We’re launching our newest show, Handsome Molly. Discover what this new, YA fictional podcast is all about and where to listen.
By Laurissa Cebryk
Picture your favourite childhood book. You know, that story that would draw you into its pages as if teleporting you to run around in a fictional world for hours as the real world passes you by. For me, at least for a little while, that book was The Book Thief. I’d disappear into the streets and canals of Venice and live in an abandoned movie theatre with a rag-tag group of kids. I’d fall in love with the magic and mystery of Italy over and over again — every time I picked up that book.
If you could bring your favourite book alive again in a brand new way — and we’re not talking about a movie rendition that always hurts your soul a little because it’s never as good as the book — would you? I would.
If you didn’t know, here at JAR Audio we’re just a little bit obsessed with storytelling. Now, almost all of our projects involve storytelling in different capacities, but not all of them let us capitalize on the full powers and magic of audio. You see, audio can create entirely new worlds without a single spoken word. It can also elevate a simple, spoken story into a moving, living, visceral experience.
That’s why this latest launch is an absolute delight for our producers and audio engineers — heck, for all of us here at JAR. It gave us the chance to breathe a new life into an incredible story, all with the powers of audio.
Introducing: Handsome Molly.
The Podcast
Based on the novel Restoring Harmony by Joëlle Anthony, Handsome Molly takes place in a too-close-for-comfort dystopian future on Canada’s west coast. There, climate disaster, economic collapse, viruses, rampant crime, and dissolving infrastructure prompt teenager, Molly Masamoto, to embark on a dangerous adventure from Vancouver to Portland to help save her family and community.
Here’s what our CCO, Jen Moss, had to say about the show:
“It’s an exciting adventure story, with a bit of romance in there too. There aren’t enough great fiction podcasts for young teens – especially ones with strong female leads. So this was an opportunity to showcase a story we love and bring it to life for this audience with the power of audio.”
Adapted by The Chop Theatre and reworked for audio by yours truly, JAR Audio, the entire story is brought to life in your headphones with the careful work and collaboration of the author herself, several exceptional voice actors, talented writers, and incredible music and sound engineering (thanks, Sam!).
While Handsome Molly will be an excellent listen for young teenagers everywhere, it really is a podcast for all ears. It will be released bi-weekly as an eight-part series starting September 16th and will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you enjoy listening to your favourite shows.
Why Handsome Molly?
Given the lack of great podcasts for young teens, adapting Restoring Harmony for audio was a no-brainer. Plus, as I said… We kind of LOVE storytelling over here. More than that, however, Handsome Molly opens the door for teenagers to discuss climate change and the state of our world. As always, a great podcast isn’t just lip service for a brand — it offers real value to its audience. In this case, a way to discuss our world while representing strong female characters, all wrapped up in an engrossing audio tale.
Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to explore and fall in love with creating audio adaptations of a story we love. Fictional branded podcasts are their own breed of podcasting and, while tricky, can present a wonderful opportunity to create something really special. Here’s what Restoring Harmony author, Joëlle Anthony had to say about her novel becoming Handsome Molly:
“Having my book turned into a dramatic podcast is like breathing new life into something I love, and giving it another dimension. It’s so exciting to hear the characters come right off the page and have a literal voice.”
By the way, if you’re wondering where the name, Handsome Molly came from, have a listen to this song from Valerie June. It might answer some of your questions.
Be The First To Hear Handsome Molly
Want to be some of the first to ever hear Handsome Molly? We’re hosting a listening party at this year’s WORD Vancouver festival! On September 16, 2023, join us at UBC’s Robson Street campus, in room C225 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Anyone interested in fiction podcasting and the art of adapting a novel to a podcast is encouraged to attend, but especially young writers to join — this is an excellent opportunity to learn about the art of podcasting!
Expect great things at this event! You’ll hear excerpts from the podcast and enjoy live readings from some of the talented local cast members, including Camille Legg, (Riverdale) Mela Pietropalo (The Last Airbender) and June Fukumura (Joy Ride). June – who also played the ‘role’ of dramaturg and co-writer on the podcast. Our very own Jen Moss, who was co-writer on the show, and The Chop’s Anita Rochon will also be there to answer questions on the adaptation process.
It’s a must-attend! Not to mention you’ll gain bragging rights about being one of the first to ever hear the show. See you there!
And Listen to the Show Now:
Jen Moss is the Co-Founder and and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Audio. As JAR’s podcast “doula”, collaborating with enterprise brands to bring great podcasts into the world. With a background spanning CBC Radio, Canada’s National Film Board Digital Studio, Vancouver’s Roundhouse Radio and the University of British Columbia, she guides the creation of captivating podcasts at JAR.
