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. 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. You can also listen to Between Imaginary Worlds directly on the show’s Patreon page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joseph Krauter, a formerly incarcerated individual, and David Annarelli, currently incarcerated, discuss the profound impact of role-playing games on mental health and personal development in prison. They share innovative methods they use to create gaming materials from everyday objects. The conversation touches on the therapeutic escape that games like Dungeons & Dragons provide and the challenges posed by censorship in the prison system. Their insights illuminate the power of creativity and connection in overcoming the harsh realities of incarceration.

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 and talk with the owner Jonathan Li. Game designer and cultural consultant James Mendez Hodes 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 and Jennifer deWinter 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 for 50% off your first box and 50 free credits with ClassPass Go to 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The host reflects on a decade of growth, shifting from blockbuster movies to a deeper understanding of fantasy and sci-fi. Insights from journalist Rob Salkowitz and editor Diana M. Pho reveal the evolution of superhero cinema and its impact on audiences. The discussion highlights the transformation of comic conventions and rising diversity among attendees and creators. Cozy sci-fi and Solarpunk literature emerge as beacons of hope during tough times, while the surge in speculative fiction captivates a younger generation, reshaping the publishing landscape.

David and Lisa Spira, co-founders of Escape Room Artist and hosts of the Reality Escape Pod, discuss the captivating evolution of escape rooms into sophisticated theatrical experiences. They explore how immersive elements elevate storytelling, using examples like the haunted Ghost Light escape room and a Houdini-themed séance room. The duo emphasizes the necessity of unique puzzles and emotional engagement to enhance player experiences, showcasing the powerful fusion of immersive theater and escape fun.

Join audiobook narrators John Pirhalla, Luke Daniels, Amy Landon, and Heath Miller as they dive into the art of bringing sci-fi and fantasy characters to life. They discuss the challenges of voicing non-human characters and juggling multiple accents. The narrators share insights on making dense worldbuilding accessible and the nuances of voicing game mechanics in Lit RPGs. They also confront the looming threat of AI and voice cloning, emphasizing the irreplaceable emotional depth a human narrator brings to storytelling.

David Kenny, a political science professor at Trinity College Dublin, dives into why democracies fail by analyzing lessons from the collapse of the Old Republic in Star Wars. The conversation explores the allure of authoritarianism and the pitfalls of military aesthetics in fantasy narratives. Kenny discusses the tensions of power dynamics, especially within the New Republic, and critiques the ethical dilemmas faced by fictional democracies like X-Men. The episode also emphasizes proactive leadership as essential for safeguarding democratic values against rising fascist threats.

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 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, 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 and cultural critic Kayleigh Donaldson explain where romantasy came from and how it became so popular. Fantasy authors C.L. Polk, and J.D. Evans 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, a romance bookstore with an ample fantasy section. Plus, we hear readings by actress Tanya Rich.In the episode, we heard about some of the most famous romantasy authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros. Professor Marcela di Blasi is working on a non-fiction book about BIPOC romantasy authors, and she also recommends these books. Anna Marie McLemore’s When The Moon Was Ours Zoraida Cordova's Hollow Crown Duology Analeigh Sbrana's Lore of the Wilds Kimberly Lemming's That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes series Gabriela Romero LaCruz's The Sun and the Void Mikayla D. Hornedo's Blood and Brujas Claire Legrand’s Lightbringer trilogy. Today's episode is sponsored by ShipStation, Henson Shaving, TodayTix and Babbel. Go to www.shipstation.com and use the code IMAGINARY to sign up for your free 60-day trial. Visit 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 and use the promo code IMAGINARY to get $20 off your first Today Tix purchase. Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/imaginary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 has been tracking how her work is being targeted, like her novel 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 and use the code IMAGINARY to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices