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 ridiculously interesting, inspiring, reassuring, and challenging - in all the right ways. Can’t wait to catch up on all I’ve missed and then join the exciting journey forward.

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 “Plays That Are Filling Me Up” episode gave me a new body of plays to find, look for, think about.Insightful! Encouraging! Motivating Well done. I even created an outline for a 4th project that has been calling to me while I listened to this episode. Thanks again for creating this WONDERFUL resource for theater-makers.—-Nicole Anderson Cobb, Playwright

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

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

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. His kindness, generosity and curiosity lead to conversations I continue to think about long after listening. Playwriting can often be a lonely vocation. Listening to this podcast always make me feel the embrace of community.

I am loving these in-depth, inspiring conversations! I am working my way through Brian James Polak’s catalogue of interviews, enjoying the wisdom and stories from all of these creatives. More, please!

This podcast is just a delight. Not only is it an incredible chance to hear more from playwrights I already admire, but I’ve learned about so many more goings-on in the theatre world. And no matter who the subject is, BJP’s warm, genuine, and insightful interviewing is a delight to listen to. Thank you for making this show!

I’ve been a fan of Polack’s work as a playwright, and in this podcast he kind of does what his plays do—investigate from a very personal place that’s humble, curious, and not afraid to laugh. Recently listened to a whole string of these and felt inspired to both read and write—and also to trust my own process and impulses more. Thanks for making these!

This helps me cope. Thank you. Listen when you can If your like me A struggling playwright

Brian runs a great show! Super informative and entertaining ☺️

“The Subtext” on its surface builds a thoughtful, much needed community for playwrights... and there’s so much more underneath. I have yet to listen to a single episode of this most excellent podcast without gaining valuable new insight into all aspects of writing for the stage, navigating the difficult hurdles of play creation, and the ever-changing landscape of the American theatre. Polak’s opening monologues are always inspirational, and his conversational interview style is consistently revelatory. A genuine gift to playwrights.

Brian James Polak may be the nicest playwright you’re ever going to meet, but he’s also one of the most incisive. If you love the theatre, or if you write creatively for any medium, his conversations with playwrights will inform, inspire, and somehow validate your own passions. No matter how much self-doubt is dogging you, listen to “The Subtext.” It will nudge you on.

Brian James Polak vulnerably pushes at some of the best and brightest makers of the day and finds out what they're most passionate about and how they got there. This is the equivalent of sitting down to coffee with really smart folks and getting to The Goods really quickly.

This podcast adds so much depth to my day. I find these conversations valuable and varied. In a world where playwrights’ personalities and ideas are often funneled through their work, it’s a unique opportunity to hear them speak freely about so many experiences and curiosities. Brian, a great writer himself, excels as a conversationalist with playwrights as he guides them through personal and professional stories over the course of an hour. It that feels like you’re in the room with them. Highly recommend.

Hands down, best theatre and playwriting podcast. Absolutely love it, and it is a must listen for playwrights and those who love theatre. The host keeps it simple and allows the interviews to flow and ‘breathe.’ Truly lovely. @jessie_salsbury

Loved learning more about the background, challenges, history, rise, successes and failures of playwright Rebecca Gilman. The Subtext is inspiring: Gives me a sense of community and encourages me to keep writing.

The Subtext remains one of the best podcasts for insightful, in-depth conversations with contemporary playwrights, rivaled only by the Royal Court Playwright's Podcast. And like the Royal Court podcast, much of the credit for its success belongs to its host. The Subtext's Brian James Polak never fails to establish an easy rapport with his guests, and the interviews are always both informative and inspiring.

I so appreciate these candid conversations that are about work, but also about Very Relatable Topics like anxiety and how to define success. Plus, I’m getting introduced to new playwrights!