Episode 36: “Nothing should be like a fairy tale. That’s code for nightmare.”
Fairy tales have shaped childhoods, movie franchises, and author careers. But how well do we really know them? In this episode, C + D discuss their favorite fairy tales from Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, plus the retellings that have reframed and revitalized them.
Links To Give You Life:
Get “jacked” on Bones Coffee Co. with their Jacked ‘O’ Lantern blend (or any other—C + D highly recommend)
There’s a story inside you and the “Weekly Writing Vlogs” by @katytastic are all the inspiration you need to get your story down in 20-minute writing sprints
Discover how the FBI came up with their serial killer profiling methods with “Mindhunter” on Netflix, plus take it a step (and ~40 years) further with “Criminal Minds”
Uncover the seedy underbelly of the fairy tales you’ve come to know as classics:
“The Magic Porridge Pot” by the Brothers Grimm | Moral of the story: be careful what you wish for and learn how to say “when”
“The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen | Moral of the story: do what you’re told or you’re going to die in the cold
“The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Andersen | Moral of the story: don’t fall in love too quickly and wear comfortable shoes to the prom
“Aschenputtel” (aka “Cinderella”) by the Brothers Grimm | Moral of the story: don’t cut your toes off for no man and make sure birds are on your side
Watch and read stories you love from a new point of view with these retellings:
“Wicked” by Gregory Maguire (or “Wicked: The Musical”)
“Maleficent” starring Angelina Jolie
“Sea Witch” by Sarah Henning
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
“The Lunar Chronicles” by Marissa Meyer
“Heart of Iron” by Ashley Poston
Learn why you should bring more adventure to the children in your life with this article on “The Importance of Telling Fairy Tales”
Explore “10 Reasons Kids Need to Read Non-Disney Fairy Tales,” but also try Merida from “Brave” on for size if you’re not wholly convinced
Put Obsessed to the (Taste) Test:
In honor of the full-fledged pumpkin-spice season, C + D chose some Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Pretzels for their taste test. Creative Snacks Co. produce granola, pretzel, and nut-based snacks to keep your cravings satisfied all year round. Pick up a bag at your local World Market or online and send in your thoughts to currentlyobsessedclub@gmail.com.
Episode Guide: (00:45) C reads an email from her sister setting the record straight (03:48) C + D’s obsession with Bones Coffee Co. (05:25) D’s obsession with writing sprints (13:48) C’s obsession with Mindhunter on Netflix (22:36) C + D talk original fairy tales and “The Magic Porridge Pot” by the Brothers Grimm (25:33) C talks “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen (28:30) D talks “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Andersen (35:08) C talks “Aschenputtel” (aka “Cinderella”) by the Brothers Grimm (39:58) C talks “Wicked” and “Maleficent” (45:02) D talks “Sea Witch,” a “The Little Mermaid” retelling (47:10) D talks “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” a “Beauty and the Beast” retelling (48:12) D talks “The Lunar Chronicles,” a collection of fairy tale retellings (49:42) D talks “Heart of Iron,” an “Anastasia” retelling (53:03) C talks “The Importance of Telling Fairy Tales” (55:38) C talks “10 Reasons Kids Need to Read Non-Disney Fairy Tales” (59:40) D talks “Brave” and Merida’s inspiring nature (01:02:13) C + D put Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Pretzels by Creative Snacks Co. to a taste test
