Into The Austenverse

In this episode of Into The Austenverse, David and Lisa dive into episodes seven and eight of the beloved series. They discuss Mary's proposal from Mister Ryder, which is revealed to be a companion offer rather than a marriage proposal. This twist highlights the societal pressures and expectations placed on women during this time period, particularly in regards to marriage and financial security.
The hosts also explore the musical theatre background of the cast, including Donal Finn's impressive performance in Hadestown and Poppy Gilbert (Elizabeth)'s experience in the musical Flyby. They express their admiration for the actors' training and versatility, which adds depth to their characters.
The conversation also touches on the theme of free love and the influence of the Romantic movement on the characters' decisions. David and Lisa analyze the relationships between Mary, Mr Ryder, and Mr Collins, and how they navigate the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations. The episode ends with a discussion of the upcoming episodes and a tease for the next installment.
Here are all the details of where to find us and get in touch:
Instagram @in2theaustenverse
Tiktok @in2theaustenverse and on
YouTube @intotheaustenverse
Email us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mega Mega Drop Drop - Interview with The Other Bennet Sister Director, Jennifer Sheridan
DC and Lisa introduce a “mega drop” interview with Jennifer Sheridan, director of The Other Bennet Sister. Sheridan discusses how she feels protective of Mary, and why casting Ella Bruccoleri was crucial to balancing Mary’s prickliness, vulnerability, comedy, and how she led the on-set tone. She shares her love for the 1995 Pride and Prejudice, the inspired decision to cast Lucy Briers as Hill. She explains visual and costume choices, her comedy instincts and the show’s depiction of Mary’s experience of familial cruelty. She even hints about other Austen retellings in the works!
Here are all the details of where to find us and get in touch:
Instagram @in2theaustenverse
Tiktok @in2theaustenverse and on
YouTube @intotheaustenverse
Email us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David and Lisa Campbell discuss episodes 5 and 6 of The Other Bennet Sister, share listener growth worldwide (including Iraq and Vietnam), and announce an upcoming bonus interview with director Jennifer Sheridan, inviting questions via email. They praise the show’s title sequence and composer, then recap Mary’s London ball: her onion-mask “polish,” anxiety about walking and dancing, an iconic chaotic first dance with Tom, the reality of dance cards, and her conversation and chemistry with Mr. Ryder. They highlight Caroline Bingley’s cruel sabotage (switching place cards, provoking Mary to sing), Mary’s sharp retort, and Mary smashing a beetle jar. Episode 6 returns to Pemberley with Mrs. Bennet’s exaggerated “vapors,” Mary’s lingering embarrassment, family dynamics pushing her back into old roles, Mr. Ryder visiting, shared reading, riding mishaps, and a Wordsworth recitation that ends with anticipation of what happens next.
Here are all the details of where to find us and get in touch:
Instagram @in2theaustenverse
Tiktok @in2theaustenverse and on
YouTube @intotheaustenverse
Email us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Easter! DC and Lisa welcome all their new listeners and thank the amazing Other Bennet Sister for the bump. There are some interesting listener questions - for example
Which Austen heroines do you think would struggle or thrive today?
Let us know at [email protected]
The pair deep dive into Eps 5 & 6 on Monday and welcome a very special guest interview next week!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David and Lisa Campbell return to their podcast Into the Austinverse to recap episodes 3 and 4 of The Other Bennet Sister. They discuss Mary’s move to the Gardiners in vibrant London, her difficulty reading and expressing her emotions, and how Mrs. Gardiner’s kindness challenges Mary’s self-image. They highlight a meta moment framing Lucy Briers and Ella as parallel Marys, Mary meeting Tom Hayward (Donal Finn) and bonding over knowledge and poetry, and the show’s use of colour.
If you want to play Graces - learn here. But don't do it inside.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.