PODCAST · arts
Illiterate
by podcastgod
Every Friday, we uncover the hidden creative process behind media adaptations. Everything comes from something. Why this now?
Episodes
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Avatar | the mythological origins of the Na'vi world
Another one! It’s been a while, but James Cameron is back with even more. What is he basing all this off of, and what took so long? Is the Na’vi language real, and why are the aliens blue? Let’s get some answers! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s…
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Christmas Double Feature | Hallmark Movies & Die Hard
Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod, reach out on instagram Extras: happiest season trailer // 3 min interview with hallmark programming vp // 39 min history of hallmark //...
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Pinnochio | how the wooden boy is more than Disney
We break down the origin of the tale, and get into the first Italian film version. What is the point of the story in the first place? Can there be more than one? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact:...
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A Christmas Carol | what Dickens did for the holiday
Another adaptation of the beloved story in “Spirited” - but what makes it so great after all these years? Did Dickens invent our modern Christmas festivities? And who was the real Tiny Tim? Let’s go! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter...
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Wednesday (The Addams Family) | how the spooky family got its start
We’re talking about the creator Charles Addams, the jump from comics to film, and what the heck makes this different from the Munsters! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us @illiteratepod…
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Black Panther | the origins of T’Challa and Wakanda
Let’s take a stroll through the development of the Black Panther character, what elements had to change for this new film, and some real-world influences on the country of Wakanda! Content Correction: Lesotho should be pronounced like “Luh-SOO-TOO”. Apologies! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos…
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Weird: The Al Yankovic Story | becoming the musical parody guy
It’s a biopic about Weird Al - but as with all his work, it’s not what you think. How’d this film come to be, and what’s the process behind the legend’s four decade career? And also: Mozart made a parody song? Come learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up,...
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All Quiet on the Western Front | how a WW1 story becomes about WW2
The new film is epic and affecting, but what’s the story behind the original book and film? What’s been changed, and how did history overtake the with a true story in the lead-up to World War 2? It’s all happening in real-time: let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film...
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Cabinet of Curiosities | a spooky selection of horror history
This week, we dip our toes into an eclectic mix of horror ideas and tropes. What is an actual Cabinet of Curiosities? Where did the jump scare come from? What’s Dracula got to do with the LGBTQ+ experience? Let’s learn about a variety of horror ideas, and be sure to check out all our other horror...
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Game of Thrones | how George RR Martin made it big
It rose and fell, and rises again. What’s George RR Martin really all about? How’d he get in (and out) and back into the Hollywood game? And who’s responsible for making the crazy show? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter...
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Halloween | why the film franchise frequently fractures
This’ll be the thirteenth film, and it ENDS. Definitely, yep, no more ever (said five times before!). Let’s learn how this all works, what it’s based on, and who’s responsible for Michael Meyers and his eternal slashing. Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up,...
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The Lord of the Rings (part 3) | the influence of the adaptations
We often forget recent history as it becomes the standard, so what are the effects of the Lord of the Rings books and films in media and culture? Could it have been any different? Let’s find out! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter...
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The Lord of the Rings (part 2) | how the films got the green light
Peter Jackson made it happen, but that wasn’t a sure bet…not by a long shot. Let’s learn the lesser-known pieces that put this fantasy series on the cinematic map. Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected],...
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The Lord of the Rings (part 1) | why Tolkien wrote the tales
Journey with us through the fantastical origins of the most beloved fantasy series! How and why did these stories get written? Who is the man behind the mythology? And what did he want to change about the stories? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up,...
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Bad Education (HOT SUMMER Replay) | the biggest theft from the best school
It's been a HOT week, and so we're cooling off with a best-of and some back-to-school intrigue. We'll be back next week with a new series on The Lord of the Rings! How does 11 million dollars go missing from the best school system in the nation? And what does Charles Dickens have to do with it?…
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Steven Spielberg (Best-of Episode) | the life of a director
This is a best-of episode MEGA episode, encompassing 2 parts on Spielberg, in honor of the recent 3D release of JAWS! Learn the twists and turns of the biggest director of the past 40 years. HBO documentary “Spielberg” trailer // 2 min https://bit.ly/spielberghbo Indiana Jones brainstorm notes //...
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Bluey | the genius behind the Australian preschool show
Get ready, this is already big, whether you know it or not! What makes this kids show so unique and lovable? And how is it different from every other anthropomorphic animal cartoon out there? Let’s dive in! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly...
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Laal Singh Chaddha | it’s Forrest Gump, but for India
What a wild tale this is! Come learn the historical changes made to the 1990’s American classic, this time with modern India! Also, why isn’t this doing well in theaters? And what was the original plan for the American sequel? Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up,...
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Predator (part 2) | how Prey presents the Comanche Nation
Come learn about the new film, and what makes it so unique. What’s all the buzz about the Comanche language dub? And are there any other films like it? Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected], email us...
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Predator (part 1) | the haphazard origins of the greatest hunter
Come learn the origin of the series, and all the build up to the new film. Where did the Alien crossover start? And what made the first film so unique for its time? Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: [email protected],...
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Nope | the weird life of the guy who invented movies
Here be spoilers! What influenced Jordan Peele to create this genre-mash alien feature? And who the heck knows anything about Muybridge and the horse galloping origin of cinema? You will - just listen and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s…
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Where the Crawdads Sing | on murder, the past, and author Delia Owens
A beloved book, a new movie, and scandal about the author’s past. What’s really going on, and is it all sensation, or is there something we can learn about the creative process in the midst of this mess? Come along and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up,...
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The Princess Bride (Best-of Episode) | the inconceivable master adapter
A re-release while we take a break this week - a great look into a quotable classic! How did this endearing, comforting fantasy tale come to be? Learn why the book is so different in the telling, and the life and journey of William Goldman in turning books into films. Evan and Taylor’s projects:...
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Minions | how they came to influence EVERYTHING
They’ve caught up with us…we can no longer avoid them…THE MINIONS. Why are they so popular, and how did they come to be the highest grossing animated series of all time? Could we even learn to love them? Let’s journey through the origins of the little yellow dudes! Evan and Taylor’s projects:...
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Elvis | the real origins of the King
The new Baz Luhrmann film covers a ton of Elvis ground - why did Baz take on such a daunting subject? How did he get the information to bring a lacking lens to the Elvis story? And who the heck is Colonel Tom Parker? Come listen and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film...
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Spiderhead | the short story mastery of George Saunders
The only feature film adaptation from the prolific short story author has arrived. How did this movie come to be, and why haven’t we gotten more films based on his work? How does the medium change the material? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up,...
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Stranger Things | the real-life conspiracy behind the show (Montauk!)
What are the origins for the conspiracy and government storylines, and how did the creators of the show pitch the story at the start? Come along and learn the beginnings of the hit show! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact:...
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Jurassic Park | how dinos became a modern craze
What are the origins of the mega franchise? How did the book come to be? And did anybody listen to the warnings about messing with the natural order, or will we have wooly mammoths in 5 years?! Come listen and learn! a correction: Pleistocene should be pronounced “PLY-stow-seen”. Apologies to all...
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Top Gun | when the Pentagon helps with motion pictures
A military and cultural touchstone, but how much is based on fact, or brought about by government influence? We go into the real organizations, old films, and scandals to uncover the inner workings of the Top Gun creative process. Come along and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch...
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Multiverse | why this modern media trend is exploding
It’s madness! Doctor Strange, Rick and Morty, Spider-man, Everything Everywhere, Chip n’ Dale, Space Jam, and more on the way. Why has the multiverse idea caught on so much recently in media? Where did it start, and how is it a reflection of our current culture? Let’s get into it! Evan and…
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The Staircase | when documentarians become characters
The start of the 21st century true-crime series extravaganza has an update! Why is this dramatization different, and what’s the reason for adapting a documentary again? And how come only certain court cases can be filmed? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work...
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Halo | on the masterminds behind Master Chief
Suit up for an epic tale of the creative process and influences behind one of the biggest entertainment properties. And also - why is a show coming out decades after the hype? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact:...
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The Godfather | how Mario Puzo made up the mafia
The Offer is out, about the making of the Godfather film. But how did Mario Puzo craft the original story? Was the mob actually involved? And what forgotten book was his true inspiration? Let’s find out! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly...
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The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent | who is the real Nicholas Cage
What is the fascination with Nicholas Cage - is he a genius, or a madman, or just a misunderstood normal guy? Come learn about the creation of a film about him, starring him, as only he could do. Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter...
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Pachinko | what can't be forgotten in Korean history
This K-Drama of epic proportions came from an equally monumental book. Where did this eighty-year long story originate, and what’s it have to say about the history of Korea? Let’s learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact:...
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Sonic the Hedgehog | how the blue blur got his start
The speedy guy goes big at the box office - but how did such a strange creature come to be? What are the ups and downs of his career, and why haven’t we seen a movie until now? Come find out! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter…
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Death on the Nile | the puzzling history of the whodunit
What do you know about Agatha Christie, the best-selling author of the most famous whodunits? What makes them consistently unique and popular, hundreds of years later? And where did she disappear to in the middle of her career? So many questions, and so many answers - let’s get on the case! Evan...
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CODA | what you don’t know about sign language
We learned so much in this episode, about signing, the deaf community, how to write and research a story, and the origins of a language. Come along and find out! Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter Contact: @illiteratepod, reach out on...
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Joker (Best-of Episode) | how one villain has multiple origins
Join us and learn about the history of the Joker, and the real world assassinations and scandals that created the Joker character over the years. Now a major film “Joker” with Joaquin Phoenix. Evan and Taylor’s projects: videos, go watch Evan’s film work sign up, Taylor’s weekly newsletter…
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Batman (part 2) | why there’s so many different Batmen
The journey of the Batman film series is as twisted as the Riddler’s schemes. Why are the films continually flipping tone and style? And what are they trying to pull from the source material? Most important - why are the toys nothing like the films? Descend from your gargoyle, and learn along…
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Batman (part 1) | the mystery behind the World’s Greatest Detective
From horror films in the 1930’s, World War 2 propaganda, Batman in Outer Space, and beyond - what’s happened to make this iconic mythological character? And who’s to blame for how we perceive him on film? Take a deep dive with us into the origins of the Dark Knight. Evan and Taylor’s projects: go...
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Squid Game | the hidden cultural layers behind the hit show
Now that they hype has settled: where did Squid Game really originate from? What made it the biggest show on Netflix, and what influence did it have in the real world? Come learn the fascinating, lesser-known cultural layers to the hit show. Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work...
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Texas Chainsaw Massacre | why you don’t know this film’s true story
In the words of DJ Khaled…another one. But do you honestly know what the first one’s about? Was any of this actually based on truth? And then how did this series start the current reboot craze? Come listen and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work...
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Pam & Tommy | the crime story behind the scandal
What was the truth behind the late 1990’s scandal? What’s the history of celebrity sex tapes? And can they make this show without Pamela Anderson’s approval? Let’s dive in and learn! Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work https://linktr.ee/evanscottrussell sign up for Taylor’s…
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Rom Coms | are they dead…again?
Like a twisty true love story, we dive into the ups and downs of the history of romantic comedies. Is it gone for good? Was it ever? What’s next for the genre? Listen and learn along with us! Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work https://linktr.ee/evanscottrussell sign up for...
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The Righteous Gemstones and Tammy Faye | the surprising origins of televangelism
Two big releases this week, all about megachurches and televangelism. Didn’t this fizzle out in the 80’s? The answers to the origins of this media go back to the 1920’s, and has actually just kept growing. Come learn with us! Evan and Taylor’s projects: go watch Evan’s film work...
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Nightmare Alley | why remake a forgotten noir from the 1940’s?
Guillermo del Toro’s latest film has nothing to do with monsters, but everything to do with regular ‘ol humans. How did he get into this noir carnival story, based on a book from the 1940’s? And what did the original author (of the book’s) life and work have to say about searching for answers?…
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Scream | why the slasher didn’t die off
It’s been a decade, and here’s another sequel-reboot-remake-hybrid film. What makes Scream different? Where did the original slasher come from, even before filmmaking existed? And what do artists have to say with the genre? Come learn with us! Contact: Reach out on instagram - @illiteratepod...
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Euphoria | the unknown origins of the dark teen drama
The biggest first night of any show on HBO Max…was based on an Israeli miniseries? How did that come to be, and what changed? And is all the controversy on the nudity, sex, violence and drugs truly original, or something we’ve seen before? Let’s find out! Contact: Reach out on instagram -...
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Don’t Look Up | what everybody gets wrong about satire
It’s the third most-watched film on Netflix…and half of everybody hates/loves it. What is a “satire”? Is this doing it right? We’re going back to ancient Greece, the 1960’s, an Animal Farm and a Lottery, all to figure this week’s episode out. Come learn! Contact: Reach out on instagram -...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Illiterate have?
Illiterate currently has 199 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Illiterate about?
Every Friday, we uncover the hidden creative process behind media adaptations. Everything comes from something. Why this now?
How often does Illiterate release new episodes?
Illiterate publishes regularly with 199 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Illiterate?
You can listen to Illiterate on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Illiterate?
Illiterate is created and hosted by podcastgod.
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