Youie wants to know why Rex writes in this episode. The inspiration for this episode is Youie’s re-reading of George Orwell’s famous essay ‘Why I Write’ (you can find the pdf easily on the web). Rex explains his younger days and shares with us at what point in his life he decided to become a writer. He shares the impact DH Lawrence had on his writing and gets deeply personal explaining how the way he was brought up influenced his career. Along the way, we learn about Pickett’s Pocket Rockets, his School Principal’s unhelpful feedback, birth order, Carl Jung, George Lucas and Star Wars, Joseph Campbell, atheism, agnosticism, and Freud.

Youie then shares with Rex the list of reasons why George Orwell wrote according to the list and Rex responds to each in his typically open and honest style.

Youie struggles to keep up with Rex in this episode as it truly is ‘Rex unleashed’ and at his best.

The words of the podcast are ‘via regia’ and ‘diaphanous’. Remember, you’ll always learn something new on these podcasts.

The Sideways wine collection (handpicked by Rex Pickett) is now on sale, so please head to https://www.blackmarket.co.nz/promo/sideways-wines-feature or www.158.co.nz and taste the movie!

Have you got a question to ask Rex about wine, all things Sideways (the books, the movie, or the play)? Then please write to him on [email protected]

This is just a reminder that this episode comes with a content warning and is created for adult audiences only. We advise listener and reader discretion for adult themes and language mentioned.

Produced by 158 Limited.