Focus by Carlos Hernandez (audio)
Summary
Host Kate Baker introduces Carlos Hernandez’s story "Focus" from Clarkesworld Magazine’s July 2026 issue. The narrative follows Isa, a member of the Azure Fang Ornithological Society, who struggles with intrusive thoughts from the late Julio’s cybernetic eyes. After Julio’s death, his ghost hacks the group’s Delphi implants, flooding their minds with bird feeds. The members debate disposing of his body while a hyacinth macaw, seemingly controlled by Julio, leads them through a surreal, bird-filled nature preserve.
Topics discussed
Podcast intro and author Carlos Hernandez bio
Narrator's isolation and the bird-cam addiction
The AFOS meeting and the 'Fang' technology
Motion to dispose of Julio's body
Debate on removing the cybernetic eyes
Escalating conflict and fear of bird control
Driving to Crabtree Nature Center
Arrival and the hyacinth macaw encounter
Following the macaw and group dynamics
The bird congregation at the landing
Flashback: Julio's first birding lesson
Revelation: Julio lives in the birds
Confrontation and the decision to retrieve eyes
Retrieving the eyes and the final standoff
Transcendence and merging with nature
Outro and listener engagement
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