David Rike
David Rike is the author of the Holocaust Engine series with Stephen Patrick. He is also the host of the YouTube channel From the Bunker, which explores topics of literature and the possibility of societal collapse.
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12:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Hope vs. Despair: How Sci-Fi Imagines the Future
From Star Trek's utopian ideals to Cyberpunk's corporate dystopias, sf has always wrestled with our best and worst possible futures. Join us as we break down how these visions of tomorrow shape our present.
Moderator: David Rike
Panelists: Allison Stein, Ted Pennella, Charles Dane Clark, David Rike
3:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
The Future of Artificial Intelligence: Where Do We Draw the Line?
AI is advancing at a rapid pace, from art generation to decision-making systems. But where should we set ethical boundaries? Will AI ever achieve true consciousness, and if it does, what rights should it have? Join the discussion on how AI is shaping our future.
Moderator: David Rike
Panelists: David Rike, Trey Nester, Robb Wetmore, Kayla Argo
10:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma G
World Cultures in Speculative Fiction
How do creators draw from real-world cultures to create rich, diverse worlds in speculative fiction? Panelists discuss the importance of research, respect, and authenticity.
Moderator: David Rike
Panelists: Candace Kade, David Rike, Shai Fenwick
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Building Better Worlds: The Role of History in Fantasy & Fiction
Great fiction is built on great research. Panelists share techniques for using history to shape fantasy settings, inspire characters, and craft realistic conflicts that resonate with readers.
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: David Rike, Kris Lackey, Stephen Patrick, Major Bill Leaf, Charlie N. Holmberg
2:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Humanity, F*ck Yeah!
In the vastness of the cosmos, humans might seem small, but we've got something no alien race can match: pure, unrelenting grit. This panel dives into the Humanity, F*ck Yeah!* (HFY) genre, where we're the underdogs who rise to the occasion, outsmarting or outlasting advanced civilizations. From clever survival tactics to showing our superiority in unexpected ways, discover why HFY stories celebrate humanity's surprising strength in the face of cosmic challenges.
Moderator: Cap’n Ed
Panelists: Gypsy Jess, David Rike, Cap’n Ed, Rhonda Eudaly, A.C. Smart
10:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma G
NIRATIAS: Nothing is Real and This Is a Simulation
Could we all be living in a simulated reality? Explore the scientific theory behind the idea that our universe may be a highly advanced simulation. From cutting-edge physics to the philosophical implications, we'll break down the evidence and ideas supporting this mind-bending hypothesis. Are we truly in control -- or is it all just an elaborate program? Join us for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating and unsettling questions of our time.
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Max Griffin, Dara Fogel, PhD, Ted Pennella, A.C. Smart, David Rike
1:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
From Tin Men to Terminators: Robots in Pop Culture
From loyal companions to existential threats, robots have fascinated us for decades. Explore their evolution in movies, TV, anime, and beyond, and how they reflect our hopes -- and fears -- for the future.
Moderator: David Rike
Panelists: David Rike, Magician Michael Corley, Peri Charlifu, Mark Alfred