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Imaginary Worlds podcast

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Imaginary Worlds

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  Eric Molinsky | QCODE  

Imaginary Worlds sounds like what would happen if NPR went to ComicCon and decided that’s all they ever wanted to cover. Host Eric Molinsky spent over a decade working as a public radio reporter and producer, and he uses those skills to create thoughtful, sound-rich episodes about science fiction, fantasy, and other genres of speculative fiction. Every other week, he talks with comic book artists, game designers, novelists, screenwriters, filmmakers, and fans about how they craft their worlds, why we suspend our disbelief, and what happens if the spell is broken. Imaginary worlds may be set on distant planets or parallel dimensions, but they are crafted here on Earth, and they’re always about us and our lived experiences.

Imaginary Worlds sounds like what would happen if NPR went to ComicCon and decided that’s all they ever wanted to cover. Host Eric Molinsky spent over a decade working as a public radio reporter and producer, and he uses those skills to create thoughtful, sound-rich episodes about science fiction, fantasy, and other genres of speculative fiction. Every other week, he talks with comic book artists, game designers, novelists, screenwriters, filmmakers, and fans about how they craft their worlds, why we suspend our disbelief, and what happens if the spell is broken. Imaginary worlds may be set on distant planets or parallel dimensions, but they are crafted here on Earth, and they’re always about us and our lived experiences.

 

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Duration

Release Date

#268

There's No Place Like Oz

In honor of the release of Wicked, we’re hitching a ride on a tornado to hear three different stories about Oz. We hear how the “rainbow chaser” L. Frank Baum failed at every career he tried until he sat down to write The Wizard of Oz. We learn about Baum’s frenemy W.W. Denslow, who illustrated The Wizard of Oz, and then tried to create a competing franchise. And we learn how the author of the Russian translation of The Wizard of Oz convinced the public (with the help of the Soviet government) that the story was written in the USSR. Featuring authors [Michael Patrick Hearn] (https://www.ozclub.org/about/l-frank-baum-memorial-award-winners/michael-patrick-hearn/%20) , Robert Baum, and [Olga Zilberbourg] (https://zilberbourg.com/%20) . This week’s episode is brought to you by Henson Shaving, Sol Reader and Dragon Ball Legends ---Go to [solreader.com] (https://solreader.com/) to and use the code IMAGINARY at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase of Sol Reader Limited Edition. ---Visit [hensonshaving.com/worlds] (https://hensonshaving.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsored&utm_campaign=imaginaryworlds) to pick the razor for you and use the code WORLDS to get two years' worth of blades free with your razor – just make sure to add them to your cart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

20 Nov 2024

38 MINS

38:44

20 Nov 2024

#267

Why The Future is (Doctor) Doom

All Hail Doom! The supreme ruler of Latveria has successfully defeated The Fantastic Four and The Avengers. Marvel Studios is bowing towards his will, casting Robert Downey Jr. as the iconic villain and betting their fortunes on Doctor Doom! But Victor von Doom is more than a classic bad guy. He is one of the most complex characters in Marvel history. I talk with comic book writers Mark Waid, Brian Michael Bendis and Ryan North about the ways they’ve depicted Doctor Doom, from noble intensions gone away to horrific acts of selfishness. And cultural critic [Mark Hibbett] (https://researchers.arts.ac.uk/1175-mark-hibbett/publications%20) discusses why he believes the history of Doctor Doom reflects America's ambivalence towards dictators and the role they play on the world stage.  This week's episode is sponsored by Sol Reader and ShipStation ---Go to [solreader.com] (https://solreader.com/) to and use the code IMAGINARY at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase of Sol Reader Limited Edition. ---Go to [shipstation.com] (https://www.shipstation.com/us/) and use the code IMAGINARY to sign up for your FREE 60-day trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

06 Nov 2024

41 MINS

41:38

06 Nov 2024

#266

Who Gets to Survive: The Final Girls of Horror

Horror movies are best known for their monsters and villains – but there’s another half to the equation. The Final Girls who survive horror films and live to see another sequel have been fueling the genre for half a century. Freddie Krueger met his match in Nancy. Michael Myers can’t outwit Laurie. Ripley is the ultimate survivor of Alien movies. But the trope of the Final Girl has gone through an evolution in recent years. I talk with [Robin Means Coleman] (https://mediastudies.as.virginia.edu/people/robin-means-coleman%20%20) , University of Virginia professor and author of the book [Horror Noire] (https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/10530912-horror-noire) , about the underlying issues of race and gender in who gets to be considered a Final Girl, and why she coined the term Enduring Women. Cultural critic [Jenika McCrayer] (https://jenikamc.substack.com/%20) guides us through modern day Final Girls, who are more diverse and complex. And PhD student [Morgan Podraza] (https://english.osu.edu/people/podraza.8%20) maps out the evolution of Jamie Lee Curtis’s character in the Halloween franchise, from innocent high schooler to gun-toting grandma. This week's episode is sponsored by Sol Reader and Henson Saving ---Go to [solreader.com] (https://solreader.com/) to and use the code IMAGINARY at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase of Sol Reader Limited Edition. ---Visit [hensonshaving.com/imaginary] (https://hensonshaving.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsored&utm_campaign=ImaginaryWorlds) to pick the razor for you and use the code “imaginary” to get two years' worth of blades free with your razor – just make sure to add them to your cart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

23 Oct 2024

36 MINS

36:41

23 Oct 2024

#265

To Seek Out New Life

For a long time, imagining what alien life could look like was mostly the job of science fiction creators. But in recent years, the field of astrobiology has gotten a boost from the discovery of faraway exoplanets with atmospheres which could support life. In trying to imagine what aliens could look like, scientists have found that science fiction is a good jumping off point. Astrobiologist [Michael Wong] (https://miquai.myportfolio.com/%20) hosts a science of Star Trek podcast called [Strange New Worlds] (https://soundcloud.com/strange-new-worlds%20) , and biologist [Mohamed Noor] (https://provost.duke.edu/profile/mohamed-noor/%20) wrote a book called [Live Long and Evolve] (https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691177410/live-long-and-evolve) about what Star Trek can teach us about science. They discuss the influence Star Trek has on the way they question what the building blocks of life could be outside Earth, and what would happen if you rewound the clock of evolution. Plus, [Jaime Green] (https://www.jaimegreen.net/%20) talks about her book [The Possibility of Life] (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52699603-the-possibility-of-life%20) , where she interviewed scientists about which science fiction is asking the right questions about astrobiology. Featuring readings by actor [Luke Daniels] (https://www.luke-daniels.com/%20) . This week’s episode is sponsored by ShipStation and TodayTix ---Go to [shipstation.com] (https://www.shipstation.com/us/) and use the code IMAGINARY to sign up for your FREE 60-day trial. ---Go to [TodayTix.com/imaginary] (https://www.todaytix.com/imaginary) and use the promo code IMAGINARY to get $20 off your first Today Tix purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

09 Oct 2024

41 MINS

41:44

09 Oct 2024

#264

Introducing Between Imaginary Worlds

I'm excited to announce that we're starting a new Patreon-only ad-free show called Between Imaginary Worlds, which is a more casual chat show format. In each episode, I talk with different people about what they're excited about in sci-fi fantasy, what they're looking forward to, pet peeves and a lot more. Between Imaginary Worlds is available to people pledging $10 a month or more on [Patreon] (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=3598921) . New episodes appear in between regular episodes of the show in the ad-free feed that comes with a [Level 3 or Level 4 Patreon subscription] (https://www.patreon.com/user/membership?u=3598921&view_as=patron) . You can also listen to Between Imaginary Worlds directly on the show’s Patreon page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

02 Oct 2024

04 MINS

04:48

02 Oct 2024

#263

Escaping Prison with Role-Playing Games

Role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder aren’t just played in game shops or living rooms. They’re also very popular in prisons – if the prison officials haven’t banned them. I talk with Joseph Krauter, who is formerly incarcerated, and [David Annarelli] (https://davidannarelli.wordpress.com/list-of-posts/about/) , who is currently incarcerated, about the role that playing games have had on their mental health, personal development and socializing in prison. Plus, they discuss the ways they’ve had to MacGyver whatever they can find into makeshift gaming materials. Michelle Dillon, a board member at [Books to Prisoners] (https://www.bookstoprisoners.net/) in Seattle, and Moira Marquis, founder of [Prison Banned Books Week] (https://prisonbannedbooksweek.org/) and lead author on PEN America’s [report] (https://pen.org/report/reading-between-the-bars/) on book banning in prisons, explain how prisons have justified banning game books, and their efforts to get those books to incarcerated gamers. This week’s episode is sponsored by Hims, Henson Shaving and TodayTix. ---Start your free online visit today at [hims.com/imaginary] (https://www.hims.com/hair-start-comparison-dlp?utm_source=QCode&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=hims&utm_content=imaginary&utm_product=medusa&utm_term=rsu&utm_offer=GCulture) . ---Visit [hensonshaving.com/imaginary] (https://hensonshaving.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsored&utm_campaign=ImaginaryWorlds) to pick the razor for you and use the code “imaginary” to get two years' worth of blades free with your razor – just make sure to add them to your cart. ---Go to [TodayTix.com/imaginary] (https://www.todaytix.com/imaginary) and use the promo code IMAGINARY to get $20 off your first Today Tix purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

25 Sep 2024

44 MINS

44:02

25 Sep 2024

#262

10th Anniversary Special Part 2

In the second part of our retrospective on how Imaginary Worlds has covered sci-fi and fantasy since September 2014, we look at the world of gaming. I visit the game shop [Sip & Play] (https://sipnplaynyc.com/%20) and talk with the owner Jonathan Li. Game designer and cultural consultant [James Mendez Hodes] (https://jamesmendezhodes.com/bio%20) returns to discuss the affect Stranger Things and Critical Role have had on the popularity of D&D, and why the last decade has been a golden age of indie tabletop games. Illinois Tech professors [Carly Kocurek] (https://www.iit.edu/directory/people/carly-kocurek%20) and [Jennifer deWinter] (https://www.iit.edu/directory/people/jennifer-dewinter%20) discuss the breakout video games in the last 10 years, and why it’s harder for indie video games to have the same success as indie board games. This week’s episode is sponsored by GreenChef, ShipStation and Hims. ---Go to [greenchef.com/imaginaryclass] (https://www.greenchef.com/pages/podcast?c=IMAGINARYCLASS&mealsize=3-2&discount_comm_id=b3860322-09d7-4d1f-a26d-ab1d162011d5&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=podcast50off&vs_campaign_id=85b70cf7-b433-4771-a65d-6b01600b652d&utm_content=act_podcast_podcastads) for 50% off your first box and 50 free credits with ClassPass ---Go to [shipstation.com] (https://www.shipstation.com/) and use the code “Imaginary” to sign up for your free 60-day trial. ---Start your free online visit today at [hims.com/imaginary] (https://www.hims.com/hair-start-comparison-dlp?utm_source=QCode&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=hims&utm_content=imaginary&utm_product=medusa&utm_term=rsu&utm_offer=GCulture) . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

11 Sep 2024

42 MINS

42:29

11 Sep 2024

#261

10th Anniversary Special Part 1

When I began my podcast in September 2014, I was mostly sticking with topics that I was familiar with like blockbuster movies and animation. I liked science fiction, but I was not as familiar with traditional fantasy, literature, tabletop games, and most anime. My understanding of the depth and breadth of imaginary worlds kept expanding, and when I thought I had reached the borders of the universe, I kept discovering more. This show has also become a historical archive of the development of sci-fi fantasy genres since 2014. I talk with journalist [Rob Salkowitz ] (https://robsalkowitz.com/) and editor [Diana M. Pho] (https://dianampho.com/) about how the film industry, comics, and publishing industry have been on their journeys in the past decade. Plus, we hear from listeners about some of the episodes that made an impact on them. This episode is sponsored by Henson Shaving. Visit [hensonshaving.com/imaginary] (https://hensonshaving.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsored&utm_campaign=ImaginaryWorlds%20) to pick the razor for you and use code IMAGINARY to get two years' worth of blades free with your razor – just make sure to add them to your cart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

28 Aug 2024

46 MINS

46:00

28 Aug 2024

#260

Unlocking the Door Between Escape Rooms and Immersive Theater

I used to think escape rooms were gimmicky activities where everyone scrambled to solve puzzles while I stood around feeling useless. On the other hand, I love immersive theater, where an interactive play unfolds as you walk through a space. I thought they were very different types of live entertainment. Not anymore. I talk with David and Lisa Spira from the site [Escape Room Artist] (https://roomescapeartist.com/%20) and podcast [Reality Escape Pod] (https://roomescapeartist.com/reality-escape-pod/%20) about how escape rooms are becoming emotionally resonant, sophisticated theatrical works. We go through the haunted escape room Ghost Light at [MyssTic Rooms] (https://www.myssticrooms.com/%20) , and I talk with their co-founder and artistic director Gara Roda. Haley E.R. and J. Cameron Cooper of [Strange Bird Immersive] (https://strangebirdimmersive.com/%20) discuss the innovative ways they designed The Man From Beyond, their Houdini-themed séance escape room. Plus, Victor van Doorn and Francine Boon of the company [Sherlocked] (https://www.sherlocked.nl/%20) explore how far they can go in creating a sense of authenticity from the feel of the props to the actors who won’t admit you’re entering an escape room. This episode is sponsored by ShipStation and Hims ---Go to [shipstation.com] (https://www.shipstation.com/) and use the code IMAGINARY to sign up for your free 60-day trial. ---Start your free online visit with Hims at [hims.com/imaginary] (https://www.hims.com/hair-start-comparison-dlp?utm_source=QCode&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=hims&utm_content=imaginary&utm_product=medusa&utm_term=rsu&utm_offer=GCulture) . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

14 Aug 2024

39 MINS

39:35

14 Aug 2024

#259

Narrating Audiobooks From Other Worlds

The field of audiobooks has exploded since the introduction of mp3 players, and it continues to expand. But it takes a unique set of skills to voice audiobooks in sci-fi and fantasy genres. I talk with audiobook narrators [John Pirhalla] (https://www.johnpirhalla.com/) , [Luke Daniels] (https://www.luke-daniels.com/%20) , [Amy Landon] (https://www.landonamy.com/) , and [Heath Miller] (https://www.heathmiller.net/) about juggling dozens of voices or accents at the same time, and the kinds of choices they have to make when voicing characters who are not human. We discuss their approach to making dense worldbuilding narration feel like an intimate conversation, and how to voice the game mechanics in Lit RPG books. They have to do all that while competing against a very sci-fi type of threat: AI and voice cloning.   Today’s episode is sponsored by Henson Shaving. Go to [ https://hensonshaving.com] (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFlXRzZ0N3JLZnJWREdtSGRBOWNSNmo2Vk1Md3xBQ3Jtc0tuUG8wcGhmcTJpOXNrUnhjbXJjQXUtaHNkN3poYzlycXhKVUZDSmZ6ajcxT1lsbFdMOUJYY0EyRjBUZnVSWG1vSXoxalBFNmphaEZxR2EtU3pmMng4NXFQUzltZ3VNZnJNVFNqX2MyZXY1TUlTN1VsUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fhensonshaving.com%2F&v=ynTUjFCfGVA) and enter IMAGINARY at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

31 Jul 2024

41 MINS

41:08

31 Jul 2024

#258

Fantasy and Fascism Part II: When Democracy Fails

In the years since my 2020 episode [Fantasy and Fascism] (https://www.imaginaryworldspodcast.org/episodes/fantasy-and-fascism?rq=Fantasy%20and%20Fascism%20) , I knew that I had to make a follow-up episode. The political landscape was changing in ways I didn’t expect while major sci-fi fantasy franchises were reflecting those anxieties. Last time, I focused on how SFF worlds depicted fascism. This time, I wanted to look at the other half of the equation -- why people lose faith in democracy. I interviewed Trinity College Dublin professor [David Kenny] (https://www.tcd.ie/law/people/kennyd4) about his paper on the lessons we can learn from the collapse of the old Republic in Star Wars. I also talked with historian and podcaster [Stefan Sasse] (https://www.deliberationdaily.de/author/ssasse/) , and teacher and writer [Shawn Taylor] (https://www.shawntaylor.net/) about why the New Republic made the same mistakes, and all new ones. Plus, we look at what it takes to maintain democracy in the latest Star Trek shows, and X-Men ’97. Spoilers included. Today’s episode is brought to you by TodayTix, ShipStation and GreenChef. ---Go to [TodayTix.com/imaginary] (https://www.todaytix.com/?utm_source=imaginary&utm_medium=audio) and use promo code IMAGINARY to get $20 off your first TodayTix purchase. ---Go to [shipstation.com] (https://www.shipstation.com/) and use the code IMAGINARY to sign up for your free 60-day trial. ---Go to [greenchef.com/imaginary50] (https://www.greenchef.com/pages/podcast?c=IMAGINARY50&mealsize=3-2&c_comms=PERCENT&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=podcast50off&vs_campaign_id=85b70cf7-b433-4771-a65d-6b01600b652d&utm_content=act_podcast_podcastads) and use the code IMAGINARY50 to get 50% off, plus 20% off your next two months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

17 Jul 2024

41 MINS

41:58

17 Jul 2024

#257

The Team Behind Hans Zimmer

Who really composed the scores of Dune, Interstellar, Blade Runner 2049, The Dark Knight, Man of Steel, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lion King? Were they all written by Hans Zimmer? Or were those scores put together by a team of musicians at Hans Zimmer’s studio Remote Control? The podcast [Twenty Thousand Hertz] (https://www.20k.org/%20) went behind-the-scenes and got a rare glimpse at the creative process of one of the most revered film composers in the world. Plus, I talk with [Dallas Taylor] (https://www.dallastaylor.com/%20) , the host of 20K Hertz, about why visiting Hans Zimmer’s studio was almost like a religious experience for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

03 Jul 2024

55 MINS

55:30

03 Jul 2024

#256

Swept Away by Romantasy

The hottest trend in fantasy novels – in fact the hottest trend in publishing overall – is fantasy romance or romantasy. These stories take place in worlds with dragons, faeries, vampires and werewolves but the driving plot is romance with a guaranteed happy ending. For many fans of traditional fantasy novels, the fact that romantasy exists may be surprising news. But romantasy is a cultural and economic juggernaut. Dartmouth professor [Marcela di Blasi] (https://faculty-directory.dartmouth.edu/marcela-di-blasi%20) and cultural critic [Kayleigh Donaldson] (https://kayleighdonaldson.com/) explain where romantasy came from and how it became so popular. Fantasy authors [C.L. Polk] (https://www.clpolk.com/%20) , and [J.D. Evans] (https://www.jdevansbooks.com/%20) talk about why they came to romantasy and how fans have had to create their own spaces. And Katherine Zofrea gives me a tour of [The Ripped Bodice] (https://www.therippedbodicela.com/%20) , a romance bookstore with an ample fantasy section. Plus, we hear readings by actress [Tanya Rich] (https://www.tanyarich.co.uk/%20) . In the episode, we heard about some of the most famous romantasy authors like [Sarah J. Maas] (https://sarahjmaas.com/) and [Rebecca Yarros] (https://www.rebeccayarros.com/) . Professor Marcela di Blasi is working on a non-fiction book about BIPOC romantasy authors, and she also recommends these books. --- [Anna Marie McLemore] (http://author.annamariemclemore.com/p/about_10.html) ’s When The Moon Was Ours --- [Zoraida Cordova's] (https://zoraidacordova.com/) Hollow Crown Duology --- [Analeigh Sbrana's] (https://analeighsbrana.com/) Lore of the Wilds --- [Kimberly Lemming's] (https://linktr.ee/KimberlyLemming) That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon --- [Sabaa Tahir's] (https://sabaatahir.com/) An Ember in the Ashes series --- [Gabriela Romero LaCruz's] (https://www.gabriela-romero.com/) The Sun and the Void --- [Mikayla D. Hornedo's] (https://mikayladhornedo.wordpress.com/) Blood and Brujas --- [Claire Legrand] (https://linktr.ee/clairelegrandbooks) ’s Lightbringer trilogy. Today's episode is sponsored by ShipStation, Henson Shaving, TodayTix and Babbel. ---Go to [www.shipstation.com] (http://www.shipstation.com/) and use the code IMAGINARY to sign up for your free 60-day trial. ---Visit [www.hensonshaving.com/imaginary] (http://www.hensonshaving.com/imaginary) and enter IMAGINARY at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. You must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply. ---Go to [TodayTix.com/imaginary] (https://www.todaytix.com/imaginary) and use the promo code IMAGINARY to get $20 off your first Today Tix purchase. ---Get up to 60% off at [Babbel.com/imaginary] (https://try.babbel.com/podcast-flags-2021/?bsc=podcast-imaginary&btp=default&utm_content=podcast..imaginary..USA..oxfordroad&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=imaginary&utm_term=generic_v1) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

19 Jun 2024

44 MINS

44:25

19 Jun 2024

#255

Books Under Fire

Book banning is hitting libraries across America, and many of the titles being banned or challenged are fantasy books or graphic novels – especially LGBTQ content. [Malinda Lo] (https://www.malindalo.com/) has been tracking how her work is being targeted, like her novel [Ash] (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6472451-ash) which is a queer reimagining of Cinderella. I talk with Malinda about how she’s been tracking the attacks on her work and fighting back. Plus, we hear a version of my 2018 episode Fahrenheit 451 Still Burns featuring Neil Gaiman, whose work is currently banned in several states.  Go to [incogni.com/imaginary] (https://incogni.com/imaginary?utm_campaign=youtube&utm_source=Blue_Partner&utm_medium=imaginary) and use the code IMAGINARY to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

05 Jun 2024

43 MINS

43:42

05 Jun 2024

#254

The George Lucas Talk Show

Did you know that in retirement, George Lucas decided to host a live talk show with his sidekick Watto? That’s the conceit of The George Lucas Talk Show starring [Connor Ratliff] (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1059277/%20) (from the podcast [Dead Eyes] (https://headgum.com/dead-eyes%20) ) as Lucas, and [Griffin Newman] (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1969645/%20) (from The Tick) playing the alien character Watto. They’ve had famous guests on the show, including people who know Lucas in real life. The guests have to pretend that Connor is George. Over the past 10 years, the show had grown into a cult phenomenon to the point where there’s now a documentary about it called, [I’m “George Lucas”: A Connor Ratliff Story] (https://imgeorgelucas.com/) . Connor and I talk about why he’s fascinated with what defines success or failure, and how it’s become a theme in his work. We also discuss his new podcast [Tiny Dinos] (https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/tinydinos) , which is like a combination of Jurassic Park and The Tonight Show on a micro-scale. This episode is sponsored by TodayTix, Incogni and Henson Shaving. ---Go to [TodayTix.com/imaginary] (https://www.todaytix.com/imaginary) and use the promo code IMAGINARY to get $20 off your first Today Tix purchase. ---Go to [incogni.com/imaginary] (https://incogni.com/imaginary?utm_campaign=youtube&utm_source=Blue_Partner&utm_medium=imaginary) and use the code IMAGINARY to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan. ---Visit [www.hensonshaving.com/imaginary] (http://www.hensonshaving.com/imaginary) to pick a razor and the use code IMAGINARY to get two years' worth of blades free with your razor – just make sure to add them to your cart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

22 May 2024

45 MINS

45:59

22 May 2024

#253

How Nintendo Leveled Up

Over the past 40 years, Shigeru Miyamoto has been inventing the modern video game one pixel at a time. From Donkey Kong to Super Mario Bros to The Legend of Zelda, Miyamoto turned wonder and exploration into game mechanics, and incorporated his personal experiences into his games. I talk with Illinois Institute of Technology dean [Jennifer deWinter] (https://www.iit.edu/directory/people/jennifer-dewinter%20) and Oakland University professor [Sam Srauy] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samsrauy/) about how Miyamoto changed Nintendo, and where his influence can be seen in big budget and indie video games today. Get up to 60% off at [Babbel.com/IMAGINARY] (https://try.babbel.com/podcast-flags-2021/?bsc=podcast-imaginary&btp=default&utm_content=podcast..imaginary..USA..oxfordroad&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=imaginary&utm_term=generic_v1) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

08 May 2024

39 MINS

39:05

08 May 2024

#252

You Are Lone Wolf: A Father/Son Quest

When Joe Dever died in 2016, he hadn’t written the last several books in his [Lone Wolf] (https://www.magnamund.com/) series. The Lone Wolf books take place in a deeply rich fantasy universe, and they’re written as a combination of choose-your-own-adventure stories and role playing games like D&D. Joe’s final wish was that his son Ben would finish the series for him. However, Ben was unfamiliar with his father’s books, and the legions of Lone Wolf fans he would have to please. I talked with Ben Devere (who spells his last name differently) about the creative, practical, and personal struggles he went through as a writer, and how he was able to get to know his late father by immersing himself in his father’s fantasy world. Jonathan Stark, co-host of the official Lone Wolf podcast [Journeys Through Magnamund] (https://www.magnamund.com/podcast) , explains why Lone Wolf means so much to fans like him, and how he ended up fulfilling his own dreams of writing a Lone Wolf book. Today's episode is sponsored by Henson Shaving, Magic Spoon and Miracle Made. Visit [www.hensonshaving.com/imaginary] (http://www.hensonshaving.com/imaginary) and use the code IMAGINARY to get two years' worth of blades free with your razor – just make sure to add them to your cart. Get your next delicious bowl of high-protein cereal at [www.magicspoon.com/imaginary] (http://www.magicspoon.com/imaginary)  and use the code IMAGINARY to save five dollars off. Go to [www.trymiracle.com/imaginary] (http://www.trymiracle.com/imaginary) and use the code IMAGINARY to claim your free 3 piece towel set and save over 40% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

24 Apr 2024

35 MINS

35:54

24 Apr 2024

#251

African Sci-Fi Looks to a Future Climate

When the writer Nnedi Okorafor coined the term [Africanfuturism] (https://nnedi.blogspot.com/2019/10/africanfuturism-defined.html) , she wanted to distinguish sci-fi written about Africa from Afrofuturism, which is focuses on the experiences of Black people in the diaspora. Africanfuturism mixes the traditional with the futuristic in a way that resembles modern life in Africa, and many of these stories grapple with climate change. Although the writer [Chinelo Onwualu] (https://chineloonwualu.wixsite.com/author) says cli-fi isn’t a subgenre for African writers. It’s often baked into a lot of Africanfuturism because the continent is already at the forefront of climate emergencies. And the writers [Suyi Davies Okungbowa] (https://suyidavies.com/) and [Wole Talabi] (https://wtalabi.wordpress.com/) explain that Africanfuturist cli-fi isn’t as dystopian as Western cli-fi. These visions of the future may feel daunting but there is often a sense of hope and the solutions are more community focused. The actress [Nneka Okoye] (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6143542/) reads from their stories, and other works by African writers. This episode is sponsored by Babbel, Surf Shark and Magic Spoon Get up to 60% off at [Babbel.com/IMAGINARY] (https://try.babbel.com/podcast-flags-2021/?bsc=podcast-imaginary&btp=default&utm_content=podcast..imaginary..USA..oxfordroad&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=imaginary&utm_term=generic_v1) Get Surfshark VPN at [Surfshark.deals/IMAGINARY] (https://surfshark.com/deal/influencer?coupon=imaginary&utm_source=partner&utm_medium=120965) Go to [MagicSpoon.com/IMAGINARY] (https://magicspoon.com/pages/partner?partner=imaginary&utm_source=imaginary&utm_medium=Podcast) and use the code IMAGINARY to save five dollars off Reading list from this episode: ---Works of [Nnedi Okorafor] (https://nnedi.com/) ---Wole Talabi’s anthology [Convergence Problems] (https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/convergence-problems-9780756418830/) ---Suyi Davies Okungbowa's novella [Lost Ark Dreaming] (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250890757/lostarkdreaming) ---Chinelo Onwualu’s short story [Letters to My Mother] (https://fiction.cofutures.org/) --- [Dilman Dila’s] (dilmandila.com) story The Leafy Man from the book [A Killing in the Sun] (https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/23273637) --- [Mame Bougouma’s] (https://twitter.com/mame_bougouma?lang=en) story [Lekki Lekki] (https://brittlepaper.com/2020/10/lekki-lekki-by-mame-bougouma-diene-africanfuturism-anthology/) from [Africanfuturism: An Anthology] (https://brittlepaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Africanfuturism-An-Anthology-edited-by-Wole-Talabi.pdf) --- [Omenana Magazine] (https://omenana.com/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

10 Apr 2024

41 MINS

41:23

10 Apr 2024

#250

When All Is Said in Dune

Back in 2018, I interviewed language creator [David J. Peterson] (https://artoflanguageinvention.com/%20) about how he invented Dothraki for Game of Thrones and other fictional languages in fantasy worlds. David and his wife Jessie just finished a huge project – developing the Fremen language for Dune: Part Two. I talk with the couple about their creative process and the challenge of imagining simple English phrases in the Chakobsa language that Frank Herbert imagined in his Dune novels. We also hear my 2018 episode, “Do You Speak Conlang?” where I also talked with [Marc Okrand] (https://klingon.wiki/En/MarcOkrand%20%20) , inventor of the Klingon language, and [Robyn Stewart] (https://klingon.wiki/En/RobynStewart%20) , a language consultant for Star Trek: Discovery. Plus, [Jen Usellis] (https://jenusellisvo.com/%20) -- a.k.a. [Klingon Pop Warrior] (https://www.klingonpopwarrior.com/%20) -- will give you a serious case of earworms (not the kind from Wrath of Khan.) For more episodes about Dune, check out my 2017 episode [The Book of Dune] (https://www.imaginaryworldspodcast.org/episodes/the-book-of-dune?rq=Dune) , where I talked with Muslim fans of the series about the way Frank Herbert incorporated aspects of Islam into the books. And in 2021, I did an episode called [The Ecology of Dune] (https://www.imaginaryworldspodcast.org/episodes/the-ecology-of-dune?rq=Dune) where I looked at the environmental messages in the books and whether Frank Herbert’s environmental sensibilities still hold up today. This episode is sponsored by Surfshark and Magic Spoon. Get Surfshark VPN at [Surfshark.deals/imaginary] (https://surfshark.com/deal/influencer?coupon=imaginary&utm_source=partner&utm_medium=120965) and enter the promo code IMAGINARY for three extra months for free. Get a custom bundle of Magic Spoon cereal at [magicspoon.com/imaginary] (https://magicspoon.com/pages/partner?partner=imaginary&utm_source=imaginary&utm_medium=Podcast) . Enter the promo code IMAGINARY at checkout to save five dollars off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

27 Mar 2024

48 MINS

48:15

27 Mar 2024

#249

Mother-in-Law of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is deeply ingrained into our culture. While many people can practically recite the 1939 movie, the original source material isn’t as well known. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum was published in 1900. There are a lot of theories as to what inspired Baum – but the answer may be who rather than what. Baum’s mother-in-law [Matilda Joslyn Gage] (https://matildajoslyngage.org%20) was a groundbreaking writer and activist who could’ve been in every high school history textbook if she hadn’t had a falling out with the leaders of the suffrage movement. But her ideas live on in The Land of Oz. I talk with historian [Sally Roesch Wagner] (https://sallyroeschwagner.com) and UNC-Charlotte professor [Dina Massachi] (https://americanstudies.charlotte.edu/dina-massachi-ma) about the politics of gender in Gage’s works and Baum’s stories. And I talk with therapist [Dr. Gita Dorothy Morena] (https://gitamorena.com) who has a very personal connection to the books. Go to [ https://hensonshaving.com] (%20https:/hensonshaving.com) and enter IMAGINARY at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. Remember to add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply. Try Surfshark risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get Surfshark VPN at [Surfshark.deals/imaginary] (https://surfshark.com/deal/influencer?coupon=imaginary&utm_source=partner&utm_medium=120965) . Enter the promo code IMAGINARY for three extra months for free!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

13 Mar 2024

36 MINS

36:50

13 Mar 2024

#248

Bonus: Turtles and Toys Outtakes

In the previous episode, I interviewed documentary filmmaker [Isaac Elliot-Fisher] (https://www.isaacdop.ca/) about He-Man and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Isaac had so many great anecdotes about the history of those franchises that I couldn’t fit in. In this bonus episode of outtakes, Isaac explains the history of the term toyetic, the haphazard way He-Man came together, and why the 1990 live action TMNT film was so much darker than the cartoon show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

06 Mar 2024

23 MINS

23:00

06 Mar 2024

#247

Class of '84: Turtles, Transformers and Toys Takeover TV

In the final episode of our mini-series Class of '84, we look at two iconic franchises that launched in 1984: Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They came from opposite ends of the business spectrum. Transformers was a top-down marketing synergy between American and Japanese toy companies along with Marvel Comics to compete against He-Man -- another TV toy behemoth. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle would eventually rival them in cultural dominance, but it began with two indie comic book creators making a black and white comic as a lark. But Turtles and Transformers both ended up wrestling with similar questions around what happens when you put the cart before the horse in creating content to sell products. Documentary filmmaker [Isaac Elliot-Fisher] (https://www.isaacdop.ca/) and Cartoon Art Museum curator [Andrew Farago] (https://andrewfarago.wordpress.com/%20) talk about the incredible rags to riches story of the Turtles creators, and how success changed them. And I talk with [Bob Budiansky] (https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Bob_Budiansky) , who created many of the original Transformers characters for Hasbro and Marvel Comics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

28 Feb 2024

40 MINS

40:56

28 Feb 2024

#246

Class of '84: When Cyber Was Punk

In the second episode of our mini-series on groundbreaking works from 1984, we jack into the system and upload our minds into Neuromancer. William Gibson’s novel became a seminal work of cyberpunk, where he introduced words like “cyberspace” and storylines that would become tropes of the genre. Sci-fi writer [Eileen Gunn] (https://eileengunn.com/) , and professors [Sherryl Vint] (https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/sherrylv) of UC Riverside and [Hugh O’Connell] (https://www.umb.edu/directory/hughoconnell/) of UMass Boston discuss how Neuromancer not only predicted the future of technology with surprising accuracy, but it also imagined the way that high tech would help fuel a new type of hyper capitalism. I also talk with [Chris Miller] (https://silverspookgames.blogspot.com/p/home.html) aka Silver Spook, creator of the game [Neofeud] (https://store.steampowered.com/app/673850/Neofeud/%20) , and [Gareth Damian Martin] (https://jumpovertheage.com/) , creator of the game [Citizen Sleeper] (https://www.fellowtraveller.games/citizen-sleeper%20) , about how they used indie games to bring cyberpunk back to its roots in Neuromancer. Also, [Lincoln Michel] (https://lincolnmichel.com/) discusses why in his novel [The Body Scout] (https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/56441984%20) , he wanted to bring cyberpunk out of cyberspace. Featuring readings by actor [Varick Boyd] (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3022621/) . This week’s episode is sponsored by Ship Station, Henson Shaving and Babbel. Use the promo code “imaginary” at [shipstation.com] (https://www.shipstation.com/) to sign up for a free 60-day trial. Visit [hensonshaving.com/imaginary] (https://hensonshaving.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sponsored&utm_campaign=ImaginaryWorlds) to pick the razor for you and use the code “imaginary” to get two years' worth of free blades. Get 50% off at [Babbel.com/imaginary] (https://try.babbel.com/podcast-flags-2021/?bsc=podcast-imaginary&btp=default&utm_content=podcast..imaginary..USA..oxfordroad&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=imaginary&utm_term=generic_v1) . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

14 Feb 2024

41 MINS

41:12

14 Feb 2024

#245

Bonus: Rise of The Villains Outtakes

When I interviewed special effects artist [Shannon Shea] (www.shannonsheaeffects.com%20%20) about The Terminator and other villains of ’84, we also discussed his experiences working on Terminator 2. He tells me about the many life-sized puppets of Arnold Schwarzenegger they built and how the industry has changed in the last 40 years. We also hear an outtake from my conversation with [Neill Gorton] (https://www.gortonstudio.co.uk/) about why the industry is moving away from depicting villains with scars and disabilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

07 Feb 2024

22 MINS

22:17

07 Feb 2024

#244

Class of '84: Rise of The Villains

This year marks the 40th anniversary of a lot of landmarks in pop culture, especially sci-fi and fantasy. So many franchises were born in 1984. Some came to define their genre or invent new genres. In this three-part mini-series, we look at how The Class of ’84 made their mark on the world. First up: the bad guys. 1984 was a great year for villains from The Terminator to Freddy Krueger to Gremlins and Ghostbusters. I talk with make-up and creature designers [Neill Gorton] (https://www.gortonstudio.co.uk/) and [Shannon Shea] (www.shannonsheaeffects.com%20%20) (who worked on Terminator and Nightmare On Elm Street sequels) about why the '80s was a golden age of monsters. Criminal psychology professor [Yannie ten Brooke] (https://nyscas.touro.edu/academics/faculty/broeke-yannie-ten.php) analyzes the ’84 villains and why they scared us. And I talk with pastor and podcaster [JR Forasteros] (https://jrforasteros.com/jr-bio/) about why they don’t make villains like they used to – for better and for worse. You can also find Shannon at [Two Chez] (https://www.etsy.com/shop/twochez/?etsrc=sdt) on Etsy. Today’s episode is sponsored by Magic Spoon and Green Chef. Go to [magicspoon.com/imaginary] (https://magicspoon.com/pages/partner?partner=imaginary&utm_source=imaginary&utm_medium=Podcast) to grab a variety pack and be sure to use our promo code IMAGINARY at checkout to save five dollars off your order. Go to [greenchef.com/60imaginary] (https://www.greenchef.com/pages/podcast?c=60IMAGINARY&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=cpm&utm_campaign=podcast60off&vs_campaign_id=bf93711d-03da-4d15-bc30-055ae876a8df&utm_content=act_podcast_podcastads) and use the code 60imaginary to get 60% off, plus 20% off your next two months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

31 Jan 2024

37 MINS

37:56

31 Jan 2024

#243

Making Blue Eye Samurai

I was blown away by the Netflix animated series Blue Eye Samurai. I’m not alone, it has 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the supervising director and producer of the show, Jane Wu, began her career as an animation storyboard artist. In fact, we were working at different animation studios at the same time in L.A. We talk about why she took a live action approach to planning animated sequences in Blue Eye Samurai, and how she wanted to represent Japanese culture in a way that’s never been done in Western animation. Jane also discusses how her background in martial arts and how her personal history helped her understand the main character Mizu, a woman with dual identities on a quest for revenge 17th century Japan. Use the promo code IMAGINARY at [shipstation.com] (https://www.shipstation.com/) to sign up for your free 30-day trial. Go to [hensonshaving.com] (https://hensonshaving.com/) and enter IMAGINARY at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. (Note: you must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

17 Jan 2024

40 MINS

40:36

17 Jan 2024

#242

Prologue to Ursula K. le Guin

In the 1960s, Ursula K. le Guin represented a changing of the guard in science fiction literature. She was part of a generation of novelists who questioned the colonist mindset which had influenced American sci-fi for most of the 20th century. Le Guin came to this understanding not just as a moral stance or an intellectual exercise. Issues of racism and colonialism were personal to her. This episode, originally titled “ [The Word For Man Is Ishi] (https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/the-last-archive/the-word-for-man-is-ishi) ,” comes from the podcast [The Last Archive] (https://www.thelastarchive.com/) from Pushkin Industries hosted by Jill Lepore and Ben Naddaff-Hafrey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

03 Jan 2024

48 MINS

48:43

03 Jan 2024

#241

@ChristmasCarol: A Holiday Tale

This week's episode is an original audio drama. In previous episodes, I’ve interviewed Captain Hook, vampires, colonists on the moon, and H.P. Lovecraft’s brain in a jar -- or at least actors playing those characters. Now I’ve expanded my roster of fictional interviews to include iconic characters from Christmas tales. In this 21st century holiday tale, I am visited by supernatural entities who warn me that humanity is in danger because we no longer believe they’re real. Featuring performances from [Torian Brackett] (https://www.teebeevo.com/) , [Alexandra Reed] (https://www.alexandrareedvo.com/) and [Bill Lobley] (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0516496/) . Get 55% off a Babbel subscription at [www.babbel.com/imaginary] (http://www.babbel.com/imaginary) To claim your free 3 piece towel set and save over 40% off Miracle Made sheets go to [www.trymiracle.com/imaginary] (http://www.trymiracle.com/imaginary) and use the code "imaginary." Give one annual membership of MasterClass and get one free at [www.masterclass.com/imagine] (http://www.masterclass.com/imagine) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

20 Dec 2023

33 MINS

33:44

20 Dec 2023