Best Worldbuild With Us Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 274: A Flight of Final Jams 1:13:34

Play Pause

1h ago1:13:34

1:13:34

EVERYONE*. IS. HERE. Come and join us on our final jam session of WBWU. It's got everything you'll ever need*. Horny medusas, Rotting Cyberliches, and a genuine HOUND. OF. TINADLOS! And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord…

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Alex Rider’s Identity Crisis | Scorpia Book Review 8:11

6h ago8:11

8:11

Scorpia isn’t just another Alex Rider adventure, it’s the book where everything shifts. Darker, grittier, and more morally complex, this is where Alex discovers the terrifying legacy of his father, the manipulative power of Scorpia, and the harsh truth that both MI6 and his enemies will use him as a pawn. In this review, I explore how Scorpia raise…

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Episode 1 Part 2 - Notes Not Played: Foreshadowing, Worldbuilding & Why Some Threads Remain Unfinished 57:15

1h ago57:15

57:15

This is Fictional Problems, in association with Speculative Fiction Ireland, the podcast where we discuss all things writing. On today's episode, episode 1, part 2, we'll be talking about the relevancy of what's on the page versus the notes not played. We'll be discussing foreshadowing, making sense of it all, plotting versus pantsing, and we'll ta…

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Kawika Guillermo, "Of Floating Isles: On Growing Pains and Video Games" (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2025) 30:19

2h ago30:19

30:19

An immersive journey into the author's lifelong attachment to video games, revealing how they shape us, shatter us, and give us the courage to start again Of Floating Isles: On Growing Pains and Video Games (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2025) is a captivating collection of personal essays that unpack the mystifying and often intimate roles that video games …

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S17:S24: Big vs. Small Character Arcs: Understanding the Degrees of Change in Storytelling 26:22

23m ago26:22

26:22

Not every story needs a protagonist who undergoes a massive, life-altering transformation. Some of the most memorable tales hinge on smaller, quieter shifts, or even on characters who remain steadfast throughout. In this episode, we’ll explore the full spectrum of character arcs: Big arcs that redefine a protagonist’s worldview Small arcs that mirr…

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Episode 1 Part 1 - How we write 40:13

1d ago40:13

40:13

Welcome to Fictional Problems — where two writers, A.R. MacNeillan and Gary J. Martin, dissect the craft of speculative fiction. In Episode 1 Part 1 they explore how character, plot, and worldbuilding interlock; how history and culture shape identities; writing faith and religion authentically; character motivations and moral ambiguity; audience ex…

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Alisha Karabinus et al. eds., "Historiographies of Game Studies: What It Has Been, What It Could Be" (Punctum Books, 2025) 27:01

3h ago27:01

27:01

Historiographies of Game Studies: What It Has Been, What It Could Be (Punctum Books, 2025) offers a first-of-its-kind reflection on how game studies as an academic field has been shaped and sustained. Today, game studies is a thriving field with many dedicated national and international conferences, journals, professional societies, and a strong pr…

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Julien Mailland on "The Game That Never Ends: How Lawyers Shape the Videogame Industry" 1:10:25

2d ago1:10:25

1:10:25

Peoples & Things host, Lee Vinsel, talks with Julien Mailland, Associate Professor of Media Management, Law, and Policy at The Media School of Indiana University Bloomington, about his book, The Game That Never Ends: How Lawyers Shape the Videogame Industry. The book examines key moments, beginning in the 1970s, in which legal decisions influenced …

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S17:E23: How a Character’s Personality Shapes Arc, Voice, and Goals 22:06

44m ago22:06

22:06

What makes a character unforgettable? It’s not just quirks or dialogue. It’s personality. Your characters' personalities shape their arcs, influence their voices, drive their goals, and and connect plot and theme into a cohesive whole. In this episode, we’ll explore why personality is the secret ingredient to compelling storytelling and how you can…

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Careful what you wish for: Eagle Strike Book Review 10:07

7d ago10:07

10:07

In this review, we dive into Eagle Strike, the fourth Alex Rider book by Anthony Horowitz. Alex finds himself on his own against the billionaire villain Damian Cray, with MI6 refusing to back him. Packed with action, foreshadowing of Scorpia, and a surprising philosophical twist, this book marks the bridge between the light beginnings of the series…

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S17:E22: Why All Stories Are Myth—and How They Transform Us 21:17

22h ago21:17

21:17

Why All Stories Are Myth (and How They Transform the Psyche) What if every story you’ve ever loved—whether it’s Spirited Away, The Lord of the Rings, or Pride & Prejudice—wasn’t just entertainment or even “realistic” fiction, but myth in disguise? In this week’s episode of the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast, we explore the mythic foundation…

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Debunking Quacks & Biased Media | Bad Science (Ben Goldacre) BOOK REVIEW 38:02

21d ago38:02

38:02

There will always be someone selling BS, but you can learn how to spot it. 'Bad Science' by Ben Goldacre is an expose of sorts showcasing instances of media (individuals & as a whole) distorting statistics & scientific data. He explains the various errors they commit while examining the various reasons as to why they occurred. There are 16 chapters…

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133. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) | S5E11 1:01:44

19d ago1:01:44

1:01:44

For our final episode of Season 5, before THE YEAR OF METAL GEAR, we look at the seminal Studio Ghibli film, Kiki's Delivery Service. We discuss what it means to come of age in a context where you are a literal outsider and how the film indirectly meditates on what it means to doubt your creative powers, lose them, and ultimately get them back. Sub…

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What It Takes To Lead | Lee Kuan Yew (Allison & Blackwill) BOOK REVIEW 40:21

28d ago40:21

40:21

The future of Asia is interesting but even more so is the man who created it! 'Lee Kuan Yew' by Allison & Blackwill is a compiled selection of speeches & quotes from Lee Kuan Yew bundled together to come across as a single interview. The focus is on his opinions over the years on what he imagines the future will look like. It's split into 10 chapte…

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S17:E21: What's Happened to Modern Storytelling? (+ 6 Ways Storytelling Can Find Its Soul Again) 24:34

25d ago24:34

24:34

Feeling bored at the movies? Learn what's happened to modern storytelling and what it will take to restore the magic and emotional impact.By K.M. Weiland

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If you liked KPop Demon Hunters, you're going to love these books. 31:14

1M ago31:14

31:14

Here’s the long-awaited (for us, at least) deep dive into K-pop Demon Hunters — aka the show we’ve been obsessing over daily and forcing our families to watch until they’re humming the soundtrack in their sleep. (It's not our fault, okay. They've put something in those songs.) From piggyback rides, the hand hold trope, Anna obsessing over cliffhang…

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Worldbuilding on Steroids: Fellowship of the Ring, Book Review 11:46

18d ago11:46

11:46

Tolkien doesn’t write chapters; he builds civilisations. The Fellowship of the Ring is a slow, deliberate march through languages, histories and the lived feel of time, a marathon of meaning more than a sprint of action. I respect the scope, loved the journey, but prefer punchier reads. (00:00) “You shall not pass.” (00:09) Welcome & why review Fel…

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Semiconductors Shape The World | Chip War (Chris Miller) BOOK REVIEW 33:37

1M ago33:37

33:37

A world changing industry that kind of happened by coincidence. 'Chip War' by Chris Miller is a detailed history of the semiconductor industry from its origins in the 1950's to the present day. Important individuals/companies rise and fall as it goes from a new emerging technology created by theorists/tinkers to the global powerhouse companies infl…

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S17:E20: Writing Better Character Conflicts With the 5 Conflict Management Styles 21:59

1M ago21:59

21:59

Here's how writers can apply the five conflict management styles to create richer, more realistic character conflicts in your fiction.By K.M. Weiland

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Strength Without Noise: Lessons from Skeleton Key’s Villain 10:01

1M ago10:01

10:01

In this Mere Mortals book review, we revisit Skeleton Key, the third Alex Rider novel, blending teenage espionage with lessons on stoicism, discipline, and composure. Beyond the action-packed spy drama, I explore how the book’s villain, the General, embodies a powerful, minimalistic strength that shaped my early understanding of discipline and quie…

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Historians Attempting Poetry | The Lessons Of History (Will & Ariel Durant) BOOK REVIEW 17:40

1M ago17:40

17:40

Not only is history written by the victors, but it's altered by the academics! 'The Lessons Of History' by Will & Ariel Durant is a small book that attempts to sum-up the history of humanity across several categories of human activity. They use examples from ancient civilisations but also add their own personal opinions into the mix. 13 chapters on…

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Kenneth Jones, "African American Males and Video Games: How Gaming Technology Can Motivate and Enhance Learning" (Myers Education, 2025) 20:01

1M ago20:01

20:01

African American males are confronted with formidable barriers in their pursuit of quality education, resulting in stark disparities in academic performance, economic opportunities, and social outcomes. Despite numerous educational initiatives striving for parity, African American males persistently bear the brunt of the highest rates of suspension…

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The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren | Serial Killer Date Nights, Grocery Store Royalty & Summer Romance 37:26

2M ago37:26

37:26

Here's an absolutely chaotic (spoiler-filled!) recap of The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren — the perfect steamy summer romance. From fake marriage tropes and Crazy Rich Asians-level wealth to awkward steam room encounters, canoe mishaps, and even a couples’ mud bath gone wrong, we dive deep into every twist, trope, and hilarious moment. We al…

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Nathan Wainstein, "Grant Us Eyes: The Art of Paradox in Bloodborne" (2025) 24:13

2M ago24:13

24:13

Grant Us Eyes is a book-length close reading of Bloodborne by literary critic Nathan Wainstein (LA Review of Books, Cartridge Lit, American Book Review). Grant Us Eyes situates the game’s oft-discussed difficulty in relation to a much longer tradition of difficult art – surrealist painting, the modernist novel, etc. Wainstein probes the difficulty …

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Who's Going To Man The Boats? | Lords Of The Sea (John R. Hale) BOOK REVIEW 29:58

2M ago29:58

29:58

Move aside Sparta, there's a new power in town! 'Lords of the Sea: The Epic Story of the Athenian Navy and the Birth of Democracy' by John R. Hale is a historical book that recounts the period from 483-322 BC of Ancient Greece and in particular the navy armada of Athens. We witness the rise and fall of Athenian power via not only sea battles with o…

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Dom Ford, "Mytholudics: Games and Myth" (de Gruyter, 2025) 56:10

1M ago56:10

56:10

Dom Ford joins Jana Byars to talk about Mytholudics: Game and Myth (DeGruyter Brill, 2025). Games create worlds made of many different elements, but also of rules, systems and structures for how we act in them. So how can we make sense of them? Mytholudics: Games and Myth lays out an approach to understanding games using theories from myth and folk…

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S17:E19: The 5 Types of Scene Endings Every Writer Must Master 21:44

1M ago21:44

21:44

Discover the 5 types of scene endings—Yes, No, No But, and No And—and why one of them might be weakening your story’s momentum.By K.M. Weiland

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Cloned to Conform: Point Blanc and the Death of Individuality 15:04

1M ago15:04

15:04

In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz, a fast-paced youth fiction novel that sparks deeper questions about cloning, perfectionism and identity. Using the wild plot as a springboard, the episode unpacks modern obsessions with filtered personas and asks: what do we lose when we trade uniqueness for conformity?…

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Good Man, Corrupt Businessman | The Wizard Of Wall Street & His Wealth (Trumbull White) BOOK REVIEW 28:24

2M ago28:24

28:24

Be wary of association with the Wizard Of Wall St .... unless you are family or friends! 'The Wizard Of Wall Street & His Wealth' by Trumbull White is a biography detailing the life of Jay Gould, at one point one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. It starts from his childhood and shows how he rose from poverty in the 1800's to become one o…

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S17:E18: 7 Ways to Watch and Read More Intentionally 19:44

2M ago19:44

19:44

If writers don't consume stories with intention, who will? Here are 7 mindful habits to read more intentionally and get more from stories.By K.M. Weiland

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132. Halo: Combat Evolved | S5E10 56:33

2M ago56:33

56:33

In which we argue that Halo represents a genuinely novel approach to shooter design at a time when the video games industry was becoming but had not yet turned into what we know it to be today. Join us as we delve into the complex narrative and gameplay relationship between Master Chief and Cortana and ask... is Halo a tragedy? Substack: https://ga…

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The Hobbit Review: Why This Classic Still Hits Hard in 2025 11:25

2M ago11:25

11:25

In this episode, we dive into The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, the timeless tale that launched the modern fantasy genre. You'll hear why Bilbo Baggins’ unlikely hero’s journey still resonates today, what Tolkien nailed in his storytelling, and how this short adventure carries deep philosophical punch. From dragons to dwarves to life-changing quotes, t…

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Cameron Kunzelman, "The World is Born from Zero: Understanding Speculation and Video Games" (de Gruyter, 2022) 37:34

2M ago37:34

37:34

The World is Born From Zero is an investigation into the relationship between video games and science fiction through the philosophy of speculation. Cameron Kunzelman (Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, USA) argues that the video game medium is centered on the evaluation and production of possible futures by following video game studies, media phil…

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Earn Money By Testing The Ticker | Reminiscences Of A Stock Operator (Edwin Lefevre) BOOK REVIEW 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

The fun side of rather questionable behaviour. 'Reminiscences Of A Stock Operator' by Edwin Lefevre is a fictional 1st person account of a Wall St trader in the early 1900's, but largely based on the real life operator of Jesse Lauriston Livermore. He describes his early life trading in bucket shops before moving into more high leverage trading and…

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S17:E17: What Makes a Story "Bad"? A Guide to Why Your Narrative Isn't Working 20:32

2M ago20:32

20:32

What makes a bad story? The answer may surprise you. Here's what really makes a story fail—and how to fix it.By K.M. Weiland

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James O'Connor, "Untitled Goose Game" (Boss Fight Books, 2025) 23:18

2M ago23:18

23:18

It's a beautiful day in the village, and you are a horrible goose, ready to wreak charming havoc on the weary locals. You'll ruin their gardens, invade their pub, and terrorize their children. What kind of scoundrels would make such a devious game? Before the critical acclaim, the tweets from celebrities, the major awards, the memes, the fan art, a…

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10 Lessons From Ryan Holiday’s Most Honest Book Yet 12:34

2M ago12:34

12:34

In this Mere Mortals Learnings episode, I unpack the raw insights from Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday. This book, focused on the Stoic virtue of justice, might not be his most thrilling but it’s undoubtedly the one that digs the deepest. From power and personal responsibility to kindness and selfishness, these lessons challenge you to live …

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Philosophical Essays & Nihilism | Readings From The Road 36:50

2M ago36:50

36:50

We're back from travelling, wiser & thankfully not sad about it. In this special episode we are covering 3 books of essays/philosophical investigations by written by 3 authors in the 20th century. The books themselves are 'What Does It All Mean?' by Thomas Nagel, 'What Is Man & Other Essays' by Mark Twain & 'The Foundation Pit' by Andrey Platonov. …

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Episode 273: Fate Unraveled (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 8) 1:28:55

2M ago1:28:55

1:28:55

On this week's podcast we discuss how, Labyrinth is mid. Also the end of the final series happens and some characters die I guess. You should come check it out and go to our Discord to drop a question for our upcoming Q&A episode! And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Ch…

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Right Thing, Right Now: The Stoic Virtue We Avoid 10:42

2M ago10:42

10:42

In this Mere Mortals book review, I tackle Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday, the third in his Stoic Virtue series. It’s a slower, deeper, more reflective book centred on justice, the virtue that’s hardest to sell and hardest to live by. I share why this wasn’t my favourite read, but why it might be the most meaningful one for the long game of…

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S17:E16: Why Intentional Storytelling Matters in an Era of AI and Algorithm-Driven Content 19:48

2M ago19:48

19:48

Intentional storytelling means making creative choices with purpose. Here’s why that matters more than ever in an AI-driven content world.By K.M. Weiland

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Episode 272: We're Getting a Crew Together to Breach the Multiverse (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 7) 1:25:44

3M ago1:25:44

1:25:44

Yo, shout out to Pirates of the Dark Water. Let us know if you even remember that show or if we're showing our Ancient Mummy status. And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: htt…

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Elliot Lichtman, "The Computer Always Wins: A Playful Introduction to Algorithms through Puzzles and Strategy Games" (MIT Press, 2025) 46:46

3M ago46:46

46:46

In The Computer Always Wins: A Playful Introduction to Algorithms through Puzzles and Strategy Games (MIT Press, 2025), Elliot Lichtman will teach you some of computer science’s most powerful concepts in a refreshingly accessible way: exploring them through word games, board games, and strategy games you already know. Learn recursion by playing tic…

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Carly A. Kocurek and Matthew Payne, "Ultima and Worldbuilding in the Computer Role-Playing Game" (Amherst College Press, 2024) 27:12

3M ago27:12

27:12

Ultima and World-Building in the Computer Role-Playing Game (Amherst College Press, 2024) is the first scholarly book to focus exclusively on the long-running Ultima series of computer role-playing games (RPG) and to assess its lasting impact on the RPG genre and video game industry. Through archival and popular media sources, examinations of fan c…

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131. Ghost in the Shell (1995) | S5E9 56:26

3M ago56:26

56:26

In celebration of Pride month, we take a somewhat unusual look at Oshii Mamoru's Ghost in the Shell as an allegory of trans becoming. We look at how trans individuals have read the film against their own experiences and how this highlights a queerness in Kusanagi's character that Oshii likely never intended yet is still palpably there. Substack: ht…

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Trans Technologies 1:03:27

3M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

How can technology creates new possibilities for transgender people? How do trans experiences, in turn, create new possibilities for technology? Trans Technologies, (MIT Press, 2025) by Dr. Oliver L. Haimson, explores how and why mainstream technologies often exclude or marginalize transgender users. Trans Technologies describes what happens when t…

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S17:E15: How to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 2 of 2) 16:27

3M ago16:27

16:27

Discover how to honor your character's history while crafting different character arcs for the same character in new stories.By K.M. Weiland

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S17:E14: How to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 1 of 2) 17:11

3M ago17:11

17:11

Discover systems that can help you write different character arcs for the same character in your series. Keep stories interesting and unique!By K.M. Weiland

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Episode 271: What If Your Camp Counselor Was Also a Mecha Pilot? (Land of a Thousand Finales Part 6) 57:00

3M ago57:00

57:00

Hey. You should watch Iron Blooded Orphans. Just sayin. And if you're feeling particularly generous, you can support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/worldbuildwithus Chat with us on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/SRFhWV3 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@worldbuildwithus Email us your suggestions: WorldbuildW…

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Adapt or Die: The Youth Spy Who Sparked a Passion for Discipline | Stormbreaker BOOK REVIEW 8:25

4M ago8:25

8:25

A 14-year-old is thrust into the shadow world of espionage, where every move is a fight to survive—and grow up fast. My book review on an oldie but a goodie, Stormbreaker by Anthony Horrowitz (00:00) – You're Never Too Young to Die (00:47) – First Encounter at 14 (02:15) – Spy Fantasy Meets Realism (03:38) – Plot Recap & Absurd Action (05:41) – Phi…