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Artwork for The Messy Truth

The Messy Truth - Conversations on Photography

Gem Fletcher
Photography
Artistic Collaboration
Motherhood
Identity
Photography Curation
Abortion Care
Art
Community
Environmental Justice
Portraiture
Vulnerability
Creative Process
Gender Issues
Imposter Syndrome
Art and Activism
Feminist Care Networks
Roe V. Wade
Reproductive Rights
Lou Stoppard
Annie Ernaux

Photo Director Gem Fletcher hosts The Messy Truth, a podcast dedicated to the world of contemporary photography featuring exclusive interviews with emerging and leading artists, curators and critics. Listen in to these candid conversations that unpack photography and why it connects us all in such transformational ways. Follow Gem’s Instagram @gemfletcher for images of photographs discussed in eac... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes108Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Visual ArtsArts

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Artwork for The Messy Truth

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Gem Fletcher talks to Daniel Shea about his latest book, Distribution which began with a simple question: how do you photograph a forest?  In this roving conversation they explore the genesis of Distribution while discussing everythi... more

In this episode, Gem Fletcher talks to Amelia Abraham about her latest book, Sex, Clubs, Dissent: Visualising Queer Nightlife, where she crafts an expansive visual exploration of queer nightlife in all its many iterations. The book is a love letter t... more

In this episode, Gem Fletcher talks to Ahndraya Parlato about her latest book, TIME TO KILL an interrogation of gendered aging, unpacking the ideals of beauty, caretaking, and maternal and domestic duty imposed on women over the course of their lives... more

In this episode, Gem Fletcher talks to Chieska Fortune Smith about her journey through photography and the role of collective learning in her practice. She came to photography through Flickr, the social media platform which earnestly engaged so many ... more

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Recent Guests

Amelia Abraham
Journalist and author
London-based journalist and author
Episode: Amelia Abraham - On Sex, Clubs and Dissent
Ahndraya Parlato
Artist and writer based in New York
Episode: Ahndraya Parlato - On the Inbetween
Chieska Fortune Smith
Photographer with Japanese-African American heritage; discussed her upbringing, collective learning and mentorship
Freelance photographer (clients include Days, Burberry, Dior, Sixteen Journal, Twin Magazine, Wallpaper)
Episode: Chieska Fortune Smith - On Collective Learning
Kathy Ryan
Former Director of Photography at The New York Times Magazine, now an artist, curator, and educator.
Episode: Between Two Worlds - On Future Storytelling with Kathy Ryan
Gideon Jacobs
New York-based writer contributing fiction and non-fiction to various publications
Episode: Gideon Jacobs - On Images
Lisa Barnard
A British artist whose photography focuses on real events and explores technological progress and ecological issues.
University of South Wales
Episode: Lisa Barnard - On Perception
Charlotte Jansen
Writer, bookmaker, and curator based in London.
Episode: Charlotte Jansen - On Discovery
Amak Mahmoodian
Bristol-based artist working with photography, text, video, and drawing.
University of West England
Episode: Amak Mahmoodian - On Dreaming
Paul Kooiker
Award-winning artist based in Amsterdam
Episode: Paul Kooiker - On the Archive

Host

Gem Fletcher
Host and lead interviewer with a focus on contemporary photography and critical discourse.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 358 ratings
  • Necessary

    Learning a lot. Im a 30 year old obsessed photographer who imagines myself sticking with this medium for a long time. These conversations are crucial for someone like me to think critically about what we do, the impact we can have, and the future of photography.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JordonHon
    Canada5 months ago
  • Kooiker

    Wonderful interview by Gem that provides an excellent insight from Kooiker into the approach to his photographic practice. Very honest, sincere and inspiring words.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BIP2024
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Enjoyable Photography chats

    Extremely knowledgeable host with very interesting guests. I think it will appeal to those in the photo world and people with a general interest in the creative process. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mr. S. Rose
    United Statesa year ago
  • Thoughtful, fresh and great guests

    Really glad I cam across your podcast. A few episodes in and already your episodes have kept me going whilst in the studio. Great studio-making listening. Photography content giving me confidence to just keep going and exploring.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Femmeartdesire
    Australia3 years ago
  • thank you, Gem!

    I regretfully didn’t have the opportunity to study photography for my college degree, despite knowing that this is what I’ve always wanted to do. I graduated feeling like I’d missed out on my biggest opportunity to learn about so many facets of image making, leaving my knowledge of the practice with so many gaps that I felt I could never cross.

    Gem’s well-curated roster of guests and their incredibly insightful, wise discussion of photography has been a huge lifeline for me during such an unce... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mariel Wiley
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The host is seen as a thoughtful, skilled interviewer who draws rich, candid insights from guests.
Episodes are valued for their open, accessible exploration of complex topics in photography and visual culture.
Listeners praise the thoughtful, honest conversations that deepen understanding of photography.
Guests frequently described as honest and inspiring, with insightful practice-based discussions.
Audience finds the series a vital, under-told resource for learning about contemporary photography and its impact.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#82
United States/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#31
United Kingdom/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#53
Canada/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#230
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#78
Australia/Arts/Visual Arts
Apple Podcasts
#99
France/Arts/Visual Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Amelia Abraham - On Sex, Clubs and Dissent
Q: What was your research process like doing this, especially given ideas dating back to 2019?
She explains a phased, interview-driven, and archival approach, balancing a broad field with a focused selection of contributors, and how practical constraints shaped a non-chronological, experiential structure that mimics a night out.
Amelia Abraham - On Sex, Clubs and Dissent
Q: Before we talk about your latest book, I wanted to ask you how you get curious about things and what drives your impulse to do the work that you do.
Abraham describes a long-standing interest in nightlife, subcultures, and the changing political and social landscape around queer communities, which motivates her to explore the visual history through photography and writing.
Ahndraya Parlato - On the Inbetween
Q: You're ready for quick-fire—how do you deal with self-doubt?
I don't doubt my art making much; doubt often lives in other aspects of life, while in art I rely on a sense of Fidelity to the project.
Ahndraya Parlato - On the Inbetween
Q: You found your collaborators on Craigslist, right?
Many collaborators came to me during a period of transition, and the mutual desire to be seen created a productive, intimate dynamic in shoots.
Ahndraya Parlato - On the Inbetween
Q: I wanted to ask you about your interest in the in-between, which you may phrase in a different way.
The in-between is a guiding principle of my work; it animates how I combine image and text to explore ambiguity and multiplicity rather than fixed answers.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Professions
Age Range
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Messy Truth

What is The Messy Truth about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Insightful conversations with leading and emerging figures in photography, focusing on how image making intersects with identity, society, technology, and storytelling. Episodes frequently explore mentorship, collaboration, ethics, and the evolving role of photography in culture, from documentary impulses to personal and political expression. The format tends to blend personal history with practical craft, offering actionable ideas for photographers, editors, and curators while highlighting contemporary voices shaping the field. A notable strength is its willingness to tackle timely topics—gender, race, representation, AI, and the politics of image-making—through candid, thoughtful dialogue.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Messy Truth?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Messy Truth:

1. PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf - Photography Podcast
2. The Art Angle
3. Talk Art
4. Dialogues: The David Zwirner Podcast
5. A Small Voice: Conversations with photographers and filmmakers

How many episodes of The Messy Truth are there?

The Messy Truth launched 7 years ago and published 108 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Messy Truth?

Recent guests on The Messy Truth include:

1. Amelia Abraham
2. Ahndraya Parlato
3. Chieska Fortune Smith
4. Kathy Ryan
5. Gideon Jacobs
6. Lisa Barnard
7. Charlotte Jansen
8. Amak Mahmoodian

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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