I’m still fairly new to this but the normal episodes are great so far. However, I’m not a fan of the audio dramas. The voice acting is very flat which detracts from the already lackluster stories.

If you’re a fan of science fiction and fantasy, Imaginary Worlds is a must-listen. This podcast, hosted by Eric Molinsky, masterfully blends creativity, entertainment, and thoughtful analysis to explore the stories and ideas behind the worlds we love. Whether it’s diving into the lore of beloved franchises or uncovering hidden gems in speculative fiction, each episode offers a rich and captivating experience. What sets Imaginary Worlds apart is its ability to introduce listeners to new and lesser-known sci-fi and fantasy works, expanding your imagination with every episode. Molinsky’s interviews with creators, writers, and experts provide a deep and nuanced perspective on how and why these worlds are crafted. It’s not just about fandom but also about the cultural and artistic impact of speculative storytelling. Every episode feels like a journey into another world, and Molinsky’s soothing narration pulls you in, whether he’s exploring the making of dystopian worlds or the psychology of superheroes. It’s both a treat for genre lovers and a great entry point for those curious about sci-fi and fantasy. In short, Imaginary Worlds is a podcast that celebrates the power of storytelling. It will make you think, dream, and discover – all while having a fantastic time. Highly recommended for anyone with a love of otherworldly tales!

I love listening to this! It’s a fascinating look at all aspects of speculative fiction.

It deserves more than 5 stars. You can literally hear the love and care that goes into this show.

I love Imaginary Worlds and look forward to each episode. Whether Eric is covering something that I am familiar with or something that I have never heard of, I know that he’ll cover it with love and respect. I also know that I’ll learn something fun along the way.

I normally do not write reviews for podcasts unless they are positive- this podcast has decent subject matter and a good narrative style, but the ad placement is invasive, where they work ads into the show right into content rather than have dedicated breaks. Very obtrusive.

Thanks for introducing me to the world behind the turtles!

Eric, thank you so much for your best episode yet! As an older woman who has lived many lives in many locations with many occupations and many ever-changing groups of friends, this episode spoke directly to me. You made me appreciate both Doctor Who and your insightful podcast even more deeply than I already had. And you made me appreciate my own way of being in the world too! Keep doing what you do 🤩👏🥰

Great podcast to listen to with my teenage kids gives us something to talk about and they don’t think I’m totally an old person.

What a fun podcast. I had been looking for something like this and It's done incredibly well. If you are even a little bit into science fiction this is the podcast for you! :) thank you!!

Welcome to Imaginary Worlds and why trans people are definitely NOT in an imaginary world

This podcast has introduced me to so many amazing books, movies, games, and shows that I never would have found otherwise. It’s well made and captivating. I look forward to every new episode to learn about a new treasure trove of stories I can lose myself in. Keep up the great work!

The episode about Terry Pratchett, like many others, brought tears to my eyes. I love this podcast, and sincerely hope it doesn’t fade away like so many others have.

Always happy to listen to this one and have added many books to my TBR pile

I really enjoy this show - the production quality, interviews, topics, and most of the questions raised are so interesting and make every single episode worth listening to. However, I have to go with 4 stars because (saying this as a fellow liberal) there are a lot of liberal tropes at work without much impact. For example, many episodes decry the lack of representation in decades-old stories and series. While it’s great to present these critiques, it does get tiresome hearing repeatedly about how shows from the 60s or books from the 90s are problematic. It gets annoying at times because it seems like the host and guests are patting themselves on the back for pulling apart a popular piece of pop culture when they actually offer no real solutions or even credit to the creators who might have done revolutionary things for their time, just not revolutionary enough to satisfy underrepresented audiences in the 2010s and 2020s. Like I said, there’s definitely an importance to recognizing shortcomings to past creations, but it becomes less helpful and even annoying to listen to multiple people using hindsight to rip apart things often created by one or two people who’s outlook on life was limited to a time with poor representation and a lack of tools like the internet which has educated so many of the people who recognize the need for it now. At the end of the day, it’s just strange to me to say you’re a fan of something then eviscerate it without context of the time or person who created it, offer no solutions, then still call yourself a fan. Update: had to unfollow and change to a one star review. In particular, this podcast lost me with all of the content around JK Rowling. If you believe she’s become a harmful public figure, then this podcast is giving her and her work a limelight with no real message or purpose. How is talking about her work while throwing in jabs at her statements helping anyone? If you aren’t of that belief, he’s still covering topics around the HP franchise and making money off the work through this podcast while bashing the creator. It seems like either way, the series you did covering the controversy around her statements had the last episodes where you covered HP with any integrity. Just move on and stop profiting from bringing up pain and controversy without making any actual commentary on it.

Smart, surprising, endlessly fascinating, well-researched, thoughtful, nerdy, beautiful, and good for the world.

I’ve been into sci-fi for 45 years, since I was young enough that no responsible parent would have taken me to see 2001 and Star Wars as many times as mine did. So this podcast was *freaking awesome* for years. It deconstructed sci-fi and fantasy while still celebrating it, and recast the classics and the classic themes in terms that made them relatable to our lives as well as our imaginations. Molinsky is a genre fan, but he’s not an uncritical fanboy. He doesn’t just gush about his favorites; he analyzes and criticizes. Tropes and cliches get roasted; great themes and characters are celebrated. At his best, he makes them universal. And this is where the podcasts have lost their tone in the last few years. They’re less and less about sci fi and fantasy, and more about fans and fandom and personal stories. These are not literary, and they are anything but universal. The recent podcastabout dramatic personifications of Death as a character is an unfortunate exemplar. It spends too little time unpacking the actual literature and films that feature Death as a character; in fact it does little more than name-drop some of them. Instead Molinksy spent most of his time getting personal with several of his fans/listeners. They were all very eager to talk about themselves, but offered little insight into the topic beyond ‘this is what it meant for me when I was a teenager.’ I guess that’s fine, but ‘personal stories of fans who happen to like genre fiction’ isn’t what made this podcast outstanding and it’s not why I subscribe. Please, Mr. Molinsky, bring the focus back to the subject. Your fans are nice folks (and I’m one of them) but we’re not the subject of the podcast, and few of us are either the eloquent speakers or insightful literary/social critics that you are. If you spent a podcast talking about how much time I spent reading LOTR and playing D&D in junior high school, for example, your other listeners (other than my friends) would justifiably be bored to tears. Don’t make the podcast about us. Make it about the genre and the literature. Make it awesome, like it was!

I’ve loved this podcast for years. I listen to it at night but recently the ads have been so much louder than Eric’s calming voice and it really takes you out of it.

I have listened to and enjoyed almost every episode. Eric is a fantastic host who draws out incredible stories and themes in sci-fi and fantasy. As a sci-fi writer myself, this is required listening for me because of his insights and passion. (Also recognizing Stephanie Billman, his co-producer.)

I always look forward to new episodes.

If you love speculative fiction, this is a must listen. If you are a writer or screenwriter or storyteller, you will find ample inspiration here. My new favorite podcast on the background behind the craft of creating great stories.

The quality of work is so insanely consistent. I find myself interested in a new topic every week, and the way Eric explores those topics feels very genuine and earnest.

I value this podcast. Interesting topics, with surprising intersections/connections to the non fictional world. Well done Mr Molinsky!

This is one of the few I listen to. It’s really good and Eric does a great job

Amazing podcast. Must listen.

Eric creates perfect sized episodes, and each one has fun and creative topics. From deep dives into cultural touchstones, to lesser known but fascinating authors, creators, and stories, there is always something to look forward to. Love it!

Imaginary Worlds is so beautiful, it helps me to be a better person. It is a delight.

This show has turned me onto a lot of things I never would have experienced otherwise. And it has brought a deeper understanding to some of the fiction that I have always loved. Thank you!

Could not possibly rate this podcast higher. Seriously. Every episode is beautiful. Thank you Eric.

I do find myself skipping episodes here and there because the topic is something I’m not familiar with or don’t find interesting, but subject matter is broad! I prefer the earlier episodes myself, which seems like a common theme in the reviews

Eric, host of theImaginary Worlds podcast, highlights all aspects of science fiction, fantasy and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!

Each episode is an amazing deep dive into infinite facets of fandom and pop culture! I’ve discovered more new content through this podcast than any other!

Decent podcast would be better if the podcaster would stick to the subject and stop pushing a liberal agenda. First few episodes were better until he started to let his true allegiance show through… too bad lot of these podcasts have to jump on a bandwagon…

Consistently unique perspective.

That this podcast is covering some part of science fiction you don’t care about you listen. And learning occurs. It does it to me every time so good luck beating my records.

This is a good podcast. It has changed over time, and I find myself erasing more and more episodes without finishing because sometimes it seems like he’s looking too hard for a social issue. So I just roll my eyes and stop listening. I agree with a previous reviewer who stated that he was looking too hard for things that are “problematic.” I get it, that’s what is trendy right now (along with that obnoxious word), and you have to do what you think will get you listeners. The earlier episodes were generally better and more engaging.

I don’t like super heroes but I still listen Y tho Hmmmmmmmm Ehh I gust lesen Oh wow you still here? Ok play adopt me on Roblox

While I don’t listen to every episode and don’t necessarily agree with every point raised, I would still wager that everything Eric Molinsky raises on this podcast has been well thought-out and should at least be considered by anyone who listens.

I pretty much listen to every episode, even if I don’t think I’ll be interested in the topic, because Eric always picks stories where he can find a way to dig in and make it interesting.

A perfectly considered podcast that covers a range of topics under the speculative umbrella. Always interesting and frequently relevant to current events. Insightful, to the point, and fun.

I’m always excited to see episodes of this show in my feed. The guests are always thoughtful and the host is a great interviewer. Must listen for the modern nerd.

I am a huge fan and love every episode. Just fantastic. Well produced and informative. All was a funny listen.

Screw off... move to China if you think capitalism is so bad. Lol

This podcasts explores many different topics I may not have explored myself. It helps me better understand some fan-cultures I’m not currently a part of.

Equally entertaining and thoughtful! A must-listen

This is without any exaggeration the best sci-fi / fantasy podcast. It is so informative and entertaining. I’ve discovered so many new books and movies that I now want to enjoy. Always, looking forward to the next installment.

If you enjoy the continued deconstructed view of pop culture that seeks to find every avenue by which a person could find an offense with the subject then you’ll enjoy this podcast. As the podcast has continued you can see the growth of what the author finds interesting and what should be promoted. True to their interests every episode has become an exercise in the progressive game-theory in which everything is problematic if looked at through the right lenses. Many times it’s only too easy and worthwhile a consideration but more often than not seems as though it reflects what is the imagination of those playing the game. Without irony I say that if those questions and their exploration are alone interesting to you then this is a must listen to podcast. If it’s not then you’ll often find the topics wandering and self-indulgent or referential as they seek to repeat the same formulation with different subject matter. I listened for years as the the narrative voice continued to grow but I think I’ll move on and wish them well on their journey because in my mind only some roads lead to OZ, not all of them.

Though it appealed to an American audience, I really think that it has to be watched without asserting that perspective, preferably in Japanese with subtitles for any person of any culture or ethnicity to truly appreciate the true essence of what the creators infused within it. The songs, the language, the behavior of the actors, although it engages a lot with immorality and morality and identity; which human beings of any culture or ethnicity can all relate with. I think that the pleasure of the show lies within the Japanese culture. I appreciate your show and the concept of it, especially the way you address things. I do not, however, agree with the way you Americanized the characters on the cowboy bepop episode; it might be because of the audio you used though. The show is so rich in culture, and I think that this aspect of it needs to be addressed for people to understand the show properly. It was not made for Americans, it was made for all people, by Japanese people with an art style seemingly western. Anyway, thank you for the episode, and continue with the great work, I will keep tuning in. 👏🏾👏🏾

Thank you for creating the episode on Lovecraft. It’s so wonderful to hear insights from Black literary people! Loved it, thank you.

Sci-fi and fantasy are some of the most powerful tools we have to explore profound subjects, and Imaginary Worlds always brings the heat with great interviews from subject matter experts who know their genres and the great subtexts within. I love this show, and only wish it were longer. I may just become a patron on Patreon to listen to the full length interviews.