Take a deep dive into pop nostalgia with us! Pop culture influencers, TV stars, film actors, comedians, and musicians share inspirational stories about the road to success. Insightful conversations that are part comedy/part drama and are always entertaining! With your host, comedian, Jeff Dwoskin.
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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 l ...
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Wes & Erin discuss Thomas Wyatt’s “Whoso List to Hunt” and “They Flee from Me.” Thanks to our sponsor, the incredible online language school Lingoda. Save up to 50 percent on your language course by going to https://try.lingoda.com/Subtext50 and using code SUBTEXT50 at checkout. When you sing up for the seven day trial, you can attend three small g…
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William Keck, Emmy-nominated TV producer and self-proclaimed "tabloid bad boy," joins to discuss his latest book, When You Step Upon a Star: Cringe-Worthy Confessions of a Tabloid Bad Boy. In this candid and humor-laden conversation, William shares outrageous behind-the-scenes stories from his time at the National Enquirer and as an entertainment j…
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Jay Johnson, the master ventriloquist and beloved actor from Soap, shares an in-depth look into his extraordinary career, from his early passion for ventriloquism sparked by a childhood Nestlé Quick pamphlet to his Tony Award-winning Broadway show, The Two and Only!. He recounts his time on Soap, discussing the challenges and triumphs of bringing C…
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As an advisor to Henry VIII and ambassador to France and Italy, poet Thomas Wyatt was something of a professional court-surfer, practiced in riding the peaks and troughs of royal favor. Such were his verbal and diplomatic gifts that, though twice accused of and imprisoned for treason, he was twice released. His poetry reflects all the intrigue, par…
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Marla Pennington, known for her roles on SOAP and Small Wonder, shares her fascinating journey from her family's mattress business to Hollywood stardom. She reflects on her breakout in acting, the dramatic and comedic nuances of working with icons like Richard Mulligan, and the joy of sitcom performances. Marla offers heartwarming anecdotes about S…
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Nicole Eggert, star of Baywatch, Charles in Charge, and Who's the Boss, takes a trip down memory lane, sharing stories from her iconic career. From her early days as Little Miss Universe to becoming a global sensation on Baywatch, Nicole reflects on the ups and downs of fame. She dives into the making of her documentary After Baywatch, revealing wh…
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Henry Graham belongs to the most exclusive clubs, dines regularly at the most lavish restaurants, drives a Ferrari, employs a butler, and owns something called a Montrazini—in short, he capitalizes fully on his inheritance, despite having little understanding of what “capital” actually is. The very ignorance of practicality that his wealth affords …
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Linda Purl takes listeners on a fascinating journey through her career in both acting and singing. From her childhood in Japan, where she trained at the prestigious Toho Gyno Academy, to becoming a Hollywood star, Linda reflects on the experiences that shaped her path. She shares stories about her time on iconic shows like Happy Days, Matlock, and …
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Motown legend Mickey Stevenson and his wife, Michelle, share personal stories from their careers in music and their creative partnership. Mickey reflects on his groundbreaking work at Motown, including discovering Stevie Wonder and shaping Marvin Gaye’s career. Michelle discusses her vocal debut on their latest project, "Put Kamala in the White Hou…
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Henry Graham belongs to the most exclusive clubs, dines regularly at the most lavish restaurants, drives a Ferrari, employs a butler, and owns something called a Montrazini—in short, he capitalizes fully on his inheritance, despite having little understanding of what “capital” actually is. The very ignorance of practicality that his wealth affords …
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continue reading
Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Ancient Greece’s most notorious battle of the sexes, and Euripides’ rumination on the question of whether the Athenian ideals of rationality and moderation sufficiently honor the instinctual side of human nature. Thanks to our sponsor, the incredible online language school Lingoda. Go to https://try.lingoda.c…
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Adrian Zmed takes a nostalgic journey through his career, sharing captivating stories from Grease 2, TJ Hooker, and Bachelor Party. He reveals what it was like to play Danny Zuko on Broadway and how Grease 2 became a cult favorite despite its early challenges. From his dynamic on-set chemistry with Tom Hanks in Bachelor Party to his close friendshi…
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Discover Jane Badler’s journey from pageantry to becoming one of television’s most iconic sci-fi villains. Known for her role as Diana on V, Jane shares the challenges of embodying such a memorable character and the impact that single role had on her career. Jane dives into her experiences on V, including the infamous scene where Diana consumes a g…
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Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Ancient Greece’s most notorious battle of the sexes, and Euripides’ rumination on the question of whether the Athenian ideals of rationality and moderation sufficiently honor the instinctual side of human nature. Upcoming Episodes: “A New Leaf” (Elaine May), “Whoso List to Hunt” and “They Flee From Me” (Thoma…
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continue reading
Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Ancient Greece’s most notorious battle of the sexes, and Euripides’ rumination on the question of whether the Athenian ideals of rationality and moderation sufficiently honor the instinctual side of human nature. Upcoming Episodes: “A New Leaf” (Elaine May), “Whoso List to Hunt” and “They Flee From Me” (Thoma…
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Stanley Livingston, known to millions as Chip Douglas from My Three Sons, opens up about his fascinating journey through Hollywood. Livingston shares an insider's perspective on his career spanning over six decades, from growing up on set to working alongside legends like Fred MacMurray and Charles Bronson. This conversation is a nostalgic ride thr…
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Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Ancient Greece’s most notorious battle of the sexes, and Euripides’ rumination on the question of whether the Athenian ideals of rationality and moderation sufficiently honor the instinctual side of human nature. Upcoming Episodes: “A New Leaf” (Elaine May), “Whoso List to Hunt” and “They Flee From Me” (Thoma…
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continue reading
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The Rebellious Comedy of Married with Children: Richard Gurman Dishes on TV’s Boldest Sitcom
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Richard Gurman, renowned TV producer and author of Married with Children vs. the World, shares the inside scoop on the hit sitcom that redefined TV comedy. Gurman recounts the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs that made Married with Children a cultural game-changer, from casting battles with Fox executives to navigating controversy and cens…
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Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Ancient Greece’s most notorious battle of the sexes, and Euripides’ rumination on the question of whether the Athenian ideals of rationality and moderation sufficiently honor the instinctual side of human nature. Upcoming Episodes: “A New Leaf” (Elaine May), “Whoso List to Hunt” and “They Flee From Me” (Thoma…
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Geri Jewell shares her trailblazing career as the first actress with cerebral palsy to break into mainstream television. From her early stand-up days at The Comedy Store to her iconic roles on The Facts of Life and HBO’s Deadwood, Geri reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her journey. She opens up about her influential friendship with Carol B…
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Known for casting mythical heroes in human proportions, Eurpides has his hands full with Medea—homocidal sorcerous, granddaughter of the sun, and a woman who does not take betrayal lightly. Nevertheless, the poet is able to capture the agony of someone who has given up everything for love—family, home, and homeland—only to find her passion disregar…
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Lynne Moody, a legendary actress known for her groundbreaking roles in television, shares her extraordinary journey through Hollywood. From her iconic performances in "Roots" and "Soap" to her time on "Knots Landing," Lynne reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her career. She opens up about the limited opportunities for African American actre…
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It’s awful being alone, according to millionaire playboy Arthur Bach, and nobody should be alone. And so he forestalls this feeling by getting drunk, picking up prostitutes, and laughing at his own jokes. Yet love in its true form can be a lonely business, as his servant Hobson reminds him, because it involves growing up, getting serious, and takin…
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TV historian and author Joel Eisner delves into the fascinating world of the Batman '66 TV series, sharing untold stories and insider details from his definitive Official Batman Batbook. Discover how Eisner navigated the complexities of securing rights, his unique approach to documenting the show, and the exclusive insights he gathered from the cas…
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It’s awful being alone, according to millionaire playboy Arthur Bach, and nobody should be alone. And so he forestalls this feeling by getting drunk, picking up prostitutes, and laughing at his own jokes. Yet love in its true form can be a lonely business, as his servant Hobson reminds him, because it involves growing up, getting serious, and takin…
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Mike Sacks, a renowned humor writer and author, discusses his unconventional journey in the world of comedy writing. From contributing to Mad Magazine to self-publishing his unique and quirky works, Sacks opens up about the creative freedom and challenges he encountered along the way. He dives into the art of crafting novelizations for non-existent…
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Wes & Erin continue their discussion of two of Marie de France’s most famous lais—”Laustic” and “Guigemar”—and how their narratives marry the “flesh” of text, art, and symbology, to the “spirit” of the spoken word (via dialogue, oaths and covenants, and authorial commentary), in order, perhaps, to communicate something of the mysterious and dangero…
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Dean Butler, famously known as Almanzo Wilder from Little House on the Prairie, opens up about his new memoir, "Prairie Man: My Little House Life and Beyond." He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic show, reflects on its lasting legacy, and discusses his experiences on other classic TV series like The Love Boat and Buffy the Vampire Sla…
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Norma Safford Vela, a trailblazing television writer and showrunner, joins the conversation to share her inspiring journey in the entertainment industry. From breaking into Hollywood as a woman when the field was dominated by men to working on iconic shows like St. Elsewhere, Roseanne, Designing Women, and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Norma recounts…
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The lai, a short narrative poem from the Middle Ages that treats themes of courtly love, was originally accompanied by music and sung by minstrels. But in the 1170s, poet Marie de France translated a series of Breton lais into French and, in so doing, converted an oral tradition into text. It’s no wonder, then, that her lais’ narratives are so ofte…
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Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Jean-Pierre Melville’s 1967 noir thriller “Le Samouraï,” and the surprising power of love to capture its fugitives, even if it means finding them in the most shadowy of underworlds. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early…
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Bari Alyse recounts her journey from an NBC page to hosting her own successful podcast, sharing unforgettable stories from her time at Saturday Night Live and the David Letterman Show. She reveals the wild and unexpected moments behind the scenes of daytime talk shows like Montel Williams and Carnie Wilson, and offers insights into working with Al …
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Dean Cameron, star of '80s and '90s hits like "Summer School" and "Ski School," shares his incredible journey through Hollywood. From his early days living with future stars like Eric Stoltz and Anthony Edwards to his memorable roles alongside legends like Ray Walston and Carl Reiner, Dean offers a candid and humorous look at his career. He discuss…
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Jef Costello is a hit-man with airtight alibis, impeccable style, and a strict code of honor. Add to this a masterful ability to evade his pursuers, mobsters and authorities alike, and a simple but effective home alarm system in the form of a bird. But what he cannot orchestrate, control, or evade is the improvisational nature of a genuine encounte…
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“Notes from the Underground” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: An Anatomy of Human Self-Destructiveness (Part 2)
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What is the cause of human self-destructiveness? Wes & Erin continue their discussion of “Notes from the Underground,” and its agonized rumination on whether freedom can be reconciled with love, individuality with virtue, and action with reflection. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreo…
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Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Larry Mathews, best known as Ritchie Petrie on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." Larry opens up about his unforgettable experiences on the iconic sitcom, sharing hilarious and heartwarming stories about working with TV legends like Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, and Carl Reiner. Larry reminisces about the groun…
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“Notes from the Underground” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: An Anatomy of Human Self-Destructiveness (Part 1)
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What is the cause of human self-destructiveness? According to Dostoyevkys’s underground man, this “most advantageous advantage” is designed to save freedom from the constraints of rationality, and vitality from the quiescence that follows success. Yet he himself finds freedom only in spite and fantasy, while in real life he oscillates between faile…
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Bill Scheft takes us on a journey through his illustrious career in comedy and writing. From his early stand-up days to becoming a key writer for David Letterman, Bill's stories are filled with humor and insight. He discusses his books, his love for classic music, and his recent work in documentaries, providing a well-rounded view of his contributi…
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Wes & Erin continue their discussion John Huston’s 1948 classic, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.” 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…
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Dan Bakkedahl, star of the new show "Dinner with the Parents" on Freevee shares insights from his eclectic career, from his beginnings in improv with Second City to his memorable roles in popular TV shows like "Veep," "Life in Pieces," and "The Daily Show." Dan reveals behind-the-scenes stories, the challenges of playing comedic jerks, and the joys…
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It’s considered the definitive film on greed, a demonstration of just what the lust for gold can do to a man’s heart. Fred C. Dobbs starts out as a down-on-his-luck panhandler in a poor Mexican town and comes into a fortune of over $100,000 before the film’s end. Yet, in more ways than one, Dobbs never stops panhandling, never stops being subject t…
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Marc Price, famously known as "Skippy" from the beloved TV show Family Ties takes us on a journey through his illustrious career, sharing hilarious anecdotes from his time on Family Ties, his adventures in the world of stand-up comedy, and his roles in cult classics like "Killer Tomatoes Eat France" and "Trick or Treat" alongside legends like Ozzy …
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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. 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.…
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Tonya Todd shares insights into her dynamic career in writing, acting, directing, and podcasting. She discusses her creative processes, the importance of diversity and inclusion in storytelling, and her directorial debut with the short film "Mourning Sacrifice." This engaging conversation highlights the passion and dedication behind Tonya’s multifa…
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Discover the untold story behind the iconic film Napoleon Dynamite as Darci Monet shares her experiences and challenges in the music industry. From singing as a child to her pivotal role in the film's soundtrack, Darci reveals the highs and lows of her career, including the struggle for proper recognition. This episode delves into her journey of re…
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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. 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.…
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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. 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.…
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Jeremy Coon, known for producing the iconic Napoleon Dynamite and directing the new documentary A Disturbance in the Force. Jeremy celebrates two decades of Napoleon Dynamite, revealing the film's origins, its surprise success, and its lasting legacy. He also delves into the making of his documentary on the Star Wars Holiday Special, shedding light…
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Ami Dolenz delves into her vibrant career and the stories behind her iconic roles. Ami shares fascinating anecdotes from her time on sets of '80s and '90s classics like "Can't Buy Me Love," "She's Out of Control," and "General Hospital." Ami provides a peek into her childhood experiences with famous parents, her transition into acting, and her memo…
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Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” 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 Airwa…
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