Exolore: facts-based fictional worldbuilding
Have you ever wondered what life would be like on a planet different from our own, or how writers create your favorite fictional worlds? Well, wonder no more because we have the facts for you! Every other week, astrophysicist/folklorist Moiya McTier explores fictional worlds by building them with a panel of expert guests, interviewing professional worldbuilders, or reviewing the merits of worlds that have already been built. You'll learn, you'll laugh, and you'll gain an appreciation for how special our planet really is.
info_outline
Superhero Worlds with Eric Silver
04/25/2024
Superhero Worlds with Eric Silver
Moiya and fellow Multitudian Eric Silver discuss their favorite and least favorite Superhero worlds, plus best practices for building your own. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Eric Silver is a writer, podcaster, game designer, and head of development at Multitude Productions. Follow him on X at MESSAGES Sign up for Moiya's with Atlas Obscura Listen to every Tuesday HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of , an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/30959423
info_outline
Adapting stories with Victoria Male
04/11/2024
Adapting stories with Victoria Male
Moiya and writer Victoria Male talk about best pracices for adapting old stories into new versions and discuss their favorite/least favorite reboots. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Victoria Male is an award-winning writer and multimedia producer. Find her on IG at and learn more at her website MESSAGES Listen to every Monday HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of , an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/30766993
info_outline
World of curious leggy seahorses
03/28/2024
World of curious leggy seahorses
Moiya and astrobiologist Dr. Seven Rasmussen imagine life on some distant gas giant's moon. What they come up with is cute and curious and exceptionally weird. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST is a writer and astrobiologist whose debut science book LIFE IN SEVEN NUMBERS: THE DRAKE EQUATION REVEALED is expected in 2025. Follow her on twitter MESSAGES Listen to every Monday HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of , an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/30565563
info_outline
Book update bonus
03/14/2024
Book update bonus
Moiya's here with a little update on her second book, a history of invention written by the Greek Muses. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist MESSAGES Join the multicrew at HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of , an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/30360488
info_outline
World of the Original Humanoids
02/22/2024
World of the Original Humanoids
Moiya and neuroscientist Devon Collins build a homeworld for that species in sci-fi that spread its humanoid DNA around the galaxy. They end up being curious amphibious with grander memory palaces than you can imagine. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST is a neuroscientist and science communicator who studied drugs' effects on human brains. He works with and , two outreach/education initiatives in NYC. MESSAGES Listen to every Wednesday Sign up to support The Details of Our Escape at HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of , an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/30003943
info_outline
UNBOUND with Christy Healy
02/08/2024
UNBOUND with Christy Healy
Moiya talks with debut author Christy Healy about UNBOUND, an exciting new twist on Beauty and the Beast. They chat character creation, irish folklore, and whether Happily Ever Afters are really necessary just in time for V Day. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST is an English and Rhetoric professor, a teacher of classical languages, and author of the fantasy book . FOllow Chrity on instagram MESSAGES Listen to every Tuesday Sign up to support The Details of Our Escape at Take my with Atlas Obscura! HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of , an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/29811328
info_outline
Bioshock with Roux Bedrosian
01/25/2024
Bioshock with Roux Bedrosian
Moiya invites musician and writer Roux Bedrosian to gush about a world they love: the video game Bioshock! Long live Sander Cohen, the little sisters, and the big daddies! HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Roux Bedrosian is a musician, writer, and a multi-talented creator. Their website is and you can follow them on social @harleyroux MESSAGES Listen to Big Game Hunger every Monday Sign up to support The Details of Our Escape at Take my with Atlas Obscura! HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of , an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/29603393
info_outline
World of crafty beetles
01/11/2024
World of crafty beetles
Moiya invites game streamer Jenna Stoeber to imagine a world and it gets crafty fast! The Great Crafter invited some beetles to their word of yarn and glitter, and the rest is history. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Jenna Stoeber is a podcaster, twitch streamer, and internet personality. Find her on socials @thejenna or at this . MESSAGES Listen to every Monday HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of , an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/29437308
info_outline
World of colorful plenty
12/28/2023
World of colorful plenty
Moiya invites food sustainability expert Alice Guillaume to imagine a world without food inequities. What they come up with is bright, colorful, and spectacularly diverse for something so genetically similar. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Alice Guillaume manages the and . She’s passionate about building sustainable food initiatives to create a better world here on earth. MESSAGES Sign up for the to listen to the Multicrew Review, our new show from all the Multitude hosts about something they enjoy. HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of , an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/29208758
info_outline
Rerun: Building languages with Dr. Jessie Sams
12/14/2023
Rerun: Building languages with Dr. Jessie Sams
Moiya returns to her conversation about constructing languages. They talk mouth and nose shapes, the relevance of trees, and the brain-melting subject of sentence word order in different languages. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUESTS is a linguist and conlanger who has helped make languages for shows including Motherland: Fort Salem and Vampire Academy. MESSAGES Listen to every other THursday HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/29067608
info_outline
Rerun: Building a Three-Parent World
11/30/2023
Rerun: Building a Three-Parent World
A sociologist, a biologist, and an astrophysicist walk into a zoom room and discuss what it would be like if everyone had three parents. Here's a hint: it gets complicated real fast. We discuss speculative science, the difficulty of large collaborations, mating types, and ~bedroom activity~ HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUESTS Dr. Tamara van der Does is a computational sociologist who studies how environment shapes beliefs and identity. You can learn about her work on her website and follow her on twitter at . Dr. Albert Kao is a biologist who studies collective decision making. Learn about his work and his lab at and follow him on twitter at . MESSAGES Listen to every Friday Design your own mini statues at HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28847573
info_outline
Rerun: Building Cultures
11/16/2023
Rerun: Building Cultures
What does it take to build a fictional culture from scratch? How can you respectfully draw inspiration from real-world cultures? Two anthropologists join me to share their tips! HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUESTS Dr. Carole McGranahan is an anthropology professor at UC Boulder. You can follow her work on her . Liam Gleason is a PhD candidate in evolutionary anthropology at ASU. You can follow them on twitter at and stay up to date with their work at their . Liam also founded , which provides free digital illustrations of diverse anthropologists. MESSAGES Listen to every Wednesday Design your own mini statues at HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28660138
info_outline
Rerun: World of Migrating Spider Crocs
11/02/2023
Rerun: World of Migrating Spider Crocs
What causes seasons on Earth? Our planet's axial tilt! But what might life be like on a world with no tilt at all? HOSTED by Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUESTS Maureen Kahiu is a Masters student of plant sciences at Penn State with a focus on turf grass pathology. She also has experience working as a , a field dominated by men. You can follow Maureen on twitter at . Ferris Jabr is a science writer who has contributed to the New York Times and Scientific American. He's also currently writing a book about the coevolution of Earth and life! You can follow Ferris on twitter at and learn more about his work at SPONSORS Get high-quality puzzles at HOUSEKEEPING Listen to every Monday Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28484900
info_outline
World of compassionate feather squid
10/19/2023
World of compassionate feather squid
Moiya is joined by squid scientist Dr. Diana Li to imagine a marine world where everyone gets to find their own meaning of life... and it gives them magic powers! Did you know squid brains are shaped like donuts?!! HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Dr. Diana Li is a science communicator and public engagement expert who studied the neurophysiology and biomechanics of squid swimming. Follow her on social at and check out her website MESSAGES Listen to every Tuesday Design your own mini statues at HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28356992
info_outline
World of Grumpy Mutant Bony Crabs
10/05/2023
World of Grumpy Mutant Bony Crabs
Moiya is joined by lung scientist/cancer researcher Em Costa to imagine a world that is annoying, but not dangerous to its inhabitants. They end up creating a crabby species who need to be near each other, but complain about it all the time. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Em Costa is a lung scientist who studies genes related to cancer. She's also a trivia host and 1/3 of the team. HOUSEKEEPING Listen to Moiya's astronomy podcast every Monday Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28223348
info_outline
World of gentle capybaras
09/24/2023
World of gentle capybaras
Moiya is joined by bestselling author Alyssa Cole, who wanted to imagine a world inhabited by giant gentle rodents. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Alyssa Cole is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of romance and thrillers like When No One is Watching, An Extraordinary Union, and A Princess in Theory. SPONSORS Design your own mini statue at Get high-quality puzzles at HOUSEKEEPING Join the Multicrew at Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28126151
info_outline
World of water and magma whales
09/07/2023
World of water and magma whales
Moiya is joined by geneticist Dr. Alex Dainis to imagine a friendly world where life evolved two separate times. They talk DNA, folklore around food, crystals storing information, and wide-orbiting moons. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Dr. Alex is a geneticist and science communicator on all the platforms. Find her on social at and watch her new PBSDS show on PBS Terra! MIDBREAK Listen to every other Thursday HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087139
info_outline
Analyzing Janelle Monae's New Dawn
08/24/2023
Analyzing Janelle Monae's New Dawn
Moiya is joined by biochemist Dr. Anicca Harriot to discuss Janelle Monae's multi-media afrofuturistic worldbuilding. They talk about Monae's inspiration and New Dawn nuances, while mostly gushing about how talented Monae is. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Dr. Anicca Harriot is a biochemist, molecular biologist, and chief of community development at . Follow her at . MIDBREAK Join the Multicrew at HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087145
info_outline
World inside a brain
08/10/2023
World inside a brain
Moiya is joined by neuroscientist Dr. Paula Croxson for a trippy exercise where they imagine the "world" of an animal brain. It doesn't get as weird as you might expect. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Dr. Paula Croxson is a neuroscientist, storyteller, and science engagement expert. Learn about her work at or MIDBREAK Listen to from the American Chemical Society every other Wednesday Listen to every other Thursday HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087151
info_outline
World of Flipped Morality
07/27/2023
World of Flipped Morality
Moiya is joined by fantasy literature scholar Bezi Yohannes to imagine a brand new world where the meanings of light and dark are switched. Together they create magical slippery creatures who do all of their private acts in public. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Bezi Yohannes is a book reviewer, half of the team, and literal Black fantasy scholar. Find her online at MIDBREAK Listen to , new episodes every Wednesday HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087157
info_outline
Rerun: Building magic systems with C.R. Rowenson
07/13/2023
Rerun: Building magic systems with C.R. Rowenson
We're revisiting a fan favorite episode this week! Throwback Thursday to that time Moiya learned a process for building coherent and balanced magic systems. This turned out to be the first in a trio of episodes. After this, listen to and then where Clark comes back to put his process into practice on our homegrown world. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST C.R. Rowenson is a trained chemical engineer who's passionate about writing and building magic systems. You can follow him on twitter , find fantastic resources on his website , and check out his . MIDBREAK Listen to , new episodes every Tuesday HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087163
info_outline
Avatar the Last Airbender with Brittney Morris
06/29/2023
Avatar the Last Airbender with Brittney Morris
Moiya is joined by author Brittney Morris to break down the world of Avatar the Last Airbender! They talk about the in-world origin of bending, the real world martial arts that inspired bending moves, and why the live action movie was so terrible. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Brittney Morris is an award winning author of books including Slay and The Jump. Find her on twitter or on her website MIDBREAK Listen to my other podcast every Monday Listen to wherever you get your podcasts every other Wednesday This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Visit for 10% off your first month HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087169
info_outline
World of Musical Moons
06/15/2023
World of Musical Moons
Moiya is joined by biochemist Isaac Paddy to build a world inspired by his love of musicals and romcoms. They imagine a world full of singing amphibious creatures who live their lives according to the movement of their planet's six different moons. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Isaac Paddy is a biochemist in a PhD program at Stanford studying enzymes. Follow him on twitter at MIDBREAK Join the to access fun, exclusive perks like Head Heart Gut! HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087175
info_outline
World of Fuzzy Rolling Frogs
06/01/2023
World of Fuzzy Rolling Frogs
Moiya is joined by Em Meurer to imagine a world with elaborate funeral rituals. Together they create adorable creatures that roll around on bioluminescent moss and communicate emotions through smells. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Em Meurer is a graphic designer, book reviewer, and death communicator. Find her socials, book reviews, and Good Grief on her website MIDBREAK Discover new podcasts with specific episodes at Listen to wherever you get your podcasts every other Wednesday Help us out by filling out the ! HOUSEKEEPING Sign up for my with Atlas Obscura! Class starts June 5th Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087184
info_outline
Middle Earth with Connie Gibbs and Delia Gallegos
05/18/2023
Middle Earth with Connie Gibbs and Delia Gallegos
Moiya is joined by fellow nerds Connie Gibbs and Delia Gallegos to discuss the worldbuilding in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings! There is so much to unpack, from the creation of the world, origin of its magic, Tolkien's inspirations, and the little matter of having a FLAT WORLD! HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUESTS Connie Gibbs is a nerd, writer, and social media manager for Scholastic. Find her on twitter at . Delia Gallegos is a writer, speaker, and podcaster. Follow her work at and listen to her new podcast . MIDBREAK Listen to ! New episodes every Tuesday This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Visit for 10% off your first month Sign up for my with Atlas Obscura! Class starts June 5th HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087190
info_outline
World without internet
05/04/2023
World without internet
Moiya is joined by chemist Kiara Whittle to imagine a peaceful world where a special stone lets people communicate telepathically. This is one of the most earth-like worlds we've built on the show. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Kiara Whittle is a chemist and science communicator who is actively pursuing her masters in public health while working as a scientist making and testing products for a medical company. Follow her on instagram or on twitter MIDBREAK Listen to every other Thursday! This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Visit for 10% off your first month Sign up for my with Atlas Obscura! Class starts June 5th HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087193
info_outline
World of Glittery Mushroom Trees
04/20/2023
World of Glittery Mushroom Trees
Moiya is joined by cannabis researcher Dr. Brandie Cross and together they imagine a "weird and psychedelic" world full of mind-swapping trees and dragons who like to get high. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST is a biologist and cannabis researcher who founded , a research and development collaborative focused on the beneficial uses of the cannabis plant. SPONSORS Get a FREE .gay domain for a whole year at This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Visit for 10% off your first month HOUSEKEEPING Listen to every Friday! Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087202
info_outline
Maren Hunsberger breaks down Pern
04/06/2023
Maren Hunsberger breaks down Pern
Moiya is joined by microbiologist Maren Hunsberger to talk about the world from Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern series! They discuss the world's long timescale, the blurred line between sci-fi and fantasy, the importance of strong female leads, and how to write about bathing in your fiction. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Maren Hunsberger is a microbiologist, actor, podcaster, and science communicator. Find her and her work at SPONSORS Get a FREE .gay domain for a whole year at This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Visit for 10% off your first month HOUSEKEEPING Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087208
info_outline
World of Ice and Sand
03/23/2023
World of Ice and Sand
Moiya is joined by astrochemist Ashley Walker and together they imagine life on Saturn's moon Titan! Titan's thick atmosphere, ice caps, and methane lakes inspire them to imagine two related species who value family and HATE Martians. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Ashley Walker is an astrochemist getting her PhD at Howard University studying gas giant atmospheres. You can follow her on twitter at . MIDBREAK Join the Multicrew with its fresh new tiers at Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087214
info_outline
Verda Stello with Join the Party's Eric Silver
03/09/2023
Verda Stello with Join the Party's Eric Silver
Moiya invites game master Eric Silver to talk about the original world he built for Join the Party's third campaign. Three words: plant bug pirates! Eric shares his favorite details of the world and lots of great advice for anyone building a world for TTRPGs. HOSTED by Dr. Moiya McTier (), astrophysicist and folklorist GUEST Eric Silver is head of creative at Multitude Productions and the game master for their actual play podcast . Follow him on socials at @El_Silvero or visit his website SPONSORS This episode is sponsored by the .GAY domain. Get your domain free for one whole year at exolore.gay HOUSEKEEPING Listen to SPIRITS at or wherever you prefer to listen Order my book, THE MILKY WAY: BUY EXOLORE SWAG: FIND US ONLINE patreon: twitter: instagram: website: subreddit: CREDITS Music: Cover art: Stephen J. Reisig, Editing: Mischa Stanton, ABOUT US How would you like to swim in an ocean ruled by matriarchal squid, or fly over a planet as it rotates with a swarm of migrating wasps? No, it's not the latest VR craze (... yet); it's Exolore! Exolore helps you imagine other worlds with the help of facts and science. Every other week, host Dr. Moiya McTier invites experts to build a world from scratch or sits down with a fiction fan to dive deep into their favorite worlds. Every episode will make you laugh, go "huh?" and appreciate how special our world really is. Exolore is a member of Multitude Productions, an independent podcast collective and production studio.
/episode/index/show/d9b337f5-0cf5-407c-8e45-57e50de8dd89/id/28087220