TV and radio presenter Alice Levine, producer James Cooper and director Jamie Morton are the creators of My Dad Wrote a Porno, the blockbuster comedy podcast boasting greater than 300m downloads. Centred on readings of (and reactions to) Belinda Blinked – surreal erotic literature written and self-published by “Rocky Flintstone”, AKA Morton’s father – the present has amassed a cult following and celeb followers together with Elijah Wooden. It's now in its sixth season and the trio are the visitor curators for The Podcast Present 2022 Dwell from 23 to 29 Could, and are touring till June.
Alice
Jamie, James and I met on the College of Leeds. I’d say this was taken “on set” of our pupil tv studio, however that’s giving it an excessive amount of glamour. We had been based mostly within the caretaker’s workplace below the steps.
That type of pixie crop fits 5% of face shapes, so the hair was a rogue transfer for my first 12 months. Notably while you’re primarily subsisting on jacket potatoes and tacky chips, I didn’t actually have the gamine bone construction to tug it off. I believe that’s Craig David we had been pointing at; one of many stalwarts of the time.
We turned mates whereas making episodes of LSTV (Leeds Pupil Tv), a magazine present that James and I hosted, and Jamie filmed. The present went out on-line, in addition to broadcasting within the union and the communal hallway. Like several good present, we had been primarily enjoying on mute as individuals walked from room to room. No person watched it, however we had been geeks who appreciated making stuff. It felt like just a little secret society.
My first impression of James was he was humorous and appeared so mature. That is nonetheless true. Jamie appeared so expert and competent, and was making precise movies and TV. I used to be very impressed by them each. After uni we caught collectively: ridiculously, all of us managed to get the identical internship for a TV firm that made reveals like Spouse Swap. We couldn’t afford to dwell in London however my mother and father knew a lady who had a home in Surrey, so we stayed there whereas she was away. There was one caveat: she had a sick cat and we needed to give it a capsule each morning. James would crowbar its mouth open and I’d therapeutic massage the capsule down its throat. I used to be like: we live the London dream! It’s similar to Intercourse and the Metropolis!
It was Christmastime in a comfortable pub in 2015 when Jamie first introduced the chapters of Belinda Blinked to learn to us. The extra he learn, the extra hysterical we bought. By the tip we had been so obnoxiously loud that we had cleared the pub. At one level he bought a bit cross, saying: “You possibly can’t maintain interrupting or we’ll by no means get via it!” I really feel like that second fashioned the premise of the entire present.
Whereas our most well-liked foreign money is to make one another snigger and to take the piss out of one another relentlessly, there’s lots of love and assist, too. We’ve lived via some enormous moments collectively – unhealthy breakups and folks dying. Although we’re operating a enterprise collectively and the stakes of our friendship have been raised, one way or the other it nonetheless seems like we’re doing pupil TV; prefer it’s our personal secret little factor.
James
I’m guessing we had been doing one thing on indie music that day: it seems like in an effort to get into the spirit I placed on a leather-based jacket and a jumper with 5 VW campervans on it. The hair is crap, too. It’s a glance.
That interval was very formative for me. I used to be in control of this leisure programme and wanted a feminine host. I’d met Alice on a bus and thought she was actually humorous, so requested her to do it. We clicked and have become this presenting double act. The tone we had been trying was Simon and Miquita-era Popworld, however I believe we missed the mark. Then I met Jamie at a Halloween occasion – he was actually good and fairly acerbic. Folks had been in awe of him, so naturally I used to be jealous. However rapidly we turned mates. The three of us would exit collectively most nights: I used to be consuming lots of snakebite and black, and Jamie could be on two litres of this actually low cost cider referred to as White Ace.
Jamie and I lived collectively once I moved to London and that’s once I first correctly met Rocky. From the primary second Jamie learn his writing to me, it felt like nothing I’d ever skilled. There are occasions I’ve almost died laughing at Rocky’s phrases.
Early on we realised the podcast was getting a right away viewers. It was a shock for Jamie, however we advised him we might cease at any time when he needed to. Even now, we solely do one yearly, as a result of he wants a breather the place his dad is simply his dad and never Rocky.
You see outdated mates who’ve fashioned artistic endeavours however ultimately crumble. It’s smug, however I’m proud we’ve managed our relationship so maturely and respectfully. It’s what retains us collectively – our love and deep roots.
Jamie
That hair – it was mad. I reduce it off once I moved to London, scared I wouldn’t get a job with it wanting so studenty.
When Dad retired, he was frightened about being bored. I advised him he ought to do one thing to go the time. So he determined to jot down a e book: nice in precept till I realised it was pornography. He’s a little bit of a wind-up service provider and despatched me the primary few chapters, most likely to shock me. I assumed it was horrific however the funniest factor I’d learn in my total life.
When Porno first got here out, podcasts weren’t too widespread so I wasn’t anticipating a lot. Then it went to No 1 within the charts and I began to fret individuals would suppose I hated my dad or was doing it in opposition to his will, regardless that I knew he thought it was hilarious. I additionally discovered it robust making the transition from background to the entrance [Jamie narrates chapters of the book each episode]. I keep in mind being in tears, telling Alice and James that I couldn’t do it any extra. They had been so sensible and reassured me, saying: “That is simply enjoyable. However should you’re not comfy, then we are going to cease.” That kindness was a part of our relationship.
Strolling out on stage to a sold-out Royal Albert Corridor was a complete spotlight of our friendship. Backstage, Emma Thompson knocked on the door to say: “Guys, I’m so excited, good luck!” However most of all I find it irresistible when the three of us are hanging out in one in every of our flats and Alice is cooking a tremendous dinner, and we're chatting and listening to music. These are one of the best moments.
When that photograph was taken we had been so inexperienced. It was the beginning of all the things and we had so many ambitions. Being the place we are actually, and never solely having achieved a lot however having achieved it collectively, is beautiful.
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