Plot twists, social scandals, and emotional farewells — this episode of The Gilded Age moves at a breakneck pace (and sometimes a horse’s pace). Jason and Marissa break down John Adams’ shocking fate, Marian’s mess, JJ’s glow-up, and Bertha’s maternal power moves in England. Plus: Oscar’s redemption arc, Larry’s Arizona gamble, and why we all need to look both ways before crossing the street.

🔍 In This Episode

💥 Major Moments

• John Adams' Death: A literal collision course that ends in tragedy. Was it predictable? Was it Downton Abbey-style chaos? Let’s talk about Julian Fellowes’ love for surprise exits.
• Oscar’s Moral Dilemma: From threatening Maude Beaton with a candlestick to buying her a ticket out of town — we unpack Oscar’s “Captain Save-a-Ho” energy and his bittersweet love story with John Adams.
• JJ's Exit (and Windfall): JJ leaves the Van Rhijn household with dignity — and $300K. We talk legacy, mixers, and whether he’s our next Gilded Age mogul.
• Marian & Larry’s Engagement Crumbles: Marian’s full meltdown over Larry’s alleged night at the Haymarket turns a relationship bump into a full breakup letter.
• Gladys vs. Lady Sarah: A masterclass in soft power. Bertha helps Gladys assert herself — and we witness a duchess-in-training deliver the coldest clapback of the season.
• Bertha in London: Bertha’s restrained but effective intervention in her daughter’s new life proves she can rule even from across the Atlantic.
• George’s Business Crisis: JP Morgan, Clay, and a potential financial collapse loom large — but will Larry’s Arizona copper find save the day?

💬 Social Dynamics & Social Justice

• Peggy & Dr. Kirkland: Sparks fly — but Mrs. Kirkland is not a fan. Peggy’s teacup diplomacy with Frances Ellen Watkins Harper brings suffrage politics and respectability politics to the forefront.
• Ada’s Grief & Strength: A psychic and a heartfelt hug from Agnes. We talk about Ada’s emotional arc and what it reveals about agency and vulnerability.

🕊️ PSA Corner: Look Both Ways

Yes, we opened this episode with a traffic PSA — because some tragedies are avoidable. Stay aware, stay safe, and stay with us for the drama.

💌 Support the Show

• Rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen.
• Buy us a coffee (or a train ticket to Sandusky): buymeacoffee.com/goodpod
• Email us: thegoodpodfeedback@gmail.com

In Season 3, Episode 5 of The Gilded Age, everything feels both fast and slow—and our hosts Jason and Marissa are here to unpack it all! Gladys is not thriving in England, and Lady Sarah is giving serious Mean Girls energy. Back home, the Russells are unraveling—George is failing at business, Bertha’s charming other men, and Larry finally proposes to Marian (!). Plus, Oscar gets intel on Maud Beaton, Peggy stands her ground, and Ada visits a medium. There's rat traps, awkward dinner parties, and a whole lot of tension at Delmonico’s. It's peak Gilded Age chaos—and we’re loving every second.

00:22 – Jason and Marissa read listener reviews and reveal some corrections
02:45 – Gladys arrives in England... and it's not great
18:30 – George fires Clay; Larry gets a big ask
29:00 – Larry proposes to Marian (!!)
34:30 – The Bertha/George showdown begins
42:00 – Peggy, Fortune, and Dr. Kirkland's love triangle heats up
48:00 – Two minutes with Borden & Bruce
56:00 – JJ gets a tour of NYC nightlife
1:00:00 – Larry spots Maud Beaton—and tells Oscar
1:12:00 – Marian and Bertha in Newport drama
1:15:00 – Mrs. Astor faces a reckoning

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and rate the podcast wherever you’re listening. It helps so much! And if you’d like to support the show, head to https://buymeacoffee.com/goodpod — every bit helps us keep recapping and laughing.

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In this episode of The Gilded Pod, hosts Jason Reed and Marissa Garza dive into season three, episode four of The Gilded Age, titled 'Marriage is a Gamble.' They are joined by special guest Brice Izyah, a host on the RHAP network and a devoted fan of the show. The trio discusses the major themes of marriage, social mobility, and the intersection of race and class in the episode, focusing on the contrasting experiences of characters like Gladys, Peggy, and the Russells. They also reflect on different characters' personal struggles, societal pressures, and the historical context of the series. The dialogue is rich with analysis and humor, touching on various plot points including Gladys's forced wedding, Peggy's fight for independence, and the complications arising from new and old money dynamics. This episode highlights the show's ability to spark meaningful discussions about historical and contemporary social issues.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts Banter
00:35 Special Guest Introduction: Brice Izyah
01:35 Brice's Love for The Gilded Age
04:03 Favorite Characters Discussion
07:52 Wedding Episode Highlights
08:45 Monica's Arrival and Pre-Wedding Drama
24:43 Wedding Day Chaos
32:00 Larry and JJ's Business Deal
40:06 Agnes and Ada's Power Struggle
44:08 Cynthia's Expensive Mistake
45:22 Wedding Gossip and Scandals
48:26 Mrs. Winterton's Return
51:20 Marriage and Social Mobility
56:22 Gladys' Unhappy Wedding
01:03:24 Peggy's Struggles and Triumphs
01:20:38 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans