Storytime for Grownups: Summer Session – Animal Bridegrooms Part 1

Podcast Information:

• Title: Storytime for Grownups
• Host/Author: Faith Moore
• Description: Storytime for Grownups is a podcast that nurtures a love for classic literature. It serves as an audiobook with integrated notes, perfect for cozy evenings with a cup of tea.
• Episode: Summer Session: Animal Bridegrooms Part 1
• Release Date: August 4, 2025

Introduction to Summer Session

Faith Moore kicks off the episode by introducing the concept of the Summer Session, a special series running from now until September. Unlike the regular format where classic literature is read with accompanying notes, the Summer Session adopts a more interactive, class-like approach.

Faith Moore [00:00]: "It's sort of like a college class, only fun... brew a pot of tea, find a cozy chair and settle in. Class is in session."

She explains that new episodes will be released weekly on Mondays, focusing on fairy tales and their connections to broader storytelling themes. Faith also mentions returning to the regular format in September with a new book.

Community Engagement and Updates

Faith expresses her gratitude towards listeners, especially those participating in the "Drawing Room," the podcast's online community. She invites new listeners to join and emphasizes the importance of community support through memberships and merchandise.

Faith Moore [04:30]: "Thank you to those of you who are supporting the show by being a part of the drawing room... I guarantee you’ll find new friends."

She also highlights the upcoming trailer for September's book, set to release on August 21st, encouraging listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to ensure they don't miss out.

Faith Moore [06:45]: "Your podcast feed will automatically deliver you the trailer for September's book. I've already created it... Please make sure that you're subscribed to this show."

Addressing Listener Feedback on Maidenhood Stories

The episode revisits previous discussions on maidenhood stories, specifically focusing on listener comments and questions received after the episodes on Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. Faith chooses three insightful contributions that delve into the deeper symbolism and societal implications of these fairy tales.

Listener Comments:

1. Laura: Critiques the portrayal of the king's infidelity and questions the representation of mother-in-laws versus stepmothers.
2. Meghan: Reflects on parental protection and its paradoxical role in the protagonist's endangerment, linking it to women's maturity and vulnerability.
3. Jenny Achuthan: Explores societal relegation of older women and the lack of wise old female archetypes in fairy tales.

Faith Moore [18:25]: "These comments beautifully hit on all the major points that I think it makes sense to take a look at before we move on..."

Symbolism in Maidenhood Stories:

Faith delves into the symbolic journey of maidenhood stories, emphasizing the transition from girlhood to womanhood marked by puberty and the associated societal expectations. She discusses how these tales use elements like sleep and enchantment to represent maturity and the inevitable separation from parental figures.

Faith Moore [20:10]: "The girl wakes up a woman and she marries the man who woke her up, thus depicting the values of the day that a woman must be married when she fulfills this ability that she now has."

Role of Parents and Older Women:

Faith examines the role of parents in these stories, noting the often poignant portrayal of parents fading away or being replaced as the protagonist transitions into adulthood. She also discusses the recurring trope of the jealous older woman, whether a stepmother, mother-in-law, or the king's wife, highlighting societal discomfort with aging women and their resistance to natural growth and change.

Faith Moore [33:50]: "These stories are trying to tell us that... aging is a part of living. And I think these stories are trying to tell us that, okay, it's horrifying to see these women who want to murder and eat little children..."

Transition to Animal Bridegroom Stories

Faith introduces the new segment on Animal Bridegrooms, positioning these tales as a continuation of the maidenhood narratives. She explains that while maidenhood stories focus on a girl's transition to womanhood, animal bridegroom stories center on a man's transformation and the woman's role in reverting him to his true self.

Faith Moore [45:15]: "These stories were told to young girls to help them come to terms with arranged marriages... the prince must be drawn back to his princehood via the actions of a woman."

Overview of Animal Bridegroom Tales:

Faith provides an analytical framework for understanding Animal Bridegroom stories, discussing their dual symbolism related to marriage and personal growth. She references previous episodes where she explored the themes of Beauty and the Beast and its connections to other literary works like Jane Eyre.

Faith Moore [50:00]: "In all of these stories, the man has been transformed into something that is frightening or off-putting to the woman. And she has to overcome her fear... and ultimately change him back."

Reading: "Snow White and Rose Red"

Faith reads the Brothers Grimm's lesser-known fairy tale, Snow White and Rose Red. She provides a rich narration of the story, setting the stage for a deeper analysis in future episodes. The tale explores themes of friendship, kindness, and the confrontation with malevolent forces, aligning with the Animal Bridegroom motif.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Faith wraps up the episode by reiterating the return to the regular podcast format in September and encourages listener engagement through thoughts, questions, and community participation. She emphasizes the importance of subscribing, reviewing, and supporting the podcast through various means, including merchandise and donations.

Faith Moore [60:45]: "Spread the word about the show by posting about it on social media or texting a link to your friends. Subscribe, tap those five stars and leave a positive review wherever you're listening."

She signs off warmly, anticipating future discussions and readings in the Summer Session.

Notable Quotes:

• Faith Moore [00:00]: "It's sort of like a college class, only fun... brew a pot of tea, find a cozy chair and settle in. Class is in session."

• Faith Moore [04:30]: "Thank you to those of you who are supporting the show by being a part of the drawing room... I guarantee you’ll find new friends."

• Faith Moore [18:25]: "These comments beautifully hit on all the major points that I think it makes sense to take a look at before we move on..."

• Faith Moore [33:50]: "These stories are trying to tell us that... aging is a part of living."

• Faith Moore [45:15]: "These stories were told to young girls to help them come to terms with arranged marriages... the prince must be drawn back to his princehood via the actions of a woman."

• Faith Moore [50:00]: "In all of these stories, the man has been transformed into something that is frightening or off-putting to the woman. And she has to overcome her fear... and ultimately change him back."

• Faith Moore [60:45]: "Spread the word about the show by posting about it on social media or texting a link to your friends. Subscribe, tap those five stars and leave a positive review wherever you're listening."

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Faith Moore seamlessly bridges her ongoing exploration of classic fairy tales with fresh thematic elements, fostering a deeper understanding of the narratives that shape our cultural storytelling. By engaging with listener feedback and introducing new storytypes, Storytime for Grownups continues to offer insightful and enriching content for literature enthusiasts.

Listeners are encouraged to participate actively by sharing their thoughts and joining the online community, ensuring a vibrant and interactive learning environment throughout the Summer Session.