

Imaginary Worlds
Eric Molinsky | QCODE
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 filmmakers, screenwriters, novelists, comic book artists, game designers, and anyone who works in the field of make-believe about how they craft their worlds. He also talks with academics and fans about 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 24, 2025 • 39min
The Battle to Make Star Wars
Movies that change cinema often come from outsiders – whether it’s Orson Welles making Citizen Kane or George Lucas making Star Wars a.k.a. Episode IV: A New Hope. The excellent graphic novel Lucas Wars by artist Renaud Roche and writer Laurent Hopman just came out in English (the original French title is Les Guerres de Lucas.) I talk with Renaud and Laurent about why the making of Star Wars was such a long shot, and how the production changed the lives of everyone involved. Plus, we discuss the unsung heroes who helped make Star Wars happen -- like Lucas’s ex wife Marcia and studio mogul Alan Ladd Jr.
Imaginary Worlds was just nominated for a Signal Award for Best Arts & Culture podcast! That also means the show is eligible for a Listener's Choice Award. You can vote for the show at vote.signalawards.com. The deadline is October 9th. Thank you!
This episode is sponsored by Hims and Remi.
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34 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 36min
Lifting the Curtain on Theatrical Effects
Jeremy Chernick, a seasoned partner and designer at J&M Special Effects, and Bohdan Bushell, a skilled production coordinator and pyrotechnician, dive into the intricate world of live theatrical effects. They unveil the evolution from traditional mechanical techniques to modern 3D solutions and the behind-the-scenes challenges of creating spectacular moments in shows like Harry Potter and Frozen. The discussion also touches on safety measures for performers and the art of blending cinematic magic with live performance, proving that ingenuity is key to making the impossible possible.

Aug 27, 2025 • 48min
The Shark That Ate Hollywood
Tim Harford, the host of Cautionary Tales, takes a deep dive into the chaotic production of Jaws, detailing its messy yet iconic filmmaking process. He shares insights on the challenges posed by a malfunctioning mechanical shark and the intense pressures faced by director Steven Spielberg and his crew. Delving into creativity under pressure, Harford draws parallels with historical events like Apollo 13, illustrating how setbacks can spark innovation. The discussion reveals Jaws' profound impact on Hollywood, marking a shift in the summer blockbuster landscape.

6 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 42min
Dreaming of Coney Island's Dreamland
Visual artist Zoe Beloff and journalist Kevin Baker dive into the captivating history of Coney Island's Dreamland, an amusement park that dazzled with bizarre attractions like trips to Hell and rides for little people. Beloff shares her imaginative take where Freud’s disciples reimagine Dreamland with overtly Freudian themes, tapping into deep psychological concepts. Baker discusses the park's complex legacy, blending nostalgia with darker aspects of early 20th-century society, making Dreamland a fascinating blend of fantasy and reality.

17 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 39min
8-Bit to Orchestras: Video Game Music Scores
This discussion features Russell Emanuel, CEO of Bleeding Fingers, famed for its innovative video game scores. He shares intriguing strategies for crafting adaptive soundtracks that respond to gameplay dynamics. Video game historian William Gibbons highlights how technological limitations in the ‘80s and ‘90s sparked compositional creativity, influencing today's scores. The conversation dives into the evolution of interactive music and the potential future role of AI in creating personalized soundtracks, revealing how constraints fuel artistic innovation.

16 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 41min
How Jack Kirby Made His Mark on Marvel
Dive into the vibrant world of Jack Kirby, the creative genius behind iconic Marvel characters like The Fantastic Four, Thor, and Black Panther. Explore how Kirby's tumultuous childhood in the Lower East Side shaped his powerful storytelling and bold artistic style. Discover the intricate collaboration with Stan Lee that revolutionized comic book narratives while highlighting Kirby's struggles for recognition and fair compensation. His legacy as a pioneer in comic book art and storytelling continues to inspire and influence the genre today.

27 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 45min
The Hitchhiker's Guide to Douglas Adams
Arvind Ethan David, a writer and producer known for his adaptation of Douglas Adams's work, shares insights about the legendary author. He recounts his unexpected encounter with Adams during a school play adaptation. The discussion touches on the release of his new audiobook, featuring archival audio and reflections from Adams's associates. Arvind highlights Adams's unique blend of comedy and social commentary, his reluctance to be labeled a sci-fi writer, and the lasting influence of his work on storytelling and technology.

Jun 18, 2025 • 44min
Imagining the Digital Afterlife
Craig Silverstein, the showrunner of the animated series Pantheon, and Ken Liu, the author behind its source material, explore the tantalizing concept of a digital afterlife. They discuss how mind uploading challenges our understanding of humanity and identity. The duo dives into the show's journey from a collection of stories to a cohesive narrative. They also shed light on the societal implications of consciousness replication and the emotional complexities tied to digital immortality, raising questions about love, relationships, and what it means to be human.

10 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 38min
Murderbot Is Ready for Its Close-Up (But Not Eye Contact)
Martha Wells, the author behind The Murderbot Diaries, discusses the challenges of adapting her hit series into a TV show starring Alexander Skarsgård. She dives into the complexities of her rogue cyborg protagonist and its love for intergalactic soap operas over social interactions. The conversation touches on themes of identity, autonomy, and the balance of humor and action in the adaptation process. They also explore the representation of non-binary characters and the nuances of writing complex emotions in a sci-fi setting.

May 21, 2025 • 40min
The Bright Legacy of Dark Shadows
Next year marks the 60th anniversary of Dark Shadows. The gothic soap opera wasn’t originally intended to include a vampire, but when creator Dan Curtis introduced the character of Barnabas Collins in a last-ditch effort to avoid cancellation, he inadvertently launched a cultural phenomenon. As portrayed by actor Jonathan Frid, the character of Barnabas sparked a never-ending debate among horror fans as to whether vampires should be depicted as pure predators or tragic, misunderstood outcasts. I talk with Danielle Gelehrter (host of the podcast Terror at Collinwood) and authors Mark Dawidziak and Jeff Thompson about why the show had a meteoric rise and fall, what the series reflected about the 1960s, and whether Dark Shadows can have eternal life as a form of IP.
This week’s episode is sponsored by Hims and Remi
Get your free online visit at hims.com/IMAGINARY.
Go to shopremi.com/IMAGINARY and use the code IMAGINARY to save up to 50%.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices