What happens when an algorithm assigns every person a purpose and decides when that purpose has been fulfilled?

Internationally bestselling author M.J. Kuhn returns to Friends Talking Fantasy to discuss Killswitch Protocol: her new cyberpunk thriller.

Among other topics, Dylan talks with MJ about moving from fantasy into cyberpunk, creating her new characters, and the messy morality of revolution. We also discuss her experience independently publishing Killswitch Protocol after the traditionally published her previous books.

Pick up Killswitch Protocol and learn more about M.J. Kuhn: https://www.mjkuhn.com/books

Follow M.J. Kuhn: Website: https://www.mjkuhn.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjkuhnbooks/

Follow Friends Talking Fantasy:

Website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theftfpodcast/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/TheFTFPodcast1

After a longer-than-usual break, Dylan drops in with a solo update episode.

First, he shares a quick note about his doctoral dissertation study, Work and Well-Being Among Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers. If you’re a published science fiction, fantasy, and/or speculative fiction author (US, UK, Canada, or Australia) and might be interested in participating, he explains what’s involved and how to get in touch. Please reach out before March 15th, 2026 if you meet the criteria and would like to participate! Best place to reach Dylan is by email at Dylan.Marsh@colostate.edu

Then, he reflects on the Friends Talking Fantasy providing a brief but meandering update on FTF, life changes, and what the podcast has meant over the years.

Finally, Dylan touches on what he’s read within recent months, including:

• The Tawny Man Trilogy and beyond in Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings
• The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
• The Ambassador Chronicles by James Voorhees
• The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

If you’re interested in the dissertation study, reach out to me via email: Dylan.Marsh@ColoState.edu theftfpodcast@gmail.com

Or DM me on Instagram or BlueSky at the account @theftfpodcast

Or Twitter/X via the account @theftfpodcast1

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@friendstalkingfantasy

We are overjoyed to welcome Travis Baldree — #1 New York Times bestselling author of Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust — to Friends Talking Fantasy!

Follow Friends Talking Fantasy:

Website: https://www.theftfpodcast.com/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/TheFTFPodcast1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theftfpodcast/

Travis joins us to discuss his highly anticipated new book, Brigands and Breadknives (out November 11, 2025). In this conversation, we explore:

• Why Fern takes center stage as the POV character

• How the story shifts from cozy “new shop” vibes into adventure

• The themes of identity, purpose, and listlessness that drive the book

• The true nature of “stakes” in cozy fantasy — and why they’re anything but small

• Travis’s career journey from game developer → audiobook narrator → bestselling novelist

📚 Brigands and Breadknives releases November 11, 2025 — preorder your copy today!