Imaginary Worlds (podcast)

Last updated
Imaginary Worlds
Imaginary Worlds (podcast).png
Genre
Format Audio
LanguageEnglish
Cast and voices
Hosted byEric Molinsky
Production
Length15-30 mins.
Technical specifications
Audio format MP3
Publication
No. of episodes293
Original releaseSeptember 10, 2014 –
present
ProviderIndependent
UpdatesBi-weekly
Related
Website www.imaginaryworldspodcast.org

Imaginary Worlds is an episodic science fiction and fantasy podcast that deconstructs the genres and their themes.

Contents

History

Podcast creator and host Eric Molinsky worked in public radio for over a decade at WNYC and NPR, including work for the arts and culture program Studio 360 . He was drawn to podcasting because of the creative freedom it provided compared to traditional broadcasting. [1] [2]

Molinsky deconstructs fantasy and science fiction stories to examine their real-world influences and implications. [3] [4] Before his career in audio, Molinsky worked as an animation storyboard artist for Nickelodeon cartoons, including Doug and Rugrats . This background in visual storytelling often informs his analysis of the technical aspects of world-building and film production.

Format

The podcast releases content on a bi-weekly basis and utilizes a sound-rich, documentary-style format rather than a standard roundtable discussion. [5] [2] Each episode focuses on a specific trope or work within speculative fiction, seeking to understand the psychological reasons audiences suspend their disbelief. [6] [7]

Reception

Imaginary Worlds was on the 2016 list of best podcasts published by Business Insider. [8] The podcast was also a 2017 top pick by The Christian Science Monitor . [9] Charles Pulliam-Moore of Gizmodo included the podcast on a list of ten sci-fi and fantasy podcasts recommended for their depth and storytelling. [10] Miranda Sawyer of The Guardian praised the show, stating that "Eric Molinsky is a clever and generous host who knows his stuff." [11]

Recent developments

In late 2024, the podcast celebrated its 10th anniversary with a retrospective series exploring the evolution of the show and the speculative fiction landscape. As of 2025, production includes assistant producer Stephanie Billman and the launch of "Between Imaginary Worlds," a spin-off series featuring long-form interviews for the show's Patreon community. The podcast has continued to receive industry recognition, including a Gold Signal Award for Best Arts & Culture Podcast and a nomination for Best Indie Podcast at the Ambie Awards.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Like Sci-Fi and NPR? Try These Podcasts". Wired . Condé Nast. September 9, 2017. ISSN   1059-1028. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  2. 1 2 Liptak, Andrew (February 18, 2018). "Imaginary Worlds Is the Slick, Deep-Dive Podcast Sci-FI and Fantasy Fans Need to Hear". The Verge . Vox Media. Archived from the original on February 2, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  3. ↑ Joho, Jess (November 6, 2020). "The Best Podcasts for Relieving Stress, Distracting Yourself, or Taking a Break". Mashable . Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  4. ↑ McDonald, Glenn (May 15, 2016). "Podcast Lovers, Don't Miss These Top Shows". The Palm Beach Post. pp. F10. Archived from the original on August 27, 2021. Retrieved August 27, 2021.
  5. ↑ Martin, Emily (May 11, 2020). "Science Fiction Podcasts: 15 You Can Listen to Right Now". Book Riot. Archived from the original on February 9, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  6. ↑ Moore, Ben (November 4, 2020). "The Best Podcasts for 2020". PCMag UK. Archived from the original on February 3, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  7. ↑ Williams, Wil (August 3, 2018). "7 Fantasy Podcasts Beyond "The Adventure Zone"". Discover Pods. Archived from the original on January 24, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  8. ↑ Letzter, Rafi (April 21, 2016). "These Are the Best Podcasts You Should Be Listening to Right Now". Business Insider. Archived from the original on April 9, 2019. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  9. ↑ "Top Picks: 'SNL' Set Change, the Podcast 'Imaginary Worlds,' and More". Christian Science Monitor. January 20, 2017. ISSN   0882-7729. Archived from the original on May 26, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  10. ↑ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (April 10, 2020). "10 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Podcasts That Will Give Your Ears and Mind a Treat". io9. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
  11. ↑ Sawyer, Miranda (October 28, 2018). "The Week in Radio and Podcasts: 1xtra's Rap Show; Jo Whiley and Simon Mayo; Imaginary Worlds; Podlitical". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 24, 2020. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
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