Best Janeites Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 84: Villain off 2025: Elizabeth Elliot v Fanny Dashwood (Persuasion and Sense & Sensibility) AUDIO ONLY EP 1:47:22

1M ago1:47:22

1:47:22

In this year’s showdown, we’re pitting two of Austen’s most calculating women against each other Elizabeth Elliot from Persuasion and Fanny Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility. Both are masters of manipulation and self-interest, but in very different ways. Elizabeth Elliot, ever-conscious of appearances, rules her social circle with icy elegance, d…

1
Episode 83: Clermont By Regina Maria Roche | Unpacking the Horrid Novels from Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey 1:32:43

2M ago1:32:43

1:32:43

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 this episode, we unravel the twists and turns of this wonderfully Gothic tale, from mysterious family secrets to dramatic reunions. We chat about the novel’s influence on Jane Austen, share plenty of laughs, a…

1
Episode 82: The Worlds of Jane Austen: Chaos, Revolution, Empire & War with Helena Kelly 1:24:47

2M ago1:24:47

1:24:47

What was Jane Austen’s world really like? 🤔 Far from the serene ballrooms and genteel romances we often imagine, Austen lived through decades of chaos, revolution, war, and empire. In this episode of What the Austen? I’m joined by historian and author Helena Kelly to uncover how these turbulent times shaped Austen’s life, her family, and her novels…

1
Episode 81: Paula Byrne On The Real Love Story Behind Jane Austen’s Novels | Six Weeks by the Sea 1:13:32

3M ago1:13:32

1:13:32

“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 literary critic Paula Byrne to explore Jane Austen’s love life, beyond the well-known stories.You might already know about the dashing Tom Lefroy, made famous in Becoming Jane with Anne Hathaway and James McAvo…

1
Episode 80: Susannah Harker on becoming Jane Bennet: Midlife, New Projects & 1995 Pride & Prejudice. 48:04

3M ago48:04

48:04

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 and Prejudice. Nearly thirty years on, Susannah is stepping back into Jane’s world, but this time, she’s reimagining the character’s life (and her own) in a brand-new comedy-drama, Jane Bennet’s Second…

1
Episode 79: Surviving (and Thriving) Your First Regency Ball 1:09:03

5M ago1:09:03

1:09:03

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 fabulous seasonal events! From dance floor dos and don’ts to must-have accessories, we’re sharing our top tips, tricks, and lessons learned to help you feel confident and have the time of your life at your nex…

1
Episode 78: Emma Woodhouse: The Original “That Girl” 1:19:08

5M ago1:19:08

1:19:08

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. From her unshakable confidence to her curated little world in Highbury, is Emma Woodhouse the blueprint for today’s “That Girl” trend? We explore how shifting attitudes around singledom, self-assurance, and …

1
Episode 78: My Charlotte Lucas Birthday Q&A – Jane Austen, Books & Babbling 1:28:41

6M ago1:28:41

1:28:41

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 about all things Austen, books, podcasting and life. In this episode, I’m answering all the questions I was sent e.g. which Austen character would I interview? What books did I read growing up? etc. Thank y…

1
Episode 77: The Darcy Effect: Romantic Ideal or Byronic Brooder? 1:25:42

6M ago1:25:42

1:25:42

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 aloof gentleman continues to captivate readers over two centuries later. Is Mr. Darcy truly the archetype of the Romantic hero, or does he lean closer to the brooding complexities of a Byronic figure? We t…

1
Episode 76: Do we need a Netflix Pride & Prejudice? with @regencyrumours 1:23:58

7M ago1:23:58

1:23:58

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 bo…

1
Episode 75: Wearing the Story: Fashion in the Age of Jane Austen with Fashion Historian Hilary Davidson 1:04:11

8M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

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 pel…

1
Episode 74: Jane Austen's Garden: A Botanical Tour of the Classic Novels with Molly Williams and Jessica Roux 1:04:10

8M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

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 fasci…

1
Episode 73: Gill Hornby on Miss Austen, Writing Novels, and the BBC Mini Series 56:07

9M ago56:07

56:07

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.Gil…

1
Podcast Trailer 0:32

9M ago0:32

0:32

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 mo…

1
Episode 72: A Fortune Most Fatal with Author Jessica Bull (The Miss Austen Investigates Series) 1:05:21

9M ago1:05:21

1:05:21

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 series).We explore the inspiration behind the book, delving into the fascinating life of Mary Baker, also known as Princess Caraboo, and the resilience of women in Regency society. This story also highligh…

1
Episode 71: Did Jane Austen hate Bath? (Bonus Ep from YT) 26:30

11M ago26:30

26:30

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 connection with the city she lived in and wrote about. From her personal experiences to the role Bath played in her novels Northanger Abbey & Persuasion. We will dive into the facts, debunk common misconcept…

1
Episode 70: Wrapping up 2024! 1:33:21

1y ago1:33:21

1:33:21

Episode 70 The 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 the Jane Austen Festival. To my amazing listeners, thank you so much for your support again this year, It honestly means the world to me. A huge thank you to The Independent Podcast Awards for shortlist…

1
Episode 69: Villain off 2024: General Tilney vs. Sir Walter Elliot (Northanger Abbey / Persuasion) 1:26:29

1y ago1:26:29

1:26:29

Episode 69 General 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 complex characters of General Tilney from Northanger Abbey and Sir Walter Elliot from Persuasion. General Tilney, with his cold obsession with wealth and status, manipulates those around him, as seen…

1
Episode 68: The Castle of Wolfenbach explained | Northanger Abbey's Horrid Novels @marthabethanreads 1:23:50

1y ago1:23:50

1:23:50

Episode 68 In this special Spooky Season episode, we're diving into one of the infamous Horrid Novels mentioned in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey: The Castle of Wolfenbach by Eliza Parsons 🏰. Often considered a classic of Gothic fiction, this chilling tale of mystery, family secrets, and haunted castles captivated readers in the late 18th century –…

1
Episode 67: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #4 (Sense & Sensibility) 1:05:56

1y ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Episode 67 We’re back with another episode of Unpopular Opinions, and this time we’re diving into Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. I’m joined once again by Caily, and we have plenty to discuss! We explore the often-overlooked neglect of Mrs. Dashwood—was she truly as supportive as she seemed, or did she fail her daughters? We also dive into Col…

1
Episode 66: Sense & Self-Sacrifice: An Elinor Dashwood Character Study with @OliviasCatastrophe 52:00

1+ y ago52:00

52:00

Episode 66 What happens when emotional repression and self-sacrifice shape your life? Join me and booktuber Olivia-Savannah from Olivia's Catastrophe as we explore Elinor Dashwood's character from Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility." Together, we delve into key scenes that reveal Elinor's emotional burdens and how she often adopts a more masculin…

1
Episode 65: The Trouble With Mrs Montgomery Hurst with Author Katie Lumsden 45:21

1+ y ago45:21

45:21

Episode 65 The Trouble with Mrs. Montgomery Hurst out 18 July!Katie brings to life her new novel, The Trouble with Mrs. Montgomery Hurst, set in a small Victorian town driven by the gossip and secrets of its inhabitants. We explore how classic literature influenced her narrative and how the early Victorian period and the impact of industrialisation…

1
Episode 64: My Jane Austen Heritage with Jane Austen's Great niece Caroline Knight 1:06:03

1+ y ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Episode 64 Send 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 with Caroline Jane Knight, Jane Austen’s 5th great-niece and founder of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.Caroline shares her experience growing up in, and eventually leaving, Chawton House, the Kn…

1
Episode 63: Bringing Jane Austen's Bath to life with Ellis Naylor @historian_ellis 1:14:49

1+ y ago1:14:49

1:14:49

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 city, from its social allure to its challenges.We'll dive into Austen's portrayal of Bath in "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion," examining how she depicted its social intricacies and landscapes. As we …

1
Episode 62: Jane Austen's Legacy & Rare Book Collecting with Tom Ayling 1:08:23

1+ y ago1:08:23

1:08:23

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'll dive into Jane Austen's literary craftsmanship and the timeless allure of collecting her works. We'll embark on a journey through Austen's manuscripts, unraveling the mysteries behind her genius a…

1
Episode 61: Life lessons from Jane Austen's leading men with Sophie Andrews @laughingwithlizzie 1:45:05

1+ y ago1:45:05

1:45:05

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 Laughing With Lizzie. Together, we embark on a journey of introspection, exploring the virtues and complexities of Austen's gentlemen. From Mr. Knightley's steadfast evolution to Mr. Darcy's lessons in s…

1
Episode 60: Mr Darcy's first (failed) proposal: A scene study 1:15:26

1+ y ago1:15:26

1:15:26

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 Regency-era emojis, dissecting Darcy's cringe-worthy moves, and exploring how each adaptation puts a fresh spin on his character.From breaking all the etiquette rules to the aftermath of his ego-check m…

1
Episode 59: Mr Darcy & Mr Bingley a Regency bromance with Ben Mercer 1:02:30

2y ago1:02:30

1:02:30

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 between Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice! For this captivating conversation about camaraderie, I'm joined by best-selling author Ben Mercer. In this episode, we will shine a spotlight on t…

1
Episode 58: Regency costuming in Jane Austen adaptations with Historical Costumer Shannyn @wisteria.and.lace 50:53

2y ago50:53

50:53

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 Regency-era outfits? Well, I am joined by Shannyn from Wisteria and Lace in this episode, and we are diving head-first into that dreamy world.We chat about the enchanting costume designs in Jane Austen ada…

1
Episode 57: Turning Jane Austen's Emma into a Graphic Novel with Georgie Castilla from Duniath Comics 1:01:44

2y ago1:01:44

1:01:44

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 to hear about Georgie's Jane Austen journey from finding solace within the pages of "Sense and Sensibility" to creating his own Jane Austen-themed comics, serving as both a sanctuary and a spark for cre…

1
Episode 56: 'Miss Austen Investigates': A Conversation with author Jessica Bull 44:46

2y ago44:46

44:46

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 fascinating concept to life in ‘Miss Austen Investigates’.It was amazing to discuss how Jessica’s teenage love of Jane Austen led her down the rabbit hole that would eventually inspire her to write a…

1
Episode 55: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #3 1:42:25

2y ago1:42:25

1:42:25

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 Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions Episode! Pride and Prejudice is not Jane Austen's best novel. Mr Darcy is not shy and Mr Bingley is spineless The 2008 Sense & Sensibility is better than the 1995 one?A few…

1
Episode 54: Wrapping up 2023 ~ Reflections Episode 2:26:21

2y ago2:26:21

2:26:21

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 Austen characters, their intriguing relationships, and the societal pressures they endure. Caily back for this year-end episode, where we reflect on the past year's discussions, the challenges we faced,…

1
Episode 53: Where the Rhythm Takes You, a YA Persuasion re-telling with Author Sarah Dass 54:08

2y ago54:08

54:08

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 creative mind behind 'Where the Rhythm Takes You', unravels this mystery for us. Get ready to traverse the intricate world Sarah has painted, inspired by Austen's masterpiece, filled with young love, co…

1
Episode 51: Sorting Jane Austen's Heroes into their Hogwarts Houses Pt 1 1:26:42

2y ago1:26:42

1:26:42

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 our guest Caily, we're revisiting the imaginative crossover of Jane Austen and Harry Potter. We dive headfirst into the complexities of these beloved characters and unravel their fit within the four qu…

1
Episode 52: Sorting Jane Austen Heroes into Hogwarts Houses Pt 2 1:08:48

2y ago1:08:48

1:08:48

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 our guest Caily, we're revisiting the imaginative crossover of Jane Austen and Harry Potter. We dive headfirst into the complexities of these beloved characters and unravel their fit within the four qu…

1
Episode 50: Villain off 2023 | Lady Catherine v Mrs Norris (Pride & Prejudice v Mansfield Park) 1:29:39

2y ago1:29:39

1:29:39

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 50th episode of the podcast takes a deep dive into the complex characters of these two formidable women from Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park respectively. We dissect their social statuses, charact…

1
Episode 49: The Monk Uncovered ~ Catherine Morland's reading list with Martha 1:42:38

2y ago1:42:38

1:42:38

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 Morland's reading list episode. I'm joined by Martha as we dissect this haunting tale set in Madrid, known for its unsettling themes of morality and sin. We expose the supernatural elements intertwined…

1
Episode 48: A Most Agreeable Murder with Author Julia Seales 48:00

2y ago48:00

48:00

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 where author and screenwriter Julia Seals reveals the inspiration behind her latest work, A Most Agreeable Murder. We chat about how her novel masterfully intertwines Austen's elegant narrative style …

1
Episode 47: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #2 1:07:37

2+ y ago1:07:37

1:07:37

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 myself and Caily may find triggering. Is Mr Knightley out of line? Is Lizzy Bennet Patronising? Is Elinor Dashwood annoying? Was Maria Bertram justified in cheating on Mr Rushworth? We are pulling ho…

1
Episode 46: Lydia Bennet Character Study (L is for Liability series) with Storyhooked Podcast Host Lynette 57:27

2+ y ago57:27

57:27

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 Prejudice. We shine the spotlight on Lydia Bennet, the youngest of the five Bennett sisters, known for her impulsiveness and recklessness. Lynette, and I dive headfirst into Lydia's character, drawin…

1
Episode 44: Cross-Novel Matchmaking, Imagining Romantic Pairings in Jane Austen's Universe 1:02:23

2+ y ago1:02:23

1:02:23

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 Austen novels! ranging from power couples like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Knightley to the quieter pairings like Edward Ferrars and Fanny Price, we hypothesize a gamut of romantic possibilities. Heat u…

1
Episode 45: Cross-Novel Matchmaking Continues, Imagining Romantic Pairings in Jane Austen's Universe 1:10:17

2+ y ago1:10:17

1:10:17

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 ahah. 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 Austen novels! ranging from power couples like Elizabeth Bennett and M…

1
Episode 43: The Covert Lovers of Highbury, Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill's Engagement with @historian_ellis 1:25:38

2+ y ago1:25:38

1:25:38

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 Fairfax and Frank Churchill's clandestine engagement. Teaming up with Ellis from the Historian Ellis Blog, we chat about where the clues to Jane and Frank's secret engagement are concealed in the mos…

1
Episode 42: Mrs. Bennet, A Complex Portrait of Motherhood in Pride and Prejudice with Habiba from @habibareadsbooks 51:40

2+ y ago51:40

51:40

Send us a Text Message.In this episode I am joined by Habiba @habibareadsbooks to discuss the Pride & Prejudices Mrs. Bennet. A character who indeed has a multifaceted personality that elicits a range of emotions from readers. In this episode we explore her character in more detail, acknowledging both her humorous aspects and the challenges she fac…

1
Episode 41: Jane Austen Murder Mysteries with Author Tirzah Price 52:45

2+ y ago52:45

52:45

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 book in her Jane Austen murder master series including Pride and Premeditation and Sense and Second Degree Murder. It was so wonderful to chat to Tirzah about her love of Jane Austen, how the series came…

1
Episode 40: Lucy Steele character study (L is for Liability series) with @janeaustenrunsmylife 55:08

2+ y ago55:08

55:08

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 series titled L is for Liability. Lucy Steele is marked high as one of the most calculated villains of Austen's work. She is strategic in improving her situation in life and cares little for hurting people…

1
Episode 39: The Mary Crawford Effect with Charlie @thebookboy 1:06:25

2+ y ago1:06:25

1:06:25

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 some as the real heroine of Mansfield Park, she is a character who divides the community. embodying everything Austen tells us is good such as being outspoken and lively, Mary isn't so dissimilar than Liz…

1
Episode 38: Why we should Knight Mr Knightley with Carolyne @theaustenite 57:29

2+ y ago57:29

57:29

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 character of Mr Knightley. Mr Knightley stands firm as many peoples favourite Jane Austen hero and it's not hard to see why he is kind, pragmatic and observant guiding our heroine Emma to become the best ver…

1
Episode 37: Pride & Prejudice Unpopular Opinions #1 | 2 Year Podcast Anniversary Ep 1:29:35

2+ y ago1:29:35

1:29:35

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 been so wonderful sharing my love of Jane Austen with you all. Is Mr Darcy really all that? Pride and Prejudice adaptions - 2005 v 1995? Is Mr Bennet the real villain of the novel? This is a chilled episod…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Janeites Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide