The Worldbuilder’s Tavern
Episodes
4.6 Building a Superpower-Based Magic System
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a hands-on worldbuilding exercise as we create a superpower-based magic system by answering these 7 questions: Are the superpowers based ...
4.5 Voyage of the Damned
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a chat about the writing and worldbuilding in the fantasy murder mystery novel Voyage of the Damned by Frances White. We discuss genre ble...
4.4 Building a Cataclsym
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a hands-on worldbuilding exercise in creating a cataclysmic event! Here are the 10 questions we answered in this episode, which can help g...
4.3 Lucky Day
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a chat about the writing and worldbuilding in the horror novel Lucky Day by Chuck Tingle. We discuss luck and math as a magic system, how ...
4.2 Building a Dragon
24 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a hands-on worldbuilding exercise in creating a dragon! Here are the 7 questions we answered in this episode, which can help guide you in ...
4.1 A Natural History of Dragons
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a chat about the writing and worldbuilding in the fantasy novel, A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan. We discuss dragons as the ...
3.22 Post-Apocalyptic: The Last of Us
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about writing and worldbuilding in the post-apocalyptic with zombies TV show (based on the video game series of the sam...
3.21 Paranormal Romance: Twilight
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about writing and worldbuilding in the paranormal romance novel Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Proprietor's Pick: Immorta...
3.20 Children’s Fantasy: How to Train Your Dragon
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the children's fantasy (with vikings) movie How to Train Your Dragon. Proprietor...
3.19 Urban Fantasy: Jade City
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the urban fantasy novel Jade City by Fonda Lee. (Disclosure: we are a Bookshop.o...
3.18 Children’s Sci-Fi: Animorphs
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the sci-fi alien invasion series Animorphs by K.A. Applegate. Proprietor's Pick:...
3.17 Fantasy Heist: The Lies of Locke Lamora
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the fantasy novel The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. Proprietor's Pick: Fo...
3.16 Gothic Romance: Crimson Peak
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the gothic romance movie Crimson Peak. Proprietor's Pick: The Dark Window by Rac...
3.15 LitRPG: Dungeon Crawler Carl
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the sci-fi/LitRPG novel Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman. (Disclosure: we a...
3.14 Sci-Fi Procedural: Fringe
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the science fiction TV show Fringe. Proprietor's Pick: Recursion by Blake Crouch...
3.13 Epic Fantasy: The Will of the Many
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the epic fantasy novel The Will of the Many by James Islington. Proprietor's P...
3.12 Comedic Sci-Fi: Futurama
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about humour, worldbuilding, genre, and the animated TV showFuturama. Proprietor's Pick:I Got Abducted by Aliens and No...
3.11 YA Sci-Fi: Skyward
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about genre, the state of YA sci-fi in publishing, and the writing and worldbuilding in the young adult science fiction...
3.10 Comedic RPG: Fantasy High
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the worldbuilding in the Dungeons & Dragons RPG comedy Fantasy High: Freshman Year, which is a Dimension 20 s...
3.9 Dark Fairy Tale: Nettle & Bone
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the writing and worldbuilding in the fantasy novel Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher, and how the story feels li...
3.8 Horror: A Quiet Place
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the horror movie A Quiet Place. Proprietor's Pick: Lucky Day by Chuck Tingle and Birdbox by Michael Louis Calvi...
3.7 Children’s Sci-Fi: Wall-E
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about environmental sci-fi, ecological themes, children's literature, and the Disney movie Wall-E. Proprietor's Pick:...
3.6 Cozy Sci-Fi: The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about cozy science fiction and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers. Proprietor's Pick: Cascade Fa...
3.5 Horror Romance: Someone You Can Build a Nest In
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about how horror and romance can go together (and whether cozy horror is a thing) in Someone You Can Build a Nest In by...
3.4 Dark Fantasy: The Witcher
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about deconstructing tropes, dark fairy tales, costs of magic, monsters, and more in the dark fantasy TV show The Witch...
3.3 Space Opera: All Systems Red
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about the novella All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells. Proprietor's Pick: The Mercy of Gods by...
3.2 Science Fantasy: Arcane
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about how science and magic intertwine in the Netflix show Arcane. Proprietor's Pick: The Gods Below by Andrea Stewar...
Worldbuilding Workshop: Building a Magic System
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This season, we're introducing a new type of bonus episodes for our patrons: worldbuilding workshops! In these episodes, the hosts pick an element of ...
3.1 Superhero Fiction: The Umbrella Academy
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about superpowers, secret identities, and characterization in the Netflix show The Umbrella Academy. Proprietor's Pic...
3.0 Season Three is about Genre!
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3 is coming! We've added a couple new segments and will be talking about worldbuilding through the lens of genre. Intro and outro music: "Th...
2.22 Comedy and Characters in Pirates of the Caribbean
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about humour, character arcs, prologues, pirate mythology, and more in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of...
2.21 Mechs and Feminism in Iron Widow
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about mechs, feminism, disability representation, and more in the novel Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. Proprietor's Pi...
2.20 Science in 3 Body Problem
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about nanofibers, science as a weapon, and supercomputers in the TV show 3 Body Problem. Proprietor's Pick: Jumpnauts...
2.19 Tension in 3 Body Problem
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about science gone haywire, confusing vs. interesting worldbuilding, and tension in the TV show 3 Body Problem. Propr...
2.18 Mythology in Song of the Sea
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about sense of place, metaphor, mythology, and symbolism in the movie Song of the Sea. Proprietor's Pick: The Selkie'...
2.17 False Utopia in Pet
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about writing a story based on a theme, age categories, oppressive systems, and utopian societies in the novella Pet by...
2.16 Retro-Futurism in Fallout
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about factions, over-the-top worldbuilding, and retro-futurism in the TV show (based on the video game) Fallout. Pro...
2.15 The Afterlife in The Good Place
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking about humour, morality, and the afterlife in the TV show The Good Place. Proprietor's Pick: How to Become the Dark L...
2.14 Gods, Realms, and Portals with Trudie Skies
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting with author Trudie Skies about deities, races, domains, magic, and expansive worldbuilding in The Thirteenth Hour, a g...
2.13 Environment in Princess Mononoke
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting about historical worldbuilding, weirdness, anti-capitalism, and ecological themes in the Studio Ghibli movie Princess ...
2.12 Time Loops in Edge of Tomorrow
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting about situational humour, aliens, montages, and time loops in the movie Edge of Tomorrow. Proprietor's Pick: The Mis...
2.11 Blood Magic in Heartless Hunter (with Kristen Ciccarelli)
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting with author Kristen Ciccarelli about blood magic, witches, and witch hunters in Heartless Hunter, the YA fantasy roman...
2.10 Adaptable Storytelling in Baldur’s Gate 3
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting about worldbuilding in the shadows, how actions matter, and adaptable storytelling in the video game Baldur's Gate 3. ...
2.9 Religion, spirits, and dark magic in Vespertine (with Margaret Rogerson)
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting with author Margaret Rogerson about religion, spirits, and dark magic in the YA fantasy novel Vespertine. Intro and...
2.8 Stitchpunk, Giant Worlds, and Gender Dimorphism in 9
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're chatting about the worldbuilding in the movie 9. Proprietor's Pick: The Last Human by Lee Bacon Intro and outro music: "The ...
2.7 Superpowers and Society in My Hero Academia
27 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as we chat about superpowers and superhero society, having a large cast, and female characters in the anime My Hero Academia. Proprietor's...
2.6 Worldbuilding in The Book Eaters (with Sunyi Dean)
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We've got fantasy author Sunyi Dean with us on this week's episode of the podcast! Listen in as we chat about her 2022 debut novel, The Book Eaters, h...
2.5 Comedy in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as we chat about how to write comedy and action for different age categories, traditional vs. self-publishing, the "sucked into a video game...
2.4 Revealing Worldbuilding through Character in Avatar: The Last Airbender
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're chatting about bending, magic rules, disability, and how to reveal worldbuilding details as they relate to character via Ava...
2.3 Fake Science and Villainy in The Outside (with Ada Hoffmann)
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a chat with author Ada Hoffmann about their sci-fi horror novel The Outside. We talk about how to choose narrating characters, writing ant...
2.2 Dark Weird in Over the Garden Wall
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a chat about Over the Garden Wall, the animated series that you have probably never heard of! We chat about dream sequences, leaving clues...
2.1 Gendered Magic in Wheel of Time
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season Two is here! In this episode, we talk about the TV series Wheel of Time, adapted from the novels by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. We ch...
1.15 Gritty Storytelling in House of the Dragon
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's the Season One finale! In this episode, we talk about House of the Dragon, so be prepared for some dark and disturbing topics. Allison gives her...
1.14 Open Worldbuilding in Tears of the Kingdom (with Jeni Chappelle)
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with guest Jeni Chappelle! We talk about how to immerse readers in your world...
1.13 Horror and Narration Style in Annihilation
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer in this episode! We talk about how weird it is, the unsettling narration style, and how to worldbuild accor...
1.12 Subtle Worldbuilding in This is How You Lose the Time War
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As per Bigolas Dickolas's recommendation, we're discussing the novella This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone! Learn ho...
1.11 Worldbuilding Fun in the D&D Movie
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is worldbuilding without fat dragons, magicless bards, and birdfolk named Jarnathan? Join us for a discussion about the fun romp that is Dungeons...
1.10 Dystopia in The Hunger Games
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we rant about capitalism and unfair political systems. We dig into the dystopian world of The Hunger Games (both the movies and the b...
1.9 Politics and Society in The Mandalorian
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss season three of The Mandalorian. Hear us chat about the writing being more disjointed this season, the strange episode wi...
1.8 Familiar Worlds in The Mandalorian
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss seasons one and two of The Mandalorian. Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi Proprietor's Pick: Star...
1.7 Disability, Villainy, Magic, and Technology in Nimona
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a discussion about the graphic novel Nimona by ND Stevenson. Intro and outro music: "The Tavern by Michael Ghelfi." Proprietor's Pick: ...
1.6 Multiverses, Metaphors, and Absurdity in Everything, Everywhere, All At Once
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a discussion about the very weird, very wonderful movie Everything, Everywhere, All At Once. Intro and outro music: "The Tavern by Micha...
1.5 Beautiful Worlds and Video Game Writing in Ori and the Blind Forest
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a discussion about the gorgeous and heartwarming video game, Ori and the Blind Forest. Intro and outro music: "The Tavern by Michael Ghe...
1.4 Science, Language, and Aliens in Project Hail Mary
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a discussion about science in hard sci-fi, how to communicate with an alien, alien physiology, and alien culture in Project Hail Mary by A...
1.3 Subtle Storytelling, Slang, and Society in Mad Max: Fury Road
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mad Max: Fury Road takes place in a gritty, unforgiving, and weird world. In this episode, we discuss how the movie is masterful at showing vs. tellin...
1.2 Humour and Fashion in Good Omens
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Heaven, hell, and humour—the key ingredients for the hit TV show Good Omens! In this episode, we discuss how the show uses the unexpected to create ...
1.1 Mythology in Good Omens
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Heaven, hell, and humour—the key ingredients for the hit TV show Good Omens! In this episode, we discuss how the show treats Christian mythology, an...
1.0 Welcome to the Tavern!
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome, worldbuilders! Here's what our podcast is all about and what you can expect for Season One. Cheers! Find Us Elsewhere: Support us on Patreo...