The Moomin Phenomenon

Meet Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moomin phenomenon. Delve into her private life, the impact of Moomin philosophy and aesthetics, and the commercialization of the Moomin brand. Explore her famous studio in Helsinki and her legacy. Learn about her personal life influence on the Moomin stories and the creation of official Moomin merchandise. Discover Tove Jansson as a modern woman, known for her political cartoons and her courageous decision to openly live as a lesbian. Reflect on the influence of music on artistic creativity and encounter meaningful symbols in real life.

This episode of the Moomin Phenomenon podcast explores the commercialization of Moomin and the abundance of Moomin merchandise. The hosts discuss the reasons behind people's fascination with collecting Moomin products and the preservation of Tove Jansson's illustrations. They also touch on sustainability efforts and the value of original Moomin art. The episode concludes with a discussion on Tove Jansson's legacy and a teaser for the next episode.

Now is the time to hear people who have been deeply influenced by the Moomins, from London, through Helsinki all the way to Tokyo. What does a theater director, an author of children’s books and a philosopher have in common? Well, they might just all be drawing their inspiration from Moominvalley. In fact, imagine all the people around the world influenced by the gentle Moomins, the hysterically dutiful Fillyjonk, the orderly Hemulens, or the free-spirited Snufkin. Imagine the righteous anger of Little My encouraging one person to take up a worthwhile cause, and pushing another to finally tell the stories they always wanted to tell. This is the third installment of the podcast about the Moomin phenomenon. In the past, we have looked at the fans of the Moomins, as well as the philosophy of the Moomins. But can an entire hospital be inspired by Moomin values and philosophy? Apparently there is such a place, the children's hospital in Helsinki, which has incorporated Moomin values in every step taking care of the patients. We will also visit a fruit garden full of instruments, a studio where the tunes of Moominvalley emerge. In this episode we'll meet the musician Lauri Porra and author Philip Ardagh and desingers Rika Kawato and Harriet Wine among others.

Academics and philosophers Sanna Tirkkonen and Björn Sundmark explore the deeper aspects of the Moomins' philosophy. They discuss the allegorical connections to philosophical thinkers, the portrayal of child and adult characters, and themes of tolerance, solidarity, and belief in change. The podcast also delves into existentialism and loneliness in 'The Moment Papazzi' and Moominmamma's journey of homesickness and self-discovery through painting. The episode concludes with reflections on the multi-dimensional nature of the Moomins as therapeutic and guiding characters.

The first episode is about the fans – why do they love or identify with the Moomins? Unbeknownst to many, there is an entire subculture built around the unique and curious creatures and characters from Moominvalley. In this episode, we travel to the North of Sweden to a tattoo studio to meet a fan ready to eternalise Moominmamma right onto human flesh. We also travel to Japan to visit a Moominpark where we meet Moomin-crazed fans. We search for the very first Moomin troll on an island in Finland, and find it on the wall of an outside loo. In London, we find well-known actor Samuel West who like many others was instantly hooked when he bought his first Moomin books as a child. We also hear from a hard-core Moomin fan whose childhood was made a lot brighter thanks to the Moomin stories, as well as from others engaged in the world-wide Moomin fan community.

In this episode, actress and producer Lily Collins introduces both the podcast and the Moomins. This guide will plunge you into a Scandinavian literary sensation that has charmed generations of readers, including Collins. You will hear how Lily Collins discovered the Moomins, which character she identifies with – but also about the special Moomin connection she shares with her husband. Haven’t heard about the Moomins? Not to worry, you’ll be treated to a crash course into the quirky and life-affirming philosophy of the fantastical creatures of Moominvalley and get a glimpse of the inspiring life of author and illustrator Tove Jansson. The true Moomin fans will hear many of their favourite Moomin quotes and teasers of interviews with Moomin experts and fans from around the world.

Join us on a five-part journey through all things Moomin. Part one about the fans, part two about Moomin philosophy, part three about Moomin as inspiration, part four about Moomin, the brand, and part five, our finale, will be all about Tove Jansson herself.