Chad Daniels, a comedian known for his Netflix special Empty Nester, joins the discussion about the classic children's book Goodnight Moon. They humorously tackle the struggles of bedtime with lively anecdotes, including a charismatic pitch for a demonic toy. The conversation unveils the quirky backstory of the book’s author, Margaret Wise Brown, along with a hilarious dive into a dark salsa commercial from the 90s. The hosts also engage in a lively debate about the merits of reading versus listening to stories.
The unexpected success of 'Goodnight Moon' illustrates how the literary market can defy initial skepticism towards simplistic concepts.
The contrasting tumultuous life of Margaret Wise Brown highlights the hidden complexities behind the creation of beloved children's classics.
Deep dives
Success Becomes Unpredictable
The podcast discusses how the children's book 'Goodnight Moon' achieved monumental success against initial skepticism. The hosts reflect on the idea that if they had been present at the book's pitch meeting, they would have easily dismissed it as lacking substance, given its simplistic premise. However, despite the initial doubts, the book went on to sell millions of copies, highlighting the unpredictable nature of success in the literary world. This disparity between the book's humble concept and its phenomenal sales exemplifies how the market can sometimes defy expectations.
Hidden Depths of a Beloved Classic
Listeners learn about the surprising and dark backstory of Margaret Wise Brown, the author of 'Goodnight Moon,' revealing her tumultuous life filled with affairs and extravagant spending. The hosts examine how her lifestyle contrasts with the cozy and innocent themes of the book itself, suggesting that the allure of 'Goodnight Moon' may stem from a deeper complexity. This juxtaposition of a seemingly simple children’s book with the author's dramatic personal life illustrates the often hidden narratives behind beloved classics. The discussion underscores the idea that many children's authors have fascinating and sometimes scandalous histories that are rarely explored.
Cultural Impact and Evolution
The podcast delves into the ongoing cultural influence of 'Goodnight Moon,' including its adaptations and variations that reflect different cultural contexts. Various states have developed their own versions, such as 'Goodnight Minnesota,' which cleverly reimagines the original text with local references. This evolution of the book demonstrates its continued relevance and adaptability over time, resonating with new generations of readers. The hosts discuss how such adaptations maintain the spirit of the original while introducing familiar elements, making it accessible and enjoyable for children in diverse settings.
With a new intro where we announce a live episode recording in Los Angeles (on 9/6/24)!
With a new, smoother overall edit to our conversation, today we revisit an episode from 2022 where we break down Goodnight Moon with Chad Daniels who just released his first Netflix stand-up special Empty Nester.
They boys talk about how it's hard to have a "good night" when your child is kicking you in your own bed; Kellen has a pitch for a fun demonic toy; Dave brings up the weird, dark backstory behind the author; and Chad brings up a dark salsa commercial from the 90's (do you know the one?) -JOIN OUR PATREON for bonus episodes and the audio from Kellen's new 30-minute comedy special "Negative Comments"! https://www.patreon.com/TheBookPile
-If you want to read Goodnight Moon and support the podcast in a fun way, click here to buy the book! Free on Audible to first-time subscribers! https://amzn.to/3ylAzDk
-Kellen Erskine has appeared on Conan, Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, NBC's America's Got Talent, and the Amazon Original Series Inside Jokes. He has garnered over 150 million views with his clips on Dry Bar Comedy. In 2018 he was selected to perform on the “New Faces” showcase at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. He currently tours the country www.KellenErskine.com
-David Vance's videos have garnered over 1 billion views. He has written viral ads for companies like Squatty Potty, Chatbooks, and Lumē, and sketches for the comedy show Studio C. His work has received two Webby Awards, and appeared on Conan. He currently works as a writer on the sitcom Freelancers.
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