Best The Thing About Austen Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 111: The Thing About Catherine and the Mysterious Apartments with guest Kate Emery 33:55

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11d ago33:55

33:55

Detective Catherine is on the case. The crime? Murder most foul. If only she can find some evidence. This episode we're joined by Kate Emery of Austen Therapy to discuss Catherine's investigation, why we like to scare ourselves, and why Henry Tilney is her ultimate Austen hero. If your boyfriend has ever caught you snooping around his mom's bedroom…

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[REPLAY] Bonnie Garmus: Bestselling Author of 'Lessons in Chemistry' 47:04

6d ago47:04

47:04

'Lessons in Chemistry' is a multi-million copy bestselling novel, it's in over 40 countries and has won far too many awards to list here. Such is its success it has been made into a series on Apple Plus, starring Brie Larson. My aunt sent it to me to cheer me up after I had open heart surgery this Summer. It was one of the best presents I have ever…

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From War Zones to Wards: The Many Chapters of Dr. Rachel Clarke's Life 1:10:55

1M ago1:10:55

1:10:55

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by someone whose career defies convention and whose work has touched lives across war zones, hospital wards and the written page. Dr Rachel Clarke began as a broadcast journalist, reporting from some of the world's most dangerous places — covering Al Qaeda, the Gulf War and the civil war in the DRC. Then, at 29,…

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Episode 110: The Thing About Lady Catherine's Windows with guest Dr. Emily Davis-Hale 22:15

2M ago22:15

22:15

Have you heard of this really, really, REALLY amazing house called Rosings? No seriously, it's basically the greatest house that has ever been built. And the windows! Don't even get me started. I mean, honestly, look at that gorgeous glazing. This episode we're joined by Dr. Emily Davis-Hale of Reclaiming Jane to discuss Lady Catherine, her windows…

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The Movie Music Maker: A Conversation with Paul Broucek, President of Warner Bros Pictures Music. 1:26:40

2M ago1:26:40

1:26:40

Paul Broucek, President of Warner Bros Pictures Music is the man behind the soundtracks of some of the most iconic films of our time: The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit Trilogy, Harry Potter, Inception, Dunkirk, Gravity, American History X, The Notebook and Austin Powers to name but a few. Paul has collaborated with legendary composers, visionary di…

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Why Are We Here? Who Are We? Dr. Iain McGilchrist on Consciousness, the Divided Brain, and the Matter with Things 1:25:46

3M ago1:25:46

1:25:46

In this unmissable episode, I talk to renowned psychiatrist, philosopher and author Dr. Iain McGilchrist to explore the profound questions that shape our existence: Why are we here? Who are we? Drawing from his groundbreaking books — including The Master and His Emissary and The Matter with Things — Dr. McGilchrist shares insights from his life and…

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Episode 109: The Thing About the Assizes 30:20

3M ago30:20

30:20

Admiral Croft went away to sea, and Mr. Musgrove went away to Taunton. And Mrs. Musgrove seems to think that's the same thing. Grab your fanciest and most judicial red robe because this episode, we're covering the assizes. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten. You can email us…

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Horse with No Name and Sister Golden Hair: Gerry Beckley talks about his 53 years in the band AMERICA. 1:29:36

4M ago1:29:36

1:29:36

In this episode, Gerry Beckley; singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the iconic band America takes us on a remarkable journey through five decades of music, fame and friendship. Gerry talks about their timeless hits including "A Horse with No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair" and what it felt like to top the charts with both a No. 1 single and album …

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Episode 108: The Thing About the Barouche-landau 29:50

4M ago29:50

29:50

The weather is fine, and Mrs. Elton would like to go for a drive with the top down. This episode we're covering barouches, landaus, and Mrs. Elton's favorite, the barouche-landau. Let's hope it doesn't rain. Thank you to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, presenting Jane Austen Wrecked My Life for sponsoring this episode. You can learn more and watc…

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Saving the Planet One Species at a Time: Edward Whitley OBE on Conservation, Philanthropy & Jane Austen 1:09:40

4M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

Edward Whitley OBE is a financier, philanthropist, author and conservationist whose work has helped protect some of the planet's rarest species. He's raised over £24 million for more than 220 conservation projects in 80+ countries, encountering everything from golden-headed tamarins to monkey-eating eagles. He's also written on subjects ranging fro…

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Episode 107: The Thing About Manydown Park with guests Prerna Ramachandra and Sarah Rose Kearns 32:59

4M ago32:59

32:59

In December 1802, while visiting family friends at Manydown Park, Jane Austen received and accepted a proposal of marriage from Harris Bigg-Wither. The next day, she withdrew her acceptance. This episode we are joined by guests Prerna Ramachandra and Sarah Rose Kearns to discuss this crossroads moment in Austen's personal and professional life. Tha…

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Episode 106: The Thing About Special Licenses 28:50

5M ago28:50

28:50

Mrs. Bennet would like to ensure that Lizzy's special day is the MOST special. And what better way to do that than by having Darcy and Lizzy marry by special license. This episode we cover the banns, common licenses, and special licenses, and we dig into whether Mrs. Bennet's wedding dreams are likely to come true. You can find us online at https:/…

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Walking to the Ends of the Earth: Erling Kagge - Life Lessons from the First Man to Complete the 3 Poles Challenge. 1:03:35

5M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

Erling Kagge is a man of firsts: In 1990, together with Børge Ousland, he was the first to reach the North Pole unsupported. In 1992/3 he was the first man to walk solo to the South Pole. In 1994 he summitted Everest making him the first man on the planet to have completed the journey to the North Pole, the South Pole and to have climbed Everest – …

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Talking to the Animals: Lucy Cooke – Zoologist, Scientist and Defender of Some of the Most Misunderstood Species in the Animal Kingdom. 53:27

6M ago53:27

53:27

Lucy Cooke is a zoologist, an explorer, a passionate conservationist and a champion of animal species that are often misunderstood. She has shared her knowledge through books, blogs and television shows that have appeared on many channels from National Geographic through to the BBC, ITV and Radio 4, along with writing in all the major newspapers on…

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Episode 105: The Thing About Marianne's Music with guest Dr. Elizabeth Weybright 54:49

6M ago54:49

54:49

Marianne has a lot of feelings, and what better way of expressing them than through her music? Dr. Elizabeth "Elly" Weybright joins us for this episode to discuss Marianne as a musician and the ways in which Marianne's musicianship is central to her character. We also get into a bit of Austen's own history of piano ownership and music playing. If y…

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Clare Mackintosh – on Grief, Working in the Police and Writing Blockbuster Crime Novels. 1:12:01

7M ago1:12:01

1:12:01

I can't quite believe the amount of ground that is covered in the very special conversation I had with multi-award-winning, best-selling author Clare Mackintosh. It really is a podcast of two halves; in the first Clare talks with unflinching candour about losing her son Alex when he was five weeks old. The second is a detailed account of how she cr…

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Episode 104: The Thing About The Crescent 22:59

7M ago22:59

22:59

Henry Tilney has mysteriously disappeared, and Catherine will not rest until she finds him. Next up in her investigation? The Crescent. Join us as we cover the history and architecture of this notable landmark. If you have ever been desperately hoping to casually bump into someone, this episode is for you. Thank you to PBS for sponsoring this episo…

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From Foyle's War to Downton Abbey: Julian Ovenden - A Life on Stage, Screen and in Song. 1:16:35

7M ago1:16:35

1:16:35

I had been really looking forward to talking to Julian Ovenden but the conversation I ended up having with him was extraordinary and unexpected. Not only is he a talented actor appearing in some of our best loved TV shows and theatre productions: Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, Foyle's War, My Night with Reg, All About Eve to name but a handful, he is a…

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Episode 103: The Thing About Elegant Extracts 21:45

8M ago21:45

21:45

Harriet has been talking a lot about this nice guy she met, which means that Emma has questions. In addition to Robert Martin's blood type, school transcripts, and tax returns, she would obviously like to know about his reading tastes and preferences. This episode, we're flipping through the pages of Elegant Extracts. You can find us online at http…

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Måns Mårlind: The King of Swedish Noir - Creator, Writer and Director of The Bridge, Midnight Sun, Shadowplay and Underworld Awakening 1:02:45

8M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Måns Mårlind is a visionary director and screenwriter whose work has captivated audiences worldwide. From his early days crafting compelling narratives for Swedish television to his acclaimed collaborations on international hits like The Bridge and Underworld: Awakening, Måns has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to blend suspense, …

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Mike Reed: Musical Director for Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, Aspects of Love, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Barnum and many more 56:28

9M ago56:28

56:28

Mike Reed has been described by those he works with as "a humble genius". He is a composer, conductor, musical director and pianist. He was Andrew Lloyd Webber's right hand man for over a decade. In this podcast, Mike talks about his extraordinary career, the musicals he has worked on and the stars he has worked with. At times hilarious, an insight…

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Episode 102: The Thing About Lady Bertram's Shawl with guest Laboni Islam 30:20

9M ago30:20

30:20

Fanny's brother is headed back to sea, and Lady Bertram has a request (or two) for him. Poet and arts educator Laboni Islam joins us for this episode as we discuss Lady Bertram and her requested shawl(s). In addition to delving into the history and context surrounding these shawls, Laboni also shares details of her related project from her time as …

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Sally Phillips: talks about life, comedy, acting and being Bridget Jones' best friend [REPLAY] 1:11:07

9M ago1:11:07

1:11:07

Sally co-created, wrote and acted in Smack the Pony, a double Emmy Award-winning comedy show, for which she was nominated for best female newcomer at the 1999 British Comedy Awards. She has starred in countless films, television series, comedy shows and radio programmes such as the Bridget Jones films, Miranda, Green Wing, I am Alan Partridge, Resc…

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Creating Masterpieces: Amor Towles on Writing Timeless Novels 54:19

9M ago54:19

54:19

Amor Towles, the award-winning and bestselling author of Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow and The Lincoln Highway shares the journey from his childhood fascination with storytelling to his transition from investment banking to the literary stage. Discover the meticulous process behind his richly imaginative novels, the secrets to creating u…

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Episode 101: The Thing About Lizzy's Pin-money 27:56

10M ago27:56

27:56

Lizzy is officially engaged, and Mrs. Bennet has pound signs for eyes. Grab your marriage settlement and your preferred negotiator, because this episode we're getting into the history and purpose of pin-money. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things.…

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John Lloyd: The only man to be fired from Footlights for being too funny! 1:24:42

10M ago1:24:42

1:24:42

If you grew up loving Not the 9 O'Clock News, Blackadder and Spitting Image, you will love this podcast! John Lloyd takes us behind the scenes of Blackadder, Not The 9 O'Clock News, Spitting Image, QI and many more award-winning comedy shows. Known as 'The God of Comedy Producers' he is also a writer, director and presenter and he is every bit as h…

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Episode 100: The Thing About Jane Austen's House with guest Lizzie Dunford 46:47

11M ago46:47

46:47

Happy 100! To celebrate this auspicious occasion, we are thrilled to share our conversation with Lizzie Dunford, Director of Jane Austen’s House. We chat about Austen's time living in Chawton, as well as the incredible work that Jane Austen's House is doing to promote and preserve Austen’s legacy as an author and storyteller. Thank you so much to L…

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The Meteoric Rise of Henry Rowley: Comedian, Writer, Actor, TikTok King, Total Rock Star of Life! 50:03

11M ago50:03

50:03

OUR 50TH EPISODE! How lucky was I to be in the passport queue in Nice airport and spot my guest Henry Rowley? Even luckier that he was so lovely and agreed to have this conversation with me. Henry Rowley is a writer, actor and comedian who has amassed 1.3 million followers on TikTok and rising doing the most hilarious point of view sketches from po…

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Episode 99: The Thing About White Soup 13:08

12M ago13:08

13:08

Mr. Bingley is planning to hold a ball at Netherfield Park, and white soup is obviously on the menu. This episode we're cooking up something special in the kitchen as we explain exactly what goes into this delicious dish. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Au…

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Toby Spence: Award-Winning Tenor talks about his Career, his Battle with Thyroid Cancer and Rediscovering his Voice 56:10

12M ago56:10

56:10

Toby Spence is an award-winning tenor, who has played the lead roles across the world in every major opera theatre from The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to The Met in New York to La Scala in Milan. A frequent performer at The Proms and on acclaimed recordings, he has also brought classical music to popular audiences through shows like The Rob…

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From Senior Advisor to David Cameron to Fox News: Steve Hilton discusses Trump and his vision for California. 1:08:01

1y ago1:08:01

1:08:01

Steve Hilton is a British and American political commentator. He was David Cameron's Senior Advisor when he was Prime Minister. He is an entrepreneur, a best-selling author, a podcaster and he hosts his own television show on Fox News. With all his political experience he is considering the role of Republican candidate for governor of the state of …

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Episode 98: The Thing About Northanger Abbey's Bell System 28:24

1y ago28:24

28:24

THE CALL IS COMING FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE. And the person calling is General Tilney. For this year's spooky season episode, we're talking about the bell system at Northanger Abbey. If you have ever wondered for whom the bell pulls, this episode is for you. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheT…

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Episode 97: The Thing About Molland's 19:27

1y ago19:27

19:27

Anne is in Bath, and surprise, surprise, so is Captain Wentworth. Everyone has fortuitously converged at Molland's, and we're here to break down the momentous occasion. If you have ever run into your ex at the confectionery shop, this episode is for you. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheTh…

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Inside the Mind of a Serial Entrepreneur: How Brent Hoberman built Lastminute.com and the blueprint for startup success 56:37

1y ago56:37

56:37

Brent Hoberman, the visionary co-founder of Lastminute.com and Made.com, is a true force in the world of entrepreneurship. From building multi-million- dollar businesses to founding the renowned Founders Forum, Brent is now a key player in supporting the next wave of innovators. He's an advisor to governments on tech, a board member tackling issues…

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David Tait: CEO & Philanthropist discusses Climbing Everest and Surviving Profound Sexual Abuse as a Child 1:24:52

1y ago1:24:52

1:24:52

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions around sexual abuse and violence. David Tait is a rock star many times over. -WORK: He is CEO of The World Gold Council having run trading desks at Goldman Sachs, UBS, Credit Suisse and Bluecrest Capital. -CHARITY: He has single handedly raised £7.5m for the NSPCC for whom he is a speaker, ambassad…

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Episode 96: The Thing About John Thorpe's Gig 23:51

1y ago23:51

23:51

John Thorpe has recently purchased a gig, and he has a full list of (obviously extremely impressive) features to review with you. Buckle up because this episode we're delivering a crash course on gig carriages. You can find us online at https://www.thethingaboutausten.com and follow us on Instagram @TheThingAboutAusten and on Twitter @Austen_Things…

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Guy Chambers: Prolific Musician and Songwriter. Co-wrote Robbie Williams' biggest hits. Over 50 Gold and Platinum albums to his credit. 49:40

1y ago49:40

49:40

Guy Chambers is a rock star in every sense of the title. He is one of the most successful and prolific musicians, songwriters and producers in the UK. He has more than 50 gold and platinum albums to his credit. He has worked with a variety of top artists, ranging from Mark Ronson and The Wanted to Katie Melua and Beverley Knight. He has also compos…

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Episode 95: The Thing About Mary's Concerto with guest Dr. Lidia Chang 23:25

1+ y ago23:25

23:25

Mary Bennet is ready to wow the audience with her concerto, but it's not receiving the rousing reception she might have hoped for. This episode we welcome back Dr. Lidia Chang to discuss Mary's performances within the context of Regency era societal expectations for a young lady's musical education and accomplishments. Thank you so much to Lidia fo…

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Episode 94: The Thing About Anne Steele's Beaux 27:28

1+ y ago27:28

27:28

Anne Steele has one thing on her mind, and she would like to tell you all about it. No, really. ALL about it. This episode we take a look at Miss Steele's favorite topic of discussion and try to answer the all important question: where are all the smart beaux? If you have ever wondered where you can find all the beaux, smart or otherwise, this epis…

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Andy Coulson: From The Press to Politics to Prison to Podcasts 1:01:34

1+ y ago1:01:34

1:01:34

Andy Coulson was editor of The News of the World and was Downing Street Director of Communications for David Cameron after he became Prime Minister in 2010. He founded and now runs Coulson Partners giving strategic advice to global CEOs, entrepreneurs and philanthropists on crisis avoidance and management, on seizing opportunities and on how to dri…

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James Krishna Floyd: Actor, Writer & Director: The Swimmers, My Brother the Devil, Unicorns. 56:51

1+ y ago56:51

56:51

James Krishna Floyd is an award winning actor, a screen writer and director. He has been described as a young Robert de Niro and his versatility is displayed in the extraordinary breadth and variety of roles he has played to date. His film Unicorns which he wrote and co-directed came out last week (July 5th). It's not only entertaining but also imp…

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Episode 93: The Thing About Austen's Teenage Writings with guest Dr. Kathryn Sutherland 51:54

1+ y ago51:54

51:54

Jane Austen's early works, contained within three surviving notebooks, are funny, sharp, and brimming over with personality. This episode we are joined by Dr. Kathryn Sutherland, one of the editors of the Oxford World’s Classics edition of Austen’s Teenage Writings, to discuss the nature of these writings, the way they were consumed by her family a…

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Tim Sullivan: Director, Author and Screenwriter: 'Letters to Juliet', 'My Little Pony' and the DS Cross Thriller Series 49:42

1+ y ago49:42

49:42

Tim Sullivan is a screenwriter, film and TV director and author. He wrote and directed 'Jack and Sarah' with Richard E. Grant, Judi Dench and Ian McKellan. He directed 'The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes', 'Thatcher The Final Days', the last 90 minute episode of 'Cold Feet' and 'Coronation Street'. His scripts include 'Letters to Juliet' with Amanda S…

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Episode 92: The Thing About Mr. Knightley's Strawberries 28:51

1+ y ago28:51

28:51

The strawberries are ripe, so gather up your best bonnet and your beribboned basket and head on down to Knightley's U-Pick Farm. We've got all of your favorite strawberries, from the hautboy to the Chili to the white wood. This episode we visit Donwell Abbey to take a look at Mr. Knightley's very fine strawberry beds. You can find us online at http…

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The secrets to living longer and healthier lives - with Dr Michael Mosley: Medical Journalist & International Bestselling Author 49:42

1+ y ago49:42

49:42

This interview was recorded on March 15th 2024. Dr Michael Mosley is a household name and one of the best loved and most respected doctors in the UK. He's a medical journalist, a producer and presenter of award-winning television programmes. He has written international bestselling books on diet, sleep and a myriad of health topics. He has a brilli…

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Episode 91: The Thing About the Lakes 34:08

1+ y ago34:08

34:08

Lizzy is headed to the Lake District with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Or is she? This episode we get into the trip that didn't happen and discuss the picturesque splendors of the Lakes. If you have ever been curious about the ideal cow configuration (and you know you are), this episode is for you. You can find us online at https://www.thethingabou…

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Episode 90: The Thing About Captain Wentworth's Letter with guest Margaret H. Willison 42:16

1+ y ago42:16

42:16

Anne Elliot has just received a very important letter, and we are all overcome. This episode we're joined by guest Margaret H. Willison of Not Sorry Productions as we unpack Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne, aka the letter to end all letters. If you have ever been half agony, half hope, this episode is for you. Thank you so much to Margaret for j…

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Martin Sixsmith: From The Cold War to Putin, the highs and lows of Government and uncovering the scandal of the lost children of Ireland. 57:30

1+ y ago57:30

57:30

Martin Sixsmith is many things; he's an academic, an investigative journalist, a documentarian and he spent years as a foreign correspondent for the BBC working in Russia, Washington and Poland. He's an author of both fiction and non-fiction, a radio and television presenter and he was an adviser to the Labour Government. Of the 8 books he has writ…

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Episode 89: The Thing About Henry Crawford Reading Shakespeare 31:40

1+ y ago31:40

31:40

If you thought that Mary Crawford with her harp was the only siren in the Crawford family, think again. Henry Crawford is here with a volume of Shakespeare, and WOW. Prepare yourselves. This episode we unpack this scene's particular Shakespearean allusion, examine the status of reading aloud during Austen's time, and discuss Fanny's reaction to Hen…