The world of Little House on the Prairie has captured hearts for generations, and now a fresh perspective on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life and work is available in the form of the podcast, Wilder. Through in-depth storytelling, expert commentary, and a modern lens, Wilder examines how Laura’s legacy resonates in contemporary culture.

Launched in June 2023, this deeply engaging series hosted by journalist and author Glynnis MacNicol and created by MacNicol, Emily Marinoff, and Jo Piazza, is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by Wilder’s enduring legacy. MacNicol’s journalistic expertise and deep devotion to the Little House books since childhood makes her the perfect guide through Wilder’s life and the world she lived in. By untangling the threads of fiction and reality in Wilder’s work—revealing some troubling background along the way—MacNicol ultimately asks the question: How do we reckon with the things we loved as a child?

The Concept Behind Wilder

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s semi-autobiographical novels and the “Little House on the Prairie” TV series painted an idyllic picture of pioneer life that has enchanted audiences for decades. Yet her work also opens doors to larger discussions about history, representation, and the myths of American exceptionalism. This podcast ventures beyond the nostalgia, taking a long, hard look at the harsh reality of frontier life, the complexity of the Ingalls family, and Native American history that is only hinted at in the books.

To bring Wilder’s world to life, the hosts went on a 2,500-mile road trip around the Midwest, visiting all of Laura’s houses, and attending the annual Little House pageants held in DeSmet, South Dakota and Walnut Grove, Minnesota. The podcast features a diverse lineup of interviews with historians, literary scholars, environmental experts, cultural critics, and fans of Wilder’s work. MacNicol also speaks to the stars of the “Little House on the Prairie” TV show, including Melissa Gilbert, Alison Arngrim, Karen Grassle and Dean Butler, among others. These guests add depth and nuance to each episode, helping listeners explore both the beauty and the controversies tied to Wilder’s legacy. The inclusion of multiple voices ensures a balanced narrative, allowing listeners to form their own opinions on the topics explored.

Timely and Relevant

As Wilder once wrote, “Now is now. It can never be a long time ago.” There’s never not a good time to talk about Wilder, but perhaps there’s never been a better time than now. As modern readers grapple with the complexities of historical narratives, including issues of race and representation, Wilder provides a space for thoughtful exploration. The podcast encourages listeners to recognize both the profound influence and limitations of Wilder’s work and engage with the question of what role it should play in today’s culture.

How to Tune In

Wilder is available for streaming on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Each episode is a rich tapestry of history, storytelling, and critical analysis, making it a unique addition to the podcast landscape.

• Episode 1: “Now is Now”
• Episode 2: Heroine with a Thousand Faces
• Episode 3: Daughter Dearest pt. 1: The Hurricane
• Episode 4: Daughter Dearest pt. 2: Politics and Rose
• Episode 5: This American Life
• Episode 6: Outside the Little Houses
• Episode 7: The Problem of Laura
• Episode 8: Little Landon on the Prairie
• Episode 9: The Business of Laura
• Episode 10: “It can never be a long time ago.”
• Bonus: A chat with Melissa Gilbert
• Bonus: Caroline Fraser’s Prairie Fires
• Bonus: “Oh, that Nellie Oleson!” with Alison Arngrim
• Bonus: A Little House 50th Anniversary Special!

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Little House on the Prairie, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the cultural significance of Wilder’s work, Wilder opens new doors into the world of this iconic author and invites us all to consider how her enduring stories have shaped—and been shaped by—the culture in which they exist.