Alice Levine talks My Dad Wrote a Porno and Comedy Mood Food

Who is Alice Levine?

Alice Levine is a woman of many talents. One of the most in demand broadcasters today, Alice has conquered pretty much every form of media available. Beginning her career on radio taking over the prestigious John Peel slot, Alice now hosts an award winning prime time show on Radio 1, and her career on the other side of the screen has gone from strength to strength since her first break hosting a chat show on MTV.

If we had to pick guests for our perfect dinner party, you can guarantee that Alice would be one of them - and not just because she’s a regular food columnist for Marie Claire and co-creator of enviably instagrammable food and lifestyle brand Jackson & Levine. Although as the regular host of supper clubs, she could probably run one a lot better than us. 

From her presenting jobs at the Brit Awards, the Mercury Music Prize and Glastonbury, to the insanely hilarious podcast which she co-presents, Alice is smart, sassy, and a woman we definitely want to hang out with. As the only female voice on the podcast, with an author, that without giving too much away, should definitely give Moody a read, we find that Alice frequently reads our minds. And her - very necessary - stop the show sermon on the anatomy of a cervix should be required listening for both sexes. 

Why is comedy your mood food? 

When people talk about “light heartedness” that isn’t just figurative. After a big belly laugh or a throw-your-head-back guffaw, you physically feel like there is less pressing down on your shoulders, less of a stress stone in your stomach, the burden of the load you “carry” around is lighter.

Plus the rush (insert science bit) of endorphins or hormones or whatever is going on in there gives you that incredible giddy high. There is genuinely no better feeling than losing it, and having tears rolling down your face.

Finding a comedian or comedy writer that speaks your language is like making a new friend, you can turn to them in times of need. That might sound over the top, but it’s a powerful thing a LOL.

Who is your biggest influence and inspiration in comedy and why? 

I love Julia Davis who has written in and started in many things, but Nighty Night was my first introduction. She creates dark worlds and twisted characters and she clearly loves creating people with monstrous streaks.

I love that she has made shows that haven’t necessarily been “on trend” at the time, she has just made great stuff that is really different and exciting. Her turn of phrase is so quotable.

I often watch the improvisation sessions she did with Rob Brydon when they were writing Human Remains - it’s absolute genius.

What is your favourite way to watch comedy e.g. live or at home? 

Live comedy is great but actually makes me a little tense sometimes. My brother has started doing stand-up and even though he’s great, there is nothing more petrifying than waiting for the first laugh when watching someone who you know.

Joe Lycett is one of the most natural live performers I’ve seen, even with work-in-progress shows when he has a notebook of unfinished ideas, he manages to have the room in the palm of his hand.

I love binging on comedy TV shows at home - at the moment Nathan For You, Broad City and anything with John Early

When touring with the live shows, what kept you motivated?

The thrill of the show itself, it’s SO much fun to do. And waiting in the wings is such an adrenaline rush. We played the Sydney Opera House this summer, and during the interval we had a little freak out. The Sydney Opera House reading porn! It’s everything my parents hoped of for me!

When you’re feeling low, how do you pull yourself out of it?

I would say comedy but sometimes you just want to wallow don’t you?

Sometimes you just can’t be arsed to laugh and that’s okay. Other times it’s exactly what you need to shake you out of the funk. 

What are your top ten comedy watches that will help anyone change their mood? 

The Room by Tommy Wiseau

Nighty Night

Jennifer Saunders in general

Spaced

Alan Partridge (the audiobook of I, Partridge was one of the best purchases of my life) 

Broad City

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Him & Her

Nathan For You

Parks And Recreation 

Nominate three friends you would share moody with

Rosie Birkett

Laura Jackson 

Claire Ptak

What is My Dad Wrote A Porno?

If you listed three of the most embarrassing things your Dad could do, we’re willing to bet writing a porno probably didn’t even make the list from sheer unfathomability. Unfortunately for Jamie Morton, his Dad, under the incredible pen name Rocky Flintstone - just let that one sink in for a bit - did just that. 

After being ‘gifted’ just one of the erotic novels written by his Dad, Jamie Morton shared the literary masterpiece with university friends James Cooper and Alice Levine, and between the three of them, the podcast was born. 

Co-hosted and produced by Levine, Cooper and Morton, the podcast features Morton reading one chapter from the series of erotic novels, with Cooper and Levine offering encouragingly grounding reactions and a running, often mind-reading, commentary.

The podcast follows the sexual saga of heroine, and top rate Sales Manager, Belinda Blumenthal, as she blinks her way from one biologically perplexing erotic exploit to another. But if getting 50 Colours of Grey - Rocky’s words - isn’t your thing, not to worry, Rocky also manages to describe, in excruciating detail reminiscent of Bret Easton Ellis, the day to day administration of a highly successful retail business. So, from the velvet room to the boardroom, there truly is something for everyone. 

The number 1 podcast has been downloaded over 90 million times, been taken on an international tour, including the Sydney Opera House, spun into a best-selling book and attracted legions of celebrity fans, including Elijah Wood and Daisy Ridley.

With series 4 being released in the blink of an eye, and TV, motion picture and stage adaptations in various stages of development, head over to the soundcloud at My Dad Wrote a Porno to catch up with Belinda.