Imaginary Worlds

In my annual audio drama, I interview several folklore figures who are synonymous with the holiday season outside America -- but they’ve been overshadowed by the cultural juggernaut of Santa Claus. So they’re on a tour to reintroduce themselves. While I went into this press junket with the best of intensions, some of my interviews went off the rails. It turns out when a supernatural being has been around for centuries, their personal history can get complicated. Featuring André Refig, Vili-Oskari Körkkö, Begonya Ferrer, Teresa Mastrobuono, and Bill Lobley. There will be no episode of Imaginary Worlds on December 31st. The show will return on January 14th. Happy Holidays, everyone! This episode is sponsored by MiracleMade and Uncommon Goods Get 15% off your order at uncommongoods.com/imaginary. Go to TryMiracle.com/IMAGINARY to save over 40%, and when you use promo code IMAGINARY, you’ll get an extra 20% off plus a free 3-piece towel set. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Domic, Jr., an Inupiaq storyteller and host of Alaska Is The Center Of The Universe, shares his insights on preserving Native Alaskan cryptid tales like the Kushtaka. He discusses how these stories warn against dangers and are sacred cultural treasures. Joining him is J.W. Ocker, author of The United States of Cryptids, who explores how towns across America monetize their local monsters through festivals and marketing. They dive into why cryptids resonate culturally and the enduring appeal of creatures like Bigfoot.

In this engaging discussion, Caleb Meurer, an animation artist and former SpongeBob crew member, shares his insider tales from the beloved series, revealing the creative process behind its humor. Meanwhile, Judd Winick, a comic book and children's book author, dives into the eerie nostalgia of 1970s children's television, examining how shows like H.R. Pufnstuf shaped our childhoods. Together, they explore the industry’s evolution, touching on meaningful projects like the film Nimona and the dedication to preserving animation's rich legacy.

Tamara Deverell, a talented production designer and longtime collaborator with Guillermo del Toro, dives into the creative process behind designing sets for his adaptation of Frankenstein. She shares insights into their unique visual communication style, drawing from Scottish landscapes for color palettes. Tamara discusses the innovative decision to set the lab in a water tower, blending historical science with fantasy. She emphasizes the enduring themes of Mary Shelley's work and the importance of handcrafted artistry in film, all while cherishing her collaborative bond with Guillermo.

Dive into the eerie origins of two iconic monsters! Explore how a volcanic eruption inspired Mary Shelley's vision for Frankenstein, intertwined with her tumultuous romance. Discover why Bram Stoker might have drawn from the flamboyant Buffalo Bill in crafting Dracula, reflecting Victorian anxieties. Uncover the theatrical ties that shaped both characters and the lasting impact each has on horror. This Halloween season, prepare for a spine-chilling journey through literary history!

David Barron, son of pioneering electronic composer Louis Barron, shares insights on his father's groundbreaking score for Forbidden Planet, the first all-electronic soundtrack in Hollywood. He dives into the Barons' innovative use of reel-to-reel tape, their unique home studio, and the collaboration dynamics between Louis and Bebe. The conversation touches on the initial mixed audience reactions, lawsuits against MGM, and the Barons' lasting influence on future sci-fi scores—highlighting the irony of their work's delayed appreciation in the industry.

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. Go to shopremi.com/IMAGINARY and use the code IMAGINARY to get up to 50% off your nightguard at checkout. For simple, online access to personalized and affordable care for hair loss and more, visit Hims.com/IMAGINARY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.

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.

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.