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

Episode 134 - The Wine-Dark Sea (Part 1)

11 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The chase of the Franklin continues, pitting Jack Aubrey against a very resourceful Yankee sailing master and Mother Nature herself. We meet some new ...

Episode 133 - The Truelove / Clarissa Oakes (Final Part); Rachel McMillan

04 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Battle with the North commences, the Franklin is in the offing, and the spoils of war are great and terrible as the current story of Clarissa Oakes co...

Episode 132 Clarissa Oakes / The Truelove (Part 9)

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and the Surprises sail into Moahu hoping to secure Queen Puolani’s allegiance and defend her against the north’s attack. They hunt for the Fr...

Episode 131 - The Truelove / Clarissa Oakes (Part 8); Josh Corey

20 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Nasty, brutish, and short”? Maybe. An angry Captain presides over punishment, and we dig deep into the delights of John Donne. The medicos go fis...

Episode 130 - Clarissa Oakes / The Truelove (Part 7)

13 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An excited Stephen writes to Sir Joseph Blaine, while Rev. Martin confesses. We learn more about Mrs. Oakes, her attitude toward men and her effect on...

Episode 129 - The Truelove / Clarissa Oakes (Part 6)

06 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As trading and high jinks continue ashore, a French-American crew are threatening Moahu.  Stephen, meanwhile, learns about Clarissa's dark personal h...

Episode 128 - Clarissa Oakes / The Truelove (Part 5)

30 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Aboard the Surprise, the storm continues. There are stunning revelations about Mrs Oakes. Stephen and Jack reveal the depths of their nautical and bir...

Episode 127 - The Truelove / Clarissa Oakes (Part 4)

23 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Guy Fawkes time again. The Gunroom has the long-delayed feast for the bride and groom, as we learn life lessons from Shakespeare, and discover ...

Episode 126 - Clarissa Oakes / The Truelove (Part 3)

16 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack & Stephen puzzle with letters from home and Jack’s new orders. Martin has decisions to make; Clarissa is on the minds of all the officers; and ...

Episode 125 - The Truelove / Clarissa Oakes (Part 2)

09 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen 'practices upon' Jack, laudanum returns, Oakes and Clarissa approach Norfolk Island, and a pursuing cutter threatens Clarissa and Padeen. We a...

Episode 124 - Clarissa Oakes / The Truelove (Part 1)

02 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Surprise sails for Easter Island and Norfolk Island. The crew seems to be acting strange and a little too happy. Jack’s health and his temper ar...

Episode 123 - Caird Library Special

25 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we take time out from our reading of the canon to visit the Caird Library and Archive at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, to talk ...

Episode 122 - The Nutmeg of Consolation (Final Part)

18 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen Maturin the deadly duelist meets his match! But first: trips through the bush, more trouble with the authorities and the crew, Aborigines, boo...

Episode 121 - The Nutmeg of Consolation (Part 10)

11 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are still in and around Sydney as we conclude Chapter 9 of The Nutmeg Of Consolation with orphanages (almost), midnight commotions, heartwarming re...

Episode 120 - The Nutmeg of Consolation (Part 9)

04 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ashore in Sydney, we meet Martin’s friend from university. There are literary lessons, obstructing officials, a great change of fortune, convenient ...

Episode 119 - The Nutmeg of Consolation (Part 8)

28 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our heroes make an island stop but leave with far more than fruit. With delightful new guests aboard, there's an uneasy Martin, rats going cold turkey...

Episode 118 - The Nutmeg of Consolation (Part 7); Neil Buttery

21 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

At a farewell dinner, there are polar bear stories, thoughts on ageing, and a big transaction toasted with the best Sicilian juice.  We also have a g...

Episode 117 - The Nutmeg Of Consolation (Part 6)

14 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Nutmeg leads the Cornélie on a chase with lame duck ruses, twists and turns, duelling chasers, a familiar decoy trick, and an occulted Star Trek ...

Episode 116 - The Nutmeg of Consolation (Part 5)

07 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack & his crew crack on in search of the Cornélie. A Dutch merchantman reveals that one should never say die. Stephen is plagued by dentistry, relat...

Episode 115 - The Nutmeg of Consolation (Part 4)

31 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and the Nutmeg rush to intercept the French. Stephen spends time with Governor Raffles. We have a plant naming, a local civet (coffee anyone?), a...

Episode 114 - The Nutmeg of Consolation (Part 3)

24 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Heading for Batavia, our heroes and the treaty continue to face piratical dangers. We revisit an O’Brian Scottish brogue, and see an old friend from...

Episode 113 - The Nutmeg of Consolation (Part 2)

17 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welby and the Marines shine once more, as Kesegaran and the Dyaks return. Jack keeps the crew pulling together even though there’s no 'widow’s cru...

Episode 112 - The Nutmeg of Consolation (Part 1)

10 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Dianes are boat-building but take time out for a cricket match as supplies run threateningly low. Stephen finds a new role. The swallows are untru...

Episode 111 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Final Part)

03 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack & the crew get busy, Fox gets his way (and, perhaps, gets what's coming to him). Sailors demonstrate mainbrace splicing, and marines demonstrate ...

Episode 110 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Part 10)

26 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The moon has it in for the Diane, as she heads for her rendezvous with the Surprise carrying an impatient envoy Fox and his suite. There are strained ...

Episode 109 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Part 9)

19 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Stephen returns from Kumai, there's danger in the city and a big potential change brewing in the negotiations. Stephen carries out a surprisingly i...

Episode 108 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Part 8)

12 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A colourful birthday celebration shows off the Diane's firepower; Abdul becomes a bigger problem; Stephen fixes an intelligence setback; and we join h...

Episode 107 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Part 7)

05 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen heads ashore and compiles the next discreet chapter in Dr. Maturin’s guide to better out-of-town business trip accommodations. We debate vi...

Episode 106 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Part 6)

29 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Arriving in Java, we pick up the rest of the British mission, hear troubling news about Britain's banks, track down a Dutch anatomist, and press on to...

Episode 105 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Part 5)

22 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Diane begins a long, perilous journey around Africa towards Pulo Prabang. There are contrary currents, cuttlefish, cathedrals of ice, confessions ...

Episode 104 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Part 4)

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack heads to London, hoping for the happiest possible news.  We explore Irish mythology, and learn about the plans for the mission to Pulo Prabang: ...

Episode 103 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Part 3)

08 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack worries about his new purser and the crew starting to think this is an unlucky voyage. Stephen gets a surprise visitor in Lisbon, Jack meets the ...

Episode 102 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Part 2)

01 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen’s bankers frustrate, a prize takes flight, the new purser impresses - just not favorably. We find out why Master & Commander was such a grea...

Episode 101 - The Thirteen Gun Salute (Part 1)

24 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After we all get caught up on who is aboard & why, the Surprise leaves on the long-promised secret mission to South America. We learn the reasons she ...

Episode 100 - Centenary Special

17 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate reaching Episode 100, we have a special for you - Ian & Mike answer listeners' questions. We'll talk about personal stories, TV adaptatio...

Episode 99 - Master & Commander (Final Part)

10 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Sophies are now prisoners of the French, as a battle with the English starts. We are spectators at the first and second battles of Algeciras and h...

Episode 98 - Master & Commander (Part 12)

03 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Sophie, victorious, enters Mahon, as Jack reunites with Molly. There’s an unexpected end to the Cacafeugo and two unexpected missions. We learn ...

Episode 97 - Master & Commander (Part 11)

27 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The tension between Jack and Dillon mounts. Jack’s still lucky in prizes ... too lucky maybe? Jack and Dillon face gunboats off Barcelona, as well a...

Episode 96 - Master & Commander (Part 10)

20 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We have a brush with the French, and Stephen practices resurrection with a bellows. There’s Mowett’s poetry, a Russel Crowe alert, a chase, Minion...

Episode 95 - Master & Commander (Part 9)

13 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack ponders his identity, and has a close encounter with a formidable new enemy. Stephen gains insights into Dillon’s thinking, while Jack gets bad...

Episode 94 - Master & Commander (Part 8)

06 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The cruise continues, gunnery improves, there’s action ahead, a changing relationship between Jack and Dillon, a problem with Stephen’s asp and fi...

Episode 93 - Master & Commander (Part 7); Paddy Cullivan

27 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen ponders on the effect of ageing and authority; we get an excellent example of 'Jack ashore' at Molly Harte’s rout; a chilling look into huma...

Episode 92 - Master & Commander (Part 6)

20 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The log promises the Sophie’s first prize, but first there’s an apocalyptic blow, a brush with the plague, scatological humor, labor and delivery ...

Episode 91 - Master & Commander (Part 5)

13 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The crew's first gunnery practice turns into an unexpected first taste of action for the crew, and a first taste of duty for her new surgeon. Jack mee...

Episode 90 - Master & Commander (Part 4)

06 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack’s first mission in command, and every day's a school day: we learn some nautical terms, we learn about Dillon's past, Stephen learns what catal...

Episode 89 - Master & Commander (Part 3)

30 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack learns more about his new ship, as the crew and Lt. Dillion try to figure out their new Captain. There’s opera, bowdlerization, nautical innova...

Episode 88 - Master & Commander (Part 2)

23 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and his new friend eat dinner, and we learn some of the Maturin backstory.  The Sophie's new Lieutenant has a mysterious non-connection to Matur...

Episode 87 - Master & Commander (Part 1)

16 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Back to where it all started - Royal Navy Lieutenant Jack Aubrey meets a black-coated gentleman named Maturin at a concert, and arguably the world’s...

Crossing The Line Special - Leadership; Olivier Aranda

09 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're bring you a special episode on  leadership lessons from Jack Aubrey, Stephen Maturin and some of the leadership thinkers connected to...

Episode 86 - Letter of Marque (Final Part); Geoff Hunt

02 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen takes a balloon ride - real life, or fantasy? We dip into Irish mythology, learn a little more about Diana’s character and join in a sing-al...

Christmas Special 2021

24 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is a short special Christmas episode, containing a quick review of 2021, lots of thank-yous, and Christmas highlights from the POB canon (thanks ...

Episode 85 - The Letter of Marque (Part 9)

19 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

EP 85: Stephen is on several missions: to replenish his laudanum, to find Diana, to return the Blue Peter and attempt to save his marriage, all in tim...

Episode 84 - The Letter of Marque (Part 8)

12 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sir Joseph and Stephen are looking for a way to have Jack restored. Jack has a homecoming, Stephen heads for Sweden and the reversals continue. There’...

Episode 83 - The Letter of Marque (Part 7)

05 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We learn more about Jack’s wounds, sciatic stays and the relationship between butterflies and French intelligence agents. Meanwhile, Jack’s reinst...

Episode 82 - The Letter of Marque (Part 6)

28 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and the Surprise are headed into action, but not before we've considered poetics - there are Greek drama tips, crazed horses on ships, and Merry ...

Episode 81 - The Letter of Marque (Part 5)

21 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack wants to practice his cutting-out routine - but can he navigate the grievances of Sethians, Muggletonians and Southcottians? And what about the m...

Episode 80 - The Letter of Marque (Part 4)

14 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We get glaziers, corsair bishops, balloonists and link-boys;  Stephen gets medical supplies, news from Sweden and a reminder about insurance; and Jac...

Episode 79 - The Letter of Marque (Part 3)

07 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our heroes encounter a big blow, and their cruise gets extended. We learn about the perils, pitfalls and rewards of privateering. Jack learns a little...

Episode 78 - The Letter of Marque (Part 2)

31 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack exercises his new crew and tries to keep them from getting pressed, while Stephen talks carronades and strategy. In the meantime there's mooning,...

Episode 77 - The Letter Of Marque (Part 1)

24 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

At Shelmerston, Jack picks the last of his new crew, while Stephen gets distracted by a man in blue pants and a big bustard. Two interesting Admirals ...

Episode 76 - The Reverse Of The Medal (Final Part)

17 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack prepares to take the Surprise to sea to finalise her crew. Stephen’s French is tested when he’s invited to a mysterious and perhaps dangerous...

Episode 75 - The Reverse Of The Medal (Part 9)

10 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen works to lessen Jack’s sentence, and get him on board with plans for the Surprise. Blaine offers counsels and potentially a new mission.  A...

Episode 74 - The Reverse Of The Medal (Part 8)

03 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack's legal situation worsens, as Stephen activates his back-up plan - a charming privateer, weatherly, stiff and fast ... you know the one! Also Byr...

Episode 73 The Reverse Of The Medal (Part 7)

26 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and Stephen are getting their heads around Jack’s forthcoming trial - we find about the quality of justice, the puzzling fate of Ellis Palmer a...

Episode 72 - Cine-Files - Master & Commander (Part 2)

19 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We reach the conclusion of our review of M&CFSOTW in collaboration with the Cine-Files - can Jack Aubrey keep his naval family together? Can Hollom fi...

Episode 71 - Cine-Files - Master & Commander (Part 1)

12 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is a joint episode with our friends Steve and John from The Cine-Files podcast, discussing the 2003 Peter Weir movie Master & Commander - Far Sid...

Episode 70 - The Reverse Of The Medal (Part 6)

05 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Babbington returns, as do honey-buzzards, cricket and hurling. Ashgrove Cottage comes to pieces at the hands of sailors. Reverend Martin is ...

Episode 69 - The Reverse Of The Medal (Part 5)

29 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen hears a heart-breaking verse of Dryden, contemplates shearwaters, pulls a deserving nose and finally hangs out with his royal protectors. Alon...

Episode 68 - The Reverse Of The Medal (Part 4)

22 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After avoiding a bit of Cochrane action, Jack is on his way home, via London, in a leathern convenience. We find out how to kick up Bob's a-dying, and...

Episode 67 - The Reverse Of The Medal (Part 3)

15 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack, Stephen and the crew are chasing the Spartan, but pursued by their own doubts and superstitions. Three sightings, but will the tight-lipped crew...

Episode 66 - The Reverse Of The Medal (Part 2)

08 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Jack are underway, still reflecting on the appearance of Sam Panda, pondering admirals, wives, saints and Jesuits along the way. And there...

Episode 65 - The Reverse of the Medal (Part 1)

01 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're at the beginning of The Reverse of the Medal - The Surprise and her captured whaler join the West Indies fleet, as people wonder whether Jack’...

Crossing The Line Special - Music

25 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The last of our series of Crossing The Line specials is all about music.  With the help of special guest Rachel McMillan, we look back at how music h...

Crossing The Line Special - Children

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our latest Crossing The Line special is all about children in the world of Patrick O'Brian. As we talk about Forshaw, Dil and squeakers past and prese...

Crossing The Line Special - Humour

11 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A mid season special, featuring a mix of highlights from past shows and fresh commentary. We're reaching out to a selected few of our past guests to ...

Episode 64 - The Far Side Of The World (Final Part)

04 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Far Side Of The World reaches a climax - there's confrontation and betrayal ashore, but who's that on the horizon? And we get a definitive answer ...

Episode 63 - The Far Side Of The World (Part 9)

27 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack is happy to be alive, so we explore the lot of women and men in the world, and how this relates to the Articles of War. Stephen tries bird-watchi...

Episode 62 - The Far Side Of The World (Part 8)

20 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen and Jack figure out how they might survive on their desert island, if only Stephen can get on board with Jack’s taste in coconuts. We’re g...

Episode 61 - The Far Side Of The World (Part 7); Clare Hunt

13 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the Galápagos Islands we consider wildlife, mating rituals and gobstoppers. Stephen gets  angry with Jack, and they learn that skipping a night o...

Episode 60 - The Far Side Of The World (Part 6)

06 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack and the Surprise find an accommodating island, the sun comes out and things start to look a little better before the trouble starts -  especiall...

Episode 59 - The Far Side Of The World (Part 5)

30 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's time ashore for Maturin and Martin, but the owl-faced night ape takes its toll, and South America offers addictive new possibilities. As the r...

Episode 58 - The Far Side of the World (Part 4)

23 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Trouble and foreboding aboard the Surprise - adultery threatens the equanimity of the ship, and Jack would rather heave-to and paint than cross the Li...

Episode 57 - The Far Side of the World (Part 3)

16 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Out at sea, the new crew of the Surprise is getting to know each other better.  Blood letting is just around the corner, but not in the way that you'...

Episode 56 - The Far Side of the World (Part 2)

09 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack is getting ready for sea, and Stephen is birding at the top of Gibraltar rock, but what is the port admiral up to? What's going on among the warr...

Episode 55 - The Far Side of the World (Part 1)

02 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're starting a new book, beginning in Gibraltar and all seems suddenly right with the world - the Fieldings reunited, Stephen's message to Diana on ...

Episode 54 - Treason's Harbour (Final Part)

25 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The end of Treason's Harbour should also be the end of the line for Wray, Harte, the Surprise and the Dey of Mascara - but how will that work out in t...

Episode 53 - Treason's Harbour (Part 10)

18 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The action and tension are building, at sea and back in Valetta - a 'most romantic frame' is aboard the Nymphe, and almost takes us by Surprise. And t...

Episode 52 - Treason's Harbour (Part 9)

11 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wray and Maturin play for high stakes, but Killick saves the chelengk. We return to Kutali, meet old friends, hear Jack fumbling with Greek and Italia...

Episode 51 - Treason's Harbour (Part 8); Philip Ball

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack tests his fortune with the admiral after mixed fortunes in Arabia. Stephen looks like a vagrant, Jack feels like a bereaved lover and the Surpris...

Episode 50 - Treason's Harbour (Part 7)

28 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack says an awkward goodbye to his Turkish and Arabian guests, while he and Stephen chat about politics, ophthalmia and even adultery with a new frie...

Episode 49 - Treason's Harbour (Part 6)

21 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sunken galleys, treasure, sharks, khat and a diving bell - everything about this week's episode says 'exotic'. But can Jack turn all this excitement i...

Episode 48 - Treason's Harbour (Part 5)

14 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack, Stephen and their followers have to travel across the desert, threatened on all sides by ghouls and jinns and fairies, supported by a noble hors...

Episode 47 - Treason's Harbour (Part 4); John Bromley

07 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen finds late nights and guilt are bothering him. No such problem for Jack, who's given orders to sail, temporarily bidding farewell and adieu to...

Episode 46 - Treasons Harbour (Part 3)

28 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen's newest scientific instrument is here, and it's the bell of the world. Jack and Stephen are both interested in Laura Fielding, but for very d...

Episode 45 - Treasons Harbour (Part 2)

21 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

More ups and downs (physical and metaphorical) for Jack and the crew of the Surprise. While health can come and go, plainchant is eternal. But wait - ...

Episode 44 - Treasons Harbour (Part 1); Brian Wilson

14 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We make a start on Treason's Harbour, with a Chelengk and a dog and advancement for Pullings, but we soon encounter some tricky questions: did Stephen...

Episode 43 - The Ionian Mission (Final Part)

07 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're onto the final leg of the Ionian journey - the true colours of Jack's Turkish allies are finally revealed, which is a setback for Prof Graham. I...

Episode 42 - The Ionian Mission (Part 10)

31 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Building towards the culmination of our Ionian story - we learn to admire Turkish manners, and meet an actual pope, not to mention a passing encounter...

Episode 41 - The Ionian Mission (Part 9)

24 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The actual Ionian Mission is underway!  There are political opportunists looking for guns and power - which one to trust? And can Harte even spell Be...

Episode 40 - The Ionian Mission (Part 8)

17 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jack is back before Admiral Thornton; Stephen has everyone terrified of being castrated by mumps; and the grand oratorio rehearsal survives a big stor...