The Imagination Desk

The conversation explores the role of imagination in problem-solving, playwriting, language, culture, and technology. It delves into the impact of imagination on identity, the planet, and ethical considerations in AI. The discussion also highlights the use of imagination in navigating difficult situations and the potential of imagination in shaping the future.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to human-AI interaction, imagination, and the impact of AI on human flourishing. It delves into the role of imagination in shaping AI interactions, the design of AI for human flourishing, and the ethical considerations of AI addiction and dependency. The conversation also explores the blurring boundaries of imagination and the need for a human...

The conversation explores the intersection of art and technology, the alchemy of language and creativity, the pitfalls of co-creating with AI, and the hopeful future of AI and imagination. It delves into the impact of generative AI on creative agency, the sublime and emergence of style in AI, and the importance of engaging with AI and imagination.

The conversation delves into the nature of imagination, its relationship with consciousness, perception, and society, and the impact of the digital age and external influences on imagination. It also explores the paradox of individual and collaborative imagination. The conversation explores the power of distributed reasoning, the nurturing of imagination and creativity, the role of imagination in...

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 connectio...

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 moti...

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 understand...

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 im...

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...

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, particul...

In this conversation, Ed Finn and renowned film producer, screenwriter, and media executive Walter Parkes (whose credits include  WarGames ,  Sneakers ,  Men in Black , and  Minority Report ) explore the relationship between imagination and storytelling, particularly in the realms of film and virtual reality (VR). Walter shares insights from his career in Hollywood, discussing how imagination serv...

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 Deb...

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 i s the author of the critically acclaimed Jackal, Jackal, a collection of eighteen dark and fantastic tales. Tobi has...

In this episode of Griots & Galaxies, Jenna and Chinelo sit down with I fa/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: Efunse...

In this episode of Griots & Galaxies, Chinelo sits down with award-winning author Temi Oh. In this conversation, Temi talks to us about neuroscience, corporate control, and how futures of AI technologies relate to histories of racism and colonialism.      Temi Oh wrote her first novel while studying for a BSci in Neuroscience. Her novel, Do You Dream of Terra-Two?, was published by Simon &...

In this episode of Griots & Galaxies, Yvette and Jenna sit down with award-winning author and editor Shingai Njeri Kagunda. In this conversatio n, Shingai talks to us about building community across the African diaspora, and challenges us to consider that taking African knowledges seriously means rethinking time itself.   Shingai Njeri Kagunda is an Afrosurrealist and Afrofuturist storyteller...

In this special episode of Griots & Galaxies, Yvette interviews her cohost, editor and author Chinelo Onwualu. Chinelo shares with us her experiences as cofounder of Omenana and a forerunner in African speculative fiction, and where she hopes to see the genre in the future.    Chinelo Onwualu is a Nigerian writer and editor living in Toronto. She's the nonfiction editor of Anathema Magazine, a...

In this episode of Griots & Galaxies, Jenna and Chinelo sit down with award-winning author Tlotlo Tsamaase. In this conversation, Tlotlo talks with us about queerness, the dead, and how African surrealist stories illuminate the politics of African urban landscapes.   Tlotlo Tsamaase is a Motswana author. Tlotlo's debut adult novel, Womb City, comes out in January 2024 from Erewhon Books. Xer n...

In this episode of Griots & Galaxies, Yvette & Jenna sit down with award-winning author and academic Suyi Davis Okungbowa. In this conversation, Suyi talks to us about godpunk, Stranger Things, and how to support African and other marginalized writers in the publishing industry.    Suyi Davies Okungbowa is a Nigerian author of fantasy, science fiction and general speculative work. He has p...

In this episode of Griots & Galaxies, Chinelo & Yvette sit down with USA Today bestselling author Kemi Ashing-Giwa. In this conversation, Kemi takes us to galaxies far, far away, reimagining the hero's journey through African-centered space opera.    Kemi Ashing-Giwa is the USA Today bestselling author of The Splinter in the Sky and the forthcoming novella This World Is Not Yours. She stud...

In this episode of Griots & Galaxies, Jenna & Chinelo sit down with author and editor Wole Talabi. In this conversation, Wole speaks about gods going on heists and how technologies hold the potential to bring us together in alternative histories and imagined futures.     Wole Talabi is an engineer, writer, and editor from Nigeria. He is the author of the novel SHIGIDI AND THE BRASS HEAD OF...

The Center for Science and the Imagination is proud to present the new podcast Griots & Galaxies! This is a ten episode series hosted by Jenna Hanchey, Chinelo Onwualu, and Yvette Lisa Ndlovu that explores the work of ten African speculative fiction authors and imagining new futures for the continent. Stay tuned for Episode 1 tomorrow, October 3rd.

  This episode of The Imagination Desk features Michael G. Bennett, a lawyer and legal scholar, scholar of science, technology and society, visual artist, and higher education leader. In this chat, we discuss different ways that artists use imagination, historically Black colleges and universities, and imagining Black futures.   Michael G. Bennett is the Director of Education Curriculum and Busine...

In this episode of The Imagination Desk, we sit down with science fiction and fantasy author Christopher Rowe to have a conversation about the relationship between imagination and faith, and how imagination influences our view of the universe.    Christopher Rowe is the author of the short story collection Telling the Map and, in 2022, the novel These Prisoning Hills. He co-writes The Supernormal...

In this episode of The Imagination Desk, we sit down with cultural producer, performer, and inclusion expert Claudia Alick. In this conversation, Claudia speaks about Black imagination and futures, and shares her perspectives on ways to create safer and more inclusive spaces for marginalized groups and communities.    Claudia Alick is a multimodal artist and changemaker who has written, directed,...