What the Austen? Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 76: Do we need a Netflix Pride & Prejudice? with @regencyrumours May 11, 2025

Show notes

IMPORTANT NOTE (fetch the smelling salts!!): Dolly Alderton reached out! Yes, she listens to the podcast! And yes, she is a true fellow Janeite. The festival referred to was a literary festival. Dolly was invited to debate with Sebastian Faulks. You don’t get to choose what you debate or which side you’re on. Dolly said yes because she loved the book (Pride and Prejudice), as does Sebastian, and it was just fun to talk about Darcy on stage. She hadn’t read Wuthering Heights — which is in fact what she said on stage. Dolly noted she would never have debated a book she hadn’t read. It wasn’t about the TV show or film as this was at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. You know I’ll always be honest with you Janeites, and I’ve apologised to Dolly — I should have done more due diligence when researching for the episode. I’d hate to spread any information that isn’t true, so I’m really glad to now have the full story! Also, no shade at all to my lovely listener who shared the initial information with me, it was down to me as the host to check all the data. Love, Izzy x

Pinned by @whattheausten@whattheausten 5 seconds ago

Netflix has just announced a brand new Pride and Prejudice adaptation, and you know I had to weigh in! In this episode, I’m chatting through all the early details—from Dolly Alderton writing the screenplay to the fresh marketing strategy, which seems much more tailored to the Janeite and bookish community.

We talk about what we’ve loved in past adaptations, where there might still be space for a new take on this beloved novel, and yes... we do share our concerns (especially after the whole Persuasion situation).Hope you enjoy it!Where can you find Dr Kayla Jones: @regencyrumours on all platforms

Episode 75: Wearing the Story: Fashion in the Age of Jane Austen with Fashion Historian Hilary Davidson Apr 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m joined by Hilary Davidson – dress historian, curator, and author of Jane Austen’s Wardrobe and Dress in the Age of Jane Austen. We dive once again into the fascinating world of Regency fashion and explore how clothes can tell stories just as powerful as words.

Hilary shares the incredible process of recreating Jane Austen’s pelisse, what dancing shoes of the era can reveal about society, the purpose of fashion plates and how they were used. We also chat about the evolution of menswear, and how Austen herself used fashion in her novels not just for flair, but as subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) indicator of morality and social standing.

So whether you're a history lover, a fashion enthusiast, or just obsessed with all things Jane Austen, this one’s for you. Pour a cup of tea and join us for a cozy, richly woven conversation that’s all about fabric and fiction 🌿👗📚

Places to research more on Fashion plates mentioned in the episode:

https://www.hathitrust.org/

https://archive.org/

https://lib.bunka.ac.jp/english/

Hilary’s Davidson books:

Jane Austen’s Wardrobe (2023)

Dress in the Age of Jane Austen: Regency Fashion (2019)

A Guide to Regency Dress OUT 2025

Where can you find Hilary:

@fourredshoes

https://www.hilarydavidson.net/

Episode 74: Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels with Molly Williams and Jessica Roux Apr 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m joined by author Molly Williams and illustrator Jessica Roux, the brilliant minds behind Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Companion to Her Novels.

Together, we explore the plants, flowers, and gardens that shaped Austen’s world and how they feature in her beloved works.We delve into the influence of Capability Brown, the fascinating world of Floriography—the secret language of flowers—and how gardening in Austen’s time was not just a pastime but a political rebellion against the French. From the grand estates of Pride and Prejudice to the wild, romantic landscapes of Sense and Sensibility, we uncover the deeper significance of nature in Austen’s novels.

Watch the video on Youtube

Books & Oracle Deck Mentioned:

🌸 Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels🌸 Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers

🌸 Woodland Wardens Oracle Deck

Find them on Instagram:📷 @jessicasroux📷 @theplantladi

Episode 73: Gill Hornby on Miss Austen, Writing Novels, and the BBC Mini Series Mar 23, 2025

Show notes

Join me for an insightful conversation with Gill Hornby, author of Miss Austen, a captivating novel that reimagines the life of Cassandra Austen — Jane Austen’s beloved sister. We delve into Cassandra’s pivotal role in Jane’s life and legacy, the inspiration behind the book, and the journey of adapting it into the widely popular BBC mini-series.Gill shares her thoughts on bringing Cassandra’s untold story to life, balancing fact with fiction, and what viewers can expect from her upcoming novel The Elopement out 22nd May.

Gills books are available in local bookshops and Waterstones. Kindle Audiobook

Miss Austen is now available in the UK on BBC iplayer and will be out in the US in May.

@gill.hornby

@whattheausten

Podcast Trailer Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Welcome, Janeites, to the What the Austen? podcast! I’m your host, Izzy Meakin, a lifelong Janeite with a deep love for Austen. Each month, I team up with fellow enthusiasts to explore the wit, charm, and quirks of Jane’s novels. This podcast is for those who enjoy thought-provoking discussions and a good laugh, covering everything from romantic moments to quirky aspects and unpopular opinions. We embrace the full spectrum of the Austen fandom. Join me for lively conversations that deepen your love for her timeless tales.

Episode 72: A Fortune Most Fatal with Author Jessica Bull (The Miss Austen Investigates Series) Mar 09, 2025

Show notes

Join me for a bookish chat with author Jessica Bull as we discuss her latest novel, A Fortune Most Fatal (Book 2 in the Miss Austen Investigates series).We explore the inspiration behind the book, delving into the fascinating life of Mary Baker, also known as Princess Caraboo, and the resilience of women in Regency society. This story also highlights Jane Austen’s connection with the Knight family, who adopted her brother Edward, and Mrs. Knight’s role as a supporter of Austen’s creative work.It’s good to be back Janeites! I hope you enjoy the episode 🤍A Fortune Most Fatal is out 25th March in the UK! 📖Jessica Bull @jessicabullnovelisthttps://jessicabullauthor.com/

Episode 71: Did Jane Austen hate Bath? (Bonus Ep from YT) Dec 29, 2024

Show notes

Did Jane Austen really hate Bath? and how did it become the hub for the Jane Austen fan base. In this episode, we explore Austen’s complicated connection with the city she lived in and wrote about. From her personal experiences to the role Bath played in her novels Northanger Abbey & Persuasion. We will dive into the facts, debunk common misconceptions, and uncover how Bath became a significant part of Jane Austen’s legacy housing the Jane Austen centre and the annual Jane Austen Festival.

Watch in video format on YouTube @IzzymeakinJane Austen at Home: A Biography - Lucy Worsley: https://amzn.to/3BRjFxS Podcast Eps @whattheausten Bringing Jane Austen's Bath to life with Ellis Naylor @historian_ellis #63 Jane Austen's Legacy & Rare Book Collecting with Tom Ayling #62Where can you find me? Insta & Youtube: ‪@whattheausten‬

Episode 70: Wrapping up 2024! Dec 01, 2024

Show notes

Episode 70

The final episode of 2024 is here. I’m joined by Caily (as usual) to wrap up the podcast year. We’re chatting about all the episodes and the Jane Austen Festival.

To my amazing listeners, thank you so much for your support again this year, It honestly means the world to me.

A huge thank you to The Independent Podcast Awards for shortlisting What the Austen? for Best Bookish Podcast and winners of my catagory was The Island of Brilliant do go ahead and give them a listen!

Thank you to all the book club girlies (Patreon members) who are all incredible and I’m so glad we have built such an amazing community to share our love of Austen and thank you of corse to Hoggy for his love and encouragement, even if that comes as the occasional bark whilst recording.

Below, you’ll find a list of all the fantastic episodes and guests from 2024, they are all creating amazing things whether that is content, books and businesses do be sure to check them out.

Ep 55: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #3

Ep 56: Miss Austen Investigates

Ep 57: Turning Jane Austen's Emma into a Graphic Novel

Ep 58: Regency Costuming in Jane Austen Adaptations

Ep 59: Mr. Darcy & Mr. Bingley – A Regency Bromance

Ep 60: Mr. Darcy's First (Failed) Proposal

Ep 61: Life Lessons from Jane Austen's Leading Men

Ep 62: Jane Austen's Legacy & Rare Book Collecting

Ep 63: Bringing Jane Austen's Bath to Life

Ep 64: My Jane Austen Heritage with Caroline Knight

Ep 65: The Trouble with Mrs. Montgomery Hurst

Ep 66: Sense & Self-Sacrifice – An Elinor Dashwood Analysis

Ep 67: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #4

Ep 68: The Castle of Wolfenbach Explained | Northanger Abbey's Horrid Novels

Ep 69: Villain Off 2024 – General Tilney vs. Sir Walter Elliot

Patreon Exclusive: Sanditon Sisterhood Diaries & Celebrating a Fandom with Author Vasantha Narayanswami

Episode 69: Villain off 2024: General Tilney vs. Sir Walter Elliot (Northanger Abbey / Persuasion) Oct 27, 2024

Show notes

Episode 69

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

Episode 68: The Castle of Wolfenbach explained | Northanger Abbey's Horrid Novels @marthabethanreads Oct 06, 2024

Show notes

Episode 68

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

Martha: @marthabethanreads

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