The Official Gilded Age Podcast

Lord Julian Fellowes, an extraordinary guest, joins the hosts to dissect the Gilded Age society and the opera war. They discuss the hierarchy of churches, New York City and Philadelphia, and the social significance of attending these churches. The hosts also explore the locations used in the show and discuss a popular novel and an opera performance. They highlight the Europeans' constant reference to history and Americans' forward-looking attitude. The hosts express their anticipation for interviewing the series creator and promise more interviews with the crew in upcoming episodes.

Join hosts Alicia Malone and Tom Meyers after every episode as they peel back the gilding between fact and fiction and talk exclusively to the people who bring The Gilded Age to life only on The Official Gilded Age Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hosts recap the season finale and discuss character developments. They explore etiquette issues and power play between Mrs. Astor and Bertha. They also discuss the process of creating the big ballroom scene and express interest in further exploration of the Gilded Age.

Denée Benton, shaping Peggy's storyline, joins the hosts to discuss her character's development. Bob Shaw, the production designer, talks about the creative decisions made for the show. They explore the lavish mansions and activities of the Gilded Age in Newport, Rhode Island. Topics also include the tragic Pestigo fire, dinner parties, controversial socialites, and the dynamics of servants' living conditions. The chapter on recreating an erased world and the transformative experience of working with other actors is also discussed.

In part one, hosts Alicia Malone (TCM) and Tom Meyers (The Bowery Boys) discuss American art, innovation, electricity, indoor lighting and how it changed New York during the Gilded Age. In part two, the hosts are joined by Carrie Coon (Bertha Russell) and Director Michael Engler to discuss the research they did to prepare for the production, the parallels between the 21st century and the Gilded Age, and the production decisions that were made to create Edison’s illuminating display of electricity .  Watch The Gilded Age on HBO Max, and subscribe to The Official Gilded Age Podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Actress Taissa Farmiga and property master Michael Jortner join the hosts to discuss pre-production and character development for The Gilded Age. They talk about selecting and creating props, the challenges of filming dining scenes, and the unnerving abundance of dolls on set. The hosts also explore the figures and roles of men, women, and servants during the Gilded Age, as well as the rules and etiquette of dining at the time.

Louisa Jacobson and Thomas Cocquerel join the hosts to discuss the roles of men and women during the Gilded Age, the significance of domestic helpers, the dynamics of power and society, and the development of their characters' romantic relationship on the show.

Audra McDonald and Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar discuss the development of the Scott family storyline and black America in 1882. They explore the exclusive clubs of the Gilded Age and the possibility of servant-master affairs. The podcast also highlights the existence of a black elite in New York City during the 1880s and the erasure of their stories. They discuss assumptions and biases among the characters based on race and social class. Peggy's career working for a black owned newspaper and the relevance of the Gilded Age era are also explored.

Cynthia Nixon and Salli Richardson-Whitfield join hosts to discuss decision-making behind a complex episode and production. They share a serendipitous shot that created a beautiful moment on screen. The podcast also explores the industries booming during the Gilded Age, like railroads and newspaper/journalism, and the struggles faced by people of color in high society. Excitement about Broadway actors and a preview of the next episode are shared.

Morgan Spector and Lauri Pitkus join the hosts to discuss the development of George's character and the unique approach to scouting and securing locations. They also explore notable NYC locations of the Gilded Age and the important role of gatekeepers in building. They talk about the shopping district of Lady's Mile, social expectations, corruption among city officials, and creating realistic locations using visual effects. They also discuss George Russell's ruthless nature and the details of dining scenes on the show.