In this episode, we sit down with media expert Simon Pulman, a partner at Pryor Cashman and co-chair of the firm’s Media and Entertainment group. We discuss the shifting business of entertainment, including the implications of a potential Netflix or Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros., whether movie theaters still have a future in today’s attention economy, and the emerging role of AI in media and video games.
Anthony Gaud and co-host BWG Global’s Justin Ruiss sat down with Joost van Dreunen, NYU Stern professor, author of One Up, and one of the sharpest analysts in the global video game industry, for a wide-ranging conversation about where games are headed in 2025.
We covered the major forces reshaping the industry, from why 2025 became the year of independent developers to how character design and storytelling are finally reflecting broader audiences. We dug into the real, non-PR version of AI in game development, unpacked Microsoft’s turbulent year, and wrapped with our picks for the 2025 Game Awards
Producer: Natasha Waller
Joost weblinks:
Shawn Dennis joins us for a fast-moving conversation that jumps from Janet-Jackson “boob-bowl,” to Trolls in space, the meaning of Shrek, and even the NFL and Tiananmen Square!
Across her career—from Kenner Toys to Universal Studios Orlando, from the NFL to American Girl, and DreamWorks—Shawn has helped shape some of the most influential brands in modern entertainment.
What happens when a theme park opens and nothing works? Why do certain characters refuse to fade away? Why did the Trolls franchise had to be rebuilt from the ground up? and what DreamWorks learned about the emotional blueprint behind hits like Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon.
It’s a wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, spectacle, cultural moments, and the strange ways pop culture travels through the world.
This week’s show features Dan DiDio, the legendary former President and Co-Publisher of DC Comics. A creative force behind some of DC’s most defining eras, DiDio shares his love of Metal Men, the bold vision behind The New 52, and his partnership with Frank Miller. He also explores the challenges of managing creative talent, balancing vision, deadlines, and fan expectations. With sharp insight into Batman’s 1980s evolution and what people often miss about the character’s enduring appeal, DiDio offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the art, risks, and reinventions that shaped the modern DC Universe.
This week on Galaxy One Radio, we sit down with Dan Gilroy — one of the creative forces behind Star Wars: Andor and the Emmy-winning writer of the episode “Welcome to the Rebellion.”
Gilroy, also the Oscar-nominated writer and director of Nightcrawler, joins us to talk about building the moral and political depth of Andor, the meaning behind Mon Mothma’s powerful speech, and the show’s alternative introduction for the fan-favorite droid K-2SO.
From his early work on The Bourne Legacy and Kong: Skull Island to his collaborations with his brother Tony Gilroy, Dan shares how his storytelling has evolved — and why Andor may be the most politically relevant work of his career.
Tune in for an in-depth look at rebellion, truth, and the human side of the Empire.
Galaxy One Radio talks with Blake Roman, the great voice talent behind Angel Dust and the Egg Bois in the smash hit anime Hazbin Hotel. Roman, along with a bunch of other Hazbin actors and pop culture talent from everything from Pokemon to The Fairly Oddparents, were at the very first Animate! Philadelphia from October 3 to 5.
Then we talk to Animate and GalaxyCon Founder and President Michael S. Broder, who tells us about Animate, GalaxyCon and what to expect at the first foray into the City of Brotherly Love.
This week on Galaxy One Radio we’re joined by comic book power duo Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner. From reinventing Harley Quinn at DC, to redefining Marvel Knights, to launching creator-owned hits like Painkiller Jane, their fingerprints are all over modern comics, movies, and pop culture.
We dig into how they build stories across mediums, what it’s like balancing art and business, and where their creative journey is heading next. That includes a first look at their new Kickstarter project, Deep Sea—a graphic novel that dives into sci-fi mystery and the unknown beneath the waves.
• DEEP SEA Kickstarter is available at this LINK
• PaperFilms LINK
This week we’re joined by Young Dirty Bastard—Bar-Sun Unique Jones—the son of the legendary Ol’ Dirty Bastard from Wu-Tang Clan. YDB is stepping into a new creative lane with SEGA, dropping the track “The Path Has Just Begun” for the launch of Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. This broadcast also marks the radio debut of the song—right here on WOND!
We dig into Wu-Tang’s lifelong love of kung fu, YDB’s summer on tour, his favorite games, and what it was like creating an original song for one of SEGA’s most iconic series. From hip-hop legacy to gaming culture, this conversation explores how music, martial arts, and video games collide—bridging generations in the process.
Joining the conversation are Esports on SI (Sports Illustrated) editor Trent Murray as co-host, alongside legendary Hollywood storyboard artist Warren Drummond and his son John Drummond.
Great interview. Great artist. Great game!
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Official 'The Path has Just Begun' video >> LINK
Official Sega Shinobi website >> LINK
Derek Haas is a novelist, screenwriter, and television creator whose work spans blockbuster films, bestselling thrillers, and one of the most enduring franchises on network TV. He co-wrote movies like 2 Fast 2 Furious, 3:10 to Yuma, and Wanted, and is the author of the acclaimed Silver Bear series.
On television, he created Chicago Fire and helped build NBC’s “One Chicago” universe—spinning off Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice—while also co-creating FBI: International. His latest project, Countdown, is a crime thriller that debuted on Amazon Prime in June 2025.
From novels to Hollywood blockbusters to TV universes that have lasted more than a decade, Haas has built a career defined by fast-paced storytelling and characters that stay with you.
This episode's guest is a powerhouse of storytelling and one of the visionary forces behind one of the most beloved sci-fi series of all time: Quantum Leap.
Deborah M. Pratt didn’t just create the show's idea—she was the executive producer, head writer, showrunner, and even the voice of Ziggy, the A.I. computer.
From Broadway to NBC, from starring in episodes of Happy Days, writing Magnum, P.I. and Airwolf to directing the Quantum Leap reboot, Deborah’s career spans every corner of Hollywood.
She’s a graduate of the American Film Institute, a four-time Emmy nominee, and a trailblazer who’s broken down barriers for women and people of color across the industry.
But her influence goes well beyond the screen. Deborah has served on the boards of the Writers Guild, Directors Guild, and SAG-AFTRA, using her voice to fight for representation and equity in entertainment.
She’s the author of seven novels, the creator of the Vision Quest sci-fi universe, and is currently directing a film based on her YA fantasy novel MIRRORS. She’s developing a stage play about 18th-century composer Joseph Bologne and launching Warrior One, a new graphic novel series!
More on her website > https://deborahmpratt.com
In this episode, we welcome Jen McGowan, who discusses key Hollywood challenges, including diversity and the role of artificial intelligence.
Jen is an acclaimed director known for her impactful work in film and television, including standout episodes of Star Trek: Discovery - where she had added her flair for emotional depth with the franchise’s signature sci-fi.
With a background in independent cinema, McGowan made her mark with the award-winning Kelly & Cal, which earned the Gamechanger Award at SXSW, and the gripping thriller Rust Creek, which received significant accolades for its feminist perspective and strong female characters.
Her television credits span diverse genres, from Reign to The Purge, showcasing her versatility and character-driven storytelling. A Tisch School of the Arts graduate and advocate for women in film, McGowan continues to shape the industry with her bold vision and mentorship.
Join Mur Lafferty, a trailblazing author and podcaster, for a deep dive into science fiction and fantasy.
Known for her witty, character-driven stories, Mur has (at least) 9 novels, including the Hugo-nominated Six Wakes and the cozy sci-fi mystery Station Eternity.
A podcasting pioneer since 2004, she hosts I Should Be Writing and co-hosts the Hugo-winning Ditch Diggers.
In this episode, we explore her creative process, from crafting original alien cultures to expanding Star Wars canon in Solo: A Star Wars Story Expanded Edition.
Mur shares insights on her cozy murder mysteries, the Midsolar Murders series and offers inspiration for writers and sci-fi fans alike.
• Visit the Murverse Mothership
Join us for an inspiring conversation with LaToya Morgan, the dynamic writer, producer, and showrunner taking Hollywood by storm!
Born and raised in Los Angeles, LaToya honed her craft at the American Film Institute and through prestigious fellowships like the Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop.
From her early days writing for Showtime’s Shameless to her work on The Walking Dead as a co-executive producer, she’s built an impressive career crafting compelling stories.
Now, with her production company TinkerToy Productions and a multi-year deal with Warner Bros., she’s co-created and showrun the hit Max crime thriller Duster alongside J.J. Abrams.
A two-time NAACP Image Award nominee and creator of the sci-fi graphic novel Dark Blood, LaToya is also a passionate advocate for diverse voices, mentoring emerging writers through AMC’s Inclusion Initiative.
Listen in to explore her remarkable journey, her hit Max series Duster, and her exciting work on the Night of the Living Dead reboot!!
Olatunde Osunsanmi is a Nigerian-American director and producer renowned for his work in film and television. He launched his career with the short film Etat, delving into Nigeria’s 1970s political landscape, and rose to prominence directing Universal’s horror thriller The Fourth Kind (2009).
Osunsanmi has since amassed a notable portfolio, including TNT’s Falling Skies and a record-breaking 14 episodes of Star Trek: Discovery, more than any other director. He also served as executive producer for Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Section 31, cementing his influence in horror and science fiction.
Join us for an engaging interview with Wil Wheaton, New York Times bestselling author, Hugo finalist, and award-winning audiobook narrator, who just launched his own podcast - “It's Storytime” with Wil Wheaton, a weekly podcast narrating speculative fiction from emerging authors.
From his breakout role in Stand By Me to playing Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation and hosting The Ready Room, Wil shares his diverse career, including co-creating Tabletop with Felicia Day.
A survivor of child abuse with CPTSD, Wil a passionate mental health advocate, honored with the 2014 NAMI Rona and Ken Purdy Award. He also reflects on child acting challenges, and his family struggles.
Also make sure you check out > Rent A Pal!
🚀 In this episode of Galaxy One Radio, we break the barrier in more ways than one — welcoming our first female guest, Dr. Laura Troiano, Dean of the Honors College at Rutgers University–Newark!
Laura is an expert in popular culture, nostalgia, narrative theory, and the evolving ways we experience entertainment today.
From the generational impact of Minecraft to the enduring lessons of HBO’s Westworld, we explore how pop culture both reflects and shapes the world we live in.
Tune in as we dive into:
🎮 How Minecraft became a world-building phenomenon for Gen Z
🛡️ Why Westworld is essential for understanding American identity and frontier myths
🎢 The hidden cultural power of theme parks like Disneyland and Dollywood
🎥 Why Pixar films — and the stories we tell — matter more than ever
📚 The future of storytelling, education, and critical thinking in the age of social media
Get ready for a fascinating ride through pop culture’s past, present, and future!
Join hosts Scott, Anthony, and Warren as they dive into Terrorbytes, the gripping new five-part documentary series by award-winning writer and historian Richard Moss. This 5+ hour exploration uncovers the chilling history of horror video games, featuring behind-the-scenes stories from industry legends who created Silent Hill, Dead by Daylight, Clock Tower, Eternal Darkness, and many more including DOOM’s very own (and former Galaxy One Radio guest) John Romero.
Purchase on the Terrorbytes website: https://terrorbytesdoc.com/
#videogames #terror #horror #gaming
Galaxy One Radio welcomes Star Trek legend Jonathan Frakes for an exclusive interview. Frakes shares fresh details about the upcoming Star Trek series Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy, along with behind-the-scenes stories from the Lower Decks crossover episode 'Those Old Scientists.'
Frakes also discusses the mysteries surrounding Thomas Riker and William Riker and Deanna Troi’s son, as well as his experience directing The Orville.
Joining the conversation in the studio are longtime Trekkie Ada Gaud, Frakes’ close friend Warren Drummond, and new Trekkie Harry Czekalski.
Blake J. Harris is a bestselling author and journalist known for his in-depth reporting on the video game and tech industries. He’s the author of Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation, which was adapted into a documentary produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.
His second book, The History of the Future: Oculus, Facebook, and the Revolution That Swept Virtual Reality, dives into the rise and fall of Oculus and the VR industry's evolution. In addition to his books, Blake has contributed to outlets like IGN and Rolling Stone, covering the ever-changing gaming landscape.
Link to Blake Harris's books
- Console Wars (link)
- History of the Future (link)
For this bonus episode, Anthony Gaud steps in as host alongside co-hosts Dexter Weeks and Roman Gaud to discuss the generational divide between Gen X and Gen Z with a candid Gen Z guest who doesn’t hold back.
They navigate the fascinating shift of online social media, ponder the curious rise of “incels” within digital culture, and reflect on how social media’s growing influence might challenge mental health, relationships, and social skills—offering a glimpse into a complex, tech-driven future.