“The following podcast contains adult themes, sexual content, and strong language. Basically all the good stuff.” This message aptly forewarns each and every episode of the critically acclaimed podcast, My Dad Wrote A Porno. Hosted by Jamie Morton, the show is a table read of an amateur erotic novel entitled Belinda Blinked. The catch? The novel was written by Morton’s father, who goes by the sultry pen name of Rocky Flintstone. Joined in the reading are Morton’s best mates, Alice Levine and James Cooper, who generally hear the content for the first time as they read. With over 280 million downloads and six seasons, the unlikely comedy has been a smash hit.
Spurring Rocky Flintstone’s dabbling in erotic writing was the widely popular novel Fifty Shades of Gray written by E.L. James. While James’ work has been one of the most popularized series within the genre, Belinda Blinked as written doesn’t quite meet the same standard. Flintstone takes some real liberties when it comes to things like grammar, as well as his expressive, and at times questionable, descriptions of sexual acts. Luckily, these shortcomings feed Morton’s commentary to create a hilarious listening experience.
The podcast even received its own HBO special in 2019. That edition only features Morton and friends reading a selection of Belinda Blinked where Belinda attends a corporate retreat. Led by a woman named Natasha Biles, whom Flintstone describes as “the local female lifeboat member,” who wore a “comfortable yet sexy black leather trouser suit.” As a listener of the podcast, I especially enjoyed being able to see the facial expressions of each host, who, despite having read six seasons aloud already, still cringe at some of the scenes they read aloud.
Outside of his actual writing, Flinstone takes the story through twists and turns that are both unexpected and seemingly bizarre. The very first explicit scene happens as Belinda interviews for a position at Steeles Pots & Pans. Even Flinstone’s naming of characters seems strange, featuring the likes of Mistress Sweetjuice and Alfonse Stirbacker. Through these oddities, the audience is continually reminded that this is an amateur self-published novel by a seemingly pretty average guy. We are then reminded that it is his son who is hosting the show, which makes it all the funnier.
For those skeptical about diving into a new show, I was also hesitant to throw My Dad Wrote A Porno on over one of my regulars. The only reason I seriously considered listening was that so many friends had recommended it. People from very different sections of my life seemed to have nothing but good things to say, so, when I had some dishes to do, I threw it on, got to scrubbing, and finished all thirteen episodes of series one by the end of the week!
Despite its name and subject matter, My Dad Wrote a Porno is a great addition to anyone’s podcast rotation. It can take a second to get past some of the more shocking moments of the show, but, once you do, it becomes less about the sex scenes and more a larger appreciation for the show as a whole. Whether you’ve got a stack of dirty dishes in front of you or are just looking for a good listen, give Belinda Blinked and My Dad Wrote a Porno a chance with an open mind. You won’t regret it.