Stephen heads ashore and compiles the next discreet chapter in Dr. Maturin’s guide to better out-of-town business trip accommodations. We debate vital life forces for humans, tapirs, orangutans - anything with a spleen, basically. A real Van Buren makes an appearance, as does the real Geoff Hunt. Ch 6 (2nd part).
Arriving in Java, we pick up the rest of the British mission, hear troubling news about Britain's banks, track down a Dutch anatomist, and press on to Pulo Prabang to prepare for meeting the Sultan and the French. Plus we talk about Stamford Raffles, and all things oriental, with guest Josh Provan. Ch 6.
The Diane begins a long, perilous journey around Africa towards Pulo Prabang. There are contrary currents, cuttlefish, cathedrals of ice, confessions and copulation. Oh, and Kerguelen. Curious? Ch 5.
Jack heads to London, hoping for the happiest possible news. We explore Irish mythology, and learn about the plans for the mission to Pulo Prabang: what kind of man is Mr Fox the envoy, really? Ep 4.
Jack worries about his new purser and the crew starting to think this is an unlucky voyage. Stephen gets a surprise visitor in Lisbon, Jack meets the son of an old shipmate, and the backward glances at Master & Commander continue, as we wonder where Sharpe and Hornblower have got to. Ch 3, Ch 4 (Part).
Stephen’s bankers frustrate, a prize takes flight, the new purser impresses - just not favorably. We find out why Master & Commander was such a great prelude to The Thirteen Gun Salute, as the “United Irishmen curse”, which hunted Dillon, descends on Stephen. Ch 2.
After we all get caught up on who is aboard & why, the Surprise leaves on the long-promised secret mission to South America. We learn the reasons she departs so quickly, and what new developments are flowering between Stephen and Diana. Ch 1.
To celebrate reaching Episode 100, we have a special for you - Ian & Mike answer listeners' questions. We'll talk about personal stories, TV adaptations, equine digestion and the great sloth vs potto debate. Special thanks to our Patreon supporters, a few of whom we hear from in person. To watch a video version, please visit https://youtube.com/c/TheLubbersHole.
The Sophies are now prisoners of the French, as a battle with the English starts. We are spectators at the first and second battles of Algeciras and have a front-row seat at Jack’s trial for losing the Sophie. We learn about emotions, courts-martial, and big squadron actions all while enjoying the Rock of Gibraltar. Ch 12.
The Sophie, victorious, enters Mahon, as Jack reunites with Molly. There’s an unexpected end to the Cacafeugo and two unexpected missions. We learn about peccant parts, revisit the Music Room in the Governor’s House (with some Boccherini this time), remember Dillon, light up the sky and get close to the French. Ch 11.
The tension between Jack and Dillon mounts. Jack’s still lucky in prizes ... too lucky maybe? Jack and Dillon face gunboats off Barcelona, as well as their internal and external nemeses, before the chapter is over. For any of you not familiar with the exploits of Thomas Cochrane, you’re about to be… Ch 10.
We have a brush with the French, and Stephen practices resurrection with a bellows. There’s Mowett’s poetry, a Russel Crowe alert, a chase, Minions, rumors of peace, and a questionable time ashore for Jack. Ch 9.
Jack ponders his identity, and has a close encounter with a formidable new enemy. Stephen gains insights into Dillon’s thinking, while Jack gets bad career news. We hear about mantises, sardanas, laxatives, enemas and evangelism. Something for everyone! Ch 8.
The cruise continues, gunnery improves, there’s action ahead, a changing relationship between Jack and Dillon, a problem with Stephen’s asp and fireworks both real and relational. And we haven’t seen the end of the United Irishmen - but - where’s Stephen? Ch 7.
Stephen ponders on the effect of ageing and authority; we get an excellent example of 'Jack ashore' at Molly Harte’s rout; a chilling look into human nature, superstition and prejudice; and a fishy tale. We talk about the Irish rebellion of 1798 with our special guest Paddy Cullivan. Ch 6.
The log promises the Sophie’s first prize, but first there’s an apocalyptic blow, a brush with the plague, scatological humor, labor and delivery amongst gunpowder, and a chance for Stephen Maturin and James Dillon to get to know one another better, maybe. Ch 5.
The crew's first gunnery practice turns into an unexpected first taste of action for the crew, and a first taste of duty for her new surgeon. Jack meets an old friend and her new husband - an Admiral, no less. Ch 4.
Jack’s first mission in command, and every day's a school day: we learn some nautical terms, we learn about Dillon's past, Stephen learns what cataleptic terror feels like, and we all learn about goat’s milk and the very definition of a Lubber's Hole. Ch 3.
Jack learns more about his new ship, as the crew and Lt. Dillion try to figure out their new Captain. There’s opera, bowdlerization, nautical innovation, dockyard corruption, and some of our favourite phrases packed into a very long day. Ch 3.
Jack and his new friend eat dinner, and we learn some of the Maturin backstory. The Sophie's new Lieutenant has a mysterious non-connection to Maturin, and while Jack strives to find more men, the crew’s problems may be just beginning. Ch 2.
Back to where it all started - Royal Navy Lieutenant Jack Aubrey meets a black-coated gentleman named Maturin at a concert, and arguably the world’s best book series ensues. Ch 1
This week we're bring you a special episode on leadership lessons from Jack Aubrey, Stephen Maturin and some of the leadership thinkers connected to them. We get help from French naval history researcher Olivier Aranda.
Stephen takes a balloon ride - real life, or fantasy? We dip into Irish mythology, learn a little more about Diana’s character and join in a sing-along. Our very special guest is illustrator, artist and O’Brian cover art fan favourite, Geoff Hunt. Ch 9.
This is a short special Christmas episode, containing a quick review of 2021, lots of thank-yous, and Christmas highlights from the POB canon (thanks to our great Patreon supporters). Enjoy - Episode 86 is out on January 2nd. Happy Holidays!
EP 85: Stephen is on several missions: to replenish his laudanum, to find Diana, to return the Blue Peter and attempt to save his marriage, all in time to meet Jack and head to South America. So far, the wind has not been fair for ships or balloons. Will Stephen’s premonitions, omens and dread prevail? Or will there be a cliff-hanger? Ch 9.
Sir Joseph and Stephen are looking for a way to have Jack restored. Jack has a homecoming, Stephen heads for Sweden and the reversals continue. There’s pocket-boroughs, hungry dogs, dirty puddings and Figaro just before we hear about “The Day of Wrath”. Ch 8.
We learn more about Jack’s wounds, sciatic stays and the relationship between butterflies and French intelligence agents. Meanwhile, Jack’s reinstatement to the navy list hangs in the balance, and his friends come to his aid. Will Jack let them help him? Ch 7.
Jack and the Surprise are headed into action, but not before we've considered poetics - there are Greek drama tips, crazed horses on ships, and Merry Christmas greetings from the Surprise crew’s wet lips. Ch 6.
Jack wants to practice his cutting-out routine - but can he navigate the grievances of Sethians, Muggletonians and Southcottians? And what about the maidens of Polcombe (wherever that is)? Ch 5.
We get glaziers, corsair bishops, balloonists and link-boys; Stephen gets medical supplies, news from Sweden and a reminder about insurance; and Jack gets silver plate and an exciting new mission!
