What the Austen? Podcast

• Episode 76: Do we need a Netflix Pride & Prejudice? with @regencyrumours

  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 festival referred to was a literary festival. Dolly was invited to debate with Sebastian Faulks. You don’t get to choose what you debate or which side you’re on. Dolly said yes because she loved the book (Pride and Prejudice), as does Sebastian, and it was just fun to talk about Darcy on stage. She hadn’t read Wuthering Heights — which is in fact what she said on stage. Dolly noted she would never have debated a book she hadn’t read. It wasn’t about the TV show or film as this was at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. You know I’ll always be honest with you Janeites, and I’ve apologised to Dolly — I should have done more due diligence when researching for the episode. I’d hate to spread any information that isn’t true, so I’m really glad to now have the full story! Also, no shade at all to my lovely listener who shared the initial information with me, it was down to me as the host to check all the data. Love, Izzy xPinned by @whattheausten@whattheausten5 seconds agoNetflix has just announced a brand new Pride and Prejudice adaptation, and you know I had to weigh in! In this episode, I’m chatting through all the early details—from Dolly Alderton writing the screenplay to the fresh marketing strategy, which seems much more tailored to the Janeite and bookish community.We talk about what we’ve loved in past adaptations, where there might still be space for a new take on this beloved novel, and yes... we do share our concerns (especially after the whole Persuasion situation).Hope you enjoy it!Where can you find Dr Kayla Jones:  @regencyrumours  on all platforms

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• Episode 75: Wearing the Story: Fashion in the Age of Jane Austen with Fashion Historian Hilary Davidson

  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 Austen. We dive once again into the fascinating world of Regency fashion and explore how clothes can tell stories just as powerful as words. Hilary shares the incredible process of recreating Jane Austen’s pelisse, what dancing shoes of the era can reveal about society, the purpose of fashion plates and how they were used. We also chat about the evolution of menswear, and how Austen herself used fashion in her novels not just for flair, but as subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) indicator of morality and social standing.So whether you're a history lover, a fashion enthusiast, or just obsessed with all things Jane Austen, this one’s for you. Pour a cup of tea and join us for a cozy, richly woven conversation that’s all about fabric and fiction 🌿👗📚Places to research more on Fashion plates mentioned in the episode: https://www.hathitrust.org/ https://archive.org/ https://lib.bunka.ac.jp/english/ Hilary’s Davidson books: Jane Austen’s Wardrobe (2023)Dress in the Age of Jane Austen: Regency Fashion (2019)A Guide to Regency Dress OUT 2025 Where can you find Hilary: @fourredshoeshttps://www.hilarydavidson.net/

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• Episode 74: Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels with Molly Williams and Jessica Roux

  In this episode, I’m joined by author Molly Williams and illustrator Jessica Roux, the brilliant minds behind Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Companion to Her Novels. Together, we explore the plants, flowers, and gardens that shaped Austen’s world and how they feature in her beloved works.We delve into the influence of Capability Brown, the fascinating world of Floriography—the secret language of flowers—and how gardening in Austen’s time was not just a pastime but a political rebellion against the French. From the grand estates of Pride and Prejudice to the wild, romantic landscapes of Sense and Sensibility, we uncover the deeper significance of nature in Austen’s novels.Watch the video on YoutubeBooks & Oracle Deck Mentioned:🌸 Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels🌸 Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers🌸 Woodland Wardens Oracle Deck Find them on Instagram:📷 @jessicasroux📷 @theplantladi

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• Episode 73: Gill Hornby on Miss Austen, Writing Novels, and the BBC Mini Series

  Join me for an insightful conversation with Gill Hornby, author of Miss Austen, a captivating novel that reimagines the life of Cassandra Austen — Jane Austen’s beloved sister. We delve into Cassandra’s pivotal role in Jane’s life and legacy, the inspiration behind the book, and the journey of adapting it into the widely popular BBC mini-series.Gill shares her thoughts on bringing Cassandra’s untold story to life, balancing fact with fiction, and what viewers can expect from her upcoming novel The Elopement out 22nd May. Gills books are available in local bookshops and Waterstones. KindleAudiobookMiss Austen is now available in the UK on BBC iplayer and will be out in the US in [email protected]@whattheausten

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• Podcast Trailer

  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 up with fellow enthusiasts to explore the wit, charm, and quirks of Jane’s novels. This podcast is for those who enjoy thought-provoking discussions and a good laugh, covering everything from romantic moments to quirky aspects and unpopular opinions. We embrace the full spectrum of the Austen fandom. Join me for lively conversations that deepen your love for her timeless tales.

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