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Artwork for Imaginary Worlds
Science Fiction
Star Wars
Netflix
Voice Acting
Doctor Who
Dune
Fantasy
Pokémon
The Fantastic Four
Anime
Blue Eye Samurai
Scarlet Hollow
George Lucas Talk Show
Audiobooks
Hollywood
Role-Playing Games
Neuromancer
The Phantom Menace
Doctor Doom
Cold War

Imaginary 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

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes317Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsFictionScience Fiction

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Artwork for Imaginary Worlds

Latest Episodes

With all the talk about rogue AI potentially ending civilization, it’s hard not to think of The Matrix. When there are stories about people falling in love with ChatGPT, it’s hard not to think of movies like Her. But it’s possible that science fictio... more

When sci-fi movies take a big swing in depicting futuristic fashion, sometimes they end up creating iconic outfits and other times they create fashion which looks laughably outdated in a few years. I’ve became fascinated by three fashion designers wh... more

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

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Nina Beguš
Researcher on AI and myth culture
UC Berkeley
Episode: Is Mythology the Key to Understand AI?
Amy Norgard
Professor of classics
Truman State University
Episode: Is Mythology the Key to Understand AI?
Josh Nudell
Researcher/author
Episode: Is Mythology the Key to Understand AI?
Vanessa Chang
Author and journalist
Independent
Episode: Is Mythology the Key to Understand AI?
Rebecca Nolan
Audio journalist
Independent
Episode: Is Mythology the Key to Understand AI?
Raissa Bretaña
Fashion historian and author
Fashion historian and author
Episode: Sci-Fi Walks the Runway
Thèresa Winge
Author, fashion designer historian
Fashion designer historian
Episode: Sci-Fi Walks the Runway
Steve Arnold
Production designer for Widow's Bay
Widow's Bay (production)
Episode: Widow’s Bay Builds a History with Horror
Katie Dippold
Creator/showrunner of Widow's Bay
Widow's Bay
Episode: Widow’s Bay Builds a History with Horror

Host

Eric Molinsky
Host of Imaginary Worlds

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 3.5k ratings
  • 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 Podcasts
    1
    defenderoftherealm
    Germanya month 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 Podcasts
    5
    The AA Show
    United States5 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 Podcasts
    5
    LunaOnirica
    Mexico5 months ago
  • DC Fontana!

    FANTASTIC DC Fontana episode with the most amazing guest list! 🖖🖖🖖🖖

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    annmarie222
    United 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 Addict
    5
    Wordwizard
    10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Ads placement is a common critique among some listeners.
Guests and topics span a wide range of speculative media with strong production quality.
The host blends creativity, entertainment, and thoughtful analysis to explore the stories behind worlds we love.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#229
Australia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#56
Belgium/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#99
Argentina/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#194
South Africa/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#199
Brazil/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Widow’s Bay Builds a History with Horror
Q: So could you talk about how you looked at Jaws for specific visual inspiration or nods in Widow's Bay?
We studied Jaws closely, pulling out framed memos, wall signs, and the boat's wood paneling to mimic the film's tactile feel, while ensuring Widow's Bay remained its own story with a distinct emotional throughline.
Economics in The Alien Franchise Isn't Science Fiction
Q: What is monopsony and how does it relate to the Alien scenario?
Monopsony is when one employer has disproportionate power to set wages and conditions, making it hard for workers to switch jobs; in Alien, Weyland-Yutani's control mirrors this, shaping pay, risks, and contracts.
Holmes and Watson: True Crime Podcasters
Q: How do you adapt Sherlock Holmes for modern day?
They opted to reveal a warmer, more playful side to Holmes, and to frame Watson as a content-creator who adapts the canon for a contemporary audience.
Puppeteering Project Hail Mary
Q: How did you approach rehearsing a character that has no face but needs to express emotion?
We built a system where movement, weight, and the carapace carried the emotional load, using long rehearsal periods to align with the puppeteers and the actor, so Rocky could read as anxious and evolving rather than relying on facial cues.
Absolute Reimagining of DC Comics
Q: How is Absolute Diana different from the traditional Wonder Woman?
Absolute Diana is portrayed as a warrior for justice, willing to use her power aggressively, unlike traditional representations focused on peace.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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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Which podcasts are similar to Imaginary Worlds?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Imaginary Worlds:

1. 99% Invisible
2. The Allusionist
3. Twenty Thousand Hertz
4. Decoder Ring
5. the memory palace

How many episodes of Imaginary Worlds are there?

Imaginary Worlds launched 12 years ago and published 317 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Imaginary Worlds?

Recent guests on Imaginary Worlds include:

1. Nina Beguš
2. Amy Norgard
3. Josh Nudell
4. Vanessa Chang
5. Rebecca Nolan
6. Raissa Bretaña
7. Thèresa Winge
8. Steve Arnold

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.

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