEndPodcast

Stars End S6E09 Join us for another barn burner of an episode as we look below the surface of Foundation, S3E08, “Skin in the Game!” Brother Dude goes on trial, Brother Dawn wakes up, and Brother Dusk is up to something so sinister that Demerzel is preconfessing. We're picking up speed as we slide into the inevitable conclusion! Also, what's up with Bayta? Don't miss this one! "Skin in the Podcast"

Stars End S6E09

Join us for another barn burner of an episode as we look below the surface of Foundation, S3E08, “Skin in the Game!” Brother Dude goes on trial, Brother Dawn wakes up, and Brother Dusk is up to something so sinister that Demerzel is preconfessing. We're picking up speed as we slide…

Watching Foundation: “Foundation’s End” Here we go again! My impressions, insights, and interpretations from watching the episode. If you haven't watched the episode yet, what's holding you back? Spoiler Alert. Proceed at your own risk. Simultaneously published at Stars End: a Foundation Podcast and Comics, The Universe, and Everything. Watching Foundation S3E07 Nice title. It could be the name of an Asimov book in a different universe.

It looks like the new episode just dropped. Go watch it! Of course, if you'd like to refresh your memory, first, here's our Watching Foundation for "#Foundation's End!"

#Asimov #ScienceFiction #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast #Podcasts #AppleTVPlus

Stars End S6E08 Foundation, S3E07, "Foundation's End" is another episode that demands analysis! And has big revelations! Don't tell anyone, but I may have squeed. We have another special guest to help us wrap our heads around this one! "Podcast's End" Spoiler alerts, as usual. And don't let the title frighten you; we're not going anywhere! In this one, she names the robot that dare not speak its name.

Don't skip our breakdown of S6E07 "#Foundation's End!" It's Revelations, remembrances & psychotropic rambles! As special guest Paul Levinson would tell us, in the end... the love you make... is equal to the love... you make!

#Asimov #ScienceFiction #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast #Podcasts #AppleTVPlus

This is high praise! Thank you Richard!

Watching Foundation: “The Shape of Time” Here we go again! My random thoughts and reactions as I watched, and rewatched, the episode. Spoiler Alert, obviously. Simultaneously published at Stars End: a Foundation Podcast and Comics, The Universe, and Everything. Watching Foundation S3E06 Panicky Mule, not a nightmare but “a vision.” Pritcher… “He was like me… I realize… he gave me a great gift.” Initially, I wondered if this was “the Mule” exhibiting powers without Magnifico.

If you believe Gaal Dornik, time is 3-Dimensional and shaped like a duvet. Maybe we'll learn more tonight on the new episode of #Foundation.

For now, let's revisit "The Shape of Time!" with the new "Watching Foundation!"

#Asimov #AppleTVPlus #ScienceFiction #Podcasts #FoundationOnAppleTVPlus

Stars End S6E07 Let's chat about Foundation, S3E06, "The Shape of Time!" It's a big episode and we have a big guest star to enlarge our conversation. We call this one, "The Shape of the Podcast," and people are already calling it "longer than usual!" As you proceed, be warned! Here be spoilers! If the mark of a great episode is that it becomes even more interesting on a second watch, then this one checks the box!

On our new episode it's #Foundation, S3E6 "The Shape of Time!" Don't miss this one!
With Rick from That Star Trek Podcast!

#Asimov #ScienceFiction #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast #Podcasts #AppleTVPlus

Watching Foundation: “Where Tyrants Spend Eternity” As always, my reactions to the episode as I watched it and rewatched it. Unfortunately, this one did not exactly get more interesting upon closer scrutiny. Simultaneously published at Stars End: a Foundation Podcast and Comics, The Universe, and Everything. Watching Foundation S3E05 This is a very cool shot with the hoverbike driving vertically down the side of a building.

If you're wondering "Where Tyrants Spend Eternity," it's probably not Kalgan! Here's the latest "Watching #Foundation!"

Joseph has a lot of thoughts on this one! Psychohistory could have predicted that!

#Asimov #ScienceFiction #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast #Podcasts #AppleTVPlus

Stars End S6E06 In which we discuss Apple TV+'s Foundation, S3E05 - "Where Tyrants Spend Eternity." "Where Podcasts Spend Eternity." We didn't love this episode as much as the last one. Do you remember the Star Trek Episode "Court Martial?" It's the one where Captain Kirk is accused of murdering Lt. Commander Benjamin Finney. It's a little like that. The climax of the episode comes when Kirk's attorney, Samuel T.

The Conversation between Randu and Bayta was pretty good! What about the rest of "Where Tyrants Spend Eternity?" Join us and see! Plus, More About Magnifico! #AppleTVPlus's #Foundation

#SciFi #Asimov #Podcasts #ScienceFiction #StarsEndPodcast

Watching Foundation: “The Stress of Her Regard” In case you don't remember how this works, these are Joseph's initial thoughts, reactions, and predictions from watching the episode. Spoilers follow for the show and the books past this point. Proceed at your own risk. Simultaneously published at Comics, The Universe, and Everything. Watching Foundation S3E04 Directed by Roxanne Dawson! Here we go! Aerial view of the area with the tree.

It's the newest "Watching #Foundation" on "The Stress of Her Regard!" as we wait for E5 to drop!

I'm stoked for the Demerzel/Robots/Mycogen storyline! It will be epic!

Also, Joseph goes on about stuff.
#StarsEndPodcast

Stars End S6E05 Join us as we talk about Foundation, S3E04, "The Stress of Her Regard." It's an episode so big, so intense, and so seismic that it'll take FOUR of us to talk about it! In 1893, Nikola Tesla invented an ⁠earthquake machine⁠! Legend has it that by 1898, the machine was so powerful that neighbors called the police, afraid that Tesla's laboratory was about to shake itself apart!

Ever try to ride a pogo stick that's been stapled to a jackhammer?

#Foundation S3E04 on #AppleTVPlus,"The Stress of Her Regard," is kind of like that! Join us as we assess the damage! With guest Joel McKinnon, of the ⁠superb Seldon Crisis Podcast!

Let's GO!

#ScienceFiction #Asimov #Podcasts

Watching Foundation: “When A Book Finds You” Episode 2 will be next, so I can hopefully get on track for publishing these before the next episode. You remember how these work. These are Joseph's reactions, reflections, and ruminations while watching the episode. Also some light summary. Beware. Here be spoilers. Simultaneously published at Comics, The Universe, and Everything. Watching Foundation S3E03 Book! I assume we’re talking about…

The next episode of #AppleTV+'s #Foundation drops at midnight (or before)!

While you wait, refresh your memory of "When a Book Finds You" with our latest "Watching Foundation!" Or listen to our Podcast again!

Let's GO!

#Asimov #AppleTVplus #sciencefiction #Podcasts #FoundationOnAppleTVPlus

Stars End S6E04 We discuss Foundation, S3E03, "When a Book Finds You." "When a Podcast Finds You." Now, you may find yourself grooving in a Kalgan rave. Or, you may find yourself with an intuitive giraffe. Or, you may find yourself in the stacks of a large imperial library. Or, you may find yourself with a dubious prince, with a dubious beard.

On this weeks episode, we talk about S3E03 of #Foundation, "When A Book Finds You!"

Is Second Foundation in the middle of everything? If so, then who are their secret operatives! And where are Strength, Wisdom, And Fortitude?

#SciFi #Asimov #Podcasts #ScienceFiction #TheMule #TheStarsEndPodcast

Watching Foundation: “A Song for the End of Everything” We're at the start of a season, so here's a quick reminder of how these work. While watching the episode, I write down my thoughts, impressions, connections, and theories — half-baked or otherwise. Then we record the podcast. Eventually, I will publish one of these. Usually, it's pretty quick, but I still owe you one each from Seasons 1 and 2.

Here's the first "Watching #Foundation" for season 3!

Remember how these work? It's Joseph's notes, reactions, theories, obscure references, and snark on the episode. Plus things that may be jokes!

Don't miss our podcast but if you want more, here's more!

#asimov #sciencefiction #Psychohistory

Stars End S6E03 In which we talk about Foundation S3E02, "Shadows in the Math." "Shadows in the Podcast" Spoiler Alert! You know what to do! The pieces are starting to fall into place! S3E02 begins with a brief review of how the Second Foundation has evolved over the past 150 years! We see the Mule trying to consolidate power on Kalgan and get to meet Torin and Bayta!

Season 3 of #Foundation on #AppleTVPlus now has more plotlines than a plate of spaghetti! Can we make sense of it all? Join us and find out!

It's "Shadows in the Math" on our new episode!

#ScienceFiction #Asimov #Podcasts

Stars End S6E02 In which we discuss Apple TV+'s Foundation, S3E01, "A Song For The End of Everything." "A Podcast for the End of Everything" Now we're into the meat of our new, even-numbered season as we finally have a real teevee episode to talk about! As always, this way lies spoilers. If you care about such things, get thee to the platform!

Is your head still spinning? I mean about S3E01 of #Foundation on #AppleTVPlus!

We talk about it on the new #StarsEndPodcast! Ever heard of a daybreak down? What's up with Demerzel? And who nulls the null field?

Don't miss this one!

#SciFi #Asimov #Podcasts #ScienceFiction

S3E01, A Song for the End of Everything has dropped early!
#FoundationTV #Foundation_ #Asimov

Stars End S6E01 We preview season 3 of Foundation on Apple TV+ and make some announcements! "I Can Worm My Way Into People's Podcasts." It's an even-numbered season of the Stars End podcast! You know what that means! Our Second Interregnum has come to a close! The big news, of which you're already, no doubt, aware, is the return of Foundation to Apple TV+!

Three days to go!

Join us for the premiere Stars End S6 as we preview S3 ATV+'s Foundation_

! Coming Friday!

Our hopes! Our fears! Cogent analysis! Strange Ramblings!

You want it? We've got it! Don't miss this one!

#Podcasts #ScienceFiction #Asimov #Foundation #AppleTVPlus

Stars End S5E21 In this episode, we continue to drift along The Currents of Space, floating into chapters 7 through 12. This almost coincides with the second installment in Astounding Science Fiction for November 1952 (Chapter 7 was published in October). "Ninety-Five Percent of the Universe is Hydrogen, and Most of the Rest is Podcasts." This is the middle section of Asimov's middle Galactic Empire Novel (in-universe chronologically, that is).

We have found Eddie's in #Asimov's Currents of Space, but we haven't figured out who Eddie is. Maybe it's Rik but honestly, even he doesn't remember.

But we've figured out some other stuff. Join us and see!

#ScienceFiction #Podcasts #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast

Thanks for checking in! It was just a matter of being bogged down with work.

But we'll be here weekly for the teevee program and that's just about a month away.

Next Time on Stars End Guess what? It's Season 5 Episode 21! VERY soon! But first, it's been a while; we've missed you, and we hope you feel the same. I've said it before: having a day job is no fun. And that's the crux of it; we got bogged down with work, and the post-production got away from us. That's especially true in my case.

We're back and gearing up for Season 3 of #Foundation on Apple TV+.

S5E21 on the middle bit of "The Currents of Space" is imminent. Seriously.

#Asimov #ScienceFiction #PulpArt #Podcasts #GalacticEmpire #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast #PulpScienceFiction

Stars End S5E20 We start Asimov's third (or second) Galactic Empire Novel, The Currents of Space, by discussing chapters 1 through 6. This nearly corresponds to the first installment published in the October 1952 issue of Astounding Science Fiction which covered 1 through 7. "I remember my Podcast. I had a Podcast!" A friend tells me that our episodes are better when we’re enjoying the stuff that we’re reading.

We've got our inner tubes and are ready to ride #Asimov's Currents of Space! On the new #StarsEndPodcast we brave the rapids of Chs 1-6!

We think Isaac might be reading comic books! But which ones? And must this one be #ScienceFiction? Listen and find out!

#Podcasts #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast

Next Time on Stars End Coming soon! Season 5 Episode 20! We've seen this before from a pulp SF fiction perspective, (or will again in the actual flow of time) with The Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun. The Good Doctor serializes a novel in Galaxy Science Fiction to convince himself that he can sell material to somebody other than John W. Campbell and then returns home to…

The arrival of our latest episode is imminent where we'll drift down that first six chapters of "The Currents of Space."

Meanwhile, look at these nice illustrations by Henry van Dongen!

#Asimov #ScienceFiction #PulpArt #Podcasts #GalacticEmpire #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast #PulpScienceFiction

Stars End S5E19 We conclude our coverage of The Stars Like Dust ―, with chapters 15 through 22. That corresponds to part 3 of Tyrann as published in The March 1951 issue of Galaxy Science Fiction. "We the People… Do Ordain and Establish this Podcast." As we rejoin our heroes The USS Enterprise, trailer firmly attached by tractor beam, is approaching planet Omega 4.

Join us for our latest episode! We finish cleaning up #Asimov's second novel! Do we find the Rebellion planet? And what about that document? We need to tell you and you want to find out! Let's GO!

#ScienceFiction #Podcasts #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast

Next Time on Stars End Season 5 Episode 19 is on its way! One of the fundamental properties of Horace Gold's Galaxy Science Fiction, especially at the outset, was ambition. Gold was determined that Galaxy wouldn't be just another SF magazine, but an excellent one. We're only on Galaxy's sixth issue as we reach the final installment of The Stars Like Dust ―, or…

S5 E19 is coming soon!

We'll be talking about the last third of "The Stars Like Dust!" Find out about that silly document subplot and see the original #PulpArt! #GalacticEmpire #ScienceFiction #Podcasts #SciFi #StarsEndPodcast #PulpScienceFiction

Next #SeldonCrisis guest will be one familiar to fans of the podcast and very much aligned with #Asimov and #Foundation. Probably recording early January - no year long waits this time.