Imaginary Worlds

James Ortiz, a theater puppeteer recruited to perform and voice Rocky, shares how he built and operated a complex five-legged puppet. He talks about choosing practical puppetry over CGI, adapting theater techniques for film, collaborating closely with Ryan Gosling, and assembling a multi-puppeteer team to create Rocky’s physical personality and improvisational chemistry.

Ian Spelling, a Star Trek journalist who interviewed D.C. Fontana; Laurie Ulster, a historian of Trek media; and Jarrah Hodge, a writer and podcaster, discuss Fontana’s rise from secretary to story editor. They focus on her shaping of Spock and Vulcan lore, character-driven rewrites, her role on the Animated Series, and her lasting influence on franchise storytelling and fandom.

Imagine if Bruce Wayne had no money, if Superman grew up on Krypton and came to Earth with emotional scars, or if Wonder Woman had been raised in Hell. Welcome to the Absolute Universe – a dark parallel universe created by DC Comics in 2024. The idea of a parallel universe is not new to comic books, but what is surprising has been the success of the Absolute Universe. Some of the Absolute versions of superheroes have been outselling the comics that take place in DC’s mainline universe. I talk with Executive Editor Chris Conroy and Group Editor Katie Kubert about how they’ve overseen the team of artists and writers at DC crafting this dark universe with thematic parallels to our own world. And I talk with writer Kelly Thompson about how she came up with Absolute Wonder Woman and why the comic is resonating with so many fans. This episode is sponsored by Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/worlds or use the code WORLDS at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! To support the show, you can donate on Patreon where you get access to the ad-free version and our companion show Between Imaginary Worlds. You can also buy Imaginary Worlds merchandise at our online store. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kenitra Brooks, scholar of conjure women exploring personal genealogy. Yvonne Chireau, expert on African-derived spiritual traditions who consulted on the film. They discuss hoodoo’s portrayal on screen, co-creating Annie’s practices and movements, ancestral time and music, props and historical choices, and how conjure functions as social power in 1930s Mississippi.

Abby Howard, artist and co-founder of Black Tabby Games known for hand-drawn character design; Tony Howard-Arias, game designer and co-founder focusing on branching narrative and systems. They discuss hand-drawn animation, designing reactive branching choices, balancing romance and solo play, letting players avoid the plot, and Southern Gothic roots shaping characters and tone.

Darby McDevitt, narrative director at Ubisoft, is known for his work on the Assassin's Creed series and his novel, The Halter. He shares insights into the challenges of blending historical accuracy with engaging gameplay, revealing his extensive research methods for crafting immersive backstories. The discussion touches on the limitations of interactivity in games, the balance between realism and player expectations, and the ethical portrayal of sensitive themes. Darby also delves into his novel's exploration of virtual reality addiction, raising questions about empathy and social impacts.

In my annual audio drama, I interview several folklore figures who are synonymous with the holiday season outside America -- but they’ve been overshadowed by the cultural juggernaut of Santa Claus. So they’re on a tour to reintroduce themselves. While I went into this press junket with the best of intensions, some of my interviews went off the rails. It turns out when a supernatural being has been around for centuries, their personal history can get complicated. Featuring André Refig, Vili-Oskari Körkkö, Begonya Ferrer, Teresa Mastrobuono, and Bill Lobley. There will be no episode of Imaginary Worlds on December 31st. The show will return on January 14th. Happy Holidays, everyone! This episode is sponsored by MiracleMade and Uncommon Goods Get 15% off your order at uncommongoods.com/imaginary. Go to TryMiracle.com/IMAGINARY to save over 40%, and when you use promo code IMAGINARY, you’ll get an extra 20% off plus a free 3-piece towel set. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Domic, Jr., an Inupiaq storyteller and host of Alaska Is The Center Of The Universe, shares his insights on preserving Native Alaskan cryptid tales like the Kushtaka. He discusses how these stories warn against dangers and are sacred cultural treasures. Joining him is J.W. Ocker, author of The United States of Cryptids, who explores how towns across America monetize their local monsters through festivals and marketing. They dive into why cryptids resonate culturally and the enduring appeal of creatures like Bigfoot.

In this engaging discussion, Caleb Meurer, an animation artist and former SpongeBob crew member, shares his insider tales from the beloved series, revealing the creative process behind its humor. Meanwhile, Judd Winick, a comic book and children's book author, dives into the eerie nostalgia of 1970s children's television, examining how shows like H.R. Pufnstuf shaped our childhoods. Together, they explore the industry’s evolution, touching on meaningful projects like the film Nimona and the dedication to preserving animation's rich legacy.

Tamara Deverell, a talented production designer and longtime collaborator with Guillermo del Toro, dives into the creative process behind designing sets for his adaptation of Frankenstein. She shares insights into their unique visual communication style, drawing from Scottish landscapes for color palettes. Tamara discusses the innovative decision to set the lab in a water tower, blending historical science with fantasy. She emphasizes the enduring themes of Mary Shelley's work and the importance of handcrafted artistry in film, all while cherishing her collaborative bond with Guillermo.