Reviews
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“Brings different perspectives to various works of literature”
macnsak via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/13/23
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“Subtext is a delightful podcast hosted by Wes Alwan and Erin O’Luanaigh. Mr. Alwan’s other podcast—The Partially Examined Life—was the first podcast I listened to over 13 years ago (I think), so you can consider me a longtime fan. I find both hosts to be erudite, and I find their discourse to be...”Read full review »
bresson ford via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/12/23
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“I love it, thank you!”
elevenknob via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/04/23
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“Normally love and look forward to the podcast but the Network episode was unlistenable. Discussion was rambling and without the analysis and deep insight that I’ve come to expect, especially given media history and the current cultural moment.
A big miss for me.”
carterfrancis via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/22/21
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“These 2 know their stuff. It is such a privilege to listen in on their polite and enlightened conversations. The MacBeth episode totally blew me away and I have not quite yet recovered. Recommend very highly.”
Jojable via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/10/21
“Very insightful and intelligent analyses, although the tenor of the conversation can feel extremely stiff and wooden at times. Not everyone needs to be bubbly and bouncing off the walls, but this is some powerful sleepy-time energy. Also, I find that Wes’s takes/tastes are a bit too stuffy and...”Read full review »
RA1815 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/11/21
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“Simply stated, this is a great podcast. Loving the breadth of what is covered. As well, both of you are very humane and insightful. To We and Erin, gratitude for using your talents and energy to create this. Thanks.”
YukonMike82 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
07/03/21
“Great dynamic between Erin and Wes. Their different perspectives always seem subtle and productive, and both are great readers. This is the only podcast that has ever convinced me to re-read entire books.”
spring and all via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/19/21
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“Insightful / interesting / Intelligent. / /Pleasant. The Hosts work well together & are lovely to listen to. Really well done . 5 stars!”
ken H. D. via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/13/21
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“This was just what I needed! The 2 hosts do all the work for us and we get to kick back and listen to them examine and break down the different texts & movies. They are a great match and the discussion flows very naturally. They have great insights and background info on the works/authors...”Read full review »
SonnySyde via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/27/21
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“I love this podcast great insights on the literature and films that mean something discussions are fabulous and bring an intelligent perspective on complex works”
LlamaLadyUnicorn via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/13/21
“I’m a big fan of partially examined life and always enjoyed the literature episodes of PEL, like on the idiot and no country for old men. I tend to look at literature with a philosophical lens so to me this podcast is just what I’m looking for. I’d love to hear them discuss Borges because I...”Read full review »
prinnis via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/07/21
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“Very interesting and easy to listen to episode. I was interested from the beginning of the podcast and rarely lost interest through the episode. Both Wes and Erin clearly demonstrate that they know what the book is about and both share great points on the book. Podcast was so interesting I felt...”Read full review »
Albis F. via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/08/21
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“This podcast honestly intrigued me so much, and the hour felt like it was 10 minutes. I listened to pride and prejudice and it was fantastic! I highly recommend others listen to it also. It is my favorite by far. Easy 5 stars!”
English entrepuenuer via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/08/21
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“I have listened to many literature podcasts throughout the last few years but this one seems to stand far above the rest. Wes is able to bring important facts about the novels, while Erin brings brilliant insight about the themes and layers of the text. The Pride and Prejudice episode especially...”Read full review »
dabberanch via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/08/21
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“I just listened to the podcast about Pride and Prejudice. I highly recommended it and I can’t wait to listen to more!”
|ryan| via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/07/21
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“Just listened to my first episode. Will definitely check out more. Their (sub)text on “To Autumn” gifted me a deeper understanding of one of my favorite poems that I hadn’t before realized.”
Medlax_20 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/07/21
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“Erin and Wes have managed to keep my attention at its fullest, without any dull points. The mic quality on the podcast is extremely crisp, which makes for a great listen! Both Erin and Wes show a deep understanding of every topic from each ends of the spectrum. They cycle many different...”Read full review »
literary Lover $ via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/05/21
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“Great Podcast! Just listened to the one about “To Autumn” and it was awesome. I will definitely consider listening to more!”
CormacW2 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/01/21
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“This review covers film episodes only...
In just a handful of episodes you’ve already reviewed my three favorite directors... Woody Allen, Alfred Hitchcock, and Billy Wilder. What a deal! You could go through each of their top 20 films and I’d be hooked for every episode. But basically I love...”Read full review »
Money $teve via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/25/21
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“Wes and Erin have an excellent awareness of the fact that great works of fiction are about the problems that everyone has and anyone can come to understand. Hearing them discuss these great works that they obviously put so much study into has certainly contributed to my own understanding, and...”Read full review »
mikemikemikeYEET via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/22/21
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“What a wonderful podcast - Wes and Erin are two erudite but equally humble, personable hosts. I have learned so much from them, both about the pieces of art they explore and also about the act of exploring itself. They continue to teach me how to approach art, to get beneath the surface, to...”Read full review »
GrooveRav via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/17/21
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“This was so good. I have only just discovered this podcast but one listen and I am a subscriber. As a Brit with an interest in the US I have always suspected that The Great Gatsby is a key text for anyone fascinated by the American psyche and after listening to this I am confirmed in my belief....”Read full review »
Chief Weasel via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
12/03/20
“This is one of the great podcasts of my experience. Wes Alwan, a philosopher, and Erin O'Luanaigh, a teacher and poet, are the two amiable, intelligent, and deeply thoughtful hosts who guide the listener on a discussion of some of the great works of literature and film. The hosts discuss...”Read full review »
Jroddy4 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/04/20
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“They have intelligent things to say about the possible meanings and interpretations of texts. Deeper and more personable than most such podcasts. Most crucial is that both their voices are soothing and resonant.”
MichaelBrn via Apple Podcasts ·
Ireland ·
11/01/20
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“This podcast is just what the doctor ordered during these strange times. Erin and Wes hold an eclectic variety of works of literature and film up to the light and explore their every facet for meaning. It’s neither too academic nor too breezy—two smart and relatable friends share their passion...”Read full review »
Davividavid via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/21/20
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“Crank that psychoanalytic engine! Wes has met a fine counterpart in poet Erin. Rock on.”
Dawg14 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/20/20
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“Nice job!”
Max Proia via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/15/20
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“This is by far one of the best podcasts out there. The hosts are awesome and the topics are fascinating. As they point out on their website, (sub)Text is about "the human condition, and what we can learn about it from the greatest inventions of the human imagination". We only have a...”Read full review »
FrankLevi via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/06/20
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“Yeats’ poetry has haunted since school days, part of that the booming voice of a particular professor. This poem inhabits a dark corner of the mind. I just finished listening to the first half of the conversation, and it stirred the old ghosts. Thanks.”
davyangst via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/05/20
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“I listen to many podcasts. This one is the best one.”
Mrnorwood via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/05/20
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“Really enjoyed, especially the Yeats and Keats episodes - thanks so much, please keep going!”
A in Melbourne via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
10/04/20
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“I’m a retired high school English teacher and I have missed talking literature so much! This scratches that itch... and goes a wee bit deeper than the kids. Really gratifying!”
Kcurls via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/03/20
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“I’ve been searching for a podcast like this one: conversations about high-quality films and literature that are both insightful and inviting. Erin wins you over each episode with her wit and humor, and Wes uses his philosophy background to expand the discussion beyond the page/screen. It’s clear...”Read full review »
GC1193 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/02/20
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“I haven’t engaged with literature so thoughtfully since I finished my English degree. I’m loved the series on Keats, and the Hitchcock Rear Window enriched my appreciation of this classic — one of my favourite Hitchcock’s. (Would love Dial M for Murder or Rope to get a ep in the future!). I...”Read full review »
Heath Adams via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
09/21/20
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“Been a big fan of Wes for a long time on The Partially Examined Life, and this podcast keeps the good chats going, but now about literature and movies. Saves my sanity when my kids have woken me in the middle of the night and I’m lying awake in the dark thinking, by giving me something to think...”Read full review »
Difff via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
09/14/20
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“I never finished college and though I’ve found a sometimes rewarding career, I know I missed something in regards to contextualizing the world of art. These discussions of poems and movies are so spiritually enriching to me. The discussion of Wilder’s The Apartment was delightful. I was already a...”Read full review »
pod of the gaps via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/10/20
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“These episodes feel like a more entertaining, less expensive English college course with Philosophy added in. Erin and Wes balance each other so well and bring to light aspects of these works that went completely over my head at times. The way they talk about the works makes them accessible...”Read full review »
JR18805 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/08/20
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“Cultivating worldview is important to me, yet many podcasts attempting to do this consist of vapid and/or meandering conversation. This is the opposite of that. Wes and Erin are insightful and bring a great deal of expertise and passion to the topics at hand, and it’s often funny, too...like the...”Read full review »
Raymond C. Singh via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/31/20
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“These first few podcasts have made me an instant admirer. My day job, in which I listen all day, has dissuaded me from listening to podcasts in the past, but now I see the appeal. Podcasts will become my new passion and comfort. But wait, I seem to have started at the top; let’s hope Wes Alwan...”Read full review »
certpsya via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/18/20
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“Great new pod featuring my favourite PEL personality. Really great to hear Wes expand upon his thoughts and insights without his PEL contributors getting in the way (which is still great on PEL, but nice to just hear one of them for change). Rock on Wes🤘🏻, the show is amazing”
@GregZesq via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
08/16/20
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“The film analyses of The Apartment and Groundhog Day brought to light so many aspects I didn’t know where there. It definitely makes me want to rewatch the films and look for those points that were brought up. The hosts’ sense of humor makes listening very entertaining.”
gb0013 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/15/20
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“Such an excellent show for all audiences, especially those looking to dive into the underlying themes of classic films and literature. Wes brings the insights of psychoanalysis and the rigor of philosophy to the discussion, while Erin brings the literary and poetic. Great chemistry! Can’t wait...”Read full review »
Tyler Hislop via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/15/20
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“I saw The Apartment a few years ago and wasn’t that thrilled with it. After listening to The Apartment episode I realized how much I didn’t pick up on. This podcast made me excited to revisit it. Really good analysis, deep but fun and accessible.”
hjburgersauce via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/14/20
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