Escape into Period Pieces

Latest Episodes:

Merlin w/ Stephanie Rekowicz Oct 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, join Stephanie along with her guest, Stephanie Rekowicz, discuss the BBC TV series Merlin (2008-2012). Listen to them get nostalgic about their love for the show as well as answer the question if Merlin can be considered a period piece?

Merlin takes a different approach to the Merlin/King Arthur legend by making the famous sorcerer a young man who must keep his magic a secret as it's forbidden in Camelot. You can stream Merlin on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video.

As always be ready for spoilers and thank you for being patient with any Zoom glitches!

Featured Music: "Main Titles" & "Gwen & Arthur"

References:

BBC Merlin (2008-2012)
King Arthur Legend
Tumblr & Fanfiction
Snazzlefrazz on YouTube
Disney's The Sword in the Stone
A Kid in King Arthur's Court
Camelot The Musical
Merlin cast Video diaries
Jurassic World
Bridgerton
Umbrella Academy
Game of Thrones
Reign (CW)
The Great (Hulu)
My Lady Jane (Prime Video)
Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Malory
Excalibur (1981 film)
Asa Butterfield: Hugo, Ender's Game, "Sex Education"
"Sandition" (Masterpiece Theatre)
Irish Wish (Netflix)
"Miss Scarlet & the Duke"
Starz's "Camelot"
King Arthur (2004)
BBC "Atlantis"
BBC "Robin Hood"
"Shadow & Bone" (on Netflix & by Leigh Bardugo)
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
"The Outpost" (CW)
"The Librarians" TV series
The Other Merlin by Robyn Schneider
The Kid Who Would be King (2019 film)
"The Spanish Princess"
Angus Imrie plays Merlin & Prince Arthur in the above movie & show
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
American Girl Doll Books
Dear America AND The Royal Diaries books
The Tudors
The Murder on the Orient Express

Unfortunately, "editing Stephanie" cannot remember what show gave me the "vibe" of Merlin :(

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Thank you for listening and please consider subscribing!

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

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

Stay tuned for a future Virtual Book Club pick!

Support your local library

Grantchester on Masterpiece Mystery! Sep 22, 2024

Show notes

Join Stephanie in today's episode as she discusses the Masterpiece Mystery series, "Grantchester." A small town setting, found family, and murder, Grantchester has it all!

The show follows Geordie Keating (played by Robson Green) and the local vicar (Season 9's Rishi Nair) solve crimes (specifically murders) in the quiet town of Grantchester, located around Cambridge (England). You can start at the beginning or at the most recent season (Season 9). The first five seasons are available with an Amazon Prime subscription, and seasons six through nine are available for purchase. You can also stream it on PBS Passport.

Featured Music: "Mr. Chambers" composed by John Lunn

References:

Grantchester
Gilmore Girls
All Creatures Great & Small
Anne with an E
Cozy Mysteries
Lovely War by Julie Berry
HBO's "The Nevers" (RIP)
The Masterpiece Studio Podcast
YouTube Video: Grantchester, Season 9: Welcome Alphy Kottaram https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSCCzhN9QHo&t=64s
Halle Berry Menopause https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/breaking-taboo-menopause-10-commonly-asked-questions-answered/story?id=112840806
Miss Scarlet & the Duke

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Share your thoughts!

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

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

Stay tuned for a future Virtual Book Club Pick!

Go support your local library!

Thanks for listening :)

"Lovely War" & WWI w/ Dahlia Hamza Constantine Sep 08, 2024

Show notes

Buckle up for an emotional one as Stephanie and returning guest Dahlia Hamza Constantine discuss the second Virtual Book Club pick: Lovely War by Julie Berry.

Lovely War takes place between World Wars I & II as Greek Goddess Aphrodite tells a story to her fellow gods about two couples during WWI. This novel was a rollercoaster of emotions. Whether you read (or listened) to Lovely War or not, be prepared for spoilers as well as a discussion on WWI and historical pieces set during the Great War. It's bound to be an interesting listen no matter if you read the book or not.

As the material is heavy, be sure to take care of yourself :)

Thank you to Dahlia for sharing so much of your personal story.

Thank you to everyone who sent in their thoughts (via Instagram or by sending an email).

And thank you to Julie Berry for writing this novel.

Highly recommend listening to the audiobook as it has a full cast and is fantastic.

Featured Music: "1917" from 1917

References:

Lovely War by Julie Berry
The Maisie Dobbs book series by Jacqueline Winspear
Downton Abbey
Roger Waters from Pink Floyd
Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: Treaties, Trenches, Mud and Blood (Graphic Novel)
Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen
1917 film
1917 score by Thomas Newman
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan (Disney Plus)
PTSD
National Portrait Gallery; The Brilliant Exiles Exhibit in D.C.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Emmett Till (1941-1955)
Beryl & Edwina Mysteries by Jessica Ellicott
Frankie Drake Mysteries (TV show)
The Crimson Field (TV show)
The Brightwood Code by Monica Hesse
War Horse (2011)
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
All Quiet on the Western Front
Wilfred Owen
Siegfried Sassoon

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Share your thoughts!

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

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

Stay tuned for a future Virtual Book Club Pick!

Go support your local library!

Thanks for listening :)

Summer Highlights (2024) Aug 25, 2024

Show notes

As summer winds down, join Stephanie as she discusses her favorite (and least favorite) TV shows, films, and books from the last 3 months. Summer went by so fast, but luckily there was a lot of good media out there. Hope you enjoy!

References:

Bridgerton
My Lady Jane (Petition: https://www.change.org/p/official-amazon-prime-to-renew-my-lady-jane-for-a-second-season )
All Creatures Great & Small (new stills from season 5)
Renegade Nell (Disney Plus)
Gentleman Jack (HBO Max)
Den of Geek article: "Renegade Nell's Real History & Folklore: Queen Anne, Jacobites, Herne the Hunter & Billy Blind" by Louisa Mellor https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/renegade-nell-real-history-folklore-queen-anne-jacobites-herne-the-hunter-billy-blind/
Foyle's War (2002-2015)
Grantchester (Season 9, PBS/PBS Passport)
Hotel Portofino (Season 3, PBS/PBS Passport)
Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen
One Life (2023) film
The Boys in the Boat (2023)
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa
Gwen & Art Are Not In Love by Lex Croucher
Lovely War by Julie Berry

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Reach out with your favorite FALL Period Pieces!

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

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

Go support your local library!

This episode was recorded with Garage Band

Thanks for listening :)

Downton Abbey w/ Emily Heyden Aug 11, 2024

Show notes

Join Stephanie and her guest Emily Heyden discuss the PBS Masterpiece series Downton Abbey with a look back on the show (that ran from 2010-2016) before discussing the recent news of the latest/third movie currently in the works. [Buckle up for spoilers!]

Downton Abbey is the home to the Crawley family as well as the staff who serves them (very much an upstairs/downstairs story). The show starts in 1912 with the sinking of the Titanic and the death of the heir to the Crawley family, which leads to a distant cousin, Matthew Crawley, a member of the working class, to become heir of the estate. From inheritance and maintaining Downton to scandals and WWI, there is so much conflict in the show (and it gets very addicting).

Emily would also like to note how much she loves the yellow labs on this show and can't believe she forgot to mention them :)

Downton Abbey is available on Prime Video, Peacock, Brit Box and, as always, your local library.

Featured Music: "Downton Abbey Suite" & "Love & the Hunter"

References:

Downton Abbey the show & films
Game of Thrones
The Walking Dead
Bridgerton
My Lady Jane (Prime Video)
Upstairs, Downstairs
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: "Downton Sixty"
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Lovely War by Julie Berry

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Don't forget to share your thoughts!

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

Email:

escape.into.period.pieces@gmail.com

Amazon Prime Video's "My Lady Jane" Jul 28, 2024

Show notes

Amazon Prime Video's latest show "My Lady Jane" is everywhere! Is it worth the watch?

The show is based on the novel, My Lady Jane, by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows, and retells the story of historical figure Lady Jane Grey with a fantasy twist. Lots of romance and humor fills this show and is definitely a good time.

Episode Breakdown:

Opening & Messages: 0:03
Historical Context: 6:13
Overall Show Thoughts: 11:55
Book Comparisons: 28:14
Recommendations: 43:36
Closing: 54:10

References & Recs:

Amazon Prime Video's "My Lady Jane"
Historical Figure Lady Jane Grey
My Lady Jane by Hand, Ashton & Meadows (book)
Six The Musical
"The Tudors" (2007-2010)
"England's Forgotten Queen" documentary (found on Amazon Prime Video)
Bridgerton (Netflix)
Galavant (ABC)
Ella Enchanted
Princess Bride
Reign (CW)
Sense & Sensibility
"13 Biggest Changes My Lady Jane Makes to The Book" Screen Rant https://screenrant.com/my-lady-jane-biggest-book-changes/
The 100 (book & CW show)
Even The Royals Podcast Episode: "Rewriting History with My Lady Jane"
The White Queen, The White Princess, The Spanish Princess (Starz)
The Great (Hulu)
Rosaline
The Artful Dodger (Hulu)
My Salty Mary (Hand, Ashton & Meadows) is about lady pirate Mary Read
An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker
A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
That Self-Made Metal by Brittany N Williams

Phew! That was a lot of references :)

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Don't forget to share your thoughts!

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

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

VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB PICK EXTENDED TIL 8/8!!

Read Lovely War by Julie Berry and submit your thoughts to have them discussed in a future episode!

This was my first time recording with Riverside and I'm still figuring it out, so hopefully the transition music will return soon! Thanks for listening!

Anne with an E w/ Pileigh Shahinian Jul 14, 2024

Show notes

Escape to Prince Edward Island and visit Avonlea with Stephanie and her latest guest, Pileigh Shahinian as they discuss the Netflix TV series "Anne with an E."

"Anne with an E" is an adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's beloved book series Anne of Green Gables. It had 3 seasons and ran from 2017-2019. Whether you've watched it or not be prepared for spoilers as Stephanie and Pileigh talk about their love for the show and why it's considered a more dramatic adaptation.

Thanks for sticking through the "Zoom Glitches."

References:

"Anne with an E" (Netflix)
Anne & Gilbert Sweatshirt on Etsy (Shop The Bookish Belle) https://www.etsy.com/listing/1265624847/anne-and-gilbert-embroidered-sweatshirt?click_key=15ae2c2cbeb433ba8fe37c0df8e17e0d9ef78b86%3A1265624847&click_sum=cf8d64f8&ref=shop_home_active_7
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (book series)
1985 Kevin Sullivan Anne of Green Gables
Little Women
2019 Greta Gerwig Little Women (film)
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Barbie movies
12 Dancing Princesses
Princess and the Pauper

Featured: "Tree Perspective" from "Anne with an E"

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Do you have thoughts on the PBS Masterpiece Mystery show "Grantchester?" Send them in via:

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

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

Next Virtual Book Club Pick!

Come read Lovely War by Julie Berry
Submit your review/response by August 1st for a potential to be featured on the future episode!
Send a DM on Instagram or an email!

The Life of L.M. Montgomery Jun 30, 2024

Show notes

Stephanie is back with another Author Spotlight; this time on Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery who is best known for Anne of Green Gables. Come listen to learn more about her life, her professional career(s), love, and legacy she has left behind! References: The Etsy shop (for shirt referenced in the intro): https://www.etsy.com/shop/FoxDenDesignShop?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1171836152&from_page=listing It doesn't seem to be listed anymore, but to see which one Stephanie talks about visit the podcast's Instagram (linked below) Anne of Green Gables Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Anne with an E (Netflix) The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables by Catherine Reid L.M. Montgomery's Personal Journals "Lucy Maud Montgomery's Varied Love Life" by Agatha Krewinski Edit: Project Green Gables stars Laura Eklund Nhaga not Green Gables Fables

0:13 Intro

4:22 Beginnings & Anne

24:27 Personal Life & Love

30:47 Legacy

46:08 Closing

PODCAST EMAIL: Escape.into.period.pieces.podcast@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: Escape.into.period.pieces Join the Virtual Book Club! Lovely War by Julie Berry Submit your review by 8/1 for a chance to be featured on the podcast. DM on Instagram or send an email.

Bonus: Bridgerton Se 3 Pt 2 Reactions Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

It's time to discuss Season 3 Part 2 of Bridgerton. So, light your Bath & Body Works candles and let's dive in!

Join Stephanie share her thoughts as well as listeners' thoughts on all things related to episodes 5-8. Thank you to everyone who submitted! *Beware of spoilers*

00:13 Intro & Pacing

8:12 Conflict & Changes from the Book

25:04 What We Liked

33:47 Closing

Creators referenced are below:

ARY: https://www.tiktok.com/@arybella__/video/7381580494988741921?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Cambria: https://www.tiktok.com/@cambriadavies/video/7382428996434283806?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Olivia_grace234: https://www.tiktok.com/@olivia_grace234/video/7380399999357685023?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Rock: https://www.tiktok.com/@emily.st.francis/video/7381522390506835205?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Podcast Email: Escape.into.period.pieces.podcast@gmail.com

Instagram:

Escape.into.period.pieces

Join the Virtual Book Club!

Lovely War by Julie Berry
Submit your review by 8/1 for a chance to be featured on the podcast. DM on Instagram or send an email!

"The Murder of Mr. Wickham" w/Dahlia Hamza Constantine Jun 16, 2024

Show notes

The first virtual book club episode is live! Come listen to Stephanie and returning guest Dahlia Hamza Constantine discuss The Murder of Mr. Wickham byClaudia Gray. Enjoy the close analysis as well as the discussion on Claudia Gray's version of Jane Austen's beloved characters and the overall mystery. If you haven't read along, be prepared for spoilers.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their reviews! Remember you can always submit your feedback to:

Instagram: @escape.into.period.pieces

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

References:

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray
Jane Austen & her 6 major novels
Dickensian TV show
Clue
Pride & Premeditation by Tirzah Price
Manslaughter Park by Tirzah Price

Featured: "The Last Dance" from Emma (2009)

NEXT VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB PICK!

Lovely War by Julie Berry
Submit your review/response by August 1st for a potential to be featured on the future episode!
DM on Instagram or send an email (see above)
Read it with your eyes or your ears :)

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