This episode explores grooming in childhood. Drawing on cultural touchpoints from My Dark Vanessa to Lolita and Cat Person, they examine the archetype of the “inappropriate adult” and the subtle ways in which boundaries are pushed.

Alongside this, they consider the idea of the “imperfect victim”. Who do we protect? And who do we turn a blind eye to? With a focus on British and Western culture, they reflect on how narratives are shaped, mobilised, and oftentimes, weaponised to serve wider agendas.

This episode pairs well with:

• My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
• Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy
• “Cat Person” (2017), The New Yorker
• Charlene (The Crime Desk podcast)
• Lucky Boy (Tortoise Media podcast)

• Pandering to power instead of trusting your gut.
• A cup of tea gone cold.

Happy listening!

A&P

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