Behind The Glass: A Parsonage Podcast

For our final episode of series two, we welcome Graham Watson, author of 'The Invention of Charlotte Brontë', the new, eye-opening take on Charlotte's last years.We discuss scandal and celebrity in the Brontë world, and ask the tantalising question: who really was Charlotte Brontë?

Episode six is all about Anne! We're joined by Yorkshire writer and theatre-maker, Nicole Joseph, to uncover what we know about the youngest Brontë sister - and what we didn't know...Inspired by Nicole's chosen object, we explore what makes Anne's work so relevant even today.

On this episode, we're joined by Ruby Granger, the digital creator and literary influencer making the classics more accessible to young people.We talk about creativity in childhood, escaping to the moors, and the extraordinary bond between the Brontë siblings.

For the fourth installment of our second series, we welcome Mia Ferullo. Artist, master's student, and part of the team at the Brontë Parsonage Museum, Mia joins us to shine a light on the Brontë sisters, guided by her chosen object from the collection...We cover everything from letter-writing to finding creative space - and ask how much has changed for women in the spotlight today.

This week, we're joined by literary and cultural historian, Dr Claire O'Callaghan - Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Loughborough and Editor-in-Chief of 'Brontë Studies'.We dive into representations of gender and fashion in the Brontës' work, exploring literary symbolism inspired by Claire's very special chosen object from the collection.

Series two returns with our first guest of 2025, the Rev. Oli Preston of Haworth Parish Church. We discuss 19th-century medicine, looking after ourselves and the environment, and what it's like stepping into Patrick Brontë's shoes in the parish he cared for.Stay till the end for some beautiful music - the first of the podcast!

Welcome back to Behind the Glass with this early-release first episode of series 2! Sam and new co-host Connie talk to prize-winning poet Jenny Mitchell, in an episode that touches on interpretations of 'Jane Eyre', Britain's colonial past, and themes related to Black history for Black History Month this October. We'll return in 2025 to showcase the rest of series 2 - for now, enjoy this taster...! 

Join Adam Sargant, the charming host of the Haunted Haworth Ghost Walks, as he weaves together spooky tales and local folklore tied to the Brontë sisters. Expect a captivating dive into the eerie history of Howarth and Branwell Brontë's family dynamics. The conversation sparkles with humorous anecdotes and discussions about a haunted piano that echoes Victorian society's music significance. Through games and personal stories, Adam and the co-hosts explore the ghosts of literary history, blending the supernatural with the art of storytelling.

Emma Conally-Barklem, a poet and yoga teacher from North Yorkshire, discusses the intersection of meditation, literature, and self-identity. She dives into the Brontë sisters' legacy, sharing personal stories tied to nostalgia and local heritage. The conversation humorously examines historical footwear, particularly Charlotte Brontë's boots, as reflections of identity. Emma also presents an impromptu poem, highlighting how yoga fosters creativity and resilience in personal transformation, blending her passion for poetry and mindfulness.

Ramlah Qureshi, a Visitor Experience Assistant and talented artist at the Brontë Parsonage Museum, dives into the vibrant intersection of art and literature. She discusses the Brontë sisters' creative synergy, drawing parallels to modern female artists like Taylor Swift. Ramlah also emphasizes the significance of memory and personal artifacts in shaping identity. The conversation takes a playful turn as they explore Yorkshire's local culture and celebrate Anne Brontë's feminist legacy, making connections between historical and contemporary themes.