Hot and Bothered

Elizabeth and Darcy spread the news of their engagement in Chapters 59 and 60 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's different reactions and the delicious flirting between Lizzy and Darcy. Dr. Sharon Marcus joins us at the end of the episode to discuss the model of sisterly love. Our next episode is June 16th, covering the final chapter – Chapter 61. ---Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Mr. Darcy returns to Longbourn to propose (again) in chapters 57 and 58 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the romance that Austen leaves off the page and the deep self-reflection of these two characters.Dr. Stephanie Paulsell joins us at the end of the episode to discuss her thoughts on the proposal. Our next episode is June 2nd, covering chapters 59 + 60. ---Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Lady Catherine makes a visit to Longbourn in Chapter 56 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss how Lizzy wins the argument and whether Lady Catherine is the true villain of the book.Dr. Susan Fraiman joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Lizzy's obstinacy in this chapter. Our next episode is May 19th, covering chapters 57 + 58. ---Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

As a special bonus we're excited to share this episode of Overdue, a podcast about the books you've been meaning to read. Vanessa Zoltan joined Andrew and Craig to analyze Sally Rooney's Normal People. We'll be back May 5th with our regular episode!

Mr. Bingley finally proposes to Jane in Chapters 53 through 55 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss the cyclical nature of the book, Jane and Bingley's love match, and whether Mr. Bennet has changed at all. Dr. Laura White joins us at the end of the episode to discuss Jane Austen's Anglicanism. Our next episode is May 5th, covering chapter 56. ---Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

As a special bonus episode, we're talking to our former host, Julia Argy, about the allure of reality dating shows and her new book The One. Just as many people dismiss romance novels as ‘trashy books’, there are a lot of TV shows geared at women that get dismissed as ‘trashy television.’ You know what we're talking about, shows like The Bachelor, Married at First Sight, Love is Blind. Shows that embrace and reproduce a fantasy about falling in love. In this episode, Vanessa and Julia discuss what reality dating shows reflect about our own culture of love and surveillance. Julia's book is out today, be sure to check it out!

Lydia and Wickham are married and returned to Longbourn in Chapters 51 and 52 of Pride and Prejudice. With new information about how the wedding went down, Vanessa and Lauren re-evaluate Lydia’s power in the situation and discuss Pride and Prejudice as the ultimate fantasy. Dr. Amy Harris joins us at the end of the episode to discuss sibling hierarchy and rivalry in Georgian England. Our next episode is April 21st, covering chapters 53 – 55. ---Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!

Vanessa is joined for a small bonus conversation by Nathalie Folkerts, the director of our upcoming summer camp: Calling All Magnificent People. They explore how Nathalie's background in political organizing found a home in building our camp and discuss some of behind-the-scenes dreaming and decision making that's been happening. If you haven't yet signed up for camp, you can do so on our website!

There is finally news of Lydia and Wickham in Chapters 49 and 50 of Pride and Prejudice. Vanessa and Lauren discuss and debate everyone’s reactions to the news. They tackle again a few favorite topics: Mrs. Bennet’s silliness, Mr. Bennet’s wry detachment, and Jane’s naiveté.Dr. Alexander Wakelam joins us at the end of the episode to teach us about gambling and debt in 18th century England. Our next episode is April 7th, covering chapters 51 + 52. ---Don't spend your daughter's dowry, but if you can spare $2/month, we'd love to have your support on Patreon!