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 the stories we read as kids? A dark, twisty, fascinating true story from creator and host Aaron Tracy.
Host of "What Went Wrong" podcast, Aaron, interviews guests about the improbable origin story of the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
11 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
(Bonus Episode) You Have Questions
Host Aaron answers listener questions about Roald Dahl with writer Mark Harris and journalist [Guest Name] exploring capturing complex lives and personal encounters.
20 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
(Bonus Episode) Giant: A Conversation with Playwright Mark Rosenblatt
Host Aaron interviews playwright Mark Rosenblatt about his acclaimed Roald Dahl play, sharing insights on adapting complex literary figures.
23 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
The Writing Life
Children's literature expert and Dahl confidant discusses the author's obsessive writing rituals and enduring legacy in this interview.
16 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
Adaptation
NPR critic David Bianculli interviews host [Host Name] about how legendary filmmakers adapt Roald Dahl's stories, exploring both triumphs and failures.
9 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
The Fan's Dilemma
Cultural critic Claire Dederer discusses the controversy surrounding Roald Dahl's books and the ongoing reevaluation of his legacy in this interview.
2 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT
The Interview
Roxane Gay and Yair Rosenberg discuss Roald Dahl's controversial remarks and their impact on how we view artists who influence children.
23 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
The Pivot
Roald Dahl pivots his career by submitting a children's story, which initially fails but ultimately leads to unprecedented success after personal struggles.
16 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
Lady MacRobert's Reply
This episode explores how Roald Dahl transforms from a struggling writer into a medical pioneer after tragedy strikes his family, ultimately saving thousands of children.
9 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
In Pursuit
Host [Host Name] explores Roald Dahl's passionate pursuit of Oscar-winning actress Patricia Neal and the challenges they face building a life together amidst career disparities.
2 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT
Stalky
Host [Host Name] interviews [Guest Name] about Roald Dahl's Hollywood journey and ego challenges when adapting his spy past into film.
26 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Did You Know You Were a Writer?
In his early 20s, Dahl flies harrowing combat missions for the Royal Air Force until it all comes to a sudden, violent end. Reassigned to the U.S., Dahl is quickly drawn into a world of power, wealth, and influence under the guidance of two mysterious mentors.
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19 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
The Irregulars
Before Roald Dahl becomes the world's most popular children's author, he's a 26-year-old British spy in wartime Washington, seducing congresswomen, mixing martinis for FDR, and gathering secrets for Churchill.
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9 Jan 2026TRANSCRIPT
Introducing: The Secret World of Roald Dahl
Official Site: https://www.listentoparallax.com/shows/secretworldofpodcast (https://www.listentoparallax.com/shows/secretworldofpodcast)
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Inside a recent episode
Willy Wonka: Aaron Goes on What Went Wrong
Published 20 Jul 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Yeah. And I think I even, I put the clip in my podcast, actually. He said that he would only do the role if he could have that amazing entrance where he walks out of his chocolate factory with a cane and you don't quite know if he's very feeble or if he's got an injury or what's going on with him. […]
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