DESTINIES - THE VOICE OF SCIENCE FICTION
airs on Fridays at 11:30 PM on WUSB, 90.1 FM, the radio station of the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Hundreds of writers, artists, editors, actors, producers, directors, and musicians have appeared on the program since its debut in April, 1983. Regular features include: the Destinies Audiobook Sampler, Soundtrack Spotlight, Graphic Detail, the Destinies Radio Theater, Christopher DeFilippis' "DeFlip Side," Patrick Thomas' "Dear Cthuhlu," and convention updates and highlights, as well as host Dr. Howard Margolin's flawless interviews. Listen Live to WUSB! Click the player to Stream Live Audio
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December 27, 2019 "Graphic Detail" # 227: Live telephone interview with author Danny Fingeroth, who discusses his biography, "A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee" in Destinies' 34th annual year-end "Graphic Detail" special.
Take the TARDIS to hear all the Classic Destinies episodes including the December 22, 2000 episode featuring an interview with Marvel Comics writer Dan Slott
December 20, 2019 The Destinies Film Review Alliance (Howard Margolin, Audrey Dettmering, Dave Campfield, and D.K.) assembles live to discuss "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker." Does the movie provide a satisfying conclusion to the saga? Are the new characters worthwhile additions to the universe? And, what is Episode 9 worth on the famous Destinies $0-9.00 rating scale?
Take the TARDIS to hear all the Classic Destinies episodes including the August 16, 1996 episode featuring Part Two of Batman Forever
December 13, 2019 Rene Auberjonois Memorial featuring an encore of an interview recorded at I-Con 16, in 1997, plus a Destinies Audiobook Sampler of Greg Cox's "Star Trek: The Eugenics Wars-The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonian Singh Volume 2," read by Rene. Patrick Thomas' "Dear Cthulhu" answers a letter from a single mom with a dog problem. Preparing for the release of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" with a Destinies Radio Theater adaptation of the story of "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi."
December 6, 2019 Up-to-the-minute preview of the CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" Crossover Event with writer and producer Marc Guggenheim, who makes his 3rd appearance in an exclusive phone interview. Learn how the crossover developed, including the return of several legendary actors to their former roles in previous DC productions. Hear how Marc felt about collaborating with original "Crisis" comics writer Marv Wolfman, and how Kevin Smith was tapped to host the "Crisis: Aftermath" shows. And, find out if the Arrowverse will never be the same again.
November 29, 2019 Author Patrick Thomas returns for his 11th annual live phone interview, to discuss and read from a selection of his latest works. Patrick talks about the letters in his two most recent "Dear Cthulhu" collections, Cthulhu Happens and Cthulhu Explains It All, and, as Cthulhu, answers a query from a would-be astronaut from San Dimas. And, learn about Patrick's latest Hexcraft novel, By Invocation Only, in which the cursed magi, Hex, meets a young boy who is destined to be the next great magic user. You'll also hear an excerpt from the book, read by Patrick.
November 22, 2019 Saluting the release of "Frozen II," The Destinies Radio Theater presents the story of Frozen, featuring dialogue, music, and sound effects from the original film soundtrack. Christopher DeFilippis returns to tell how NASA is sending equipment to the International Space Station that will allow actual cooking to be done in zero gravity, starting with baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies, in volume 2, number 199 of "DeFlip Side." Plus, Patrick Thomas' "Dear Cthulhu" answers a letter from a man who is experiencing acid flashbacks as a result of losing weight.
November 15, 2019 Live phone interview with Scott H. Andrews, who discusses the Odyssey Writing Workshop, which is accepting applications for its 2020 session, as well as his award-winning online fantasy magazine, "Beneath Ceaseless Skies." Includes an excerpt from T.S. McAdams' "The Gods Come to Sredna," published in the magazine's latest edition.
November 8, 2019 The Destinies Film Review Team (Howard Margolin, Audrey Dettmering, Dave Campfield, Timothy Gillespie) assembles live to discuss "Terminator: Dark Fate." Was it worth rebooting the timeline, and ignoring everything from the 3 most recent films? Does the entire storyline become invalidated by the events of this movie? Will Arnold's Terminator be back? And, what is the film worth on the famous Destinies zero to nine dollars rating scale?
November 1, 2019 The Voice of Science Fiction joins in WUSB's 10th annual Hip-Hop Marathon with an exclusive recording of nerdcore rapper Devo Spice in concert at Q.E.D. Astoria, plus songs from Devo's latest CD, "The Anarchist's Jokebook." This show is part of WUSB's Fall Radiothon. Click on the picture of the microphone above, to view the list of premiums, including classic Sudden Death CDs (Devo Spice's former band), then go to www.wusb.fm to make your pledge of support. Click on the picture of the microphone in the left column above to check out the newly-expanded list of Destinies exclusive premiums, including classic Sudden Death CDs (Devo Spice's former band), then make a pledge at
October 25, 2019 Destinies presents the latest installment of its longest-running tradition, with its 37th annual Halloween Special. The Destinies Radio Theater takes you to the "Island of Death" with a fully-dramatized episode of "Tales From The Crypt." A pair of film fanatic buddies crash land on an uncharted island where they're forced to play a variation of "The Most Dangerous Game" against a seductive vixen for the amusement of an eccentric millionaire who's presiding over the proceedings from his deathbed. Gina Gershon and the late Luke Perry star in this story adapted from the classic EC Comic "The Vault of Horror," by SciFi.com's Seeing Ear Theatre.
A Radiothon Special. Click on the picture of the microphone in the left column above to check out the newly-expanded list of Destinies exclusive premiums. Then, make a pledge at
October 18, 2019 "Graphic Detail" # 226: Live preview of the Suffolk Comic and Art Expo, which will be held at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood, on Saturday, October 26th, with Phillip Russertt, president of the convention. Learn about the guests, cosplayers, and exhibitors that can be seen at the convention.
October 11, 2019 The Destinies Film Review Team (Howard Margolin, Audrey Dettmering, Dave Campfield, Timothy Gillespie) assembles live to discuss "Joker." Does this new interpretation of the classic villain hit its punchline, or flop like a bad stand-up comic? Can Thomas Wayne be compared to Donald Trump? And, what is the film worth on the Famous Destinies Zero to Nine Dollars Rating Scale?
October 4, 2019 Saluting the 60th anniversary of "The Twilight Zone" with a one-hour special featuring "The Twilight Zone Radio Drama" adaptation of the series' pilot episode "Where Is Everybody?" starring John Schneider, on the Destinies Radio Theater. Also, Bernard Herrmann's suite from his score for the TV episode "Where Is Everybody?" Plus, Rod Serling's original opening and the first season main title, from "The Twilight Zone 40th Anniversary Collection."
September 27, 2019 Part 2 of the interview with actor Bruce Boxleitner, recorded at L.I. Geek convention on 11/18/18. Bruce talks about his experiences with acting in computer generated environments, in "Tron" and "Babylon 5," and also about working in low-budget movies for the studio The Asylum. Christopher DeFilippis discusses the aria from Mozart's "The Magic Flute" that was included on the gold record that flew aboard the Voyager spacecraft in the 1970s in volume 2, # 198 of "DeFlip Side." Plus, music from Wendy Carlos' score for "Tron."
September 20, 2019 Continuing the memorial for "Doctor Who" writer Terrance Dicks and the belated celebration of the centennial of the birth of Jon Pertwee with part 2 of the Destinies Audiobook Sampler of Terrance Dicks' novelization of "Doctor Who: Planet of the Daleks," read by Jon Pertwee. Preparing for the season premiere of "Supergirl" with part 1 of an exclusive interview with actor Bruce Boxleitner, recorded at L.I. Geek convention in November, 2018. Bruce discusses his role as President Baker on "Supergirl," and reminisces about his years as Captain John Sheridan on "Babylon 5."
September 13, 2019 Saluting the 20th anniversary of "Breakaway Day," when the Moon was blasted out of the Earth's orbit, on September 13th, 1999. The inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha receive a musical distress call from an unknown world, in the Space: 1999 adventure "It Played So Softly on the Ear" on the Destinies Radio Theater. Patrick Thomas presents an all-new letter to "Dear Cthulhu" from a man who would prefer to live on another planet than with his wife. Plus, in memory of Doctor Who writer Terrance Dicks, who died on August 29th, and in honor of the centennial of the birth of Jon Pertwee, the 3rd Doctor, you'll hear part one of Planet of the Daleks on the Destinies Audiobook Sampler.
September 6, 2019 "Graphic Detail" # 225.: Graphic novelist and Stony Brook alumnus Alex Teplish appears live via telephone on WUSB to discuss his books In the Beginning: The Epic of the Anunnaki, and Survivor: Aron's Story. Learn how the ancient aliens called the Anunnaki were responsible for the development of human life on Earth, and how they were behind many of the stories described in the Old Testament. Is there any basis in fact for this theory, or is it purely speculative fiction? And, using the graphic novel format for historical purposes, hear how Alex dramatized his grandfather, Aron's, experiences in the ghettos of Odessa and in the concentration camps, before he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1978.
August 30, 2019 Continuing the memorial for author Vonda N. McIntyre, Anthony Heald reads part 2 of her novel "Star Wars: The Crystal Star" on the Destinies Audiobook Sampler. Celebrating Marvel Comics' 80th anniversary with the story of "Captain America: The First Avenger," featuring dialogue, music, and sound effects from the original movie soundtrack on the Destinies Radio Theater. Patrick Thomas' "Dear Cthulhu" answers letters from a woman who wants to breastfeed her son in public, and a son whose mother makes him put money in a swear jar. Plus, the winners of the 2019 Hugo Awards.
August 23, 2019 Continuing the celebration of Zorro's centennial with the adventure "The Ghost of the Mission" on the Destinies Radio Theater. Christopher DeFilippis discusses the future of streaming television and reviews Amazon's "Good Omens" and "The Boys" in volume 2, number 197 of "DeFlip Side." In memory of award-winning author Vonda N. McIntyre, who passed away in April, the Destinies Audiobook Sampler presents part one of her "Star Wars" novel "The Crystal Star," read by Anthony Heald.
August 16, 2019 Live phone interview with professor, author, and musician Dr. Paul Levinson, who discusses and reads from his anthology "Peter Brown Called: Tales of SciFi & Music," and introduces songs from his 1972 album "Twice Upon a Rhyme."
August 9, 2019 Peter David makes his record-tying 28th appearance, live in the WUSB studio, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Zorro, as he discusses and reads from his novel "Zorro and the Little Devil." Plus, updates on Peter's recent Marvel Comics work, including "Symbiote Spider-Man," "Incredible Hulk: Last Call," and "Prodigal Sun," in the 224th edition of "Graphic Detail."
August 2, 2019 Preparing for the 100th anniversary of Zorro with a full-length Destinies Radio Theater presentation of "The Mark of Zorro," starring Cornel Wilde, as originally aired on the 2/17/46 episode of "Hollywood Star Time."
July 26, 2019 Continuing the salute to the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing with part two of "Apollo 11: The First Manned Lunar Expedition," narrated by Robert Ryan. Hear Neil Armstrong take his "One small step," and read the plaque left by the crew on the moon. Learn about the safety features built into the Lunar Module that would make its liftoff from the moon virtually fail-safe. Listen as the astronauts receive a phone call to the moon from President Nixon, and how he greeted them upon their return to Earth.
July 19, 2019 Saluting the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing with part 1 of "Apollo 11: The First Manned Lunar Expedition," narrated by Robert Ryan. Patrick Thomas' "Dear Cthulhu" answers a letter from a college student whose roommate claims to be a werewolf. Plus, the final set of nominees for the 1944 Retro Hugo Awards, to be given at Dublin 2019: An Irish Worldcon.
July 12, 2019 The Destinies Film Review Team (Howard Margolin, Christopher DeFilippis, Audrey Dettmering, and Dave Campfield) assembles live to discuss "Spider-Man: Far From Home." Does the movie provide a compelling follow-up to the events of "Avengers: Endgame?" How does Mysterio compare to his comic book counterpart? And what is the film worth on the Famous Destinies Zero to Nne Dollars Rating Scale?
July 5, 2019 Destinies is pre-empted for the WUSB Reggae Marathon
June 28, 2019 Christopher DeFilippis reveals news of previously unreleased footage from the final episode of Quantum Leap in volume 2, number 196 of "DeFlip Side." Saluting the expanded re-release of Avengers: Endgame, Tom Taylorson reads from Steve Bailey's Marvel Avengers: Infinity War-The Heroes' Journey on the Destinies Audiobook Sampler. To prepare for next week's Spider-Man: Far From Home, the Destinies Radio Theater presents "Spidey and the Queen Bee," from the 1977 LP Spidey Super Stories. Plus, Patrick Thomas' "Dear Cthulhu" answers a letter from a man who is afraid of bugs.
June 21, 2019 The Destinies Radio Theater presents The Shadow in "Prelude to Terror," originally broadcast on January 29, 1939. A gangster has a professor killed to obtain an explosive he has developed. The explosive is then planted in light bulbs all over the city, leaving chaos and terror in their wake.
June 14, 2019 The Destinies Film Review Mutants (Howard Margolin, Audrey Dettmering, Dave Campfield, and Timothy Gillespie) assemble live to discuss "Dark Phoenix." Is it as bad as the mainstream critics have said? How does it compare to the last time the Phoenix saga was brought to the screen? And, what is the film worth on the famous Destinies zero to nine dollars rating scale?
June 7, 2019 Live preview of Eternal Con #7, which will be held at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on June 22-23, with convention spokesman Spat, who returns for his second appearance after almost 10 years.
May 31, 2019 Christopher DeFilippis reflects on the recent finale of Game of Thrones in volume 2, number 195 of "DeFlip Side." In celebration of the release of
Godzilla:King of the Monsters, hear how "Godzilla Vs. The Alien Invasion" when extraterrestrials plan to conquer the world by birthing their young in Lake Michigan, on the Destinies Radio Theater. And, in preparation for next week's Dark Phoenix, the Destinies Soundtrack Spotlight shines on John Powell's score for the last time the Phoenix saga was brought to the screen, 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand. Plus, learn who is included in the next set of 2019 Hugo Award nominees
May 24, 2019 Destinies continues its tribute to the memory of author Harlan Ellison, who would have turned 85 on May 27th. Travel back to November 18th, 2018, where, at the L.I. Geek convention, host Howard Margolin joined authors Jan Fennick, Jennifer Adams Kelley, and Peter David (making his 27th appearance on the show) for the conclusion of the Harlan Ellison Memorial Panel. You'll hear stories from Peter David's years of friendship with Ellison, including how Harlan joked about being Peter's father, Harlan and his wife's reluctance to sleep in the same hotel suite where Peter and his wife spent their honeymoon night years earlier, and the weekend of "The Three HighVerbals." You'll get the behind the scenes story about Howard's 2013 phone interview with Harlan, and what happened when Howard once used the term "sci-fi" in an interview with Ellison. Plus, you'll learn about what is probably the most iconic panel in the history of I-Con: The Harlan, Stan, and Julie Show from I-Con X.
May 17, 2019 Destinies honors the memory of one of speculative fiction's greatest writers, who would have turned 85 this month. Travel back to L.I. Geek 2018 for part one of the Harlan Ellison Memorial Panel. Host Howard Margolin joins authors Jan Fennick, Jennifer Adams Kelley, and Peter David (who makes his 26th appearance on the show) to reminisce about their encounters with and anecdotes about Harlan Ellison, the award-winning author of the classic Star Trek episode "City on the Edge of Forever." You'll hear about the first times that both Peter and Howard tried to get interviews with Ellison. You'll learn about how Harlan interviewed Howard when they finally did speak on tape for the first time. And, you'll find out what happened when Peter David and Harlan Ellison went to dinner with William Goldman, author of The Princess Bride. Presented in memory of Jennifer Kelley, who passed away in February, 2019.
May 10, 2019 The Voice of Science Fiction salutes the release of the biographical film Tolkien with a special presentation of the Destinies Audiobook Sampler, featuring rare recordings of J.R.R. Tolkien himself, made in August of 1952, reading and singing passages from his classic novels. You'll hear how Bilbo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and Frodo Baggins each deal with Gollum, in excerpts from The Hobbit, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. And, Tolkien sings "Troll Sat Alone" to the tune of an English folksong, from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Plus, you'll learn about the first set of nominees for the 2019 Hugo Awards.
May 3, 2019 Destinies begins its 37th year with a live review of Avengers: Endgame. The Destinies Film Review Avengers assemble to discuss the 22nd installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which opened on April 26th, and has been shattering box office records as if it had the power of the Infinity Gauntlet. Is the story a worthwhile conclusion to the 11 years of build-up? Can the film be discussed in any significant way without revealing too many of the surprises? What were some of the most memorable moments that can be talked about? And, what is the movie worth on the famous Destinies zero to nine dollars rating scale? Find out when hosts Audrey Dettmering, Gregg Epstein, Dave Campfield, and Bob Longman join Howard Margolin (who celebrates his 1,400th consecutive broadcast) to review Avengers: Endgame.
April 26, 2019 The Voice of Science Fiction celebrates its 36th anniversary with a one-hour special, featuring encore readings by authors Russ Colchamiro, Marc Vun Kannon, Gary Morgenstein, and Christina M. Rau; an excerpt from "The Empire Strikes Back" from Charles Ross, the One Man Star Wars Trilogy; Christopher DeFilippis' review of "Star Trek: Discovery" season 2 in volume 2, number 194 of "DeFlip Side;" a letter to Patrick Thomas' "Dear Cthulhu" from a man whose wife thinks she's a witch; a techno edit of "Classical Gas" by Pepe; and an interview with Peter David, making his 25th appearance, in the 223rd edition of "Graphic Detail." Plus, a preview of Destinies' latest celebrity promo.
Destinies cast reunion at Stony Brook Science Fiction Forum's 50th anniversary party. L to R: Jeff Warner, Kevin Conod, John Madonia, James Prego, Brian McGuinness, Gary Halada, Audrey Dettmering, Bill Burns, Howard Margolin, Sharan Volin, Jill Rappaport, Jesse Flint, Jennifer Adams, John Sheehan, Hillary Hess. Photo by Mike Dauenheimer.
April 19, 2019 Preparing for the release of Avengers: Endgame with an all-Avengers special. Go back to the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the story of Iron Man, featuring dialogue, music, and sound effects from the original movie soundtrack, with narration by Nolan North, on the Destinies Radio Theater. You'll learn about the origin of the Infinity Stones, and the mysterious Collector in the Destinies Audiobook Sampler presentation of Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War-The Cosmic Quest Volume One: Beginning, written by Brandon T. Snider and read by Tom Taylorson. Plus, the Destinies Soundtrack Spotlight shines on Alan Silvestri's score for Avengers: Infinity War.
April 12, 2019 The all-new, all-different Destinies Film Review Team (Howard Margolin, Dave Campfield, Timothy Gillespie) assembles live during WUSB's Spring Radiothon to discuss "Shazam!"
April 5, 2019 "Graphic Detail" # 222: Live preview of Suffolk County Comic & Art Expo. Phillip Russertt, Expo President, appears in the WUSB studio to discuss the guests scheduled for "Long Island's Best Comic Book Convention," which will be held in Stony Brook University's Student Activities Center on April 14, 2019.
March 29, 2019 Saluting the release of Detective Comics #1,000 and the 80th anniversary of Batman with the adventure "Robin Meets Man-Bat," adapted from three early-1970s issues of Detective Comics, on the Destinies Radio Theater. Christopher DeFilippis reviews Jeffrey E. Barlough's latest Western Lights novel, The Thing In The Close, in volume 2, number 193 of "DeFlip Side." And, Patrick Thomas' "Dear Cthulhu" answers a letter from a single mother who can't get her baby to sleep.
Listen to learn about the exclusive Batman-related premiums, including books, comics, CDs, and videos, that can be yours for a pledge of support during the show.
March 22, 2019 "Graphic Detail" # 221: Exclusive update interview with legendary artist, writer, and publisher Neal Adams, recorded at Ace Comic Con Long Island on December 10, 2017. A Spring Radiothon special. Click on the picture of the microphone above to view the list of Destinies Premiums available for your pledge of support.
March 15, 2019 Howard Margolin celebrates his 35th anniversary with the Voice of Science Fiction with the Destinies Radio Theater presentation of "Dark Rosaleen," as originally broadcast on the March 13, 1949 episode of "Quiet Please," exactly 35 years before his Destinies Debut. Plus, Howard reviews "Captain Marvel."
March 8, 2019 Part two of the "Superman-The Movie" 40th Anniversary Panel, recorded at the L.I. Geek convention on November 18, 2018, hosted by Howard Margolin and Robert V. Conte.
March 1, 2019 Part one of the "Superman-The Movie" 40th Anniversary Panel, recorded at the L.I. Geek convention on November 18, 2018, hosted by Howard Margolin and Robert V. Conte.
February 22, 2019 Patrick Thomas' "Dear Cthulhu" answers a letter from a high school senior chess champion who questions whether he deserves his scholarship. Remembering the late actor Douglas Rain with a dialog montage of his scenes as the voice of HAL9000 in "2001: A Space Odyssey." Saluting the DVD/Blu-Ray release of "Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet" with a Destinies Radio Theater adaptation of the film.
February 15, 2019 Saluting the home video release of the most recent Robin Hood movie with Walt Disney's "The Story of Robin Hood," starring Richard Todd, Joan Rice, Peter Finch, and narrated by Dal McKennon in a full-length presentation of the Destinies Radio Theater.
February 8, 2019 Destinies is pre-empted for the WUSB Reggae Marathon
February 1, 2019 Live telephone interview with author Christina M. Rau, who discusses and reads from her award-winning poetry collection from Aqueduct Press, "Liberating the Astronauts."
January 25, 2019 Evelyn Husband reads part 9 of "High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband" in Destinies' 34th annual memorial to the crews of Challenger and Columbia. Christopher DeFilippis presents his Best Reads of 2018 in volume 2, number 192 of "DeFlip Side." Patrick Thomas' "Dear Cthulhu" answers letters from a starving boy and a woman whose brother pretends to be a soldier.
January 18, 2019 Live telephone interview with actor Charles Ross, who returns for his second appearance to discuss and perform excerpts from his "One Man Star Wars Trilogy," which he will be presenting at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport on Friday, January 25th, at 8:00 PM.
January 11, 2019 Author Marc Vun Kannon returns to the WUSB studios for his fifth live interview, to discuss and read from his latest novel "The Flame in the Bowl: Tales of Uncle."
January 4, 2019 The Destinies Film Review Team (Howard Margolin, Christopher DeFilippis, Phil Merkel, Audrey Dettmering, and Bob Longman) assembles live to list their favorite and least favorite science fiction, fantasy, adventure, horror, and super-hero movies of 2018.
December 28, 2018 "Graphic Detail" # 220: Howard Margolin joins with Tony Tellado of "Sci-Fi Talk" to speak with comic book writer and artist Jimmy Palmiotti at I-Con 26. Topics include the SyFy series "Painkiller Jane," and the comic it was based on, the rise of creator-owned comics being adapted for film and television, and Jimmy's DC series "The Monolith."
Dr. Howard Margolin
You can write to Howard Margolin to offer comments about the show or to request copies of Destinies episodes on CD by emailing
DestiniesVoice@aol.com or write:
Destinies c/o WUSB Radio
Attn: Howard Margolin
2nd Floor West Side Dining
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3200
To contact Destinies Webmaster, Captain Phil click the Captain's Lunchbox
December 27, 2019
