Fascination

Whether it's a desert oasis or the mental manipulation of a trompe l'oeil, the art of illusion is a delicate craft. We sometimes discount the importance of illusion…it's make believe, false, unreal, pretend. But those who dedicate themselves to the art of illusion would argue that it's the possibility, the belief that something could be real - that spurs the imagination turning the idea of a façade into something much more tangible.

Marilyn's work as an actor sometimes eclipsed the woman she fought hard to become. But the enduring legacy of her on-screen characters are testament to the work and dedication she held - sometimes in spite of the movie business itself. 'The Thinking Body' by Mabel Elsworth Todd would become synonymous with Monroe. A handbook, she herself, credited with developing the seductively choreographed movements that seemed to steal focus and burn scenery….

Ever the student, Marilyn understood that she needed to recreate herself into a masterpiece and then carefully follow her own recipe for it, time and time again.

I'm joined today with master-vocal impressionist, drag legend and Billboard charting recording artist - Jimmy James. Jimmy bucked the system with a drag illusion of Marilyn that bewildered and confused the hetero-normative daytime talk show circuit of the 80'sand 90's. Famous for his unmatched physical and vocal impression of Marilyn, Jimmy was pushing his artistry well before the now wildly accepted superstars of drag.

To find out more about Jimmy James, visit: jimmyjames.com or facebook.com/jimmyjameshollywood

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It's safe to say that we know less in life than we can readily explain away. The people we admire, follow and fear - they've all walked this path - sometimes leaving energetic breadcrumbs along the way...

Pick up a book, read the humanity in the brushstrokes of a painting or seek out the intention in the seamless smoothed marble faces carved by the masters...it's all there.

Whether you're guided by faith, or religion, science or common sense - we all need a goal post to aim for. And if we aim to fix what was left untended in our physical life - maybe the spirit is assigned a secret mission in the afterlife-life?

Everyday new galaxies and new, habitable, super planets are located - the universe as we know it is folding and expanding and redefining itself - so why shouldn't we do the same?

In previous episodes we've explored the traumas and abuses that plagued Marilyn's life. For this episode we're joined by Los Angeles based Spiritualist, Madame Pamita - who'll give her own unique and spirit guided perspectives on Marilyn and much of her spirit's "unfinished business".

For more information about Madame Pamita please visit: parlourofwonders.com

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The hero's journey is beset with obstacles - but flipping through the pages of any legend, you start to get the feeling that each story follows an eerily similar path.

Marilyn was often referred to as "a Siren" - but just like her dizzy blonde character - Sirens have been misidentified, confused and stripped of their original form...they've been cast in a role they were never meant to play.

As a Muse, one of Marilyn's most successful friendships was with her make-up artist, Allan "Whitey" Snyder. Though largely uncredited for most of his work with Monroe, Snyder perfected the "look" we so closely identify with the star.

In this episode we dive into the world of glam with EMMY Nominated, Celebrity Make-up Artist Gregory Arlt, discussing make-up as the medium for the Muse - and a whole lot more!

For more info on Gregory and all his projects visit:
gregoryarlt.com

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WAITING TO BE SEEN: So much of who and what we are, and how we respond to our life as adults is formed in the very beginning stages of consciousness. In this episode, we look at the climate and circumstance in which young Norma Jeane was born into. An unstable mother, an early life full of abandonment and abuse - she survives and transforms - but those early cracks and fissures of trauma only seem to widen with time...

Joining the conversation is Dr. Chris Donaghue (PhD, LCSW, CST, ACS).
Dr. Chris helps unpack a how life experiences impact and ultimately shape, our reactions and responses.

For more info on Dr. Chris and all his projects visit: drchrisdonaghue.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: Norma Jean is married off by her "Aunt Grace" to a neighbor in an effort to keep her from another move to the Los Angeles Orphans Home Society. Jim Dougherty was twenty-one years old when he wed his bride in 1942 - she was only eighteen days into her sixteenth birthday.

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GO TUX YOURSELF: A few (too many) cocktails on the Upper East Side and a boozy walk down Lexington Avenue unlocks a haphazard tour of Marilyn’s Manhattan. September 15th, 1954 – one high heeled walk onto a subway grate (which in itself is a feat) will become a moment, forever enshrined in our collective consciousness.

@fascinationpod

Who is MM?

It started with a trip to the bank… My lifelong fascination with one of the world’s most enigmatic film stars would begin by unwrapping a black velvet purse under the unnerving hum of fluorescent lights - locked in a room of safety deposit boxes.

Join me, Angelo D’Agostino for Season 1 of FASCINATION - Marilyn Monroe. In this debut series, I unpack, dismantle, and explore the misunderstood genius of her complicated life.

FASCINATION is replete with personal stories, reminiscences, interviews with experts, authors and friends. The format is half story-time and half story-sleuth with a little bit of drama thrown in for good measure.

℗ MMXX Pickle & Pie Productions