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Rating

★★★★★

4.8

from

101 reviews

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From AMERICAN THEATRE magazine, a podcast where playwrights talk to playwrights about the things usually left unsaid. In a conversation that dives into life's muck, we learn what irks, agitates, motivates, inspires and - ultimately - what makes writers tick. (This feed is for the Subtext from 2018 onwards. For old episodes of the Subtext from 2015 to 2017, visit https://thisstage.la/category/the-subtext)

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Check latest episodes from The Subtext podcast

Rachel Lynett Commits

2026/01/09

The playwright behind ‘Committed’ and ‘Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry (You Too August Wilson)’ shares their journey from aspiring corporate defense attorney to playwright.

Brian James Polak Reverses Roles

2025/12/12

This 10-year anniversary special turns the tables, as playwright Crystal Skillman interviews host Brian James Polak about how his podcast helped him redefine playwriting success.

Theresa Rebeck, Angry Optimist

2025/11/14

The Brooklyn-based playwright discusses childhood theatre memories in Cincinnati, the continued gender imbalance in the American theatre, and experiences working on iconic projects.

Sarah Mantell, Illustrator-Turned-Playwright

2025/10/10

The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-winning playwright talks about a life-changing course with Paula Vogel, San Francisco, post-grad revelations, the Kilroys, joy, and loss.

Migdalia Cruz Wants to Be Part of World Theatre

2025/09/12

The Bronx-born playwright talks Fornés, trauma-informed writing, and parenthood as a writer.

Kira Obolensky’s Body of Work and Life

2025/08/18

The Minneapolis-based playwright discusses the importance of intentional audience engagement in diverse and unconventional theatre spaces.

Subtext Redux: In Memory of Rachel Jendrzejewski

2025/07/16

A republished Subtext as tribute to its subject, Rachel Jendrzejewski, a Minneapolis-based interdisciplinary artist and writer who died last week after a battle with cancer.

The Subtext: Diana Burbano Writes What Scares Her

2025/07/09

The L.A.-based Colombian playwright, performer, and teaching artist talks about sources of inspiration from the Latine theatre canon and about building close artistic relationships.

The Subtext: Andrew Rosendorf Leaves It on the Page

2025/06/04

Brian talks to the Minneapolis-based playwright about learning from criticism, connecting with collaborators, and finding his voice.

The Subtext: Rachel Bublitz Is Writing for Her Younger Self

2025/05/06

The writer of 'Funny, Like an Abortion' and 'The Night Witches' talks about long commutes, writing science plays, and the parts she wishes she'd been able to play in school.

The Subtext: Chloé Hung and the Magic of Writing

2025/04/03

The writer of 'Issei, He Say' talks about making plays from her family's life, feeling the pressure to tell immigrant stories, and rebalancing her priorities.

The Subtext: Tim J. Lord and the Human Story

2025/03/06

This month Brian talks with the award-winning playwright about how he went from technician to playwright, and how to find the real drama behind a true historical event.

The Subtext: Aya Ogawa, In Control

2025/02/07

This month Brian talks with playwright, director, and performer Aya Ogawa about “hacking away with a machete” toward a career and directing their own work.

The Subtext: Kelley Nicole Girod, in It for the Drama

2025/01/09

This month Brian talks with the playwright, producer, Fire This Time Festival founder, and Apollo Theater director of new works about drama, balance, and Louisiana history.

The Subtext: How Rachel Bonds Learned to Trust Herself

2024/12/10

This month Brian talks to the Southern-born writer about her journey through acting to playwriting, what her parents taught her, and her own parenting.

Podcast reviews

Read The Subtext podcast reviews

4.8 out of 5

101 reviews

★★★★★

MrJoshJ 2026/01/15

Great podcast

These are rich, engrossing conversations.

★★★★★

Ermar Horward 2025/11/16

🥲

Brian rocks. This podcast rocks. I’ve spent the past six years listening to these episodes while I do dishes and it consistently helps me with staying...

★★★★★

Michaelia Leigh 2025/11/15

Like grabbing a cup of coffee with an old friend

One of my favorite podcasts. Inspiring, thought-provoking and cozy all at the same time. Bravo, Brian!

★★★★★

⛅️ 🎁 2025/09/22

Must listen for lovers of theater

Each episode interview is an insightful look into the work and life of a playwright. The host’s opening monologues are beautiful.

★★★★★

danny fritz bonnie 2025/09/13

Great

I very much appreciate this ongoing dialogue

★★★★★

Glenkinchie Neat 2023/02/07

Late to the game but so thankful for this podcast

Just jumped on board with this. Started with Kimber Lee, listened to Tracy Letts, and currently enjoying Will Arbery. Thanks for this show - it’s ridi...

★★★★★

Nicole A. Cobb 2022/11/12

A REAL Jewel: Plays That Are Filling Me Up Episode

What a GREAT FIND this podcast has been. I’m currently working on 3 theater projects…and just needed to clear my head last night. So finding the “Pl...

★★★★★

TheatricalM 2022/04/12

Must-listen for theatre lovers.

Most theatrical productions start with the script. The Subtext provides fantastic insights into the complex world of playwriting. Check it out!

★★★★★

gmeepeechee 2022/03/23

Love it

Love hearing about all things playwriting! Brian’s voice and manner are delightful and I enjoy his insightful questions. Definitely recommend!

★★★★★

Podcasts Spell 2022/02/23

An empathetic delight!

I thrill at seeing a new episode of the subtext pop up in my feed more than any other podcast. Brian is insightful, empathetic, open interviewer. Hi...

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