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

Jack ponders his identity, and has a close encounter with a formidable new enemy. Stephen gains insights into Dillon’s thinking, while Jack gets bad career news. We hear about mantises, sardanas, laxatives, enemas and evangelism. Something for everyone! Ch 8.

We have a brush with the French, and Stephen practices resurrection with a bellows. There’s Mowett’s poetry, a Russel Crowe alert, a chase, Minions, rumors of peace, and a questionable time ashore for Jack. Ch 9.

The tension between Jack and Dillon mounts. Jack’s still lucky in prizes ... too lucky maybe? Jack and Dillon face gunboats off Barcelona, as well as their internal and external nemeses, before the chapter is over. For any of you not familiar with the exploits of Thomas Cochrane, you’re about to be… Ch 10.

The Sophie, victorious, enters Mahon, as Jack reunites with Molly. There’s an unexpected end to the Cacafeugo and two unexpected missions. We learn about peccant parts, revisit the Music Room in the Governor’s House (with some Boccherini this time), remember Dillon, light up the sky and get close to the French. Ch 11.

The Sophies are now prisoners of the French, as a battle with the English starts. We are spectators at the first and second battles of Algeciras and have a front-row seat at Jack’s trial for losing the Sophie. We learn about emotions, courts-martial, and big squadron actions all while enjoying the Rock of Gibraltar. Ch 12.

To celebrate reaching Episode 100, we have a special for you - Ian & Mike answer listeners' questions. We'll talk about personal stories, TV adaptations, equine digestion and the great sloth vs potto debate. Special thanks to our Patreon supporters, a few of whom we hear from in person. To watch a video version, please visit https://youtube.com/c/TheLubbersHole.

After we all get caught up on who is aboard & why, the Surprise leaves on the long-promised secret mission to South America. We learn the reasons she departs so quickly, and what new developments are flowering between Stephen and Diana. Ch 1.

Stephen’s bankers frustrate, a prize takes flight, the new purser impresses - just not favorably. We find out why Master & Commander was such a great prelude to The Thirteen Gun Salute, as the “United Irishmen curse”, which hunted Dillon, descends on Stephen. Ch 2.

Jack worries about his new purser and the crew starting to think this is an unlucky voyage. Stephen gets a surprise visitor in Lisbon, Jack meets the son of an old shipmate, and the backward glances at Master & Commander continue, as we wonder where Sharpe and Hornblower have got to. Ch 3, Ch 4 (Part).

Jack heads to London, hoping for the happiest possible news.  We explore Irish mythology, and learn about the plans for the mission to Pulo Prabang: what kind of man is Mr Fox the envoy, really? Ep 4.