The Lubber’s Hole - A Patrick O’Brian Podcast

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!

Our heroes encounter a big blow, and their cruise gets extended. We learn about the perils, pitfalls and rewards of privateering. Jack learns a little mindfulness, and Padeen sinks deeper into addiction. We are once again reminded that it's all about the wind! Ch 3.

Jack exercises his new crew and tries to keep them from getting pressed, while Stephen talks carronades and strategy. In the meantime there's mooning, rogering and La Marseillaise - something for everyone? Ch 2.

At Shelmerston, Jack picks the last of his new crew, while Stephen gets distracted by a man in blue pants and a big bustard. Two interesting Admirals appear on the scene, one with a familiar name, as the Surprise prepares to sail. Ch 1.

Jack prepares to take the Surprise to sea to finalise her crew. Stephen’s French is tested when he’s invited to a mysterious and perhaps dangerous encounter. An old friend turns up with a missing possession and vital information, bringing the book to a dramatic end. Ch 10.

Stephen works to lessen Jack’s sentence, and get him on board with plans for the Surprise. Blaine offers counsels and potentially a new mission.  And Jack's sentence is finalised and carried out, in one of the canon’s most emotional scenes. Ch 9.

Jack's legal situation worsens, as Stephen activates his back-up plan - a charming privateer, weatherly, stiff and fast ... you know the one! Also Byron, Donovan and a corsair named Dover. Can any of them help Jack avoid what's coming? Ch 8.

Jack and Stephen are getting their heads around Jack’s forthcoming trial - we find about the quality of justice, the puzzling fate of Ellis Palmer and parallels to our other hero, Thomas Cochrane. Ch 7.

We reach the conclusion of our review of M&CFSOTW in collaboration with the Cine-Files - can Jack Aubrey keep his naval family together? Can Hollom find leadership within himself? Will Stephen ever get to see his flightless cormorant? And what kind of surprise awaits the Acheron?

This is a joint episode with our friends Steve and John from The Cine-Files podcast, discussing the 2003 Peter Weir movie Master & Commander - Far Side Of The World.  Part 2 is next week, and then we resume Reverse Of The Medal.

This week Babbington returns, as do honey-buzzards, cricket and hurling. Ashgrove Cottage comes to pieces at the hands of sailors. Reverend Martin is upset by the cost of setting up house, and he abandons bird-watching when Stephen needs it most. Finally, Jack gets an unexpected visit that changes everything. Ch 6.

Stephen hears a heart-breaking verse of Dryden, contemplates shearwaters, pulls a deserving nose and finally hangs out with his royal protectors. Along the way, he takes care of a big old MacGuffin. Ch 5.