In this conversation, Ed Finn and cognitive scientist Brendan O'Connor delve into the multifaceted nature of imagination, exploring its relationship with memory, its role in present experiences, and the dynamics of collaborative imagination. They discuss how imagination can be trained and practiced, the importance of storytelling, and how shared imaginative experiences can enhance social connections and collective beliefs. 

In this conversation, Ed Finn and Aarathi Krishnan explore the intricate relationship between imagination, risk governance, and the future. They discuss how imagination is essential for decision-makers to navigate the complexities of the modern world, emphasizing the need for a balance between personal and organizational imagination. The dialogue also delves into the roles of hope and fear in motivating change, the importance of storytelling and art in shaping futures, and the challenges faced by individuals and organizations in envisioning a better tomorrow.

In this conversation, Ed Finn and Ken Liu delve into the significance of imagination in art, storytelling, and life. They explore how imagination shapes human experience, the collaborative relationship between artists and audiences, and the implications of AI in creative processes. Ken shares insights on the nature of creativity, the role of language, and the importance of embodiment in understanding intelligence. The discussion culminates in personal reflections on the evolution of Ken's imaginative journey as a writer.

In this engaging conversation, Ed, Tamara, and Taryn explore the multifaceted nature of imagination and its critical role in creativity, filmmaking, and personal growth. They discuss their individual experiences with imagination, the importance of collaboration in the creative process, and how they navigate challenges in filmmaking. The discussion also delves into the impact of film on audience imagination, the need for imaginative capacity in the future, and personal anecdotes illustrating how imagination has saved the day in their careers. The conversation concludes with reflections on the evolving understanding of imagination and its significance in both professional and personal contexts.

In this conversation, Ed Finn and Ted Chiang delve into the intricate relationship between imagination, storytelling, and the role of language in shaping human experience. They explore how writers and scientists share a fascination with the unknown and the importance of communication in conveying ideas. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on writing, the authenticity of content in the digital age, and the potential of science fiction to challenge societal norms and open up new possibilities for the future.

In this conversation, Ed Finn and Nancy Baker Cahill explore the intersections of interdisciplinary art, imagination, and technology. Nancy, an interdisciplinary artist and expanded filmmaker, discusses the importance of imagination in her work and its critical role in envisioning new models for governance and civic engagement. The conversation delves into the collaborative nature of art, particularly in the context of augmented reality (AR) and expanded cinema, highlighting how these mediums can foster audience engagement and co-creation.  They discuss the importance of participatory art and audience engagement, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by imagining future humans and post-human concepts. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of nurturing our imagination as a vital resource in a world increasingly influenced by technology.

In this episode of Griots & Galaxies, Jenna sits down with award-winning singer/songwriter and author Mohale Mashigo. In this conversation, Mohale shares her experiences in multimedia storytelling, and questions if aliens are truly as scary as Westerners seem to think. 

Mohale Mashigo is a best-selling multi-award-winning writer. Her work includes The Yearning (University of Johannesburg Debut Prize for South African Writing in English 2016) and a collection of speculative fiction short stories; Intruders. Mashigo also writes children's books and comic books. Some of her comic book work includes Kwezi, and various projects with both DC & Marvel Comics.Mohale was born and raised in Soweto, she is a multi-disciplinary storyteller who loves exploring the unknown. In addition to being a writer, she is also an award winning singer songwriter, who performs under the name Black Porcelain. Mashigo holds a BA (Journalism & Linguistics) degree from Rhodes University. She is currently the Narrative Director for Game Development studio Nyamakop.

Griots & Galaxies is produced by the Center for Science and the Imagination, with support from the Institute for Humanities Research and The Transformation Project, all at Arizona State University. The podcast is created and hosted by Jenna Hanchey, Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, and Chinelo Onwualu, with the assistance of sound engineer Bailey Pyritz. The theme music is performed by Sonja Branch and Dethie Sarr Diouf. 

In this episode of Griots & Galaxies, Chinelo and Yvette sit down with critically-acclaimed author Tobi Ogundiran. In this conversation, Tobi takes us into horror and haunting, talking about how fairytales reveal what different societies fear–and long for.   

Tobi Ogundiran is the author of the critically acclaimed Jackal, Jackal, a collection of eighteen dark and fantastic tales. Tobi has been nominated for the British Science Fiction Association, Shirley Jackson, Ignyte and Nommo awards. His work has appeared in anthologies such as The Book of Witches and Africa Risen. Tobi's work has also appeared in several Year's Best anthologies. His debut novella, In the Shadow of the Fall, is out from Tordotcom in 2024. Born and raised in Nigeria, he spent seven years in Russia where he trained as a physician, and now lives and works in the southern US.

Griots & Galaxies is produced by the Center for Science and the Imagination, with support from the Institute for Humanities Research and The Transformation Project, all at Arizona State University. The podcast is created and hosted by Jenna Hanchey, Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, and Chinelo Onwualu, with the assistance of sound engineer Bailey Pyritz. The theme music is performed by Sonja Branch and Dethie Sarr Diouf. 

In this episode of Griots & Galaxies, Jenna and Chinelo sit down with Ifa/Òrìsà scholar and writer Ayodele Olofintuade. In this conversation, Ayodele talks to us about African metaphysics and the importance of queer and gender-expansive characters to resisting colonization. 

Ayodele Olofintuade is yet to understand the concept of cis-heteronormativity. They are the author of Swallow: Efunsetan Aniwura, Lakiriboto Chronicles: A Brief History of Badly Behaved Women, Eno’s Story, which was shortlisted for the NLNG Prize for Literature in 2011. They are genius at creating chaos by merely existing. Their short stories, non-fiction, research and essays have been published in diverse international magazines and journals. They're an Ifa and Òrìsà scholar presently researching indigenous peoples of Yoruba and ways their practices are intertwined with stewardship of the land and nature.

Griots & Galaxies is produced by the Center for Science and the Imagination, with support from the Institute for Humanities Research and The Transformation Project, all at Arizona State University. The podcast is created and hosted by Jenna Hanchey, Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, and Chinelo Onwualu, with the assistance of sound engineer Bailey Pyritz. The theme music is performed by Sonja Branch and Dethie Sarr Diouf.