Subtext: Conversations about Classic Books and Films

Wes & Erin delve into the psychological challenges Rosemary faces during her pregnancy, highlighting the societal dismissal of women's experiences. They explore themes of gaslighting, maternal identity, and societal pressures in her relationships. The manipulation and guilt stemming from her upbringing are critically analyzed, revealing a nuanced critique of ambition and control. Their light-hearted discussion about the poorly received TV sequel adds humor as they explore the evolution of horror narratives through both mundane and demonic lenses.

Dive into the chilling depths of a horror classic that’s more than it seems. The conversation unpacks a critique of domesticity and ambition, showcasing the unsettling banality of evil woven through ordinary lives. Discover the irony of rebellion against societal norms and the emotional complexities of characters like Terry and Minnie. Laughter mingles with profound insights as humor and belief clash within this film’s narrative, revealing how the quest for individuality can become a dangerous trap.

Erin & Wes continue their discussion of four of Dickinson’s best-loved poems, whose little rooms contain some of the definitive poetic statements on grief, pain, violence, death, reason, identity, and encounters with the divine. Upcoming Episodes: “Rosemary’s Baby,” Yeats (“Sailing to Byzantium” and “Leda and the Swan”). For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit AirwaveMedia.com to listen and subscribe to other Airwave shows like Good Job, Brain and Big Picture Science. Email advertising@airwavemedia.com to enquire about advertising on the podcast. Follow: Twitter | Facebook | Website

Erin & Wes continue their discussion of four of Dickinson’s best-loved poems, whose little rooms contain some of the definitive poetic statements on grief, pain, violence, death, reason, identity, and encounters with the divine. Upcoming Episodes: “Rosemary’s Baby,” Yeats (“Sailing to Byzantium” and “Leda and the Swan”). For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit AirwaveMedia.com to listen and subscribe to other Airwave shows like Good Job, Brain and Big Picture Science. Email advertising@airwavemedia.com to enquire about advertising on the podcast. Follow: Twitter | Facebook | Website

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of four of Dickinson’s best-loved poems, whose little rooms contain some of the definitive poetic statements on grief, pain, violence, death, reason, identity, and encounters with the divine: numbers 340, 372, 320, and 477. Upcoming Episodes: Rosemary’s Baby. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit AirwaveMedia.com to listen and subscribe to other Airwave shows like Good Job, Brain and Big Picture Science. Email advertising@airwavemedia.com to enquire about advertising on the podcast. Follow: Twitter | Facebook | Website

Dive into the world of Emily Dickinson and her intriguing life of reclusion. Explore her profound poetic statements on grief, identity, and encounters with the divine. Discover how her modest surroundings belied a vast cosmic imagination. The discussion covers themes of loss, anger, and the complexities of silence within her work. Plus, there's an exploration of the interplay between emotional experiences and sensory imagery. The impact of her relationships on her literary legacy adds another layer to this fascinating journey through her poetry.

Dive into Hitchcock's haunting 'Rebecca' as Wes and Erin unravel the intricate web of relationships, revealing the oppressive legacies of memory and identity. They examine the psychological battles between Mrs. Danvers and the new Mrs. de Winter, exploring vitality versus decay. Themes of aristocratic carelessness echo the decline of the British Empire, while the fragility of power and privilege comes to light. This discussion probes the idealization of characters and the complexities of human connection, blending personal and cultural narratives.

Dive into the complexities of Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rebecca,' where themes of memory and haunting legacies dominate. The hosts unpack the film's intricate character dynamics, including the unnamed protagonist's struggles with identity and societal expectations. They draw amusing parallels between Rebecca and fairy tales, revealing elements of envy and transformation. The discussion extends to the intriguing relationships between characters, especially the unsettling bond between Mrs. Danvers and Rebecca. It's a captivating exploration of past traumas and class struggles.

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 principal wellspring of a joyful existence. Upcoming Episodes: Rebecca (1940), Dickinson. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit AirwaveMedia.com to listen and subscribe to other Airwave shows like Good Job, Brain and Big Picture Science. Email advertising@airwavemedia.com to enquire about advertising on the podcast. Follow: Twitter | Facebook | Website

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 “Sonnets to Orpheus”), he seems to claim that poetry has the capacity to redeem such losses—and retrieve them, so to speak, from their underworld. Wes & Erin discuss these two classics, and whether—as Rilke suggests—death can be put in service of life, and suffering sourced as the principal wellspring of a joyful existence. Upcoming Episodes: Rebecca (1940), Dickinson. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit AirwaveMedia.com to listen and subscribe to other Airwave shows like Good Job, Brain and Big Picture Science. Email advertising@airwavemedia.com to enquire about advertising on the podcast. Follow: Twitter | Facebook | Website