The Thing About Austen

Episode 100: The Thing About Jane Austen's House with guest Lizzie Dunford Dec 20, 2024

Happy 100! To celebrate this auspicious occasion, we are thrilled to share our conversation with Lizzie Dunford, Director of Jane Austen’s House. We chat about Austen's time living in Chawton, as well as the incredible work that Jane Austen's House is doing to promote and preserve Austen’s legacy as an author and storyteller.

Thank you so much to Lizzie for joining us for this episode! You can find her on Instagram @lizzie_dunford_writes. You can learn more about Jane Austen's house and find links to all their socials at https://janeaustens.house.

You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.

Episode 99: The Thing About White Soup Nov 26, 2024

Mr. Bingley is planning to hold a ball at Netherfield Park, and white soup is obviously on the menu. This episode we're cooking up something special in the kitchen as we explain exactly what goes into this delicious dish.

You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.

Episode 98: The Thing About Northanger Abbey's Bell System Oct 23, 2024

THE CALL IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE. And the person calling is General Tilney. For this year's spooky season episode, we're talking about the bell system at Northanger Abbey.

If you have ever wondered for whom the bell pulls, 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 email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.

Episode 97: The Thing About Molland's Oct 01, 2024

Anne is in Bath, and surprise, surprise, so is Captain Wentworth. Everyone has fortuitously converged at Molland's, and we're here to break down the momentous occasion.

If you have ever run into your ex at the confectionery shop, 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 email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out podcast related merch.

Episode 96: The Thing About John Thorpe's Gig Sep 08, 2024

John Thorpe has recently purchased a gig, and he has a full list of (obviously extremely impressive) features to review with you. Buckle up because this episode we're delivering a crash course on gig carriages.

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 95: The Thing About Mary's Concerto with guest Dr. Lidia Chang Aug 16, 2024

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 Jul 24, 2024

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 93: The Thing About Austen's Teenage Writings with guest Dr. Kathryn Sutherland Jul 10, 2024

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 92: The Thing About Mr. Knightley's Strawberries Jun 18, 2024

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.

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Episode 91: The Thing About the Lakes Jun 04, 2024

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 90: The Thing About Captain Wentworth's Letter with guest Margaret H. Willison May 21, 2024

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 89: The Thing About Henry Crawford Reading Shakespeare May 07, 2024

If you thought that Mary Crawford with her harp was the only siren in the Crawford family, think again. Henry Crawford is here with a volume of Shakespeare, and WOW. Prepare yourselves. This episode we unpack this scene's particular Shakespearean allusion, examine the status of reading aloud during Austen's time, and discuss Fanny's reaction to Henry's reading.

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 88: The Thing About the Bennet Sisters' Shoe-roses Apr 23, 2024

Grab your dancing slippers and your shoe-roses because the Netherfield Ball is right around the corner, and the Bennet sisters are ready to party. This episode we take a look at the fancy footwear frills of the 17th and 18th centuries and the ways in which those trends transitioned into the Regency era.

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 87: The Thing About Emma's Portrait of Harriet with guest Georgie Castilla Apr 09, 2024

Emma is trying to paint Harriet's portrait, but it's hard to concentrate with Mr. Elton mouth breathing over her shoulder. But still, Mr. Elton is obviously in love with Harriet. Right? Right?!? This episode we welcome returning guest Georgie Castilla of Duniath Comics as we discuss Emma's attempt at combining the art of matchmaking with the art of portraiture.

Thank you so much to Georgie for joining us for this discussion! You can find him online at www.duniathcomics.com and on Instagram @duniathcomics, and you can follow along as he adapts Emma at https://www.youtube.com/@duniathcomics.

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 86: The Thing About Brandon and Willoughby's Appointment Mar 26, 2024

Colonel Brandon and Willoughby are about to meet by appointment, and their seconds are ready with all the necessary administrative details. Which leads us to ask the question, could this meeting have been an email?

Join us this episode as we break down the details of the duel in Sense and Sensibility.

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 Mar 12, 2024

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 Feb 28, 2024

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 Feb 06, 2024

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 Jan 11, 2024

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 Dec 14, 2023

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 Nov 30, 2023

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 Nov 16, 2023

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 Oct 30, 2023

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 Oct 17, 2023

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 Sep 29, 2023

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 75: The Thing About Sir Walter's Looking-Glasses Sep 15, 2023

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 Aug 31, 2023

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 Aug 19, 2023

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 Jul 27, 2023

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 Jul 13, 2023

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 Jun 29, 2023

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 Jun 15, 2023

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 May 28, 2023

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 May 12, 2023

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 Apr 27, 2023

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 65: The Thing About Mrs. Allen's Muslin with guest Dr. Hilary Davidson Apr 10, 2023

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 Mar 24, 2023

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.