Episode 78: Emma Woodhouse: The Original “That Girl”
In this episode, I’m joined by Neha and Shruti from The Novel Tea podcast to talk all things Emma, the most Marmite of Jane Austen’s heroines. From her unshakable confidence to her curated little world in Highbury, is Emma Woodhouse the blueprint for today’s “That Girl” trend? We explore how shifting attitudes around singledom, self-assurance, and main character energy might just mean that Emma’s time has finally come.Where can you find Neha and Shruti? The Novel Tea on all podcasting platforms @thenoveltea.podSubstack - https://thenovelteapod.substack.com/
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Episode 78: My Charlotte Lucas Birthday Q&A – Jane Austen, Books & Babbling
It’s my 27th birthday or as we Janeites like to say, my Charlotte Lucas birthday! To mark the occasion, I opened up the floor to your questions about all things Austen, books, podcasting and life. In this episode, I’m answering all the questions I was sent e.g. which Austen character would I interview? What books did I read growing up? etc. Thank you to everyone who sent in a question 🤍 it was such a lovely way to reflect and connect. I hope you enjoy this slightly more personal episode of What the Austen? 📖@abigailrosecreative @laughingwithlizzie6038
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Episode 77: The Darcy Effect: Romantic Ideal or Byronic Brooder?
In this episode I'm joined by Caily to unpack the enduring allure of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Together, we explore The Darcy Effect—why this seemingly aloof gentleman continues to captivate readers over two centuries later. Is Mr. Darcy truly the archetype of the Romantic hero, or does he lean closer to the brooding complexities of a Byronic figure? We take a deep dive into his character. Join us for a rich discussion full of nuance and theory 🤍I've done loads of episodes with Caily over the years including unpopular opinions and Villain off's so be sure to check those out too! Please also subscribe and if you want to support the podcast further leaving a review on one of the podcasting platforms like Apple and Spotify makes such a huge difference! Thanks Janeites 🤍
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Episode 76: Do we need a Netflix Pride & Prejudice? with @regencyrumours
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 xPinned by @whattheausten@whattheausten5 seconds agoNetflix 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
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Episode 75: Wearing the Story: Fashion in the Age of Jane Austen with Fashion Historian Hilary Davidson
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: @fourredshoeshttps://www.hilarydavidson.net/
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.