Imaginary Worlds

David Kenny, a political science professor at Trinity College Dublin, dives into why democracies fail by analyzing lessons from the collapse of the Old Republic in Star Wars. The conversation explores the allure of authoritarianism and the pitfalls of military aesthetics in fantasy narratives. Kenny discusses the tensions of power dynamics, especially within the New Republic, and critiques the ethical dilemmas faced by fictional democracies like X-Men. The episode also emphasizes proactive leadership as essential for safeguarding democratic values against rising fascist threats.

Who really composed the scores of Dune, Interstellar, Blade Runner 2049, The Dark Knight, Man of Steel, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lion King? Were they all written by Hans Zimmer? Or were those scores put together by a team of musicians at Hans Zimmer’s studio Remote Control? The podcast Twenty Thousand Hertz went behind-the-scenes and got a rare glimpse at the creative process of one of the most revered film composers in the world. Plus, I talk with Dallas Taylor, the host of 20K Hertz, about why visiting Hans Zimmer’s studio was almost like a religious experience for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hottest trend in fantasy novels – in fact the hottest trend in publishing overall – is fantasy romance or romantasy. These stories take place in worlds with dragons, faeries, vampires and werewolves but the driving plot is romance with a guaranteed happy ending. For many fans of traditional fantasy novels, the fact that romantasy exists may be surprising news. But romantasy is a cultural and economic juggernaut. Dartmouth professor Marcela di Blasi and cultural critic Kayleigh Donaldson explain where romantasy came from and how it became so popular. Fantasy authors C.L. Polk, and J.D. Evans talk about why they came to romantasy and how fans have had to create their own spaces. And Katherine Zofrea gives me a tour of The Ripped Bodice, a romance bookstore with an ample fantasy section. Plus, we hear readings by actress Tanya Rich.In the episode, we heard about some of the most famous romantasy authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros. Professor Marcela di Blasi is working on a non-fiction book about BIPOC romantasy authors, and she also recommends these books. Anna Marie McLemore’s When The Moon Was Ours Zoraida Cordova's Hollow Crown Duology Analeigh Sbrana's Lore of the Wilds Kimberly Lemming's That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes series Gabriela Romero LaCruz's The Sun and the Void Mikayla D. Hornedo's Blood and Brujas Claire Legrand’s Lightbringer trilogy. Today's episode is sponsored by ShipStation, Henson Shaving, TodayTix and Babbel. Go to www.shipstation.com and use the code IMAGINARY to sign up for your free 60-day trial. Visit www.hensonshaving.com/imaginary and enter IMAGINARY at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase. You must add both the 100-blade pack and the razor for the discount to apply. Go to TodayTix.com/imaginary and use the promo code IMAGINARY to get $20 off your first Today Tix purchase. Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/imaginary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Book banning is hitting libraries across America, and many of the titles being banned or challenged are fantasy books or graphic novels – especially LGBTQ content. Malinda Lo has been tracking how her work is being targeted, like her novel Ash which is a queer reimagining of Cinderella. I talk with Malinda about how she’s been tracking the attacks on her work and fighting back. Plus, we hear a version of my 2018 episode Fahrenheit 451 Still Burns featuring Neil Gaiman, whose work is currently banned in several states. Go to incogni.com/imaginary and use the code IMAGINARY to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Connor Ratliff, portraying George Lucas on The George Lucas Talk Show, discusses the success vs. failure theme in his work. The podcast delves into the evolution of the show, improv comedy impact, safeguarding personal data, chaotic guest appearances, and innovation in shaving and podcasting.

Renowned video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto's influence on Nintendo and the gaming industry is discussed by experts Jennifer deWinter and Sam Srauy. They delve into Miyamoto's game design philosophy, mentorship, and impact on popular and indie games today. The podcast explores how Miyamoto's focus on wonder and enjoyment shaped the gaming landscape, emphasizing connection and childhood wonder in his creations.

When Joe Dever died in 2016, he hadn’t written the last several books in his Lone Wolf series. The Lone Wolf books take place in a deeply rich fantasy universe, and they’re written as a combination of choose-your-own-adventure stories and role playing games like D&D. Joe’s final wish was that his son Ben would finish the series for him. However, Ben was unfamiliar with his father’s books, and the legions of Lone Wolf fans he would have to please. I talked with Ben Devere (who spells his last name differently) about the creative, practical, and personal struggles he went through as a writer, and how he was able to get to know his late father by immersing himself in his father’s fantasy world. Jonathan Stark, co-host of the official Lone Wolf podcast Journeys Through Magnamund, explains why Lone Wolf means so much to fans like him, and how he ended up fulfilling his own dreams of writing a Lone Wolf book.Today's episode is sponsored by Henson Shaving, Magic Spoon and Miracle Made.Visit www.hensonshaving.com/imaginary and use the code IMAGINARY to get two years' worth of blades free with your razor – just make sure to add them to your cart.Get your next delicious bowl of high-protein cereal at www.magicspoon.com/imaginary and use the code IMAGINARY to save five dollars off.Go to www.trymiracle.com/imaginary and use the code IMAGINARY to claim your free 3 piece towel set and save over 40% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nnedi Okorafor and Chinelo Onwualu discuss Africanfuturism mixing traditional and futuristic elements with climate change themes. Africanfuturist cli-fi focuses on hope and community solutions. The podcast explores stories by African writers reflecting the continent's climate emergencies with a sense of resilience and creativity.

Language creator David J. Peterson and his wife discuss developing the Fremen language for Dune: Part Two. They delve into the creative process of inventing fictional languages and the challenge of translating simple English phrases into the Chakobsa language from Dune novels. The episode also features interviews with other language creators, such as the inventor of Klingon and a language consultant for Star Trek: Discovery. Klingon Pop Warrior adds a fun twist to the discussion.

Uncover how L. Frank Baum's mother-in-law Matilda Joslyn Gage influenced the iconic Wizard of Oz story, with insights into gender politics, suffrage movement, and feminist symbolism. Discover the personal connections of therapist Dr. Gita Dorothy Morena to the Oz books and explore the impact of strong women characters on the narrative.