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Artwork for Subtext: Conversations about Classic Books and Films

Subtext: Conversations about Classic Books and Films

Wes Alwan and Erin O'Luanaigh
Rime Of the Ancient Mariner
Le Samouraï
Guilt
The Rime Of the Ancient Mariner
Nature
Isolation
On the Waterfront
Notes From the Underground
Albatross
Love
The Treasure Of the Sierra Madre
Jean-Pierre Melville
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Union Corruption
Edie
Pigeons
Labor Rights
Terry Malloy
Redemption
Competence In Films

Subtext is a book club podcast for readers interested in what the greatest works of the human imagination say about life’s big questions. Each episode, philosopher Wes Alwan and poet Erin O’Luanaigh conduct a close reading of a text or film and co-write an audio essay about it in real time. It’s literary analysis, but in the best sense: we try not overly stuffy and pedantic, but rather focus on un... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes195Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArtsTV & Film

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Artwork for Subtext: Conversations about Classic Books and Films

Latest Episodes

What is a gift without control or discipline, a skill without purpose or meaning? And is there a difference between a gift and luck? Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 film “There Will Be Blood.”

Upcoming Episodes: H... more

The clash between Eli Sunday and Daniel Plainview, between religion and industry, steeple and oil derrick, might come down to something like the difference between a gift and a skill. Eli calls himself a son of the hills of Little Boston, an inherito... more

In Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People,” two conceptions of communal health do battle. Dr. Stockmann’s is progressive, focused as it is on the vitality of the young, their new ideas, and the possibility of growth into a better future, even if that means ... more

In Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People,” two conceptions of communal health do battle. Dr. Stockmann’s is progressive, focused as it is on the vitality of the young, their new ideas, and the possibility of growth into a better future, even if that means ... more

Key Facts

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The Partially Examined Life Philosophy PodcastMark Linsenmayer, Wes Alwan, Seth Paskin, Dylan Casey
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Hosts

Wes Alwan
Co-host and philosopher, well-versed in literary analysis and commentary on classic texts and films.
Erin O'Luanaigh
Co-host and poet, known for insightful analysis and commentary on classic literature and film.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 505 ratings
  • Love!

    Huge fan of this podcast! Every time they cover something I’ve read or watched I’m so delighted. Fantastic observations

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    HSpaulds
    United States2 months ago
  • Love this show!

    Best subtextual analysis out there…

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    adam8652
    United States5 months ago
  • Question on Emily Dickinson

    Hey guys! Love the show. I had a question about the Emily Dickinson episode on “I felt a funeral in my brain.” Do you think there’s any possibility Ambrose Bierce read the poem and incorporated its insights into dying into “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    felix1062
    United States5 months ago
  • Great!

    Great show. Literary shows but with approachable hosts and not particularity condescending delivery are a delight.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Viking Paul
    Canada6 months ago
  • Excellent podcast for any (non-Californian) book or movie lover

    I was excited to discover this podcast so I was let down when I listened to the Die Hard episode and learned what the hosts think of Californians (41:07 - 43:30). The conversation purports to be about negative stereotypes of California but is really an argument for negative stereotypes of California. “What is it about California that is so objectionable to the New Yorker?” the hosts ask, and proceed to answer. Californians are weird, flaky, impractical, lacking in values, lacking in grit. New Yo... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Pinch Me I’m Real
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many praise the blend of humor and intellect, forming a dynamic listening experience that resonates with various audiences.
Some feel the content is richly informative and encourages deeper contemplation of literary works.
A few critiques mention that the discussions can sometimes feel overly academic or detached from more general audiences.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful and engaging discussions that make complex literary and cinematic themes accessible.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#244
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#121
Norway/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#123
India/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#213
India/Arts

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on enriching literary and cinematic engagement, this podcast offers listeners a thoughtful examination of classic works through philosophical inquiry and poetic insight. Each episode features in-depth discussions that probe into timeless texts and films, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and life lessons. The hosts frequently highlight the intersections between literature and contemporary issues, ensuring the content is both relevant and engaging. Listeners can expect a mix of humor and intellectual rigor, appealing to both casual readers and seasoned literary enthusiasts. Unique in its approach, the podcast maintains an accessible tone, making complex themes approachable without losing depth.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast
2. The History of Literature
3. Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)
4. Why Theory
5. Acid Horizon

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 195 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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