In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Gilmore professor of philosophy and co-editor of The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism to explore how we experience fiction, art, and museums in ways that often blur the line between imagination and reality. We talk about why fictional stories can feel so emotionally true, and what’s happening in the brain and mind when we respond to imagined worlds. Jonathan shares how the same brain structures light up whether we're imagining lying on a beach or actually experiencing it, and how that overlap plays a big role in why fiction feels real.

We also discuss how museums have changed from elite spaces to more open, accessible places and how their evolving roles influence how we see culture and ourselves. Jonathan reflects on his early visits to the Cleveland Museum of Art, and how that helped spark his path into art and philosophy. Our conversation dives into the question of how narratives—from romantic comedies to sports fandom shape our beliefs, expectations, and even personal values. We touch on the idea of "kitsch" in popular art, and how fiction can both reflect and distort our ideas of love, identity, and what it means to live a meaningful life.

By the end, we examine the limitations and possibilities of art both random and structured—and how a richer understanding of history, context, and intention might help us not just appreciate art more, but also see more clearly how it affects the way we think and live.