What the Austen? Podcast

Izzy’s podcast is full of educational deep dives and close readings, as well as fun and creative modern connections. It has made me look at Austen’s work in new ways and appreciate how universal and timeless her characters and themes are. A must listen for long-time Austen fans, as well as people just discovering her work. There is something for everyone.

There are so many episodes of this podcast that I love and I’m so grateful for the discussion and character analysis in previous episodes. It has all been so interesting and insightful. Lately, however, I have felt like the tone of the podcast has changed—there is more criticism for the characters and often times they have very little positive to say about them. A more modern lens has been brought in to look at the characters and I think that does Jane Austen a disservice. I think some emotions are universal but I also think that it’s not really productive or effective to look at characters through a modern lens of emotion and experience. It’s just lost some of its Jane Austen feel and if I was just barely starting this podcast, I would not think that the host(s) enjoyed Jane Austen that much.

I have been listening to What the Austen for the past year and I’m excited for each new episode every time they drop. Such insightful thoughts. I love listening as I work on my lesson planning. Very inspiring! Love feeling like I’m apart of the community.

From the topics to the questions posed to guests, such passion and care go into every episode. Each sounds more like a chat with a friend than a lecture from a professor. Though there is always much to be learned, as each episode delves into a better understanding of Austen and her works. The only Podcast I follow with notifications set to ON. 💯🙌🏽