The Wilder Things is a newsletter written by me, Charlotte Wilder, about sports, fandom, things I’m obsessed with, and why we love the things we love. I believe that anything with a fanbase is worth exploring seriously, no matter how silly it may seem.
Who is she?
Well, I’m Charlotte, and I’ve been working in media for over a decade. I’m a writer, a reporter, a host, and a producer.
You might know me because you read something I wrote at one of the various sports publications/networks I’ve worked for over the years. Maybe you know me from Meadowlark Media and the Dan Le Batard Show universe. Maybe you watched a feature I made about the pomp and circumstance of college football, heard me on a podcast, or saw me on a broadcast or a live show. Perhaps you liked a joke I told on Twitter or Instagram, followed me, and stuck around. Or maybe you’re just friends with my parents and they told you I do things on the internet, so you looked me up.
No matter how you got here, I’m thrilled you did.
Why is she doing this?
Most of my work has centered on the culture of sports fandom, and in finding the funny, bizarre, and deeply human elements that are embedded in every story. I’ve always said that sports are the original and ultimate reality show, and that fans love the drama and intrigue as much as they love the insane feats of athleticism. Sports connect us to our homes, to our memories, to past versions of ourselves.
I originally started The Wilder Things as a blog in 2009, and I posted on it obsessively until 2013. I’m bringing it back because I missed connecting so personally with my readers. And because I want to examine all kinds of fandom thoughtfully, while still having a whole lot of fun.
Conan O’Brien once said, “I think when smart and stupid come together, it’s very difficult. But if you can make it happen, I think it’s the most beautiful thing in the world.”
Everything I write about lives at that intersection. And when this newsletter is successful, it will, too.
What do I get if I subscribe?
Some posts will be free and available to everyone who signs up. Others will only be for paid subscribers. If you generously choose to become a paid subscriber, you’ll get every single post in your inbox and you’ll have access to the entire archive of my writing on the website. You’ll also be able to comment on posts and partake in all the other fancy features.
No matter what you choose, I’m honored that you took the time to read this. Thank you for hanging out with me — we’re gonna have fun.
