Story Girl

Spadework

Story Girl

Show Notes

In this episode, we explore the formative years of author Lucy Maud Montgomery. We delve into her early life in Prince Edward Island and discuss the influences and experiences that shaped her writing, including the loss of her mother and the complexities of growing up in a strict household. Join us as we uncover how Montgomery’s youth laid the foundation for her beloved novels.

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About This Series: Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers.

Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet Recorded by Tyler Rauman This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto. Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew Barnett

A Knockabout Media Production This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Story Girl

Jun 10, 2026

And the were “roommates”... or at least that’s what some historians would like you to believe. This is episode three of Lavender Ranks, in which we enter our Hallmark era to share a great sapphic love story between war-time Nursing Sisters Ellanore and Murney. Today, hosts Em and Karbon are digging deep to explore how women-loving women relationships were seemingly able to slip under the radar during the First World War only to be erased from the record.

May 1, 2025

This week, I'm sharing a little extracurricular work. While in production on Story Girl, I was also teaching a podcasting course at Ratihén:te High School. In this class, the students researched, wrote and hosted their own historical biographies. This episode features two stories from the world sports, two world-class snipers, a fashion designer, and rock royalty.

Apr 17, 2025

This week, we're recommending the Kindred Spirits Book Club to our Maud-obsessed listeners. In this episode from their first season, Kelly and Ragon gush about why Gilbert Blythe was their first imaginary boyfriend, what the heck was wrong with Anne, and contemporary successors to Gilbert’s true good guy prototype. They also discuss a year in reading and where they stand on the “rivals to lovers” trope.

Apr 3, 2025

In this episode, we explore queer interpretations of Anne of Green Gables. In conversation with playwright Rosemary Rowe and cartoonist Kathleen Gros, we delve into the deep bond between Anne and Diana, often dubbed the "Bosom Friends Affair."

Mar 20, 2025

How did Anne of Green Gables become an icon in Japan? This is the story of Hanako Muraoka, the writer who faced grave danger in translating Maud's book—an enemy text—for future generations of Japan.

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