The Thing About Austen
Episodes
Episode 116: The Thing About Mrs. Bates's Knitting with guest Eleanor Gilchrist
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mrs. Bates may be sitting quietly in the corner, but her hands are always busy. This episode we are joined by knitting and crochet historian Eleanor G...
Episode 115: The Thing About Harriet as a Natural Daughter
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Emma has big plans for Harriet, and these plans require a backstory, which Emma is more than happy to concoct. This episode we unpack the meaning of t...
Episode 114: The Thing About Miss Lambe with guest Damianne Scott
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we welcome back guest Damianne Scott to discuss Miss Lambe from Austen's unfinished work, Sanditon. Dami covers exactly why Miss Lambe is...
Episode 113: The Thing About Grosvenor Street
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Netherfield crew have all decamped for London, and Caroline wants to make sure that Jane knows all about it. This episode we're checking out Grosv...
Episode 112: The Thing About Lovers' Vows
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mansfield Park has been hit by the theatrical bug, and shenanigans and intrigue are afoot. Please take your seat and silence all devices, because this...
Episode 111: The Thing About Catherine and the Mysterious Apartments with guest Kate Emery
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Detective Catherine is on the case. The crime? Murder most foul. If only she can find some evidence. This episode we're joined by Kate Emery of Austen...
Episode 110: The Thing About Lady Catherine's Windows with guest Dr. Emily Davis-Hale
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard of this really, really, REALLY amazing house called Rosings? No seriously, it's basically the greatest house that has ever been built. ...
Episode 109: The Thing About the Assizes
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Admiral Croft went away to sea, and Mr. Musgrove went away to Taunton. And Mrs. Musgrove seems to think that's the same thing. Grab your fanciest and ...
Episode 108: The Thing About the Barouche-landau
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The weather is fine, and Mrs. Elton would like to go for a drive with the top down. This episode we're covering barouches, landaus, and Mrs. Elton's f...
Episode 107: The Thing About Manydown Park with guests Prerna Ramachandra and Sarah Rose Kearns
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In December 1802, while visiting family friends at Manydown Park, Jane Austen received and accepted a proposal of marriage from Harris Bigg-Wither. Th...
Episode 106: The Thing About Special Licenses
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mrs. Bennet would like to ensure that Lizzy's special day is the MOST special. And what better way to do that than by having Darcy and Lizzy marry by ...
Episode 105: The Thing About Marianne's Music with guest Dr. Elizabeth Weybright
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marianne has a lot of feelings, and what better way of expressing them than through her music? Dr. Elizabeth "Elly" Weybright joins us for t...
Episode 104: The Thing About The Crescent
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Henry Tilney has mysteriously disappeared, and Catherine will not rest until she finds him. Next up in her investigation? The Crescent. Join us as we ...
Episode 103: The Thing About Elegant Extracts
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Harriet has been talking a lot about this nice guy she met, which means that Emma has questions. In addition to Robert Martin's blood type, school tra...
Episode 102: The Thing About Lady Bertram's Shawl with guest Laboni Islam
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fanny's brother is headed back to sea, and Lady Bertram has a request (or two) for him. Poet and arts educator Laboni Islam joins us for this episode ...
Episode 101: The Thing About Lizzy's Pin-money
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lizzy is officially engaged, and Mrs. Bennet has pound signs for eyes. Grab your marriage settlement and your preferred negotiator, because this episo...
Episode 100: The Thing About Jane Austen's House with guest Lizzie Dunford
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy 100! To celebrate this auspicious occasion, we are thrilled to share our conversation with Lizzie Dunford, Director of Jane Austen’s House. We...
Episode 99: The Thing About White Soup
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mr. Bingley is planning to hold a ball at Netherfield Park, and white soup is obviously on the menu. This episode we're cooking up something special i...
Episode 98: The Thing About Northanger Abbey's Bell System
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
THE CALL IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE. And the person calling is General Tilney. For this year's spooky season episode, we're talking about the bel...
Episode 97: The Thing About Molland's
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anne is in Bath, and surprise, surprise, so is Captain Wentworth. Everyone has fortuitously converged at Molland's, and we're here to break down the m...
Episode 96: The Thing About John Thorpe's Gig
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
John Thorpe has recently purchased a gig, and he has a full list of (obviously extremely impressive) features to review with you. Buckle up because th...
Episode 95: The Thing About Mary's Concerto with guest Dr. Lidia Chang
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mary Bennet is ready to wow the audience with her concerto, but it's not receiving the rousing reception she might have hoped for. This episode we wel...
Episode 94: The Thing About Anne Steele's Beaux
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anne Steele has one thing on her mind, and she would like to tell you all about it. No, really. ALL about it. This episode we take a look at Miss Stee...
Episode 93: The Thing About Austen's Teenage Writings with guest Dr. Kathryn Sutherland
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jane Austen's early works, contained within three surviving notebooks, are funny, sharp, and brimming over with personality. This episode we are joine...
Episode 92: The Thing About Mr. Knightley's Strawberries
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The strawberries are ripe, so gather up your best bonnet and your beribboned basket and head on down to Knightley's U-Pick Farm. We've got all of your...
Episode 91: The Thing About the Lakes
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lizzy is headed to the Lake District with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Or is she? This episode we get into the trip that didn't happen and discuss the...
Episode 90: The Thing About Captain Wentworth's Letter with guest Margaret H. Willison
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anne Elliot has just received a very important letter, and we are all overcome. This episode we're joined by guest Margaret H. Willison of Not Sorry P...
Episode 89: The Thing About Henry Crawford Reading Shakespeare
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you thought that Mary Crawford with her harp was the only siren in the Crawford family, think again. Henry Crawford is here with a volume of Shakes...
Episode 88: The Thing About the Bennet Sisters' Shoe-roses
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Grab your dancing slippers and your shoe-roses because the Netherfield Ball is right around the corner, and the Bennet sisters are ready to party. Thi...
Episode 87: The Thing About Emma's Portrait of Harriet with guest Georgie Castilla
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Emma is trying to paint Harriet's portrait, but it's hard to concentrate with Mr. Elton mouth breathing over her shoulder. But still, Mr. Elton is obv...
Episode 86: The Thing About Brandon and Willoughby's Appointment
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Colonel Brandon and Willoughby are about to meet by appointment, and their seconds are ready with all the necessary administrative details. Which lead...
Episode 85: The Thing About Henry's Great Coat
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If Catherine is now riding with Henry after stopping at Petty-France for two hours and there are x number of capes on Henry's great coat and y number ...
Episode 84: The Thing About Annuities
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fanny Dashwood is offering up her services as a financial advisor and actuary, and John Dashwood is ready to be advised. This episode we break down th...
Episode 83: The Thing About the Ha-Ha
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There's a bit of a brouhaha brewing over at the Sotherton ha-ha, and we've got front row, garden bench seats. Join us as we walk through the various c...
Episode 82: The Thing About Astley's
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Come one, come all! Step right up and witness amazing feats on horseback! This episode we're headed to Astley's Amphitheatre where Harriet Smith and R...
Episode 81: The Thing About Gold Paper
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we're closing out the year with a visit to the homey confines of Uppercross Hall. There's a large group of children assembled, and festiv...
Episode 80: The Thing About the Pump-Room
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There's nothing like a refreshing drink of mineral water under the watchful gaze of Beau Nash to get your day off to the right start. This episode we'...
Episode 79: The Thing About the Late Mr. Darcy's Steward
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Overrun with moles? Worried about this year's crop yields? Thinking about conducting a comprehensive estate survey? We know exactly who you should cal...
Episode 78: The Thing About Catherine and Isabella's Horrid Novels with guest Dr. Hannah Doherty Hudson
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Catherine and Isabella are forming a very specific book club, and we've been given a sneak peek at their reading list. This episode we are joined by D...
Episode 77: The Thing About the Longbourn Entail
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Was it Mr. Bennet in the library with the entail? Or was it Mr. Collins in the dining room with the strict settlement? Mrs. Bennet is on the case, but...
Episode 76: The Thing About Harriet's Sore Throat with guest Dr. Rena Jones
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Poor Harriet is stuck at home with a bad sore throat, and Mr. Elton is VERY concerned. For Emma. This week we're joined again by Dr. Rena Jones to tal...
Episode 75: The Thing About Sir Walter's Looking-Glasses
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest baronet of all? Sir Walter is busy gazing at his own image, so we're here to chat 18th-century mirrors...
Episode 74: The Thing About Marianne's Washing
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Miss Steele has questions about Marianne's washing, and we are here to answer them. This episode we air some dirty laundry and get into the sudsy spec...
Episode 73: The Thing About Willoughby's Pointers with guest Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith
19 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pointers were considered an elite dog in Austen's time, so it makes sense that someone like Willoughby would own them (also, having cute dogs is possi...
Episode 72: The Thing About St. James's Palace
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sir William Lucas has been to St. James's Palace, and he wants to make sure that everyone knows about it. This episode we get into the particulars of ...
Episode 71: The Thing About Cramer with guest Dr. Karali Hunter
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jane Fairfax has received a mystery piano, along with some new music, and Frank Churchill is here to tell Emma all about it. This episode we break dow...
Episode 70: The Thing About the Irish Car Party
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There's nothing like a summer day at Box Hill. Nothing more awkward, that is. This episode we're jaunting forth with our friends from Highbury for an ...
Episode 69: The Thing About Lizzy's Needlework with guest Dr. Jennie Batchelor
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Needlework in Jane Austen's novels is commonly referred to as simply "work." But what exactly does this work entail, and why is it important...
Episode 68: The Thing About Catherine's Love of Hyacinths
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Catherine has finally arrived at Northanger Abbey, and she and Henry are engaging in a bit of botanical discourse. This episode we dig into some horti...
Episode 67: The Thing About Darcy's First Proposal with guest Meredith Ammons
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we're joined by Meredith Ammons to break down the first proposal of one Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. We also get into the letter that follows a...
Episode 66: The Thing About Anne's Bloom
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is bloom? And can you purchase it at Sephora? This week we're taking a look at the broader historical and cultural context surrounding Anne's blo...
Episode 65: The Thing About Mrs. Allen's Muslin with guest Dr. Hilary Davidson
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Henry Tilney is discussing muslin with Mrs. Allen and Catherine Morland, and the ladies are impressed. This episode we're joined by fashion historian ...
Episode 64: The Thing About the Bertram Sisters' Puzzle
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you solve a puzzle like Fanny? This episode we survey the Bertram sisters' map puzzle and discuss the social cartography of Mansfield Park. You...
Episode 63: The Thing About Polluting the Shades of Pemberley
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lady Catherine has stopped by Longbourn for a little chat, and she clearly needs to read an article or two on appropriate guest etiquette. This episod...
Episode 62: The Thing About Lucy's Filigree
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lucy and Elinor are about to have a tense, coded conversation, and a bit of filigree work is the perfect accompaniment. This episode we cover the art ...
Episode 61: The Thing About Speculation with guest Dr. Regulus Allen
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're dealing out an episode on the game of Speculation with our guest Dr. Regulus Allen. We discuss the rules of play and the ways in which...
Episode 60: The Thing About Frank's Haircut
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our scissors are sharpened, and we're ready for a stylish new 'do. Lucky for us, Frank has just returned from London and can fill us in on all the lat...
Episode 59: The Thing About the Bath Assembly Rooms
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Catherine Morland has arrived in Bath, and she is ready to be introduced to a man with a keen knowledge of muslin. This episode we explore both the Up...
Episode 58: The Thing About Sir John's Club
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Boodle's and Brooks's and White's, oh my! Gentlemen's clubs were a large part of the elite social landscape in Austen's time, and we're here to give y...
Episode 57: The Thing About Mrs. Reynolds' House Tours
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're headed back to Pemberley for this episode, where a gracious Mrs. Reynolds is ready to welcome us. We cover the history of country house tours an...
Episode 56: The Thing About Robert Ferrars' Toothpick-case
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're out running errands with Elinor Dashwood, which means we are headed to Gray’s in Sackville Street. There's a gentleman there inspecting all th...
Episode 55: The Thing About Mrs. Croft at Sea with guest Maria Petrillo
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's the Napoleonic Wars, and you're married to an admiral of the Royal Navy. This episode we're joined by guest Maria Petrillo of the Mystic Seaport ...
Episode 54: The Thing About The Monk
30 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's almost Halloween and what could be scarier than being trapped in conversation with John Thorpe? This episode we are taking a look at The Monk and...
Episode 53: The Thing About Colonel Brandon and the East India Company with guest Sharmini Kumar
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we are joined by our first returning guest, writer and director Sharmini Kumar. We discuss the global megacorporation that was the East Indi...
Episode 52: The Thing About Bath's Baths
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Grab your floating potpourri and come along for this dip into the history of Bath and its waters, as this episode we are diving into the baths in Bath...
Episode 51: The Thing About Lady Bertram's Flower Gardens with guest Dr. Menglu Gao
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The roses need trimming so we are headed to Mansfield Park, clippers in hand. This week we are joined by Dr. Menglu Gao as we chat about Lady Bertram'...
Episode 50: The Thing About Michaelmas
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Netherfield Park is let at last! Mrs. Bennet has heard that a single man in possession of a good fortune will be moving into the neighborhood by Micha...
Episode 49: The Thing About the Bath Paper with guest Barbara Heller
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are joined this week by guest Barbara Heller to discuss the Bath paper aka the Bath Chronicle. We cover Sir Walter's favorite “Arrived Here” co...
Episode 48: The Thing About the Meryton Assembly
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's dancing time! This week we are covering the origins of public assemblies before taking a look at the Meryton assembly scene in Pride and Prejudic...
Episode 47: The Thing About Depictions of Roma in Emma with guest Amanda-Rae Prescott
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Writer and period drama expert Amanda-Rae Prescott joins us for this episode to discuss depictions of Roma in Emma, starting with the novel and then m...
Episode 46: The Thing About Queen Mab
11 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
They say you should never look a gift horse in the mouth, but we're here to do just that. This episode we're investigating Willoughby's attempted equi...
Episode 45: The Thing About Weymouth
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're headed to Weymouth to check out the scene of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill's courtship. Join us as we first peruse the daily schedu...
Episode 44: The Thing About Gowland with guest Dr. June Oh
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sir Walter is offering free beauty consultations, but we have some serious questions about this Gowland product that he won't stop recommending. Thank...
Episode 43: The Thing About General Tilney's Breakfast China
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We hope you set an alarm! It's time for breakfast with General Tilney, and he does not like to be kept waiting. On the plus side, he will tell you exa...
Episode 42: The Thing About Lady Catherine's Chimney-piece
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mr. Collins is here, and he is ready to enumerate the many fine qualities of all the furnishings at Rosings Park. No really, sit down. This could take...
Episode 41: The Thing About Harriet's Treasure Box with guest Damianne Scott
13 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nothing says "I'm over you" like a ceremonial burning with your bestie. Guest Damianne Scott joins us to break down the scene where Harriet ...
Episode 40: The Thing About Lady Bertram's Pug with guest Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every dog has its day! Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith is here to answer all of our many questions about Lady Bertram's pug in Mansfield Park, covering eve...
Episode 39: The Thing About Mrs. Dashwood's Linens
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
John and Fanny Dashwood are sadly waving goodbye to some valuable household objects, and we're here to explain why they really need to get over themse...
Episode 38: The Thing About Louisa's Fall with guest Dr. Matthew Reznicek
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're joined by guest Dr. Matthew Reznicek as we discuss one of the most pivotal scenes in Persuasion. In addition to Louisa's injury and th...
Episode 37: The Thing About Petty-France
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If General Tilney's chaise leaves Bath at 10 am and Henry's curricle also leaves Bath at 10 am and there are x postilions and y outriders and Catherin...
Episode 36: The Thing About Regency Theatre with guest Lauren Wethers
28 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Raise the curtain! Guest Lauren Wethers is here this week to provide us with an introduction to attending the theatre in Austen's time. We also chat a...
Episode 35: The Thing About Tattersall's
14 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sir Walter is peeved, and we're here to explain exactly why our favorite snob is in such a snit. Obviously, no one explained to Mr. Elliot that Tatter...
Episode 34: The Thing About Edward's Hair Ring with guest Dr. Sally Holloway
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mistaken identity! Mystery hair! Edward is sporting a new ring, and now everyone is feeling uncomfortable and confused. Fortunately, Dr. Sally Hollowa...
Episode 33: The Thing About Catherine's Love of Baseball
31 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Take me out to the ball game! This week we're getting sporty as we discuss Catherine Morland's love of baseball. If you have ever imagined a romcom mo...
Episode 32: The Thing About Jane's Irish Melodies
17 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jane Fairfax has recently received a selection of music, and we're here to unpack the significance of that "new set of Irish melodies." Spoi...
Episode 31: The Thing About Marianne's Smelling Salts with guest Dr. Emily C. Friedman
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pull up your fainting couch because have we got a revivifying episode for you! Dr. Emily C. Friedman is here to take us through the olfactory delights...
Episode 30: The Thing About Lydia's Trip to Brighton
03 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why exactly was Lydia Bennet so eager to visit Brighton and why was Elizabeth so right to be concerned? Brighton was the playground of the wealthy and...
Episode 29: The Thing About Benwick's Miniature with guest Emma Rutherford
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we're taking a look at portrait miniatures and Captain Benwick's love of regifting with the help of art historian and portrait miniatures...
Episode 28: The Thing About Blaize Castle
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wave goodbye to Henry and Eleanor Tilney because this week we're headed to Blaize [Blaise] Castle. Except not really, because John Thorpe is a big lia...
Episode 27: The Thing About Austen and Romance with guest Bea Hodges-Koch
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Valentine's Day is around the corner, so this week we're bringing you a special episode on Jane Austen and romance with our guest Bea Hodges-Koch of T...
Episode 26: The Thing About Fanny's Stargazing
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pack your telescope and grab your star charts! This episode we're headed to a very specific location at Mansfield Park to examine Fanny's foray into c...
Episode 25: The Thing About Anne's Newspapers with guest Katherine Cowley
27 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How did one keep tabs on a crush or former romance in a time before social media? In the case of Anne Elliot, you turn to newspapers and navy lists fo...
Episode 24: The Thing About Fordyce's Sermons
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mr. Collins is preparing to read aloud to all of us, and the chosen volume is Fordyce's Sermons. We discuss the rise and fall of Fordyce's popularity,...
Episode 23: The Thing About Circulating Libraries
06 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we cover the history of circulating libraries in the UK with a little help from our Northanger Abbey friends. We also discuss the reputat...
Episode 22: The Thing About Regency Birthdays
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Happy birthday, Jane! It's Jane Austen's birthday, and we're marking the occasion with an episode on Regency birthday celebrations. If you have ever h...
Episode 21: The Thing About Christmas at Pemberley
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You have been cordially invited to Christmas at Pemberley! The Darcys have welcomed us to their home for the festive season, and we are here to walk y...
Episode 20: The Thing About Colonel Brandon's Flannel Waistcoat
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Is Brandon into grunge? Going through a lumberjack phase? Embracing Santa chic? We're here to uncover just exactly what Colonel Brandon has on under h...
Episode 19: The Thing About London Air with guest Dr. Rena Jones
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Take a deep breath, everyone! This episode we're discussing Mr. Woodhouse's concerns about the air in London with epidemiologist, Dr. Rena Jones. If y...
Episode 18: The Thing About Fanny's Fallen Avenues with guest Tyler Hamilton
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week it's a bit of a Fanny Price character study as we head to Mansfield Park to discuss Fanny's love of nature. Fanny is an often dismissed char...
Episode 17: The Thing About Catherine and the Black Veil
28 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's spooky season, so we're headed to Northanger Abbey! This week we investigate the black veil that so fascinates Catherine, and uncover some of the...