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The Thing About Austen

The Thing About Austen is a podcast about Jane Austen's world — the people, objects, and culture that shape Austen's fiction. Come for the historical context and stay for the literary shenanigans. Think of us as your somewhat cheeky tour guides to the life and times of Jane Austen.

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21 episodes
monthly
Avg 33 min
English

Episodes 21

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September 23 · 33 min
Episode 121: The Thing About Henry Tilney's Dogs with guest Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith
Catherine Morland is thrilled to be visiting Henry Tilney's home. Bonus: she gets to meet his very cute dogs. Pet historian Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith is back to analyze Henry's canine companions in the context of Regency dog ownership. Thank you so much to Stephanie for joining us for this episode! You can find her on Instagram @DogHistorian. Her book Yap! is out in October and is currently available for pre-order. We have launched a Patreon! To join, please head to https://www.patreon.com/TheThingAboutAusten. Thank you so much for supporting the work we do! Website/newsletter: https://www.thethingaboutausten.com Email: TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com Instagram: @TheThingAboutAusten Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop
August 20 · 38 min
Episode 120: The Thing About Mr. Darcy's Ten Thousand a Year
Mr. Bingley has brought a friend to the Meryton assembly, and everyone is abuzz with excitement. This episode we take a look at Mr. Darcy's bank balance and get into exactly what Austen is signaling with Darcy's ten thousand pounds a year. We have launched a Patreon! To join, please head to https://www.patreon.com/TheThingAboutAusten. Thank you so much for supporting the work we do! Website/newsletter: https://www.thethingaboutausten.com Email: TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com Instagram: @TheThingAboutAusten Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop
July 22 · 47 min
Episode 119: The Thing About Sea-bathing
Everyone loves a good trip to the seaside. Everyone, that is, except Mr. Woodhouse. This episode we take a deep dive into the practice of sea-bathing in Jane Austen's time. If you have ever used your favorite apothecary as your anti-seaside scapegoat, this episode is for you. We have launched a Patreon! To sign up and support the work we do, please head to https://www.patreon.com/TheThingAboutAusten. Thank you SO much! Website/newsletter: https://www.thethingaboutausten.com Email: TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com Instagram: @TheThingAboutAusten Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop
June 23 · 1 hr
Episode 118: The Thing About Mrs. Clay Under Mr. Elliot's Protection
What exactly does Austen mean when she describes Mrs. Clay as being "under his protection"? And what's in it for everyone involved? This episode we examine the role of mistresses in 18th-century society. We have launched a Patreon! To sign up and support the work we do, please head to https://www.patreon.com/TheThingAboutAusten. Thank you SO much! Website/newsletter: https://www.thethingaboutausten.com Email: TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com Instagram: @TheThingAboutAusten Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop
May 26 · 33 min
Episode 117: The Thing About Barton Cottage
The Dashwood ladies have moved to Devon, and everyone seems to have an opinion on their new digs. This episode we discuss cottages, in all their many permutations. If you have ever had to listen to someone brag about the house party they organized, this episode is for you. We have launched a Patreon! To sign up and support the work we do, please head to https://www.patreon.com/TheThingAboutAusten. Thank you SO much! Website/newsletter: https://www.thethingaboutausten.com Email: TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com Instagram: @TheThingAboutAusten Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop
March 23 · 31 min
Episode 116: The Thing About Mrs. Bates's Knitting with guest Eleanor Gilchrist
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 Gilchrist to discuss the details of Mrs. Bates's knitting. We also take a look at Mrs. Smith's relationship to knitting in Persuasion. If you have ever needed tips on how to best show off your elegant hands and neck, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to Eleanor for joining us for this episode! You can find her on Instagram @stitchesandseeds. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
February 27 · 39 min
Episode 115: The Thing About Harriet as a Natural Daughter
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 the expression "natural daughter" and discuss the social context of illegitimacy in Austen's time. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
January 30 · 37 min
Episode 114: The Thing About Miss Lambe with guest Damianne Scott
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 such an important character in Austen's canon, as well as delving into the portrayal of Miss Lambe in the recent television miniseries (consider this your spoiler warning for the show!). Thank you so much to Dami for joining us for this episode! You can find her on Instagram @BlackGirlLoves76, on X @BlackGirlLoves3, and on the Black Girl Loves Jane Facebook page. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
Dec 15, 2025 · 24 min
Episode 113: The Thing About Grosvenor Street
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 Grosvenor Street and its surrounding environs before paying a visit to the Bingley sisters. We hope to see you at our Jane-uary Meet-up! Head over to our website to learn more and register: https://www.thethingaboutausten.com/p/2026-jane-uary-meet-up You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
Nov 24, 2025 · 30 min
Episode 112: The Thing About Lovers' Vows
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 we're peeking behind the green baize curtain of Lovers' Vows. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
Oct 27, 2025 · 33 min
Episode 111: The Thing About Catherine and the Mysterious Apartments with guest Kate Emery
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 Therapy to discuss Catherine's investigation, why we like to scare ourselves, and why Henry Tilney is her ultimate Austen hero. If your boyfriend has ever caught you snooping around his mom's bedroom, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to Kate for joining us for this episode! You can find the Austen Therapy podcast wherever you get your podcasts and follow them on Instagram @austentherapypodcast. You can follow Kate on Instagram @austentherapy. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
Sep 21, 2025 · 22 min
Episode 110: The Thing About Lady Catherine's Windows with guest Dr. Emily Davis-Hale
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. And the windows! Don't even get me started. I mean, honestly, look at that gorgeous glazing. This episode we're joined by Dr. Emily Davis-Hale of Reclaiming Jane to discuss Lady Catherine, her windows, and why Mr. Collins is obsessed with both. Thank you so much to Emily for joining us for this episode! You can find Reclaiming Jane online at https://www.reclaimingjanepod.com and follow them on Instagram @ReclaimingJane and on Facebook @ReclaimingJanePod. You can follow Emily on Instagram @emmakyzar and on Bluesky @crawfits. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
Aug 20, 2025 · 30 min
Episode 109: The Thing About the Assizes
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 most judicial red robe because this episode, we're covering the assizes. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
Jul 21, 2025 · 29 min
Episode 108: The Thing About the Barouche-landau
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 favorite, the barouche-landau. Let's hope it doesn't rain. Thank you to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, presenting Jane Austen Wrecked My Life for sponsoring this episode. You can learn more and watch at home here: https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/janeaustenwreckedmylife You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
Jul 7, 2025 · 32 min
Episode 107: The Thing About Manydown Park with guests Prerna Ramachandra and Sarah Rose Kearns
In December 1802, while visiting family friends at Manydown Park, Jane Austen received and accepted a proposal of marriage from Harris Bigg-Wither. The next day, she withdrew her acceptance. This episode we are joined by guests Prerna Ramachandra and Sarah Rose Kearns to discuss this crossroads moment in Austen's personal and professional life. Thank you so much to Prerna and Rose for joining us for this episode! Their Kickstarter campaign for Manydown is now live: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theholytheatre/manydown-a-jane-austen-story. Please check it out and consider supporting their work. You can also follow along with their progress by subscribing to their Substack: https://manydown.substack.com. You can learn more about Prerna and Rose's other work at https://www.prernaramachandra.me and https://www.theholytheatre.org. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch. Thank you to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, presenting Jane Austen Wrecked My Life for sponsoring this episode. You can learn more and watch at home here: https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/janeaustenwreckedmylife
Jun 23, 2025 · 28 min
Episode 106: The Thing About Special Licenses
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 special license. This episode we cover the banns, common licenses, and special licenses, and we dig into whether Mrs. Bennet's wedding dreams are likely to come true. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
May 21, 2025 · 54 min
Episode 105: The Thing About Marianne's Music with guest Dr. Elizabeth Weybright
Marianne has a lot of feelings, and what better way of expressing them than through her music? Dr. Elizabeth "Elly" Weybright joins us for this episode to discuss Marianne as a musician and the ways in which Marianne's musicianship is central to her character. We also get into a bit of Austen's own history of piano ownership and music playing. If you have ever cried on your piano after a bad breakup, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to Elly for joining us for this episode! You can find her on Twitter @EllyWeybright. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
Apr 22, 2025 · 22 min
Episode 104: The Thing About The Crescent
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 cover the history and architecture of this notable landmark. If you have ever been desperately hoping to casually bump into someone, this episode is for you. Thank you to PBS for sponsoring this episode! Miss Austen will be released on Masterpiece on May 4, 9pm/8c. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
Mar 26, 2025 · 21 min
Episode 103: The Thing About Elegant Extracts
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 transcripts, and tax returns, she would obviously like to know about his reading tastes and preferences. This episode, we're flipping through the pages of Elegant Extracts. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.
Feb 28, 2025 · 30 min
Episode 102: The Thing About Lady Bertram's Shawl with guest Laboni Islam
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 as we discuss Lady Bertram and her requested shawl(s). In addition to delving into the history and context surrounding these shawls, Laboni also shares details of her related project from her time as a Reimagine Resident at Jane Austen's House. Thank you so much to Laboni for joining us for this episode! You can find Laboni's poetry project here: https://janeaustens.house/creatives-in-residence/muslin-shawl-a-possible-history and learn more about her other work here: https://www.laboniislam.ca/ You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things. You can email us at TheThingAboutAusten@gmail.com and head over to https://www.redbubble.com/people/aboutausten/shop to check out our podcast related merch.

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