Episode XII: Superheroes and Simulation Theory w/ Daryl Gregory

This week we talked with author, comic book writer, and fellow Chicagoland native Daryl Gregory. We discussed his upcoming novel “When We Were Real”, which takes place on a cross-country tour place seven years after the world was revealed to be a simulation. We also cover a variety of other topics including superheroes, sports teams, and sinus congestion.In our backstage segment we go more in depth on the implications of living in a simulation on free will, and discuss Kevin’s recent article “The Problem with Where Oaken Hearts Do Gather”.Thanks for listening!EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:0:12 - Introduction0:54 - Daryl’s story on sinus congestion “Free and Clear”4:54 - Daryl’s upcoming novel “When We Were Real”8:08 - Writing many different interpretations of living in a simulation12:24 - How to write stories filled with pop culture references14:57 - A want for insularity in popular culture18:56 - Getting deep into a really niche form of media can help you more broadly appreciate the format20:12 - Effects of the digital panopticon25:10 - Solipsism as a possible response to learning you live in a simulation26:45 - Solipsism as a defense mechanism for the inability to feel unique in today’s interconnected world29:49 - Being a writer is nice because you are inherently the best at writing from your own unique perspective31:58 - Experience with writing comics34:54 - Webcomics and the struggles of making it as an artist36:44 - Do writers and artists see any of the money from tv shows and movies made using their content?38:59 - Does the world need more superhero stories?40:15 - Is superhero media irony poisoned?44:55 - The romance in supporting a bad sports team48:00 - Food in Chicago49:20 - Conclusion and short story recommendation “I'm Not Disappointed Just Mad AKA the Heaviest Couch in the Known Universe”50:28 - Start of Synthesized Sunsets Backstage51:29 - Does the world being a simulation effect beliefs on free will?55:44 - “I don't know, Timmy, being God is a big responsibility” and infinitely stacked simulated universes58:11 - Possibility of learning your memories have all been faked 59:38 - Risks of creating clones of yourself1:02:32 - How would you deal with a copy of yourself1:04:54 - Discussing Kevin’s article (The Problem with "Where Oaken Hearts Do Gather)1:08:40 - Do the characters in “Where Oaken Hearts do Gather” feel distinct?1:14:25 - Regardless of our enjoyment we want to see more stories like "Where Oaken Hearts do Gather"1:16:17 - Conclusion and Kevin’s Recommendation “Nonstandard Candles” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit synthesizedsunsets.substack.com/subscribe