Coming of Age Stories

14/11/2024

New episode!
I welcome back the wonderful Tom Christophersen (Tom Christophersen Creates) to talk about Ron Howard's documentary film 'Jim Henson: Idea Man'. We explore the life and career of Jim Henson, and along the way talk about what we sacrifice to make our art, the comparisons between Henson and David Lynch, and whether Disney+ and Ron Howard were the best people to tell this story. But also, how can you capture such a complex and creative man, a person who thought about opening a series of nightclubs, but then made Sesame Street instead?
Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

04/04/2024

🌟 NEW EPISODE 🌟
She's been at the top of the charts for over fifteen years, and currently is at the absolute peak of her fame and power. As someone who has documented her life in her work since she was a teenager, what the trajectory of Taylor Swift's career shows about growing up in the public eye, how a maturing perspective of relationships can be seen in her music, and explore why she has such an impact on young women in particular. I try to acknowledge the complexities as much as I can in thirty minutes! Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

25/02/2024

She's the megastar of the moment, particularly here in Australia as she sells out her concerts to screaming, crying fans. Love her, hate her or feel indifferent, there's no denying Taylor Swift has a hold on the world. But how do you go from a Shania Twain loving pr***en to a billionaire songstress? And what is it about her that resonates with teenage girls so specifically?
She's the topic of this month's episode, which will come out in the next couple of weeks. I confess it may be a little late as I am currently knee deep performing in the Adelaide Fringe, but it is coming soon!

01/02/2024

This month's bonus episode is out now for all Patreon subscribers! I continue talking to the incredible Tom Christophersen ( ) and they talk about their key influencers and experiences that led them to become the artist and adult they are today. We reminisce about primary school, talk about the importance of artistic expression for young people, and discuss being some of the only kids we know who had single parents. We also pored over our Year 7 yearbook, and dove into the Fab Friend File of the year 2000. (You can see photos here, as well as the original portrait Tom drew of me when we were about ten years old.) It's a ripping conversation, and available for just $5 a month when you sign up to my Patreon. You also get access to all my past and future bonus episodes. Sign up now at the link below:
https://www.patreon.com/WildeandDarling

28/01/2024

🌟 NEW EPISODE 🌟
I am so excited to share that this month, I talk to the talented, intelligent and passionate Tom Christophersen (Tom Christophersen Creates) about one of our seminal childhood films, the 1986 Jim Henson classic 'Labyrinth.'
Tom and I have known each other since kindergarten (see photographic evidence) and it was a joy to speak to them about, what we decided, is one of the greatest movies ever made.
Tom's love of this film can be traced back to childhood (again, see photographic evidence from our Year 7 yearbook) and this is basically two theatre kids fully nerding out.
We really get INTO IT in this episode. We talk about the incredible technical achievements in this movie, the magic of puppetry and practical events, and the underrated genius that is Jim Henson. Beyond that, we talk about this film as a q***r allegory, an extraordinary coming of age story, and an exploration of smashing the patriarchy. Topics of discussion also include the morbidity of kids movies from the 80s, David Bowie's clearly visible p***s, and the alternative universe where this movie stars Sting and Jane Krakowski.
You can find Tom's work at the link below and on social media.
Available now whenever you get your podcasts.
https://tomchristophersen.com

21/01/2024

Recording January's episode together with a special guest! So keen to talk about a seminal cult classic film, the magic of David Bowie, and the genius of Jim Henson.
Less keen on my dog having a go at this book when she was in her puppy phase...

23/12/2023

New episode!
In which I dig into the newest element of the Santa Claus story, and how a picture book and toy written by a mother/daughter team has become a global phenomenon. I discuss the history and origins of Elf on the Shelf, and explore some of the criticisms of it. Spoiler alert: this thing makes people MAD.
Available now whenever you get your podcasts.

20/12/2023

🌟 New Patreon bonus episode! 🌟
Actually, this month there are FIVE bonus episodes. Over the next few days in the lead up to Christmas, Patreon supporters can hear me reading 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. You'll get a chapter a day in your feed until the 25th.
You can sign up to be a Patreon at the link below.
Happy holidays everyone! May your Christmas Eve be free of ghosts. (Unless that's something you need.)
https://www.patreon.com/WildeandDarling

28/11/2023

✨ NEW EPISODE ✨
Most shows about teenagers heighten their world, make them more articulate, and give them plenty of exaggerated drama. In 1999, Paul Feig and Judd Apatow attempted to make a show that reflected the awkward, uncomfortable, yet hilariously fun reality of being an adolescent. It is brilliant, timeless, features an all star cast at the beginning of their careers, and widely regarded as one of the greatest shows of all time.
Too bad no one watched it when it was on.
Join me for a deep dive into "Freaks and Geeks", its origins, its struggles, and what makes it so special. Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

25/11/2023

Few things make it clearer that NBC did not know how to market this show than this absurd photo shoot.
A deep dive into one of the best teen shows of all time is coming this week.
Shout out if you know what it is.

01/11/2023

✨NEW EPISODE✨
That's right - after over a year, I am back! Just a little teaser to start on the origins of Halloween but starting in November there'll be new episodes monthly. I am so excited to be making these episodes again. Please subscribe on the podcast app of your choice, and you'll hear from me again soon!

23/01/2022

My little podcast reached 500 downloads this week! It's a reletively small milestone but for a project that has just six episodes, an inconsistent update schedule and a theme that is complex and broad, it feels incredible. Thank you to everyone who has listened and shared. There's more to come in 2022, and I am so excited to see what this little passion project can do.

18/01/2022

New episodes of my YouTube book series! To accompany the latest episode of the podcast, I am reading and discussing Peter Pan and Wendy. There's two videos out already covering the first four chapters. Check it out, if you feel so inclined.

Chapter 1 - Peter Breaks ThroughChapter 2 - The ShadowIn which we meet the Darling family, hear about Neverland, and talk about whether J.M. Barrie's ironic ...

09/01/2022

So thrilled to have this book arrive today to help with research on a future episode. Any guesses on the topic?

05/01/2022

New episode! This is one I've been planning since the beginning, and probably won't be the last on this particular tale. The episode focuses on the history of James Barrie's story, why I don't think Peter is the protagonist, and what it has to say about growing up. Available now in most podcast catchers.

04/01/2022

New episode coming soon...

23/11/2021

As I prepare to release a new episode soon, I've started a companion Coming of Age stories companion series on YouTube. Over the next few weeks, I'll be reading through some classic stories one chapter a week. I am beginning, fittingly, with A Christmas Carol. First chapter available now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BTGA6bPNIg&t=16s

In which Sarah reads the opening chapter of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, we are introduced to the man named Scrooge, and a door knocker takes an unusu...

13/06/2021

On the latest episode, illustrator Sylvia Morris talked about the magic that she feels when she's able to convey something that feels true and authentic.
I loved listening to her describe her work to me, and I hope you will too.
Episode 5 available now in most pod catchers.