The Sword and Laser

Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont
undefined
Mar 12, 2026 • 39min

#530 – You’re Pulling My Noodle

Veronica's sick but she soldiers on and we review the final four of the March tournament. Plus our non-spoiler check in on Automatic Noodle. Also, we talk about our favorite noodles.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Feb 27, 2026 • 58min

#529 - Fuzzy Edges

A voter's guide to our March Madness tournament. How to define genres. Your favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy quotes. And we wrap up our thoughts on Someplace to Be Flying by Charles de Lint. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Feb 12, 2026 • 40min

#528 - Dazed and Crowfused

It's time for our March book tournament! Nominations are open. Also, Veronica and Tom have shocking revelations about books they have NOT read. Also, why is Tom having a hard time with this month's pick? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jan 29, 2026 • 55min

#527 - I'm Starting to Worry This Book Isn't Sci-Fi

Andrew Heaton from the Political Orphanage stops by to talk about "I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom" by Jason Pargin. Also, Veronica drinks in reverse. You'll understand if you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jan 15, 2026 • 53min

#526 - Halfway Happy

LACon V(eronica) registration is open, the Philip K. Dick Award nominees are out, and we discuss why we're "halfway happy." Plus, we kick off I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom and wrap up The Book That Wouldn't Burn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Dec 19, 2025 • 48min

S&L Podcast - #525 - The Beans That Wouldn't Burn

It’s all about the beans on this Sword and Laser. Chili, chowder, and more. We also find time to talk about books, specifically Mark Lawrence’s book that wouldn’t burn. But we don’t want to burn the beans either. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Dec 5, 2025 • 49min

#524 - 4 Stars: Clean, Not Cozy!

The Floating Hotel was a great deal, and we really enjoyed it when we checked in. During our stay we met some really interesting folks, and the staff was fabulous. There was some murder, but in the end we were more concerned with the identity of the Lamplighter. And the cocktails were quite delicious. We enjoyed the continental breakfast, because it included so many continents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Nov 21, 2025 • 33min

#523 - Ship Happens

Should the Floating Hotel be called a “space cruise ship”? Why Veronica can't make change. Tom tries not to insult Stephen's intelligence. And hoorah for N. K. Jemisin! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Nov 7, 2025 • 48min

#522 - Punchin' Shrimp and Grits

Robert Jackson Bennett deserves more kudos. We clarify it's a tapas bar, not a topless bar. And our thoughts on the new book, Floating Hotel, and the wrap-up of Interview with the Vampire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Oct 10, 2025 • 35min

#521 - The Portions Are Too Big!

We revel in the Lammy Awards, follow the tale of root beer, and discuss our first, or most recent, impressions of Interview with the Vampire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app