Best What About Worldbuilding Podcasts (2025)

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What cultural evolution means for YOUR Worldbuilding! 23:52

Play Pause

2h ago23:52

23:52

Send us a text In this episode, we explore how cultures evolve alongside biological evolution and how you can use studies from our world to make your fantasy world building richer. Worldbuilding Blueprints Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/starvingwriterstudio/worldbuilding-blueprint-volume-i?ref=4k2pct Signup for the newsletter! ht…

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

7h 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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Xion - The devastation of true emotion 1:04:01

14h ago1:04:01

1:04:01

A puppet that became more human than the ones around her. A character so complex and nuanced that we needed to touch on topics of both sociology and mental illness to fully capture her essence. Xion. How did she come to be? Thank you to Chared, Adrian, and Philip for your questions on this episode! Next episode: Roxas II. Send your questions to she…

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Episode 144: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker 54:29

2d ago54:29

54:29

Back to the Zelda franchise for a hero's journey across the Great Sea. Join us as we Lore Together! Contact us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/loretogether BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/loretogether.bsky.social Mastodon: https://universeodon.com/@LoreTogether Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/LoreTogetherPod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com…

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What Mythic Logic REALLY Means for YOUR Fantasy World 34:53

6d ago34:53

34:53

Send us a text Welcome to the first episode in the new series on creating non-earth creatures, plants, and other beasties! In this episode we discuss why you should include fantastical species in your world building. Worldbuilding Blueprints Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/starvingwriterstudio/worldbuilding-blueprint-volume-i?ref=…

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

9d 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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Roxas's Year of Life - The power of identity 53:06

7d ago53:06

53:06

Welcome BACK to Million Dreams Award-winning podcast of Theory and Lore, Shedding Starlight, for our fourth season on Days. On this episode, we cover the events of all 358 days of Roxas and Xion's days in the Organization. Next episode: Xion. Send your questions to [email protected] Shedding Starlight YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Sheddin…

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SWRT 327 | Embracing The Heroine's Journey with Danielle Anderson 1:07:54

14d ago1:07:54

1:07:54

In this episode, Alida welcomes Danielle Anderson, a seasoned nonfiction book coach and editor, as we delve into the concept of the heroine's journey. Drawing from Maureen Murdoch's influential work, Danielle shares her personal experiences and insights on the internal journey women often face, contrasting it with the traditional hero's journey. Di…

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Evolution in Fantasy Worldbuilding Explained Simply 33:46

13d ago33:46

33:46

Send us a text How to use evolution to create fantastical creatures of all shapes and sizes. Worldbuilding Blueprints Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/starvingwriterstudio/worldbuilding-blueprint-volume-i?ref=4k2pct Signup for the newsletter! https://www.mariemullany.com/newsletter Support the Channel: Buy my books: https://www.mar…

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Episode 143: Hollow Knight 34:15

16d ago34:15

34:15

The Kingdom of Hallownest slumbers in a decayed stasis. Many are drawn to it, searching for riches, or glory, or answers to old secrets. Join us as we Lore Together! Contact us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/loretogether BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/loretogether.bsky.social Mastodon: https://universeodon.com/@LoreTogether Reddit: https://ww…

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Why You Need More Fantasy In Your World! 27:36

22d ago27:36

27:36

Send us a text Welcome to the first episode in the new series on creating non-earth creatures, plants, and other beasties! In this episode we discuss why you should include fantastical species in your world building. Worldbuilding Blueprints Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/starvingwriterstudio/worldbuilding-blueprint-volume-i?ref=…

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

21d 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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SWRT 326 | Writing Through Chronic Illness with Beth Biss 43:03

25d ago43:03

43:03

In this episode, Alida and Kathryn explore the intersection of writing and chronic illness with author Beth Biss. Beth shares her personal journey of navigating her health challenges while pursuing her passion for writing. We discuss the themes of identity, acceptance, and empowerment in her work, and how her experiences shape her characters and st…

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Weird Facts About Cold Deserts You Never Knew! 26:47

27d ago26:47

26:47

Send us a text Lets talk about worldbuilding cold deserts for fantasy worlds! I wrote a worldbuilding book! Check out the Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/starvingwriterstudio/worldbuilding-blueprint-volume-i?ref=4k2pct Signup for the newsletter! https://www.mariemullany.com/newsletter Support the Channel: Buy my books: https://www…

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Episode 142: Andrew Ryan's Failed Dream Of Rapture 50:57

1M ago50:57

50:57

It's a Sapphy episode, and a "Gettin' Political" episode. What spurred Andrew Ryan to create the city of Rapture? Join us as we Lore Together! Contact us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/loretogether BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/loretogether.bsky.social Mastodon: https://universeodon.com/@LoreTogether Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/LoreT…

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How to Write Political Intrigue in Fantasy! 30:25

1M ago30:25

30:25

Send us a text Let's discuss how to write political intrigue in fantasy books by looking at examples like the A Song of Ice and Fire and Shadows of the Apt. Signup for the newsletter! https://www.mariemullany.com/newsletter Support the Channel: Buy my books: https://www.mariemullany.com/books Join the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxvBH…

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SWRT 325 | Is Art Enough? with Stephanie Elizondo Griest 1:28:11

1M ago1:28:11

1:28:11

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk with Stephanie Elizondo Griest, author of Art Above Everything. In this perspective changing conversation, we talk all about centering your life on art. We talk about the sometimes painful journey of being an art monk, and what it means to dedicate yourself to art creation. Join…

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Indus vs Nile vs Yellow River vs Amazon River Basin Explained! 36:03

1M ago36:03

36:03

Send us a text Lets talk about river basins and the civilizations they create and how you can use them in your fantasy world! Signup for the newsletter! https://www.mariemullany.com/newsletter Support the Channel: Buy my books: https://www.mariemullany.com/books Join the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxvBH0EkwuHsQ9ryHHQNi2Q/join Engage …

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We have some news... 1:14

1M ago1:14

1:14

VOTE FOR US HERE: http://khguides.com/million-dreams Shedding Starlight YouTube: https://youtube.com/@SheddingStarlight Hannah's Twitter: https://twitter.com/hanmckinley Mel's Twitter: https://twitter.com/KHNyctophiliac The Secret Reports Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSecretReports Hannah's YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@hanmckinley…

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

1M 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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Nobel Laureate David Baker on Using AI for Science to Solve Humanity's Biggest Problems [TEASER] 4:52

1M ago4:52

4:52

This is a teaser episode of the Existential Hope Podcast with Nobel Laureate David Baker. David reveals how scientists are now inventing entirely new proteins—life's fundamental building blocks—to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges. David shares his journey and his vision for a future where custom-built "molecular machines," an ide…

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Episode 141: Pacific Drive 41:44

2M ago41:44

41:44

Sucked into a walled off government site, we quickly find ourselves dealing with the weird and abnormal. What happened here? Join us as we Lore Together! Watch Mystic's Blind First Hour here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/mystics-blind-131426331 Contact us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/loretogether BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/loretogether…

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Welcome to Foresight Institute Radio 0:43

2M ago0:43

0:43

This feed is now Foresight Institute Radio—your place for standout talks on frontier technology: from AI and neurotech to nanotech, longevity, and space. You’ll hear highlights from Foresight’s global conferences and seminars featuring top scientists and builders. For long-form interviews, follow our sister show: The Existential Hope Podcast, with …

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Jonathan Anomaly | Embryo selection for health, longevity and intelligence 11:04

2M ago11:04

11:04

What happens when parents can choose their children's genetic traits, and which selections benefit society versus harm it? In this talk, Jonathan Anomaly explores the emerging field of embryo selection for intelligence, disease prevention, and longevity. He covers how polygenic risk scores work to predict complex traits and why most diseases involv…

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Mary Lou Jepsen | The handheld hospital 10:13

2M ago10:13

10:13

What if you could diagnose stroke, treat cancer, and cure depression with a smartphone-sized device that costs $1,000 instead of millions? In this talk, Mary Lou Jepsen demonstrates her revolutionary handheld medical devices that use ultrasound and infrared light to selectively target diseased cells while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. She covers…

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Jean Hebert | ARPA-H: Accelerate better health outcomes for everyone 8:53

2M ago8:53

8:53

What if a government agency could fund transformative health research with $200 million budgets and no bureaucratic committees? In this talk, Jean Hebert explores ARPA-H's – a research funding agency – unique mission to accelerate health breakthroughs, from 3D-printed organs to functional eye transplants. He covers how ARPA-H operates differently f…

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Irina Rish | AI & Scale 12:18

2M ago12:18

12:18

How has the history of AI been shaped by the "bitter lesson" that simple scaling beats complex algorithms, and what comes next? In this talk, Irina Rish traces AI's evolution from rule-based systems to today's foundation models, exploring how scaling laws predicted performance improvements and recent shifts toward more efficient approaches. She cov…

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It's all about technique! or is it? 42:16

2M ago42:16

42:16

Improving technique is a great endeavour but it's not everything (or for everyone).

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Myth Creation Explained Simply! 33:45

2M ago33:45

33:45

Send us a text Lets talk about Jungian Archetypes, the 6 layers of mythic storytelling and how to make myths that resonate with the cultures you create! Signup for the newsletter! https://www.mariemullany.com/newsletter Support the Channel: Buy my books: https://www.mariemullany.com/books Join the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxvBH0Ekw…

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

2M 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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SWRT 324 | The Healing Power of Nature and Memoir with Jon Lurie 1:17:43

2M ago1:17:43

1:17:43

In this episode, Alida engages in a profound conversation with Jon Lurie as we explore the healing power of nature and the intricate journey of memoir writing. Jon shares insights from his two memoirs, including his epic canoe trip along the Red River with a young man named Jose, highlighting themes of personal growth, cultural identity, and the tr…

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Why do cities in certain locations thrive? 19:43

2M ago19:43

19:43

Send us a text Let's talk fantasy maps and where it makes sense for you to put your cities! My thanks to @iammrbeat for a very good video on why USA cities started. Signup for the newsletter! https://www.mariemullany.com/newsletter Support the Channel: Buy my books: https://www.mariemullany.com/books Join the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channe…

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Episode 140: Dave The Diver 1:05:26

2M ago1:05:26

1:05:26

It's so much more than a diving simulator. Join us as we Lore Together! Contact us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/loretogether BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/loretogether.bsky.social Mastodon: https://universeodon.com/@LoreTogether Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/LoreTogetherPod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoreTogether Steam: https:…

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What history can teach us about doing better science – Eric Gilliam 1:06:39

2M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

Eric Gilliam studies how organizations like Bell Labs, early MIT, and the Rockefeller Foundation helped drive scientific progress — and what made them unusually effective. In this conversation, we explore how those models worked, why many of them disappeared, and what it would take to bring them back. Eric explains why fast-moving, engineering-driv…

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5 Ways to Create Fantasy Religions using Real World Mythos 33:08

2M ago33:08

33:08

Send us a text Learn how to create fantasy religions using real world mythos with these 5 techniques. Perfect for writers inspired by authors like Katherine Kerr, Tad Williams, George RR Martin, and Tolkien. Start world building now! Featured art by @poppiiseedss And you can find her on TikTok :) (https://www.tiktok.com/@poppiiseedss ) Signup for t…

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This is how you grow 32:37

2M ago32:37

32:37

Going out of your comfort zone and embrace change and growth is the topic for this weeks episode.

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S17:E13: Crafting Archetypal Arcs With Enneagram Insights 34:09

2M ago34:09

34:09

Discover the connection between archetypal arcs and Enneagram insights for transformative storytelling and character growth.By K.M. Weiland

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Existential Hope Podcast: Glen Weyl | Can we use AI to build a fairer society? 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

Most AI discussions focus on its risks to democracy – disinformation, surveillance, centralization of power. But what if AI could make governance better? Glen Weyl, political economist at Microsoft Research and founder of RadicalxChange, argues that AI could be used to create more participatory, decentralized, and democratic systems, if we design i…

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SWRT 323 | What Makes Writing Objectively Good? 1:14:28

2M ago1:14:28

1:14:28

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we gather a diverse panel of writers to tackle the complex question: what makes writing objectively good? Join Alida Winternheimer, Kathryn Arnold, Mark Liebenow, Daniel Kleifgen, Liz Bird, Miriam Levi, and Monic Ductan as they explore the subjective nature of writing, the challenges of judgment, and …

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Worldbuilding 101 44:17

2M ago44:17

44:17

We share some of our thoughts and approaches to world building alongside some of our favorite examples in media.

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I wrote 500K words. Here's what I learned about storytelling. 25:21

2M ago25:21

25:21

Send us a text I wrote and published half a million words! In this video, I take you for a walk in the Finnish forest and share the lessons I wish I'd known when I started writing. Signup for the newsletter! https://www.mariemullany.com/newsletter Support the Channel: Buy my books: https://www.mariemullany.com/books Join the Channel: https://www.yo…

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S17:E12: Using the Enneagram for Character Development: Avoiding Repetition for Lies Each Type Might Believe 23:59

2M ago23:59

23:59

Discover the unique lies each Enneagram subtype believes and how these shape their fears, desires, and character development in storytelling.By K.M. Weiland

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Episode 139: Orwell - Keeping An Eye On You 42:01

2M ago42:01

42:01

We have a new job with the government, snooping on people through their digital lives. Join us as we Lore Together! Contact us: Instagram: https://instagram.com/loretogether BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/loretogether.bsky.social Mastodon: https://universeodon.com/@LoreTogether Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/LoreTogetherPod Youtube: https:/…

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Existential Hope Podcast: Ada Palmer | The storytelling tools you need for worldbuilding 43:13

3M ago43:13

43:13

How can storytelling shape our visions of the future? Ada Palmer—historian, science fiction writer, and futurist—brings a unique perspective on how worldbuilding can be a powerful tool for exploring complex ideas. In this conversation with Beatrice Erkers, she shares her perspective on worldbuilding and storytelling, and her recommendations for how…

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5 Secrets to Make a Fantasy Town Unique! 21:08

3M ago21:08

21:08

Send us a text It's all to easy for a fantasy town to simply feel like any other fantasy town. Don't fall into that trap. Join me on a walk in the Finnish forest and let's talk about how to add some flourishes to your towns to make them distinct! Signup for the newsletter! https://www.mariemullany.com/newsletter Support the Channel: Buy my books: h…

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Can Criticism Make You a Better Artist? 20:20

3M ago20:20

20:20

It's sometimes difficult to deal with criticism and feedback in a high-stress work environment.

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Existential Hope Podcast: Anthony Aguirre | Will AI replace us or help us thrive? 26:35

3M ago26:35

26:35

How we develop AI will shape the future of society. In this interview, Anthony Aguirre explores the distinction between Tool AI and Replacement AI, and how this framing can inform AI policy, governance, and strategy. He shares insights on the risks and thresholds of AGI, the role of capability, agency, and autonomy in AI development, and what it me…

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SWRT 322 | A Writer's Responsibility to Ghosts of the Past: Historical Fiction with J.E. Weiner 1:05:47

3M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold sit down with J.E. Weiner, the author of the captivating novel The Wretched and Undone. This Southern Gothic tale, set in the Texas Hill Country, intertwines history and supernatural elements as it explores the immigrant experience during the American Civil War. …

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From Tectonics to Tolkien: Write Better Mountains 31:28

3M ago31:28

31:28

Send us a text Mountains are an amazing story device. They create towering world building blocks, they can be magic, they can even be alive. Let's check out how they're formed and how you can use them! Signup for the newsletter! https://www.mariemullany.com/newsletter Support the Channel: Buy my books: https://www.mariemullany.com/books Join the Ch…

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What is the best way to learn (for you)? 27:58

3M ago27:58

27:58

We talk about different approaches to learn and improve. Not only with art ...