Imaginary Worlds

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.

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

Lily Andrick, a transgender horror fan, shares her personal connection to body horror and how it resonates with her experiences. The discussion delves into the psychological complexities of the genre, exploring the feelings of repulsion and fascination it evokes. Lily highlights how body horror reflects societal pressures and personal traumas, particularly for marginalized identities. The conversation also touches on the resurgence of body horror in contemporary media and its potential for empowerment and social commentary, making it a deeply insightful and thought-provoking dialogue.

Last week, we heard about a new exhibit in New York called Syd Mead: Future Pastime. The exhibit closes on May 21st, and I know most listeners won't be able to see it in person. So in this bonus episode, you can hear the entire tour I got from Elon Solo and William Corman, who organized the exhibit. You can also see some of the images on the Imaginary Worlds Instagram and Facebook pages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.