Does the natural world change linearly -- slowly over time to a preordained end? Why are scientists so stogy and unable to accept new ideas? We pursue the idea of linearity and how nature often takes shortcuts. Science or Fiction? Is a podcast written and presented by science fiction author and physicist Michael James Scharen in conjunction with the website michaelsbookcorner.com. A new episode is released each Thursday. The podcast is available on Sticher, Spotify, Audible, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Amazon Alexa, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Anchor.fm, YouTube and other outlets.  A complementary e-book of one of Mr. Scharen's works is available at  https://michaelsbookcorner.com/signup.html for joining the mailing list.