What the Austen? Podcast (Izzy Meakin)

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 in his harsh treatment of Catherine Morland when he discovers she’s not as wealthy as he thought. Sir Walter, on the other hand, is consumed by vanity and social rank, caring more about appearances than his daughters’ well-being. Both men are driven by their selfish desires and social ambitions.As we wrap up, we bring these two characters head-to-head, comparing their motivations and actions. General Tilney ruthlessly controls others, while Sir Walter is driven by his obsession with status and appearance. But which one is the ultimate Austen villain? Join us as we dissect their villainous traits, and with your votes, we'll decide who deserves the crown!Where can you find Ellis?Instagram: @historian_ellisWhere can you find Caily? Instagram: @half_agony_half_hopeWhere can you find your host (Izzy)?Website: www.whattheausten.comPodcast Instagram: @whattheaustenPersonal Instagram: @izzy_meakinYoutube: What the Austen? Podcast

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: 

@fourredshoes

https://www.hilarydavidson.net/

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.

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 Youtube

Books & 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

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 – and inspired Austen's playful parody of Gothic tropes.Join us as we explore: The thrilling plot of The Castle of Wolfenbach 🏰📚 Why it was considered a "horrid novel" and its role in Northanger Abbey🪞 How it links and mirrors Northanger Abbey👻 Austen's clear support of women authors at the time Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more deep dives into classic literature and the works that influenced Austen! 📚✨

Martha: @marthabethanreads

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 shortlisting What the Austen? for Best Bookish Podcast and winners of my catagory was The Island of Brilliant do go ahead and give them a listen! 

Thank you to all the book club girlies (Patreon members) who are all incredible and I’m so glad we have built such an amazing community to share our love of Austen and thank you of corse to Hoggy for his love and encouragement, even if that comes as the occasional bark whilst recording. 

Below, you’ll find a list of all the fantastic episodes and guests from 2024, they are all creating amazing things whether that is content, books and businesses do be sure to check them out.

Ep 55: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #3 

Ep 56: Miss Austen Investigates

Ep 57: Turning Jane Austen's Emma into a Graphic Novel 

Ep 58: Regency Costuming in Jane Austen Adaptations 

Ep 59: Mr. Darcy & Mr. Bingley – A Regency Bromance 

Ep 60: Mr. Darcy's First (Failed) Proposal 

Ep 61: Life Lessons from Jane Austen's Leading Men

Ep 62: Jane Austen's Legacy & Rare Book Collecting 

Ep 63: Bringing Jane Austen's Bath to Life 

Ep 64: My Jane Austen Heritage with Caroline Knight 

Ep 65: The Trouble with Mrs. Montgomery Hurst 

Ep 66: Sense & Self-Sacrifice – An Elinor Dashwood Analysis 

Ep 67: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #4 

Ep 68: The Castle of Wolfenbach Explained | Northanger Abbey's Horrid Novels

Ep 69: Villain Off 2024 – General Tilney vs. Sir Walter Elliot 

Patreon Exclusive: Sanditon Sisterhood Diaries & Celebrating a Fandom with Author Vasantha Narayanswami 

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 Knight family home. Through childhood anecdotes, she paints a vivid picture of living amid literary heritage, balancing tradition with the realities of daily li...

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 masculine energy by becoming the mediator and strength for everyone else in the book.We compare Elinor's stoicism with Marianne's emotional exp...

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 provide a vivid backdrop to the story of this small town.Katie passionately discusses the importance of authentic representation, both...

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. KindleAudiobook

Miss Austen is now available in the UK on BBC iplayer and will be out in the US in May.

@gill.hornby

@whattheausten

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 Colonel Brandon’s mental state—does his brooding nature hint at something more than just romantic melancholy? Is Marrianne a projection of his fantasy, the classic candid girlfriend!

Lastly, we dissect Elinor Dashwood’s choices: What could she have done differently for a happier outcome? Tune in for a lively discussion full of hot takes, deep insights, and Austen-era tea!

Join the Patreon book club: ⁠Support the Show⁠

Where can you find Caily?

On loads of episodes!

Where can you find your host (Izzy)?
Website: www.whattheausten.com
Podcast Instagram: @whattheausten
Personal Instagram: @izzy_meakin
Youtube: What the Austen? Podcast

PURE pet food
50% off your box! Love this food for Hoggy it's easy to store and has all the nutrients he needs!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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 highlights Jane Austen’s connection with the Knight family, who adopted her brother Edward, and Mrs. Knight’s role as a supporter of Austen’s creative work.It’s good to be back Janeites! I hope you enjoy the episode 🤍A Fortune Most Fatal is out 25th March in the UK! 📖Jessica Bull @jessicabullnovelisthttps://jessicabullauthor.com/

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 misconceptions, and uncover how Bath became a significant part of Jane Austen’s legacy housing the Jane Austen centre and the annual Jane Austen Festival.

Watch in video format on YouTube @IzzymeakinJane Austen at Home: A Biography - Lucy Worsley: https://amzn.to/3BRjFxS Podcast Eps  @whattheausten  Bringing Jane Austen's Bath to life with Ellis Naylor @historian_ellis #63 Jane Austen's Legacy & Rare Book Collecting with Tom Ayling #62Where can you find me? Insta & Youtube: ‪@whattheausten‬