Best Tove Jansson Podcasts (2024)

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Get Lit Episode 277: Tove Jansson 50:06

14d ago50:06

50:06

Send us a Text Message. We have a rather whimsical episode for you all this week as we cover author, illustrator, cartoonist, and artist Tove Jansson. Jansson is most popularly known as the creator of the Moomin characters, whose colorful world brought delight to readers around the globe. She had a unique voice that spoke through words, through art…

1
Get Lit Episode 280: Floyd Dell 48:13

6h ago48:13

48:13

Send us a Text Message. We take a summer trip to Provincetown, Massachusetts and other places across the United States to explore the legacy of novelist, journalist, playwright, and member of the Provincetown Players, Floyd Dell! Dell's work is often overshadowed by his other more famous contemporaries, including Eugene O'Neill, Susan Glaspell, Jac…

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Get Lit Episode 279: Ken Kesey 46:27

1h ago46:27

46:27

Send us a Text Message. We're featuring a listener request (thanks, Dad!) - Ken Kesey. Known for his novel 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', Kesey wrote many other works through various forms, including articles and stories over the course of his storied career. We explore the other jobs he had, the adventures he took in between (to prison and bey…

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Get Lit Episode 278: Ethel Payne 46:13

7d ago46:13

46:13

Send us a Text Message. We are delighted to feature Ethel Payne on Get Lit this week! Payne was known as the 'First Lady of the Black Press', a pioneering force in journalism who broke down barriers, created space for the voices of Black Americans, and became a problem for the White House in a truly rebellious way. Her journey takes us across the U…

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Get Lit Episode 276: Henrik Ibsen 53:49

21d ago53:49

53:49

Send us a Text Message. We're featuring a founding father this week! A founding father of modernist drama, that is: Henrik Ibsen. He is also our first Norwegian author, first 3-time Nobel prize nominee (not winner), and first author to use his own life experiences in his work (jk lol). This episode is a wild ride with stories, analysis, and a visit…

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6 Map of Memory - a talk with graffiti artist EGS 39:01

5d ago39:01

39:01

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a graffiti artist? How it is to live in anonymity as an artist, and how a graffiti artist regards creativity and the permanence of art that lives on public walls. Join us on an adventure into the imaginary world of EGS who will take you on a journey under the skin of the city. Discover the Republic…

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Get Lit Episode 275: Betty MacDonald 47:57

28d ago47:57

47:57

Send us a Text Message. We could all use a bit of magic in our lives these days, so join us for the most delightful episode about the wittiest, witchiest, wordsmith: Betty MacDonald! Known for her clever reflections in her autobiographies and her wonderful character, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, MacDonald is remembered as a unique voice in literature who he…

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Get Lit Episode 274: Emily Post 43:44

1M ago43:44

43:44

Send us a Text Message. 'According to Emily Post', she's the subject of our episode this week! We explore another version of 'literature', examining Emily's advice and articles on how best to handle any social situation. We discuss the role of etiquette, society, communication, and culture, along with the intersection of feminism amidst all of this…

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Get Lit Episode 273: Leo Tolstoy 56:25

1M ago56:25

56:25

Send us a Text Message. And he's here tonight, everybody! It's Leo Tolstoy! We examine the writing, life, and legacy of author and philosopher and radical thinker and failed farmer ? His contributions to writing and literature have changed not only how we write but also the way we think. We unpack some of the context around his work and the stories…

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Get Lit Episode 272: Mary De Morgan 48:37

2M ago48:37

48:37

Send us a Text Message. Steph & Jon are back to discuss Fairy Tale Legend, Mary De Morgan. Growing up in varied intellectual circumstances, De Morgan used her original fairy tales to critique the society she lived in. She wrote about gender roles, power, class, and of course, capitalism! Natural fodder for fairy tales, really. Join us this week to …

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Get Lit Episode 271: Theodore Dreiser 1:32:54

2M ago1:32:54

1:32:54

Send us a Text Message. We're joined by a very special guest host: Paige Zukauskas! Paige brings her knowledge and passion for Dreiser to this week's episode as we explore another mostly midwest author, discuss Sister Carrie, and track adventures across political and social ideologies! Dreiser wrote many groundbreaking novels but isn't often celebr…

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Get Lit Episode 270: Astrid Lindgren 55:12

2M ago55:12

55:12

Send us a Text Message. Jack takes over hosting this week for a delightful kick off episode to summer, covering the extraordinary author of Pippi Longstocking (among many other works): Astrid Lindgren! Her work varied in form and topics, but always focused on sharing truths with a deep sense of compassion and care. Follow us to Sweden as we map out…

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Bonus #5 Matt Miller 40:53

2M ago40:53

40:53

To round off our spring miniseason we've got a final (for now) look at The Spring Tune, with special guest Matt Miller, a poet and theatre maker. Matt's take on this story is fairly different from all the other takes we've heard so far! It's about smoking, doing the washing up, procrastination. We play a round of our unofficial but recurring game: …

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Get Lit Episode 269: Ben Jonson 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

Send us a Text Message. This week, we examine Shakespeare's contemporary and friend and rival? Ben Jonson! Jonson was a poet, playwright, and general scallywag who bounced back and forth between success and failure. His works are largely considered to be some of the best of the age, and while his stories may not be as well known as Shakespeare, his…

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Bonus #4 Martin Zaltz Austwick 1:07:21

2M ago1:07:21

1:07:21

This week we've got a special guest in to talk all about the music of Tove Jansson, and the game we talked about last week (Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley) AND the short story that kicked off this miniseason (the Spring Tune). Martin is a musician, a podcaster, a player of games, so he is ideal for all this! If you would like to listen along to th…

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Get Lit Episode 268: Dorothy Thompson 59:31

3M ago59:31

59:31

Send us a Text Message. Meet Dorothy Thompson! We've mentioned her in past episodes and are delighted to bring her story to you all. Thompson was a powerful speaker and writer, who had her own syndicated column for over a decade, a radio broadcast, and long legacy of calling out oppression. Her work during both World Wars and beyond offered a very …

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Bonus #3 Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley 58:02

2M ago58:02

58:02

We're popping in with something a little different for you this week, it's a video game review! That's right, we're almost topical! Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a beautiful, relaxing, not quite open world exploration of Moomin Valley through the eyes and musical instruments of Snufkin. We discuss the way it feels, the way it looks, the way it…

1
Get Lit Episode 267: Sherwood Anderson 51:32

3M ago51:32

51:32

Send us a Text Message. Join us to explore the legacy of Sherwood Anderson, an often overlooked American writer who explored the American landscape as it changed after the Victorian period. Anderson's writing reflected on culture, politics, and society and helped shape the careers of Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and others. His life took man…

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The Spring Tune 1:06:39

2M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

The crocuses are up, the cherry trees are in bloom, and Snufkin is tramping back to Moomin Valley - it must be time for our spring miniseries! We're kicking off with this beautiful, perfectly formed gem of a short story from the collection Tales from Moomin Valley. It's a story about creativity, inspiration, song writing, and how big you need to be…

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Get Lit Episode 266: Jamie Jones 1:02:16

3M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

Send us a Text Message. We have a Get Lit first this week: Jamie Jones, who first appeared on our Herman Melville Episode is back to discuss her book Rendered Obsolete! Steph and Jamie set sail through a conversation about this book, the whaling industry, climate change, and of course, Herman Melville. Join us for this delightful, insightful interv…

1
Get Lit Episode 265: John Muir 58:07

4M ago58:07

58:07

Send us a Text Message. This Earth Day, join us as we cover the legacy and life of environmental writer, activist, and general walking guy, John Muir! Muir advocated for the preservation of natural lands across the United States and traveled the country reporting, story telling, and learning more about the impact human beings have on the environmen…

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Get Lit Episode 264: The Literary Ladies of London (LIVE!) 1:16:40

4M ago1:16:40

1:16:40

Send us a Text Message. Recording from The Pile Bookstore in Berwyn, IL, we're delighted to bring you some fabulous adventures across time and London! Featuring the experiences of six different female authors, we examine this literary pilgrimage through the lens of these extraordinary ladies. Jon brings us some tea time trivialities and there's ple…

1
Episode 263: Sinclair Lewis 56:29

4M ago56:29

56:29

Send us a Text Message. It's our 5th birthday and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than with the legacy of Sinclair Lewis! And to have Dan Esquivel on as our guest host! Lewis was the first American author to win the Nobel Prize for literature, along with 1.5 (ish - we'll explain...) Pulitzer Prizes. He held up a mirror to American so…

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Get Lit Episode 262: Beckett Nororris Jr. (An April Fool's Day Special) 34:40

4M ago34:40

34:40

Send us a Text Message. Since we recorded on April Fool's Day, it seems only natural to pull a bit of a prank to get in the spirit of the thing! Steph and Jack whip up an episode about an entirely fake author who just happens to have lived a very similar life to host, Jon. He catches on... eventually... We share a list of literary pranksters and th…

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Get Lit Episode 261: Elizabeth von Arnim 1:05:24

5M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Send us a Text Message. This week, Jack takes over hosting to tell Jon about Elizabeth von Arnim! This British author led a very storied life that took her across the world. She wrote 22 novels, mostly anonymous during the course of her life and pulled from various creative concepts and personal sources to develop her original voice. Did we mention…

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Get Lit Episode 260: Margaret Fuller 47:14

5M ago47:14

47:14

Send us a Text Message. Women's History Month continues with Margaret Fuller! This extraordinary woman is considered by many to be the model of early feminist scholarship, writing about issues including independence, suffrage, and autonomy. Her work laid the foundation in many ways for other later thinkers during her time and today. She lived a pow…

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Get Lit Episode 259: Marianne Moore 49:21

5M ago49:21

49:21

Send us a Text Message. Our celebration of Women's History Month continues with Modernist poet Marianne Moore! Her life was varied and storied as she made her way from the the Midwest to the East Coast and through poetry, prose, and criticism. She surrounded herself with colorful characters as she explored the new landscape of American poetry, ment…

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Get Lit Episode 258: Eva Ibbotson 35:28

5M ago35:28

35:28

Send us a Text Message. Eva Ibbotson kicks off our celebration of Women's History Month! Ibbotson escaped the Nazi occupation, worked as a translator, and published her first novel at the age of 50! She shakes the conventions of the 'traditional' author path and forged her own way forward in the world of literature. She was known for her cheeky, wi…

1
Get Lit Episode 257: Chester Himes 47:03

6M ago47:03

47:03

Send us a Text Message. Meet the extraordinary author behind the Black detective novel genre, Chester Himes! Himes lived a very colorful life that informed his work and his perspectives. He worked actively to combat racism and lived courageously, never afraid to start over or change course. His legacy transcends genres, continents, and time.…

1
Get Lit Episode 256: Dr. Anna J. Cooper 40:44

6M ago40:44

40:44

Send us a Text Message. This week, join us to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Anna J. Cooper! Cooper was an extraordinary activist, educator, author, speaker, and philosopher who made a significant difference in the lives of every community she was part of. Her legacy extends beyond her written work, but lives on in all of those she taught and those w…

1
Get Lit Episode 255: A Literary History of Valentine's Day 51:04

6M ago51:04

51:04

Send us a Text Message. It's a Valentine's Day Special! We're exploring the literary ties to Valentine's Day dating all the way back to the 1300's! We cover Geoffrey Chaucer's contributions to the holiday, the origins of the Valentine's Day card, some strange Victorian love poetry, vinegar valentines, the language of flowers, and more! Regardless o…

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Get Lit Episode 254: Pauline Hopkins 50:50

6M ago50:50

50:50

Send us a Text Message. This week, Jon reports on Pauline Hopkins, a essential Black author whose legacy has gone largely neglected. She was a prolific activist, advocate, and author. She wrote in multiple genres including novels, short stories, plays and musicals, articles, and more to help bring an empathetic light to the lives of the communities…

1
Get Lit Episode 253: Mary Oliver (Revisited) 1:06:21

6M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Send us a Text Message. On this week's episode, to honor the 5th anniversary of Mary Oliver's death, we revisit her remarkable life. Oliver's poetry reflected an exquisite relationship with the natural world and the spiritual one, simultaneously challenging and celebratory. Her words have inspired generations of readers to spend time examining thei…

1
Get Lit Episode 252 (LIVE!): Upton Sinclair 56:10

7M ago56:10

56:10

Send us a Text Message. This week, we're coming to you LIVE from Sandmeyer's Bookstore in downtown Chicago! We're bringing you the biography of Upton Sinclair who used his pen to join and inspire the revolutions that echoed around the world during his lifetime. We round out this episode with a delightful trivia game that will help open up all kinds…

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Get Lit Episode 251: Ezra Jack Keats 43:29

7M ago43:29

43:29

Send us a Text Message. In celebration of the very snowy Midwestern day, we're honoring the pioneering legacy of Ezra Jack Keats! Keats was a renowned author and illustrator of dozens of children's books, perhaps most notably, The Snowy Day. He worked to ensure his books featured children from all backgrounds, as they deserved to see themselves: as…

1
Get Lit Episode 250: Katherine Mansfield 41:02

7M ago41:02

41:02

Send us a Text Message. This week, we're featuring Katherine Mansfield, a globe-trotting writer from New Zealand with an incredible legacy. Her work was as vibrant as her writing, and her authentic sense of self inspired those around her and future generations. Jon is also here to provide some gentle parenting advice!…

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Get Lit Episode 249: Harriet Monroe 1:03:46

7M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

Send us a Text Message. Happy 2024! We're kicking off this new year with Chicago poet and the Defender of the American poet and the art form: Harriet Monroe! Monroe used her power and position to secure the value of poetry in American culture, while also supporting the careers of dozens of iconic poets. Establishing what we now know as Poetry Magaz…

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Get Lit Episode 248: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 53:28

8M ago53:28

53:28

Send us a Text Message. Just in time for the New Year, we're featuring an author who might inspire us to chase new dreams and adventures: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry! de Saint-Exupéry wrote, most famously, The Little Prince! His other novels and journalistic work covers aviation and adventure from all angles. His work shaped generations of old and you…

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The Fir Tree 1:15:19

7M ago1:15:19

1:15:19

We're wrapping up this year on the Podgoblin's Hat with Tove's Christmas offering: The Fir Tree. It's got everything you want from a Christmas story: the light and the dark, the fear and the wonder. There's even a little cameo from the Moomin family gun. We chat about different translations of this story, we exchange presents and talk at length abo…

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Get Lit Presents: A Christmas Carol - Stave Five 14:01

8M ago14:01

14:01

Send us a Text Message. We're delighted to present our first audiobook recording! Join Steph, Jon, Jack, and other special guests as we read Charles Dickens classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol'. We'll be releasing a new stave each Friday in December. Listen along, or save it all for a big listen on Christmas! No humbug about it!…

1
Get Lit Presents: A Christmas Carol - Stave Four 32:13

8M ago32:13

32:13

Send us a Text Message. We're delighted to present our first audiobook recording! Join Steph, Jon, Jack, and other special guests as we read Charles Dickens classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol'. We'll be releasing a new stave each Friday in December. Listen along, or save it all for a big listen on Christmas! No humbug about it!…

1
Get Lit Episode 247: Betty Smith 48:31

8M ago48:31

48:31

Send us a Text Message. We don't have to go out on a limb to say that you're in for a real tree-t this week! We're featuring Betty Smith, author of 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,' among many other plays, novels, and articles! You won't be-leaf some of the stories we're going to share, but they all stem from her extraordinary life! So, branch out and le…

1
Moominland Midwinter (part 2) 1:37:32

8M ago1:37:32

1:37:32

We're wrapping up Moominland Midwinter this week, and despite being only three chapters, it's 70% of the words in this book, so do strap in for a mammoth episode. There's a whole raft of new characters: the lonely and the rum, a flock of small creep, a very melancholy dog and a jock Hemulen. Misunderstandings and unrequited longings abound. Moomint…

1
Get Lit Presents: A Christmas Carol - Stave Three 50:28

8M ago50:28

50:28

Send us a Text Message. We're delighted to present our first audiobook recording! Join Steph, Jon, Jack, and other special guests as we read Charles Dickens classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol'. We'll be releasing a new stave each Friday in December. Listen along, or save it all for a big listen on Christmas! No humbug about it!…

1
Get Lit Episode 246: Charles Dickens & The Writing of A Christmas Carol 49:27

8M ago49:27

49:27

Send us a Text Message. Inspired by the release of our audiobook, we're taking a deep dive into Charles Dickens' process writing A Christmas Carol this week! Learn more about the context of the time in which the book was written, why it was written, and the legacy it leaves 180 years later! If you love this classic, you'll love this episode! If not…

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Moominland Midwinter (part 1) 1:25:13

8M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Welcome to series 3! We're back with a banger: Moominland Midwinter. Nina has had this book hyped up by everyone who knows she's doing this podcast, and despite all the hype it doesn't disappoint. In this first half of the book, the unthinkable happens: Moomintroll awakes from his hibernation and finds himself alone in a world of winter. It is as i…

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Get Lit Presents: A Christmas Carol - Stave Two 36:29

8M ago36:29

36:29

Send us a Text Message. We're delighted to present our first audiobook recording! Join Steph, Jon, Jack, and other special guests as we read Charles Dickens classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol'. We'll be releasing a new stave each Friday in December. Listen along, or save it all for a big listen on Christmas! No humbug about it!…

1
Get Lit Episode 245: Nellie Bly 49:27

8M ago49:27

49:27

Send us a Text Message. This week, we're covering the miraculous Nellie Bly! An exceptional journalist who traveled the world (in less than 80 days!), Bly used her skills to help change the lives of women, working class people, children, and other marginalized folks. She was a tireless advocate and the definition of 'courageous'. Join us in explori…

1
Get Lit Presents: A Christmas Carol - Stave One 40:01

8M ago40:01

40:01

Send us a Text Message. We're delighted to present our first audiobook recording! Join Steph, Jon, Jack, and other special guests as we read Charles Dickens classic novel, 'A Christmas Carol'. We'll be releasing a new stave each Friday in December. Listen along, or save it all for a big listen on Christmas! No humbug about it!…

1
Get a Little Lit Episode 7: Stunt Girls 20:45

9M ago20:45

20:45

Send us a Text Message. This month, learn about the extraordinary women who revolutionized journalism and women's roles in print: The Stunt Girls. These journalists went undercover to uncover the corruption in government agencies, schools, hospitals and more, putting their lives at risk to effect change. This is a little episode that covers women w…

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