
The Worldbuilder's Tavern
At The Worldbuilder's Tavern podcast, we like to kick back with a drink and chat about the storytelling in science fiction and fantasy books, movies, and TV shows. Your hosts are three nerds—writer Emma Maione, editor Allison Alexander, and academic Christiana Jones—who love breaking down tropes, examining plot, and questioning the status quo. If you write novels or just enjoy discussions about worldbuilding, you're in the right place.
Latest episodes

Jul 9, 2025 • 55min
3.21 Paranormal Romance: Twilight
In this episode, we're talking about writing and worldbuilding in the paranormal romance novel Twilight by Stephanie Meyer.Proprietor's Pick: Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!) Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael GhelfiVisit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our PatreonSupport Haneen's family in Gaza

Jun 25, 2025 • 40min
3.20 Children's Fantasy: How to Train Your Dragon
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the children's fantasy (with vikings) movie How to Train Your Dragon.Proprietor's Pick: Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!) Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael GhelfiVisit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our PatreonSupport Haneen's family in Gaza

Jun 11, 2025 • 45min
3.19 Urban Fantasy: Jade City
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the urban fantasy novel Jade City by Fonda Lee. (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)Proprietor's Pick: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael GhelfiVisit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our PatreonSupport Haneen's family in Gaza

May 28, 2025 • 48min
3.18 Children's Sci-Fi: Animorphs
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the sci-fi alien invasion series Animorphs by K.A. Applegate.Proprietor's Pick: Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael GhelfiVisit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our PatreonSupport Haneen's family in Gaza

May 14, 2025 • 46min
3.17 Fantasy Heist: The Lies of Locke Lamora
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the fantasy novel The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch.Proprietor's Pick: Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael GhelfiVisit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our PatreonSupport Haneen's family in Gaza

Apr 30, 2025 • 40min
3.16 Gothic Romance: Crimson Peak
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the gothic romance movie Crimson Peak.Proprietor's Pick: The Dark Window by Rachel Gillig (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael GhelfiVisit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our PatreonSupport Haneen's family in Gaza

Apr 16, 2025 • 39min
3.15 LitRPG: Dungeon Crawler Carl
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the sci-fi/LitRPG novel Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)Proprietor's Pick: The Wandering Inn by pirateabaIntro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael GhelfiVisit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTokListen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our PatreonSupport Haneen's family in Gaza

Apr 2, 2025 • 44min
3.14 Sci-Fi Procedural: Fringe
Dive into the intriguing world of the sci-fi series Fringe, where strange events unfold as the Fringe Division investigates. Explore the complex character dynamics, especially between Walter and Peter, amidst a nostalgic blend of body horror and crime fiction. The hosts analyze the show's gripping storytelling and character development, highlighting ethical dilemmas faced by its protagonists. Plus, discover a thrilling concept for a new series featuring alternate universes and get insights into unconventional world-building techniques that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Mar 19, 2025 • 45min
3.13 Epic Fantasy: The Will of the Many
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the epic fantasy novel The Will of the Many by James Islington. Proprietor's Pick: Red Sister by Mark Lawrence (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through these links, we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!) Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi Visit the Tavern: Website | Discord | TikTok Listen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining our Patreon Support Haneen's family in Gaza

Mar 5, 2025 • 32min
3.12 Comedic Sci-Fi: Futurama
In this episode, we're talking about humour, worldbuilding, genre, and the animated TV showFuturama.Proprietor's Pick:I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Comby Kimberly Lemming (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.org affiliate, so if you purchase through this link we will earn a small commission AND you will support an indie bookstore!)Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael GhelfiVisit the Tavern:Website |DiscordListen to our Worldbuilding Workshop bonus episodes by joining ourPatreonSupport Haneen's family in Gaza