Jane Austen Culture Night
by Laurel Nakai and Akina Cox
Laurel Nakai and Akina Cox grew up in the Unification Church, otherwise known as the Moonies, and are reflecting on that experience while reading their favorite author: Jane Austen! We’re taking the cult out of culture night, and bringing you just the fun parts!
Episodes
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Ep. 15 - Filial Disobedience (Northanger Abbey)
We made it to the end! Henry comes to Fullerton to make sure Catherine got home safe and to explain his father’s poor behavior. Feelings are shared, and bows are tied. Thanks for sharing this unexpectedly long journey with us! What should we read next? What we’re reading/watching/listening to:...
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Ep. 14 - An Unexpected Journey (Northanger Abbey)
Catherine gets unceremoniously dismissed and takes the long journey home to Fullerton. Akina and I reminisce about silk gloves and our mass wedding. We also talk about Gaza a bit in the end and the atrocities that are happening there, so if that’s triggering for you keep that in mind. Feel free…
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Ep. 13 - A Vain Coquette (Northanger Abbey)
**Apology for this episode being put out VERY late! If you know me in real life, you know we had a major thing happen in our family that put everything else on the back burner. Will maybe talk about it soon, but for now, just know we're doing well and getting back in the swing of things...but I...
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Ep. 12 - Not in England! (Northanger Abbey)
The cringe factor is high! Catherine cannot stop being a conspiracy theorist and puts her foot all the way in her mouth. Henry gives a patriotic speech. James sends a letter with troubling news about Isabella. What we’re reading/watching/listening to: The Tortured Poets Department, Shogun,...
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Ep. 11 - That's Suspicious (Northanger Abbey)
Catherine makes a mundane discovery, learns to love a hyacinth, and starts to have new suspicions. We have tangents about kitchen gardens and Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs. What we’re reading/watching/listening to: The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell, The Vaster Wilds by Lauren…
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Ep.10 - Raymour and Flannigan (Northanger Abbey)
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,...
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Ep. 9 - Abbeys and Tilneys and Bears, Oh my! (Northanger Abbey)
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...
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Ep. 8 - On Wednesdays We Get Engaged (Northanger Abbey)
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...
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Ep. 7 - Henry Explains it All (Northanger Abbey)
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...
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Ep. 6 - A Casual Kidnapping (Northanger Abbey)
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...
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Ep. 5 - Would You Rather (Northanger Abbey)
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...
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Ep. 4 - Bitch Eating Crackers (Northanger Abbey)
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…
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Ep. 3 - Summer Friend (Northanger Abbey)
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…
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Ep. 2 - No Baths in Bath? (Northanger Abbey)
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...
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Ep. 1 - A Nice Duck (Northanger Abbey)
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...
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Movie Night: Inchon! (1981) w/ Elgen Strait of Falling Out
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…
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Jane Austen Movie Night: Pride & Prejudice a Latter-Day Comedy (2003)
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...
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Jane Austen Movie Night: Persuasion (2022)
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…
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Ep. 12 - Half Agony, Half Hope (Persuasion)
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 Get in touch! We have a twitter! We have a TikTok! Email...
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Ep. 11 - Mrs. Smith the Spy (Persuasion)
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...
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Bonus: Thank You to All Our Sponsors!
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! Get in Touch! We have a twitter! We have a TikTok! Email us: [email protected] Hosted by Laurel…
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Ep. 10 - The Elegant Stupidity of Private Parties (Persuasion)
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…
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Ep. 9 - What is She, 40? (Persuasion)
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...
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Ep. 8 - A Dreadful Multitude of Ugly Women (Persuasion)
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...
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Ep. 7 - Mirror Mirror...Mirror...Mirror...Mirror (Persuasion)
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...
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Ep. 6 - Lyme Aid (Persuasion)
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...
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Bonus (Repost 2021): The Lizzy Bennet Diaries w/ Cathlene Bell
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...
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Ep. 5 - The Character of a Hazelnut (Persuasion)
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…
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Ep. 4 - Are you an Empath or Just Traumatized? (Persuasion)
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…
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Ep. 3 - Richard Musgrove is a Dick (Persuasion)
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…
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Ep. 2 - Stay Away From the Shrubberies (Persuasion)
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...
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Ep 1. Who Wants to Be a Baronet? (Persuasion)
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...
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Season 2 Coming Soon!
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… We have a twitter! https://twitter.com/janecultpod Email us:...
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Hot Goth Summer- Jane Eyre Part 2 w/ Abby Sayre
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...
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Hot Goth Summer- Jane Eyre Part 1 w/ Abby Sayre
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...
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Ep. 21 - Two Grooms for Two Sisters (Pride and Prejudice)
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! Thanks to everyone who has...
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Ep. 20 - No Compliments to Your Mother (Pride and Prejudice)
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....
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Ep. 19 - The Boys are Back in Town (Pride and Prejudice)
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:...
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Ep. 18 - Meet the Wickhams (Pride and Prejudice)
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…
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Ep. 17 - Jane is Fluent in Spiritual Bypassing (Pride and Prejudice)
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....
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Ep. 16 - Viva Gretna Green (Pride and Prejudice)
CONTENT WARNING and CORRECTIONS: In this episode we talk about child marriage in the United States. We mention that it is only banned in 4 states. However, it is actually banned in SIX states (meaning the minimum age is 18 with no exceptions): New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Delaware, New...
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Ep. 15 - Love Triangles and Fruit Pyramids (Pride and Prejudice)
Darcy brings Georgiana to meet Elizabeth and Bingley soon follows. Bingley tries to slyly ask if Jane has a boyfriend. The Gardiners are the Michael Jackson with popcorn meme. Mr. Gardiner goes fishing with Darcy and the ladies meet up with Caroline, Mrs. Hurst, and Georgiana. The house is full…
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Ep. 14 - MTV Cribs Pemberley Edition (Pride and Prejudice)
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...
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Ep. 13 - Lydia Goes Down the Shore (Pride and Prejudice)
Heads up: Content warning for sexual assult and predators…blame Wicham for all of these very serious discussions. Ugh, we hate him. As always feel free to skip this part if you’re not up for it. The discussion happens at the 35 minute mark and ends around minute 48. It’s not overly graphic or...
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Ep. 12 - Rev. Jane Austen, True Author of Heaven and Earth (Pride and Prejudice)
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…
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Ep. 11 - I Love You, I Hate You (Pride and Prejudice)
It’s happening! It’s here! The moment you’ve been waiting for. Darcy finally declares his love for Elizabeth and it does NOT GO WELL. Darcy writes a long letter which reveals the scandalous truth about George Wickham. Laurel and Akina talk about their favorite Mr. Darcy. What else can we say? If...
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Ep. 10 - Lady Catherine School of Music (Pride and Prejudice)
Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam join the party at Rosings Park. Lizzy plays piano, Fitzwilliam reveals some devastating news, and Elizabeth gets a headache. We have an interesting conversation about “Bounded Choices” and the dynamics of abusive relationships. Tangents include: boys dropping hints,...
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Ep. 9 - Darcy Fitzwilliam Darcy (Pride and Prejudice)
Lizzy goes to visit Charlotte and Mr. Collins. We finally meet Lady Catherine De Bourgh and have some awkward dinners. Charlotte shows off her ingenious home design. Mr. Darcy makes a surprise visit with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Laurel records in the middle of a thunderstorm which makes…
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The Lizzy Bennet Diaries w/ Cathlene Bell
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...
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Ep. 8 - Stupid Men are the Only Ones Worth Knowing (Pride and Prejudice)
Mr. Collins finds a match. Jane gets more bad news. Our favorite Aunt and Uncle come to visit. Laurel imagines an alternate ending for Charlotte and Mary. Other tangents include: more arranged marriage stuff, astrology, and 90’s concert experiences. Email us: [email protected]…
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About this show
Laurel Nakai and Akina Cox grew up in the Unification Church, otherwise known as the Moonies, and are reflecting on that experience while reading their favorite author: Jane Austen! We’re taking the cult out of culture night, and bringing you just the fun parts!
Hosted by
Laurel Nakai and Akina Cox