Explore every episode of the podcast The Thing About Austen
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 95: The Thing About Mary's Concerto with guest Dr. Lidia Chang | 16 Aug 2024 | 00:23:25 | |
Mary Bennet is ready to wow the audience with her concerto, but it's not receiving the rousing reception she might have hoped for. This episode we welcome back Dr. Lidia Chang to discuss Mary's performances within the context of Regency era societal expectations for a young lady's musical education and accomplishments. Thank you so much to Lidia for joining us for this episode! You can find her online at https://www.lidiachang.com/ and follow her on Instagram @Lidiaac. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 94: The Thing About Anne Steele's Beaux | 24 Jul 2024 | 00:27:28 | |
Anne Steele has one thing on her mind, and she would like to tell you all about it. No, really. ALL about it. This episode we take a look at Miss Steele's favorite topic of discussion and try to answer the all important question: where are all the smart beaux? If you have ever wondered where you can find all the beaux, smart or otherwise, this episode is for you. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 85: The Thing About Henry's Great Coat | 12 Mar 2024 | 00:26:29 | |
If Catherine is now riding with Henry after stopping at Petty-France for two hours and there are x number of capes on Henry's great coat and y number of inches separating Catherine from Henry in the curricle and WOW does Henry's hat sit so well, exactly how blissfully happy is Catherine in this moment? The answer is innumerable, friends. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 84: The Thing About Annuities | 28 Feb 2024 | 00:23:56 | |
Fanny Dashwood is offering up her services as a financial advisor and actuary, and John Dashwood is ready to be advised. This episode we break down the feckless fiduciary fraternalism of one Mr. John Dashwood, specifically as it relates to annuities. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 83: The Thing About the Ha-Ha | 06 Feb 2024 | 00:27:23 | |
There's a bit of a brouhaha brewing over at the Sotherton ha-ha, and we've got front row, garden bench seats. Join us as we walk through the various comings and goings of the world's most awkward group date. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 82: The Thing About Astley's | 11 Jan 2024 | 00:24:51 | |
Come one, come all! Step right up and witness amazing feats on horseback! This episode we're headed to Astley's Amphitheatre where Harriet Smith and Robert Martin are getting nice and cozy. If you have ever found romance at the circus, this episode is for you. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 81: The Thing About Gold Paper | 14 Dec 2023 | 00:21:50 | |
This episode we're closing out the year with a visit to the homey confines of Uppercross Hall. There's a large group of children assembled, and festive merriment is afoot. Break out your favorite scissors and your glue of choice — it's time to get crafty with gold paper. We'll be back with a new episode in 2024, but until then you can find us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. Episode show notes can be found at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com, and you can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 80: The Thing About the Pump-Room | 30 Nov 2023 | 00:29:05 | |
There's nothing like a refreshing drink of mineral water under the watchful gaze of Beau Nash to get your day off to the right start. This episode we're headed to the pump-room in Bath to partake of the finest water on offer. And we promise that we actually do wash our glasses. Please exit on the left, and don't forget to tip your pumper. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 79: The Thing About the Late Mr. Darcy's Steward | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:25:10 | |
Overrun with moles? Worried about this year's crop yields? Thinking about conducting a comprehensive estate survey? We know exactly who you should call. This episode we cover the profession of estate steward as it existed in Austen's time and get into the many (seriously, many) responsibilities that the job entailed. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 78: The Thing About Catherine and Isabella's Horrid Novels with guest Dr. Hannah Doherty Hudson | 30 Oct 2023 | 00:46:47 | |
Catherine and Isabella are forming a very specific book club, and we've been given a sneak peek at their reading list. This episode we are joined by Dr. Hannah Doherty Hudson as we delve into the terrifying pages of the Minerva Press and uncover the many chilling secrets hidden within the so-called "horrid novels." If you have ever wished for more dramatic storytelling in your book marketing, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to Hannah for joining us for this episode! You can find her on Twitter, Bluesky, and Mastodon by searching for Hannah Doherty Hudson, and you can sign up for her Ask a Georgian Magazine Substack at https://hannahdohertyhudson.substack.com. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 77: The Thing About the Longbourn Entail | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:31:04 | |
Was it Mr. Bennet in the library with the entail? Or was it Mr. Collins in the dining room with the strict settlement? Mrs. Bennet is on the case, but regardless of her findings, she is not happy. Grab your Clue notepad and join us as we delve into 18th-century property and inheritance law and get into the specifics of the Longbourn entail. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 76: The Thing About Harriet's Sore Throat with guest Dr. Rena Jones | 29 Sep 2023 | 00:20:53 | |
Poor Harriet is stuck at home with a bad sore throat, and Mr. Elton is VERY concerned. For Emma. This week we're joined again by Dr. Rena Jones to talk about illness and medical knowledge in Austen's time. If you have ever been in an extremely lopsided love triangle, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to Rena for joining us for this episode! You can find her on Twitter @Epi_Rena. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 93: The Thing About Austen's Teenage Writings with guest Dr. Kathryn Sutherland | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:51:54 | |
Jane Austen's early works, contained within three surviving notebooks, are funny, sharp, and brimming over with personality. This episode we are joined by Dr. Kathryn Sutherland, one of the editors of the Oxford World’s Classics edition of Austen’s Teenage Writings, to discuss the nature of these writings, the way they were consumed by her family audience, and their relationship to her later novels. Thank you so much to Kathryn for joining us for this episode! You can learn more about her and her work at https://www.english.ox.ac.uk/people/professor-kathryn-sutherland. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 75: The Thing About Sir Walter's Looking-Glasses | 15 Sep 2023 | 00:26:57 | |
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest baronet of all? Sir Walter is busy gazing at his own image, so we're here to chat 18th-century mirrors. Join us this episode as we reflect upon the significance of Sir Walter's many looking-glasses and have ourselves a glasswork gabfest. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 74: The Thing About Marianne's Washing | 31 Aug 2023 | 00:25:16 | |
Miss Steele has questions about Marianne's washing, and we are here to answer them. This episode we air some dirty laundry and get into the sudsy specifics of how Jane Austen and her contemporaries went about obtaining clean clothes in an era before washers and dryers. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 73: The Thing About Willoughby's Pointers with guest Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith | 19 Aug 2023 | 00:34:10 | |
Pointers were considered an elite dog in Austen's time, so it makes sense that someone like Willoughby would own them (also, having cute dogs is possibly the only nice thing we can say about Willoughby). This episode we welcome back Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith for more 18th-century dog talk. We cover everything from the care and feeding of pointers to trends in 18th-century game hunting. Sir John heartily approves. If you have ever been quite literally swept off your feet by a man with two pointers playing round him, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to Stephanie for joining us for this episode! You can find her on Twitter @SAHowardSmith and on Instagram @DogHistorian. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 72: The Thing About St. James's Palace | 27 Jul 2023 | 00:22:33 | |
Sir William Lucas has been to St. James's Palace, and he wants to make sure that everyone knows about it. This episode we get into the particulars of Sir William's knighthood and stop by his favorite spot for a ball. If you have ever danced the minuet under the watchful gaze of a monarch, this episode is for you. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 71: The Thing About Cramer with guest Dr. Karali Hunter | 13 Jul 2023 | 00:34:56 | |
Jane Fairfax has received a mystery piano, along with some new music, and Frank Churchill is here to tell Emma all about it. This episode we break down the reference to Cramer in Emma. We also chat with Dr. Karali Hunter who stops by to trace the development of the étude from Cramer to Chopin, as well as talk to us about the process of recording our new intro and outro music. Thank you so much to Karali for joining us for this episode and for recording our new music, Cramer's étude, No. 21! You can learn more about her and her work at https://www.karalihunter.com, https://hammerandstrings.com, and https://www.salonnieres.org. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 70: The Thing About the Irish Car Party | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:24:29 | |
There's nothing like a summer day at Box Hill. Nothing more awkward, that is. This episode we're jaunting forth with our friends from Highbury for an expedition sure to be uncomfortable for all involved. Along the way, we'll learn about the Irish car party mentioned by Miss Bates. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 69: The Thing About Lizzy's Needlework with guest Dr. Jennie Batchelor | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:34:02 | |
Needlework in Jane Austen's novels is commonly referred to as simply "work." But what exactly does this work entail, and why is it important to characters like Elizabeth Bennet? Guest Dr. Jennie Batchelor is here to answer these questions and more. We discuss the difference between plain and fancy needlework, the significance of needlework in the pantheon of ladylike accomplishments, and the ways in which needlework functioned as a Regency woman's CV. Thank you so much to Jennie for joining us for this episode! You can learn more about her and her work at https://www.jenniebatchelor.net. Jennie's digital catalogue of embroidery patterns from the Lady's Magazine can be found at https://ladysmagazine.omeka.net. You can find Jennie on Twitter @JennieBatchelor and on Instagram @BatchelorJennie. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 68: The Thing About Catherine's Love of Hyacinths | 28 May 2023 | 00:24:39 | |
Catherine has finally arrived at Northanger Abbey, and she and Henry are engaging in a bit of botanical discourse. This episode we dig into some horticultural history and try to get to the root of Catherine and Henry's chat about hyacinths. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 67: The Thing About Darcy's First Proposal with guest Meredith Ammons | 12 May 2023 | 00:23:13 | |
This episode we're joined by Meredith Ammons to break down the first proposal of one Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. We also get into the letter that follows and discuss the ways that this critical interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth sets up the second half of Pride and Prejudice. If you have ever wished for a do-over, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to Meredith for joining us for this episode! You can learn more about Meredith and her work at https://www.meredithammons.com. You can learn more about the Jane Austen Summer Program at https://www.janeaustensummer.org. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 66: The Thing About Anne's Bloom | 27 Apr 2023 | 00:24:38 | |
What is bloom? And can you purchase it at Sephora? This week we're taking a look at the broader historical and cultural context surrounding Anne's bloom in Persuasion. If you have ever had your bloom restored by a brisk walk on the Cobb, this episode is for you. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 92: The Thing About Mr. Knightley's Strawberries | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:28:51 | |
The strawberries are ripe, so gather up your best bonnet and your beribboned basket and head on down to Knightley's U-Pick Farm. We've got all of your favorite strawberries, from the hautboy to the Chili to the white wood. This episode we visit Donwell Abbey to take a look at Mr. Knightley's very fine strawberry beds. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 65: The Thing About Mrs. Allen's Muslin with guest Dr. Hilary Davidson | 10 Apr 2023 | 00:35:56 | |
Henry Tilney is discussing muslin with Mrs. Allen and Catherine Morland, and the ladies are impressed. This episode we're joined by fashion historian Dr. Hilary Davidson for an examination of muslin as both a textile and a fashion statement in Austen's time. There's also some busting of popular Regency fashion myths. If you have ever lost sleep worrying over your sartorial choices, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to Hilary for joining us for this episode! You can learn more about Hilary and her work at http://www.hilarydavidson.net and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @FourRedShoes. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 64: The Thing About the Bertram Sisters' Puzzle | 24 Mar 2023 | 00:22:52 | |
How do you solve a puzzle like Fanny? This episode we survey the Bertram sisters' map puzzle and discuss the social cartography of Mansfield Park. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 63: The Thing About Polluting the Shades of Pemberley | 09 Mar 2023 | 00:23:54 | |
Lady Catherine has stopped by Longbourn for a little chat, and she clearly needs to read an article or two on appropriate guest etiquette. This episode we break down Lady Catherine's famous insult to Elizabeth and get into its many layers and possible meanings. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 62: The Thing About Lucy's Filigree | 28 Feb 2023 | 00:22:21 | |
Lucy and Elinor are about to have a tense, coded conversation, and a bit of filigree work is the perfect accompaniment. This episode we cover the art of filigree and the role that it plays in Lucy and Elinor's companionable confrontation. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 61: The Thing About Speculation with guest Dr. Regulus Allen | 15 Feb 2023 | 00:38:29 | |
This week we're dealing out an episode on the game of Speculation with our guest Dr. Regulus Allen. We discuss the rules of play and the ways in which the game serves the narrative in Mansfield Park. Dr. Allen also provides us with some fun speculation (see what we did there?) as to what Jane Austen's own favorite card game might have been. Thank you so much to Regulus for joining us for this episode! You can learn more about her and her work at https://english.calpoly.edu/faculty/allen. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 60: The Thing About Frank's Haircut | 26 Jan 2023 | 00:22:24 | |
Our scissors are sharpened, and we're ready for a stylish new 'do. Lucky for us, Frank has just returned from London and can fill us in on all the latest trends. This episode we take a look at popular hairstyles for Regency gentlemen and delve into some of the reasons why these looks became fashionable. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 59: The Thing About the Bath Assembly Rooms | 19 Jan 2023 | 00:27:26 | |
Catherine Morland has arrived in Bath, and she is ready to be introduced to a man with a keen knowledge of muslin. This episode we explore both the Upper and Lower Assembly Rooms, including breaking down the role of the Master of Ceremonies, aka Bath's best matchmaker. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 58: The Thing About Sir John's Club | 12 Jan 2023 | 00:19:50 | |
Boodle's and Brooks's and White's, oh my! Gentlemen's clubs were a large part of the elite social landscape in Austen's time, and we're here to give you a look inside these exclusive gatherings. If you have ever wanted to be in the room where it happens, this episode is for you. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 57: The Thing About Mrs. Reynolds' House Tours | 22 Dec 2022 | 00:20:30 | |
We're headed back to Pemberley for this episode, where a gracious Mrs. Reynolds is ready to welcome us. We cover the history of country house tours and the role that someone like Mrs. Reynolds would play in facilitating such visits. If you have ever awkwardly run into your almost future fiancé at their house, this episode is for you. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 56: The Thing About Robert Ferrars' Toothpick-case | 09 Dec 2022 | 00:18:01 | |
We're out running errands with Elinor Dashwood, which means we are headed to Gray’s in Sackville Street. There's a gentleman there inspecting all the toothpick-cases, and Elinor is not impressed. This episode we are taking a closer look at Robert Ferrars, Elinor's future brother-in-law and a man with exacting taste in dental hygiene accessories. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 91: The Thing About the Lakes | 04 Jun 2024 | 00:34:08 | |
Lizzy is headed to the Lake District with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Or is she? This episode we get into the trip that didn't happen and discuss the picturesque splendors of the Lakes. If you have ever been curious about the ideal cow configuration (and you know you are), this episode is for you. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 55: The Thing About Mrs. Croft at Sea with guest Maria Petrillo | 21 Nov 2022 | 00:29:10 | |
It's the Napoleonic Wars, and you're married to an admiral of the Royal Navy. This episode we're joined by guest Maria Petrillo of the Mystic Seaport Museum to discuss the intrepid Mrs. Croft and what it was like to be a woman living on board a naval ship in Austen's time. Thank you so much to Maria for joining us for this episode! You can find her on Instagram @maria_anne18. You can learn more about the Mystic Seaport Museum by visiting www.MysticSeaport.org, and you can follow them on Instagram @mysticseaportmuseum. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 54: The Thing About The Monk | 30 Oct 2022 | 00:22:45 | |
It's almost Halloween and what could be scarier than being trapped in conversation with John Thorpe? This episode we are taking a look at The Monk and discussing Thorpe's taste in literature. If you have ever been to a bad book club meeting, this episode is for you. We will be presenting at this year's Austen Con! Virtual tickets are available at www.24carrotproductions.com. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. Music for this episode is: Moonlight Hall by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ | |||
| Episode 53: The Thing About Colonel Brandon and the East India Company with guest Sharmini Kumar | 24 Oct 2022 | 00:28:00 | |
This week we are joined by our first returning guest, writer and director Sharmini Kumar. We discuss the global megacorporation that was the East India Company, and the likely role that Colonel Brandon would have played in supporting the EIC during his time in India. Thank you so much to Sharmini for joining us for this episode! You can learn more about her and her work at https://www.24carrotproductions.com, where you can also purchase tickets for this year's upcoming Austen Con. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 52: The Thing About Bath's Baths | 13 Oct 2022 | 00:20:28 | |
Grab your floating potpourri and come along for this dip into the history of Bath and its waters, as this episode we are diving into the baths in Bath. If you have ever wished that towel service was included, this episode is for you. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 51: The Thing About Lady Bertram's Flower Gardens with guest Dr. Menglu Gao | 06 Oct 2022 | 00:21:15 | |
The roses need trimming so we are headed to Mansfield Park, clippers in hand. This week we are joined by Dr. Menglu Gao as we chat about Lady Bertram's flower gardens, Regency landscaping preferences, and the role of women in cultivated outdoor spaces. Thank you so much to Menglu for joining us for this episode! You can learn more about her and her work at https://udenver.academia.edu/MengluGao. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 50: The Thing About Michaelmas | 29 Sep 2022 | 00:15:22 | |
Netherfield Park is let at last! Mrs. Bennet has heard that a single man in possession of a good fortune will be moving into the neighborhood by Michaelmas, and she is very excited. This episode we cover the significance of Michaelmas, both as a holiday and as a marker of time in Austen's world. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 49: The Thing About the Bath Paper with guest Barbara Heller | 23 Sep 2022 | 00:27:03 | |
We are joined this week by guest Barbara Heller to discuss the Bath paper aka the Bath Chronicle. We cover Sir Walter's favorite “Arrived Here” column, as well as diving into other details of the paper of choice for Regency Bath society. Barbara also chats with us about her new edition of Persuasion and her process for curating the various letters and ephemera included with the novel. Thank you so much to Barbara for joining us for this episode! You can find her website at www.barbaraheller.org and follow her on Instagram @barbarahellerletters. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. Episode content warning: Brief passages from the Bath Chronicle are read where accidental death is mentioned, including that of a child (starting around minute 5:45). | |||
| Episode 48: The Thing About the Meryton Assembly | 30 Aug 2022 | 00:21:24 | |
It's dancing time! This week we are covering the origins of public assemblies before taking a look at the Meryton assembly scene in Pride and Prejudice. If you have ever wished your bestie would just let you sit one out, this episode is for you. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 47: The Thing About Depictions of Roma in Emma with guest Amanda-Rae Prescott | 18 Aug 2022 | 00:24:10 | |
Writer and period drama expert Amanda-Rae Prescott joins us for this episode to discuss depictions of Roma in Emma, starting with the novel and then moving on to the various adaptations. In addition to Emma, Amanda-Rae also talks about the representation of Roma in some other recent period dramas. Thank you so much to Amanda-Rae for joining us for this episode! You can find her website at www.amandaraeprescott.com and follow her on Twitter @amandarprescott. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 46: The Thing About Queen Mab | 11 Aug 2022 | 00:17:09 | |
They say you should never look a gift horse in the mouth, but we're here to do just that. This episode we're investigating Willoughby's attempted equine offering, including a discussion of finances and the implied social significance of such a gift, as well as breaking down the meaning behind the name Queen Mab. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 90: The Thing About Captain Wentworth's Letter with guest Margaret H. Willison | 21 May 2024 | 00:42:16 | |
Anne Elliot has just received a very important letter, and we are all overcome. This episode we're joined by guest Margaret H. Willison of Not Sorry Productions as we unpack Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne, aka the letter to end all letters. If you have ever been half agony, half hope, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to Margaret for joining us for this discussion! You can follow her on Instagram @MrsFridayNext and subscribe to her newsletter at twobossydames.substack.com. You can learn more about everything mentioned by Margaret at the following links: Taylor Swift Pilgrimage in November: bit.ly/capetaylor2024; The Common Ground Newsletter: bit.ly/cgpnews; Future Austen-themed classes: instagram.com/therompod; Upcoming Patron Saint workshop: bit.ly/nathaliesaints2024 You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. We have merch! Check out https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to see the current offerings. | |||
| Episode 45: The Thing About Weymouth | 05 Aug 2022 | 00:18:33 | |
This week we're headed to Weymouth to check out the scene of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill's courtship. Join us as we first peruse the daily schedule of resort lifestyle activities and then examine the ways in which Austen uses Weymouth as a breadcrumb trail clue. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 44: The Thing About Gowland with guest Dr. June Oh | 28 Jul 2022 | 00:26:20 | |
Sir Walter is offering free beauty consultations, but we have some serious questions about this Gowland product that he won't stop recommending. Thankfully, guest Dr. June Oh is here to help us sort substance from scam. If you have ever regretted a cosmetic purchase, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to June for joining us for this episode! You can find her on Twitter @JuneOh_. Note: While Sir Walter refers to the product in question as Gowland, it was frequently marketed and advertised as Gowland's or Gowland's Lotion. We have stuck with Austen's spelling for our title but use the names interchangeably in the episode. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 43: The Thing About General Tilney's Breakfast China | 21 Jul 2022 | 00:20:16 | |
We hope you set an alarm! It's time for breakfast with General Tilney, and he does not like to be kept waiting. On the plus side, he will tell you exactly what he's planning to give you for a wedding present. This week we're joining Catherine for breakfast at Northanger Abbey and learning more about the General's taste in housewares. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 42: The Thing About Lady Catherine's Chimney-piece | 23 Jun 2022 | 00:18:28 | |
Mr. Collins is here, and he is ready to enumerate the many fine qualities of all the furnishings at Rosings Park. No really, sit down. This could take awhile. This episode we're all about Lady Catherine's very fancy chimney-piece. If you have ever been given a dubious compliment involving a small summer breakfast parlour, this episode is for you. You can find us online at www.TheThingAboutAusten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can also email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com. | |||