Episode 69

General Tilney vs. Sir Walter Elliot: Who Will Wear This Year's Crown of the Ultimate Jane Austen Villain?In this episode, we dive into the complex characters of General Tilney from Northanger Abbey and Sir Walter Elliot from Persuasion. General Tilney, with his cold obsession with wealth and status, manipulates those around him, as seen in his harsh treatment of Catherine Morland when he discovers she’s not as wealthy as he thought. Sir Walter, on the other hand, is consumed by vanity and social rank, caring more about appearances than his daughters’ well-being. Both men are driven by their selfish desires and social ambitions.As we wrap up, we bring these two characters head-to-head, comparing their motivations and actions. General Tilney ruthlessly controls others, while Sir Walter is driven by his obsession with status and appearance. But which one is the ultimate Austen villain? Join us as we dissect their villainous traits, and with your votes, we'll decide who deserves the crown!Where can you find Ellis?Instagram: @historian_ellisWhere can you find Caily? Instagram: @half_agony_half_hopeWhere can you find your host (Izzy)?Website: www.whattheausten.comPodcast Instagram: @whattheaustenPersonal Instagram: @izzy_meakinYoutube: What the Austen? Podcast

Episode 68

In this special Spooky Season episode, we're diving into one of the infamous Horrid Novels mentioned in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey: The Castle of Wolfenbach by Eliza Parsons 🏰. Often considered a classic of Gothic fiction, this chilling tale of mystery, family secrets, and haunted castles captivated readers in the late 18th century – and inspired Austen's playful parody of Gothic tropes.Join us as we explore: The thrilling plot of The Castle of Wolfenbach 🏰📚 Why it was considered a "horrid novel" and its role in Northanger Abbey🪞 How it links and mirrors Northanger Abbey👻 Austen's clear support of women authors at the time Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more deep dives into classic literature and the works that influenced Austen! 📚✨

Martha: @marthabethanreads

Send us a Text Message.Who's ready to take a closer look at one of literature's most iconic friendships? Get ready as we unravel the dynamic bond between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice! For this captivating conversation about camaraderie, I'm joined by best-selling author Ben Mercer. In this episode, we will shine a spotlight on the representation of male friendships within Pride and Prejudice and draw parallels to modern friendships. Bingley and Darcy showcase a deligh...

Send us a Text Message.Ever caught yourself daydreaming about twirling around like a character in a Jane Austen novel, decked out in those fancy Regency-era outfits? Well, I am joined by Shannyn from Wisteria and Lace in this episode, and we are diving head-first into that dreamy world.We chat about the enchanting costume designs in Jane Austen adaptations and get down to the nitty-gritty details of period costumes! We are breaking down "Emma" and "Pride and Prejudice," discussing the costume...

Send us a Text Message."Emma" has never felt more vivid and imaginative, thanks to Georgie's artistic prowess from Duniath Comics. It was wonderful to hear about Georgie's Jane Austen journey from finding solace within the pages of "Sense and Sensibility" to creating his own Jane Austen-themed comics, serving as both a sanctuary and a spark for creative endeavours. Georgie explains how he creates both graphic novels and comics and how he uses this medium to retell much-loved class...

Send us a Text Message.Have you ever envisioned Jane Austen entangled in a murder investigation? I am joined by novelist Jessica Bull, who brings this fascinating concept to life in ‘Miss Austen Investigates’.It was amazing to discuss how Jessica’s teenage love of Jane Austen led her down the rabbit hole that would eventually inspire her to write a story where our favourite literary icon takes on a whole new role. Her dedication to research and authenticity breathes life into a narrative that...

Send us a Text Message.Grab your teacup and join Caily and me as we spark a lively debate that may just upend your literary loyalties with another Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions Episode! Pride and Prejudice is not Jane Austen's best novel. Mr Darcy is not shy and Mr Bingley is spineless The 2008 Sense & Sensibility is better than the 1995 one?A few more to spice things up...As always this episode was so much fun to make, if you want to connect with Caily you can find...

Send us a Text Message.Hello, Janeites! Pour yourself a hot drink or glass of wine, and settle in for an enlightening conversation on our favourite Austen characters, their intriguing relationships, and the societal pressures they endure. Caily back for this year-end episode, where we reflect on the past year's discussions, the challenges we faced, and the wisdom we gained along the way.From the manipulative Lucy Steele in "Sense and Sensibility" to the controversial Lydia from "Pride and Pre...

Send us a Text Message.Have you ever wondered how Jane Austen's classic 'Persuasion' could be recast in a modern setting? YA author Sarah Dass, the creative mind behind 'Where the Rhythm Takes You', unravels this mystery for us. Get ready to traverse the intricate world Sarah has painted, inspired by Austen's masterpiece, filled with young love, complex relationships and the unique West Indian concept of 'tabanka'. Undoubtedly, Austen enthusiasts and aspiring writers stand to gain a treasure ...

Send us a Text Message.Ready for a magical journey into the world of literature? We've got a spellbinding discussion lined up for you! Together with our guest Caily, we're revisiting the imaginative crossover of Jane Austen and Harry Potter. We dive headfirst into the complexities of these beloved characters and unravel their fit within the four quintessential Hogwarts houses. We promise you, by the end of this power-packed episode, you'll have a newfound appreciation for both Austen's charac...

Send us a Text Message.Ready for a magical journey into the world of literature? We've got a spellbinding discussion lined up for you! Together with our guest Caily, we're revisiting the imaginative crossover of Jane Austen and Harry Potter. We dive headfirst into the complexities of these beloved characters and unravel their fit within the four quintessential Hogwarts houses. We promise you, by the end of this power-packed episode, you'll have a newfound appreciation for both Austen's charac...

Send us a Text Message.Who will wear this years crown of the ultimate Jane Austen villain - Lady Catherine or Mrs Norris? This thrilling milestone 50th episode of the podcast takes a deep dive into the complex characters of these two formidable women from Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park respectively. We dissect their social statuses, character traits, and their intriguing overlaps, giving you a nuanced understanding of Austen's villainesses.Lady Catherine de Bourgh, with her aristocrat...

Episode 67

We’re back with another episode of Unpopular Opinions, and this time we’re diving into Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. I’m joined once again by Caily, and we have plenty to discuss!

We explore the often-overlooked neglect of Mrs. Dashwood—was she truly as supportive as she seemed, or did she fail her daughters?

We also dive into Colonel Brandon’s mental state—does his brooding nature hint at something more than just romantic melancholy? Is Marrianne a projection of his fantasy, the classic candid girlfriend!

Lastly, we dissect Elinor Dashwood’s choices: What could she have done differently for a happier outcome? Tune in for a lively discussion full of hot takes, deep insights, and Austen-era tea!

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Where can you find your host (Izzy)?
Website: www.whattheausten.com
Podcast Instagram: @whattheausten
Personal Instagram: @izzy_meakin
Youtube: What the Austen? Podcast

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Send us a Text Message.Prepare to be disturbed as we delve into the eerie world of Matthew Lewis' gothic classic "The Monk" for this years Catherine Morland's reading list episode. I'm joined by Martha as we dissect this haunting tale set in Madrid, known for its unsettling themes of morality and sin. We expose the supernatural elements intertwined within the tale, from spectral apparitions, to witchcraft and obsession. We also shed light on the disturbing plot twists that keep listeners on t...

Send us a Text Message.What if you could join a tea party with Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and Arthur Conan Doyle? Tune in to this riveting episode where author and screenwriter Julia Seals reveals the inspiration behind her latest work, A Most Agreeable Murder. We chat about how her novel masterfully intertwines Austen's elegant narrative style with an enigmatic murder mystery set in a swampy small town. Julia opens up about her unique journey to becoming a Jane Austen devotee and the prof...

Send us a Text Message.As a fun AwkAustenAug episode this year we thought we would do another Jane Austen unpopular opinions ep, specificlly on topics myself and Caily may find triggering. Is Mr Knightley out of line? Is Lizzy Bennet Patronising? Is Elinor Dashwood annoying? Was Maria Bertram justified in cheating on Mr Rushworth? We are pulling hot takes from Reddit and also Instagram as a few of you shared your thoughts over there. So grab a warm drink and a...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by Lynette host of the Storyhooked podcast, as we journey into the world of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. We shine the spotlight on Lydia Bennet, the youngest of the five Bennett sisters, known for her impulsiveness and recklessness. Lynette, and I dive headfirst into Lydia's character, drawing on our own teenage experiences to explore her traits further.Let's peel back the layers on Lydia's dramatic and immature tendencies, and explore ...

Send us a Text Message.Part 2 is here! I had to split this episode up cause me and Caily can clearly talk for England when it comes to Jane Austen ahah. Caily is back on the pod and we are taking on the role of the ultimate match makers and pairing up couples from different Jane Austen novels! ranging from power couples like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Knightley to the quieter pairings like Edward Ferrars and Fanny Price, we hypothesize a gamut of romantic possibilities. Heat up your teapots an...

Send us a Text Message.Caily is back on the pod and we are taking on the role of the ultimate match makers and pairing up couples from different Jane Austen novels! ranging from power couples like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Knightley to the quieter pairings like Edward Ferrars and Fanny Price, we hypothesize a gamut of romantic possibilities. Heat up your teapots and ready your crumpets, Austen lovers, because it's time for a literary matchmaking party!This podcast is about Janeites coming tog...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode we unravel the secrets of Jane Austen's classic novel, Emma, focusing on the often overlooked narrative of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill's clandestine engagement. Teaming up with Ellis from the Historian Ellis Blog, we chat about where the clues to Jane and Frank's secret engagement are concealed in the most unsuspecting places and our feelings about their relationship as a whole. Jane and Frank introduce a unique dynamic to Austen's tightly-knit...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by Habiba @habibareadsbooks to discuss the Pride & Prejudices Mrs. Bennet. A character who indeed has a multifaceted personality that elicits a range of emotions from readers. In this episode we explore her character in more detail, acknowledging both her humorous aspects and the challenges she faces as a mother of five unmarried daughters. We also look at the ways in which Mrs. Bennet is similar to some South Asian Mums and Grans, standi...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am sitting down with author Tirzah Price to discuss her upcoming book Manslaughter Park, which is the 3rd book in her Jane Austen murder master series including Pride and Premeditation and Sense and Second Degree Murder. It was so wonderful to chat to Tirzah about her love of Jane Austen, how the series came about and her writing experience as she captures the essence of Jane Austen characters, but gives them a wonderful Agatha Christie twist. Manslaug...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by Leah @janeaustenrunsmylife to discuss Lucy Steele, this is the first in what will become a series titled L is for Liability. Lucy Steele is marked high as one of the most calculated villains of Austen's work. She is strategic in improving her situation in life and cares little for hurting people along the way. Join us as we discuss this fascinating villain from Sense and Sensibility. Thanks again to our sponsor Haus of Bennet: https://haus...

Episode 66

What happens when emotional repression and self-sacrifice shape your life? Join me and booktuber Olivia-Savannah from Olivia's Catastrophe as we explore Elinor Dashwood's character from Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility." Together, we delve into key scenes that reveal Elinor's emotional burdens and how she often adopts a more masculine energy by becoming the mediator and strength for everyone else in the book.We compare Elinor's stoicism with Marianne's emotional exp...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I'm joined by Charlie @thebookboy to discuss Jane Austen's Mary Crawford from Mansfield Park. Described by some as the real heroine of Mansfield Park, she is a character who divides the community. embodying everything Austen tells us is good such as being outspoken and lively, Mary isn't so dissimilar than Lizzy Bennet and yet she is a polarising character and is placed in binary opposition to the heroine Fanny Price. This is a fun and interesting ...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by Carolyne @theaustenite to discuss Jane Austen's novel Emma, specifically focusing on the character of Mr Knightley. Mr Knightley stands firm as many peoples favourite Jane Austen hero and it's not hard to see why he is kind, pragmatic and observant guiding our heroine Emma to become the best version of herself. So we thought we would look at detail at some of his actions and moments in which he really shines, and why we think he should be ...

Send us a Text Message.We are celebrating 2 years of the What the Austen? Podcast! Thank you so much for all your support the past 2 years, it’s been so wonderful sharing my love of Jane Austen with you all. Is Mr Darcy really all that? Pride and Prejudice adaptions - 2005 v 1995? Is Mr Bennet the real villain of the novel? This is a chilled episode covering some Pride & Prejudice unpopular opinions, so grab a warm drink and a blanket and join me and Caily for a fun di...

Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all so I’m excited to share this content with you. I have split the content up into shorter episodes so you can binge the lot, pick the novels you like the most or enjoy this series in stages. This was a fun series to create, and I am joined by Ann and Martha who have been on the podcast before and are good friends of mine. Thanks again to our ...

Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all so I’m excited to share this content with you. I have split the content up into shorter episodes so you can binge the lot, pick the novels you like the most or enjoy this series in stages. This was a fun series to create, and I am joined by Ann and Martha who have been on the podcast before and are good friends of mine. Thanks again to our ...

Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all so I’m excited to share this content with you. I have split the content up into shorter episodes so you can binge the lot, pick the novels you like the most or enjoy this series in stages. This was a fun series to create, and I am joined by Ann and Martha who have been on the podcast before and are good friends of mine. Thanks again to our ...

Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all so I’m excited to share this content with you. I have split the content up into shorter episodes so you can binge the lot, pick the novels you like the most or enjoy this series in stages. This was a fun series to create, and I am joined by Ann and Martha who have been on the podcast before and are good friends of mine. Thanks again to our ...

Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all so I’m excited to share this content with you. I have split the content up into shorter episodes so you can binge the lot, pick the novels you like the most or enjoy this series in stages. This was a fun series to create, and I am joined by Ann and Martha who have been on the podcast before and are good friends of mine. Thanks again to our ...

Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all so I’m excited to share this content with you. I have split the content up into shorter episodes so you can binge the lot, pick the novels you like the most or enjoy this series in stages. This was a fun series to create, and I am joined by Ann and Martha who have been on the podcast before and are good friends of mine. Thanks again to our ...

Send us a Text Message.Which Pride and Prejudice property would you live in? Companion blog (Pictures of the locations): https://www.whattheausten.com/post/pride-prejudice-filming-locationsI am joined by the author Nicole Jacobsen and the illustrator Lexi. K. Nelson of the wonderful travel guide Jane was Here as we have a blast talking about our UK travels, how Austen describes the houses in Pride and Prejudice and if the screen writers got it right? Inspired by the channel 4 program in ...

Episode 65

The Trouble with Mrs. Montgomery Hurst out 18 July!Katie brings to life her new novel, The Trouble with Mrs. Montgomery Hurst, set in a small Victorian town driven by the gossip and secrets of its inhabitants. We explore how classic literature influenced her narrative and how the early Victorian period and the impact of industrialisation provide a vivid backdrop to the story of this small town.Katie passionately discusses the importance of authentic representation, both...

Send us a Text Message.Let's talk about sex... In this episode I am joined by Annie Harrison from the Amorous Histories Podcast, as we explore the book Pride And Promiscuity: The Lost Sex Scenes of Jane Austen by Arielle Eckstut. We chat about Lizzy & Darcy getting it on in the bushes, Henry Tilney’s cupboard full of sex toys and Emma Woodhouse taking some ‘personal time’ before dinner… The history of Sex in Regency England is as vast as it is fascinating. If you have ever ...

Send us a Text Message.Caily joins me in this episode to discuss the character of Jane Bennet, the supposed Ingénue of Pride and Prejudice. Jane is kindness itself and her beauty is unmatched in Meryton. She possesses great equanimity but is Jane's only role to be the innocent, elegant and selfless sister of headstrong Elizabeth Or does she have strength and substance in her own right.This is what we'll be discussing today as we look more closely at her character. This podcast is ab...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by friend and fellow Janeite Sophie Andrews from blog and Instagram page @LaughingwithLizzie as we discuss the life lessons we have taken from Jane Austen's heroines over the years. Looking at what quotes we resonate with and what it means to live with Jane in mind 200 + years after her death. Sophie is a prominent Janeite in the community and it was so much fun to sit down and chat about our mutual love of Jane's novels and characters. This ...

Send us a Text Message.That's a wrap! Welcome to the twenty sixth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janeite Caily Bridgeland. To say goodbye to the 2022 podcast year we are reflecting back on all the episodes that have come out, meeting each other in person and life in general. It has been a tough year at times dealing with a mixture of grief and burnout, but it's also been an exciting year making loads of new friends in...

Send us a Text Message.Jane Austen gift guide 2022! So I thought this would be a fun episode to help you build your wish list or to give you some ideas on what to get a fellow Janeite. I am joined by the wonderful Eleanor owner of the Haus of Bennet shop @hausofbennet as we pick our favourite Jane Austen themed gift ideas for this year. Mentioned (please find links and more info on my blog post): Jane Austen felt decorations/ornaments Ex Libris designs Austen Heroines & Tee ...

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the twenty fourth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janeite Ann from @disneyprincesslessons and @paper.hearts.library. We are back and today we are covering the villains in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey and comparing them against Disney Villains. This is the last episode in the Disney Villain series! It's been so much fun to cover all of the villains and I recommend listening in t...

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the twenty third episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janeite Ann from @disneyprincesslessons and @paper.hearts.library. We are back and today we are covering the villains in Jane Austen's Persuasion and comparing them against Disney Villains. Don't miss out on our other episodes: Pride and Prejudice villains (Ep 15) Sense and Sensibility (Ep 18) Disney Princesses x ...

Send us a Text Message.The battle of the Jane Austen villains, Villain off is back! On the left we have the abominable Isabella Thorpe from Northanger Abbey and on the right we have the intolerable Caroline Bingley from Pride and Prejudice. Welcome to the twenty second episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janeite Caily Bridgeland. Villain off is back for 2022, we will be analysing Isabella and Caroline Bingley and the question is...

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the twenty-first episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janeite Martha from @marthabethanreads. In this episode, we will be unlocking all the secrets of The Mysteries of Udolpho a novel by Anne Radcliffe which Catherine Morland reads during Northanger Abbey.We will run through the plot of Udolpho, talk about the references in Northanger Abbey and all around explore the Gothic that inspired Jan...

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the twentieth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janeite Ann from @disneyprincesslessons and @paper.hearts.library. We are back and today we are covering the villains in Jane Austen's Emma and comparing them against Disney Villains. Don't miss out on our other episodes: Pride and Prejudice villains (Ep 15) Sense and Sensibility (Ep 18) Disney Princesses x Jane Aust...

Episode 64

Send us a Text Message.Imagine growing up in a home where every corner whispers stories of Jane Austen. In this episode, I will be chatting with Caroline Jane Knight, Jane Austen’s 5th great-niece and founder of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.Caroline shares her experience growing up in, and eventually leaving, Chawton House, the Knight family home. Through childhood anecdotes, she paints a vivid picture of living amid literary heritage, balancing tradition with the realities of daily li...

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the nineteenth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janeite Bontle from @colourful_litchi. In this episode, we will discuss Harriet Smith a character who is often overlooked as the unassuming friend who is heavily led by Emma. Myself and Bontle are here to tell you that Harriet deserves her time in the spotlight, celebrating her development throughout the novel. In many ways Emma is not just...

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the eighteenth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janeite Ann from @disneyprincesslessons and @paper.hearts.library. We are back and today we are covering the villains in Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility and comparing them against Disney Villains. Don't miss out on our other episodes: Pride and Prejudice villains (Ep 15) Mansfield Park villains (Ep 17) Disney Princess...

Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the seventeenth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janeite Ann from @disneyprincesslessons and @paper.hearts.library. We are back and today we are covering the villains in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park and comparing them against Disney Villains. Don't miss out on our episode where we covered Pride and Prejudice villains (Ep 15) or our Disney Princesses x Jane Austen Heroine Epi...

Send us a Text Message.It's here! the new Netflix Persuasion adaption staring Dakota Johnson, which takes a modern approach to Jane Austen's intimate novel. I am excited to say that I have Jillian and Yolanda from the Pemberley Podcast joining me to discuss this new adaption. Jillian and Yolanda are no strangers to analysing Austen adaptions and I like to think I have a good recollection of the books so will be fun to compare how the new adaption not only sizes up to the books, but adaptions ...