No Win Scenario

Two Friends Who Hate Each Other - Talking Science Fiction Star Trek, Dune, Babylon 5, The Expanse, Star Wars, Neon Genesis Evangelion and more — we are your gateway to science fiction entertainment. As we spar over diverse perspectives and dissect popular narratives, you'll be passionately divided, loving and loathing us in equal measure. Tune in as yours hosts, Don and Trevor, engage with industry experts to explore the day-to-day realities of production and the increasing prominence of mental health concerns in the film and television industry. Our initial guests include: Dave Blass (Production Designer, Star Trek Picard) Liz Kloczkowski (Art Director, Star Trek Picard) Todd A. Marks (Computer/Video Playback Supervisor, Star Trek Picard) Jeremy Benning (Cinematographer, The Expanse) Kent Sanderson (President, Acquisitions and Ancillary Distribution at Bleecker Street) David Mack (NY Times Best Selling Author, Star Trek: Picard: Firewall) Jenny R Johnson (Artist) Derek Tyler Attico (Award winning Author, The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko) Brian Tamm (Executive Director, Boston Independent Film Festival) Todd E. Slayton, Cathy Debono, Robin Morselli, Mark Lentry, (Star Trek Deep Space Nine) Created by Trevor Chamberlain and Don Schechter ©2024 Charles River Media Inc

No Win Scenario is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts No Win Scenario, a arts show with 0 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #15

  315 - Don's Away Mission with Author Liam Begley

  Aug 21, 202634 minS3

  Author and Vancouver film crew member Liam Begley joins No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission to discuss his debut science fiction novel Broken Interstellar, the influence of Star Trek’s Gabriel Bell, and the connections between space labor, technology, AI, automation, and the future of society.Liam talks with Don Schechter about how Broken Interstellar explores survival, collective identity, labor, and social change through the lens of space opera. The conversation digs into the ways science fiction can reflect modern anxieties about work, technology, automation, and who gets left behind when society changes too quickly. They also discuss Liam’s career in the Vancouver film industry, his transition from film crew member to sci-fi author, the challenges of publishing and marketing a debut novel, and why storytelling remains such a powerful tool for thinking about the future. No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry. Podcast: No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission Episode Number: 315 Duration: 34:20 Host: Don Schechter Guest: Liam Begley Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Don says: Order the Ascendants novel: https://ascendantsbook.com/ Trevor says: Watch Front Row Reactions https://www.youtube.com/@frontrowreactions Guest Links: Website: https://www.leombegley.ca Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/leombegley BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/leombegley Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com Follow No Win Scenario on X: @nowinscenario Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867 TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast Subscribe on your favorite platform. Mental Health Crisis Resources In the US: Call or text 988 Online: https://988lifeline.org ©2026 Charles River Media https://www.CharlesRiverMedia.com

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  Episode #14

  314 - Don's Away Mission with Author Andrew Gillsmith

  Aug 20, 202634 minS3

  Author Andrew Gillsmith joins No Win Scenario Presents: Don's Away Mission to discuss his novel Our Lady of the Artilects and the intersection of religion, science fiction, consciousness, artificial intelligence, and transhumanism.Andrew talks with Don Schechter about the role of faith and philosophy in speculative fiction, why religious inquiry continues to appear in futuristic stories, and how questions about consciousness and technology shape our understanding of human identity. The conversation explores artilects, neurological implants, AI ethics, metaphysics, doubt, certainty, and the dangers of believing we have all the answers.Andrew also shares practical advice for writers working toward publication, including lessons on marketing, persistence, and trusting the deeper questions that drive a story.No Win Scenario is your portal into the universe of science fiction entertainment. Join Don and Trevor as they debate varied viewpoints and dissect beloved narratives. Engaging with industry insiders, they delve into the everyday realities of production and highlight the growing importance of mental health awareness in the film and television industry. Podcast: No Win Scenario Episode Number: 314 Duration: 34:07 Host: Don Schechter Guest: Andrew Gillsmith Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Don says: Order the Ascendants novel: https://ascendantsbook.com/ Trevor says: Watch Front Row Reactions https://www.youtube.com/@frontrowreactions Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com Follow No Win Scenario on X: @nowinscenario Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867 TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast Subscribe on your favorite platform. Mental Health Crisis Resources In the US: Call or text 988 Online: https://988lifeline.org ©2026 Charles River Media https://www.CharlesRiverMedia.com

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  Episode #11

  313 - Don's Away Mission With Matt Witten

  Aug 18, 202627 minS3

  (00:00:00) Don's Away Mission Begins (00:00:57) Introducing Matt Witten: A Dystopian Author (00:01:47) The Birth of 51 Percent (00:03:30) Privatization of Everything (00:09:10) The Crime Marketing Expert (00:15:51) World-Building and Details (00:18:13) Adapting 51 Percent for TV (00:22:34) Writing Advice and Future Projects (00:26:14) Wrapping Up and Contact Information What If Corporations Owned Everything? Matt Witten on 51% Author Matt Witten joins No Win Scenario to discuss his dystopian novel 51%, a police procedural set in a privatized America where corporations own nearly everything — including people.In this episode, Don Schechter talks with Matt about the real-world fears behind 51%, how corporate power and privatization shaped the novel’s world, and why a crime story was the perfect way to explore a dystopian future. The conversation dives into world building, police procedurals, character perspectives, crime marketing, writing advice, and the strange irony of adapting an anti-corporate story for television with help from a major corporation.Whether you’re a fan of dystopian fiction, crime novels, political thrillers, sci-fi, or writing craft, this conversation explores how speculative fiction can turn today’s anxieties into gripping storytelling.No Win Scenario is a science fiction podcast hosted by Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain: two friends who hate each other, talking sci-fi. Episode: 313 Runtime: 26:59 Guest: Matt Witten In this episode: Matt Witten on the origin of 51% A dystopian America ruled by corporate power Privatized police, institutions, housing, and identity Building a believable future through small details Why a police procedural fits the world of 51% Crime marketing and corporate-controlled justice Writing dystopian fiction without overwhelming readers Adapting novels for television Advice for writers: write what you love and trust your voice Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Matt Witten and his work 01:22 The origins of the idea for 51% and real-world parallels 03:20 The privatization of police and other institutions 04:52 Deep fears and societal concerns inspiring dystopian fiction 06:03 Political and corporate trends in storytelling 08:06 Why a police procedural fits the dystopian world 09:02 The concept of crime marketing in the novel 10:53 World-building details: Reagan’s apartments and more 11:12 Creating a no-win scenario to drive the story 13:04 Character perspectives and nuance in storytelling 16:26 Balancing detail and readability in world building 18:23 Adapting a novel to TV 20:53 The irony of a corporate-funded anti-corporate story 25:07 Advice for writers: follow your passion and trust your voiceWebsite: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Don says: Order the Ascendants novel: https://ascendantsbook.com/ Trevor says: Watch Front Row Reactions https://www.youtube.com/@frontrowreactions Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com TikTok & Instagram: @NoWinScenarioPodcast Subscribe for more science fiction interviews, author conversations, Star Trek discussions, filmmaking insights, and deep dives into the future of storytelling. #MattWitten #51Percent #DystopianFiction #Dystopian #CorporatePower #CrimeFiction #PoliceProcedural #AuthorInterview #WritingAdvice #WritingProcess #ScienceFiction #SciFi #NoWinScenario #DonsAwayMission #DonSchechter #TrevorChamberlain

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  Episode #12

  312 - Don's Away Mission with Author Shanti Hershenson

  Aug 16, 202630 minS3

  Shanti Hershenson joins No Win Scenario Presents: Don's Away Mission for a conversation about science fiction, young adult fiction, dystopian novels, the writing process, and what it takes to build a writing career while connecting directly with readers. And she's just 18! In this episode, Don Schechter talks with Shanti about starting her writing journey at age 13, why she loves stories with “crazy high stakes,” how science fiction can explore social issues and future consequences, and how authors today balance creativity with marketing, TikTok, in-person events, revisions, editors, and reader engagement. Shanti also shares advice for young writers, how she develops ideas and characters, why finishing and revising a story can be so challenging, and how writing helps her make sense of the world. No Win Scenario is a science fiction podcast hosted by Don Schechter and Trevor Chamberlain: two friends who hate each other, talking sci-fi. Episode: 312 Runtime: 30:17 Release: August 16, 2026 Guest: Shanti Hershenson In this episode: Shanti Hershenson’s writing journey from age 13 Young adult fiction, science fiction, and dystopian stories Why high-stakes stories connect with readers Developing story concepts and characters Revising, editing, and finishing a book TikTok, social media marketing, and book promotion Connecting with readers online and in person Advice for young writers and aspiring authors Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Shanti Hershenson and her writing journey 01:53 Why high-stakes stories resonate with readers 04:06 Starting to write at age 13 and her early goals 07:03 Balancing writing with social media marketing 09:51 The appeal of sci-fi for exploring societal issues 12:04 How she develops story concepts and characters 13:52 Challenges in finishing and revising her books 16:08 The role of her editor and revision process 17:59 Her upcoming college studies and future plans 19:54 How her books reach and connect with readers 21:51 The importance of authenticity and human connection 23:58 Advice for young writers and balancing multiple roles 26:12 Closing thoughts and where to find her work Don says: Order the Ascendants novel: https://ascendantsbook.com/ Trevor says: Watch Front Row Reactions https://www.youtube.com/@frontrowreactions Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com TikTok & Instagram: @NoWinScenarioPodcast X: @nowinscenario Subscribe for more science fiction interviews, author conversations, Star Trek discussions, filmmaking insights, and deep dives into the future of storytelling. #ScienceFiction #SciFi #ShantiHershenson #AuthorInterview #YoungAuthor #YoungAdultFiction #YAFiction #DystopianFiction #WritingAdvice #WritingProcess #BookTok #TikTokBooks #CreativeWriting #NoWinScenario #DonsAwayMission

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  Episode #61

  311 - Don's Away Mission with Author Elliot Blake

  Aug 15, 202640 minS3

  In this episode of No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission, Don Schechter and surprise co-host Trevor Chamberlain sits down with author and media creator Elliot Blake to talk about making the leap from helping tell other people’s stories to creating a science-fiction world of his own. Elliot discusses the creation of his new novella, Into the Great, and how living through a period of extraordinary technological and social change influenced the story. The conversation explores why science fiction remains such a powerful way to process the world around us, the challenge of imagining the future when technology is evolving so quickly, and how creators can turn uncertainty into compelling storytelling.Don and Elliot also dig into the creative decisions behind Into the Great, including why Elliot chose the novella format, the book’s visual influences, and the writers and films that helped shape his approach—including William Gibson and Blade Runner.They also look beyond the book to possible adaptations, including audiobooks, animation, and film, while discussing the current state of the entertainment industry and the realities of staying creatively active when the business itself is undergoing enormous change.Highlights include: Elliot Blake’s career in media and storytelling Making the transition from helping create other people’s stories to writing his own The inspiration behind Into the Great How rapid technological and societal change shapes modern science fiction Using science fiction to process uncertainty about the present and future Why Elliot chose to tell the story as a novella The visual thinking behind the book’s cover and design Influences including William Gibson and Blade Runner How creators decide what the future should look and feel like Plans for audiobook, film, animation, and other possible adaptations The changing state of the entertainment industry Balancing professional work with personal creative projects Why today’s tools can mean “fewer excuses, more stories to tell” Sound Bites:“Fewer excuses, more stories to tell.”“Choosing the life you want in a destabilized world.”“Science fiction as a way to process current times.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest 01:19 Elliot Blake's background in media and storytelling 02:20 The inspiration behind Into the Great 04:39 The influence of current global changes on the story 06:30 Storytelling as a reflection of societal fears 09:35 The impact of the current era on creative work 13:38 Media adaptation plans for Into the Great 16:32 Why a novella? Length and publishing choices 20:18 Cover art and design influences 22:26 Literary influences and sci-fi inspirations 26:23 Living in a time of rapid change and storytelling 30:03 The state of the entertainment industry and future projects 36:06 Balancing creative work with industry realities Guest Links: Elliot Blake: https://elliotblake.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/elliotblake Podcast: No Win Scenario Presents: Don’s Away Mission Episode Number: S03E11 Release Date: August 15, 2026 Duration: 40:12 Host: Don Schechter Website: https://www.nowinscenariopodcast.com Email: NoWinScenarioPodcast@gmail.com Follow No Win Scenario on X (Formerly Twitter): @nowinscenario Follow No Win Scenario on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551025621867 TikTok: @NoWinScenarioPodcast Don says: Order the Ascendants novel: https://www.ascendantsbook.com Trevor says: Watch Front Row Reactions: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontRowReactions Subscribe on your favorite platformMental Health Crisis ResourcesIn the US: Call or text 988 Online: https://988lifeline.org ©2026 Charles River Media https://www.CharlesRiverMedia.com

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