PodcastsFictionThe Imagination Desk

The Imagination Desk

Center for Science and Imagination
The Imagination Desk
Latest episode

37 episodes

  • The Imagination Desk

    Brendan O'Connor

    2025/04/15 | 50 mins.
    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.
  • The Imagination Desk

    Aarathi Krishnan

    2025/04/08 | 49 mins.
    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.
  • The Imagination Desk

    Ken Liu

    2025/04/01 | 51 mins.
    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.
  • The Imagination Desk

    Taryn O'Neill & Tamara Krinsky

    2025/03/25 | 51 mins.
    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.
  • The Imagination Desk

    Ted Chiang

    2025/03/18 | 39 mins.
    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.

More Fiction podcasts

About The Imagination Desk

Imagination: everyone knows you need it to change the world, but nobody really knows how it works. In this podcast from Arizona State University, we chat with artists, writers, scientists and engineers to explore how imagination is viewed, valued, and practiced in their work.
Podcast website

Listen to The Imagination Desk, Jane Austen Stories and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features