Episode 96: Villain off! Frank Churchill v Henry Crawford

Frank Churchill and Henry Crawford are charming, entertaining, and just questionable enough to get Austen readers arguing! But are they actually villains, or does their charm make us more willing to forgive them? 👀In this episode, I’m joined by Ellis and Caily for our sixth annual Villainoff, as we put Frank from Emma and Henry from Mansfield Park under the microscope. We discuss their flirtations, secret schemes, and treatment of the women around them, and why both characters inspire such mixed reactions from readers.We also explore how Austen plays with charm, reputation, and male privilege, and why behaviour that seems amusing in one novel can have much more serious consequences in another. So, are Frank and Henry villains, or are they simply too charming for their own good? 💛Current Substack project is myself and Caily working through Sense & Sensibility 5 chapters at a time, do join us @Imeakin on Substack. Follow Ellis, Historian Ellis: @historian_ellisYou can also revisit our previous annual Villainoffs! ⚔️Episode 7 (2021): Wickham vs WilloughbyEpisode 22 (2022): Caroline Bingley vs Isabella ThorpeEpisode 50 (2023): Lady Catherine de Bourgh vs Mrs NorrisEpisode 69 (2024): General Tilney vs Sir Walter ElliotEpisode 84 (2025): Elizabeth Elliot vs Fanny DashwoodPrevious episodes with Caily 💛Episode 2: A Defence of Colonel Brandon from Sense and SensibilityEpisode 5: Jane Austen’s Most Awkward CharactersEpisode 9: The Power of the Letter in Jane Austen’s WorkEpisodes 12 & 13: Sorting Jane Austen’s Heroines into Harry Potter Houses, Parts 1 & 2Episode 55: Jane Austen Unpopular Opinions #3Episode 70: Wrapping Up 2024!Episode 77: The Darcy Effect: Romantic Ideal or Byronic Brooder?Bonus episode: Our Sense & Sensibility Trailer Reaction!Previous episodes with Ellis, Historian Ellis 📚Episode 1: Jane Austen’s Persuasion and Lasting LoveEpisode 14: Sense and Sensibility’s Edward Ferrars and What Makes a HeroEpisode 43: The Covert Lovers of Highbury: Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill’s EngagementEpisode 63: Bringing Jane Austen’s Bath to LifeFollow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂Supporting the podcast and the world of Jane Austen 💛

It's time for our annual trip into the more questionable corners of Catherine Morland's reading list! This year, Martha and I tackle Horrid Mysteries by Carl Grosse, a 1790s Gothic novel featuring secret societies, sinister conspiracies, a wandering marquis, complicated romantic entanglements, and enough sudden deaths and unexpected reappearances to leave us thoroughly confused.Character List download: https://imeakin.substack.com/p/horrid-mysteries-by-carl-gross-supporting?r=43x8cd&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web What begins as a genuinely creepy tale of a powerful secret society pulling strings behind the scenes soon spirals into a bewildering parade of plots, subplots, and characters who seem to have wandered in from entirely different novels. But amid all the chaos, there are moments of real interest, including a hermit's reflections on community and service, the novel's fascination with power and privilege, and some surprisingly intriguing parallels with Austen's male friendships.Martha and I explore the book's extraordinary plot, its baffling cast of characters, its possible autobiographical echoes, and the question of why this particular Gothic extravaganza found its way onto the reading list in Northanger Abbey. Is there something genuinely profound lurking beneath all the melodrama, or are we simply watching a novel attempt to do seventeen things at once?Join us for conspiracies, philosophical hermits, romantic confusion, and another reminder that the Gothic novels recommended by Northanger Abbey are not always quite what you might expect.Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, Gothic fiction, literary oddities, and books that leave you wondering whether you've discovered a neglected masterpiece or witnessed a spectacular narrative collapse.Follow Martha: @marthabethanreadsYou can also check out my previous episodes with Martha, as part of the Horrid novel series: The Castle of Wolfenbach - Eliza Parsons The Mysteries of Udolpho - Ann Radcliffe The Monk - Matthew Lewis Clermont - Regina Maria Roche Follow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂

In this spoiler-filled review, I share my thoughts after seeing the new Sense and Sensibility adaptation in the cinema. I discuss what I loved, what worked less well, and why this might just be my favourite S&S adaptation yet!From the autumnal atmosphere and character portrayals to the hair, pacing, and rather unusual dance scenes, I explore the film's creative choices and how they compare with Jane Austen's novel. At the heart of it all is the relationship between Elinor and Marianne, and whether the film captures the wit, subtext, and narrative voice that make Austen so special.I also consider whether this adaptation is really for the book-first Janeites, or whether it's hoping to capture the audience who fell in love with the 2005 Pride and Prejudice.A detailed, spoiler-filled review from one Janeite to another!Substack: @IMeakin

In this episode, I’m joined by author Jessica Bull to dive into the fascinating true-crime world behind her new book Pride, Prejudice and Peril 💛We go back to Jane Austen’s own family history and the extraordinary story of her aunt, Mrs Leigh-Perrot, who was arrested and put on trial for stealing a piece of lace. From accusations of theft and courtroom drama to highwaymen, Regency crime and the sensational pamphlets that people were rushing out to read, we explore the real-life stories that fascinated Austen’s world.We also talk about Mrs Austen herself and the creative life she led, including the poems she wrote, and what these glimpses into Austen’s family can tell us about the world that surrounded Jane. It’s a brilliant foundation for talking about Jessica’s Miss Austen Investigates series and the way she transforms these fascinating historical details into irresistible mystery stories 🔎📚We get into how much of the Regency’s obsession with crime and scandal makes its way into the books, what it might have been like to live through a very public trial, and why the people and events surrounding Jane Austen can be just as fascinating as the fictional worlds she created.And, of course, we talk all about Pride, Prejudice and Peril, the latest adventure in the Miss Austen Investigates series. Jess has joined me for so many amazing episodes discussing this series: As mentioned in the episode, you can pick up Jessica Bull’s Pride, Prejudice and Peril here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/471852/pride-prejudice-and-peril-by-bull-jessica/9780241773628 Other Books & podcasts mentioned in this episode:Jane Austen and Crime* by Susannah FullertonJane Austen's Book Shelf* by Rebecca RomneyThe Women’s Print History* podcastFollow Jessica Bull:@jessicabullnovelistYou can also check out my previous episodes with Jess, featuring the other books in the Miss Austen Investigates series:Book 1: https://youtu.be/W1IThdNYfMs?si=at4FVB4Q3dqKRATz Book 2: https://youtu.be/Rq4rdYdLHY8?si=ogFpPJp9U3KuncFj Book 3 (Xmas Novella): https://youtu.be/qLZrKTMcjOE?si=a9yYQKa9ha5om_kiFollow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂

What happens to the Bennet sisters who are left behind? 🤍📖Kitty & Mary by Julia Gray and Imogen Russell Williams is OUT 10th Sept 2026. https://www.andersenpress.co.uk/books/kitty-and-mary/In this episode, I sit down with Julia and Imogen to discuss Mary & Kitty, their brilliant new reimagining of Pride and Prejudice, set six months after the events of Austen's novel and finally putting these two often-overlooked Bennet sisters centre stage.We talk about the women who are “left behind” once everyone around them starts getting married, and the surprisingly modern pressures that come with feeling as though you’re not following the traditional path. What happens when you can build a perfectly happy life for yourself, but still feel that you’re missing the milestones everyone else seems to be celebrating?We also get into Kitty’s wonderfully relatable self-improvement lists, the pressure women put on themselves to become more attractive, accomplished and desirable, and how acting gives Kitty a way to explore who she might become. And, of course, we talk about the very different relationship between Mary and Kitty and the special bond between sisters and female friends.Along the way, Julia and Imogen share how their long friendship led to their first collaboration, what it’s like to write a novel together, and why they chose the epistolary form. We talk about Austen’s own experiments with letters in Lady Susan and the original version of Sense and Sensibility, as well as the literary world surrounding Mary and Kitty, from The Mysteries of Udolpho and Evelina to the Romantic poets.And then there’s the wider world beyond Austen’s drawing rooms: travel, India, life aboard ships, French attacks on passenger vessels, and even one particularly memorable death involving a pork chop. 😂It was such a pleasure chatting to Julia and Imogen, and I really hope you enjoy this one.Sophie’s article on Jane Austen and the Navy: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/maritime-history/library-archive/jane-austen-royal-navy Follow @juliagraywritesFollow @imogenrwFollow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂Supporting the podcast:London Nootropics - Adaptogenic mushroom coffee Use code IzzyMeakin to get 20% off at checkout. https://londonnootropics.com/IZZYMEAKIN The blend I’m drinking in this episode is from MushLove.It combines the benefits of coffee and adaptogens in a perfectly balanced dose, designed to help you feel like the most elevated version of yourself.____________________Wilsons Pet Food Wonderful fresh dog food, that your dog will love and is full of protein and nutrients. Use code WHATTHEAUSTEN for 20% off.AD Disclaimer: What the Austen? is a true passion project that I produce alongside my full-time job. Brand partnerships and sponsorships help cover the costs of keeping the podcast running, from recording software and equipment to editing and hosting. If you choose to use one of my affiliate codes, thank you! Every purchase helps support the podcast and allows me to keep creating free Jane Austen content.

What happens when one of Jane Austen's most overlooked characters takes centre stage? 🤍📖As I mentioned in the episode, I loved Catherine's book Miss Bates, and I highly recommend people pick it up: BOOK🇺🇸 United States: 7 July 2026 OUT 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 27 August 2026In this episode, I sit down with Catherine Cliff to discuss Miss Bates, her debut novel and brilliant reimagining of Emma through the eyes of one of Austen's most misunderstood women. We explore the realities of women's lives in the Regency period, including poverty, illness, violence, dependence on men, and the limited choices available to women.We also talk about the idea of women in midlife becoming invisible or even feared, how Miss Bates offers a compelling neurodivergent reading, and what it means to navigate a world that isn't built for those who are perceived as different. Along the way, we discuss seeing Highbury from a very different perspective, Emma Woodhouse through Miss Bates' eyes, and how revisiting a beloved classic can reveal the stories that were there all along.It was such a pleasure chatting to Catherine; I really hope you enjoy this one. PS. I'm still working my set-up, and clearly this camera option, although clear, is not great for angle, and also it's a bit glitchy. Noted for next time. Follow @catherinecliffwritesFollow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂____________Supporting the podcast: London Nootropics - Adaptageic mushroom coffee Use code IzzyMeakin to get 20% off at checkout. LINKThe blend I’m drinking in this episode is from MushLove.It combines the benefits of coffee and adaptogens in a perfectly balanced dose, designed to help you feel like the most elevated version of yourself.____________________Wilsons Pet Food Wonderful fresh dog food, that your dog will love and is full of protein and nutrients. Use code WHATTHEAUSTEN for 20% off. AD Disclaimer: What the Austen? is a true passion project that I produce alongside my full-time job. Brand partnerships and sponsorships help cover the costs of keeping the podcast running, from recording software and equipment to editing and hosting. If you choose to use one of my affiliate codes, thank you! Every purchase helps support the podcast and allows me to keep creating free Jane Austen content.

The *Sense & Sensibility* trailer has arrived, and we had thoughts! 🎬In this bonus episode, Caily and I share our reactions to the first look at Focus Features’ new film, from the trailer itself to the posters and the wider promotional campaign. We chat about what’s caught our attention, what has us intrigued, and what we’re hoping to see as the film’s release gets closer.Please note: there are **book/story spoilers** in this episode. Everything shared is just our own personal opinions and thoughts, and we’d love to hear yours too!Apologies for the reduced video quality in this one. I had to use a backup file because the original recording became corrupted. Thank you for bearing with us!

Did Regency gentlemen really fight duels to defend a woman's honour? Was Colonel Brandon the gallant hero we often imagine, or was his challenge to Willoughby driven by anger, revenge, and a deeply ingrained code of masculine honour?In this episode of What the Austen? I'm joined by Paul Bavill from History Rage to separate fact from fiction as we explore the fascinating world of Regency duelling. Together, we unpack why gentlemen really challenged one another, the strict rituals that governed these deadly encounters, and why many duels weren't intended to end in bloodshed.Using Colonel Brandon's notorious, yet only briefly mentioned, duel with Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility as our case study, we ask whether Austen presents Brandon as a romantic hero or subtly critiques the culture of honour that drove men to risk their lives over reputation.Expect plenty of myth-busting, surprising historical facts, and a fresh perspective on one of Austen's most admired gentlemen.Whether you're an Austen fan, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the real Regency era, this episode is sure to challenge what you thought you knew about pistols at dawn.As I mentioned in the episode, be sure to check out Paul's podcast and hop aboard the Rage Train! History Rage is a weekly podcast where historians of every flavour and period come together to answer one simple question: "What's the one historical 'fact' you wish everyone would just stop believing?" From there, the sparks really do fly!Follow @historyrage for more historical myth-busting, and @whattheausten for all things Jane Austen... and, occasionally, me. 😂London NootropicsIf you'd like to try adaptogenic mushroom coffee, you can use my code IZZYMEAKIN for 20% off at checkout:https://londonnootropics.com/IZZYMEAKINThe blend I'm drinking in this episode is Flow, which combines speciality coffee with adaptogenic mushrooms to help support focus and calm.Wilsons Pet Food: Delicious, fresh dog food designed by nutritionists to give your dog everything they need to thrive. Packed with wholefoods, prime cuts of meat and vibrant veg. https://www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk/discount/whattheausten Code: whattheausten for 20% off AD Disclaimer: What the Austen? is a true passion project that I produce alongside my full-time job. Brand partnerships and sponsorships help cover the costs of keeping the podcast running, from recording software and equipment to editing and hosting. If you choose to use one of my affiliate codes, thank you! Every purchase helps support the podcast and allows me to keep creating free Jane Austen content.

In this episode, I’m joined by historian, author, and Austen expert Jackie Herring as we step inside Bath Abbey, home to over 1,500 memorials, each with its own story. Amongst the stones, we uncover not only the world Jane Austen knew, but the real people who may have shaped her writing and world in ways we are still discovering today.Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having previously served as Director of the Jane Austen Festival, leading tours in Bath and the Abbey for many years, and now working as Editor of Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine. Together, we explore the rich and often surprising connections between the Abbey and Austen’s life.From a royal governess connected to Queen Charlotte’s household, to an innkeeper whose name echoes through Emma, to an ambitious entrepreneur who revolutionised the postal system, these lives, memorialised in the Abbey, offer fascinating glimpses into the society Austen observed so closely. We also explore more personal connections, from the apothecary who cared for Austen’s family, to the grief surrounding her father’s death, and a family friend whose story hints at the complex realities behind novels like Mansfield Park.Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806, and while the Abbey would have looked different in her time, its walls and floors still hold echoes of her world. This conversation invites us to slow down, to look closer, and to remember that history is not just written in books-it is set in stone.Visit Bath Abbey: https://bathabbey.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/62090?catID=59521& Jackie’s book Jane Austen's Bath Abbey: https://www.janeaustenmagazine.co.uk/books.php Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine: https://www.janeaustenmagazine.co.uk/issues.php Ways to support the podcast, and yourself through things I use and love: BREW: Jane Austen House Rainbow Quote mugs: https://jane-austens-house.myshopify.com/products/quote-mug-2 MUSHROOMS: Try London Nootropics with 20% off using code IZZYMEAKIN at the checkout or click this link: https://londonnootropics.com/IZZYMEAKIN DOGO: Wilsons Pet Food (Hoggle’s recommendation) https://www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk/discount/whattheausten Wilsons are offering 20% off when you use my code: whattheausten at checkout 🤍Hoggle really struggled with his digestion when he was a puppy, and I tried so many different options, from raw food to fresh food. In the end, neither of them really suited us or our lifestyle and the storage alone was a nightmare. This has been such a good fit for us. It’s full of nutrients for your dog, gentle on digestion, incredibly easy to store, and so simple to use day to day. A natural, healthy dog food that genuinely takes the stress out of mealtimes 🐾🤍From gifted products to sponsorships to commissions, everything I promote is something I use myself. If you also want to give it a try, using my links/codes helps keep the podcast going. This is my passion project, but I also work full-time, so part of monetising the podcast is to cover its own costs and enable me to keep creating and hopefully create more. What the Austen? is a cosy podcast hosted by Izzy Meakin, exploring the wit, charm, and quirks of Jane Austen’s novels through lively conversations with fellow enthusiasts. On YouTube and all podcasting platforms. @whattheausten

*Warning: some spoilers in this ep* In this episode, I’m joined by screenwriter Sarah Quintrell to dive into the world of Mary Bennet and the brilliance of The Other Bennet Sister 💛We talk about why Mary’s story feels so important, from comparison culture and beauty standards to that deeply relatable feeling of being overlooked or “not quite enough.” We explore how this adaptation brings Mary to the centre, giving her the respect and emotional depth she was never afforded in Pride and Prejudice.We also discuss the idea that we all think we’re Lizzy but might actually be Mary, the power of perspective in reshaping characters like Mrs Bennet, and how themes like self-worth, female friendship, advocacy, and finding your people still resonate so strongly today. We also get into the challenges of adapting a book for screen, what gets left behind, the influence of Romanticism, and of course some of the Easter eggs and iconic moments woven in for Austen fans along the way 👀💛As I mentioned in the episode, I loved Janice Hadlow's book The Other Bennet Sister, and I highly recommend people picking it up. Follow @theotherbennetsister for everything about the show. Follow @whattheausten for everything about me....😂Supporting the podcast and the world of Jane Austen: Jane Austen House - Rainbow Quote Mug Collection available from their online shop.London Nootropics - Adaptageic mushroom coffee Use code IzzyMeakin to get 20% off at checkout. The blend I’m drinking in this episode is from MushLove.It combines the benefits of coffee and adaptogens in a perfectly balanced dose, designed to help you feel like the most elevated version of yourself.Disclaimer (Jane Austen House): Please note that Jane Austen’s House often gifts me items, including visits and products from the gift shop. However, I promote them out of a genuine love for Jane Austen and her home in Chawton. I’m passionate about supporting the Jane Austen House team in keeping the cottage open for everyone to enjoy for years to come.AD disclaimer (London Nootropics) : Hosting this podcast is very much a passion project that I run alongside my day job, and brand ambassador roles and sponsorships help me fund its upkeep. Anything you buy using my code goes directly towards supporting the podcast - covering things like production equipment, recording platforms, and all the behind-the-scenes bits that keep it running.