In episode 82, The Boston Sisters discuss the Hallmark Channel’s adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility featuring a multiracial cast. Vanessa Riley, the historical and cultural consulting producer, shares her journey into Austen's works and her role in ensuring historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Riley also discusses her novels Queen of Exilesand Island Queen, which explore the lives of Marie-Louise Christophe, Haiti's only queen, and Dorothy “Dolly” Kirwan Thomas, a formerly enslaved woman who became a wealthy entrepreneur. Riley emphasizes the importance of representing diverse historical figures and the potential adaptation of her novels into films.

Award-winning author Vanessa Riley, honored as the 2023 Georgia Literary Fiction Author of the Year, spotlights hidden narratives of Black women and women of color in novels. Her works emphasize strong sisterhoods, diverse communities, and power across historical fiction, romance, and mystery genres.

TIMESTAMPS

0:03 - Podcast description

1:30 - Overview of Sense and Sensibility

2:42 - Introduction to Vanessa Riley, historical and cultural producer and historical fiction author

4:05 - Vanessa's Jane Austen origin story

7:25 - Jane Austen's wit

9:19 - Historical authenticity and cultural sensitivity in Hallmark Channel’s SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

17:39 - Challenges and achievements in adapting “Sense and Sensibility”

20:35 - Generic Break

21:03 - Discovering Dorothy “Dolly’ Kirwan Thomas, “Island Queen”

28:35 - Vanessa's Research and discoveries for “Queen of Exiles” (Marie-Louise Christophe)

36:15 - Future adaptations and Vanessa Riley's vision

Note: Ep. 82 has been updated to correct a technical error in the introduction.

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In episode 81, the Boston Sisters (Michon and Taquiena) explore how costumes bring iconic characters to life in 3 adaptations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice with Alden O’Brien, costume historian and costume and textile curator for the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum in Washington DC .

The 3 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE adaptations featured:

1. 1995 (BBC/Arts & Entertainment) series
2. 2005 (Focus Features, Universal Pictures) feature film,
3. Upcoming Netflix adaptation (release date TBA) based on a first look photo.

Alden O'Brien also gives some costume shine to the 2020 film adaptation of Austen's Emma in this conversation, and shares tips and resources for creating your own Regency look for Jane Austen birthday anniversary events and cosplay.

Episode 81 is a continuing conversation with Alden O'Brien (see episode 80), part 2 of a 3-podcast miniseries, JANE AUSTEN ADAPTED, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the popular English author Jane Austen's birth (December 16, 1775).

TIMESTAMPS

0:16 - PRIDE AND PREJUDICE as gateway to Jane Austen

0:31 - Episode 81 synopsis

2:30 - Introduction to Alden O'Brien, costume historian and curator

4:32 - 1995 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE - pastels, prints, and corsetry

13:59 - 2005 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE -- high contrasts and "muddied hems"

23:53 - Generic Break

24:30 - Previewing Netflix PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (photo analysis)

32:54 - 2020 EMMA, a "hymn to Regency"

35:28 - Resources for dressing Regency

39:31 - Costume as narration and author's voice

44:53 - Marriage and money - Episode 82 preview with author Vanessa Riley

45:59 - Disclaimer

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Explore the fascinating elements of style in Regency and Federal era clothing, inspirations, and the fashion clues that bring Jane Austen’s characters to life with Alden O’Brien, costume historian and curator of costumes and textiles for the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Museum in Washington, DC.

Episode 80 is part 1 of a 3-podcast mini-series, JANE AUSTEN ADAPTED, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the English author’s birth. Jane Austen (1775 - 1817) is beloved for her novels that capture English country life, societal norms, and romances that hinge on the quest for a financially advantageous marriage.

TIMESTAMPS

0:15 - “Jane Austen Adapted” mini-series synopsis

2:44 - Introduction to Alden O'Brien

4:30 - Alden's role at DAR Museum

7:09 - Regency and Federal era fashion

11:21 - DAR Museum Jane Austen 250th birthday exhibition

14:31 - Historical context of Regency and Federal era style

15:32 - Regency influence and relevance in contemporary fashion

27:20 - Generic Break

29:31 - Sources of fabrics and clothing products

35:10 - Empire and colonization in Regency era

45:30 - Preview of episode 81, “Jane Austen Adapted”

47:30 - Disclaimer

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November 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials in Germany at the end of World War II. In episode 79 Michon and Taquiena Boston aka The Boston Sisters talk with award-winning journalist and author Jack El-Hai about the James Vanderbilt film NUREMBERG based on El-Hai's thought-provoking book, "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist. "

Jack El-Hai’s book and the film explore the psychological dynamics between Nazi second-in-command Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) and American psychiatrist Dr. Douglas M. Kelley (Rami Malek). The book and film delve into the nature of evil, the Nuremberg trials, and Dr. Kelley’s findings from his examinations of the Nazi prisoners that raise questions about the potential for fascism in any and every society. The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding historical events and the role of popular history in reflecting on the present.

After their conversation with Jack El-Hai, Michon and Taquiena share their thoughts about “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” and NUREMBERG.

Spoiler alert: Key moments in the story of the 1945 Nuremberg Trials, and Dr. Douglas M. Kelley’s story, as seen in the film NUREMBERG, are shared in this podcast.

ADVISORY: Be advised, the history discussed in this podcast includes themes of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit their website (988lifeline.org).

TIMESTAMPS

0:03 - Intro and Overview of Podcast

2:34 - Jack El-Hai background journalistic accomplishments

4:11 - THE NAZI AND THE PSYCHIATRIST Book and NUREMBERG Film Synopsis

9:10 - Personal Impact of Writing THE NAZI AND THE PSYCHIATRIST

13:58 - Hermann Göring's and Dr. Douglas Kelley's Relationship

18:51 - NUREMBERG From Page to Screen

25:24 - Generic Podcast Break

25:59 - Historical Context and Psychological Evaluations of Nuremberg Prisoners

29:17 - Use of Rorschach tests

30:04 - Competing Perspectives and Roles of Key Figure

41:13 - Legacy and Relevance of Dr. Kelley's Work

45:18 - Popular History and Its Role in Understanding the Past

48:45 - The Nature of Evil and Fascism

56:32 - Final Thoughts on NUREMBERG Film and THE NAZI AND THE PSYCHIATRIST (Michon and Taquiena)

1:04:52 - Recommendations

1:06:10 - Disclaimer

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In episode 78, The Boston Sisters discuss the film adaptations of plays by award-winning playwright August Wilson (1945 - 2005) and their significance in understanding American history with Dr. Sandra G. Shannon, a leading authority on Wilson's work, as well as founder and President Emerita of the August Wilson Society. Three of Wilson plays were adapted into feature films: FENCES, MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, andTHE PIANO LESSON. JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE is currently in development. Dr. Shannon highlights Wilson's mission to give voice to the African American experience and the importance of historical context in teaching his plays. The conversation also explores metaphysical elements in Wilson's works compared to the popular 2025 Ryan Coogler film SINNERS, and the impact of Wilson's plays on contemporary culture.

TIMESTAMPS

0:02 - Intro to Podcast and Dr. Sandra D. Shannon

1:00 - Overview of August Wilson's Plays

2:31 - Film Adaptations: MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, THE PIANO LESSON, FENCES

4:18 - Dr. Sandra D. Shannon's first impressions of August Wilson

8:06 - August Wilson Society mission and legacy

25:10 - Baltimore's August Wilson Project

26:05 - Teaching August Wilson to a tech/media savvy student

30:06 - MA RAINEY's BLACK BOTTOM blues history

34:39 - THE PIANO LESSON and the value of owning land

44:41 - Pittsburgh as "ground" and microcosm

56:35 - Teaching history through August Wilson plays

59:20 - JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE and Great Migration

1:01:30 - August Wilson, SINNERS, and the supernatural

1:11:58 - Upcoming film adaptation

1:17:09 - African belief systems in August Wilson

1:20:54 - Where to watch FENCES, MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, and THE PIANON LESSON

1:21:14 - Books by Dr. Sandra Shannon

1:22:09 - Disclaimer

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In episode 77 of "Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters®," Michon and Taquiena Boston discuss the Apple TV+ series "CHIEF OF WAR" with co-creator (with Jason Momoa), writer, and co-executive producer Thomas Pa'a Sibbett.

The series, set between 1782 and 1810, tells the story, based on true events, of Hawai'i's unification from an indigenous perspective, featuring a predominantly Polynesian cast, including Jason Momoa as the warrior Ka'iana. Sibbett emphasizes the importance of cultural authenticity, working with cultural advisors to ensure accuracy in costumes, tattoos, and historical details. The conversation also touches on the broader themes of cultural assimilation, resistance, and the importance of indigenous narratives in understanding history and sustainability.

Thomas Pa’a Sibbett is a screenwriter and producer. He rose in the ranks on the film side having penned several features including “Braven” and “The Last Manhunt,” in addition to developing the story on “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom."

0:13 - CHIEF OF WAR synopsis

1:31 - Intro to Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, writer and co-executive producer

2:45 - Chief Kamehmeha and Warrior Ka'iana stories

6:27 - Hawaiian history from Hawaiian perspective

6:31 - History and Healing

10:26 - Collaboration with cultural advisors

14:46 - Tatoos and authenticity

16:57 - Queen Ka'ahumanu pushing boundaries

21:57 - Hawaiians and African Americans

25:13 - Anatomy of a Scene: Vai, the pragmatist vs Ka'iana, the idealist

31:57 - Indigenous wisdom and contemporary realities

34:26 - Many more stories to tell

37:25 - Where to watch CHIEF OF WAR

37:57 - Subscribe, like, share podcast

38:33 - Disclaimer
SUBSCRIBE to HISTORICAL DRAMA WITH THE BOSTON SISTERS® on your favorite podcast platform

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Susanne Simpson, Executive Producer and Head of Scripted Content for MASTERPIECE, the Emmy Award winning PBS drama series, returns to "Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters" for the 5th season preview of MASTERPIECE and MYSTERY! — a podcast annual event since the launch in 2021.

In episode 76 Susanne previews new MYSTERY! series coming in the fall 2025 (MAIGRET and THE GOLD), and new historical dramas for MASTERPIECE coming in 2026: THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO based on the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas (pere); and THE FORSYTES, a prequel to the THE FORSYTE SAGA, a 2002 MASTERPIECE series based on the trilogy of novels by English author John Galsworthy (1867-1933).

TIME STAMPS:

0:29 - Podcast summary

0:53 - Susanne Simpson intro

2:14 - Public media funding and MASTERPIECE

4:47 - Previewing 2025 - 20265:00 PBS Passport

5:50 - MAIGRET on MYSTERY!

10:11 - THE GOLD on MYSTERY!

12:26 - THE FORSYTES on MASTERPIECE

20:30 - Multiracial casting in THE FORSYTES and historical drama

27:30 - THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO on MASTERPIECE

31:36 - Edmond Dantès, revenge, and justice

36:03 - Where to watch MASTERPIECE and MYSTERY!

36:37 - Subscribe to Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters

37:14 - Disclaimer

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The 5th season premiere!

In Episode 75 we go behind-the-scenes with DOWNTON ABBEY costume designer Anna [Mary Scott] Robbins who reflects on her journey designing costumes for two DOWNTON ABBEY series and the three feature films including the recent and final chapter DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE.

In this conversation, Anna highlights the importance of creating costumes that reflect the characters' shifting roles and status over a decade at Downton Abbey, both upstairs and downstairs.

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TIMESTAMPS

0:53 - DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE synopsis

1:27 - Anna Robbins introduction

3:06 - Anna Robbin's costume designer' journey

8:59 - Downton Abbey art deco style and women's changing role through fashion

12:52 - 1920s fashion influences on contemporary designers

13:55 - Researching fashion for costume designs

17:57 - Collaborative process of the DOWNTON ABBEY production and design teams

21:45 - Designing a stand-out tomato red gown for Lady Mary

23:09 - Generic Break

23:44 - Hats, gloves, and jewelry -- character is in the details

29:13 - Edith and Mary as career women: London style and country estate style

32:27 - Designing to reflect upstairs/downstairs hierarchies and generations

39:07 - Costuming characters' story arcs (optional addition Daisy's evolution)

41:20 - Anna's desired adaptations Chanel biopic, and book adaptation pick - Sarah Winman's Still Life novel

Transcripts are available to download from the webpage for this podcast episode. Visit michonbostongroup.com/bostonsisters

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