Roald Dahl's Hidden Adventures: A Spy, a Writer, and More

Roald Dahl, the man behind beloved children's books, had a life full of surprises. He wasn't just a storyteller; he was also a spy, a pilot, and even a scientist. A new podcast, "The Secret World of Roald Dahl, " is set to explore these lesser-known parts of his life. The podcast, created by iHeartPodcasts and Imagine Entertainment, will dive into Dahl's time as an MI6 spy, his struggles as a writer, and his personal life. It's hosted by Aaron Tracy, who promises to reveal a life "far stranger than fiction. " The first episode drops on January 19, with new episodes every week. Dahl's life was as exciting as his stories. Born in 1916, he became a pilot during World War II. After the war, he joined MI6, the British intelligence agency. He also married actress Patricia Neal and had five children with her. But his journey to becoming a famous children's author was not easy. He started writing for adults before finding his true calling in children's literature.Many of Dahl's books, like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Matilda, " became popular movies. But the podcast won't focus on these adaptations. Instead, it will explore Dahl's personal experiences and how they shaped his writing. Tracy says Dahl's life was "one of the noisiest lives of his century, " full of adventures and controversies. The podcast is part of a collaboration between iHeartPodcasts and Imagine Entertainment. It's their sixth project together, following other successful series. Nathan Kloke, the executive producer, says Tracy's approach to Dahl's life is unique. He praises Tracy's ability to connect with Dahl's work, humanity, and flaws. Dahl's life was a mix of highs and lows. He faced failures and challenges, but he never gave up. His determination and creativity led him to become one of the world's most beloved authors. The podcast aims to show the man behind the stories, revealing the complexities of his life.