EPISODE 25: [WORLD ANVIL INTERVIEW] HOPEFUL SPECULATIVE FICTION

Written By Stephen Slota

Episode 25: [World Anvil Interview] Hopeful Speculative Fiction | 12 May 2026

Speculative fiction often serves as a warning, but in darker times, it can help imagine the way to brighter days.

In this episode, World Anvil’s Janet Forbes interviews Trent and Stephen about writing hopeful (but evidence-based!) speculative fiction. The trio discusses The Worldbuilding Workshop and how worldbuilding methodology can help untangle and demystify large contemporary social problems.

Episode References:

  • Hergenrader, T. & Slota, S. (2025). The worldbuilding workshop: Teaching critical thinking and empathy through world modeling, simulation, and play. The MIT Press.

  • Hergenrader, T. (2019). Collaborative worldbuilding for writers and gamers. Bloomsbury Academic.

  • Young, M. F., Slota, S. T., Cutter, A., Jalette, G., Mullin, G., Lai, B., Simeoni, Z., Tran, M., & Yukhymenko, M. (2012). Our princess is in another castle: A review of trends in serious gaming for education. Review of Educational Research, 82(1), 61-89. doi: 10.3102/0034654312436980

  • Atwood, M. (1986). The handmaid’s tale. Random House.

  • Le Guin, U. K. (1974). The dispossessed: An ambiguous utopia. Harper & Row.

  • Robinson, K. S. (2020). Three Californias: The wild shore, The gold coast, and Pacific edge. Tor Books.

  • Collins, S. (2014). The hunger games trilogy. Scholastic.

  • Gilroy, T. (Executive Producer). (2022–2025). Andor [TV series]. Lucasfilm; Disney+.

  • Lucas, G. (Director). (1977). Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope [Film]. Lucasfilm; 20th Century Fox.

  • Härenstam, T. (2020). Vaesen: Nordic horror roleplaying [Tabletop game]. Free League Publishing.

  • Nintendo. (2020). Animal Crossing: New Horizons [Video game]. Nintendo.

  • Barone, E. (2016). Stardew valley [Video game]. ConcernedApe.

  • Naughty Dog. (2013). The Last of Us [Video game]. Sony Computer Entertainment.

  • Wizards of the Coast. (2014). Dungeons & dragons player’s handbook (5th ed.) [Tabletop game]. Wizards of the Coast.

  • Martin, G. R. R. (1996–2011). A Song of Ice and Fire (Vols. 1–5). HarperVoyager.

  • Martin, G. R. R. (2018). Fire & blood (1st ed.). Bantam Books.

  • Benioff, D., Weiss, D. B., Strauss, C., Doelger, F., Caulfield, B., Cogman, B., Sapochnik, M., & Nutter, D. (Executive Producers). (2011–2019). Game of thrones [TV series]. Home Box Office (HBO); Television 360; Grok! Television; Generator Entertainment; Startling Television; Bighead Littlehead.

  • Gilligan, V. (Creator). (2008–2013). Breaking Bad [TV series]. Sony Pictures Television.

  • Gilligan, V. & Gould, P. (Executive Producers). (2015–2022). Better Call Saul [TV series]. High Bridge Productions; Crystal Diner Productions; Gran Via Productions; Sony Pictures Television.

  • Del Toro, G. (Executive Producer). (2022). Cabinet of Curiosities [TV series]. Double Dare You Productions; Netflix.

  • Flanagan, M. (Executive Producer). (2018). The haunting of hill house [TV series]. Amblin Television; Paramount Television; Intrepid Pictures.

  • Conrad, S. (Creator). (2026). DTF St. Louis [TV miniseries]. Aggregate Films; Bravo Axolotl; Escape Artists; MGM Television; HBO.

  • Schoenbrun, J. (Director). (2024). I saw the TV glow [Film]. A24; Fruit Tree; Smudge Films; Hypnic Jerk.

  • Sudeikis, J., Hunt, B., Kelly, J., Lawrence, B., & Wriston, J. (Executive Producers). (2020–2023). Ted Lasso [TV series]. Apple Inc.; Warner Bros. Television.

  • Tolkien, J. R. R. (1954-1955). The Lord of the Rings. Allen & Unwin.

  • Campbell, J. (1949). The hero with a thousand faces. Pantheon Books.

  • Dick, P. K. (1969). Ubik. Doubleday & Co., Inc.

  • Epic Games. (2006). Gears of war [Video game]. Microsoft Game Studios.

  • Herbert, F. (1965). Dune. Chilton Books.

  • Cameron, J. (Director). (2009). Avatar [Film]. 20th Century Fox.

  • Costner, K. (Director). (1990). Dances with Wolves [Film]. Orion Pictures.

  • Miéville, C. (2000). Perdido street station. Macmillan.

  • Miéville, C. (2002). The scar. Del Rey/Ballantine Books.

  • Gilligan, V. (Creator). (2025–present). Plur1bus [TV series]. High Bridge Productions; Sony Pictures Television.

  • Siegel, D. (Director). (1956). Invasion of the Body Snatchers [Film]. Walter Wanger Productions.

  • Edwards, G. (Director). (2016). Rogue One: A Star Wars Story [Film]. Lucasfilm; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Stephen Slota
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EPISODE 24: STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL