Imaginary Worlds

The late Syd Mead was a visual futurist who was hired to imagine the worlds of Blade Runner, Tron, Aliens, Elysium and other sci-fi films. His work in Hollywood has been lauded for decades, but there’s a new exhibit in New York that shows a different side of the artist. Syd Mead: Future Pastime is a collection of his personal and commercial paintings, which are all works of science fiction. Despite his connection to the dystopian world of Blade Runner, Mead’s personal vision of the future was unwaveringly optimistic. I talk with Mead’s husband and business partner Roger Servick, and the curators of the exhibit, Elon Solo and William Corman, about Mead’s predictions for the future of technology, sexuality and spirituality. (Image courtesy of Syd Mead Inc.)This week’s episode is sponsored by ShipStation and Hims Go to shipstation.com and use the code IMAGINARY to sign up for a free trial. Get your free online visit at hims.com/IMAGINARY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Jess Deaver, an architect and professor at Texas Tech, reveals how science fiction fuels innovative and empathetic design in her students. Liam Young, a designer and filmmaker from SciArc, shares his vision for training architects to craft immersive worlds in film and games. They discuss the shifting perspectives on utopia, the role of architecture in a changing climate, and even ponder the feasibility of floating cities. Together, they inspire a hopeful outlook on future urban landscapes through creativity and imagination.

Mindy Johnson, an author and animation historian known for her focus on women in Walt Disney Animation, joins Gabrielle Stecker, an English professor who analyzes Mary Blair's legacy. They discuss Blair's transformative impact on Disney, breaking traditional design norms with her bold, modernist style. The conversation dives into Blair's struggles in a male-dominated industry, her artistic evolution, and the complexities of her legacy, including both her vibrant works and the darker themes in some of her projects.

In the previous episode, I talked with author Mallory O'Meara about Milicent Patrick, but there wasn't room to include this bonus material about Mallory's new book, Daughter of Daring. It tells the amazing story of Helen Gibson, the first superstar professional stuntwoman in Hollywood. She was like a combination of Annie Oakley and Michelle Yeoh at a time when silent movie stars were trying to outdo each other in their death-defying stunts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re producing a two-part series about two visionary and trailblazing artists: Mary Blair and Milicent Patrick. They went to the same art school. They each began working at Disney during the Depression. They were both singled out for their talents but left in 1941. From there, they went on to have wildly different careers, but each had a lasting impact on pop culture. In part one, I talk with authors and historians Mindy Johnson and Mallory O’Meara about Milicent Patrick. She started as a special effects animator on Fantasia before designing the Gill-man from Creature from the Black Lagoon. Plus, I talk with makeup and effects artist Steve Wang about why the Gill-man is a horror icon. Mallory O’Meara’s book is The Lady From The Black Lagoon, and Mindy Johnson’s book is Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney Animation.This episode is sponsored by Hims. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/IMAGINARY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, voice actress Veronica Taylor shares her illustrious career as the voice of Ash Ketchum and her work on iconic shows like Dragon Ball Z and One Piece. She dives into the challenges of anime dubbing, such as matching emotional depth with fast-paced production timelines. Veronica also discusses the evolution of voice acting, the transition from collaborative to solo studio sessions, and the unique bond between voice actors and their characters. Her insights reveal the nostalgia and sense of community that come from this beloved art form.

In the 1950s, an article about the popularity of folk music among science fiction fans had a typo where “folk” was written as “filk.” From then on, filk music became a staple at grassroots sci-fi conventions. Filkers would either write parody lyrics to existing folk songs, or they’d invent entirely new speculative worlds in 3-4 minute songs. Filk has evolved beyond just being folk. It's gone electric and embraced other genres of music. But sci-fi fantasy fandom has changed a lot as well. Does filk still have a place in a more corporate fantasy world? Can it survive the competition from Nerdcore or social media? Can it transition from the boomer generation that started it? I talk with folklorists Sally and Barry Childs-Helton of the group Wild Mercy, Rand and Erin Bellavia of the group Via Bella, and Eric and Jen Distad of the group The Faithful Sidekicks about the past, present and future of filk.This week’s episode is brought to you by Hims and Remi Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/IMAGINARY Get up to 50% off your custom-fit mouth guard at https://shopremi.com/IMAGINARY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The writer Jon Ronson and producers of the immersive theatrical experience Sleep No More have teamed up to make a vast new immersive show that unfolds beneath a Wall St. skyscraper. Life And Trust tells the story of J.G. Conwell, a bank president on the eve of the 1929 crash who makes a Faustian bargain to return to his youth. We accompany him back to New York’s seedy and turbulent past of The Gilded Age. The experience of spending hours in the world of Life And Trust is almost indescribable since most of the story unfolds through dream-like sets and choreography. It’s also an open world theatrical experience, so audiences never see the same exact show, even on the same night. I talk with Chief Storyteller for Emursive Productions Ilana Gilovch, Executive Producer of Life and Trust Carolyn Boyd, and Jon Ronson about how Life And Trust came together, and why this is the perfect moment to explore the devil’s bargain of a bank.This week's episode is sponsored by Hims. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/IMAGINARY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lauren Shippen, the mastermind behind hit audio dramas like The Bright Sessions and Breaker Whiskey, dives into her creative journey from aspiring actress to influential producer. She discusses how her character Sam's therapeutic experiences reflect real-life struggles with mental health. Their conversation unveils innovative storytelling techniques, such as the unique use of CB radios in her post-apocalyptic series. Additionally, they explore the complex portrayal of masculinity in her work, revealing how personal narratives enrich her character development.

Lizzie Peabody, host of Sidedoor from the Smithsonian, chats with Bonnie Erickson, the talented puppet designer behind Miss Piggy. They explore Kermit's genesis from 'Sam and Friends' and how it paved the way for Henson's legacy. The discussion highlights the unique charm of 1950s puppetry, the cultural impact of The Muppets, and the innovative spirit of Jim Henson. Listeners also discover the meticulous process of preserving these iconic characters, ensuring their whimsical essence endures for future generations.