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The Secret World of Roald Dahl

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Roald Dahl
Walt Disney
Alfred Hitchcock
Hollywood
James Bond
MI6
Harry Truman
Roosevelt
The Gremlins
You Only Live Twice
Patricia Neal
Charlie Chaplin
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
World War II
Gary Cooper
Eleanor Roosevelt
Childhood Trauma
Censorship
Biography
Antisemitism

You know Roald Dahl as the writer who thought up Willy Wonka, Matilda, and the BFG. But did you know he was also a spy? "The Secret World of Roald Dahl" is a wild journey through the hidden chapters of his extraordinary, controversial life. How did this secret agent and struggling screenwriter wind up as the most successful children’s author ever? And what darkness from his covert past seeped into... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes13Founded5 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistorySociety & CultureDocumentary

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Artwork for The Secret World of Roald Dahl

Latest Episodes

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.... more

YouTube

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 wrest... more

YouTube

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 d... more

YouTube

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 th... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Michael Corrin
Anglican priest and author of 20 books; journalist who interviewed Dahl about antisemitism
Independent journalist / Anglican priest
Episode: (Bonus Episode) You Have Questions
Steve Israel
Former U.S. Congress member and bookstore owner
Theodore's Books
Episode: (Bonus Episode) You Have Questions
Katie Langley
Education professional
Episode: (Bonus Episode) You Have Questions
Mark Harris
Biographer and author
Author of Mike Nichols, A Life
Episode: (Bonus Episode) You Have Questions
Devon Fontecheo
Seventh-grade student (questioner)
Education
Episode: (Bonus Episode) You Have Questions
Mark West
English professor and expert on children's literature
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Episode: The Writing Life
Peter Wallace
Interviewer featured in archival material about Dahl
Episode: The Writing Life
Jesse Stern
TV writer and Dahl admirer, author of My Uncle Oswald discussions
Independent writer/producer
Episode: The Writing Life
David Bianculli
TV critic and expert on Dahl adaptations
NPR / Fresh Air / Rowan University
Episode: Adaptation

Host

Aaron Tracy
Host and creator of the series, with roles in production and writing across multiple affiliated studios and networks.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.8k ratings
  • WOOF WOOF BARK LAAA LAAAA LAAAAAAA

    I really really wanted to listen to this series from start to finish but I have given up.

    The unnecessary background music is distracting and annoying.

    It’s the aural equivalent of hundreds of flashing adverts popping up.

    It’s as if I was reading a book in a peaceful garden on a summer’s afternoon and next door’s dog was barking, their children were screaming and a chainsaw was happily hacking through the fence.

    Absolutely no need. Why on earth can’t we simply have words to listen to and foc... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Embercet
    United Kingdom9 days ago
  • Loved this !!

    Excellent podcast. Having Dahl such a force in my life at such an early age made this even more interesting. Thank you for this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CitizenZero33
    United States11 days ago
  • Love

    Love this podcast it is so interesting

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tatum Boyle
    United States14 days ago
  • Fantastic listen

    As a former elementary school teacher, who read many of Dahl’s works to kids, I found this podcast well written and informative. Highly recommended to educators and parents.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    former educator
    United States15 days ago
  • Unfortunately an ad vehicle

    I‘d give more stars, but the ratio of content to advertisement is one of the most American phenomena I have ever experienced in a podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    ZeitZeitZeit
    Germany17 days ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the show's thorough research and high production quality.
Some listeners note audio or pacing choices can be polarizing, but overall quality remains high.
Guests and perspectives are varied, offering thoughtful ethical discussions about controversial topics.
Fans appreciate deep dives into Dahl's life beyond his children's books and the nuanced look at art vs. artist debates.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

(Bonus Episode) You Have Questions
Q: If Dahl were listening today, what would he be most proud of, and what would absolutely enrage him?
Aaron and guests discuss the tension between Dahl's literary genius and his prejudiced views, noting that the answer depends on which aspect of his life and work is prioritized, with some suggesting pride in his storytelling while others emphasize accountability for his bigotry.
The Writing Life
Q: How did Dahl's experiences shape the way his books treat agency in young characters?
Experts suggest Dahl deliberately gave child protagonists more power and wit, allowing them to outsmart adults and drive plots, which helped redefine what children's literature could accomplish.
Adaptation
Q: What did Manuel Betancourt say about Dahl's relationship with the Gene Wilder film and its lasting impact?
Betancourt suggests that Dahl disliked the Gene Wilder version because its focus on Wonka altered the narrative that Dahl envisioned, yet paradoxically this disowned adaptation contributed to the film's iconic status and highlighted the tension between authorial intent and cinematic interpretation.
Adaptation
Q: What did David Bianculli think about the most famous Dahl adaptation and how it compared across directors?
Bianculli argues that Hitchcock's and Wes Anderson's collaborations with Dahl retained the essential tone and precision of Dahl's writing, whereas Tarantino's version missed the balance between suspense and Dahl's voice, leading to a less faithful adaptation.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Secret World of Roald Dahl

What is The Secret World of Roald Dahl about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A detailed, narrative-driven series that revisits Roald Dahl's life beyond the famous children's books, blending biography with literary analysis and ethical questions. Episodes explore how his wartime experiences, espionage past, and public controversies shaped his storytelling, reception, and legacy—often featuring scholars, critics, and biographers who contextualize his work within wider cultural and moral debates. The show is notable for its thorough archival research, high production quality, and its willingness to tackle difficult topics like antisemitism, censorship, and the tension between art and artist. This combination of rigorous scholarship, bold storytelling, and complex legacy makes it a compelling pick for listeners who love... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Secret World of Roald Dahl?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Secret World of Roald Dahl:

1. Focus: Adults in the Room
2. The Idiot
3. Love Trapped
4. This American Life
5. Jacob Reed and Me

How many episodes of The Secret World of Roald Dahl are there?

The Secret World of Roald Dahl launched 5 months ago and published 13 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 Secret World of Roald Dahl?

Recent guests on The Secret World of Roald Dahl include:

1. Michael Corrin
2. Steve Israel
3. Katie Langley
4. Mark Harris
5. Devon Fontecheo
6. Mark West
7. Peter Wallace
8. Jesse Stern

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