Shows
Truths Universally AcknowledgedThe ABCs (and DEFGHs) of Bridgerton(TW: In this episode, we discuss rape and racist violence, specifically in reference to a scene from season 1 of Bridgerton.) Molly, Emma, and special guest Becky talk Bridgerton. In this episode, we’re considering the adaptation process, and what was lost and gained when the story went from the bookshelf to the Netflix watchlist. Also of interest: more on the advantages and pitfalls of colorblind casting, the romcomification of Taming of the Shrew, the meaning of race in pre-20th century Britain, why Mr. Darcy isn’t a Duke, and thinking about who is and isn’t allowed certain forms of ple...2022-07-0859 min
Truths Universally AcknowledgedAn epilogueEmma and Molly get you up to speed on what happened between Nicole and her final suitor after the show stopped filming. We talk breakups, lemon cake, friendship via gifs, UnREAL, the Bachelorverse, and the future of this podcast.
Find us on Twitter at @truthsunipod @chingonacademic @mjkeran. Also consider checking out Molly's new podcast, Let the Bodice Hit the Floor, @bodicehitsfloor.2022-06-1021 minTruths Universally AcknowledgedKeeping it RegencyThe end has come, and Molly and Emma are here to discuss the final episode of The Courtship and Nicole's choice of suitor. Also of interest: confusing bartending, sidewalk PDA, our favorite suitor plans a superior date, what it means when you describe someone as the missing piece to your puzzle, tandem horse riding, the scavenger hunt that should've been, and one woman's valiant quest to get her little sister engaged. Plus: the future of this podcast, now that the first (and perhaps only?) season of The Courtship has ended.
Find us on Twitter @truthsunipod @chingonacademic @mjkeran2022-06-031h 38Truths Universally AcknowledgedA sticky situationMolly and Emma discuss episode 11 of The Courtship and make their final predictions for the suitor who will ultimately win Nicole's heart. In this episode, one suitor proves himself a true Wickham while another pulls a Mr. Darcy move for the ages. Also of interest: 19th century estate management and the romanticization thereof, the dying gasps of the feudal system, more references to Downton Abbey, rising tensions between handsome men, Molly's healthy fear of and respect for bees, thoughts on goat milking techniques, more praise for the incredible Mrs. Danie Baker, and what happens in the gentleman's parlor does not...2022-05-251h 27Truths Universally AcknowledgedCheeky chaps and noncommittal cadsIn this episode of Truths Universally Acknowledged, Molly admits she was wrong about one of the suitors, and Emma discusses the history of pleasure gardens, fortunetelling, and the criminalization of the Romani people and cultural practices in 19th century England. Also of interest: British agricultural law, the Mr. Wickham hiding in plain sight, the problem with "not seeing race," handsome men getting increasingly intoxicated, familial love, what even is the socialite lifestyle, the merits of choosing comfort, and a potential Mr. Darcy on the horizon. FYI: The show's costume designer is Tom Rogers, on Instagram @tomrogersdeisgn. Find us on Twitter...2022-05-171h 30
Truths Universally Acknowledged#vanlifeEmma and Molly discuss episode 9 of The Courtship. In this episode, we investigate who is the show’s Wickham and who is the Mr. Darcy—but our conclusions may surprise you! Also of interest: Austen’s five other novels, male body image, weightlifting safety concerns, the curative properties (and disgusting taste) of the water in Bath, facing your fears, the blue-eyed wanderer, learning to be vulnerable, and our own love lives. Find us on Twitter @truthsunipod @mjkeran @chingonacademic. ****************************************The Austen alignments: Mr. Chapman as Willoughby (Sense & Sensibility); Danny B as Captain Wentworth (Persuasion) and John Thorpe (Northanger Abbey); Mr. Nazaire as Hen...2022-05-121h 42Truths Universally AcknowledgedPoor kittyEmma and Molly talk ... and talk ... and talk about last week's episode of The Courtship. In this episode, two favorites go home, one favorite comes out, and a grown man pretends to be a cat, so you know things are starting to get serious. Also of interest: current rankings, reality vs. fiction, the etiquette of toasts, a defense of commitment issues, socially-sanctioned groping (AKA Blind Man's Bluff), men's sportswear through the ages, sexual fluidity and masculine ideals, queer romance recs, chemistry vs. compatibility, and several tearstained tissues.
Find us on Twitter @truthsunipod @mjkeran @chingonacademic
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Author recs for queer and/or...2022-05-031h 52Truths Universally AcknowledgedLet them eat cakeThis week, Emma and Molly don't really give the newest suitor on The Courtship a chance. In this episode, we discuss masquerades (both historical and fictional), wonder how many men are too many men, and talk about how much we love lemon cake. Also of interest: 18th century racism, questionable Shakespeare, romance novel recommendations, the Great British Bake Off, Disney princes, eating the rich, and the fact that, contrary to what Joe Jonas might tell you, gin used to be known as the scourge of the British working class.
Follow us on Twitter @truthsunipod @mjkeran @chingonacademic.
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Romance novels mentioned in t...2022-04-261h 18Truths Universally AcknowledgedBacchanal, boys, bacchanalThis week, Emma and Molly discuss the bacchanal (or, as the suitors would have it, BACCHANAL!) that took place on episode 6 of The Courtship. In this episode, we discuss s-e-x and wonder why it has to be such a big deal all the time. Other topics of interest: the weirdness of fantasy suites, the conservatism of some romance conventions, Miss Remy's frontrunners, the weather in England, nudity in classical art, how to not make it 100% obvious to everyone that you just had sex, portraiture, romcom wrestling, and the merits of the limerick. Find us on Twitter @mjkeran and @chingonacademic, or...2022-04-191h 26Truths Universally AcknowledgedWe need to talk about Dandy BThis week, Emma and Molly discuss episode 5 of The Courtship, which is now on USA instead of NBC. In this episode, we discuss toxic masculinity, bare chests, and whether some of these suitors really think they’re in the Regency. Other topics of interest: dandy culture, the brother’s best friend trope, apple archery, Emma’s ongoing battle with climbing bros, the wisdom of New Girl, men who won’t commit, dinner party manners (or the lack thereof), and what in the hell is Mr. Cones even doing. Find us on Twitter @mjkeran and @chingonacademic.2022-04-111h 16Truths Universally AcknowledgedMy little sausages need to be freedThis week, Emma's on a camping trip, so Molly and special guest Becky Hixon discuss episode 4 of The Courtship! In this episode, we get angry at one suitor, pile love on another, and beg one more to PLEASE STOP SINGING. Plus: Becky tells Molly about her research on the practice of so-called "raceblind" or "colorblind" casting of classic and historical texts. Other topics of interest: Shakespeare's problem(atic) plays, Game of Thrones' pseudo-medievalism, dueling, race and desirability, balcony gossip, and the show's ongoing bonnet conundrum.
Find us on Twitter: @hixonbecky @mjkeran and @chingonacademic2022-04-021h 20Truths Universally AcknowledgedScrewin' it and doin' itEmma and Molly recap this week's episode of NBC's new reality dating show, The Courtship! In this episode, we lament the fall of a himbo, gloss over the rules of cricket, and shed a few tears over one suitor's departure. Other topics of interest: tragic backstories, Colin Bridgerton, Frankenstein-based dating, Romantic poetry, the unbearable whiteness of romance heroes, Ketanji Brown Jackson, single dads, 19th century immigration bans, and whether we're being set up for a major dose of drama next week. If the audio occasionally sounds like it’s coming to you through a broken phonograph, it's because we had so...2022-03-271h 17Truths Universally AcknowledgedJust give me my roast beefEmma and Molly tackle episode two of NBC's new reality dating show, The Courtship! In this episode, we enjoy a Mr. Darcy-inspired dunk in the lake, discuss the ethics of televised trauma, and say goodbye to two more suitors. Other topics of interest: Regency fashion, controversial cleavage, romance novel funny business, himbos, machismo, and The Bachelor's weird sex rules.
Find us on Twitter: @mjkeran and @chingonacademic2022-03-161h 14
Truths Universally AcknowledgedThe whole 2-1 2-1 spinnerooksiEmma and Molly talk Episode 1 of The Courtship! We meet Miss Nicole Rémy, her Court, and her sixteen suitors, whose names Molly repeatedly stumbles over because she can’t read her own handwriting. Other topics of interest: Austenland, the Bridgerton boom, romantic narrative structures, the horror of dating apps, The Bachelor(ette)'s racism problem, (a)historical fashion, Regency decadence, Queen Charlotte's ball, divorce in the 19th century, and where to get a corndog in Regency England.
This is our first episode, so it runs a little longer than future episodes probably will, but we've split it i...2022-03-091h 30Truths Universally AcknowledgedTrailerIntroducing Truths Universally Acknowledged: A Courtship Recap Podcast! Each Wednesday, join Emma and Molly as they discuss NBC's new reality dating show, The Courtship, bringing their expertise in Popular Romance and 19th Century Studies to analyze and laugh about each week's regency-inspired drama.2022-03-0600 min