This week we talked with author, comic book writer, and fellow Chicagoland native Daryl Gregory. We discussed his upcoming novel “When We Were Real”, which takes place on a cross-country tour place seven years after the world was revealed to be a simulation. We also cover a variety of other topics including superheroes, sports teams, and sinus congestion.

In our backstage segment we go more in depth on the implications of living in a simulation on free will, and discuss Kevin’s recent article “The Problem with Where Oaken Hearts Do Gather”.

Thanks for listening!

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

0:12 - Introduction

0:54 - Daryl’s story on sinus congestion “Free and Clear”

4:54 - Daryl’s upcoming novel “When We Were Real”

8:08 - Writing many different interpretations of living in a simulation

12:24 - How to write stories filled with pop culture references

14:57 - A want for insularity in popular culture

18:56 - Getting deep into a really niche form of media can help you more broadly appreciate the format

20:12 - Effects of the digital panopticon

25:10 - Solipsism as a possible response to learning you live in a simulation

26:45 - Solipsism as a defense mechanism for the inability to feel unique in today’s interconnected world

29:49 - Being a writer is nice because you are inherently the best at writing from your own unique perspective

31:58 - Experience with writing comics

34:54 - Webcomics and the struggles of making it as an artist

36:44 - Do writers and artists see any of the money from tv shows and movies made using their content?

38:59 - Does the world need more superhero stories?

40:15 - Is superhero media irony poisoned?

44:55 - The romance in supporting a bad sports team

48:00 - Food in Chicago

49:20 - Conclusion and short story recommendation “I'm Not Disappointed Just Mad AKA the Heaviest Couch in the Known Universe”

50:28 - Start of Synthesized Sunsets Backstage

51:29 - Does the world being a simulation effect beliefs on free will?

55:44 - “I don't know, Timmy, being God is a big responsibility” and infinitely stacked simulated universes

58:11 - Possibility of learning your memories have all been faked

59:38 - Risks of creating clones of yourself

1:02:32 - How would you deal with a copy of yourself

1:04:54 - Discussing Kevin’s article (The Problem with "Where Oaken Hearts Do Gather)

1:08:40 - Do the characters in “Where Oaken Hearts do Gather” feel distinct?

1:14:25 - Regardless of our enjoyment we want to see more stories like "Where Oaken Hearts do Gather"

1:16:17 - Conclusion and Kevin’s Recommendation “Nonstandard Candles”

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