A play by Charles Dickens. The Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland. A hologram of a famous dead pop singer. They’re all connected by a simple magic trick called Pepper’s Ghost. What’s most remarkable about this illusion is that it hasn’t changed much in over 160 years. I talk with Jim Steinmeyer and Ben Schrader, both designers of theatrical special effects, about why a Victorian magic trick is more popular than ever at modern theme parks and other live entertainment venues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A play by Charles Dickens. The Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland. A hologram of a famous dead pop singer. They’re all connected by a simple magic trick called Pepper’s Ghost. What’s most remarkable about this illusion is that it hasn’t changed much in over 160 years. I talk with <a href="https://jimsteinmeyer.com/">Jim Steinmeyer</a> and <a href="https://schrader99.wixsite.com/portfolio">Ben Schrader</a>, both designers of theatrical special effects, about why a Victorian magic trick is more popular than ever at modern theme parks and other live entertainment venues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Imaginary Worlds

Haunted By Pepper's Ghost

This was a wonderful recap of Pepper’s Ghost - what is the effect? What is its history? Where is it used?And how does this tie into the Haunted Mansion, arcade cabinets, and holograms?

I love the way Pepper’s Ghost combines science and art to bring ghosts to life. Listening to how it’s used to bring a different kind of ghost back to life through holograms is wonderful. 

Discworld might be the most popular fantasy series you’ve never heard of. The late Terry Pratchett wrote 41 novels in the Discworld universe. To honor the 75th anniversary of his birth, we look at what fueled his satire, how he put himself into his characters, and why so many Discworld fans find solace and inspiration in his worldview. I talk with Pratchett’s former assistant and biographer Rob Wilkins, dramatist Stephen Briggs who adapted many Discworld novels to the stage, cultural critic Emmet Asher-Perrin and Professor Jacob Held, author of Philosophy and Terry Pratchett. Also featuring readings by Pavel Douglas.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp and ExpressVPN. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here or email us at sponsors@multitude.productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

<a href="https://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/book-series/discworld/%20">Discworld</a> might be the most popular fantasy series you’ve never heard of. The late Terry Pratchett wrote 41 novels in the Discworld universe. To honor the 75th anniversary of his birth, we look at what fueled his satire, how he put himself into his characters, and why so many Discworld fans find solace and inspiration in his worldview. I talk with Pratchett’s former assistant and biographer <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/192113/rob-wilkins">Rob Wilkins</a>, dramatist <a href="https://www.stephenbriggs.com/">Stephen Briggs</a> who adapted many Discworld novels to the stage, cultural critic <a href="https://emilyaperrin.wixsite.com/home">Emmet Asher-Perrin</a> and Professor <a href="https://uca.edu/philosophy/facultystaff/jacob-held/">Jacob Held</a>, author of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22718485-philosophy-and-terry-pratchett">Philosophy and Terry Pratchett</a>. Also featuring readings by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0235206/">Pavel Douglas</a>.This episode is sponsored by <a href="Betterhelp.com/imaginary">BetterHelp</a> and <a href="Expressvpn.com/imaginaryworlds">ExpressVPN</a>. Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:sponsors@multitude.productions">sponsors@multitude.productions</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Entering Discworld. Population: Terry Pratchett.

Always wanted to get into the Discworld series but as a younger person I couldn't understand so I didn't bother. I consider this episode a sort of refresher to see if I can get into the book series. 

Frank Herbert’s Dune has been hailed as a pioneer of environmental science fiction, where the Fremen on the planet of Arakkis, have had to adapt to extreme weather conditions through technology and culture. I talk with Ian Schoenherr, the son of illustrator John Schoenherr, about how his father and Frank Herbert bonded over their love of nature. Although Veronika Kratz explains that Frank Herbert would be out of step with today's environmental movement. We’ll also hear from two entrepreneurs in water conservation that were inspired by Dune, Peter Yolles from the company WaterSmart and Daniel Fernandez of California State University Monterey Bay, whose fog catchers are similar to the type of technology the Fremen would use, if they lived on the West Coast.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Herbert’s Dune has been hailed as a pioneer of environmental science fiction, where the Fremen on the planet of Arakkis, have had to adapt to extreme weather conditions through technology and culture. I talk with <a href="http://ianschoenherr.com/">Ian Schoenherr</a>, the son of illustrator John Schoenherr, about how his father and Frank Herbert bonded over their love of nature. Although <a href="https://carleton.ca/english/people/veronika-kratz/">Veronika Kratz</a> explains that Frank Herbert would be out of step with today's environmental movement. We’ll also hear from two entrepreneurs in water conservation that were inspired by Dune, Peter Yolles from the company <a href="https://www.vertexone.net/watersmart-customer-engagement-vertexone">WaterSmart</a> and Daniel Fernandez of California State University Monterey Bay, whose <a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/catching-fog">fog catchers</a> are similar to the type of technology the Fremen would use, if they lived on the West Coast.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

The Ecology of Dune

Dune’s movie releases on October 22nd, so take the time to learn about the man behind the books. 
This episode of imaginary worlds covers Frank Herbert’s philosophy and environmentalism and it’s a fascinating ride. 

The host also makes a great point about how Dune may be a foreshadowing of problems in the future due to climate change. In the least, fog catchers sound like an awesome tool.

Once upon a time, the funnies or the comics pages dominated newspapers – back when newspapers were the main source of information for most Americans. In those days, Walt Kelly and Al Capp were titans of the funnies. Their strips Pogo and Li’l Abner were cultural sensations. Both artists were groundbreaking in the way they incorporated satire into their fantastical worlds, back when the comics page was supposed to be an apolitical neutral zone. Even though their strips are not front and center in pop culture today, we are still feeling the ripple effects of what they accomplished. In part one, I talk with Mercer University professor Jay Black, BYU professor Kerry Soper and Harper College professor Brian Cremins about how Pogo met the enemy, and why he is us.  Link to Jay Black's book, "Walt Kelly and Pogo: The Art of the Political Swamp"Link to Kerry Soper's book, "We Go Pogo"Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once upon a time, the funnies or the comics pages dominated newspapers – back when newspapers were the main source of information for most Americans. In those days, Walt Kelly and Al Capp were titans of the funnies. Their strips Pogo and Li’l Abner were cultural sensations. Both artists were groundbreaking in the way they incorporated satire into their fantastical worlds, back when the comics page was supposed to be an apolitical neutral zone. Even though their strips are not front and center in pop culture today, we are still feeling the ripple effects of what they accomplished. In part one, I talk with Mercer University professor <a href="https://liberalarts.mercer.edu/faculty-and-staff/jay-black/">Jay Black</a>, BYU professor <a href="https://honors.byu.edu/directory/kerry-soper%20">Kerry Soper</a> and Harper College professor <a href="http://dept.harpercollege.edu/english/faculty_cremins.html">Brian Cremins</a> about how Pogo met the enemy, and why he is us.  <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Walt-Kelly-Pogo-Political-Swamp-dp-0786479876/dp/0786479876/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&amp;me=&amp;qid=">Link</a> to Jay Black's book, "Walt Kelly and Pogo: The Art of the Political Swamp"<a href="https://www.amazon.com/WE-GO-POGO-Kerry-Soper/dp/B00XWV0TUK/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=">Link</a> to Kerry Soper's book, "We Go Pogo"Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Politics of the Funnies Part 1

I had heard of the comic strip Pogo but never, ever considered reading it — if it hadn't remained culturally relevant, how could it be any good? I'm very grateful to Imaginary Worlds for proving my assumption wrong with this fascinating episode about Pogo, Walt Kelly, and politics in the funnies.

There’s an old saying that everyone wants to live long, but no one wants to get old. The same can be applied to our favorite sci-fi fantasy franchises. As familiar faces return to Star Wars, Star Trek, and other movies and shows, some franchises have embraced stories about aging and mortality, while others have used digital technology to erase those issues with mixed results. In a roundtable discussion, I talk with Christina Valeo of Eastern Washington University, Shawn Taylor of San Francisco State University and podcaster and pastor JR Forasteros about who is aging well, or de-aging poorly. Spoiler alert, we discuss the Picard series and older Star Trek movies, The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Black Mirror, and Upload.This episode is sponsored by Mint Mobile, Podboard and Squarespace. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s an old saying that everyone wants to live long, but no one wants to get old. The same can be applied to our favorite sci-fi fantasy franchises. As familiar faces return to Star Wars, Star Trek, and other movies and shows, some franchises have embraced stories about aging and mortality, while others have used digital technology to erase those issues with mixed results. In a roundtable discussion, I talk with <a href="https://www.ewu.edu/experts/christina-a-valeo/">Christina Valeo</a> of Eastern Washington University, <a href="https://humanitiesliberalstudies.sfsu.edu/shawn-taylor">Shawn Taylor</a> of San Francisco State University and podcaster and pastor <a href="https://jrforasteros.com/">JR Forasteros</a> about who is aging well, or de-aging poorly. Spoiler alert, we discuss the Picard series and older Star Trek movies, The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Black Mirror, and Upload.This episode is sponsored by Mint Mobile, Podboard and Squarespace. Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a>.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

De-Aging Well

Interesting discussion of the philosophical meaning of aging inside not just star trek buyother franchises where they bring back old characters and actors. 

I like the phrase 'manufactured nostalgia' when discussing the films we try to bring back. 

One of the most common requests I've gotten over the years has been to do an episode about why so many autistic people are drawn towards science fiction, and these suggestions have come from listeners who are autistic or have autistic children. Fiction writer Ada Hoffmann, writer and professor Dora Raymaker, YouTube presenter Quinn Dexter, and author and professor Nick Walker, who co-runs the publishing company Autonomous Press, have each given this subject a lot of thought. Their experiences and perspectives as autistic sci-fi fans and creators overlapped in many ways, from the joy of complex worldbuilding, to identifying with fictional characters like Data or Spock, to wanting to imagine a future where aliens, humans and A.I. can coexist without a hierarchy of neurotypical perspectives. Featuring actress Shannon Tyo reading passages from Ada and Dora’s novels.Dora Raymaker’s new novel Resonance has just been published through Autonomous Press. Dora and Ada have also contributed short stories to Autonomous’ anthology series Spoon Knife. Quinn Dexter’s YouTube channel is Autistamtic.This episode is sponsored by Backblaze, Echoes of History: Ragnarök and Squarespace. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most common requests I've gotten over the years has been to do an episode about why so many autistic people are drawn towards science fiction, and these suggestions have come from listeners who are autistic or have autistic children. Fiction writer <a href="https://www.ada-hoffmann.com/">Ada Hoffmann</a>, writer and professor <a href="https://doraraymaker.com/">Dora Raymaker</a>, YouTube presenter Quinn Dexter, and author and professor <a href="https://neuroqueer.com/">Nick Walker</a>, who co-runs the publishing company <a href="http://autpress.com/">Autonomous Press</a>, have each given this subject a lot of thought. Their experiences and perspectives as autistic sci-fi fans and creators overlapped in many ways, from the joy of complex worldbuilding, to identifying with fictional characters like Data or Spock, to wanting to imagine a future where aliens, humans and A.I. can coexist without a hierarchy of neurotypical perspectives. Featuring actress <a href="http://www.shannon-tyo.com/%20">Shannon Tyo</a> reading passages from Ada and Dora’s novels.Dora Raymaker’s new novel <a href="https://autonomous-press.myshopify.com/products/resonance">Resonance</a> has just been published through Autonomous Press. Dora and Ada have also contributed short stories to Autonomous’ anthology series <a href="https://autonomous-press.myshopify.com/%20">Spoon Knife</a>. Quinn Dexter’s YouTube channel is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/Autistamatic%20">Autistamtic</a>.This episode is sponsored by Backblaze, Echoes of History: Ragnarök and Squarespace. Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Neurodivergent Futures

Ahh this was fascinating. I’d never thought or even noticed the convergence between sci-fi and Autism. Thanks for making this Eric Molinsky I think it’s an important listen.

It’s a future we’re all very familiar with. The rainy streets are full of neon dragons, noodle shops, and other Asian iconography mixed up and decontextualized amid sci-fi flourishes, but something is often missing: Asian people. In her video presentation “Asian futures, without Asians,” the artist and writer Astria Suparak breaks down dozens of films and TV shows, showing that there’s a shadow genre across different sci-fi franchises which presents a future that taps into old anti-Asian stereotypes at subtle levels of designing sets, costumes and even props. I also talk with University of Utah Professor David S. Roh about his book Techno-Orientalism, which looks at the psychology behind these kinds of futures, and what they have to say about current day anxieties in America. And Jason Concepcion, host of the podcast X-Ray Vision, discusses how he tries to engage with these types of worlds as a fan and as an Asian American.This episode is sponsored by Inked Gaming. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a future we’re all very familiar with. The rainy streets are full of neon dragons, noodle shops, and other Asian iconography mixed up and decontextualized amid sci-fi flourishes, but something is often missing: Asian people. In her video presentation “Asian futures, without Asians,” the artist and writer <a href="https://astriasuparak.com/%20">Astria Suparak</a> breaks down dozens of films and TV shows, showing that there’s a shadow genre across different sci-fi franchises which presents a future that taps into old anti-Asian stereotypes at subtle levels of designing sets, costumes and even props. I also talk with University of Utah Professor <a href="http://davidsroh.com/">David S. Roh</a> about his book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Techno-Orientalism-Imagining-Speculative-Fiction-American/dp/0813570638">Techno-Orientalism</a>, which looks at the psychology behind these kinds of futures, and what they have to say about current day anxieties in America. And <a href="https://crooked.com/jason-concepcion-podcasts/">Jason Concepcion</a>, host of the podcast <a href="https://crooked.com/podcast-series/x-ray-vision/">X-Ray Vision</a>, discusses how he tries to engage with these types of worlds as a fan and as an Asian American.This episode is sponsored by Inked Gaming. Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Asian Futures Without Asians

Interesting! I had never recognized this in movies. 

Also thanks for the lovely Repod shoutout at the end 🥰 (at the timestamp)

One of the hottest literary genres is also one of the oldest. Gothic literature may have thrived in the 19th century (and my high school English class) but a lot of contemporary writers are returning to the tradition, creating stories that reimagine the past or look at the present through a Gothic lens. I talk with Xavier Aldana Reyes of the Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies about how The Gothic is like a mode or a sensibility that can take over any genre. Kit Mayquist, author of Tripping Arcadia: A Gothic Novel, discusses why The Gothic feels like the right fit for a generation that was gaslit while coming of age during war and a recession. And Leila Taylor, author of Darkly: Black History and America's Gothic Soul, explains that America will always be haunted by its Gothic past until we confront it. Featuring readings by voice actor Tanya Rich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the hottest literary genres is also one of the oldest. Gothic literature may have thrived in the 19th century (and my high school English class) but a lot of contemporary writers are returning to the tradition, creating stories that reimagine the past or look at the present through a Gothic lens. I talk with <a href="https://www.mmu.ac.uk/staff/profile/dr-xavier-aldana-reyes%20">Xavier Aldana Reyes</a> of the Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies about how The Gothic is like a mode or a sensibility that can take over any genre. <a href="https://kitmayquist.com/">Kit Mayquist</a>, author of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/55073801">Tripping Arcadia: A Gothic Novel</a>, discusses why The Gothic feels like the right fit for a generation that was gaslit while coming of age during war and a recession. And <a href="http://waynecountyworkshop.squarespace.com/">Leila Taylor</a>, author of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45275015-darkly?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_14%20">Darkly: Black History and America's Gothic Soul</a>, explains that America will always be haunted by its Gothic past until we confront it. Featuring readings by voice actor <a href="https://www.tanyarich.co.uk/%20">Tanya Rich</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Why The Gothic Keeps Gaslighting Us

When Jim Henson hired Bonnie Erickson to design Muppets in the early 1970s, Bonnie had no idea this experimental project they were working on – a prime time TV show with puppets – would evolve into the cultural phenomenon of The Muppet Show. I talked with Bonnie about how the crew tried several one-off specials where they figured out who the main characters would be, what they’d look like, and what they’d sound like. Bonnie explains how she came up with the designs for Miss Piggy, Statler and Waldorf, Zoot and others. And we talk about one of the biggest challenges in making The Muppets seem believable – where to place the pupils in their eyes.This episode is sponsored by ExpressVPN. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here or email us at sponsors@multitude.productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Jim Henson hired Bonnie Erickson to design Muppets in the early 1970s, Bonnie had no idea this experimental project they were working on – a prime time TV show with puppets – would evolve into the cultural phenomenon of The Muppet Show. I talked with Bonnie about how the crew tried several one-off specials where they figured out who the main characters would be, what they’d look like, and what they’d sound like. Bonnie explains how she came up with the designs for Miss Piggy, Statler and Waldorf, Zoot and others. And we talk about one of the biggest challenges in making The Muppets seem believable – where to place the pupils in their eyes.This episode is sponsored by <a href="ExpressVPN.com/imaginaryworlds">ExpressVPN</a>. Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:sponsors@multitude.productions">sponsors@multitude.productions</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Making The Muppets

This summer, Hayao Miyazaki will be releasing his final animated film before retiring. Environmental stewardship has been a consistent theme throughout his work, from My Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away to Princess Mononoke. But what exactly has he been saying all this time about our relationship to the natural world? I gather a panel of experts to discuss the worlds that Miyazaki creates, and how his stories tap into current debates around the climate crisis. Featuring Yuan Pan, lecturer on Environmental Management at the University of Reading, and environmental journalists and authors Isaac Yuen and Emma Marris.  This episode is sponsored by ExpressVPN and Factor. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here or email us at sponsors@multitude.productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This summer, Hayao Miyazaki will be releasing his final animated film before retiring. Environmental stewardship has been a consistent theme throughout his work, from My Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away to Princess Mononoke. But what exactly has he been saying all this time about our relationship to the natural world? I gather a panel of experts to discuss the worlds that Miyazaki creates, and how his stories tap into current debates around the climate crisis. Featuring <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/sustainable-land-management/Our-Staff/Yuan-Pan">Yuan Pan</a>, lecturer on Environmental Management at the University of Reading, and environmental journalists and authors <a href="https://ekostories.com/about/">Isaac Yuen</a> and <a href="https://www.emmamarris.com/">Emma Marris</a>.  This episode is sponsored by <a href="ExpressVPN.com/imaginaryworlds">ExpressVPN</a> and <a href="FACTORMEALS.com/imaginaryworlds50">Factor</a>. Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:sponsors@multitude.productions">sponsors@multitude.productions</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Miyazaki Imagines an Environment

Margaret Cavendish was a pioneer of modern science fiction – except she didn’t intend to write science fiction. In the 17th century, Cavendish was a noblewoman who wanted to be taken seriously as a philosopher. In her poetry and her landmark work, The Blazing World, she imagined parallel universes, microscopic cities, human animal hybrids, zombie armies and flying vehicles. I talk with professors Emily Thomas (Durham University), Lisa Walters (University of Queensland), Lisa Sarasohn (Oregon State University), and Lara Dodds (Mississippi State University) about why Cavendish wrote for future generations that she hoped would understand and appreciate her ideas. Featuring readings by Tanya Rich.Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here or email us at sponsors@multitude.productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Margaret Cavendish was a pioneer of modern science fiction – except she didn’t intend to write science fiction. In the 17th century, Cavendish was a noblewoman who wanted to be taken seriously as a philosopher. In her poetry and her landmark work, The Blazing World, she imagined parallel universes, microscopic cities, human animal hybrids, zombie armies and flying vehicles. I talk with professors <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/emily-e-thomas/">Emily Thomas</a> (Durham University), <a href="https://hass.uq.edu.au/profile/10147/lisa-walters">Lisa Walters</a> (University of Queensland), <a href="https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/users/lisa-sarasohn">Lisa Sarasohn</a> (Oregon State University), and <a href="https://www.english.msstate.edu/faculty/graduate-faculty/lara-dodds/">Lara Dodds</a> (Mississippi State University) about why Cavendish wrote for future generations that she hoped would understand and appreciate her ideas. Featuring readings by <a href="https://www.tanyarich.co.uk/%20">Tanya Rich</a>.Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:sponsors@multitude.productions">sponsors@multitude.productions</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

The Blazing World

When the March 1923 issue of Weird Tales hit newsstands, many people didn’t know what to make of this new magazine. But 100 years later, Weird Tales has had a huge influence on modern day sci-fi, fantasy and horror. I talk with authors John Locke and Will Murray, former Weird Tales editor Darrell Schweitzer, current Weird Tales editor Jonathan Maberry, and art collector Steve Korshak about how a scrappy publication often on the verge of bankruptcy inspired a cultural revolution. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp and ExpressVPN. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here or email us at sponsors@multitude.productions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the March 1923 issue of Weird Tales hit newsstands, many people didn’t know what to make of this new magazine. But 100 years later, Weird Tales has had a huge influence on modern day sci-fi, fantasy and horror. I talk with authors <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Things-Incredible-Secret-Origins-Weird/dp/1935031252">John Locke</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Murray">Will Murray</a>, former Weird Tales editor <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darrell_Schweitzer">Darrell Schweitzer</a>, current <a href="https://www.weirdtales.com/">Weird Tales</a> editor <a href="https://www.jonathanmaberry.com/">Jonathan Maberry</a>, and art collector <a href="https://www.korshakcollection.com/">Steve Korshak</a> about how a scrappy publication often on the verge of bankruptcy inspired a cultural revolution. This episode is sponsored by <a href="www.betterhelp.com/imaginary">BetterHelp</a> and <a href="www.expressvpn.com/imaginaryworlds">ExpressVPN</a>. Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:sponsors@multitude.productions">sponsors@multitude.productions</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

100 Years of Weird Tales

The town of Ong's Hat in New Jersey may have been the site of a top secret experiment that brought scientists to a parallel world in another dimension. Or it's the subject of a big inside joke and perhaps the first alternate reality game on the Internet. This week’s episode comes from the Slate podcast Decoder Ring, where the host Willa Paskin explores questions that have haunted me for a long time. When a fantasy world and the real world blur together, does it matter if we don’t know the difference? What happens when we suspend our disbelief too much?This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here or email sponsors@multitude.productions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The town of Ong's Hat in New Jersey may have been the site of a top secret experiment that brought scientists to a parallel world in another dimension. Or it's the subject of a big inside joke and perhaps the first alternate reality game on the Internet. This week’s episode comes from the <a href="https://slate.com/%20">Slate</a> podcast <a href="https://slate.com/podcasts/decoder-ring%20">Decoder Ring</a>, where the host <a href="https://twitter.com/willapaskin%20">Willa Paskin</a> explores questions that have haunted me for a long time. When a fantasy world and the real world blur together, does it matter if we don’t know the difference? What happens when we suspend our disbelief too much?This episode is sponsored by <a href="www.betterhelp.com/imaginary">BetterHelp</a>. Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a> or email <a href="mailto:sponsors@multitude.productions">sponsors@multitude.productions</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Catching the Mind Virus

As we near the one year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I check in with the Ukrainian writers I interviewed for my 2022 episode A Nation Dreams of Itself. Maria Galina tells me about the difficulties of trying to create during wartime. Svitlana Taratorina and Volodymyr Arenev talk about why writing isn’t just a form of therapy or escapism, but it’s also a patriotic duty to keep Ukrainian culture alive in a war that’s also being fought in libraries, bookstores and publishing houses. Borys Sydiuk talks about why science fiction is making a comeback over fantasy during the war. And I talk with Max Kidruk, the new breakout star in the Ukrainian sci-fi scene.You can watch Svitlana’s YouTube channel Fantastic Talks at: https://www.youtube.com/@fanttalksUkrainian Red Cross: https://donate.redcrossredcrescent.org/ua/donate/~my-donation?_cv=1Mercy Corps: https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/crisis-ukraine-give-nowInternational Medical Corps: https://give.internationalmedicalcorps.org/page/99837/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=DP~UA22~DPHHU2202Save the Children: https://support.savethechildren.org/site/Donation2?df_id=5751&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;5751.donation=form1This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp and Bombas. Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here or email sponsors@multitude.productions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we near the one year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I check in with the Ukrainian writers I interviewed for my 2022 episode <a href="https://www.imaginaryworldspodcast.org/episodes/a-nation-dreams-of-itself">A Nation Dreams of Itself</a>. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Galina">Maria Galina</a> tells me about the difficulties of trying to create during wartime. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/svitlanataratorina/?hl=en">Svitlana Taratorina</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volodymyr_Arenev">Volodymyr Arenev</a> talk about why writing isn’t just a form of therapy or escapism, but it’s also a patriotic duty to keep Ukrainian culture alive in a war that’s also being fought in libraries, bookstores and publishing houses. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/borys-sydiuk-26344114/?originalSubdomain=ua">Borys Sydiuk</a> talks about why science fiction is making a comeback over fantasy during the war. And I talk with <a href="https://darkages.maxkidruk.com/%20">Max Kidruk</a>, the new breakout star in the Ukrainian sci-fi scene.You can watch Svitlana’s YouTube channel Fantastic Talks at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@fanttalks">https://www.youtube.com/@fanttalks</a>Ukrainian Red Cross: <a href="https://donate.redcrossredcrescent.org/ua/donate/~my-donation?_cv=1">https://donate.redcrossredcrescent.org/ua/donate/~my-donation?_cv=1</a>Mercy Corps: <a href="https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/crisis-ukraine-give-now">https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/crisis-ukraine-give-now</a>International Medical Corps: <a href="https://give.internationalmedicalcorps.org/page/99837/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=DP~UA22~DPHHU2202">https://give.internationalmedicalcorps.org/page/99837/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=DP~UA22~DPHHU2202</a>Save the Children: <a href="https://support.savethechildren.org/site/Donation2?df_id=5751&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;5751.donation=form1">https://support.savethechildren.org/site/Donation2?df_id=5751&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;5751.donation=form1</a>This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.betterhelp.com/imaginary">BetterHelp</a> and <a href="http://www.bombas.com/imaginaryworlds">Bombas</a>. Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a> or email <a href="mailto:sponsors@multitude.productions">sponsors@multitude.productions</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

A Nation Dreams to Survive

I’ve been following parallel media stories about visual artists in two different fields. Each story is about artists who create fantastical images, but they’re worried they can no long practice their craft or earn a living. First, a visual effects artist who worked with Marvel explains (as read by the actor Peter Grosz) why Marvel is so dysfunctional, and how the studio may be pushing the effects industry to the brink. Former VFX exec Scott Ross discusses how the system is set up to exploit visual effects companies and pit them against each other. Shifting focus from Hollywood to Silicon Valley. I talk with artist Steven Zapata about why AI image generating programs are an existential threat to artists, especially freelance fantasy illustrators. And Orbit Books creative director Lauren Panepinto explains why she doesn't think AI will be putting her, or the fantasy artists she works with, out of work yet.Our ad partner is Multitude. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them here or email sponsors@multitude.productions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve been following parallel media stories about visual artists in two different fields. Each story is about artists who create fantastical images, but they’re worried they can no long practice their craft or earn a living. First, a visual effects artist who worked with Marvel explains (as read by the actor <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Grosz">Peter Grosz</a>) why Marvel is so dysfunctional, and how the studio may be pushing the effects industry to the brink. Former VFX exec <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Ross_(film_executive)">Scott Ross</a> discusses how the system is set up to exploit visual effects companies and pit them against each other. Shifting focus from Hollywood to Silicon Valley. I talk with artist <a href="https://www.stevenzapata.com/">Steven Zapata</a> about why AI image generating programs are an existential threat to artists, especially freelance fantasy illustrators. And Orbit Books creative director <a href="http://www.laurenpanepinto.com/">Lauren Panepinto</a> explains why she doesn't think AI will be putting her, or the fantasy artists she works with, out of work yet.Our ad partner is <a href="https://multitude.productions/">Multitude</a>. If you’re interested in advertising on Imaginary Worlds, you can contact them <a href="https://multitude.productions/ads">here</a> or email <a href="mailto:sponsors@multitude.productions">sponsors@multitude.productions</a>. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

The Human Touch

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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