Sci-Fi Therapy is a podcast that uses science-fiction series and films as a lens to explore psychological, ethical, and existential questions.
Each episode takes a specific sci-fi story and examines its themes from two complementary perspectives: theology and psychotherapy. Topics include identity, trauma, power, responsibility, faith, guilt, freedom, and what it means to be human in times of crisis.
Rather than offering plot recaps or fan commentary, Sci-Fi Therapy treats science fiction as a modern narrative space where inner conflicts and social tensions become visible. The discussions connect fictional situations with real-life experiences, personal development, and societal questions.
Sci-Fi Therapy is aimed at listeners who enjoy science fiction and are interested in reflective, structured conversations that link storytelling with psychological insight and ethical depth.
What happens when you discover that the person you thought you were… might not be who you are at all? Welcome to Battlestar Galactica, where identity crises tend to come with considerably higher stakes.
In this episode, Mark and Nilima return to the couch to explore three characters whose stories take us right to the heart of the complicated relationship between humans and Cylons: Sharon “Boomer” Valerii, Galen Tyrol, and Karl “Helo” Agathon.
There’s Boomer, caught between identity, loyalty, and a truth she never asked for. There’s Tyrol, trying to make sense of his feelings, his responsibilities, and a world that keeps shifting beneath his feet. And then there’s Helo—a man whose choices force us to ask some rather uncomfortable questions about love, humanity, prejudice, and what it actually means to be human.
Mark and Nilima dig into the relationships, revelations, impossible decisions, and emotional turmoil that make these characters so fascinating. Expect strong opinions, sympathy in unexpected places, questionable decisions—and plenty to argue about.
So settle onto the couch and join Mark and Nilima for another journey into the characters who make Battlestar Galactica much more than a story about humans versus machines.
More episodes
On The Couch Part I
SFT #06
2026-09-13 81 min
In this episode, Mark and Nilima dive into three of the show’s most compelling characters: Kara “Starbuck” Thrace, Commander William Adama, and Lee “Apollo” ...
Guilt, Grief and Starbuck’s Crash Landing
SFT#5 Act of Contrition and You can't go Home
2026-04-26 103 min
In this episode of Sci-Fi Therapy, Mark and Nilima discuss two early Battlestar Galactica episodes, Act of Contrition and You Can’t Go Home, using them as a ...
Water Wars & Prison Politics
SFT#4: Water, Bastille Day
2026-03-22 96 min
In this episode of Sci-Fi Therapy, Mark and Nilima dive into “Water” and “Bastille Day” from Battlestar Galactica—two stories that prove survival isn’t just ...