The Writing Life

Willy Wonka: Aaron Goes on What Went Wrong

How do you turn a beloved but prickly children's book into a candy colored fever dream that outlives everyone who made it? Aaron is the guest on What Went Wrong, the fantastic, hit podcast unpacking the improbable origin story of a single movie. This time it's the 1971 classic, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Listen to more episodes of What Went Wrong wherever you get your podcasts. We're huge fans. https://www.whatwentwrongpod.com/ [https://www.whatwentwrongpod.com/] And if you've loved The Secret World of Roald Dahl, be the first to hear what's next!: https://www.listentoparallax.com/contact [https://www.listentoparallax.com/contact]   Follow "The Secret World of Roald Dahl": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretworldpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/secretworldpod/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecretWorldPod [https://www.youtube.com/@SecretWorldPod] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

(Bonus Episode) You Have Questions

Aaron answers your questions about Dahl and the show with the help of two extraordinary guests: writer Mark Harris on how to capture a complicated life, and the journalist who, decades ago, found himself alone with Dahl when the mask finally slipped.     Be the first to hear what's next: https://www.listentoparallax.com/contact [https://www.listentoparallax.com/contact]   Follow "The Secret World of Roald Dahl": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretworldpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/secretworldpod/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecretWorldPod [https://www.youtube.com/@SecretWorldPod] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

(Bonus Episode) Giant: A Conversation with Playwright Mark Rosenblatt

Mark Rosenblatt had never written a play before Giant, his portrait of Roald Dahl. Now it's the most talked about, best reviewed show on Broadway. Aaron sits down with Mark for a wide ranging conversation. Two writers who've spent a lot of time wrestling with the same complicated author, comparing notes.    Be the first to hear what's next: https://www.listentoparallax.com/contact [https://www.listentoparallax.com/contact]   Follow "The Secret World of Roald Dahl": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretworldpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/secretworldpod/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SecretWorldPod/ [https://www.facebook.com/SecretWorldPod/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecretWorldPod [https://www.youtube.com/@SecretWorldPod] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Writing Life

After all the adventures, all the struggles, all the discarded masks, Dahl finally discovers exactly who he's meant to be. Locked away in a small hut in an apple orchard, Dahl creates a ritual so precise and sacred that it borders on obsession. And decades after his death, his presence still looms over us. Featuring a conversation with an expert in children’s literature who knew Dahl personally.    Be the first to hear what's next: https://www.listentoparallax.com/contact [https://www.listentoparallax.com/contact]   Follow "The Secret World of Roald Dahl": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretworldpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/secretworldpod/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecretWorldPod [https://www.youtube.com/@SecretWorldPod]   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Adaptation

Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton, Wes Anderson, Robert Zemeckis, Quentin Tarantino. No other author’s work has attracted as many legendary filmmakers as Roald Dahl. Some adaptations become instant classics. Others crash and burn. And then there's the beloved film watched by millions every year that Dahl loathed. Featuring a conversation with NPR's David Bianculli, longtime critic for Fresh Air.    Be the first to hear what's next: https://www.listentoparallax.com/contact [https://www.listentoparallax.com/contact]   Follow "The Secret World of Roald Dahl": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretworldpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/secretworldpod/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecretWorldPod [https://www.youtube.com/@SecretWorldPod]   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.