Popular Reviews of Imaginary Worlds

My mood is rising just knowing that there is a new episode coming any day. I listen to every episode of Erics show, because he tells fascinating stories. I also like that Eric clearly is a decent person who values cooperation and respect. Imaginary Worlds is a boost of positive energy that I wouldn't want to miss.

I first heard this podcast when it did a deep dive about the concept of the "hero's journey" in story telling. Generally i tend to steer clear of podcasts like these as I feel they are underproduced cheap attempts at nostalgia capitalizing. This show is anything but underproduced. Informative and delightful. I have discovered and rediscovered wonderful fiction and have picked up new tools to enjoy science fiction and fantasy in a whole new way. I love this series and I really hope that it continues for decades to come.

In conversation, I'll catch myself saying, "Oooooh, there's an episode of Imaginary Worlds about that..."The creators and scholars Eric Molinsky interviews are insightful and passionate about the work they do, and the show covers topics with nuance and care. I'm super thankful that transcripts are available on the website so my ADHD brain won't miss a word. Favorite episodes: "The Year Without a Summer" and "Gathering the Magic"

It's like a history podcast for things that exist in our minds.I've now caught-up with all the episodes and have been consistently listening for the past few years. This is a great podcast for anyone interested in Sci-Fi and fiction, including books, movies, plays, movies, whatever. Each episode focuses on some specific area (not necessarily a specific movie or book), and I love this. There is a bunch of research into the topic, and the quality and presentation is excellent.

The short biweekly episodes of this podcast are absolutely perfect. I always want more, but they always come to a satisfying conclusion. I’ve learned a ton about worlds and creators about whom I thought I knew everything There was to know. Usually a really relaxing listen too! Absolutely one of my favorites.

Well made documentary style show like old 99 Percent Invisible. Always interesting no matter the subject and Eric Molinsky is great at storytelling. Huge backlog to binge is a plus.

This is an amazingly thoughtful and informative podcast. Always thought provoking about how imaginary worlds interact with our daily life and how they can seem so real to us.

Enjoyable interviews and stories into aspects of "nerd culture". A bit too many Star Wars, though.

It amazes me that I love a podcast about sci fi so much. I like sci fi but so much of it isn't interesting to me. This podcast somehow always resonates with me, and thinks much more deeply about what sci fi says and how it works.

This podcast has sparked my imagination in more topics that I thought I'd never be interested than any other. Wonderful show.

Truly unique podcast for lovers of fantasy, sci-fi and horror. Can not recommend enough!

A real gem. Everything about this show is enjoyable - the breadth and depth of topics, the personalities of guests, and of course the soothing voice of Eric Molinsky. Make time for this one.

This is the best-researched and most grounded podcast I've found for fantasy culture. Thoroughly informed and always a jolly good listen. As full of detail as a spider's eye.

I absolutely love this podcast. Interviews with so many interesting people who talk about every aspect of world building. A few favorites are the episodes on fantasy food, created languages, alien creature design, and the mini series of larping episodes.

I love this podcast. It's essentially this space to think deeply about the fictional worlds that I love and how that relates to the actual world I live in. It's insightful, intelligent, and generous. Also, it's never cold or dismissive, even when the opportunity presents itself like others have been.

One of my favorite podcasts... intellectual and illuminating. Eric's research into different genre topics and the underlying elements of world-building is both analytic and illuminating. He finds interesting and impactful guests that guide and accompany us into the fictional worlds we enjoy, tying them to our human composition with the caring and respectful journalism of both fan and academic.

It you are into SciFi and fantasy from an intellectual standpoint, this is the podcast for you. Some episodes find Eric Molinski sharing deep dives into some of the most iconic touchstones of the genres (think Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, etc.). He interviews the creators and fans on why these titles are so captivating and have stuck in the public consciousness while others have faded. On other episodes, he explores subgenres of the community like LARPers and solar-futurists and explores what attracts those communities to the concepts they hold dear. No matter the episode, Molinski crafts stories in a way that betrays a clear NPR background, but his passion for the subject matter breaks through in a compelling way. The podcast allows the listener to dip a toe into worlds they do not know while inviting the superfan to explore their passions from a new angle. All the while, it lifts up the best parts of nerdom -- those that care deeply about sharing their passion in an inclusive manor rather than closing it off to newcomers and folks who do not look like them. It charts a healthy path for a subculture fraught with sexism, racism, and homophobia. Also, the characters Molinsky interviews are entertaining and make every episode interesting even if you do not think you want to hear about the subject matter.

This is one of my favorite podcasts, and I look forward to every new episode! Eric does a great job exploring all different parts of culture, and I found myself becoming interested in new things that I didn't even know existed. Highly recommend this show!

One of the best shows out there! If you’re a nerd or love sci-if, pop-culture entertainment, or just good podcasts...you’ve found your new home!!

Eric is great at weaving an engaging narrative. Even in subject matter that Im not particularly interested in I still take away a love and appreciation for it. Can not recommend enough.