85. From Homeland Security to Sci-Fi Storytelling with Helen Hynson-Vettori

What happens when a former Homeland Security medical intelligence analyst turns a global pandemic into science fiction? Former Department of Homeland Security Medical Intelligence Analyst Helen Hynson Vettori joins me as we explore the real-world experiences that inspired her Black Swan trilogy — a near-future political sci-fi series shaped by emergency management, biological preparedness, cyber warfare, and the fragile relationship between governments and public trust. From her time as a paramedic to Homeland Security analyst preparing for pandemics and biological incidents, Helen brings a unique insider perspective to the topics. We discuss COVID-era decision making, the dangers of communication breakdown during crises, cyber warfare as a modern form of world conflict, and how societies respond when fear overtakes trust. We also dive into the worldbuilding behind Black Swan Impact: post–World War III geopolitics, future AI systems, lunar infrastructure, and the challenge of writing speculative fiction that feels uncomfortably plausible. Books of hers we discuss: Black Swan Impact, Black Swan Shock https://www.helenhynsonvettori.com/ alternatefutures.substack.com alternatefutures.co.uk