Escape into Period Pieces

Latest Episodes:

The Holdovers w/ Emily Heyden Dec 14, 2025

Show notes

Happy Holidays and welcome to the last guest episode of season 2! (Where has the time gone?)

In today's episode, Stephanie discusses the 2023 film THE HOLDOVERS starring Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and introducing Dominic Sessa. Her conversation with returning guest Emily Heyden is bound to become one of your favorites. (Emily even gives some tips if you are traveling for the holidays!)

The Holdovers takes place in December 1970 at an all boys boarding school in New England during the Christmas break. History teacher, Paul Hunham is tasked with watching the boys "held over" without anywhere to go for the holidays as Mary Lamb stays to feed them. The trio of Giamatti, Randolph and Sessa are so great and bound to make you emotional.

The Holdovers is available to rent or purchase. Don't forget to check your local library!

References:

The Holdovers

The 1970s

The Joy Luck Club (film)

M.A.S.H (TV Show)

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Cat Stevens

The Way Home (Hallmark)

Charlie Hunnman/Sons of Anarchy

The Class of '07

The Wilds (Prime Video)

Dead Poets Society

A Separate Piece (Novel)

Mona Lisa Smile

**Any guesses for which period piece Emily and Stephanie will discuss in season 3 that's also set in the 70s? Leave your answer in the comments!**

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Happy Holidays!!

Bandstand : The Musical w/ Emma Hirt Nov 16, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the podcast and welcome new guest, Emma Hirt as they discuss the 2017 Broadway Musical Bandstand with Stephanie.

Bandstand was performed at the Bernard B. Jacobs theater on Broadway from April-September 2017. It tells the story of a group of veterans returning home to the United States after World War 2. Struggling to fit into their old lives while dealing with lingering effects of the war-including post-traumatic stress and survivor's guilt-they form a band composed solely of veterans, along with a war widow, to compete in a national patriotic radio contest in NYC. Bandstand stars Corey Cott and Laura Osnes.

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a05ChPYx9d4&t=26s

Listen to the cast album on Spotify or wherever you listen to music.

Thank you to all the veterans out there!

References:

Bandstand: The Musical-Broadway

Corey Cott

Laura Osnes

Waitress

Newsies

Downton Abbey

Once

1918 Flu Pandemic

Lovely War by Julie Berry

"With the Band"-Broadway.com (on YouTube)

The Secret Garden

The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R. Tolkien

Titanic

The Book Thief

Atonement

Hamnet

Six of Crows

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace :)

For an Act by Act summary of Bandstand check out their Wikipedia page

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The podcast is off for Thanksgiving, and will be back 12/14

Thanks for listening and please consider subscribing!

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Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Nov 02, 2025

Show notes

What better way to end Halloween weekend and continue to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th than discussing the "classic" film Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. This 2016 film is based on the 2009 novel by Seth Grahame Smith, which is inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. (Did you follow all of that?)

If you still want the spookiness and are a fan of Austen then you should definitely check out this film and episode. It will get spoilery. P&P&Z is only available to rent and for purchase. Remember to check out your local library as well.

References:

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies film (2016)

Burr Steers

Fetch the Smelling Salts Podcast

Matt Smith

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame Smith

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Ben H. Winters

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet Witch by Melinda Taub

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter

The Walking Dead

Introducing Mrs. Collins by Rachel Parris

Downton Abbey

Game of Thrones

Miss Austen Regrets

The Vampire Diaries

Daisy Jones and the Six

Dark Shadows

Pride and Prejudice (2005 and 1995)

Lost in Austen

Watch Bandstand before next episode!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a05ChPYx9d4&t=8273s

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Thanks for listening! Please consider subscribing!

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Email: escape.into.period.pieces.podcast@gmail.com

Merch: Spreadshirt.com and search Escape into Period Pieces

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See you next episode!

Emily (2022) w/ Brian Hicks Oct 19, 2025

Show notes

Should you watch Emily (2022) starring Emma Mackey and written/directed by Frances O'Connor? Listen to Stephanie and returning guest Brian Hicks's thoughts in today's episode and find out!

This "biopic" takes creative liberties with Emily Bronte's story as it fuses her life with her only novel Wuthering Heights. O'Connor tries to solve how Emily came up with the novel, and we have thoughts about what she comes up with!

For more background on the Brontes, listen to last episode (2x20) for a crash course on the family. Emily is available to rent on Prime Video, Hoopla, Tubi, and Plex.

Send good vibes to Brian as he defends his dissertation this month!

References:

Emily (2022)

Emily Bronte

Charlotte Bronte

Anne Bronte (JUSTICE FOR ANNE)

Frances O' Connor

Mansfield Park (1999)

Jane Austen

Hoopla App (with your library card)

Persuasion 2022

Agnes Grey

Vilette

Jane Eyre

Charles Dickens

Everything is tuberculosis by John Green

Wuthering Heights

Becoming Jane

The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)

Fetch the Smelling Salts

James McAvoy

Penelope

To Walk Invisible-BBC/PBS Miniseries

The Haunting of Hill House

Wuthering Heights (2026)

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Thanks for listening and please consider subscribing!

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Merch: Spreadshirt.com and search Escape Into Period Pieces

Support your local library and PBS station

Stay well!

The Brontës Oct 05, 2025

Show notes

Do you know about the authors behind the works Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, or Agnes Grey?

In today's episode you'll learn all about the three Brontes: Charlotte, Emily and Anne as well as the rest of their family.

In the similar style to Stephanie's past author episodes, get ready to learn about their personal lives and the legacy they leave behind today. Perfect for those who are preparing for the new Wuthering Heights film starring Margot Robie and Jacob Elordi or for the next episode of the podcast when Emily (2022) will be discussed!

(Editing Stephanie here: Elizabeth Bronte was born in 1815 and Charlotte was 1816. Ignore my comments on them being 'Irish twins.')

References:

Charlotte Bronte

Emily Bronte

Anne Bronte

Jane Austen

House of Guinness (Netflix)

Emerald Fennell's other film is Salt Burn (Prime Video)

Queen Victoria

Jane Eyre

The Professor

Villette

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

Shirley

To Walk Invisible (BBC/PBS)

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Married Women's Property Act of 1870

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Thank you for listening! Please consider subscribing!

Next time we'll be discussing Emily (2022)

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

Email: escape.into.period.pieces.podcast@gmail.com

Support your local library and PBS station

Merch: Spreadshirt.com and search Escape into Period Pieces

Till next time!

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Review Sep 21, 2025

Show notes

The conclusion to the Downton Abbey franchise is officially out now with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in theaters. Join Stephanie in today's episode as she discusses her thoughts on the new film as well as a look back on the show and fandom in a very chatty episode.

Have you seen the film yet? If not, be prepared for SPOILERS!

References:

Downton Abbey (the series) available on Peacock, Prime and BritBox

Downton Abbey (2019) on Netflix

Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022) on Peacock

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale

Mansfield Park (1999)

Jane Austen

NBC Special: "Downton Abbey Celebrates the Grand Finale" aired September 10th

The Gilded Age (HBO Max)

Miss Scarlet

Note: Isobel Crawley now Lady Merton is played by Penelope Wilton

Julian Fellowes

Entertainment Weekly

All Creatures Great & Small

Lovely War by Julie Berry (WWI)

White Queen, White Princess, Spanish Princess

The Young Victoria

Doctor Thorne (Prime Video)

The English Game (Netflix)

From Time to Time (Prime Video)

FALL RECS:

Sherlock and Daughter (HBO Max)

The Law According to Lidia Poet (Netflix)

Derry Girls (Netflix)

Providence Falls (Hallmark)

Rosaline (Prime Video)

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Thank you for listening and please consider subscribing!

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

Gmail:

escape.into.period.pieces.podcast@gmail.com

Support your local library and PBS station

Merch: Spreadshirt.com and search Escape Into Period Pieces

Stay well!

Grantchester Season 10 w/ Drea Mayer Sep 07, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the podcast, Drea Mayer, as we discuss season 10 of the Masterpiece Mystery show GRANTCHESTER, which concluded this summer. If you're looking for a cozy mystery show that's filled with found family, humor, and solving murders then look no further! This season had so many layers and reminded us of things that happened not that long ago.

Grantchester is available on PBS Passport or Prime Video for purchase.

Thank you for joining and sharing so much of your personal story, Drea!

References:

PBS Masterpiece Mystery Grantchester

Doctor Who

All Creatures Great and Small

Endeavor

Inspector Morse

The Moonflower Murders & The Magpie Murders

The Marlow Murder Club (2024)*

*Rishi Nair guest starred in this series

Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974

The Gilded Age (HBO)

Call the Midwife

Peaky Blinders

Outrageous (Britbox)

The Artful Dodger

Miss Scarlet

The Law According to Lidia Poet

Tirzah Price's Pride and Premeditation

Stranger Things

Downton Abbey film premiering September 12th

Miss Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries

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Stay tuned for my summer wrap up!

HBO's The Gilded Age Aug 31, 2025

Show notes

Are you still reeling from that season finale of HBO's The Gilded Age? Then this episode is for you!

Stephanie has been talking about the show nonstop, all summer and it is FINALLY the time to discuss it on the podcast. Spoiler alert as an overview of all the seasons will be discussed with a major focus on season 3. Thank you to everyone who submitted their thoughts as they were very fun to react to!

References:

HBO's The Gilded Age

The Gilded Age Facebook Group/Page

Downton Abbey

Julian Fellowes

"The Davenports" by Krystal Marquis

Apple TV's The Buccaneers

The Official Gilded Age Podcast

Old Westbury Gardens

Emma (2009)

Mansfield Park (2007)

HBO Max

Swoonworthy Podcast

Grantchester

Alva and Consuelo Vanderbilt

The Gilded Age Instagram Page

Downton Abbey movie comes out 9/12

The Law According to Lidia Poet (Netflix)

Sandition

Poldark

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Thank you for listening and consider subscribing!

Thank you to everyone who submitted their thoughts

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

Gmail:

escape.into.period.pieces.podcast@gmail.com

Support your local library and PBS station

Merch: Spreadshirt.com and search Escape into Period Pieces

Till next time!

The Great Gatsby w/Jordyn Cummings Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

This past April was the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" which makes it the perfect time to review and discuss Baz Luhrmann's 2013 film adaptation of the book, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, and Elizabeth Debicki.

Welcome back to the podcast, Jordyn Cummings, who is an expert on all things Gatsby, so make sure you read the book or check out the movie not to be spoiled. The movie, unfortunately, is only available for purchase or rental. Don't forget to always check out your local library!

Is this the first time that Stephanie watched this movie? You'll have to listen to the episode to find out!

References:

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

2013 Baz Luhrmann film

1974 film starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

The Gilded Age

A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen

A Doll's House Pt. 2 by Lucas Hnath

Moulin Rogue

Elvis

The Great Gatsby Broadway Musical

Jeremy Jordan

SIX: The Musical

My Fair Lady

She's the Man

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Pleasantville (1998)

Romeo & Juliet (1996)

Shutter Island

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Rent

Bandstand the Musical (come back in Nov for more on this one!)

Barbie's Princess and the Pauper

AMC's Interview with a Vampire

Crimson Peak (2015)

Jane Eyre

*Charlie Hunman was who I was thinking of, not Tom Hardy

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Thank you so much for listening! Please subscribe if you aren't already!!

escape.into.period.pieces.podcast@gmail.com

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

Merch: Spreadshirt.com, search Escape into Period Pieces

Support your local library and PBS station!

See you next time :)

The Buccaneers Season 1 Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode listen to Stephanie discuss the Apple tv show THE BUCCANEERS, specifically focusing on season 1. It's set in the Gilded Age, but as it focuses so much on romance and modern sensibilities it almost feels like you're not watching a period piece. Beware of spoilers, so it's a good idea to watch season 1 ahead of time. It's available on Apple tv or Prime Video (for a limited time). Season 2 is currently out, but this episode is focusing on season 1 only.

References:

New Sense & Sensibility casting news from Focus Features

Stranger Things season 5 trailer

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale release date: September 12, 2025

The Buccaneers season 1

The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton (the book)

The Buccaneers 1995 mini-series

The Gilded Age (HBO Max)

Reign TV show on the CW

Sanditon

Poldark

*Correction: Guy needs to marry for wealth or get a job in the book

24:00 Spoilers

32:00 Spoilers return (and basically stay until the outro)

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Thanks for listening!

Please consider subscribing!

Send in your thoughts for The Gilded Age and/or Grantchester season 10 via...

Email: escape.into.period.pieces.podcast@gmail.com

Intstagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

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Support your local library and PBS station!

Enjoy the summer :)

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