Sweater Weather podcast

#Sweater Weather #Cinema #Audio Drama #Aaron Giovannone

28:39

For centuries, members of the B’doul Bedouin tribe lived in the caves around the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Then, in the 1980s, the government forced the tribe to move in the name of preserving the geological site for tourists. But if the residents are forced to leave, and if their heritage has been permanently changed, then what exactly is being preserved? Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

Sweater Weather

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Join husband-and-wife writing team Aaron Giovannone (The Nonnets, The Loneliness Machine) and Naomi K. Lewis (Tiny Lights for Travellers, I Know Who You Remind Me Of) as they chat about stories: the ones they're watching, reading, writing—and living! Naomi K. Lewis: www.naomiklewis.com Aaron Giovannone: www.aarongiovannone.com

58 episodes

Sweater Weather

updated 2 days ago

Series home•Feed

58 episodes

#Sweater Weather #Cinema #Audio Drama #Aaron Giovannone

All episodes

Sweater Weather

1
Canadian Bacon 29:17

2 days ago29:17

29:17

In this episode of Sweater Weather, Aaron starts off by telling some jokes about the Canadian election: Who would fictional Canadian characters vote for? What should you do now that the GST on first homes is gone? Naomi laughs politely. Then we talk about Canadian Bacon, the 1995 film from director Michael Moore, starring John Candy, Rhea Perlman, and Alan Alda, a satire about an American president who declares war on Canada to boost his approval ratings. We liked many of the film's gags poking fun at Canada and Canadian stereotypes, but the real focus of the film is US culture and politics, using Canada as kind of liberal fun house mirror to reflect back to itself a more conservative America. Of course, it's what you'd expect from the famously liberal documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, who only ever made one fictional film, this one. Whether you like the movie or not, the satire turned out to be shockingly prescient, given what's going on in 2025, with a Trump-led trade war against Canada that has inflamed nationalistic sentiment on both sides of the border. Despite all the goofs and gaffs, Aaron found the film oddly disturbing for the dark picture it paints in which everyone is either evil or an idiot, while Naomi didn't seem so put off by that. To be fair, Aaron also napped through the middle third of the film, so he couldn't have been that disturbed. We hope this episode of Sweater Weather doesn't put you to sleep--unless you listen to podcasts in bed while trying to drift off to dreamland. In that case, bon nuit, and enjoy! Sweater Weather podcast (Video): https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Sweater Weather podcast (Audio): https://pod.link/1547081850 Naomi’s website: https://www.naomiklewis.com/ Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na.oh.mee Naomi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomiklewis Aaron’s website: https://www.aarongiovannone.com Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.giovannone Aaron on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronGiovannoneAuthor/ Aaron on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on X: https://x.com/SincerityCity…

Sweater Weather

1
The Bay 31:45

11 days ago31:45

31:45

In this episode of Sweater Weather, we’re chatting about the iconic Hudson’s Bay Company. From its astonishing roots in Canadian history to its role as a shopping haven for generations, we’re sharing our personal memories about wandering the aisles as teens, breaking up with bad boyfriends in the food court, and scoring those legendary (and somehow, perpetual) 70% off sales. Could this episode be the the very last BAY DAY ever?! Sweater Weather podcast (Video): https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Sweater Weather podcast (Audio): https://pod.link/1547081850 Naomi’s website: https://www.naomiklewis.com/ Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na.oh.mee Naomi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomiklewis Aaron’s website: https://www.aarongiovannone.com Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.giovannone Aaron on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronGiovannoneAuthor/ Aaron on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on X: https://x.com/SincerityCity…

Sweater Weather

1
Mad Men 35:49

18 days ago35:49

35:49

In this episode of Sweater Weather, we chat about the iconic TV series Mad Men, exploring its themes, characters, and why it might just be the "Great American Novel" of television. We kick things off with some personal writing updates—Naomi is deep into ghostwriting and editing, while Aaron has written about 20,000 words of a novel he hopes will end up being very short. But the real focus is on Mad Men, which Naomi recently rewatched and Aaron experienced for the first time. From Don Draper’s enigmatic charm to Peggy Olson’s groundbreaking journey, we dissect the show’s portrayal of the 1960s, touching on gender roles, workplace dynamics, and the cultural shifts of the era. We also discuss how Mad Men masterfully weaves historical events—like the moon landing and the Civil Rights Movement—into its narrative, making it a rich portryal of American life during a transformative decade. We debate the complexities of Don Draper as an anti-hero and how the show balances his anti-heroic flaws with his undeniable charisma. And of course, we can’t resist talking about that finale—Don’s journey to self-discovery and the creation of one of the most famous ads ever. Somehow, it’s both a moment of redemption AND the perfect ad campaign. So pour yourself a whisky from your office liquor cart, light up a Lucky Strike, and join us for a fun chat about one the best T.V. shows of all time. Sweater Weather podcast (Video): https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Sweater Weather podcast (Audio): https://pod.link/1547081850 Naomi’s website: https://www.naomiklewis.com/ Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na.oh.mee Naomi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomiklewis Aaron’s website: https://www.aarongiovannone.com Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.giovannone Aaron on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronGiovannoneAuthor/ Aaron on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on X: https://x.com/SincerityCity…

Sweater Weather

1
The Great Canadian Novel 32:36

23 days ago32:36

32:36

In this week's episode of Sweater Weather, we discuss what constitutes The Great Canadian Novel. After sharing our personal writing updates—Naomi's ghostwriting projects and Aaron's progress on a comedic novel—we tackle the complex question of national identity in literature. We explore how Canadian literature often defines itself in opposition to American culture, and we examine why Canadian writers tend to focus on the "marginalized" (according to one of our sources) rather than the powerful elite. From Margaret Laurence's The Diviners to Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale , we debate which books might claim the title of the Great Canadian Novel while considering the legal, cultural, and regional challenges that make a definitive Canadian novel so elusive. Sweater Weather podcast (Video): https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Sweater Weather podcast (Audio): https://pod.link/1547081850 Naomi’s website: https://www.naomiklewis.com/ Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na.oh.mee Naomi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomiklewis Aaron’s website: https://www.aarongiovannone.com Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.giovannone Aaron on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronGiovannoneAuthor/ Aaron on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on X: https://x.com/SincerityCity…

Sweater Weather

1
The Wild Robot 32:44

5 weeks ago32:44

32:44

In this episode of Sweater Weather , Aaron and Naomi kick things off with a chat about their writing projects, genre expectations, and how different types of thrillers evoke distinct emotions. They discuss the balance between entertainment and edification in storytelling and what makes a book emotionally immersive. Then, they shift gears to talk about The Wild Robot , the Oscar-nominated animated film based on the bestselling middle-grade novel. We discuss how Roz, a robot stranded in the wilderness, learns to care for a gosling and forms a cooperative society with the island’s animals. Along the way, we tackle big questions: Do emotions make someone human?Does this story reflect the Hobbesian idea of the social contract? And why did Naomi expect a more "realistic" take on robot-human interaction? Anyway, it was a fun, cute movie, and we hope you enjoy our episode. Sweater Weather podcast (Video): https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Sweater Weather podcast (Audio): https://pod.link/1547081850 Naomi’s website: https://www.naomiklewis.com/ Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na.oh.mee Naomi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomiklewis Aaron’s website: https://www.aarongiovannone.com Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.giovannone Aaron on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronGiovannoneAuthor/ Aaron on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on X: https://x.com/SincerityCity…

Sweater Weather

1
Severance 20:10

7 weeks ago20:10

20:10

After an update on our writing — Aaron is trying to choose what novel to write next, Naomi is busy with editing and ghost-writing projects — we discuss the Apple TV thriller Severance, focusing on its intriguing sci-fi premise and character-driven narrative. Severance presents a world where people undergo a procedure to become unaware of their outside lives during their workday, essentially becoming a different person, with "outies" having no memory of their "innies", and vice-versa. We discuss how this concept raises issues about identity and resonates with anyone who dislikes their job. We examine the show's setting, the ominous Lumen company, and its cult-like corporate culture centered around its founder, Kier, as well as the personal reasons that led the main character, Mark, to join the severance program. We love Severance and eagerly await every new episode, but we wonder about the challenge Severance faces in sustaining its central mystery and whether the show can provide a satisfying payoff. We reference some of our other favorite TV shows that had this problem, such as Lost and Battlestar Galactica. Sweater Weather podcast (Video): https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Sweater Weather podcast (Audio): https://pod.link/1547081850 Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na.oh.mee Naomi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomiklewis Naomi’s website: https://www.naomiklewis.com/ Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.giovannone Aaron on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronGiovannoneAuthor/ Aaron on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on X: https://x.com/SincerityCity Aaron’s website: https://www.aarongiovannone.com…

Sweater Weather

1
Writing Our Religion 29:56

7 weeks ago29:56

29:56

After progress updates on our writing – Aaron finished his novel manuscript! Naomi had two items of writing-related good news this week! – we get real about the writing process. We reflect on how you have to wait forever for everything in the publishing business, and the frustrations of continually seeking external validation. Then we discuss a pet theory Aaron is working on, which considers the writing life as a faith-based activity, at least occassionally. Does writing, especially when it seems no one else cares, rely on a belief that stories have some kind of transcendental value, that you're writing them in service of something larger than yourself? Is it wrong to call this a spiritual or religious impulse? Maybe we're getting a little too big for our britches here. It's just a half-baked notion, but airing half-baked notions is what podcasts are for. Enjoy! Sweater Weather podcast (Video): www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Sweater Weather podcast (Audio): https://pod.link/1547081850 Naomi on Instagram: www.instagram.com/na.oh.mee Naomi on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naomiklewis Naomi’s website: www.naomiklewis.com Aaron on Instagram: www.instagram.com/aaron.giovannone Aaron on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AaronGiovannoneAuthor Aaron on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on X: x.com/SincerityCity Aaron’s website: www.aarongiovannone.com…

Sweater Weather

1
Dallas 30:03

9 weeks ago30:03

30:03

In this week’s episode of Sweater Weather, we open a cultural time capsule: Dallas. We revisit the long-running, prime-time soap opera that captivated our parents and grandparents from 1978 to 1991. As kids, we watched it along with the adults (it was considered sacrosanct "mommy time" in Aaron's house) although we were too young to understand its nefarious characters and wacky plot lines. We were curious to find out, as adults now, if this monumental show of our childhood was actually any good. The short answer: it was! Our conversation begins with updates on our writing journeys, flu recoveries, and the challenges of finishing manuscripts. Then, we shift gears to discuss our holiday binge of Dallas, reflecting on its legacy as a trailblazing prime-time soap. We share memories of J.R. Ewing, the legendary "Who Shot J.R.?" storyline, and the show's fascinating mix of melodrama, family conflict, and over-the-top glamour. We also talk about Bobby Ewing’s impossibly sculpted hair (hair is actually a lot of our discussion) and Sue Ellen’s transformation into a scheming powerhouse. For the nostalgic or simply curious about a series they never knew, this episode is a fun visit to an imaginary place called Dallas. Sweater Weather podcast (Video): www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Sweater Weather podcast (Audio): https://pod.link/1547081850 Naomi on Instagram: www.instagram.com/na.oh.mee Naomi on Facebook: www.facebook.com/naomiklewis Naomi’s website: www.naomiklewis.com Aaron on Instagram: www.instagram.com/aaron.giovannone Aaron on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AaronGiovannoneAuthor Aaron on TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on X: x.com/SincerityCity Aaron’s website: www.aarongiovannone.com…

Sweater Weather

1
Nosferatu 35:36

13 weeks ago35:36

35:36

Aaron and Naomi kick off this episode of Sweater Weather reflecting on their creative journeys in 2024. Then they discuss Robert Eggers’ visually stunning yet narratively unsatisfying film, Nosferatu (2024), and they explore how primal fears influence the horror genre. Naomi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/na.oh.mee/ Naomi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomiklewis Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.giovannone/ Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AaronGiovannoneAuthor/ Aaron on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aarongiovannone Aaron on X: https://x.com/SincerityCity…

Sweater Weather

1
The Littlest Hobo 59:15

15 weeks ago59:15

59:15

Naomi and Aaron discuss the TV show The Littlest Hobo (1979-1985). [This episode was originally paywalled, but here it is in its entirety!] This week on Sweater Weather, we ride the rails of nostalgia with The Littlest Hobo, the classic Canadian TV show about a lone German Shepherd who runs and swims and flies in hot air balloons across the land, bringing joy to everyone he meets (except the bad guys). In 114 episodes from 1979 to 1985, Hobo can’t resist solving problems for all the hapless humans he meets along the way. We reminisce about our own memories of watching (or avoiding) these canine adventures on Saturday afternoons, and the mixed emotions the show evoked—part comfort, part melancholy, part confusion, and yes, part cringe. We uncover fascinating tidbits about the making of the show. Did you know that multiple dogs portrayed the Littlest Hobo, all trained by the exuberant Chuck Eisenmann? We talk about London, the German-Shepherd actor who was actually several German Shepherds, from their unique reverse-masking colouring, to their roles as star and studs and stunt performers. From helping a lonely grandfather reconnect with his granddaughter, to saving kids from trash compactors, speeding trains, and poor parenting, Hobo’s adventures were always full of excitement and dare we say weirdness. Is Hobo just a dog, or could he be something more—a guardian angel in disguise? Is it really a good idea to tell your life story to a stray dog, like all the humans on this show do? Should you give a German Shepherd your undelivered mail and hope for the best? Find out in this episode!…

Sweater Weather

1
Breaker High 56:52

15 weeks ago56:52

56:52

Naomi and Aaron discuss the TV show Breaker High (1997-98). [This episode was originally paywalled, but here it is in its entirety for free!] Ahoy, Sweater Wearers! This week we sail back to the late 90s and into the Canadian teen sitcom Breaker High, a much requested topic for our show. Airing from 1997 to 1998 on YTV, Breaker High captured the imaginations of young viewers by setting high school on a cruise ship. We explore many of the characters, including the wacky Sean, played by a young Ryan Gosling showing off his comedic chops in the role. Maybe we're biased by future knowledge of baby Gosling's success, but he stands out as a real talent. We discuss Breaker High's filming location in Burnaby, BC, and we examine the sometimes dated depictions of other cultures, languages, and cuisines that make the show a bit cringey to watch today. We end by musing about how Breaker High portrays a fantasy where kids from different social groups—whether nerd, cool, jock, or joker—are all friends. In fact, little Naomi had an on-going fantasy similar to Breaker High, except it took place on a spaceship, a show idea we'll be pitching to YTV soon enough.…

Sweater Weather

1
C'est Comme Ça Que Je T'aime 1:02:01

26 weeks ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Naomi and Aaron discuss the TV show C'est Comme Ça Que Je T'aime (2020-2024). [If you enjoy Sweater Weather, become a patron of the show on Patreon. Go to patreon.com/canadiansweate r for details.] In this episode we gush over the Québécois TV series C'est Comme Ça Que Je T'aime, also known by its less interesting English name, Happily Married. (You can watch C'est Comme Ça with English subtitles on CBC Gem for free, but be sure to use its original French title when searching.) Set in 1974, this one-hour dramatic comedy series follows two suburban couples who become the most notorious criminals in Quebec history over three weeks while their kids are away at camp. We love the show's blend of dark humor and drama, and we especially enjoy the series creator, François Létourneau, who plays the narcissistic and cowardly Gaétan, a character who somehow remains incredibly endearing. We were lucky enough to stumble across this popular series while visiting Montreal, and we doubt that C'est Comme Ça has been watched much in English Canada, just more proof that the Two Solitudes thesis is true.…

Sweater Weather

1
Hard Core Logo 58:59

28 weeks ago58:59

58:59

Naomi and Aaron discuss the film Hard Core Logo (1996). [If you enjoy Sweater Weather, become a patron of the show on Patreon. Go to patreon.com/canadiansweate r for details.] In this episode of Sweater Weather , we're diving deep into one of Canada's most iconic cult films, Hard Core Logo (1996). Directed by Bruce McDonald and based on Michael Turner's novel-in-verse, this mockumentary captures the gritty essence of a fictional punk band's reunion tour across Western Canada. Join Aaron and Naomi as they reminisce about their first encounters with the film, chat about the standout performances by Hugh Dillon (of Headstones fame) and Callum Keith Rennie, and explore the film’s lasting impact. We discuss everything from the film's low-budget origins and its transformation from a straight drama into a mockumentary, to the real-life band Billy Talent, whose name was inspired by the film’s characters. We also take a closer look at the thematic elements of the film, like the complex relationship between Joe Dick and Billy Talent, the tension of old friendships rekindled, and the undercurrents of love, hate, and punk rock ethos that drive the story. Whether you're a longtime fan of Hard Core Logo or discovering it for the first time, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and a good dose of Canadian punk nostalgia. So tune in, turn up the volume, and let’s hit the road with Hard Core Logo !…

Sweater Weather

1
The Trades 59:10

30 weeks ago59:10

59:10

Naomi and Aaron discuss the TV show The Trades (2024). [If you enjoy Sweater Weather, become a patron of the show on Patreon. Go to patreon.com/canadiansweate r for details.] This week Aaron and Naomi dive into the greasy world of The Trades, a Crave original TV show co-produced by the Trailer Park Boys. The Trades is a blue-collar, workplace comedy starring Rob Wells (aka Ricky from the Trailer Park Boys) as Todd Stool, the mullet-rocking foreman at a fictional oil refinery. Filmed in Hamilton and Nova Scotia, the show has plenty of bathroom humour, weird nicknames, and a whole lot of chaos. Aaron and Naomi did not exactly love The Trades, but they do laugh about Todd's 'baloney' tail and they appreciate Tom Green's antics as the deadbeat site manager. Plus, they share their own (limited) experiences with manual labor trying to seem qualified to talk about blue-collar comedy.…

Sweater Weather

1
Letterkenny, feat. Marcello Di Cintio 1:10:53

33 weeks ago1:10:53