What the Austen? Podcast
Episodes
Episode 87: Jane Austen the pianist: How music shaped her life and writing with Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re joined by pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason to explore Jane Austen’s creativity beyond the written word and through music. We tal...
Episode 86: John Mullan on Jane Austen's Alchemy: Style, Structure, and Story 📖
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
250th Birthday Edition: What Matters in Jane Austen? by John Mullan: https://amzn.to/4sA9fbG In this episode, I’m joined by John Mullan to ex...
Episode 85: What did Jane Austen's Xmas celebrations look like? with Jessica Bull
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I thought a fun Christmas episode would be to discuss Regency Christmas traditions. From mistletoe to ghost stories, we get into the festive Regency s...
Episode 84: Villain off 2025: Elizabeth Elliot v Fanny Dashwood (Persuasion and Sense & Sensibility) AUDIO ONLY EP
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this year’s showdown, we’re pitting two of Austen’s most calculating women against each other Elizabeth Elliot from Persuasion and Fanny Dash...
Episode 83: Clermont By Regina Maria Roche | Unpacking the Horrid Novels from Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s that time of year again, spooky season! 🎃 Join Martha and me as we dive into our fourth Horrid Novel, Regina Maria Roche’s Clermont. In th...
Episode 82: The Worlds of Jane Austen: Chaos, Revolution, Empire & War with Helena Kelly
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What was Jane Austen’s world really like? 🤔 Far from the serene ballrooms and genteel romances we often imagine, Austen lived through decades of ...
Episode 81: Paula Byrne On The Real Love Story Behind Jane Austen’s Novels | Six Weeks by the Sea
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“How could Jane Austen write so convincingly about love and heartbreak if she never fell in love?”In this episode, I’m joined by author and lite...
Episode 80: Susannah Harker on becoming Jane Bennet: Midlife, New Projects & 1995 Pride & Prejudice.
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I’m thrilled to be joined by actress and writer Susannah Harker forever beloved to many of us as Jane Bennet in the iconic 1995 BBC Pride...
Episode 79: Surviving (and Thriving) Your First Regency Ball
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join me, Sophie, and Abbie for a post-ball debrief as we spill all the tea from my very first Regency ball experience—hosted at one of their fabulou...
Episode 78: Emma Woodhouse: The Original “That Girl”
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by Neha and Shruti from The Novel Tea podcast to talk all things Emma, the most Marmite of Jane Austen’s heroines. Fro...
Episode 78: My Charlotte Lucas Birthday Q&A – Jane Austen, Books & Babbling
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s my 27th birthday or as we Janeites like to say, my Charlotte Lucas birthday! To mark the occasion, I opened up the floor to your questions abou...
Episode 77: The Darcy Effect: Romantic Ideal or Byronic Brooder?
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I'm joined by Caily to unpack the enduring allure of Fitzwilliam Darcy. Together, we explore The Darcy Effect—why this seemingly alo...
Episode 76: Do we need a Netflix Pride & Prejudice? with @regencyrumours
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
IMPORTANT NOTE (fetch the smelling salts!!): Dolly Alderton reached out! Yes, she listens to the podcast! And yes, she is a true fellow Janeite. The f...
Episode 75: Wearing the Story: Fashion in the Age of Jane Austen with Fashion Historian Hilary Davidson
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by Hilary Davidson – dress historian, curator, and author of Jane Austen’s Wardrobe and Dress in the Age of Jane Aus...
Episode 74: Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels with Molly Williams and Jessica Roux
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by author Molly Williams and illustrator Jessica Roux, the brilliant minds behind Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Comp...
Episode 73: Gill Hornby on Miss Austen, Writing Novels, and the BBC Mini Series
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join me for an insightful conversation with Gill Hornby, author of Miss Austen, a captivating novel that reimagines the life of Cassandra Austen — J...
Podcast Trailer
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome, Janeites, to the What the Austen? podcast! I’m your host, Izzy Meakin, a lifelong Janeite with a deep love for Austen. Each month, I team u...
Episode 72: A Fortune Most Fatal with Author Jessica Bull (The Miss Austen Investigates Series)
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join me for a bookish chat with author Jessica Bull as we discuss her latest novel, A Fortune Most Fatal (Book 2 in the Miss Austen Investigates serie...
Episode 71: Did Jane Austen hate Bath? (Bonus Ep from YT)
29 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did Jane Austen really hate Bath? and how did it become the hub for the Jane Austen fan base. In this episode, we explore Austen’s complicated conne...
Episode 70: Wrapping up 2024!
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 70The final episode of 2024 is here. I’m joined by Caily (as usual) to wrap up the podcast year. We’re chatting about all the episodes and...
Episode 69: Villain off 2024: General Tilney vs. Sir Walter Elliot (Northanger Abbey / Persuasion)
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 69General Tilney vs. Sir Walter Elliot: Who Will Wear This Year's Crown of the Ultimate Jane Austen Villain?In this episode, we dive into the ...
Episode 68: The Castle of Wolfenbach explained | Northanger Abbey's Horrid Novels @marthabethanreads
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 68In this special Spooky Season episode, we're diving into one of the infamous Horrid Novels mentioned in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey: The ...
Episode 67: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #4 (Sense & Sensibility)
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 67We’re back with another episode of Unpopular Opinions, and this time we’re diving into Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. I’m join...
Episode 66: Sense & Self-Sacrifice: An Elinor Dashwood Character Study with @OliviasCatastrophe
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 66What happens when emotional repression and self-sacrifice shape your life? Join me and booktuber Olivia-Savannah from Olivia's Catastrophe a...
Episode 65: The Trouble With Mrs Montgomery Hurst with Author Katie Lumsden
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 65The Trouble with Mrs. Montgomery Hurst out 18 July!Katie brings to life her new novel, The Trouble with Mrs. Montgomery Hurst, set in a smal...
Episode 64: My Jane Austen Heritage with Jane Austen's Great niece Caroline Knight
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 64Send us a Text Message.Imagine growing up in a home where every corner whispers stories of Jane Austen. In this episode, I will be chatting ...
Episode 63: Bringing Jane Austen's Bath to life with Ellis Naylor @historian_ellis
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Join me and Ellis as we assemble a Jane Austen guide to Bath. Together, we'll explore Austen's complex bond with this iconic ci...
Episode 62: Jane Austen's Legacy & Rare Book Collecting with Tom Ayling
21 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this episode, I have the pleasure of being joined by Tom Ayling, an antiquarian bookseller and content creator. Together, we...
Episode 61: Life lessons from Jane Austen's leading men with Sophie Andrews @laughingwithlizzie
07 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.We are diving deep into the captivating world of Jane Austen's male characters! Joining me is Sophie Andrews, also known as Lau...
Episode 60: Mr Darcy's first (failed) proposal: A scene study
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Let's discuss Mr. Darcy's misguided first proposal in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"! Caily is back and we are decoding Re...
Episode 59: Mr Darcy & Mr Bingley a Regency bromance with Ben Mercer
03 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Who's ready to take a closer look at one of literature's most iconic friendships? Get ready as we unravel the dynamic bond betw...
Episode 58: Regency costuming in Jane Austen adaptations with Historical Costumer Shannyn @wisteria.and.lace
18 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Ever caught yourself daydreaming about twirling around like a character in a Jane Austen novel, decked out in those fancy Regen...
Episode 57: Turning Jane Austen's Emma into a Graphic Novel with Georgie Castilla from Duniath Comics
04 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message."Emma" has never felt more vivid and imaginative, thanks to Georgie's artistic prowess from Duniath Comics. It was wonderful ...
Episode 56: 'Miss Austen Investigates': A Conversation with author Jessica Bull
21 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Have you ever envisioned Jane Austen entangled in a murder investigation? I am joined by novelist Jessica Bull, who brings this...
Episode 55: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #3
07 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Grab your teacup and join Caily and me as we spark a lively debate that may just upend your literary loyalties with another Jan...
Episode 54: Wrapping up 2023 ~ Reflections Episode
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Hello, Janeites! Pour yourself a hot drink or glass of wine, and settle in for an enlightening conversation on our favourite Au...
Episode 53: Where the Rhythm Takes You, a YA Persuasion re-telling with Author Sarah Dass
19 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Have you ever wondered how Jane Austen's classic 'Persuasion' could be recast in a modern setting? YA author Sarah Dass, the cr...
Episode 51: Sorting Jane Austen's Heroes into their Hogwarts Houses Pt 1
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Ready for a magical journey into the world of literature? We've got a spellbinding discussion lined up for you! Together with o...
Episode 52: Sorting Jane Austen Heroes into Hogwarts Houses Pt 2
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Ready for a magical journey into the world of literature? We've got a spellbinding discussion lined up for you! Together with o...
Episode 50: Villain off 2023 | Lady Catherine v Mrs Norris (Pride & Prejudice v Mansfield Park)
22 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Who will wear this years crown of the ultimate Jane Austen villain - Lady Catherine or Mrs Norris? This thrilling milestone 50t...
Episode 49: The Monk Uncovered ~ Catherine Morland's reading list with Martha
08 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Prepare to be disturbed as we delve into the eerie world of Matthew Lewis' gothic classic "The Monk" for this years Catherine M...
Episode 48: A Most Agreeable Murder with Author Julia Seales
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.What if you could join a tea party with Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and Arthur Conan Doyle? Tune in to this riveting episode ...
Episode 47: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #2
27 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.As a fun AwkAustenAug episode this year we thought we would do another Jane Austen unpopular opinions ep, specificlly on topics...
Episode 46: Lydia Bennet Character Study (L is for Liability series) with Storyhooked Podcast Host Lynette
13 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by Lynette host of the Storyhooked podcast, as we journey into the world of Jane Austen's Pride and...
Episode 45: Cross-Novel Matchmaking Continues, Imagining Romantic Pairings in Jane Austen's Universe
30 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Part 2 is here! I had to split this episode up cause me and Caily can clearly talk for England when it comes to Jane Austen aha...
Episode 44: Cross-Novel Matchmaking, Imagining Romantic Pairings in Jane Austen's Universe
30 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Caily is back on the pod and we are taking on the role of the ultimate match makers and pairing up couples from different Jane ...
Episode 43: The Covert Lovers of Highbury, Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill's Engagement with @historian_ellis
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this episode we unravel the secrets of Jane Austen's classic novel, Emma, focusing on the often overlooked narrative of Jane...
Episode 42: Mrs. Bennet, A Complex Portrait of Motherhood in Pride and Prejudice with Habiba from @habibareadsbooks
02 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by Habiba @habibareadsbooks to discuss the Pride & Prejudices Mrs. Bennet. A character who inde...
Episode 41: Jane Austen Murder Mysteries with Author Tirzah Price
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am sitting down with author Tirzah Price to discuss her upcoming book Manslaughter Park, which is the 3rd boo...
Episode 40: Lucy Steele character study (L is for Liability series) with @janeaustenrunsmylife
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by Leah @janeaustenrunsmylife to discuss Lucy Steele, this is the first in what will become a serie...
Episode 39: The Mary Crawford Effect with Charlie @thebookboy
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this episode I'm joined by Charlie @thebookboy to discuss Jane Austen's Mary Crawford from Mansfield Park. Described by som...
Episode 38: Why we should Knight Mr Knightley with Carolyne @theaustenite
23 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by Carolyne @theaustenite to discuss Jane Austen's novel Emma, specifically focusing on the charact...
Episode 37: Pride & Prejudice Unpopular Opinions #1 | 2 Year Podcast Anniversary Ep
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.We are celebrating 2 years of the What the Austen? Podcast! Thank you so much for all your support the past 2 years, it’s bee...
Episode 36: Taylor Swift x Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all ...
Episode 35: Taylor Swift x Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all ...
Episode 34: Taylor Swift x Emma by Jane Austen
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all ...
Episode 33: Taylor Swift x Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all ...
Episode 32: Taylor Swift x Persuasion by Jane Austen
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all ...
Episode 31: Taylor Swift x Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this series we are matching Taylor Swift songs to Jane Austen characters and novels! This was highly requested from you all ...
Episode 30: Pride & Prejudice properties fictional and filming with @janewashere
26 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Which Pride and Prejudice property would you live in? Companion blog (Pictures of the locations): https://www.whattheausten.com...
Episode 29: The Lost Sex Scenes of Jane Austen with Annie Harrison @AmorousHistories
12 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Let's talk about sex... In this episode I am joined by Annie Harrison from the Amorous Histories Podcast, as we explore the boo...
Episode 28: A Jane Bennet character study
29 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Caily joins me in this episode to discuss the character of Jane Bennet, the supposed Ingénue of Pride and Prejudice. Jane is k...
Episode 27: Life lessons from Jane Austen's heroines With Sophie @laughingwithlizzie
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by friend and fellow Janeite Sophie Andrews from blog and Instagram page @LaughingwithLizzie as we ...
Episode 26: What the Austen? 2022 wrap up!!!
17 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.That's a wrap! Welcome to the twenty sixth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my f...
Episode 25: Jane Austen Christmas Gift guide with Eleanor from @hausofbennet
03 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Jane Austen gift guide 2022! So I thought this would be a fun episode to help you build your wish list or to give you some idea...
Episode 24: Disney Villains x Northanger Abbey Villains
19 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the twenty fourth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fell...
Episode 23: Disney Villains x Persuasion Villains with Ann from @paperheartslibary
05 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the twenty third episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fello...
Episode 22: Villain off 2022 Caroline Bingley v Isabella Thorpe
22 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.The battle of the Jane Austen villains, Villain off is back! On the left we have the abominable Isabella Thorpe from Northanger...
Episode 21: The Mysteries of Udolpho ~ Catherine Morland's reading list with Martha @marthabethanreads
08 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the twenty-first episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy and I am joined by my friend and fellow...
Episode 20: Disney Villains x Emma Villains with Ann from @paperheartslibary
24 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the twentieth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow J...
Episode 19: Jane Austen's Harriet Smith and why she is all that and a bag of chips with Bontle @colourful_litchi
10 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the nineteenth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy and I am joined by my friend and fellow J...
Episode 18: Disney Villains x Sense and Sensibility Villains with Ann from @paperheartslibary
27 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the eighteenth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow ...
Episode 17: Disney Villains x Mansfield Park Villains with Ann from @paperheartslibary
13 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the seventeenth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow...
Episode 16: Reviewing Netflix's Persuasion (2022) with Jillian and Yolanda from The Pemberley Podcast @thepemberly
30 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.It's here! the new Netflix Persuasion adaption staring Dakota Johnson, which takes a modern approach to Jane Austen's intimate ...
Episode 15: Disney Villains x Pride and Prejudice Villains with Ann from @paperheartslibary
16 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.In this episode we are matching Pride and Prejudice villains to Disney villains who share similar characteristics. Welcome to t...
Episode 14: Sense and Sensibility's Edward Ferrars and what makes a hero with Ellis @Historian_Ellis
18 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the fourteenth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow ...
Episode 13: Sorting Jane Austen's Heroines into Harry Potter Houses Part 2 with Caily @half_agony_half_hope
21 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the Thirteenth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by regular on the pod Ca...
Episode 12: Sorting Jane Austen's Heroines into Harry Potter Houses Part 1 with Caily @half_agony_half_hope
16 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the Twelfth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my part-time co-host and...
Episode 11: Who is the wealthiest Jane Austen hero? with Charlie from @thebookboy
19 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Episode 11: Who wants to be a millionaire? Discussing who is the wealthiest Jane Austen hero with Charlie from @thebookboyWelco...
Episode 10: Bridgerton Gossip (S1, S2 and the books) with Martha from @marthabethanreads
19 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Esteemed members of the Ton,Welcome to the tenth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined b...
Episode 9: The power of the letter in Jane Austen's work with Caily
15 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the Ninth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my part-time co-host and f...
Episode 8: Matching Jane Austen Heroines to Disney Princesses with Ann from @disneyprincesslessons
20 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the 8th episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janeite...
Episode 7: Jane Austen Villain off 2021 | Wickham v Willoughby with Caily Bridgeland and Ellis @historian_ellis
16 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.The battle of the Jane Austen villains on the left we have treacherous Mr Wickham from Pride and Prejudice and on the right we ...
Episode 6: Mansfield Park's Fanny Price Heroine or House Elf with Naomi from @naomi.not.niomi
18 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the sixth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janei...
Episode 5: Jane Austen's most awkward characters with Caily @half_agony_half_hope #AwkAustenAug
21 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the fifth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janei...
Episode 4: Addressing Charlotte Lucas from Pride and Prejudice with Georgia from @gmayreads
17 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the forth episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janei...
Episode 3: Reviewing the 2009 Emma with Louise from @mrsesluxuries
19 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the third episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janei...
A defence of Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility with Caily
15 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the second episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Jane...
Jane Austen's Persuasion and Lasting Love with @Historian_ellis
11 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Send us a Text Message.Welcome to the first episode of the What the Austen? podcast! I'm your host Izzy, and I am joined by my friend and fellow Janei...