The Lubber’s Hole - A Patrick O’Brian Podcast

Episode 227 - The Mauritius Command (Part 6)

22 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

After the hurricane, we meet human frailty, dockyard corruption, rain-soaked letters from home, and an unborn porcupine. Our heroes debate the value o...

Episode 226 - The Mauritius Command (Part 5)

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Jack are ashore again at the cape, ready to spend the British king’s gold on mercenaries and propaganda; Killick is anxious about meetin...

Episode 225 - The Mauritius Command (Part 4)

22 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen prepares to play his part in Jack’s Mauritius mission.  We have reflections on natural philosophy, a covert mission ashore, and co-operatio...

Episode 224 - The Mauritius Command (Part 3)

08 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We arrive at the Cape of Good Hope, receive Jack's true orders, and witness the immediate elevation—and corresponding pressure—that comes with the...

Episode 223 - The Mauritius Command (Part 2)

25 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jack Aubrey is back where he belongs: in command at sea. He’s dealing with complexities of the quarterdeck, though he hasn't escaped his troubles en...

Episode 222 - The Mauritius Command (Part 1)

11 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In Chapter 1 of The Mauritius Command, Jack Aubrey comes to terms with domesticated life ashore on half-pay. He’s beset by caterpillars, wax-moths, ...

The Lubber's Hole Will Return

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A special announcement from Ian & Mike about our plans to re-launch the Lubber's Hole.  Merry Christmas!  

Episode 221 - The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey

22 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We reach the end of our voyage, but before we get there we'll meet old friends, deal with friction in the younger generation, and encounter a familiar...

Episode 220 - Dean King Interview

15 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 220 is out today - dedicated to our interview with POB biographer Dean King. Discover the story of Dean’s journey to discover more of the re...

Episode 219 - The Unknown Shore

08 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're still riding along on Anson's famous journey - this time from the viewpoint of the Wager, a ship that was lost fairly early in the last book. Th...

Episode 218 - The Golden Ocean

01 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We explore the first of two POB books that could be said to be ‘pre-cursors' to the Aubrey-Maturin canon - The Golden Ocean.  Midshipmen, rats, sto...

Ep 217 - Persuasion

25 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're exploring the world of Jane Austen this week, reacting to the 1995 film adaptation of her novel Persuasion. With naval officers, snobbery, hunti...

Episode 216 - HMS Surprise (Part 14)

18 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and Stephen, homeward bound, head for Madeira to pick up their loves, and maybe a prize. Stephen attempts to recover from his wound, as he and Di...

Episode 215 - HMS Surprise (Part 13)

11 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Calcutta, Jack is drowning in good wishes but still short of a dowry for Sophie. Canning acts like Jack's good friend, despite their history. Steph...

Episode 214 - HMS Surprise (Part 12)

04 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Linois's squadron returns, and Jack's battle plans are tested, as he fights the Surprise with most of his officers and many of his gunners loaned out....

Episode 213 - HMS Surprise (Part 11)

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Surprise catches the China Fleet - which delights everyone but Stephen. Later, Surprise sees a less hospitable squadron. Jack rises to the occasio...

REPOST - Crossing The Line Special - Children

21 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re reposting our Crossing The Line special about children as characters in the O’Brian canon. Special thanks to our friend Steve Morr...

Episode 212 - HMS Surprise (Part 10)

14 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Surprise and her new first Lt sail for Kampong. We dip into Protestant theology, spy possible action from the Lubber’s Hole, see a relic of Jack's y...

Episode 211 - HMS Surprise (Part 9)

07 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen visits Diana alone at night, leading to wildly unexpected happenings and appearances.  Diana, Dil and Stephen are compared, while there’s s...

Episode 210 - HMS Surprise (Part 8)

30 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen wanders a Bombay beyond his imagination, finds a new particular friend, philosophizes on the holy, the human, the meaning of Sophie's letters,...

Episode 209 - HMS Surprise (Part 7)

23 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The prophesied blow ensues with monstrous waves. Stephen schools Jack on stoicism. There's more poetry as Bonden's writing advances, pistol practice, ...

Episode 208 - HMS Surprise (Part 6)

16 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Babbington comes to the rescue. There's solar healing for Stephen. Bad news for rats, midshipmen and albatrosses; good news for sloth fans everywhere....

Episode 207 - HMS Surprise (Part 5)

09 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new ship, officers, and crew together in a metaphorical crucible. Characters new and old encounter a very different kind of action. We examine sea o...

Episode 206 - HMS Surprise (Part 4)

02 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Surprise! A celebration of new things arising! A masterful chapter of names: of a book, of a curious English parish near Mapes, of a dead French agent...

Episode 205 - HMS Surprise (Part 3)

26 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jack struggles with who to trust and how to attempt to rescue Stephen. We examine, warfare, honour and the needs of the greater good, while along the ...

Episode 204 - HMS Surprise (Part 2)

19 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re on short commons blockading Toulon. Jack writes home about bloody action and the Lively's crew, Killick comes to life, and an unexpected night...

Episode 203 - HMS Surprise (Part 1)

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new First Lord and Admiralty Board shake up the story and endanger Stephen. There's a secondhand Diana update, Jack is nowhere to be seen, and Steph...

Episode 202 - Bicentenary Special

05 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ian and Mike celebrate the show’s bicentenary by answering listener questions, with help from our Patreons and from special guest Steve Morris. We d...

Episode 201 - Post Captain (Final Part)

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Lively goes into action.  Jack receives surprising insights into Stephen's secret life and Admiralty connections. After weather disruption, a ten...

Episode 200 - Post Captain (Part 14)

21 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A deeply philosophical Stephen seems an unsuccessful matchmaker. Jack designs a "Love Boat" interior. There's an intelligence mission, a copycat Nelso...

Episode 199 - Post Captain (Part 13)

14 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just as everything turned around last chapter - get ready for them to turn again! In this short chapter, Jack tries to work his way on the Lively. Ste...

Episode 198 - Post Captain (Part 12)

07 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jack learns his fate from the Admiralty and faces new challenges, including Stephen. We learn about bees, ideal friendship, crack ships, leadership, d...

Episode 197 - Post Captain (Part 11)

31 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Amid high tension between Jack & Stephen, Stephen makes a momentous decision and Jack does not. Circumstances force Jack to step up in his leaders...

Episode 196 - Steve Maffeo

24 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're looking forward to talking with author Steve Maffeo about the world of naval intelligence, its portrayal in the O'Brian canon, the con...

Episode 195 - Post Captain (Part 10)

17 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen sees Diana and Sophie before leaving on his secret mission. Jack returns from the Baltics. Heneage Dundas asks Stephen to deliver a warning to...

Episode 194 - Post Captain (Part 9)

10 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jack assesses the crew, has an opportunity to re-rig the Polychrest, and displays an unusual talent. We learn about new sails, Stephen's particular sk...

Episode 193 - Post Captain (Part 8)

03 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We learn more about Jack, Stephen, Sophie, and Diana's feelings. Tension mounts between Stephen and Jack. There's an intelligence mission, a notion of...

Episode 192 - Post Captain (Part 7)

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen joins the Polycrest and wonders about his relationship with Jack. Pullings returns and celebrates his promotion. There are perils afloat, a ru...

Episode 191 - Post Captain (Part 6)

18 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jack meets with the new First Lord. He and Stephen attend Queenie's party and reunite with Sussex neighbours. Beware of bailiffs, footpads, and what y...

Episode 190 - Post Captain (Part 5)

11 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and Stephen are back at sea. There's plenty of action, a dear friend, a gleaming cannon, some fascinating history, more from the book of Job, a s...

Episode 189 - Post Captain (Part 4)

04 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our heroes leave England and meet an old friend.  Jack provides insight on his relationship with Diana, Stephen endorses living in the present and we...

Episode 188 - Post Captain (Part 3)

28 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen falls for Diana, but has concerns. Jack tries to deal with Sophie's reluctance. And tension mounts between our heroes even before their entire...

Episode 187 - Post Captain (Part 2)

21 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and Stephen get to know the Williamses better. Shakespeare and Dryden make an appearance. Jack and Stephen host a ball and the Jane Austen plot t...

Episode 186 - Post Captain (Part 1)

14 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new ship, bad odds, and life ashore in Jane Austen country. We meet a new set of characters, explore some classical references, and catch up with ou...

New Year Message 2024

07 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is a short special New Year’s episode, containing a quick message to all of you, and a reminder of what's coming up in the coming weeks.   Ep...

Episode 185 - Blue At The Mizzen (Final Part)

31 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We explore the story of Job as Jack plans a final Cochrane flourish - can he meet his obligations to his crew and obtain his life's dream without gett...

Episode 184 - Blue At The Mizzen (Part 9)

24 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are two visitors to the Lubber's Hole, greetings from home, visions of Christine, shifting local politics, a couple of naval actions, another bu...

Episode 183 - Blue At The Mizzen (Part 8)

17 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There’s more weather to be weathered, as Stephen considers his contributions to scientific knowledge. William Reade is brought up short, Sir David m...

Episode 182 - Blue At The Mizzen (Part 7)

10 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Rio, Jack learns about the Asp before leaving to go around Cape Horn. There's a nod to POB's first two nautical books, brushes with brutal weather ...

Episode 181 - Blue At The Mizzen (Part 6)

03 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A death leads to a “surprise” promotion. Harding jinxes the ship and we explore the doldrums - geographic and emotional, a US flashback, the ship...

Episode 180 - Blue At The Mizzen (Part 5)

26 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Surprise arrives in Sierra Leone. In the midst of amazing wildlife, Stephen takes his chance with Christine. Jacob and Stephen worry about Jack, a...

Episode 179 - Blue At The Mizzen (Part 4)

19 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are irregularities (of the digestive kind) aboard the Surprise, as Mr Hanson progresses with Jack as a mentor. Stephen hopes for intelligence fr...

Episode 178 - Blue At The Mizzen (Part 3)

12 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack hurries to get his ship repaired while Stephen works to confirm the mission to Chile with Sir Joseph. There’s family time for some. A royal con...

Episode 177 - Blue At The Mizzen (Part 2)

05 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack returns to his amorous ways. The Surprise’s fortunes change and change again. Stephen is disappointed, worried, concerned, and ill-dressed. Wan...

Episode 176 - Blue At The Mizzen (Part 1)

29 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Surprise’s departure for Chile is short-lived as she threatens to founder. Barmouth is back, Keith is not, and we learn about the differences be...

Episode 175 - The Hundred Days (Final Part)

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and the Surprise go after the galley, but the capture does not go as planned. Neither does much else. There’s a long chase, yet another new Dey...

Episode 174 - The Hundred Days (Part 9)

15 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack tries to minimize the possibility of Lord Barmouth sending a different ship after the gold galley. Stephen has a favour to ask of Lady Keith, and...

Episode 173 - The Hundred Days (Part 8)

08 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Jacob return to Algiers to find the Ringle and Surprise. Once again, there’s a new Dey in town. Stephen has some unexpected additions to...

Episode 172 - The Hundred Days (Part 7)

01 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Jacob head off into the mountains. There are animals, bribes, secret acquaintances, some Royal Navy history, a lion hunt, grand theft, and...

Episode 171 - The Hundred Days (Part 6)

24 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shakespeare on death, a strong blow, more jeopardy for young Daniel and stories about his life. Meanwhile Jack shows birds to Stephen, there’s an un...

Episode 170 - The Hundred Days (Part 5)

17 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Action ensues, and our deep intelligence coves start some action of their own. Dr Stephen Maturin and Commodore Jack Aubrey visit The Lubber’s Hole!...

Episode 169 - The Hundred Days (Part 4)

10 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Pomone is still unreliable, ill omens continue, the hand of glory disappears, a duel between Surprise’s officers is in the offing, and foreign s...

Episode 168 - The Hundred Days (Part 3)

03 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have another tragic death in the squadron, the continued threat of bad luck and ill-omens, Killick’s rise and fall, a German flute-playing Marine...

Episode 167 - The Hundred Days (Part 2)

27 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack exercises the squadron’s great guns. Stephen composes music, gets a new loblolly-”boy,” and sketches the severed hand. There’s a mention ...

Episode 166 - The Hundred Days (Part 1)

20 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Hundred Days begin: The squadron arrives in Gibraltar and in the blink of an eye we learn what's changed. There are unexpected deaths near and far...

Crossing The Line Special - Audiobooks

13 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our latest Crossing The Line special is all about audiobooks.  With the help of special guests Steve Morris, Chris Durbin, Simon Vance and Sue Dennis...

Episode 165 - The Yellow Admiral (Part 10)

06 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and Stephen return to London to attend the meetings which may determine the future of Jack’s naval career. There’s time at home, a Surprise m...

Crossing The Line Special - Music Playlists

30 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's summer vacation time, so we’re taking a pause, to bring you something new in our ‘Crossing the Line’ series - a chance for you to dig deepe...

Episode 164 - The Yellow Admiral (Part 9)

23 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The squadron is reinforced with ships but no supplies or post arrive. Stephen performs his most frequent surgery, and Killick has some great moments. ...

Episode 163 - The Yellow Admiral (Part 8)

16 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Committee votes on Stephen’s plan. Stephen visits Woolcombe. Sophie gets an education. Jack considers his options, after Stephen rejoins the squ...

Episode 162 - The Yellow Admiral (Part 7)

09 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stuck waiting for repairs, Jack returns to the squadron too late to pick up Stephen and frets over the Admiral's view of his recent prize-taking. Step...

Episode 161 - The Yellow Admiral (Part 6)

02 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack worries about Stephen, teaches trig and upsets the Admiral, again. All is not well at home. (Hint: Mrs Williams is back.) There’s a potential p...

Episode 160 - The Yellow Admiral (Part 5)

25 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are disasters of old in these treacherous waters, music with a delightful new youngster, left-handed instruments, a great gun exercise, skylarki...

Episode 159 - The Yellow Admiral (Part 4)

18 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and Stephen try to rejoin the squadron; We learn what women most desire; and the Admiral reacts to the inclosure vote. There are wrinkled arses, ...

Episode 158 - The Yellow Admiral (Part 3)

11 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The big prize fight is here, and the women step up (as usual). There's a bad omen, perhaps a little nobbling, a brief history of lechery, and some mas...

Episode 157 - The Yellow Admiral (Part 2)

04 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and Stephen discuss a plan to inclose the common land next to Woolcombe. We discover birds disguised as metaphors (or is it the other way around)...

Episode 156 - The Yellow Admiral (Part 1)

28 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We begin The Yellow Admiral: Jack and the Bellona are redeployed, but Jack is back in London for parliamentary business, and to deal with complication...

Episode 155 - Will Sofrin and Richard Bailey - All Hands on Deck

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk to Will Sofrin and Capt. Richard Bailey about Will’s book, All Hands on Deck: A Modern-Day High Seas Adventure to the Far Side of the World....

Episode 154 - The Commodore (Final Part)

14 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack worries about the odds if they don’t find the French 74. No plan survives contact with the enemy or mother nature. We reach Ireland at last wit...

Episode 153 - The Commodore (Part 9)

07 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen’s shore leave karma comes home, and we get a yellow jack education. Inter-squadron tension increases. In the Bight of Benin we meet a new po...

Episode 152 - The Commodore (Part 8)

30 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The squadron makes its presence known, Stephen trips himself up on shore leave, Jack gains perspective on being a Commodore and the Africa mission com...

Episode 151 - The Commodore (Part 7)

23 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

En route to Africa, Jack reads his secret orders and wonders about Stephen’s thoughts. Stephen considers what to do about Capt. Duff. Jack finalises...

Episode 150 - The Commodore (Part 6); McBooks Press

16 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What's that sound - a great fleet action? We have friends helping friends; questionable Plato; jealousy revealed and confronted; and a pause for persp...

Easter Message 2023

09 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A short Easter message to tide you over while the spring celebrations are underway.  Episode 150 will be with you next week.

Episode 149 - The Commodore (Part 5)

02 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen rides back to the ship deciding what to do. Jack confronts “the green-eyed monster” - a reference for all you Othello fans. Plus family ti...

Episode 148 - The Commodore (Part 4)

26 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have the Captain’s dinner with all of Jack’s command, we hear more about Captain Thomas, and things turn deadly dangerous for Stephen.  Plus w...

Episode 147 - The Commodore (Part 3)

19 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We spend more time with Jack’s family, as Mrs Williams sinks even lower. Stephen gets two surprises, one good and one bad. We get close-up views of ...

Episode 146 - The Commodore (Part 2)

12 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack has some news to offset his injury. Stephen meets Sir Joseph. Mrs. Williams is back and on steroids. There are interesting Easter Eggs, a new pos...

Episode 145 - The Commodore (Part 1)

05 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are coming home to England! We hear about a lucky backgammon game, childhood high jinks, potentially good news for Captain Aubrey, and a change of ...

Episode 144 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Final Part) - Paul Bryers

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There's Noah’s Ark, action at sea, a race against an iceberg, unrelenting nature, more disaster, bad luck, and multiple good spots to end the book, ...

Episode 143 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Part 10)

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack looks for Stephen. Stephen takes to sea. Their chase has a new beast in view. There are tips for frostbite, a different kind of sneer, Inca gold,...

Episode 142 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Part 9)

12 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pullings makes an important discovery. Stephen gets to see the high Andes and tires of the local cuisine. We meet a new ancient, a curious saint, a gl...

Episode 141 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Part 8)

05 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A plan comes together quickly, Stephen is unusually confident, there are Malta Knights, mountain journeys, a wonderful mule, amazing oilbirds, a dread...

Episode 140 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Part 7)

29 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The girls go to church, Stephen continues his mission ashore, Dutourd goes missing, and Jack takes on a big wind in a small boat. We talk about earthq...

Episode 139 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Part 6)

22 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We finally reach Peru, and Stephen’s mission begins. The Franklin and the Surprise and Jack and Stephen part company. Martin’s illness is fully di...

Episode 138 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Part 5)

15 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Surprise, led by a barrel, sails full speed into an examination of human behaviour, a pursuit of prizes, and danger - nautically and interpersonal...

Episode 137 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Part 4)

08 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Political differences abound, as Stephen and Martin's relationship is hulled below the waterline. Tom has the Franklin armed & looking beautiful, but ...

Episode 136 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Part 3)

01 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As West is buried, the gunroom is changed by the arrival of Dutourd and the ransomers, and Martin continues his decline. There’s a new acting Lieute...

Christmas Special 2022

24 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a short special Christmas episode, containing a message to all our listeners, guests and patrons, a few Christmas highlights from the POB cano...

Episode 135 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Part 2)

18 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We learn the cause of all the “unnatural” natural phenomena, the fate of Dutourd and the Franklin, what will become of West’s ongoing effect on ...