The Amateur Austenite

Sense & Sensibility Chapter 7

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dinner at Barton Park to meet Colonel Brandon and Mrs Jennings - both very old.Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fiFind Frances on You...

Sense & Sensibility Chapter 6

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Dashwood ladies arrive at Barton Cottage, Daisy makes a dash for it and Rachel has her eyes on Sir JohnSupport the podcast and hear episodes early...

Sense & Sensibility Chapter 5

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Dashwood girls are leaving NorlandCorrection: Lucy’s uncle is at Longstaple near Plymouth I manage to trip Emma into putting on her doctors hat...

Sense & Sensibility Chapter 4

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone is watching Elinor and Edward very closely.Is Sir John the real hero of the novel? (or is he secretly Santa?)We also touch on how communicati...

Sense & Sensibility Chapter 3

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We are introduced to Edward who Marianne doesn't think is good enough for Elinor.Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find France...

Sense & Sensibility Chapter 2

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fanny Dashwood emerges as a master negotiator - or is that manipulator?JASANZ is doing a digital print of S&S - learn more or be involved here.Sup...

Sense & Sensibility Chapter 1

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Emma Dunning is back to discuss Sense & Sensibility with me. But don't worry! Rachel will be here every second week.Emma gives us definitions...

Emma: Ultimate casting

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel and I have done the hard work for you; we've watched all the adaptations and now we'll give you our ultimate casting for Emma.Think o...

Emma adaptations: The Emma Project (web)

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Not to be confused with the novel of this same name, this webseries was filmed and posted in 2013. It's about 5 hours long and appears to be set ...

Emma adaptations: Emma's Journal (web)

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Easily digestible at about 2 hours run time this webseries is set at university again. It feels like it could almost be real people.You can watch it o...

Emma adaptations: Mrs Elton in America

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A wild collection of stories about Mrs Elton.JASANZ is doing a digital print of S&S - learn more or be involved here.Support the podcast and hear ...

Emma adaptations: The Emma Agenda (Web)

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The queer Emma of our dreams...JASANZ is doing a digital print of S&S - learn more or be involved here.Support the podcast and hear episodes early...

Emma adaptations: Emma Approved (web)

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I tell Rachel about the very polished Emma Approved webseries from the creators of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (and we beg for sponsorship)Watch the ser...

Emma adaptations: 1972 miniseries

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A Mr Woodhouse who looks like Scrooge, a greying Mr Knightley, an older Emma and a Harriet who is actually prettier. This sound stage adaptation has a...

Emma adaptations: Emma 2009

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss Rachel's favourite Emma and announce we'll do a our favourite casting in future, plus there's a brief discussion of Spotify ...

Emma adaptations: 1996 ITV

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The unsexy Andrew Davies adaptation with the exquisite Kate Beckinsale.Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, I...

Emma adaptations: 1996 Movie

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel isn't a fan of the Gwyneth movie - she fell asleep twice!Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Ins...

Emma adaptations: 2020

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda joins us to discuss the 2020 adaptation of Emma. Excellent casting all around and we reiterate our desire for Miranda Hart to do a one woman sh...

Emma adaptations: Clueless

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel tries to argue that Clueless isn't the best adaptation of Emma and fails to convince herself. With special guest Amanda.Support the podcas...

Emma adaptations: Vanessa Kelly author of Murder at Donwell Abbey

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Murder at Donwell Abbey features Emma Knightley (nee Woodhouse) playing detective to solve a murder that occurred at Donwell Abbey during the engagem...

Emma adaptations: Em by Sam Brooks

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the script for Em and beg someone to stage itYou can access the script here: https://www.playmarket.org.nz/bookshop/playmarket-manuscripts/...

Emma and Taylor Swift

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us to discuss a few Taylor Swift songs and how they related to Emma.As I love to do at the end of each season I bring my two special interests to...

Emma: the sexy bits

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Alice Nagle of Austen After Dark and Fetch the Smelling Salts joins me to discuss what's going on behind closed bedroom doors in EmmaSupport t...

Emma Chapter 55

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Austen ties up all the loose ends neatlySupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Instagram or at her website Buy ...

Emma Chapter 54

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Harriet is engaged, Mr Woodhouse is a proud Grandpa. We discuss who we'd rather date - Knightley or Frank.Plus there's a new t-shirt!Support...

Emma Chapter 53

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mrs Weston has her baby and Mr Woodhouse is babiedSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Instagram or at her we...

Emma Chapter 52

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mrs Elton is eager to spill the tea and show her superioritySupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Instagram or...

Emma Chapter 51

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mr Knightley gives more advice on being a good man as he reads Franks letterSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTu...

Emma Chapter 50

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emma reads Frank’s letter to Mrs WestonRachel forgets that I already made the requested “Mrs Elton Sucks” t-shirt (you can get one here)Support ...

Emma Chapter 49

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mr Knightley returns and confesses all! Rachel hijacks the podcast greetings and tells us about Pirates of the Caribbean 3Support the podcast and hear...

Emma Chapter 48

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There is a lot of awkward going around and we consider different partnerships than Austen didSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find...

Emma Chapter 47

30 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emma discovers that Harriet is into Mr Knightley just as she discovers that she, herself, is too!Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi ...

Emma Chapter 46

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Frank and Jane are engaged! But we're not sure if he really deserves herSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouT...

Emma Chapter 45

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Great Mrs Churchill is Dead. Does Miss Bates know about Jane and Frank?Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTu...

Emma Chapter 44

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emma flakes on apologising to Miss BatesSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Instagram or at her website Buy ...

Emma Chapter 43

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s here, possibly the worst (ie most uncomfortable) chapter Austen ever wrote; BoxhillSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Fr...

Emma Chapter 42

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There is drama in the strawberry fields of DonwellSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Instagram or at her we...

Emma Chapter 41

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mr Knightley is suspicious but Rachel suspects Miss Bates could keep a secretSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouT...

Emma Chapter 40

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Harriet discards her obsession with Mr Elton and declares she will never marry her new loveSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find F...

Emma Chapter 39

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Frank is a hero, Harriet is a damsel in distress and everyone is using racial slursThe quote from Persuasion was “this pathetic piece of family hist...

Emma Chapter 38

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the dedication of Emma to the Prince Regent and propose that Miranda Hart does a one woman adaptation of Austen which some how segues into ...

Emma Chapter 37

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is Emma vain or does her behaviour make sense based on Frank's behaviour?Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on You...

Emma Chapter 36

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mrs Elton has a tennis match conversation with Mr Weston, we discuss Frank's childhoodOk so I made another t-shirtTalking about Sense and Sensibi...

Emma Chapter 35

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

TW: Slavery, racismMrs Elton is rude and Frank is coming back!And I made a shirt...Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances o...

Emma Chapter 34

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mrs Elton sucks and is a bully at the dinner party Emma throws for herOf course I made the tshirtSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi ...

Emma Chapter 33

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mrs Elton sucks, Mr Elton would be a better person had he married a better wife (as would many men in Austen), Mr Knightley isn’t in love with Jane ...

Emma Chapter 32

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mrs Elton arrives and she sucksHarriet has no idea about money and we have no idea about social rulesSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko...

Emma Chapter 31

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mr Elton is a topic of conversation again and Emma has to console HarrietSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube,...

Interview with Fergus Grady, director of the French Film Festival

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Check out the Intrepid French Film Festival Aotearoa and especially Jane Austen Wrecked My Life throughout the country May-June 2025Come to the May me...

Emma Chapter 30

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emma thinks she's in love with Frank. We talk a lot about slogans for t-shirts (and I made one)Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-...

Emma Chapter 29

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does Mrs Weston love Mr Weston?Does Jane love Frank?We mention the webseries Rational Creatures which you can find on YoutubeIf you'd like to sta...

Emma Chapter 28

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emma is judgy, Miss Bates is the least selfish character and Mrs Weston may be the original matchmaker.Support the podcast and hear episodes early on ...

Emma Chapter 27

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Highbury is a one horse town where Miss Bates takes no breaths.There's even a journal article about Winnie-the-Pooh: Pathology in the Hundred Acr...

Emma Chapter 26

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Perhaps we could learn a couple of things from Emma. We decide Emma might be bi or ace. Rachel has a meet cute in a supermarketSupport the podcast and...

Emma Chapter 25

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emma (Queen of Highbury) decides to grace the Coles with her presence just as the Queen (of England) once went to a wedding. Also Frank gets a haircut...

Emma Chapter 24

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Frank is trying his hardest to see Jane (and we only see that because we know the ending)Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Fra...

Emma Chapter 23

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Frank Churchill arrives! He's an inconvenient surprise (apologies to everyone ever as I'm always early).Where the hell does Emma get her sno...

Emma Chapter 22

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We learn more about the future Mrs Elton and their courtship with a segue to Taylor Swift (let me have my special interests)Support the podcast and he...

Emma Chapter 21

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gossip! Mr Elton is engaged and we discuss Jane Austen's own brief engagementSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on...

Emma Chapter 20

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We tackle the important questions:- Does Austen name characters after herself?- Why is Jane a better heroine than Emma?- Was Austen secretly gay?- Is ...

Emma Chapter 19

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We ask the tough questions:- Is Mrs Bates hearing loss simply selective hearing? - Are the Bates scamming their neighbours for free things?We also di...

Emma Chapter 18

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We complain that Frank is a dick, compare him to Fabio; discuss Austen’s version of “if he wanted to, he would” and how Emma and Knightley love ...

Emma Chapter 17

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel and I tackle such important questions as:why has Emma never seen the sea if she lives on an island?when did Mr Woodhouse last leave Hartfield?w...

Emma Chapter 16

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emma requires an entire chapter to process Mr Elton's disastrous proposalSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on You...

Emma Chapter 15

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel and I are joined by a canine co-host, my niece, Daisy. We discuss the pains of managing family, politeness and unwanted male attention. Suppor...

Emma Chapter 14

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel and I discuss the difficulties of being polite and how Mrs Weston may be the best mother figure in Austen. Support the podcast and hear episod...

Emma Chapter 13

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We launch into the new year with un/lucky chapter 13, mixed signals, unclear communication, the Victorianisation of Austen, and the secret horror nove...

Emma Chapter 12

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let's pretend I was drunk when we recorded to explain my many mistakes... we discuss gross age differences and segue into talking about Typhoid M...

Emma Chapter 11

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As a nod to Christmas we discuss Rachel's Christmas socks (as the Christmas chapter is a couple of chapters away), we discuss visiting the sea fo...

Emma Chapter 10

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss charity, and how Emma is a woman ahead of her time. Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Instagra...

Emma Chapter 9

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel and I talk about communication (ha), compare Mr Collins to Mr Elton (again), I attempt to compare Harriet's book to a mix tape, Rachel tel...

Emma Chapter 8

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emma and Knightley fight about Harriet (who thankfully doesn't turn up till after they've finished). Rachel and I compare Mr Elton to Mr Col...

Emma Chapter 7

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emma begins her meddling, we are unimpressed. Things that suck:- power dynamics- public proposals- EmmaSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on...

Emma Chapter 6

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emma wants Mr Elton to f*ck off so she can paint Harriet's portrait. Rachel and I discuss flirting, situationships, diagnose Emma with ADHD and c...

Emma Chapter 5

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a chapter where Emma herself does not appear we compare the Westons to the Bingleys, the Woodhouses to the Elliots, Harriet to a dog (again) and we...

Emma Chapter 4

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel and I talk a lot about Pride and Prejudice for a podcast that is not about that novel. We also discuss Austen's brief engagement, love lan...

Emma Chapter 3

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel and I discover that we may in fact be Mr Woodhouse, and discuss - gossip (check out this reel)- Miss Bates comparison to Emma- Mr Woodhouse&apo...

Emma Chapter 2

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel and I discuss the British empire, the structure of the economy and society, what to do when you can’t support your children, mutually support...

Emma Chapter 1

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel and I discuss:- Why is the opening line not as famous as P&P?- The impact of Emma’s upbringing and family dynamics on her personality- Wh...

Emma: introducing co-host Rachel Pilois

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel is a book seller at Unity Books and quite possibly as obsessed with Austen as I am! She'll be joining me this season to discuss Emma.Rache...

Northanger Abbey: Taylor Swift Lyrics

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Wrapping up the series on Northanger Abbey here are Taylor Swift lyrics that suit some of the charactersSongs mentioned: Betty, Clara Bow, The Alchemy...

Northanger Abbey Adaptation: The Cate Morland Chronicles

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amme joins me to discuss The Cate Morland Chronicles and schools us on fandomSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouT...

Northanger Abbey Adaptation: 2007

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emma, Bingley and a secret co-host join me to discuss the most recent TV adaptation of Northanger Abbey. We discuss excellent chemistry, whether John ...

Northanger Abbey Adaptation: Northbound

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amme and I discuss Northbound, a webseries about Catherine Morland who is bound for North college in New York. We both misname characters several time...

Northanger Abbey Adaptation: 1987

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emma revisits her memories of this adaptation and has theories about aesthetics, casting and story changes (seriously, she's so good at this)Supp...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 31

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's the final chapter! Amme manages to squeeze her two cents in at the end (even though it's Emma's chapter)Emma thinks children need ...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 30

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amme rants, a lot, is gobsmacked by the Moreland’s calculous-bank-of-mum-and-dad and decides John Thorpe has never had to suffer consequencesSupport...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 29

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mrs Moreland lectures while Catherine thinks of HenrySupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Instagram or at her...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 28

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Eleanor gives Catherine money for the train after a night out drinking and tells her to text when she’s home safe(Amme's interpretation)Support...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 27

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emma calls me out for continuing to be obsessed over whether Captain Tilney proposed as we discuss Isabella's letterSupport the podcast and hear ...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 26

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amme and I discuss the nature of gossip / scandal while Catherine worries about meeting Captain Tilney when she should be happy his engagement has tak...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 25

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emma and I discuss Gothic novels v video games v horror filmsSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Instagram o...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 24

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s that chapter. It has arrived.We apologise to all 17 year olds, we were once 17 too.Amme thinks General Tilney, though not a murderer, was proba...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 23

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Catherine tours the Abbey and can see straight through General TilneySupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Ins...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 22

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amme and I try to figure out whether Henry is flirting or being condescending, if General Tilney is a hipster (are hipsters still a thing?) and Amme g...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 21

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Catherine examines her room and the Captain reveals his true self.Support the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Find Frances on YouTube, Instag...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 20

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amme thinks Captain Tilney is being supportive of the relationship (I bite my tongue). We discuss understanding castles and carriages from a modern pe...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 19

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emma and I discuss how Henry is supportive and validating but manages to stay objective when Catherine comes to him with concerns about his brothers f...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 18

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Catherine refuses to be gas lit by Isabella yet somehow still believes Isabella only means wellSupport the podcast and hear episodes early on Ko-fi Fi...

Northanger Abbey Chapter 17

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emma points out similarities between General Tilney and the Thorpes, we discuss what constitutes public triumph and how we're being set up for No...