The Worldbuilder's Tavern

The Worldbuilder's Tavern


Latest Episodes

2.1 Gendered Magic in Wheel of Time
October 04, 2023

Season Two is here! In this episode, we talk about the TV seriesWheel of Time, adapted from the novels by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. We chat about complex worldbuilding and how to distill it, why it doesn't matter if the show is different f

1.15 Gritty Storytelling in House of the Dragon
July 19, 2023

It's the Season One finale! In this episode, we talk aboutHouse of the Dragon, so be prepared for some dark and disturbing topics. Allison gives her top seven horrifying moments from the show, and we give some tips on how to write your own grimdark w

1.14 Open Worldbuilding in Tears of the Kingdom (with Jeni Chappelle)
July 05, 2023

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, telling information out of order, and how to write interesting puzzles. Jeni is an independent book edi

1.13 Horror and Narration Style in Annihilation
June 21, 2023

We discuss Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer in this episode! We talk about how weird it is, the unsettling narration style, and how to worldbuild according to genre. Intro and outro music: "The Tavern" by Michael Ghelfi Proprietor's Pick:

1.12 Subtle Worldbuilding in This is How You Lose the Time War
June 08, 2023

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 how to use worldbuilding as a backdrop and subtle ways to deliver worldbuilding in this week's

1.11 Worldbuilding Fun in the D&D Movie
May 24, 2023

What is worldbuilding without fat dragons, magicless bards, and birdfolk named Jarnathan? Join us for a discussion about the fun romp that is Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.And don't forget to vote on the topic of our finale episode! Will

1.10 Dystopia in The Hunger Games
May 10, 2023

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 books by Suzanne Collins) and argue about whether Snow could have ever been a good person. Intro and ou

1.9 Politics and Society in The Mandalorian
April 26, 2023

In this episode, we discuss season three ofThe Mandalorian. Hear us chat about the writing being more disjointed this season, the strange episode with Doctor Pershing that shows the world under the New Republic's wing, and the differing cultures of t

1.8 Familiar Worlds in The Mandalorian
April 12, 2023

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 Wars Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson Visit the Tavern:Twitter|T

1.7 Disability, Villainy, Magic, and Technology in Nimona
March 29, 2023

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: The Tea Dragon Society #1-3 by Kay ONeill (July 5, 2022) Visit the Tavern: Twitter | TikTok | Discord