David Mamet vs. the Snobs

David Mamet vs. the Snobs

From Old School with Shilo Brooks by The Free Press

February 5, 2026 · 1h 3m

About this episode

David Mamet discusses his views on literature and taste, sparking a debate with host Shilo Brooks about the merits of Sinclair Lewis's 'Main Street'.

Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright David Mamet spent his childhood cutting class and reading at the local library. His first pick was Sinclair Lewis’s Main Street, which he pulled off the shelves at just 11 years old. Decades later, David thinks the book is terrible, its author “a horrible writer,” and its heroine an insufferable busybody. In this episode, Shilo pushes back, defending the novel and its protagonist. From there the conversation explodes into a larger discussion about taste, canon, authority, why David distrusts teachers, critics, and arts institutions that try to tell the public what’s good for them, and how he decides what’s worth reading—or throwing across the room. Old School is proudly brought to you by the Jack Miller Center. If you believe in the importance of civic education and want to help prepare the next generation to carry on our democracy, join us at JackMillerCenter.org. Become a paid subscriber to The Free Press today to enjoy exclusive bonus episodes and reduced ads. Click here to subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Shilo Brooks

Guest: David Mamet

Topics covered

  • literature
  • taste
  • criticism
  • education
  • authority
  • reading

Keywords

  • David Mamet
  • Sinclair Lewis
  • Main Street
  • literature
  • taste
  • critics
  • education

Sponsors

Jack Miller Center

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Free Press

Books & works: Main Street

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