Fiction as a Tool for Science Innovation, with Dante Terese, Author of The Base Series

What if the key to tomorrow's scientific and technological breakthroughs lies in today's science fiction?

In this special-format episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we step outside our typical interview structure to explore the power of imagination as a driving force behind scientific innovation. Our guest, Dante Therese—science fiction author, screenwriter, and creator of The Base trilogy—brings a fresh perspective on how fiction, research, and creativity intersect.

Her research-informed storytelling weaves together suspense, military science, and real-world advances like brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), robotic limbs, synthetic cartilage, and speech restoration technologies.

But this conversation goes far beyond the page.

You'll discover how to:

• Use your imagination as a tool to generate new ideas—especially when you're not yet ready to implement them in a lab.

• Translate complex, innovative thinking into writing to build clarity, confidence, and even prototypes for future projects.

• Tap into different cognitive modes—focused and diffuse thinking—to unlock creativity and solve hard problems with new insight.

• Stay resilient and inspired even if your ideas do not 'fit' the current day standards.

• Apply storytelling strategies and character development to create your own science fiction story!

Whether you're a neurotech innovator, a scientist in search of creative spark, or a writer fascinated by emerging technology, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that the future often begins in imagination—and that doing the impossible sometimes starts with telling the story.

Chapters: 00:00:01 - Writing and Creativity 00:02:52 - The Importance of Imagination and Creativity 00:14:07 - Exploring Imagination and Insect Inspiration 00:19:59 - Exploring Idea Generation and Creativity 00:24:47 - Writing and the Fun of Elimination 00:29:05 - Persistence in Search and Recovery 00:33:32 - Persistence in Creative Endeavors 00:36:30 - Reviving Abandoned Spaces Through Imagination 00:40:57 - The Role of Villains in Storytelling 00:44:03 - Responsibility of Writers and Creators 00:52:07 - Writing Process and Character Development 00:54:55 - Character-Driven Science Fiction Writing 01:02:00 - Exploring Lives Beyond One Sentence 01:05:00 - Impact of Farming Background on Students 01:11:37 - Identical Twins and Their Communication 01:16:10 - Daily Writing Discipline and Growth 01:18:24 - Finding Dante's Books 01:21:24 - AI's Impact on Writing and Thinking Ready to step inside a world built from plot twists and pill bugs? Tune in now.

About the Podcast Guest:

Dante Terese is a suspense fiction author and screenwriter who conjures gripping worlds where science, story, and imagination collide. Best known for The Base—a high-stakes thriller series where military scientists design insect-inspired technology—Dante weaves together cutting-edge research and character-driven storytelling to build immersive realities that blur the line between fiction and future. Driven by childlike curiosity and an insatiable love for details, Dante explores how creative thought can unlock real-world innovation. Whether through writing, filmmaking, or character alchemy, she believes stories have the power to reimagine not just the world we live in—but the one we could. 🖋️ Explore more of Dante's work: 🌐 Website: https://www.danteterese.com 📚 Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dante-Terese/author/B0BTRKGRCY 🎬 YouTube Channel (The Base): https://www.youtube.com/@TheBaseSeries

About the Podcast Host:

The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in neurotech and Brain-Computer Interfaces, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.

Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:

• Identification and pursuit of career goals
• Guidance on job search strategies, resume, and cover letter development
• Neurotech / neuroscience job interview preparation and practice
• Networking strategies to connect with professionals in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnologies
• Ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve your goals

You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation

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