
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.
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 118 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsHistoryBooks | |||

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... more
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 relati... more
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. more
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 ... more
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I’m in Jane Austen bookclub going through all of Austen’s work (for the 2nd time…years after first reading her novels). Looking for extra insights, I’ve listened to quite a few Austen podcasts, and there are many to choose from, and this one is hands down the best.
Zan and Dianne have great chemistry and are an absolute pleasure to listen to. They are clearly smart academics, but they balance their insights with plenty of fun and laughter. My partner and I often listen together in the car, and w... more
Great topics and insights, but the frequent, heavy laughter makes it hard to stay engaged with the educational content. It’s a bit distracting and breaks the flow of the information. I’d appreciate a bit more balance so the message doesn't get lost in the jokes
Essential for all Austen Nerds. They don’t come out often enough for me so I just recycle them again and again!
This podcast is quintessential for any Janeite, not born in the 18th century, and thus unaware of the significance of a MAN holding an umbrella or the blast of a bother you face when a familymember in a temper pulls the bell pull too vigorously.
The -rabbithole- topic of each episode is held narrow enough to be explored thoroughly within the given time, and what wonderfull -rabbitholes- topics they are! Always presented with humour, enthusiasm and a healthy dose of nerdism.
The hosts Xan and Di... more
It’s been said before but this is the Austen podcast I didn’t know I needed. Thank you for the delightful listening.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #157 | |
Apple Podcasts | #77 | |
Apple Podcasts | #225 | |
Apple Podcasts | #91 | |
Apple Podcasts | #47 | |
Apple Podcasts | #84 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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A deep-dive audio series exploring Jane Austen's world through people, objects, and social contexts. It blends historical research with literary analysis to illuminate topics like knitting as status symbol, architectural details, marriage norms, and race and colonialism in Regency England. Guests range from historians and linguists to psychologists and playwrights, bringing scholarly rigor balanced with engaging, accessible storytelling. The show often uncovers how everyday items and settings reveal class, gender, and cultural tensions of Austen's era, making it a strong pick for listeners who enjoy well-researched context paired with lively discussion and humor.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Thing About Austen:
1. Austen Chat
2. Reclaiming Jane
3. Hot and Bothered
4. A Jane Austen Year
5. What the Austen? Podcast
The Thing About Austen launched 5 years ago and published 118 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on The Thing About Austen include:
1. Eleanor Gilchrist
2. Damianne Scott
3. Kate Emery
4. Dr. Emily Davis-Hale
5. Sarah Rose Kearns
6. Prerna Ramachandra
7. Dr. Elizabeth Elly Weybright
8. Laboni Islam
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