Subtext: Conversations about Classic Books and Films
Wes Alwan and Erin O'LuanaighSubtext 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
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 175 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | TV & FilmBooksArts | |||
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Latest Episodes
Alfred Hitchcock’s first American film—part love story, part ghost story, part courtroom melodrama—centers on a poor, timid young woman who falls in love with wealthy aristocrat Maxim de Winter, a widower tortured over the death of his first wife. Wh... more
Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Rainer Maria Rilke’s “You Who Never Arrived” and “Be Ahead of All Parting” (II.13 from his “Sonnets to Orpheus”), and whether—as Rilke suggests—death can be put in service of life, and suffering sourced as the ... more
In his poem “You Who Never Arrived,” Rainer Maria Rilke suggests that we can mourn love as an unrealized possibility, and see this loss signified everywhere in the ordinary objects of the external world. In “Be Ahead of All Parting” (II.13 from his “... more
Wes & Erin continue their discussion the 1970 classic “M.A.S.H,” and whether irony ought always to be our anesthetic, when confronted with traumas that are otherwise unspeakable.
Upcoming Episodes: Rilke, Rebecca (1940), Dickinson.
For bonus conten... more
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Reviews
- 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 Podcasts1Pinch Me I’m Real
United States2 months ago - When my mind is turned on I very much enjoy the podcast
They do their homework and are thoughtful and I enjoy hearing the way they interpret things.
Apple Podcasts5Jesse WilderUnited States3 months ago - Love it
Great show. It’s brainy and insightful but not a slog. I enjoy it while walking the dog.
Apple Podcasts5ClaytonGarrett
Canada3 months ago - Considered and multifaceted conversations
The hosts are well-read, articulate, don’t always immediately agree, and can each bring various modes and postures to bear on rich texts in long-form conversations. Sometimes they do slow reads with create commentary and analysis, sometimes they do multiparty series with helpful context added. They sometimes bring other works into conversation with the texts they focus on but are pretty darn intellectually honest and clear whenever they’re adopt some particular or historically contingent frame f... more
Apple Podcasts5C.S. MobbsUnited States4 months ago - Great podcast!!!
The subject matter, content, insights and banter of the hosts is fabulous. Wish I discovered this podcast from inception. Thank you!!!!
Apple Podcasts5dana from atlUnited States4 months ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #127 | Canada/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #124 |  Australia/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #208 |  Italy/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #116 |  Sweden/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #154 |  South Korea/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #231 |  Ireland/Arts/Books |
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| Listeners per Episode | Gender Skew | Location | |||
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| Interests | Professions | Age Range | |||
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This podcast offers an engaging exploration of classic literature and film, facilitated by deep analytical discussions between its hosts. Each episode includes close readings and thoughtful essays that not only dissect the works at hand but also connect them to broader life themes and questions. The hosts aim for an accessible yet insightful approach, appealing to listeners who appreciate rich literary criticism without the pretentiousness that often accompanies academia. The content is marked by a delightful blend of intellect and humor, ensuring listeners find enjoyment as well as enlightenment in the discussions of texts and films.
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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. Philosophy Bites
5. Why Theory
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 175 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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