Best Maren Morgan Podcasts (2024)

1
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: Woman in Charge w/ Oscar-winning Director SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY 37:47

3d ago37:47

37:47

How can we free ourselves from fear and social barriers to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives? What does it take to overcome trauma and turn it into triumph, and failure into reinvention? How can we shine a light on the marginalized and misunderstood to create social change that transforms the lives of women? Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is an Osca…

1
#61 A World Made in the Image of the Left Hemisphere - A Discussion of The Master and His Emissary 1:00:50

14d ago1:00:50

1:00:50

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit deathinthegarden.substack.com On this episode of “Death in The Garden,” we discuss the incredibly fascinating, profound, and instructive book, The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World by Iain McGilchrist. Following a similar structure to the book…

1
Episode 53: Mischief in Pixie Hollow (Fairies in Media) 38:25

1M ago38:25

38:25

Join us this week as we discuss our favorite fairy-themed books and movies. We also reminisce on the nostalgia of the online Pixie Hollow game. Movies Mentioned: Tinker Bell (2008), Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure (2009), Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue (2010), Secret of the Wings (2012), The Pirate Fairy (2014), Tinker Bell and the Legend…

1
#60 Who Were the Luddites, and What Can We Learn from Them in the Age of A.I.? 45:09

1M ago45:09

45:09

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit deathinthegarden.substack.com On this episode of “Death in The Garden,” we discuss what we can learn from the Luddites and how the true meaning of what they stood for can be instructive for how we deal with the rise of A.I. and in our time. In addition to discussing the Luddites, we disc…

1
Episode 52: Mr. Bennet's #1 Dad Award (Pride and Prejudice) 38:03

1M ago38:03

38:03

Join us this week as we discuss Pride and Prejudice, its screen adaptations, and of course, the fabulous Mr. Darcy. Books Mentioned: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen, FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury, WALDEN by Henry David Thoreau, EMMA by Jane Austen Movies Mentioned: PRIDE & PREJUDICE (2005), PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES (2016), THE HUNGER GAM…

1
Episode 51: Pomegranate Stans (Hades and Persephone Retellings) 35:47

2M ago35:47

35:47

Join us this week as we talk about Hades and Persephone retellings and their enduring popularity across mediums. *Spoiler alert for the ending of Nancy Drew Labyrinth of Lies* Books Mentioned: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, A DEAL WITH THE ELF KING by Elise Kova, A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas, …

1
Remembering PAUL AUSTER - Writer, Director (1947-2024) 49:14

2M ago49:14

49:14

It is said that people never die until the last person says their name. In memory of the writer and director Paul Auster, who passed away this week, we're sharing this conversation we had back in 2017 after the publication of his novel 4 3 2 1. Auster reflects on his body of work, life, and creative process. Paul Auster was the bestselling author o…

1
Episode 50: All's Fair In Love and Poetry (Dissecting The Tortured Poets Department) 46:49

2M ago46:49

46:49

Join us this week as we talk about Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department, from both the Swiftie and non-Swiftie perspective, and how music serves as a mechanism for storytelling. We share our favorite songs and lyrics from the album, and what they mean for us. Artists Mentioned: Taylor Swift, Paris Paloma, Hayley Williams, My Chem…

1
There’s another side to every war. Satire, War & Hollywood - Co-creator DON McKELLAR on The Sympathizer 9:44

3M ago9:44

9:44

On casting Robert Downey Jr. in 4 Roles: "That was Park Chan-wook's idea early on. In the book, there are these sorts of male-white figures of the American establishment. They're all differentiated in the book, but he had the idea. What if we have one actor playing all the parts kind of like Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove and immediately we thoug…

1
DON McKELLAR on The Sympathizer with Hoa Xuande, Robert Downey Jr., Park Chan-wook 38:57

3M ago38:57

38:57

What are the stories we tell ourselves to justify our actions in times of war? How can the arts convey complexity and foster understanding? Don McKellar is a highly accomplished writer, director, and actor. He has written films including Roadkill, Highway 61, Dance Me Outside, The Red Violin, and Blindness. He won the Prix de la Jeunesse at the 198…

1
Do good deeds offset bad deeds? How do our families shape who we become?- Highlights - DAN FUTTERMAN & ADAM RAPP 11:07

3M ago11:07

11:07

"We ended on such a cliffhanger with Isaac presenting the wrench at the police station to Jeff Daniels' character. It allowed us to sort of start from a place of what's going to happen next? And I think because what is drawn in the novel and because of what Danny brought into the original script of the first season and all the ideas he brought in. …

1
Exploring American Rust: Broken Justice w/ DAN FUTTERMAN & ADAM RAPP - Award-winning Screenwriters/EPs 39:11

3M ago39:11

39:11

What role do the families we’re born into or the traumas we experience shape the people we become? Do good deeds offset bad deeds? How can the arts increase our capacity for empathy, understanding, and kindness? Dan Futterman is creator, executive producer, and writer of Amazon Prime's American Rust, the acclaimed crime drama starring Jeff Daniels,…

1
Episode 49: He Said, She Says (POV and Tense) 47:58

3M ago47:58

47:58

Join us this week as we talk about points of view and tense—and how it affects our writing and the stories we love. We also share some of our cringiest middle school shenanigans. Trigger Warning: Mention of a Holocaust-focused movie Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas, Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas, Crescent City S…

1
Consciousness, AI & Creativity with DUSTIN O’HALLORAN - Emmy Award-winning Composer 51:02

3M ago51:02

51:02

What will happen when Artificial General Intelligence arrives? What is the nature of consciousness? How are music and creativity pathways for reconnecting us to our humanity and the natural world? Dustin O’Halloran is a pianist and composer and member of the band A Winged Victory for the Sullen. Winner of a 2015 Emmy Award for his main title theme …

1
How can music help us expand our understanding of consciousness & AI? - Highlights - DUSTIN O’HALLORAN 51:08

3M ago51:08

51:08

"The film Lion, when we got involved, there was a pretty early cut. So it was about trying to get into the picture and what would really work with the scenes, but also to sometimes just put it away and just really get to the heart of the film, too, because there was a big overarching feeling to the film. The feeling of home and the feeling of being…

1
Episode 48: Feminine Whimsy (Our Favorite Female Main Characters) 42:21

3M ago42:21

42:21

Join us this week as we celebrate Women’s History month and chat about our favorite female characters! Morgan also tries to educate Maren on the Dune lore. Books Mentioned: SWORD CATCHER by Cassandra Clare; The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare; THE CRUEL PRINCE by Holly Black; THE STOLEN HEIR by Holly Black; TIDELANDS by Philippa Gregor…

1
Creating Safe Spaces: ITA O’BRIEN & the Art of Intimacy Coordination - Highlights 12:52

3M ago12:52

12:52

"For years, people spoke about how awkward or embarrassing it was to perform the intimate content. And what they're speaking about is feeling horrible. If something's awkward, that squirm, that ring in the body, it feels embarrassing. That's actually an emotion that is not professional. That is not allowing the actor to stay feeling listened to, he…

1
Intimacy Coordinator ITA O’BRIEN on Normal People, Sex Education & Creating Safe Spaces 52:46

3M ago52:46

52:46

How can intimate scenes be brought to the screen in ways that respect the emotional well-being and privacy of the artists themselves? How do we make sure that we can create a story about abuse without anyone being abused in the process? Ita O’Brien is the UK’s leading Intimacy Coordinator, founder of Intimacy on Set (and author of the Intimacy On S…

1
The Transformative Power of Writing with ANDRE DUBUS III - Highlights 13:03

4M ago13:03

13:03

"The character I wrote about in House of Sand and Fog was based on a former colonel and aeronautical engineer in the Shah's Air Force. I watched him work at a gas station. And on his days off, he'd put on his suit and look for better work. One night I'm helping him bring his groceries in, and he said in his thick Persian accent, "You know, I used t…

1
Exploring Trauma, Healing & Redemption w/ ANDRE DUBUS III - Author of House of Sand & Fog 55:21

4M ago55:21

55:21

What can reading teach us about loss, healing, and survival? How can we transform anger into empathy? What can we learn from the creative act about turning personal setbacks into opportunities for self-discovery and growth? Andre Dubus III’s nine books include the New York Times’ bestsellers House of Sand and Fog, The Garden of Last Days, and his m…

1
Episode 47: It's Feminine Rage Time! (Historical Women) 46:32

4M ago46:32

46:32

Join us this week as we discuss our favorite female historical figures in celebration of Women’s History Month. Books Mentioned: The Josephine B. Trilogy by Sandra Gulland, THE ROSE OF MARTINIQUE: A LIFE OF NAPOLEON’S JOSEPHINE by Andrea Stuart, BECOMING MARIE ANTOINETTE by Juliet Grey, Media Mentioned: NAPOLEON (2023), Obsessed with Brooke Averick…

1
#59 Premium: Circumambulating Our Civilizational Monolith with Alex Leff (Human Nature Odyssey) 13:52

4M ago13:52

13:52

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit deathinthegarden.substack.com On this episode of “Death in The Garden” we are sharing our conversation with Alex Leff, which was co-released for his podcast subscribers. Alex Leff is the creator and visionary behind Human Nature Odyssey, which is a cinematic audio journey through the fan…

1
#58 The Tales that Really Matter - a Reading by Maren 59:47

4M ago59:47

59:47

On this episode of “Death in The Garden,” Maren is reading her recent piece, The Tales that Really Matter - Part I. In this audio essay, you’ll hear tracks and clips from The Lord of the Rings films by Peter Jackson, and music composed by Howard Shore. Additionally, you’ll hear original synth soundscapes inspired by Howard Shore’s compositions, fro…

1
Episode 46: It's the Unknown! (Willy Wonka Adaptations) 44:24

4M ago44:24

44:24

Joi us this week as we talk about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory renditions and retellings, devise our own theories, and dive into the Glasgow Willy Wonka Immersive Experience. Please note this episode includes Wonka (2023) spoiler alerts. Books Mentioned: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY by Roald Dahl, “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl Media Mentio…

1
Seeing the Life of Jesus through the eyes of his Mother: MACIEJ HEN - Award-winning Author & Filmmaker 37:43

4M ago37:43

37:43

How would the life of Jesus be told through the eyes of his mother? How can literature help us understand history and the nature of identity? Maciej Hen was born in 1955 in Warsaw. He graduated from the Cinematography Department at the Film School in Łódź. For years he has been trying his hand at diverse activities, from music to all fields of jour…

1
Episode 45: Roll for Initiative! (Tabletop RPG Storytelling) 37:05

4M ago37:05

37:05

Join us this week as Morgan gives Maren the 101 on Tabletop Roleplaying Games and how they influence storytelling. Tabletop Games Mentioned: Dungeons and Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, Dimension 20 Fantasy High, Dimension 20 A Court of Fey and Flowers Video Games Mentioned: Baldur’s Gate 3, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Stardew Valley, Haunted Chocolatier, …

1
The Art of Bringing Stories to Life - Highlights - LISA EDELSTEIN 14:22

4M ago14:22

14:22

"I have always thrown myself into everything, and that includes terrible things because I want to have the whole experience. Even if I know it's going to hurt for better or for worse, that has been how I've lived my life. And so it's given me a lot of information and allowed me to play a lot of different roles and understand a lot of different poin…

1
LISA EDELSTEIN - From Acting to Directing, Writing & Visual Art 49:36

4M ago49:36

49:36

How can the arts help us examine and engage with social issues? How do our families shape our views, memories, and experience of the world? From her role as Dr. Lisa Cuddy on the hit Fox series House, to her starring role as Abby McCarthy in Bravo's first scripted series Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce, Lisa Edelstein's range of roles are as diverse …

1
What does the future hold for our late-stage capitalist society with mega-corps controlling everything? - Highlights - KYLE HIGGINS, KARINA MANASHIL & KID CUDI 14:22

4M ago14:22

14:22

“So the feeling that we've essentially been priced out of the life that we were supposed to lead. So, we were all taught to put our heads down, go to school, and get a job. You're going to afford a family, a house, kids, all the things that your parents had, you're going to have if you just follow the same path. But none of the things that were pro…

1
Comics, Music, Ethics & AI: KYLE HIGGINS, KARINA MANASHIL & KID CUDI on the Making of Moon Man 1:07:18

4M ago1:07:18

1:07:18

What does the future hold for our late-stage capitalist society with mega-corporations owning and controlling everything? How can the world-building skills of the makers of films and comics help us imagine a better future? Kyle Higgins is an Eisner award-nominated #1 New York Times best-selling comic book author and award-winning filmmaker known fo…

1
Episode 44: Just a Number? (Fictional Age Gaps) 37:42

4M ago37:42

37:42

Join us today as we talk all about fictional age gaps—and if age is really just a number. We also go on several tangents and share lots of giggles over our favorite “older” celeb crushes. Books Mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J Maas, DRACULA by Bram Stoker, The Luxe Series by Anna Godbersen, A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dicke…

1
Episode 43: How Could I Refuse? (Barbie Movie Storytelling) 37:18

5M ago37:18

37:18

Join us this week as we dive into the Barbie Cinematic Universe and how it’s influenced our storytelling. We chat about our fave Barbie villains (shoutout to Preminger), animal sidekicks (Tika is the worst), and everything in between. Media Mentioned: Barbie in the Nutcracker (2001), Barbie as Rapunzel (2002), Barbie of Swan Lake (2003), Barbie as …

1
How does knowing a second language increase your creativity & humanity? - Highlights - ALAN POUL 12:55

5M ago12:55

12:55

"I think all great work comes from the need to say something. And so this is the challenge for young artists and also maybe one of the essential elements that can never be completely taken over by AI because there has to be something you feel has not been said, and you feel an urgent need to say it. In fact, you can't not say it. That need to expre…

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