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! If you love classic TV, you'll love Classic Conversations 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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What happens, this film asks, when an event resists the imposition of order, stands beyond the reach of logic or even language? Wes & Erin continue their discussion of “Picnic at Hanging Rock.” Upcoming Episodes: Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”; Jaws, Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People.” For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on t…
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TV Reunions, Tabloids, and Truths with William Keck
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1:00:15From his days hiding in the bushes at celebrity parties to orchestrating beloved TV cast reunions, William Keck has done it all. In this discussion, the Emmy-nominated producer and tabloid veteran returns to share more behind-the-scenes stories from his wildly entertaining memoir "When You Step Upon a Star." Keck opens up about the emotional impact…
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It’s Valentine’s Day in the state of Victoria, Australia in the year 1900. A group from a local girls’ school goes on an excursion to the foot of an eerie, vast geological formation called Hanging Rock. Three girls and one schoolteacher climb up to explore it. All but one are never seen again. This summary constitutes the essential plot but only th…
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William Sadler reflects on decades of unforgettable roles, from “Die Hard 2” to “The Shawshank Redemption” to his comedic turn as the Grim Reaper in “Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey.” In this intimate and revealing conversation, he opens up about his evolution as an actor, his love for the stage, and the meaningful moments that shaped his journey, from …
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Wes & Erin discuss “The Indian to His Love.” Upcoming Episodes: “Picnic at Hanging Rock”; Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” and “An Enemy of the People.” 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 Medi…
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Playwright, author, and creative force Billy Aronson dives deep into his journey, from conceiving the idea behind RENT to writing for iconic kids’ shows and opening up about personal struggles with depression. This candid and humorous conversation explores the ups and downs of a life in the arts, his Emmy-winning work in children's television, and …
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Wes & Erin discuss “Leda and the Swan.” For paid subscribers, includes “The Indian to His Love.” Upcoming Episodes: “Picnic at Hanging Rock”; Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” and “An Enemy of the People.” 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 regula…
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To mark the 50th anniversary of Jaws, author and film historian Pat Jankiewicz dives deep into the legacy of the iconic 1975 film and its ripple effect on cinema, culture, and shark lore. From behind-the-scenes stories and casting quirks to the fascinating inspirations behind the original novel, this episode is a rich tribute to one of the greatest…
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Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Yeats’s “Sailing to Byzantium,” and whether creativity can help us transcend mortality, and how artists should conceive of their relationships to nature and posterity. Upcoming Episodes: Yeats’s “Leda and the Swan” and “The Indian to His Love,”; “Picnic at Hanging Rock”; Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” and “An Enemy…
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Grease is still the word at 47: T-Bird Barry Pearl Remembers the Magic
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1:10:13Barry Pearl, forever known as Doody from Grease, shares an unforgettable journey through the legacy of the film, now nearing its 47th anniversary. In this nostalgic conversation, Barry gives an intimate behind-the-scenes look at life on the Grease set, from bonding with castmates to the little improvised moments that made it to screen. He opens up …
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Yeats’s poem “Sailing to Byzantium” begins and ends with the concept of reproduction. In the first stanza, this reproduction is natural and sexual, and in the final stanza is entirely a matter of artifice. The living songbird is transformed into both product and producer, with a form of singing that is gilded by a consciousness of its departure fro…
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Marvel magic isn't just made by superheroes — it’s built by the incredible women behind the scenes. Judy Stephens, longtime Marvel producer and co-author of Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel, joins this episode for a joyful deep dive into the untold stories of Marvel’s female trailblazers. From cosplay beginnings to comic book breakth…
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Sara Tomko brings warmth, wit, and wisdom in this episode, where she talks about her journey as an actor, from early roles with mockbuster studios to her breakout on Resident Alien. With stories about manifesting her dream career, finding family on set, and navigating the ups and downs of showbiz, Sara opens up in a way that’s both inspiring and la…
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Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Roman Polanski’s 1968 classic, and why it is that Satanic evil, when confronted with life’s very frightening realities—including pregnancy itself—turns out to be so banal. Upcoming Episodes: Yeats: “Sailing to Byzantium,” “Leda and the Swan,” “An Indian to His Love.” For bonus content, become a paid subscribe…
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Step into a dimension of nostalgia, television history, and personal storytelling with legendary writer and historian Marc Scott Zicree. Best known for The Twilight Zone Companion, Marc shares the origins of the book that shaped a genre and defined an era. From sneaking into Rod Serling’s archives to interviewing over 100 contributors to the iconic…
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Voiceover legend Cam Clarke joins the conversation with over 400 credits to his name, from Leonardo of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Simba in The Lion King II, to the nostalgic Snoopy. Cam dives into stories from his early days as a child performer in the King Family, shares what inspired his massive coffee table book documenting over a century o…
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On the surface, “Rosemary’s Baby” is a horror film about a woman who gets taken advantage of by a satanic cult and impregnated by the Devil. In the end, it seems to be a satire on the competing entrapments of domesticity and ambition, and the boring conventionality of people who hope that opposition to convention will allow them to retrieve their l…
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Tina Cole brings a treasure trove of Hollywood nostalgia, heartwarming memories, and behind-the-scenes stories from her iconic career. From her early days opening for Rowan and Martin in Australia to her unforgettable role as Katie Douglas on My Three Sons, Tina shares the journey that inspired her book My Three Lives. This discussion is filled wit…
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50 Years Later: Little House Legends Dean Butler and Alison Arngrim Reunite and Reflect
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1:03:28Two iconic cast members from Little House on the Prairie, Dean Butler and Alison Arngrim, reunite to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary and discuss the powerful legacy that still resonates with fans today. From heartwarming stories to surprise revelations, this conversation dives deep into their personal journeys, the wild success of their books…
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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…
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Get an inside look at the fascinating niche of trailer music with Brent Daniels, the creative force behind the sounds of some of Hollywood’s biggest hits. From “Bullet Train” to “Black Panther,” Brent’s music has set the tone for countless movie and TV trailers. In this fun and revealing chat, he breaks down how he got started, the art of sync lice…
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From college improv to Studio 8H, Luke Null takes us on a no-holds-barred ride through the trenches of comedy. Known for his musical flair and one wild season on Saturday Night Live, Luke dives deep into the chaotic, cutthroat, and occasionally hilarious world behind the scenes. This episode is equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and brutally honest a…
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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…
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Get ready for a chilling journey through one of horror television’s most iconic series. Alan Katz—producer, writer, and creative mind behind the Crypt Keeper’s twisted dialogue—unearths the strange, subversive, and often scandalous stories from the crypt. In this bloodcurdling episode, Katz reveals how Tales from the Crypt survived chaos, Hollywood…
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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 Patreo…
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Barry Livingston, best known as Ernie from My Three Sons, brings a treasure trove of Hollywood stories in this nostalgic ride through decades of TV and film. From early beginnings alongside his brother Stanley to memorable roles in The Orville, Mad Men, Zodiac, and more—Barry shares the ups, downs, and delightful surprises of a lifelong acting care…
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What happens when your sister is a game show icon and you've got stories to tell? Chip White, brother of Vanna White and host of the podcast Relatively Famous, shares how he turned a clever concept—talking to relatives of celebrities—into a passion project. From hilarious behind-the-scenes moments with REO Speedwagon to deeply personal stories of f…
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If only because of its seeming incongruity with a brain “wider than the sky,” the central fact of Emily Dickinson’s life has become her seclusion. As she wrote to Thomas Wentworth Higginson in 1869, “I do not cross my Father’s ground to any House or town.” Like the relatively modest dimensions of her poems, this self-imposed constraint—of the prope…
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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. When the young woman becomes the second Mrs. De Winter and moves into Maxim’s estate, she finds her pr…
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David Zucker, the legendary filmmaker behind Airplane!, The Naked Gun, and Scary Movie 3 & 4, joins the conversation to dive into his remarkable career in comedy. From his early days with Kentucky Fried Theater to reshaping the spoof genre, David shares behind-the-scenes stories, Hollywood challenges, and the making of his book Surely You Can't Be …
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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. When the young woman becomes the second Mrs. De Winter and moves into Maxim’s estate, she finds her pr…
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Buckle up, Monkees fans! Jeff welcomes back John Billings, legendary bassist, and all-around cool guy, to dish on recording "Live at The Troubadour" with Micky Dolenz. From stage jitters to bass lines that matter, John takes us behind the scenes of capturing a once-in-a-lifetime performance. We talk Micky’s timeless voice, the club’s rock-and-roll …
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Veteran actor, comedian, and voice artist Sam Kwasman shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from his decades-long career in Hollywood. From dancing with Patrick Swayze to voicing Little Quacker on Tom and Jerry, Sam’s journey is filled with unexpected twists, famous co-stars, and a whole lot of laughter. NOTE to Listener: This interview was lo…
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Some careers are legendary, and few have left their mark on pop culture like Bill Morrison. From his early days dreaming of being a comic book artist to working with The Simpsons, Futurama, Disney, and even Mad Magazine, Bill's journey is packed with fascinating stories. Whether it's co-founding Bongo Comics, illustrating some of the most iconic ch…
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Hollywood legend Stefanie Powers takes us on a journey through her remarkable career, from starring in The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. and Hart to Hart to working alongside icons like John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara, and William Holden. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time in Hollywood, including her unforgettable on-screen chemistry with Robert …
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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 …
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Vic Kaplan’s career is a masterclass in entertainment history. From producing some of the most iconic comedy specials to working alongside legends like Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and George Carlin, his behind-the-scenes experiences offer a rare look into Hollywood’s golden era. Starting at Dick Clark Productions, he played a pivotal role in sha…
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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 retri…
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Dennis Blair’s journey into comedy started by accident—but what a ride it’s been. Originally a musician and songwriter, Blair stumbled into stand-up when his musical parodies unexpectedly stole the show. That moment of unexpected laughter led him to open for comedy icons, work alongside legends like Rodney Dangerfield and George Carlin, and write f…
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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 content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also…
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Stephen Talbot’s career spans decades, beginning as a child actor best known for playing Gilbert on Leave It to Beaver. His journey includes memorable roles on classic shows like The Twilight Zone, Perry Mason, and Lassie, where he worked alongside Hollywood legends such as Rod Serling and Lucille Ball. Beyond acting, Talbot made a bold transition …
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It begins with the “stupidest song ever written,” as Robert Altman called it, and ends with a self-referential jab at the very idea of finding comic relief in the tragedy of war. But it is equally unserious, the film “M.A.S.H” seem to suggest, to take seriously the authority of war-making institutions, and their pretense to putting violence in serv…
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Jeffrey Weissman, best known for his role as George McFly in Back to the Future Parts 2 and 3, takes us on a whirlwind journey through his fascinating career. From sharing behind-the-scenes stories about working with legendary directors like Clint Eastwood and Robert Zemeckis to his unique perspective on Hollywood controversies, Jeffrey captivates …
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Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Marianne Moore’s poem, “The Jerboa,” first published in 1932, and whether power and wealth might paradoxically prove less abundant than the strictures of form and necessity. Upcoming Episodes: M*A*S*H, Rilke, Dickinson. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts a…
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Bonnie Bartlett, a legendary actress with over 70 years in the entertainment industry and two Emmy Awards, shares her extraordinary journey through Hollywood and life. Known for her roles in iconic series like Little House on the Prairie, St. Elsewhere, Firefly, and Twins, Bonnie dives into her memoir, Middle of the Rainbow, revealing the triumphs …
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Annie Korzen, the unstoppable 86-year-old TikTok star, shares her inspiring journey from small TV roles to viral fame. With humor and candor, she reflects on her acting career, her viral "Krispy Kreme Lady" moment, and the empowering mantra that has guided her late-life reinvention. Episode Highlights: Annie Korzen’s rise to TikTok stardom as the “…
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Of all the great American Modernists, the poetry of Marianne Moore is perhaps the most idiosyncratic, even the most radical, of them all—no small feat in a group of friends and admirers that included Ezra Pound, T. S. Eliot, Wallace Stevens, William Carlos Williams, e. e. cummings, and HD. Moore’s preferred form was a syllabic stanza bespoke to eac…
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What can the contrast between silent and talking pictures teach us about the nature of film itself? And how might it reflect the age-old rivalries between word and image, movement and stasis, the living and the dead? Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Billy Wilder’s 1950 masterpiece, “Sunset Boulevard.” Upcoming Episodes: Marianne Moore’s “Jer…
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Erik Passoja shares his dynamic career journey, highlighting his experiences as an actor, comedian, martial artist, and voice artist. From playing serial killers and Nazis to embodying the infamous Charles Manson, Erik offers fascinating insights into the preparation and challenges behind such roles. He discusses his passion for martial arts, his t…
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This nostalgic conversation celebrates Rod Serling’s 100th birthday and reflects on his timeless legacy. Anne Serling and Mark Dawidziak join host Jeff Dwoskin to delve into the cultural and personal impact of The Twilight Zone. Together, they explore Rod Serling’s storytelling genius, his ability to craft enduring parables, and how his wartime exp…
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