Episodes

  • Episode 218 - The Golden Ocean

    Episode 218 - The Golden Ocean
    Sep 1 2024
    We explore the first of two POB books that could be said to be ‘pre-cursors' to the Aubrey-Maturin canon - The Golden Ocean. Midshipmen, rats, storms, friendships, Irish back-story, shipwreck, disease and action - there’s a lot here to please an Aubrey-Maturin fan!
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Ep 217 - Persuasion

    Ep 217 - Persuasion
    Aug 25 2024
    We're exploring the world of Jane Austen this week, reacting to the 1995 film adaptation of her novel Persuasion. With naval officers, snobbery, hunting, dinners and thwarted love, it might seem familiar ...
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Episode 216 - HMS Surprise (Part 14)

    Episode 216 - HMS Surprise (Part 14)
    Aug 18 2024
    Jack and Stephen, homeward bound, head for Madeira to pick up their loves, and maybe a prize. Stephen attempts to recover from his wound, as he and Diana decide where to go from here. With all the surprises in this final chapter, is there a straight path ahead to paradise? Ch 11.
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Episode 215 - HMS Surprise (Part 13)

    Episode 215 - HMS Surprise (Part 13)
    Aug 11 2024
    In Calcutta, Jack is drowning in good wishes but still short of a dowry for Sophie. Canning acts like Jack's good friend, despite their history. Stephen calls on Diana for an answer to his marriage proposal, and things take a dramatic turn in the Indian heat. Ch 10.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Episode 214 - HMS Surprise (Part 12)

    Episode 214 - HMS Surprise (Part 12)
    Aug 4 2024
    Linois's squadron returns, and Jack's battle plans are tested, as he fights the Surprise with most of his officers and many of his gunners loaned out. Success may depend on the Surprise sacrificing herself, and we end with Dryden's poetry and Stephen's commentary ringing in our ears. Ch 9 Part 2.
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    58 mins
  • Episode 213 - HMS Surprise (Part 11)

    Episode 213 - HMS Surprise (Part 11)
    Jul 28 2024
    The Surprise catches the China Fleet - which delights everyone but Stephen. Later, Surprise sees a less hospitable squadron. Jack rises to the occasion, balancing his desire for glory and action against his duty. Stephen provides a commentary on the human race as Jack falls asleep, and we wait for morning. Ch 9 Part 1.
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    56 mins
  • REPOST - Crossing The Line Special - Children

    REPOST - Crossing The Line Special - Children
    Jul 21 2024
    This week we’re reposting our Crossing The Line special about children as characters in the O’Brian canon. Special thanks to our friend Steve Morris for joining the conversation. Back to HMS Surprise next week!
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 212 - HMS Surprise (Part 10)

    Episode 212 - HMS Surprise (Part 10)
    Jul 14 2024
    Surprise and her new first Lt sail for Kampong. We dip into Protestant theology, spy possible action from the Lubber’s Hole, see a relic of Jack's youth and deal with the envoy's health - punctuated by classical literature, blue water sailing, optimism and reality. Ch 8.
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    1 hr and 33 mins