Subtext: Conversations about Classic Books and Films
Wes Alwan and Erin O'Luanaigh
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 unearthing what’s most compelling about great books and movies, and how it is they can touch our lives in such a significant way.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 22, 2024 • 1h 9min
“Notes from the Underground” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: An Anatomy of Human Self-Destructiveness (Part 2)
Exploring the theme of civilization in 'Notes from the Underground,' Wes & Erin dissect the protagonist's self-destructive behavior and desire for recognition. The analysis covers social dynamics, manipulation, and the protagonist's complex relationships with other characters, offering insights into human nature and moral dilemmas.
Jul 15, 2024 • 49min
“Notes from the Underground” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: An Anatomy of Human Self-Destructiveness (Part 1)
Dive into Dostoyevsky's 'Notes from the Underground' as Wes & Erin explore themes of freedom, self-destructiveness, and societal influences. They analyze the protagonist's failed attempts at control and connection, delving into the complexities of human behavior and the struggle for individuality. Join them for a thought-provoking discussion on rationality, pride, and the quest for freedom.
Jul 8, 2024 • 55min
Staking Claims in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948) (Part 2)
Dive into the dark complexities of greed in a classic film where characters spiral into paranoia and violence. Analyze the bar fight that sparks a moral crisis and question whether gold corrupts the soul or reveals hidden darkness. Explore themes of altruism versus self-interest, alongside cultural reflections buried in translation. Contrast different characters' visions of life, and uncover how the pursuit of wealth leads to devastating consequences. In the end, discover a haunting moral that suggests community triumphs over gold.
Jul 2, 2024 • 50min
Staking Claims in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948) (Part 1)
Dive into the dark side of ambition as the hosts discuss the allure and corruption of gold in classic cinema. They explore Howard's warning about gold's addictive nature and its ties to capitalist desire. The conversation delves into themes of begging, exploitation, and the psychological costs of panhandling. They also analyze how Dobbs's fortune unveils deeper issues of deservingness and self-destruction. With insights into mining lore and the fantasy of easy riches, it’s a riveting reflection on greed and morality.
Jun 24, 2024 • 0sec
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (Part 6)
Wes & Erin continue their discussion of “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”
Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, HelloFresh. Go to HelloFresh.com/subtextapps for free appetizers for life.
Pre-order Erin’s forthcoming book “Avail” here: http://subtextpodcast.com/avail
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
Jun 16, 2024 • 55min
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” Part 5
Wes & Erin continue their discussion of “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”
Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, HelloFresh. Go to HelloFresh.com/subtextapps for free appetizers for life.
Pre-order Erin’s forthcoming book “Avail” here: http://subtextpodcast.com/avail
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
Jun 11, 2024 • 0sec
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (Part 4)
Wes & Erin continue their discussion of “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”
Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, HelloFresh. Go to HelloFresh.com/subtextapps for free appetizers for life.
Pre-order Erin’s forthcoming book “Avail” here: http://subtextpodcast.com/avail
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
Jun 3, 2024 • 53min
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (Part 3)
Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”
Pre-order Erin’s forthcoming book “Avail” here: http://subtextpodcast.com/avail
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
May 27, 2024 • 40min
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (Part 2)
Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”
Pre-order Erin’s forthcoming book “Avail” here: http://subtextpodcast.com/avail
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
May 20, 2024 • 54min
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
The ancient Mariner kills his Albatross with a carelessness that stands in stark contrast to his impulse for confession. For several days he and his shipmates feed the albatross, play with it, and treat it as if it were inhabited by a “Christian soul.” The mariner never tells the wedding guest why it is that he kills the bird, but the casual and seemingly unmotivated act is followed by a psychedelic nightmare that gives us some clues. Why do we rebel against our position within the natural world, even to the point of self-destruction? What is required to restore us? Wes & Erin discuss Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”
Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, HelloFresh. Go to HelloFresh.com/subtextsweet for free dessert for life.
Pre-order Erin’s forthcoming book “Avail” here: http://subtextpodcast.com/avail
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
