Jane Austen Culture Night

Catherine journey’s to Northanger Abbey where she finds disappointingly normal decore. Henry tells tales tall tales and Catherine gets freaked out by pieces of furniture. We do some horse math and talk about the “Moonie travel network”

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Grey’s Anatomy, Cowboy Carter, The Good Bad Boy by Margaret Wappler, Deacon King Kong by James McBride, The Tuba Thieves 

Catherine gets an invitation to Northanger Abbey. Catherine finds out that she has unknowingly encouraged John Thorpe and that he is expecting to propose to her.  Isabella gets flirty, and Catherine shares her worries about Captain Tilney with Henry. 

Laurel tells a little bit about the history of Abbey’s in England. 

Random tangents include: Bears, deserts, giraffes, Joshua Trees 

Culty mentions: “Living for the sake of others”, UTS, Shinzo Abe, culty names, emotional repression 

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: You’re Wrong About: Balto with Blair Braverman, Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube by Blair Braverman, The Harlem Detective Series by Cherster Himes, Crime Novels Antholgoy by the Library of America, Binaural Beats, 

Catherine gets the news that Isabella and James are engaged. John tries to hint his intentions to Catherine that he wants to ask her to marry him, but Catherine is oblivious. Henry’s older brother, Captain Tilney, shows up and dances with Isabella even though she just said that she wouldn’t dance with anyone while James was away. Isabella is disappointed by James’s letter telling her how much his father is giving them when they get married. 

The Thorpes try once again to thwart Catherine’s walk with the Tilneys, but Catherine holds out and keeps her promise. Henry instructs Catherine on scenery, politics, and novels, and Eleanor misunderstands Catherine. 

Akina explains "Tree Law" and we talk about some of the inside jokes that Jane Austen puts in these chapters. This episode is refreshingly un-culty!

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, Victorian Christmas Horror Short Stories, The Brother’s Sun, Sudoku

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John Thorpe tricks Catherine into a carriage ride to Blaise Castle so that she misses the Tilneys when they come to meet her for their walk. We talk about the Roman Empire, aging, and how relatable Catherine is.

Once again we are a few months behind, this episode was recorded near the end of November, so enjoy some talk about our favorite Christmas movies at the end! 

Culty stuff: Dae Mo Nim

What we’re watching/reading/listening to: Taylor Swift, Mr. Vampire 1-4, Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, THe Vaster Wild by Lauren Groff, I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai, Christmas movies, The Apple Tree by Daphne Du Maurier 

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Catherine goes for an unexpected carriage ride. John Thorpe can’t stop talking about his horse. Catherine and Henry dance together at the cotillion. Akina discovers pumpkin spice lattes. This episode was recorded around Halloween, so enjoy our very out of date spooky holiday recommendations! 

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Hopping Vampires of Hong Kong, Encounters of a Spooky Kind, Ross McDonald, Los Espookys, How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

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The siblings episode! James Morland, Catherine’s brother, and John Thorpe, Isabella’s brother (not to be confused with the Olympian Jim Thorpe) show up in Bath and hang out with Catherine and Isabella. Henry Tilney reappears with his sister Eleanor, and John Thorpe cock blocks Catherine. 

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Babel by R.F. Kuang, Dimension 20, Suits, Telemarketers,

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In these chapters, we get acquainted with Catherine’s new friend, Isabella Thorpe. Laurel gives a detailed summary of The Mysteries of Udolpho by Anne Radcliff, and we go on tangents that include horror novels and witchcraft. 

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt,The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, Trust by Hernan Diaz, Matrix by Laen Groff,  Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult of Sarah Lawrence 

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Chapters 2 & 3 of Northanger Abbey! We get the annotated version which has lots of fun footnotes. Catherine meets Henry Tilney, a massive flirt and muslin expert. Laurel learns about what “taking the water” means, and Akina tells us all about the history of muslin and her aversion to Christian music. 

Culty topics include: cheung pyung, Lovin’ life ministries

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: The Secrets of Hillsong, Uncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young

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Northanger Abbey was completed in the year 1803 by Jane austen, but was not actually published  until 13 years later. At the beginning of the book, Austen includes a note that says

 “the public are entreated to bear in mind that thirteen years have passed since it was finished, more since it was begun, and that during that period, places, manners, books, and opinions have undergone considerable changes.”

Much like Austen, we started recording the third season of this podcast over four months ago, but haven't published any of the episodes until now. Our audience is entreated to bear in mind that references to times of the year, current events, and current reads or wates may seem dated…in this digital age, 4 months might as well be 13 years…

WIth that said, we are pleased to announce that our third season will feature Northanger Abbey and this is the very first episode! We love to be on theme.

Join us in reading this delightful book, Jane Austen’s earliest completed novel. We’re so happy to be back.

This episode features chapters 1-2 in Northanger Abbey

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It's a very culty movie night! This is a crossover episode with Falling Out with Elgen Strait, a podcast about leaving the Moonies and other cults, as told by the kids who grew up within them. In this episode we watch the movie Inchon! Which was a 1981 movie about the Korean War that was funded and produced by the Unification Church, the cult we all grew up in. It was a strange experience watching the film, but it was such a joy to record this episode together! We hope you enjoy, and we promise to get back to Jane Austen content soon.

Links:

Hello! I'm elder Darcy, and I would like to share with you this most amazing film: Pride and Prejudice a Latter-Day Comedy. We're diving into this very chaotic LDS adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Warning: this podcast episode contains embarrassing 90s-00s fashion, white boys dancing salsa, and more than one "yikes" moment of cultural cringe.

We catch up on all the things we're watching/reading this Summer. Akina is now a Michelle Yeoh super fan.

What we're reading/watching/listening to: Michelle Yeoh movies, Dorthy L. Sayers novels, Elvis movies, Mystery Science Theater 3000

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Akina has finally watched the new Persuasion movie and we can now scream about it together. On a scale of 1-5 Octopuses, we give it 2 Bunnies. We also have updates on Gilmore Girls and X-Files, which is what we’ve been watching lately besides bad adaptations.

Next up on our Movie Night list: “Pride and Prejudice: a Later Day Comedy” (2003)

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It's the last two chapters of Persuasion! We talk about grief, feelings, the agony of sitting through boring performances/speeches, and possibly the best letter ever written.

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: X-Files, Gilmore Girls

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Mrs. Smith has some very hot gossip to share. We learn the truth about Mr. Elliot and his past. The Musgroves have come to Bath and brought most of the party from Lyme with them. Anne goes to a party at their place and talks with Captain Wentworth but keeps getting interrupted. Elizabeth and Sir Walter hand out invitations.

We talk about love bombing, gossip, and trusting your instincts after being raised in a cult. Akina tells us about her bookstore adventures.

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler, The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

A little something different today! This is a collection of all of the Ads from season 1: Pride and Prejudice. We'll be back with a full episode next week. Thanks for your patience! 

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Captain Wentworth is in Bath! Everyone goes to a concert. Mr. Elliot can’t stop talking to Anne and gives a sort of proposal. Wentworth gets cranky.

Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY AKINA!

SPOILERS for Fleishman is in Trouble

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Fleishman is in Trouble, If Books Could Kill Podcast,  An Immense World by Ed Yong

Anne visits an old school friend that, surprise, her family disapproves of. Admiral Croft complains about a painting. Mary gives us the gossip from Lyme, and Ms. Rook gives us the gossip from the Real Housewives of Bath.

We get a little existential with a talk about how losing your faith affects your outlook on life and death.

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell, Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Elizabeth and Sir Walter give Anne a tour of the house in Bath. Mr. Elliot comes to visit and charms the whole family. Distant cousins of noble rank cause a stir in the Elliot household. Sir Walter’s favorite hobby is people watching and counting how many beautiful faces he sees.

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb, Either/Or by Elif Batuman, When we Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut, Annie Ernaux, Sister Wives

Jane stays with Lady Russel. Louisa is still on the mend. We get to visit Kellynch Hall and spend some time with the Crofts and then have Christmas at Uppercross before heading to Bath!

Tangents include: Family gatherings, dissociation, anti-abortion protests, English naval recruitment practices and other boat stuff, Taylor Swift drama

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Happening by Annie Ernaux, Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, 1999 Forever, Zelda: Breath of the Wild,

We’re off to the seaside! Time for a vacation in Lyme where there will be a mysterious stranger, sad poets, stolen glances, and tragic accidents. Anne makes new friends and gets a book club buddy.

Tangents include: The feminine gaze, playlists, and problematic favs 

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Twitter, When we Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut, The Great British Baking Show, Duolingo

Laurel talks with guest Cathlene Bell about The Lizzy Bennet Diaries, a 2012 web series adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. In this episode we talk about shared upbringings in the Unification church, personal connections to the material, gush about the amazing cast, and count down our top five episodes. Come fan-girl/boy/person with us!

Happy Winter Solstice and Merry Holidays!

In this week’s chapters: there are so many people named Charles. There’s a rival for Henrieta’s affections. Awkward conversations with Anne and Wentworth. Wentworth saves Anne from a rowdy nephew. Everyone goes for a walk. Eavesdropping, mixed signals, and reconciliations occur. Captain Wentworth is obsessed with a nut.

Tangents include memories of matching workshops, personality types, lies of the self-help industry. We also would like your help to manifest a Lilith Fair documentary.

My dog has a lot of opinions in this episode as well.

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Sister Wives, Taylor Swift, The Sentence by Louise Erdrich, You’re Wrong About- Flight 571: Survival in the Andes with Clair Braverman

Tea!- Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice Tea, Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Rooibos

Captain Wentworth has visited Uppercross and the family is smitten. Mary’s son Charles has an unfortunate accident and Anne is left to nurse him while the parents go to the party at Uppercross.

Anne can’t escape Wentworth forever though. He has opinions about Women on ships. 

We geek out about maps, history, and world war 2 movies.

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Midnights by Taylor Swift, Chouette by Claire Oshetsky, The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

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Admiral and Mrs. Croft comes to check out Kellynch Hall. Sir Walter, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Clay head to Bath, while Anne goes to stay with her sister Mary. Anne is the on-call therapist at Uppercross. Mary is the most. We find out that Captain Wentworth will soon by visiting.

Akina and I go on a bit of a tangent about turning 40, getting married young, and how weird it is to have two anniversaries.

What we’re reading/watching/listening to: Severance, Under the Banner of Heaven, The Idiot by Elif Batuman

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Kellynch Hall is for let! Are Naval men good looking enough to rent this prestigious hall? Anne has a past love who she’s never gotten over. We talk about the Napoleonic wars, depression, TikTok, and shrubberies.

What we’re reading/watching/listening: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

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It’s time for Persuasion! Come meet the family at Kellych Hall: Sir Walter the Vain, Elizabeth the Petty, Mary the Spoiled, and Anne the Scapegoat. The family is in serious financial trouble but Sir Walter is in denial.

We talk about the history of the Baronet title and the insecure nature of social standing. Other topics include: the Unification Church’s award/title scams, the assassination of Shinzo Abe, and a little deleted scene at the end! 

New episodes of Jane Austen Culture Night this Fall! In the meantime, come hear our thoughts on the new Netflix adaptation of Persuasion and find out which book we’re going to read for the next season…hint hint…

This is part two of our two part Jane Eyre episode with Abby Sayre. If you haven’t listened to the first episode, go back and have a listen! There we give a synopsis of the novel and talk about some of the major themes. In this episode we focus more on the 2011 movie adaptation, compare it to the book, and talk about some of our guilty pleasure reads and watches. Enjoy!

What we're reading/watching: Reddit AITA, Twilight, Love is Blind, The Servant, Righteous Gemstones, Inventing Anna  

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a Jane Austen Podcast will eventually have a crossover Brontë episode...

Welcome back! How has your summer been? We’re taking a break from Jane Austen and having a Hot Goth Summer! Let’s get a little dark and broody with the Brontës. We’ve got our resident Brontë fan, Abby Sayre, who helps us break down the novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. We also talk about the 2011 movie adaptation.

Revelations! Secrets! Terrible men! This episode has it all. This is the first part of a 2 part episode, so stay tuned!

Note:

This is it! We’re reading the last four chapters of Pride and Prejudice. There will be squealing, swooning, and lots of quoting directly from the text. Darcy has been to therapy and learned how to give a good apology. Get out your Sunday finest, it's a double wedding!

Lady Catherine makes a surprise visit, is rude to everyone, and makes a shocking demand. Bingley makes a smooth exit. Mr. Bennet relays his correspondence from Mr. Collins. From here on out, all the scenes are #iconic.

Random things and tangents: We don’t know what’s in a white russian; Mr. Collins’s sex life; Moonie message boards; we spend some time googling about the new Persuasion movie (which at one point I mistakenly call Pride and Prejudice); NO MORE BATMAN MOVIES;

What we’re reading/Watching: Death in her hands by Ottessa Moshfegh; Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney; Tokyo Vice; Slow Horses; Patchinko; Only Murders in the Building; Baskets; Bridgerton; The Perfume by Caroline B. Cooney

Bingley and Darcy are back at Netherfield! They come to visit the Bennets and get invited to a dinner party. Sparks fly with Bingley and Jane, and they finally get their happy ending. Darcy is sending mixed signals to Elizabeth, but the sexual tension is through the roof!

Tangents include: searching for porn and fanfics, a long rant about Hemingway and misogynist takes on chick lit. Also, Laurel gives a very broad summary of all 16 seasons of Sister Wives

What we’re reading/watching: Reacher, Sister Wives

Wickham comes back to town to hang with the in-laws! Lydia is thrilled with her new title and regales the family with tales of her wedding. Everyone except Mrs. Bennet are horrified at her lack of self-awareness. Lydia spills the beans that Darcy was at her wedding. Mrs. Gardiner explains how Darcy arranged everything for Lydia’s wedding including paying off Wickham and all his debts. Wickham and Elizabeth make up…sort of?

Akina and Laurel get very far off topic to talk about experiences that 2nd gen. ex-moonies will understand. Tangents include glitter eyeshadow, how to say Derbyshire, Football sunday, and Iran Contra.

What we’re reading: Picture books! The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Out of a Jar by Deborah Marcero, The Bourne Identity Series

The news is getting out all over town that Wickham is a cad. Mr. Collins sticks his nose in. Jane’s Janeness is overflowing. The Bennets finally get news that Lydia and Wickham have been found and will be married. Jane and Elizabeth debate whether or not Wickham’s intentions are at all honorable. Spoiler: They’re not!

Akina and Laurel talk about things they have no idea about like European military history- thanks, American school system! We also talk about things we know a lot about, like toxic positivity, mental health, and coping mechanisms...thanks, cult!

What We’re Reading: Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow, Kudos by Rachel Cusk

The Gardiners and Elizabeth visit Pemberley. Mrs. Reynolds gives a tour and extols the many virtues of her employer. Mr. Darcy surprises everyone by coming home a day early and being extremely polite and agreeable.

We talk about the beauty of landscape and well appointed rooms, how to be a “nice guy”, the reverence of nature in art and literature, and a tangent about cult coverage in the media. Let us know if you’d be interested in a bonus episode just on cult media and content. We have thoughts!

Drinking Game! -  take a shot anytime Akina or I say any version of: “it’s great!”, “so good!” or how much we love Elizabeth Bennet or Jane Austen.

CONTENT WARNING: Heads up, especially for any UC and ex-moonie listeners: This episode is pretty heavy on the cult content. We have a discussion about Sanctuary Church, a splinter cult of the main Unification Church. The discussion includes guns, violence against LGBTQ+, and alt-right ideology and conspiracy theories. If you’re not up for it, feel free to skip this episode or come back to it when you are fully resourced.

Here’s what happens on the Jane Austen end: Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam have left the building. Elizabeth is still processing the aftermath of Darcy’s letter. Lady Catherine is still “wakadoodle”, Mr. Collins is still annoying. Elizabeth and Maria head back home and meet Lydia and Kitty at an inn on the way. Lydia does some shopping and fills us in on important gossip. Elizabeth is conflicted about how to relay what she’s learned about Wickham without revealing too much. We learn we’re all a little bit of a “Mary”

Resources mentioned in this episode: