Imaginary Worlds
Eric Molinsky | Daylight MediaImaginary Worlds sounds like what would happen if NPR went to Comic-Con and decided that’s all they ever wanted to cover. The host Eric Molinsky spent over a decade working in public radio, and he uses those skills to create sound-rich storytelling, pop culture analysis and cultural commentary about speculative fiction and immersive worldbuilding. Eric interviews sci-fi fantasy writers, creature m... more
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 315 | Founded | 12 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsFictionScience Fiction | |||
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Latest Episodes
I’m a little obsessed with Widow's Bay. It’s a horror-comedy series on Apple TV set on a fictional island off the coast of Massachusetts. The island isn’t as famous as Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket -- for good reason. Widow's Bay is cursed by a demo... more
Even if you’ve never seen an Alien film, you probably know about the monster in the franchise. The Xenomorph has an elongated head, a second set of jaws that protrude from its mouth and a body that’s like cross between a giant insect and a skeletal d... more
The world of fanfiction has changed a lot since our 2017 episode, Fanfiction (Don’t Judge.) At the time, I thought that 50 Shades of Gray – the novel that began as Twilight fanfiction – was a fluke. It turned out to be a harbinger of a controversial ... more
Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey is part of a long line of film adaptations, but Homer’s epic poem has quietly shaped another medium: role-playing games. The structure of The Odyssey is practically a blueprint for tabletop and video game RPGs fr... more
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Reviews
- Worst propaganda ever...
I had been a loyal listener to Eric's "Imaginary Worlds" for many years when the mattress episode hit...
...sorry - but if I wanted communist propaganda disguised as "labour relations", I could have picked a different outlet.
Apple Podcasts1defenderoftherealm
Germany21 days ago - Jekyll and Hyde episode…
What an insanely outrageously innovative topic for an episode. Opening my eyes and my mind every time I listen. Thank you so much Eric!
Apple Podcasts5The AA Show
United States4 months ago - Un show maravilloso
Este podcast me acompañó en tiempos de pandemia, era como una ventana a otros mundos, la voy de Erick es maravillosa, estoy agradecida por sus excelentes investigaciones, por que se nota que le importa lo que hace, que ama sus temas, que de verdad quiere compartir lo que ama y lo que le da curiosidad y despierta un sentimiento de querer experimentar y conocer cosas nuevas. Lo recomiendo ampliamente este podcast
Apple Podcasts5LunaOnirica
Mexico4 months ago - DC Fontana!
FANTASTIC DC Fontana episode with the most amazing guest list! 🖖🖖🖖🖖
Apple Podcasts5annmarie222United States6 months ago Super fun deep dives into geeky things. Sometimes it's stuff I already know about with a new angle (Dune, Murderbot), sometimes stuff I never heard of that makes me want to go watch/read more (Africanfuturism, distinct from Afrofuturism). And sometimes it's just neat and/or weird stuff (vtubers, the woman who designed monsters in early horror movoes, the fictional amusement park based on Freud).
Podcast Addict59 months agoWordwizard
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #227 | United States/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #209 |  Australia/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #136 |  Finland/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #165 |  Philippines/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #188 |  Norway/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #220 |  New Zealand/Arts |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Imaginary Worlds
What is Imaginary Worlds about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A thoughtful, narrative-driven exploration of speculative fiction, science fiction, and related media with a strong emphasis on worldbuilding, culture, and the creative process. Episodes feature interviews with authors, filmmakers, game designers, historians, and industry professionals to unpack how stories are made, how fans engage, and how speculative worlds reflect real-world experiences. Noteworthy strengths include high-quality sound design, deep-dive analysis, and a consistent blend of scholarly insight with accessible storytelling that appeals to both genre enthusiasts and curious general listeners. The show often surfaces interdisciplinary perspectives—from toy history and game design to folklore and myth—making it a rich venue for ... more
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How many listeners does Imaginary Worlds get?
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How many subscribers and views does Imaginary Worlds have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Imaginary Worlds?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Imaginary Worlds:
1. 99% Invisible
2. Twenty Thousand Hertz
3. The Allusionist
4. Decoder Ring
5. What Trump Can Teach Us About Con Law
How many episodes of Imaginary Worlds are there?
Imaginary Worlds launched 12 years ago and published 315 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Imaginary Worlds?
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What guests have appeared on Imaginary Worlds?
Recent guests on Imaginary Worlds include:
1. Aaron Dubé
2. Fede Álvarez
3. Elizabeth Minkel
4. Laura Jenkinson-Brown
5. Roger Travis
6. John Haygood
7. Jonathan Drake
8. Tony Mifuchi
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.