On Space the Nation, we take our love of science fiction (and fantasy and horror) and smash it together with our professional passions: international relations (as brought to the table by Tufts University professor and Washington Post columnist Dan Drezner) and cultural criticism (as brought to the table by political columnist Ana Marie Cox). It's a highly informed but hilarious conversation that starts with an examination of a particular text (everything from Ursula K. LeGuin to the MCU, Star Trek to Colson Whitehead) and veers into current events, mental health practices and imagined conversations between Ted Cruz and the Predator. For people who like white papers and graphic novels, Chapo Trap House and what Political Science Twitter used to be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What listeners say
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
I have 3 or 4 podcasts that are must listens each week, and this one holds the top spot. Ana and Dan bring a unique perspective to (mostly) science fiction, both old and new. They examine things from both a political and economic perspective, but they're also just fans and can geek out along with the rest of us. Also, the Discord is an amazing community and it's absolutely worth joining the Patreon for that alone (plus, no ads!).
Carave1 · Mar 2025
Space the Nation is my must listen to podcast. Listening to Ana and Dan talk about some of my favorite movies and books from thier own interesting POV makes for a great podcast. I came to this podcast from their Expanse podcast. I enjoy their discussions and insights because they offer me another perspective on some things I have enjoyed for years. I recommend this podcast for any fans of genre movies, books, and TV. Also, don't sleep on being a patron so you can enjoy the whole community that gravitated to the pod.
Ripplepig · Mar 2025
This show is an incredible delight. I have loved both of the hosts for many, many years. The two of them together is a wonderful melange of rigorous academic discussion and just plain fun. Dan is arch and funny and smart, and Ana is brilliant and penetrating and passionate. The subject matter is fun, and ranges from classic science fiction to movies of the day, from international relations to necessary critiques of capitalism. I love this show, and you will too.
gertrude henley · Mar 2024
Great discussions of SciFi and SciFi-adjacent film, TV, and novels. They do the heavy lifting and provide a humorous and thoughtful discussion about these works through the lens of political science.
Stupac1986 · Mar 2024
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
