How can anthropology make a fantasy society feel more believable? Author and anthropologist Michael Kilman joins Richie Billing to explore taboos, myths, monsters and the structures that shape communities.
They discuss cause and effect in worldbuilding and how customs can create tension between characters. Michael draws on cross-cultural examples and his teaching to show why a culture is more than a list of decorative details.
His book Build Better Worlds, co-written with Kyra Wellstrom, extends these ideas to fiction, film and game design.
You’ll discover:
- What anthropology can add to a fantasy setting.How taboos and myths affect characters.Why social structures create story conflict.Questions to ask before inventing a culture.
If your world has interesting places but thin societies, this conversation offers a different way to build depth.
ABOUT MICHAEL KILMAN
Michael Kilman is an author, podcaster and anthropologist who co-wrote Build Better Worlds with Kyra Wellstrom.
GUEST AND RELATED LINKS
Visit Michael Kilman’s website
Explore Michael’s YouTube channel
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