British Culture: Albion Never Dies

Thomas Felix Creighton

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What is 'British-ness'? This podcast explores all aspects of British culture from the perspective of an Englishman previously based in China and Turkey. Perhaps you know Thomas Felix Creighton already from Instagram's @FlemingNeverDies centered on Ian Fleming's classic creation, James Bond, 007. Here, we can see a wider background of where our British hero sits. You can also check out the video channel: www.youtube.com/britishculture  

The CHINESE Culture Podcast: 中国 Never Dies

Don't be shy, send me a message!A real change for the podcast: After 5 years of talking about British culture, it's time to move on and talk about 'The Middle Kingdom', China. I lived in China from 2015-2021, and regularly wrote e-mails to my parents detailing my time there. The first half of the podcast is me reading from these and adding in my reflections almost a decade on. I talk about my first arrival in China, the visa process and settling in at work, as well as a day trip to Hong Kong. Th

Apr 1, • 1:08:21

British Manners [Episode 184]

Don't be shy, send me a message!The UK is famously polite, but is the reputation well-deserved? I check out the Hugh Dennis book, ‘Britty Britty Bang Bang’, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Micheal Portillo’s Great British Railway Journeys, and a range of other sources. I also draw on my own experience in the US, China, Turkish Cyprus, and elsewhere. Most of all, I ask you for your experience, so do get in touch! Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDiesE-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comChe

Mar 25, • 29:06

British Culture Q&A [Episode 183]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Your questions answered, whether sent via Instagram, Chinese social media, or in a comment on Youtube! The questions were:How do you feel being in the UK after 2 years?  - Instagram: @BondUpNorth (Sam)How is your Bond fitness challenge going?  - Instagram: LicensetoliftWhat is your favourite British sitcom from the 1980s? – [an old friend who will remain anonymous]Why are Vikings so popular? – Instagram: @BritishBondFan (a different Sam!)Could you talk about N

Mar 11, • 34:47

Amazon Buys 007 & British Family Businesses [Episode 182]

Don't be shy, send me a message!"Amazon MGM Studios, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today announced that they have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise. Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction.” - 20/02/2025This news has gained sufficient traction that even my wonderful vica

Feb 25, • 29:59

Are the Harry Potter books worth reading? ...as an adult [Episode 181]

Don't be shy, send me a message!I’ve just read all 7 Harry Potter books, plus the three supplementary books, for the first time. I’ve also visited some of the movie locations in the UK (including Durham Cathedral and King’s Cross Station), tried Butterbeer and Fizzing Wizzbees (plus Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs), worn my house colours (having been sorted by the official Sorting Hat), and played the video game Hogwarts Legacy. I’m slowly re-watching the movies as well

Feb 11, • 33:34

The Britishness of Quantum of Solace [Episode 180]

Don't be shy, send me a message!5 very special guests join me for this episode from 4 continents:David Zaritsky @TheBondExperienceDonnie Waldron @Quantum of HistoryPete Brooker @LondonBondMapGabriel Rabenales @TheStyleisNotEnoughLincoln McConnell-Brown @DressingLikeMcQueenWe talk about places, themes, and values shown in this film from our vantage points in London, the USA, Chile, and Australia. Is this film truly British? If so, what makes it so? Listen to the episode to find out!Support th

Jan 28, • 32:00

Interview with Raymond Benson - James Bond continuation author and more! [Episode 179]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Raymond Benson is the author of over forty published titles. He is most well-known as being the first American to write continuation James Bond novels (six original titles and three film novelizations, between 1996-2002), and for the best-selling and acclaimed five-book serial, THE BLACK STILETTO (2011-2014). I also mention in the episode that he wrote, JETHRO TULL (POCKET ESSENTIAL SERIES) There's a lot more, so if you want the full story please visit th

Dec 24, 2024 • 32:04

The Britishness of James Bond: For Your Eyes Only (1981) starring Roger Moore

Don't be shy, send me a message!Introduced by Joe Darlington (Being James Bond), I investigate the uniquely British aspects of this 007 film, with 6 special  interviews from China thanks to my previous guest Max James Joy (A Brit Abroad... in China - Celebrating a 'British Day' in Guangzhou).  We talk about:What makes this film so special?British submarinesBritish-Greek RelationsThe King's MedalAncient Chinese SayingsElektraSaint CyrilThe Most Famous British GreekBritish Winte

Dec 17, 2024 • 33:01

DEEP DIVE: The Britishness of Skyfall - My Favourite Daniel Craig 007 Film

Don't be shy, send me a message!What makes the 007 films so uniquely British? In this episode, I take a deep (1-hour) dive into 2012's 'Skyfall' starring Daniel Craig. If you haven’t seen the film ‘Skyfall’ since it came out in 2012, don’t worry, there is plenty for you. In fact, if you’ve never seen this film, I hope you’ll still enjoy this podcast, and indeed can still enjoy watching the film afterwards without too many plot or character spoilers beyond the usual shape of a

Nov 19, 2024 • 59:18

REISSUE: Celebrating Trafalgar Night (21st October)

Don't be shy, send me a message!Every year, on October 21st, the Royal Navy celebrates Admiral Nelson’s most famous victory, near Trafalgar in 1805 when 27 British Royal Naval ships defeated a combined French and Spanish fleet of 33 warships. But, what if Nelson had lost? And how can we celebrate this night?I draw upon three books:‘The Rise and Fall of the British Empire’ by Lawrence James ‘Empire of the Seas: How the Navy Forged the Modern World’ by Brian Lavery‘HMS Victory’ by Peter Goodwi

Oct 21, 2024 • 27:06

A Brit Abroad... in China - Celebrating a 'British Day' in Guangzhou

Don't be shy, send me a message!What is it like to be a Brit in China, before, during, and after the pandemic? Today's special guest, Max James Joy, shed some light on how being a Brit in China has changed over the last few years (since I left). He also talks about the different cultures found *within* China, and even within the same city.Max is a UOI (Unit of Inquiry) teacher, helping students from a range of cultures develop an wholistic view of the world. His school will play a key r

Oct 14, 2024 • 34:45

BONUS: My First Time Living Overseas - A Brit in Turkish Cyprus (2001-2008)

Don't be shy, send me a message!Have you ever wondered what it's like to live overseas? In this episode, I share a selection of clips from my audio diary, recorded on cassette tape in 2006. At that time, I had been living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for 5 years, the first experience of 'expat living' that I remember. I had lived in West Berlin in the 1980s, but my memories of the West and visiting the East are hazy at best! In the audio diary, I documented my da

Sep 30, 2024 • 34:46

Meeting the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak

Don't be shy, send me a message!Today, I met the Prime Minister of the UK. I give my very quick impressions of the event, from out in a fieldSupport the show

Jun 27, 2024 • 7:02

NEW BOOK: Boy Wanted on Savile Row - An Interview with Pete Brooker (From Tailors With Love) [Episode 172]

Don't be shy, send me a message!In this episode, I am delighted to interview Pete Brooker (From Tailors With Love) about his work about the forthcoming memoir of Timothy Everest MBE.Boy Wanted on Savile Row is a revealing memoir that charts the evolution of British tailoring over the past four decades, starting in the 1980s, when Timothy Everest MBE studied under the rebel of Savile Row, Tommy Nutter, and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Steve Strange and Boy George among the New Romantics

Mar 19, 2024 • 26:31

British Science Fiction [Episode 169]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thank you to Instagram's @Izi_Ready_GoesBond for suggesting this topic! In this episode, I cover:H.G. WellsThe Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HydeAldous Huxley Arthur C Clarke Gerry Anderson Dr WhoStar WarsThe Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Dirk GentlyThe Quatermass Experiment The Tomorrow People Blake's 7I also read from 'The Fixed Period' by Anthony Trollope, a sci-fi novel I learned about only this week! Host: Thomas Felix Creighton

Feb 27, 2024 • 29:22

Instagram's @ThatOneBondGuy talks, 'On HIS Majesty's Secret Service - A James Bond Continuation Novel by Charlie Higson [Episode 168]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Chris Morales, @thatonebondguy on Instagram and Youtube gives me his unique take on the James Bond continuation novel, ‘On HIS Majesty’s Secret Service’ by Charlie Higson - who previously wrote the ‘Young Bond’ book series which are a prequel to the original Ian Fleming series.We also talk about Chris’ Anglophilia: The Stormbreaker Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, the Kingsman series, coming to James Bond, the books, films, biographies of Ian Fleming, an

Feb 20, 2024 • 31:13

The British-Chinese Connection [Episode 167]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Happy Year of the Dragon, which in Mandarin is 'long' so it's going to be a looong year as a Chinese friend pointed out to me this week.In this episode, I (briefly) talk about my grandfather's time in Hong Kong as child, and the First Chinese Man in Britain (longer ago than I thought). I talk about the Opium Wars, drawing on two books I recommended previously and that I have reviewed on my Youtube channel, 'The Rise and Fall of the Bri

Feb 13, 2024 • 33:34

'U' is for... 'Underground', 'Umbrella', and 'Upper-Class' [Episode 166]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thank you very much to Kyle Barbeau (Instagram's Easy Smiles and Expensive Watches) and David Nix (via e-mail) for suggesting these three topics! I spend 10 minutes on each one, roughly.1-10: UndergroundLondon has the oldest underground train system in the world, but how does it compare to modern Chinese cities such as Shenzhen? I share my experiences.10-20: UmbrellaWhat is the most famous umbrella in movie history? Not the one I thought of, apparently. I

Feb 6, 2024 • 29:32

The British Empire: My Five Favourite Factual Books [Episode 165]

Don't be shy, send me a message!The British Empire is scarcely taught in schools in modern Britain, yet many of us Brits have personal connections to it. Learning about our individual heritage can connect us to a wider national and global story. Here, I talk about my own interest, my travels to places once ruled by the UK, and the five books that helped inform me on the reality of Empire. I give the recommendations from around the ten-minute mark, with readings and reviews. Each have their o

Jan 30, 2024 • 34:19

My 5 Favourite Shakespeare Plays [Episode 164]

Don't be shy, send me a message!What is Britishness? Well, there's no doubt Shakespeare is a British institution, and much of the UK's theater industry seems to rest heavily on these 500 year old plays. Never mind the tourist industry in Stratford-upon-Avon! Actors from Timothy Dalton (007) to Patrick Stuart (Jean-Luc Picard), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Diana Rigg (Mrs. James Bond) and Judi Dench (M) have passed through the Royal Shakespeare Company. But, in this one, I give my own pe

Jan 23, 2024 • 30:18

An Ambulance Came For Me (but don't panic) [Episode 163]

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week, just a 10-minute update explaining what's transpired with me over the last week. In short, expect more next week; especially as I've been longing to cover Shakespeare for a while now. I may also get moving again with the Alphabet of Britishness, but that depends on you all really. Anyone up for 'V is for Victoria'?Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcult

Jan 16, 2024 • 10:21

My Favourite James Bond Locations ~ by listener request! [Episode 162]

Don't be shy, send me a message!007 visits many beautiful locations as part of his service to Queen (now King) and country, but which are the best? I talk about my own experiences in Hong Kong, Istanbul, and London, with an additional special mention for San Francisco.Thank you to Sam the Instagram @britishbondfan for suggesting this topic, and for all those who joined the discussion on my Instagram stories, post, and private chats. This episode is for all of you. I do requests!Message me an

Jan 9, 2024 • 31:14

Romans, Pagans, and Christians in Britain ~ by listener request! [Episode 161]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Friends, Romans, and podcast listeners! Lend me your ears for about 27 and a bit minutes! Listener Sam (https://www.instagram.com/britishbondfan), asked me to look into Pre-Roman and Pre-Christian Britain, and I kind of allowed this little rabbit hole to go wherever. I am very keen on written texts when it comes to history, archeology, less so (sorry Indiana Jones). I hope you all enjoy the highways and byways this took me down.I read from a 1908 translation o

Jan 2, 2024 • 27:15

British Comedy & Expat Life: An Interview With Jorma Kirkko (The Blackmilkshake Comedy Pubcast) [Episode 160]

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week, I interview a seasoned expat and comedy podcaster 'Jorma Kirkko', well known from his 'Blackmilkshake Comedy Pubcast'. He is based in Istanbul! It is always a joy for me to talk to a British expat in Turkey. We talk about the highs and lows of being a British culture 'insider' whilst outside the UK. I mainly leave the jokes to the pro.Check out his Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@talkingistanbullocks...and of course hi

Dec 26, 2023 • 27:40

BONUS Episode: The King James Bible, The Gospel According to St. Luke; The Coming of Jesus (Reading)

Don't be shy, send me a message!The King James Bible is one of the most influential works in English. As we approach Christmas, Thomas reads from perhaps the best known chapters telling of the nativity. Support the show

Dec 22, 2023 • 17:10

The BEST THREE British TV Comedies According to UK Writer Roland Hulme: Blackadder, Fawlty Towers, and Red Dwarf [Episode 159]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Humour (with a 'u') is one of the most defining characteristics of a culture, so what are the top three comedy TV shows from the United Kingdom and what can they tell us about British Culture? Here, writer Roland Hulme tells us about Blackadder (starring Rowan Atkinson), Fawlty Towers (starring John Cleese), Red Dwarf (we had to Google the main actor). No disrespect to the lead actor of Red Dwarf by the way, he simply embodies the role so well that h

Dec 19, 2023 • 31:41

BONUS Episode: The King James Bible, The Gospel According to St. Matthew; The Coming of Jesus (Reading)

Don't be shy, send me a message!The King James Bible is one of the most influential works in English. As we approach Christmas, Thomas reads from the first chapter, the coming of Jesus. Support the show

Dec 15, 2023 • 10:24

Casino Royale: Interview with Superfan Kyle Barbeau (Instagram's @EasySmilesAndExpensiveWatches) [Episode 158]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Finally! I have Kyle on the podcast, who contributed enormously to the 'Alphabet of Britishness' series (which *will* return). I interview him about his love of the 2006 movie Casino Royale, which inspired his choice on Instagram handle:https://www.instagram.com/easysmilesandexpensivewatches/We talk about the joys of the James Bond fan community, about attending special events, concerts, and screenings, and the other film franchises we love. Do check

Dec 12, 2023 • 27:49

Listener Request: The British Countryside | With a Special Look at 'The Archers' [Episode 157]

Don't be shy, send me a message!This podcast episode has a whole 5 minutes on Bingley, the little town in the UK where I live. I then talk about the longest running soap opera in the world; The Archers, an everyday story of country folk. Broadcast since 1951, episodes are broadcast on BBC Radio Four every day, Sunday to Friday at seven p.m., and they're repeated the next day at two p.m. (except on Saturdays). Episodes are about 12 or 13 minutes, and you can listen for free on the app BB

Dec 5, 2023 • 31:12

Topics From Listeners | Your Questions Answered! [Episode 156]

Don't be shy, send me a message!In this episode, I respond to questions from my Instagram friends over at @flemingneverdiesThe Spice Girls!Are we getting any Christmas specials?Vodka Martini StoriesBritish Science FictionBritain Pre-Roman and Christianity Who should be the next M, Q, and Moneypenny for James Bond?Hannah Waddingham Energy!Top Places to go to enjoy England’s countrysideFleming’s London (Book Locations)Clive of IndiaThe Boer WarMI6What is a stiff upper lip?Best ever double-act?

Nov 28, 2023 • 31:45

Interview with Mark Edlitz, author of 'The Many Lives of James Bond' [Episode 155]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Mark Edlitz is the author of works such as 'How to be a Superhero', 'The Many Lives of James Bond: How the Creators of 007 Have Decoded the Superspy', 'The Lost Adventures of James Bond' and most recently, 'Movies Go Fourth: 4th Films in Fantastic Franchises'. We talk about all of these, plus have a trip down memory lane as we talk about James Bond Jr., the cartoon, comic book, and toy range, from the 1990s.Please do che

Nov 21, 2023 • 34:55

60 Years of Dr. Who | 3/3 | The Modern Whoniverse... and is James Bond a Time Lord? | With Instagram's @DanielGaster [Episode 154]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Dr. Who's 60th anniversary is drawing closer and closer... At least, according to our perception of time, limited as it is by being only human. The eponymous Doctor is a Time Lord from Gallifrey, so he (or she) is not limited by the limiting limits of such limitations. He's not (or she's not) the only Time Lord out there, so Thomas Felix Creighton and Daniel Gaster can't help asking, is James Bond a Time Lord? Does that explain the differen

Nov 14, 2023 • 30:07

Remember, Remember... and Remembrance | Two Pillars of Community Life in the UK [Episode 153]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Two important community events, Guy Fawkes / Bonfire Night, and Remembrance Sunday. One to celebrate, one to commemorate. Both draw people together from all backgrounds around the United Kingdom. Thank you to Bradford Cathedral for allowing me to use some of their sound recording of the 77th Bradford Festival of Remembrance. You can find their Youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@BfdCathedral and their Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/bfd

Nov 7, 2023 • 21:55

60 Years of Dr. Who | 2/3 | From '70s ICON Tom Baker to 2000s ICON David Tennant | With Instagram's @DanielGaster [Episode 152]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Doctor Who reached some incredible heights in the '70s and 2000s, and indeed, ever since it started  gracing our screens since 23 November 1963. But with such a long history, how can a new entrant to the series possibly catch up? What's happened so far? Who are the *most* iconic characters? How often do they return? How best to bridge the 'classic' and 'new' Who episodes? This episode reveals all. Well, much. Let's not get ca

Oct 31, 2023 • 26:24

BONUS Episode: Who was 'Boudica: Queen of War'?

Don't be shy, send me a message!The new Netflix movie 'Boudica: Queen of War' starring former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko (Camille, 'Quantum of Solace') premiers today. But, who was Boudica? Was she really the Warrior Queen she is said to be? What is her significance in history? Check out this podcast episode to find out. Fact is often stranger - and more interesting - than fiction.The main content here was originally released February 28th 2022, as part of the 55 minute epi

Oct 26, 2023 • 18:08

The Silly Season - A Slice of UK Life [Episode 150]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting 3 local Members of Parliament, and Michael Gove, who has been a member of cabinet for 12 of the last 13 years. He has served 4 of the last 5 Prime Ministers (not Liz Truss). I was able to meet them all at a dinner thanks to parliament being in recess, when politicians return in Autumn to their shires and connect with their constituents. I talk about this, the ensuing lack of UK political news as all the 'great men&a

Oct 23, 2023 • 29:47

REISSUE: Celebrating Trafalgar Night (21st October)

Don't be shy, send me a message!Every year, on October 21st, the Royal Navy celebrates Admiral Nelson’s most famous victory, near Trafalgar in 1805 when 27 British Royal Naval ships defeated a combined French and Spanish fleet of 33 warships. But, what if Nelson had lost? And how can we celebrate this night?I draw upon three books:‘The Rise and Fall of the British Empire’ by Lawrence James ‘Empire of the Seas: How the Navy Forged the Modern World’ by Brian Lavery‘HMS Victory’ by Peter Goodwi

Oct 21, 2023 • 27:06

60 Years of Dr. Who | 1/3 | The beginning and the BEST entry point to 'Classic Who' | With Instagram's @DanielGaster [Episode 148]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Doctor Who has graced our screens since 23 November 1963. But with such a long history, how can a new entrant to the series possibly catch up? What's happened so far? What's the basic premise? Who are the iconic characters? What's the best 'classic' episode? And who is 'Who'? This episode reveals all. Well, much. Let's not get carried away. Have a jelly baby.You can find Daniel Gaster here:https://www.instagram.com/danie

Oct 15, 2023 • 31:54

Albion Is Not Enough | London as seen in 1999's 'James Bond: The World Is Not Enough' [Episode 147]

Don't be shy, send me a message!In 1999's 'The World Is Not Enough' starring Pierce Brosnan as 007, we see a stunning boat chase down the Thames in the opening minutes of the movie. This was the first time we really see London used in a major action piece in a James Bond movie. In this episode, I talk to a number of fellow Bond fans about their favourite moments of this chase, give my own take, and talk about the significant sights.You can watch the chase for yourself on the O

Oct 9, 2023 • 27:05

No Time To Die (2021) - Movie Review [Episode 146]

Don't be shy, send me a message!My first ever movie review on this channel, 2 years on, time to share my first impressions of the 25th James Bond film from EON Productions. I give my views, and wander down a few little rabbit holes, as is my style. I talk about my personal journey with this film, three of the major talking points (full spoilers, so only listen if you've seen the film), and run through my highlights when watching. No surprise here if you've listened to Episode 118;

Oct 2, 2023 • 32:06

Ranking the 007 films with Donnie Waldron (@Quantum_of_History): Which James Bond Movie has "NO GOOD BITS"? [Episode 145]

Don't be shy, send me a message!In every Bond film there’s a real-life historical event that goes with it. Donnie's podcast researches and presents the history that inspired the stories. Here, he sets out the best *and worst* of the James Bond franchise. One of the 007 films is absolutely (in his view) beyond redemption. Yet there are several others that are "perfect tens". We focus on the extreme ends of the enjoyment spectrum, and find a way of watching 2015's SPECTRE t

Sep 25, 2023 • 36:20

Gertrude Bell - Queen of the Desert [Episode 144]

Don't be shy, send me a message!She spoke better Arabic than Lawrence of Arabia, helped draw the borders of modern-day Iraq, and founded the National Museum arguing that historic relics should be kept in the country of origin. Yet Gertrude Bell is a relatively little-known British Imperialist. Perhaps as she was so ‘of her era’, as opposed to the more self-questioning heroes we might focus on now. I talk about my journey over the last few weeks, trying to find out more and more about her. I

Sep 18, 2023 • 30:27

What is... Yorkshire? [Episode 143]

Don't be shy, send me a message!I have mentioned Yorkshire many times, but rarely focused on it. Time to rectify that. Yorkshire is a historic county of England, between the Pennies and the North Sea. It is England’s largest historical county with a history shaped by the Vikings (Danelaw), the War of the Roses (1455 – 1487), and the Industrial Revolution.Famous Yorkshire folk include:Sean Bean, best known as ‘006’ in Goldeneye, and as Sharpe a kind of Napoleonic 007. The original Bernard Cor

Sep 11, 2023 • 31:39

The Controversies of Ranking the 007 films with Chris Hunt (@BritishBondAddict): Why 'Diamonds Are Forever' is BETTER than You Think [Episode 142]

Don't be shy, send me a message!All rankings of the 25 007 films are purely personal preference, yet there are some listings that attract more controversy than others. Here, Chris Hunt (aka 'British Bond Addict') and I talk through our most unusual choices, including our views on; 'Thunderball' and  'Diamonds Are Forever' with Sean Connery, 'The Man With the Golden Gun' and 'For Your Eyes Only' with Roger Moore, and 'Quantum of Solace&ap

Sep 4, 2023 • 23:29

Ranking the 007 films with Chris Hunt (@BritishBondAddict): Why 'Tomorrow Never Dies' is THE BEST Bond Film [Episode 141]

Don't be shy, send me a message!In his 007th appearance on this podcast, Chris Hunt (aka 'British Bond Addict') talks me through his top 6 James Bond films, his bottom 3, and we talk about how our rankings of all 25 differ. Chris is a Brit currently based in the USA, so naturally we find much to talk about in differences between the British and American fandoms, and how experiences in either country can change your (and have changed our) perceptions of the 007 films.Check out his I

Aug 28, 2023 • 27:47

President of the 007GB Club, Philip Dewhurst: An Interview [Episode 140]

Don't be shy, send me a message!President of the British James Bond Fan Club www.007gb.co.uk gives me an insight into why he set up the club, what it involved, and why he has such a love of the long-running franchise. We naturally talk about the joys of 1974's 'The Man With the Golden Gun' starring Roger Moore, as we both have a love for that film and have visited key locations. You can check out Philip Dewhurst's Instagram account here:www.instagram.com/upintheair.phil/

Aug 21, 2023 • 29:00

Ranking the 007 films with Joe Darlington (@BeingJamesBond): Why 'The Man With The Golden Gun' is THE BEST Bond Film [Episode 139]

Don't be shy, send me a message!I am delighted to be joined this episode by a *far* more experienced podcaster! Joe Darlington has run 'Being James Bond' since November 2006. He has done detailed rankings on the 007 films on a range of media, most notably, his Youtube channel. Recently, however, he shared a ranking that caused controversy, so I talk to him all about that, about his favourite Bond experiences, and - as in the title - why 1974's 'The Man With the Golden Gun

Aug 14, 2023 • 31:19

The Prime Minister's Trousers - Why Are Sunak's Socks On Show? - with Caine [Episode 138]

Don't be shy, send me a message!This hard-hitting episode looks into the Daily Mail allegations that the Prime Minister of the UK is wearing suits "too small". Rory Tingle wrote:"Why doesn't Rishi Sunak buy suits that fit? Men's fashion expert is 'baffled' by the 5ft6in Prime Minister's attempt to look trendy with his ankle-skimming tailoring (and says the Noughties want their trousers back!)......In a forensic analysis of Mr Sunak's fashion choic

Aug 7, 2023 • 33:23

I'm being Evicted (Don't Panic) + A Slice of Life from Gibraltar, East, and North Yorkshire [Episode 137]

Don't be shy, send me a message!9 months after moving into an unfurnished flat, and slowly furnishing it, and I've been served my 'no fault' eviction notice. It has been sold, and the new owner wants to move in, so I'm out. However, I may be in with a chance of another little flat close by, so fingers crossed that all can work out. Life's full of little challenges. This podcast mainly focuses on my love of local news stories, drawing particularly from:The Gibraltar C

Jul 31, 2023 • 29:46

British Motor Racing with Instagram's 'British Bond Addict' [Episode 136]

Don't be shy, send me a message!From Donald Campbell's 1960s land and water speed records ~ referenced in 2002's 'Die Another Day' ~ to how you could get involved with high speed racing, Instagram's 'British Bond Addict' gives us his unique perspective on motorsport. Why him? Because he's a no stranger to a racing podium himself, that's why!Chris last appeared on "T... is for Thunderbirds"!Check out his account here: https://www.instagra

Jul 24, 2023 • 28:46

Top 10 Topics on 'British Culture' - According to Chat GPT [Episode 135]

Don't be shy, send me a message!It's good to go back to basics from time to time. So, this week, I asked Chat GPT, “Hi, I have a podcast on British Culture. Could you suggest ten topics please?”, and this is what it replied:"Certainly! Here are ten topics related to British culture that you could consider for your podcast:Traditional British Foods British Monarchy British Literature British MusicBritish SportsBritish TV and FilmBritish ComedyBritish Festivals and TraditionsBritish

Jul 16, 2023 • 37:25

Rocking the Long Weekend! - Exploring the Rock of Gibraltar with Caine (Youtube: Videos by Caine) [Episode 134]

Don't be shy, send me a message!This second part of my exploration of the British Overseas Territory in the Mediterranean looks at what do to over a long weekend, and what culture you might be able to Google, glean, and observe. I am joined by my good friend Caine, who found all this out using the best method possible, by going there and doing the research. Although this is a 'Part 2', it can be enjoyed by itself, with 'Part 1' returned to later. This was fun to chat abou

Jul 10, 2023 • 43:57

A Deep Dive Into Gibraltar - A James Bond Location - with Caine (Youtube: Videos by Caine) [Episode 133]

Don't be shy, send me a message!What do you know about a place called 'Gibraltar'? Hopefully, after this briefing, a lot more than you knew before! In this episode, I am joined by my good friend Caine, who has ten years of experience teaching about British culture in China. For the benefit of those of us in the West, he runs the Youtube channel "Videos By Caine" with a special focus on traditional Chinese culture. Caine previously guided us on our deep dives into tea, Bri

Jul 3, 2023 • 43:18

The British Empire in Cyprus 1878-1960 [Episode 132]

Don't be shy, send me a message!For 82 years, the Mediterranean island of Cyprus was a British colony. Here, I really focus on that era. Although I did two previous episodes on Cyprus, they are not ‘sequential’ and can be listened to in any order – reverse order can work as well as the release order.I draw on three key books:The Turks in Cyprus: A Province of the Ottoman Empire – by Ahmet C GazioğluCyprus Under British Rule – by CWJ Orr (Army Captain)The Death of Friendship: A Cyprus Memoir

Jun 26, 2023 • 33:47

A Pilot's Perspective on James Bond 007 ｜An Interview with 'That One Bond Guy' (Christopher Morales) [Episode 131]

Don't be shy, send me a message!We've seen Sean Connery's 007 fly in You Only Live Twice, Daniel Craig's James Bond pilot a plane in SPECTRE, as well as Moore and Brosnan over the last 60+ years. So, I asked pilot and James Bond content creator Christopher Morales for his views on flying in the Bond franchise. Who was the most realistic pilot? Listen to find out!You can follow Chris on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thatonebondguy/ Watch his videos on Youtube:https://www.

Jun 19, 2023 • 30:23

The Britishness of Indiana Jones | Interview with Matt Wacker (@WackMatters) [Episode 130]

Don't be shy, send me a message!By listener request, I am covering the UK's influence on the Indiana Jones franchise, and I am joined by an Indy super-fan; Mr. Matt Wacker! I have been following this outstanding cosplayer's social media accounts for several years, and was truly delighted to have this opportunity to have him on the podcast. Of course, the original - and the latest - Dr. Jones films were filmed in Great Britain, and Sean Connery played the Scottish father, but here m

Jun 12, 2023 • 29:56

The Bond Franchise in London vs the USA: "The Bond Experience" (David Zaritsky) and I Discuss! [Episode 129]

Don't be shy, send me a message!David Zaritsky (The Bond Experience) and I talk about the 007 franchise, and why so many official events are exclusive to the UK, especially London. So, why not have a few more US-based events for this British character?We also discuss the differences between US 007 fans and UK 007 fans. In some ways, this reflects both the national character, and the cultural reach of the Bond franchise. We also talk about the future of the series, and what we can do to fill

Jun 5, 2023 • 30:31

Sex, Snobbery, Sadism, and Schofield｜Pete Brooker (From Tailors With Love) Talks Scandal in the UK *ADULT THEMES AND LANGUAGE* [Episode 128]

Don't be shy, send me a message!I've been taking a break from the news lately, but, even I could not escape the media furor surrounding Philip Schofield's sex life revelations. It is simply dominating all British media outlets. If you're not based in the UK, as so perhaps not familiar with this long-time TV presenter, his Wikipedia page is being rapidly updated by an army of authors right here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillip_Schofield Pete Brooker (From Tailors With Lov

Jun 2, 2023 • 28:19

Fuel Bills, Bust Boiler, Housing Uncertainty... and the *REAL* Questions: What to do on a Bank Holiday? & How to be a 007 Fan These Days? [Episode 127]

Don't be shy, send me a message!The rollercoaster of life in the UK continues! The fuel bill saga takes a few twists and turns, my boiler had sparks coming from it, and I’ve been told the flat I’m renting is now up for sale, so I’ll be having people coming to view (goodness knows what that will ultimately mean).Meanwhile, I enjoy the Spring Bank Holiday weekend and ponder how Brits spend their free time. Work/life balance is a popular topic, and I’ve been impressed at how active civic life i

May 29, 2023 • 22:23

My £700 Monthly Electricity Bill | A Slice of Hampshire Life (Local Newspapers) | Haworth 1940s Weekend [Episode 126]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Why cover one topic, when I can cover three!?I talk about the energy crisis, always on trend for fans of 1974's The Man With the Golden Gun, and how I'm being charged £700 for one month's worth of electricity. Even taking into account accumulation payments, that's more than a family of four or five in a five-bedroom house. Something is clearly wrong. Happily, my local member of Parliament is taking an interest. The second topic is a perenn

May 22, 2023 • 22:03

Roland Hulme (British Author) and I talk: "On HIS Majesty's Secret Service" by Charlie Higson | The latest James Bond 007 continuation novel [Episode 125]

Don't be shy, send me a message!It is the 4th of May, 2023, two days before the coronation of King Charles III and the world's favourite spy has his work cut out for him… Bond is sent at the last minute to thwart an attempt to disrupt the Coronation by the wealthy, eccentric and self-styled Athelstan of Wessex, who is on a deadly mission of his own to teach the UK a lesson. Can Bond dismantle his shady plans and defeat his privately hired team of mercenaries?So begins the latest officia

May 15, 2023 • 40:24

Coronation Monday [Episode 124]

Don't be shy, send me a message!A second quick update from the special Bank Holiday to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. I travelled from Yorkshire down to London to join in the festivities. After that, I spent some time with family outside London, including my Nana who is part of the 1% of the UK population who have adult memories of the previous coronation. I am just back in Yorkshire, so this is a quick update. More content is coming up later in the week (all being well) on: w

May 8, 2023 • 13:02

Coronation | Report From Hyde Park, London [Episode 123]

Don't be shy, send me a message!I'm in Hyde Park, where I watched the coronation of King Charles III!Support the show

May 6, 2023 • 7:25

EXTRA LENGTH EPISODE | The British Empire in Cyprus - Part 2 | 2,700 Years of History [Episode 122]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Homer wrote in the Odyssey (VIII) that Cyprus was the birthplace of Aphrodite (Goddess of Love), and that she came to Paphos 'where she has a shrine with an alter fragrant with incense'. That's how far back British colonial official Captain C.W.J. Orr choses to go in the second chapter of his book "Cyprus Under British Rule" (published 1918). I go through this chapter, titled 'History to the British Occupation' partially in r

May 1, 2023 • 49:46

What is a Church of England Sunday Service? [Episode 121]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Have you ever been to an Anglican church service? I have had requests to set out what it's actually like to attend a Sunday service from listeners in the USA, Spain, Bulgaria, East Asia, and more. Thank you to Bradford Cathedral,  who allowed me to use their recordings as part of this podcast. Please do check out their media accounts:Website: https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BfdCathedralInstagram: https://www.instagram.c

Apr 24, 2023 • 32:19

REISSUE: A 'Shallow Dive' Into St. George's Day, with Caine [Episode 120]

Don't be shy, send me a message!REISSUE: I talked to Caine (normally in Fuzhou) about St. George's Day, which is April 23rd. It is often taken as a celebration of English culture and identity.  But, who was St. George, where was he from, why is he important to the English, and how can you celebrate this special day?We ask "Does it matter that St. George wasn't English?" and I feel we get a definitive answer.Check out Caine's Youtube channel, called 'Videos by Ca

Apr 20, 2023 • 33:59

The British Empire in Cyprus - Part 1 [Episode 119]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Many people have requested me to do an episode on The British Empire, which is such a vast topic, it can be hard to know where to start. For myself, the most obvious place is to start with the familiar; the island of Cyprus, where I lived for seven years. I have quite a collection of books on the topic. However, as an introduction, I as Chat GPT about the topic, to see what it predicts a 'normal' person would say. I then look at an authoritative but

Apr 17, 2023 • 39:02

Ranking the 007 films [Episode 118]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 is 70 years old, Casino Royale having been published on April 13th, 1953. But for the films, he may well have been forgotten, so here, I finally give my (not so definitive) rankings of the films. This order changes regularly, but my favourite for each Bond, that stays the same. I orignaly wrote this for Country and Town House magazine, but here I expand on it greatly. You can check out the original article here: https://www.co

Apr 10, 2023 • 32:38

The Church of England | Part 1 | With Bradford Cathedral's Canon Ned Lunn [Episode 117]

Don't be shy, send me a message!If you are unsure what a 'Canon' is, or the difference between a church and a cathedral, or curious about the relationship between England's state church and the state executive, then this is the podcast that answers all those questions. I am joined by Canon Ned Lunn, at Bradford Cathedral, in an interview recorded in their Peace Chapel (there will be echoes). Thanks to the media officer at the Cathedral, we can also hear some of the music from

Apr 3, 2023 • 27:57

Coming Soon: My Top 3 Most Requested Topics | Spring 2023 [Episode 116]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Since this podcast started in December, 2020, three topics have been often requested, but never truly covered. In Spring 2023, I will be covering all three: What is 'The Church of England'? What was The British Empire really like? What is my personal ranking of the 007 films?For the first, I am delighted to be joined by Canon Ned Lunn from Bradford Cathedral, who lends his very great insights. For the second, I draw on my own extensive library of con

Mar 30, 2023 • 6:49

On Location: 'James Bond: Octopussy' (1983) - Interview with Del Singh - Part 2 [Episode 115]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Have you ever tried to tie someone else’s tie, as opposed to your own? Imagine trying to tie a turban on someone else! In this second part of my interview with Del Singh – ‘Turban Expert’ to 1983’s Octopussy – I ask how were turbans kept in order as men ran ontop of trains, and even clung to the outside of airplanes?  Del also tells me about the wonderful cast of the film; Kristina Wayborn (Magda), Stephan Berkoff (General Orlov), and the director John Glen. W

Mar 27, 2023 • 29:13

On Location: 'James Bond: Octopussy' (1983) - Interview with Del Singh - Part 1 [Episode 114]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Why does an imposing James Bond henchmen wear a school turban? This is the podcast episode that will answer this question, which you may never have asked, but are surely now desperate to have an answer to! 40 years ago, Del Singh was involved "in a very un-orthodox way" with the 007 franchise. This interview with him is so great, so fun, so lively, it cannot be constrained to a single podcast episode. In this first of two parts, Del explains how he b

Mar 21, 2023 • 32:52

365 Consecutive Days in the UK (My First Time as an Adult) [Episode 113]

Don't be shy, send me a message!For  (I think) the first time in my adult life, I have stayed within the UK's borders for 365 consecutive days. Of course, I lived in England as a child. I have also visited. But, for the majority of my adult life, I have been primarily been based overseas. Even when I was a student in the UK, I would spend a few months of the year away, visiting family. So, this is the story of how and why I returned, what other influences colour my perception of the wor

Mar 14, 2023 • 30:20

'U' is for... 'United Kingdom' [Episode 112]

Don't be shy, send me a message!What is the UK, Great Britain, England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland... and also the Scottish islands such as the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Shetland Islands, and the Orkney Islands? What are those other British islands, like the Channel Islands, The Isle of Wight, and the Isle of Man? That’s what this episode is all about. I refer to the speech given by John of Gaunt in Shakespeare’s Richard II:"This royal throne of kings, this scepter’d isle,Thi

Mar 7, 2023 • 27:53

British Novelist Roland Hulme Discusses Writing Formulas - James Bond, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and More! [Episode 111]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Roland Hulme is a published author who has previously joined me discussing 'The Saint' [Episode 104], 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' [Episode 98], and his experience as 'A Brit in New York' [Episode 30]. I am truly delighted to have him in the podcast again, and hope you enjoy the little clips from 1985's 'A View to a Kill' which we use to illustrate our discussion at the start, and then at around 15 minutes into th

Feb 28, 2023 • 39:57

'T' is for... 'Tolkien' | The Author of 'The Hobbit', 'The Lord of the Rings', and 'The Silmarillion' [Episode 110]

Don't be shy, send me a message!To prepare for this podcast, I have read the Hobbit more than 30 times (once every year), I have read the Lord of the Rings twice cover to cover, and the Silmarillion at least twice. I listened to the 13-hour BBC Radio adaptation and watched the Peter Jackson films, theatrical and extended, and all the DVD bonus extras. I also watched the ‘70s animated version and a couple of documentaries on the life of Tolkien, a People’s Profile one on Youtube and a televis

Feb 20, 2023 • 33:05

'T' is for... 'Tea', 'Tower of London', and 'Technology' [Episode 109]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Special thanks to Caine, and a mystery writer, whose identity is revealed in the episode, and who wrote this poem:Thomas, a fan of Bond so bold, With knowledge of British tales untold,Set out to educate and teach, His passion for culture within him to reach,He spoke of knights and of lords so grand,Of misty moors and rolling green land,Of scones and tea, and royal charm, And all the history that kept Britain warm,His words were met with doubt and with fear,But

Feb 14, 2023 • 34:53

'T' is for... 'Thunderbirds' and the TV shows of Gerry Anderson MBE [Episode 108]

Don't be shy, send me a message!The 20th letter in the 'Alphabet of Britishness', is here! I am joined by Thunderbirds super-fan Chris; known to many on Instagram as @BritishBondAddict!He previously joined me on:Episode #10: "The 7 Pillars of Britishness: An Interview with Instagram's "British Bond Addict"Episode #14: "British Bond Addict talking about Bond, James Bond"Episode #41: "'L' is for... 'London' with 'British Bon

Feb 7, 2023 • 32:50

Inside the House of Commons | Interview with an Insider [Episode 107]

Don't be shy, send me a message!What is it like to work for a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons? This week, I talk to an insider to find out. Thank you, once again to this week's guest for making this such a special episode. I ask her what led her to work at the Palace of Westminster, how it felt to enter the ‘Mother of all Parliaments’ for the first time. We discuss the day-to-day routine and what ultimately led her to move on and work in East Asia. Personally, I am very gla

Jan 31, 2023 • 29:57

'S' is for... 'Satire' ~ British, Turkish, and even Cantonese Satire [Episode 106]

Don't be shy, send me a message!I have been asked to cover British humour and comedy many, many times by listeners. Finally, I have given in with covering 'satire' with the 'Alphabet of Britishness'. What is 'satire'? According to Dieter Declercq, author of 'Satire, Comedy and Mental Health: Coping with the Limits of Critique' (published by the company I work for):"Satire is a genre with the purpose to critique and entertain. In other words, when

Jan 24, 2023 • 33:16

'S' is for... ‘The Shire’, ‘Secret Service’, and ‘Scaramanga’ [Episode 105]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thank you to so many, for so many great suggestions! I list the *main* ones below that I talk about:Shires (and The Shire)StonehengeSecurity ServiceStoicismStiff Upper LipSavage! Just kidding; the title ‘Sir’Sarcasm and Satire Sausage RollsScones Seaside SandringhamSPECTRESky Aside from online resources, such as the Encyclopaedia Britannica and Wikipedia, I drew inspiration and  information from 10 books: ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J.R.R. Tolkien'A Great

Jan 17, 2023 • 36:08

'S' is for... 'Simon Templar (aka 'The Saint')' [Episode 104]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Joining me to talk about this remarkable series of novels is British author Roland Hulme, described in his Amazon biography as "a digital Don Draper with a Hemingway complex - one of the world's foremost experts on social media and interactive marketing". Roland was born in the UK, but is currently living and working across the Atlantic in the USA. You can find him on Instagram and Youtube.I last had him on the podcast last to talk about Lady Ch

Jan 10, 2023 • 26:15

'S' is for... 'Sports', 'Scotland', and 'SAS (and SBS)' [Episode 103]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Happy New Year! Yes! The 'Alphabet of Britishness' is back!!S is for... Sport!I talk about the British codification of football (or 'soccer'), and how this was affected by the development of the railways, recommending Michael Portillo's 'Great British Railway Journeys'. I also talk about cricket, the magnificent beard of W.G. Grace, and 363 day Premiership of former cricketer Alec Douglas-Home. I spend the longest time lookin

Jan 3, 2023 • 31:06

How British is Star Wars? [Episode 102]

Don't be shy, send me a message!After over 100 episodes looking at the positive definition of 'Britishness', it's time to ask what are the limits to 'Britishness'? A negative definition of 'Britishness' attempts to define it by what it is not. Boundaries. To this end, I use the BFI (British Film Institute) rubric to test the 'Britishness' levels of the original 1977 Star Wars movie (A New Hope). The rubric is as follows:Section A – cultural conten

Dec 27, 2022 • 25:56

Merry Christmas! [Episode 101]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Merry Christmas! I hope you're having a wonderful day. Just a quick chat, as I know some people might have 3 minutes to spare as they dash in a car somewhere, or find some time to themselves, to wish you all a very merry Christmas. Support the show

Dec 25, 2022 • 3:04

The 100th Episode: What have I learned, and what's coming up?

Don't be shy, send me a message!Today, I’m talking about:(1) T is for… ThomasI talk about my experience in China, with Chinese social media and blogs, which led me ultimately to creating my @FlemingNeverDies Instagram account, and this podcast, which I chose *not* to give the same name. (2) What have I learned?Social media works best when it is more 'social' than 'media'.Where you stand depends on where you sit; as I gained perspectives from around the world, and as I mov

Dec 20, 2022 • 30:02

REISSUE: A Deep Dive Into Christmas, with Caine [Episode 99]

Don't be shy, send me a message!British Christmas traditions feel universal and timeless to us Brits... yet as my interviewee Caine explains, Christmas has changed a great deal since the time of the first Christians in Britain, and indeed, since the first Christians!This is a special two-hour truly deep dive into what makes Christmas special, and what aspects are specially British. There are little breaks, so feel free to listen to this in installments. That's how we intended it to be l

Dec 16, 2022 • 1:56:53

A British Novelist Discusses a Classic British Novel: Roland Hulme on "Lady Chatterley's Lover" [Episode 98]

Don't be shy, send me a message!The number one movie on Netflix (UK) right now is the latest adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's "Lady Chatterley's Lover". Joining me to talk about this remarkable novel is British author Roland Hulme, described in his Amazon biography as "a digital Don Draper with a Hemingway complex - one of the world's foremost experts on social media and interactive marketing". Roland was born in the UK, but is currently living and working acr

Dec 13, 2022 • 33:57

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit | The Book, The Film (1970), and The Railway

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week's episode looks at:Edith Nesbit: British children’s author, novelist, and poet. Among many other stories, she wrote, '5 Children and It' which I talk about here.The Dreyfus Affair: a sandal that captured the world's attention (and was obliquely references in 'The Railway Children').The TV Show: starring Jenny Agutter in BBC black and white glory.The Film (1970): there are, of course, many movie adaptations, but this one

Dec 6, 2022 • 33:43

It's Competition Time! (open until Tuesday 5th December)

Don't be shy, send me a message!That's right! If you can guess the topic of my forthcoming episode, on a certain Edwardian children's story, then you can win an 'A is for... Albion' mug! Just for fun, and for the three other reasons I give, along with many, many clues in the episode. Send answers to me on Instagram... ...or by e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comRecommended Rabbit Hole: The Dreyfus Affair.Thank you also to everyone who recently subscribed to my newsletter! I

Nov 29, 2022 • 11:28

By Listener Request... The Food and Drink of James Bond, 007

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thanks to Frank on Instagram (@HansGruberr) for suggesting this topic. In fact, ‘007’s Drinks’ was the request, but since I have covered some of these on my Youtube channel already (www.youtube.com/britishculture), I thought I’d broaden it out to include food from the original James Bond novels by as well.The key reference books I use in this episode are:"For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming + James Bond" by Ben Macintyre "License to Cook" by Ed

Nov 22, 2022 • 26:38

The UK's New, New Prime Minister; Rishi Sunak | Your Questions, My Answers

Don't be shy, send me a message!If you’ve lived under two British monarchs and three Prime Ministers, you may only be a few months old. Recent events have been (almost) unprecedented, as since so much of the UK’s image abroad can depend on our political representation, I touch on the topic of politics once again. This episode in in three parts: first I give context to recent events, especially the short tenure of Liz Truss; then in the longest part I address the many questions (below) I was

Nov 15, 2022 • 29:36

Lawrence of Arabia - The True Story

Don't be shy, send me a message!By request of many, many listeners, I am covering 'Lawrence of Arabia' (1962) in the final episode in my trilogy covering the films of British Imperial history. I previously covered the events that inspired the films Zulu (1964) and The Man Who Would Be King (1975), each with Michael Caine. This time, it's the David Lean classic starring Peter O'Toole. If, like 28% of respondents to my poll on Instagram, you haven't seen the film, or i

Nov 8, 2022 • 27:19

REISSUE: Remember, Remember, the Fifth of November!

Don't be shy, send me a message!This is a REISSUE of my Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) special episode from last year. My style has changed a little since then, and I considered simply re-recording this, but there is honestly so much information packed in here, I truly think I cannot do better. Whether it is new to you (many people have discovered my podcast in the last year), or whether it's been a year since you heard it, I very much hope you enjoy it.Remember, remember,The Fifth of

Nov 4, 2022 • 19:50

The Man Who Would Be King (Film 1975 & Story 1888)

Don't be shy, send me a message!I take a NO SPOILERS look at the 1975 film ‘The Man Who Would Be King’, and the original 1888 short story by Rudyard Kipling. I also recommend the books:‘The Great Game’ by Peter Hopkirk'‘Inside the Kingdom’ by Robert LaceyIf you are one of the 47% of my Instagram friends who hasn’t seen the film ‘The Man Who Would Be King’, check it out! Do let me know what you think of it!You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.comYou can find me on Instagram: @Fleming

Nov 1, 2022 • 15:08

BONUS Episode: The British Origins of Halloween

Don't be shy, send me a message!Did you know that Halloween has its roots in the British Isles, especially from an ancient festival called 'Samhain'? Welcome back to our special returning guest, Caine, who gives us all the details. He previously gave us: the 'Deep Dive Into Tea'; the 'Deep Dive Into British Men's Wardrobes'; the 'A Deep Dive Into Ink: British Tattoo Culture'; the 'Deep Dive Into Christmas'; a 'Shallow Dive' int

Oct 28, 2022 • 1:03:41

Zulu (1964) and the REAL Battle of Rorke’s Drift

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thank you very much to the chaps in the Facebook Group, 'The Gentlemen's Society for the Appreciation of the British Empire' who provided so many great insights into the REAL Battle of Rorke's Drift, portrayed in the 1964 movie. There were over 300 comments, and I draw from as many as I am able to, as well as the following books:'Rorke's Drift' by Adrian Greaves'The Rise and Fall of the British Empire' by Lawrence J

Oct 24, 2022 • 35:00

BONUS Episode: Trafalgar Night

Don't be shy, send me a message!Every year, on October 28th, the Royal Navy celebrates Admiral Nelson’s most famous victory. But, what if Nelson had lost? And how can we celebrate this night?I draw upon three books:‘The Rise and Fall of the British Empire’ by Lawrence James ‘Empire of the Seas: How the Navy Forged the Modern World’ by Brian Lavery‘HMS Victory’ by Peter GoodwinI also recommend the movie ‘Master and Commander’ (2003), the TV show Hornblower (1998-2003), and the classic clip (o

Oct 20, 2022 • 27:06

Coming Soon: The (British) Empire Strikes Back!

Don't be shy, send me a message!What's coming up on the podcast? A trilogy of British Empire classics, the first two as part of our 'season of Michael Caine'!Next week (24th October, 2022): 'Zulu' (1964) starring Michael Caine, and based on the Battle of Rorke's Drift (1879).The next week (31st October, 2022): 'The Man Who Would Be King' (1975) starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine, based on the short story by Rudyard Kipling (first published 1888).T

Oct 17, 2022 • 10:33

Frederick Forsyth | A Very British (Thriller) Writer | Heir of Ian Fleming?

Don't be shy, send me a message!Last week, I appeared on the podcast 'From Tailors With Love', talking about the 1987 movie 'The Fourth Protocol'. That film was adapted by Frederick Forsyth from his own novel after Michael Caine read it and loved it. I also appeared on 'The Bond Experience' on Youtube, talking about Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III, and of course James Bond 007. Thank you to the many, many people who have engaged me in conversation there, an

Oct 10, 2022 • 23:13

What is 'Britishness'?

Don't be shy, send me a message!It is the guiding question of this whole podcast! After a tumultuous month, it's time to get back to basics. I asked a Facebook group, 'What is Britishness?' and their answers were outstanding. Thank you to everyone who took part in the discussion and made this episode possible. ***Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtu

Oct 4, 2022 • 25:16

The Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

Don't be shy, send me a message!I watched Queen Elizabeth's funeral procession from The Mall, the road that leads to Buckingham Palace. It was a moving occasion. I this episode, I talk about how the news broke for me, how the transition looked from West Yorkshire, and my trip down to London to pay my respects. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDiesCheck out my

Sep 26, 2022 • 23:55

Preview Episode: The Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

Don't be shy, send me a message!I spent this morning at The Mall, in London, watching the funeral procession of Queen Elizabeth II.These are my brief thoughts as I travel home, a longer episode is coming soon. This is a day to be remembered.Support the show

Sep 19, 2022 • 1:55

Queen Elizabeth II & King Charles III

Don't be shy, send me a message!Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. With her passing, we mark the accession of Charles, formally Prince of Wales, as King Charles III. Prince William is the new Prince of Wales. The initial announcement was made from Balmoral, with a statement from Prime Minister Liz Truss following from Number 10 Downing Street. King Charles was subsequently proclaimed King from St. James'

Sep 12, 2022 • 28:14

Who is Liz Truss? ｜ A Brief Biography of the UK's New Prime Minister

Don't be shy, send me a message!Liz Truss has just been elected leader of the Conservative Party in the UK. As the leader of the party with the largest number of Members of Parliament, it is expected that The Queen will invite her to become Britain's third Prime Minister......But who is she?I draw largely upon the (online) Encyclopedia Britannica article on her, giving my own observations and answering four questions from listeners about her. You can continue to contact me with question

Sep 5, 2022 • 21:16

It's the August Bank Holiday!

Don't be shy, send me a message!What is a Bank holiday? Why do we have Bank Holidays? What do people do on Bank Holidays? Most importantly, what am *I* doing on this August Bank Holiday. Listen to this little episode and all will be revealed. I also have a question for all listeners; have you ever tried to teach a dog to read? If so, let me know your findings. The reason for this question is, of course, in the podcast, and it makes perfect sense. Enjoy your every day.  You can find me on Ins

Aug 29, 2022 • 11:04

James Bond in Istanbul | Part 3 | Ian Fleming (iii), "The Tunnel of Rats" and the Byzantines

Don't be shy, send me a message!In Ian Fleming's 1957 novel, James Bond 007 visits Istanbul. The city is wonderfully described, from a British perspective. Having studied Turkish for over 20 years, I go through Fleming's chapters on Turkey, and give my own perspective.This is Part 3 of a series initially focusing on Fleming. You can listen to these in any order, having read the books or not. I give real-world insights on places visited by the world's most celebrated fictitious

Aug 22, 2022 • 17:10

A Fourth Slice of Yorkshire Life | Britain as Seen Though Our Local Newspapers

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week, I am looking at the Darlington and Stockton Times (North Yorkshire), seeing what I can learn about this very rural area of England. A schoolboy saves a man's eyesight, the merits of solar panels verses potatoes are debated, ospreys return after more than 200 years, and much more.  The series 'James Bond in Istanbul' *will* return...You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDiesYou can find my Turkish account here: @JamesBond_TurkiyeY

Aug 15, 2022 • 14:12

James Bond in Istanbul | Part 2 | Ian Fleming (ii), Pera, Galata, and the Grand Bazaar

Don't be shy, send me a message!In Ian Fleming's 1957 novel, James Bond 007 visits Istanbul. The city is wonderfully described, from a British perspective. Having studied Turkish for over 20 years, I go through Fleming's chapters on Turkey, and give my own perspective.This is Part 2 of a series initially focusing on Fleming. You can listen to these in any order, having read the books or not. I give real-world insights on places visited by the world's most celebrated fictitious

Aug 8, 2022 • 27:18

James Bond in Istanbul | Part 1 | Ian Fleming (i)

Don't be shy, send me a message!In Ian Fleming's 1957 novel, James Bond 007 visits Istanbul. The city is wonderfully described. Having studied Turkish for over 20 years, I go through Fleming's chapters on Turkey, and give my own perspective.This is Part I(i) of a series that will initially focus on Fleming. After that, how far I go, you can decide! You can contact me using any of the following accounts: You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDiesYou can find my Turkish account

Aug 1, 2022 • 16:56

British Politics: Your Questions, My Answers

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thank you to everyone who messaged me about my last episode. This week, I'm answering the top ten questions (decided by me) that I was asked this week about UK politics.They are (in order of me receiving them):1) How is Brexit going? Did it work?2) Is there anything like a libertarian party there?3) How could politics be made more interesting, especially for young people?4) Does the monarch have a role in politics?5) Is it possible to draw parallels to US

Jul 25, 2022 • 31:49

The Next Prime Minister

Don't be shy, send me a message!The Prime Minister is the most visible representation of the UK, after the Queen. Travelling around the world, I have often been asked my views on Thatcher, Blair, and the most recent incumbent of Number 10 Downing Street, Boris Johnson (BoJo).Since Boris Jonson announced his resignation on the 7th July, the Conservative Party has been focused on selecting its next Parliamentary leader. As this is the largest political party in the House of Commons, whoever wi

Jul 18, 2022 • 20:01

Bonus Episode: The Drinks of 007

Don't be shy, send me a message!Enjoy this special bonus episode, just a couple of minutes long. It was originally made for my Chinese social media account several years ago, as part of a campaign to promote a large James Bond themed event. Mixing Martinis and Vespers was a highlight of the event, as was our Goldfinger singalong (aided by the libations).On Youtube, my "007's Drinks" videos have proven popular; perhaps especially as I review both alcoholic and non-alcoholic dri

Jul 13, 2022 • 2:22

A James Bond Location: Queen Mary's Rose Garden, Regent's Park, London (1964's You Only Live Twice)

Don't be shy, send me a message!Hello there!Many of you know me from my Ian Fleming / James Bond themed Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/  In this podcast episode, I delve into the importance of Queen Mary's Rose Garden in Regent's Park, London to the James Bond canon, which I recorded on location. The garden features in the second chapter of Ian Fleming's You Only Live Twice (1964). I also reflect on Fleming's other 1964 publication, Chitty-C

Jul 11, 2022 • 9:32

Culture Shock: 5 Stages and Practical Solutions (from an Englishman Abroad)

Don't be shy, send me a message!What could be more English than an Englishman abroad? Having spent the majority of my adult life outside the UK, and much of my time in the UK supporting international students, I'm giving my insights into the phenomenon of 'Culture Shock'. The five stage are:(1) Honeymoon (2) Denial (3) Anger (4) Escape (5) Maturity I give an outline of each stage, with real-life examples, and give practical solutions based on my own experience and observation

Jul 4, 2022 • 29:47

Back in Britain #10 | On the Bradford Busses

Don't be shy, send me a message!There were no strange stories about travelling on the busses here in the UK for the first few months, then suddenly, three mad stories all come along at once!I hope you enjoy this episode, recorded once again as I was out and about on a country walk. There's a bit of wind at the beginning, but I realized when I was recording and found a better spot. So, all very clear after the 5 minute mark. Enjoy the sounds of the birds and the lambs. I also sang with t

Jun 27, 2022 • 15:21

Back in Britain #9 | 3 months of being back...

Don't be shy, send me a message!I've been back home for 3 months now... how is it wearing on me?Honestly, watching 'The Spy Who Loved Me' (1977) in the cinema was pretty cool, and attending the Institution, Induction and Installation of the new Dean of Bradford Cathedral was wonderful. I talk about these two events, my house-hunting, and reflect on the last 3 months. Enjoy! You can also follow Bradford Cathedral on Youtube, Instagram and Facebook.You can find me on Instagram:

Jun 20, 2022 • 12:35

British Culture Q&A!

Don't be shy, send me a message!In this episode, I respond to questions from my Instagram friends over at @flemingneverdiesWho should be the next James Bond?Should 007 ever look at British 'street culture' like Kingsman?Why do British people have terrible teeth?Are red trousers okay?Why do people think UK food is appalling? Why do British people love curry, when it isn't British?Why do Brits have milk in their tea?All this and more. Thank you to everyone who asked these questi

Jun 13, 2022 • 18:26

Back in Britain #8 | with St. Thomas' Church Bells, the City of Bradford Brass Band, and the Cathedral Chamber Choir for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Don't be shy, send me a message!Britain has just celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee with a four-day national holiday. Rather than do a Deep Dive into the life and times of the Queen, which is done elsewhere and done well, I recorded my own audio diary as I joined celebrations in North and then West Yorkshire. Thank you very much to the City of Bradford Brass Band with Jonny Bates Musical Director, for allowing me to play some of their music here. You can find them at: http://ww

Jun 6, 2022 • 16:25

Back in Britain #7 | I'll buy you a Bettys! (no apostrophe)

Don't be shy, send me a message!Just a quick slice of life from me this week. I haven't been travelling, except to go to Ilkley to take a friend to Bettys Tea Room (no apostrophe) .  I talk about that, look forward to the Platinum Jubilee coming up, and tell a tie story too. A fuller episode coming next week. You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDiesYou can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.comCheck out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubb

May 30, 2022 • 11:56

Back in Britain #6 | The UK vs the US (listener mail edition) | Plus: taking a steam train to Howarth's 1940s Weekend

Don't be shy, send me a message!After the last episode went out, I was flooded with responses to my question, "What's the most interesting UK/US differences?" - Thank you to everyone who contacted me! I also talk about toilet twinning, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, and Howarth's 1940s weekend. With plenty to talk about, I still find time to digress to talk about Michael Portillo's career, with the excuse that someone did message me about his TV shows. I end

May 23, 2022 • 22:10

Back in Britain #5 | The UK vs the US (two countries divided by common clichés?)

Don't be shy, send me a message!I've largely avoided comparisons between UK and US culture until now, despite it being a terribly popular topic online. It's really a whole sub-genre, and there are some people putting out great content on this topic, but it was a video by David Zarinksky - better known as 'The Bond Experience' - that has prompted me to make this episode. His video, with Calvin Dyson, is called "USA vs UK Bond Fans | The Differences and the Similaritie

May 16, 2022 • 40:12

Back in Britain #4 | A visit to London meeting "From Tailors With Love", Daniel Gaster, and "British Bond Addict"

Don't be shy, send me a message!In this episode, I ask three fellas in a pub in London, "What's the most British thing you've seen today?" - but these aren't just any random fellas: I'm talking to Pete Brooker of "From Tailors With Love", Daniel Gaster (who writes for the 'tailors' blog), and Chris, better known as @BritishBondAddict . You can find them all on Instagram, and see a variety of photos we took at a recent meet up.Pete Brooker: @F

May 8, 2022 • 15:10

Back in Britain #3 | I have a job in the UK!! | Alfred Chocolate Yumyum the Cat makes an appearance

Don't be shy, send me a message!That job interview I mentioned in "Back in Britain #2"? I got the job!! Telling them it was my birthday was clearly a good idea during the interview! I'm really looking forward to it. In this episode, I talk about visiting:Sheffield, and meeting Peter Brooker (From Tailors With Love)Pontefract, and eating Pontefract Cakes in Pontefract castle. Check out my Youtube channel for two videos, one on the history and one on the cakes!Bradford to see th

May 2, 2022 • 11:08

'R' is for 'Royal'

Don't be shy, send me a message!The Alphabet of Britishness is back! Thank you to all those who suggested the following:R is for… Royalty R is for… Royal WarrantsR is for… Royal NavyR is for… Royal Air ForceR is for… (Walter) RaleighR is for… Robin HoodR is for… Remembrance Day R is for… RailroadsR is for… RisicoR is for… Roger MooreR is for… Range Rover R is for… Regiments R is for… Rules Restaurant …and more!You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDiesYou can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@

Apr 25, 2022 • 50:00

A 'Shallow Dive' Into St. George's Day, with Caine (normally in Fuzhou, China)

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week, I talk to Caine (normally in Fuzhou) about St. George's Day, which is coming very soon. It is often taken as a celebration of English culture and identity.  But, who was St. George, where was he from, why is he important to the English, and how can you celebrate this special day? We ask "Does it matter that St. George wasn't English?" and I feel we get a definitive answer. Check out Caine's Youtube channel, called 'Vide

Apr 18, 2022 • 33:59

Interview with "License to Cook" author, Edward Biddulph

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week, I talk to Edward Biddulph, author of 'License to Cook' and the blog 'James Bond Food'. We discuss his new book COMING SOON called 'Double-0 Dining' from the publishers Bear Manor Media.We ask "Does Bond like Marmite?" and I feel we get a definitive answer. For those who don't know, Marmite is a British condiment, normally spread on toast, with the slogan, "You either love it or you hate it". We

Apr 11, 2022 • 36:23

Back in Britain #2 | British Pubs with Caine (Normally in Fuzhou) | Plus: "A Slice of Derbyshire Life" with Alfred Chocolate Yumyum the Cat

Don't be shy, send me a message!The end of March consisted mostly of snow, an art exhibition, a trip to Derby and Nottingham, and the Derby Telegraph. I'm now over jet-lag and enjoying catching up with old friends and new sights. As I go through the local Derby newspaper, Alfred Chocolate Yumyum is with me once again, although largely silent. Must discuss his voiceover rate. These actors......Oh, and I have a job interview on my birthday. Worth mentioning in the interview?   You can fin

Apr 3, 2022 • 25:43

A Third Slice of Yorkshire Life | Britain as Seen Though Our Local Newspapers

Don't be shy, send me a message!A quick episode, quickly put together as I am still settling back into life back in Britain. I give some of my personal updates, like visiting the exhibition ‘Top Secret’ at Bradford’s Science + Media Museum. I then browse the Telegraph and Argus, Bradford’s local newspaper. I look at: A gas engineer who uncovered an organised crime A ‘Miss Hitler’ beauty pageant contestant now in prison A young couple who used to grow cannabis but have apparently made a lot o

Mar 28, 2022 • 15:56

Back in Britain #1 | After 7 years Away…

Don't be shy, send me a message!This is my live audio diary as I return to the UK after 7 years away, recorded at: LAX airport; London Heathrow Airport; an airport hotel; and in a town and the countryside in beautiful West Yorkshire.I intend this to be a series, charting my own responses and reactions as I return to my home country. Is this still the same country I remember? Will it still strike me the same way? We shall find out together.   You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies Yo

Mar 21, 2022 • 23:16

Interview with "The Spy Command" Bill Koenig

Don't be shy, send me a message!Bill Koenig runs "The Spy Command" blog which provides news and commentary about James Bond, “The Other Spies,” and other entertainment-related topics. You can find his blog at: https://hmssweblog.wordpress.comE-mail me at: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.comCheck out my Youtube channel at: www.youtube.com/britishculture Support the show

Mar 15, 2022 • 1:05:17

A Few Fun Facts About Wales

Don't be shy, send me a message!A 'shallow dive' or a quick briefing about Wales, a beautiful and interesting country, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but often overlooked. I try to correct that a little here. I talk about an impressive weatherman (Liam Dutton), small things, cute things, and the *real* home of tennis. I also explain what's coming up on my Youtube channel, and this podcast now we're nearing the end of 'The Alphabet o

Mar 7, 2022 • 18:02

'Q' is for... 'Queen'

Don't be shy, send me a message!This is the 17th episode in 'The Alphabet of Britishness'. I ask, what could possibly be more British than the Queen? Many, many people requested this topic. Rather than doing a simple biography of well known monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth  II or Queen Victoria, I've taken a look at three lessor known, but equally interesting, female rulers: Queen Boadicea, Empress Matilda, and Lady Jane Grey. I also can't resist touching on Eleanor of Aq

Feb 28, 2022 • 54:34

A Second Slice of Yorkshire Life | Britain as Seen Though Our Local Newspapers

Don't be shy, send me a message!After the popularity of the previous episode looking at local news stories, I have another roundup of the goings on in Yorkshire's local newspapers. I start with news of a storm from the Yorkshire Post (founded 1754) and the Ilkley Gazette. I move onto a serious crime case from the Telegraph and Argus, before delving into the local take on the Prime Minister's 'Partygate' scandal as seen by a Yorkshire notable. In the second half, I look at

Feb 22, 2022 • 20:41

'P' is for 'Prince of Wales'

Don't be shy, send me a message!We start with the interview with Matt Spaiser, author of "From Tailors with Love: An Evolution of Menswear Through the Bond Films". We look at the clothing influences of two Princes of Wales, Prince Charles and his grand-uncle, once known as Edward VIII then as the Duke of Winsor. After that, I take a look at: P is for the Plantagenates (minute 44)P is for Pound Stirling (minute 47)P is for Ian Paisley (minute 50)P is for Protestantism (minute 56) P

Feb 15, 2022 • 1:32:15

Interview with "Being James Bond" Joe Darlington

Don't be shy, send me a message!Joe Darlington began his podcast 'Being James Bond' back in 2006. He is a published author and a much loved member of the 'James Bond community' on Instagram and Youtube. This is a wide ranging discussion, which does touch on events in the latest 007 film, "No Time To Die", without dwelling on it. Plenty elsewhere for that!Support the show

Feb 8, 2022 • 56:05

'O' is for... 'Oliver Cromwell'

Don't be shy, send me a message!There is so much to say about Oliver Cromwell that this is really just my first attempt at the topic. There is so much more, I recommend the documentary on Youtube called "Oliver Cromwell And The English Civil War - Full Documentary", and the 1970 movie starring Richard Harris (also known as Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone). I love the scene of Charles I entering parliament, even though it's probably the most inaccura

Feb 1, 2022 • 1:02:24

Rockall 2022 | An Epic Expedition for Charity

Don't be shy, send me a message!In June 2022 a team will land on Rockall Island, more than 200 nautical miles from the West Coast of Scotland and the nearest civilisation. Their intention is to survive on the island for one week and to raise £1,000,000 for Children’s Hospice South West & The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.https://www.rockall2022.org/ Support the show

Jan 25, 2022 • 21:19

'N' is for... 'National Health Service'

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week, I start by looking at the UK's National Health Service. I look at an academic study examining the differences in healthcare in the UK and US. It provides the perspective of two twin sisters who were both successfully treated for the same cancer, one in the UK and one in the US.  I then look at how the NHS was represented at the 2012 Summer Olympic opening ceremony, why this caused a controversy, and remember the weekly 'clap for our carers

Jan 17, 2022 • 53:23

A Slice of Yorkshire Life | Britain as Seen Though Our Local Newspapers

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week I take a look at some local newspapers, the first is from Northern Ireland but the others are all from Yorkshire, including Bradford's Telegraph and Argus, the Ilkley Gazette, Keighley News, and the Hull Daily Mail.  I live the little insights into life in the UK that they give. You can contact me on Instagram, or by e-mail (AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com)Check out my Youtube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shop:h

Jan 10, 2022 • 24:00

'M' is for... 'Monarchy'

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thank you so much to everyone who sent in their suggestions, and thank you all the well wishes after my last episode. I very much appreciated every one of them. My questions for everyone this week are:What do you think of Margaret Thatcher?Why does 'M' stand for 'Mother' in the Alphabet of Britishness!?What should come after the Alphabet of Britishness You can contact me on Instagram, by e-mail (AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com), or by commenting

Jan 4, 2022 • 45:24

I have COVID (Keep Calm and Carry On)

Don't be shy, send me a message!Yes, I tested positive for COVID over the holiday season. Oh well.In this podcast, I talk about my experience over the pandemic; living in China, then travelling through Hong Kong to the United States. I make a few observations and remarks on what I've seen and experienced, and talk about what's coming up in the podcast for 2022. This episode was brought to you by the power of lots of rest and cups of Yorkshire tea.  Support the show

Dec 28, 2021 • 10:23

Merry Christmas!

Don't be shy, send me a message!Merry Christmas! A special mini-episode where I look back at a busy month - three 007 reviews, two on this podcast and one on Youtube. I look back at 'C' is for 'crumpets' and my (limited) progress in that area. I admit, I've gotten no further in my investigation as to whether I should say 'scone' or 'scone'. Also: coming up... 'M' is for 'Monarchy'. Finally, if you haven't listened to my &a

Dec 25, 2021 • 6:24

SPOILER! Review of No Time to Die with “Quantum of History"

Don't be shy, send me a message!Spoiler, spoiler, spoiler review of the latest 007 film! Hopefully you've all had the time to go and see it by now! Donnie of 'Quantum of History' (on Instagram and Youtube) joins me for an in-depth reflection. We're looking at the broader strokes, issues and choices raised by the 25thJames Bond film from EON Productions. If you haven't checked out Donnie's work, please do (you can occasionally find me there too). Quantum of Histo

Dec 21, 2021 • 55:06

'L' is for... 'London' with 'British Bond Addict' & 'From Tailors With Love' (Pete Brooker)

Don't be shy, send me a message!This special episode has *two* guests; Instagram’s ‘@BritishBondAddict’ and the prolific blogger, podcaster, Youtuber, and author ‘From Tailors With Love’ (Pete Brooker). Both help me out with the main topic, London.  For this episode, I was very much inspired by the printing, design and media company ‘London Sans’, which I talk about a little. you can find their work on Instagram at @LondonSans . I also talk about Lancashire, the Duchy of Lancaster, the Chanc

Dec 14, 2021 • 1:02:34

A Deep Dive Into Christmas, with Caine!

Don't be shy, send me a message!Caine (and Thomas) dive deep into the origins of some very British Christmas traditions.  You can find more from Caine here:"Videos By Caine" for more on Traditional Chinese Culture We mention, “Religion for Breakfast” on YoutubeCaine's "Recommended Rabbit-Hole"  is the BBC's "A Ghost Story for Christmas". Here's a link to: The Stalls of Barchester (1971), you can find many more on Youtube. You can contact me on Ins

Dec 7, 2021 • 1:56:53

Coming up soon on the podcast!

Don't be shy, send me a message!As I enjoy my breakfast tea, I look back at what's gone on in the podcast and Youtube over the last month, and reveal what's coming up very, very soon!You can contact me on Instagram, by e-mail (AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com), or by commenting on my posts in the Facebook group "🇬🇧 Britain: People, Places & Past Times 🇬🇧".Check out my Youtube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shop:https://www.redbubble.

Dec 3, 2021 • 5:44

'K' is for... 'Kings, Knights, and Knaves'

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week, I’m looking at Kings, Knights, Knaves, along with a few others, including:KiplingKippers(Harry) KaneKilgourKiltsKnightsbridgeKillingworth Kingston-Upon-ThamesKensington Kingston-Upon-HullKidderminster Kent King’s CollegeKina Lillet…and a tiny bit of time on Khartoum, Kandahar and Khakhi.Thank you so much to everyone who sent in their suggestions! You can contact me on Instagram, by e-mail (AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com), or by commenting on my posts in

Nov 30, 2021 • 45:00

SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! review of No Time to Die with “That One Bond Guy” (Chris Morales, from California)

Don't be shy, send me a message!SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! review of No Time to Die with Chris Morales (Instagram and Youtube’s “That One Bond Guy”) who has also appeared on TV as a major Bond fan! ***Do not listen unless you have seen the film, we get into major spoilers pretty quick!***It was great to have Chris on again! He was previously a guest for the episode "Britishness as viewed from California". We held this episode back until the release of the new 007 film in Australia,

Nov 23, 2021 • 47:45

'J' is for... 'Justice'

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thank you to the 152 people who answered my question on Facebook, "What does 'j' stand for in the Alphabet of Britishness?", and the 23 who answered on Instagram. This episode is packed with more answers than ever before. I hope I do the topic of justice the justice it deserves!You can contact me on Instagram, by e-mail (AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com), or by commenting on my posts in the Facebook group "🇬🇧 Britain: People, Places & P

Nov 16, 2021 • 42:06

Remembrance Day

Don't be shy, send me a message!This is a special episode to mark Remembrance Day. I talk about the significance of the day, give three readings often read on this day, and give some personal anecdotes. The readings are:"For the Fallen" by Laurence BinyonIn Flander’s Field by John McCraeAnd also Revelations 21:1-4 taken from the King James Bible I also talk about the Royal British Legion, a wonderful charityhttps://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ Support the show

Nov 11, 2021 • 13:20

The UK: Not Just London | An Exploration of Britain with Caine in Fuzhou (China)

Don't be shy, send me a message!Our deepest dive yet! Caine in Fuzhou (China) joins me to talk about Britain, but not just London. We share with each other our own experiences travelling in the UK, beyond just London. As with most episodes with Caine, this episode is a recording of a call between the USA and China. The call quality was fantastic *compared to the usual* so I’ve kept this an ‘editing lite’ episode. Often, I will cut out pauses, gaps, and any technical oddities, but this conver

Nov 9, 2021 • 1:56:05

Remember, Remember, The Fifth of November

Don't be shy, send me a message!Remember, remember, The Fifth of NovemberGunpowder treason and plotI see no reason why gunpowder treasonShould ever be forgotGuy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intentTo blow up the King and the ParliamentThree score barrels of powder belowPoor old England to overthrowBy God's providence he was catch'dWith a dark lantern and burning matchHoller boys, holler boys, let the bells ringMessage me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.c

Nov 5, 2021 • 19:50

'I' is for... [To be decided by you!]

Don't be shy, send me a message!That's right! There was so many contrasting answers to 'What does 'i' stand for in the Alphabet of Britishness' that I'm leaving it to you the listener to decide! Message me your views on this ideas in this episode, and I'll read them out in the 'j' episode!Insular? Imperial? Isolated? International? Ireland? India?You can tell me which one you think is the real winner by contacting me on Instagram, by e-mail (Albio

Nov 2, 2021 • 43:32

Interview with "The British Voice" Ian Russell [31]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Ian Russell is an award winning British voice actor with a global audience. His voiceover skills have been featured on TV, in cinema and video games, on radio and as an audiobook narrator.Check out his website:https://www.british-voiceovers.com/ Ian Russell's awards & nominations:2019 Gaming Voice of the Year (UK Male)2019 Voice of the Year (UK Male)2020 Best Animation or Gaming Demo2020 Best Audiobook Narration (Children)2020 Best Audiobook Narration

Oct 30, 2021 • 1:01:43

A Brit in New York | Interview with British Novelist Roland Hulme [30]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Roland Hulme is a British author who has lived in New York for twenty years, here he gives his unique perspective on being 'A Brit Abroad'. You can watch the original video of this conversation on my Youtube channel:http://www.youtube.com/britishcultureYou can find Roland Hulme's work on Amazon here:https://www.amazon.com/Roland-Hulme/e/B005FLUXQA?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000He also has a fantastic Youtube channel, check it out!https://www.you

Oct 26, 2021 • 1:15:26

Interview with British Author Jon Auty, creator of "Behind the Stunts" [29]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Jon Auty is the author of 'Behind the Stunts', a fantastic book, podcast series, and Youtube series dedicated to the joy and excitement of action. Stunts on film or tv - if they're top notch then they get uploaded there. You can watch the original video of this interview on my Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/britishcultureYou can find Jon Auty's channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/behindthestunts/E-mail him about his upcoming book a

Oct 23, 2021 • 1:18:44

Trafalgar Night [28]

Don't be shy, send me a message!October 21st is Trafalgar Night, a huge Royal Navy celebration. This is a quick bonus episode just to mark the day, the night, and the morning after!I mention this video in the episode, if you haven't seen Blue Peter presenter John Noakes climbing Nelson's Column, it's well worth the eight minutes of you life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGZ-h70IK9sSupport the show

Oct 22, 2021 • 4:29

H is for... King Henry... All Eight of Them! [27]

Don't be shy, send me a message!This eighth episode in the 'Alphabet of Britishness' has eight kings called Henry in it... or at least, I talk about them. I don't say much about King Henry VIII as he's just too well known, and there's so much out there already. I give a bit of an overview of the eight kings called Henry and then talk about a few other things; HP sauce, Harrods, Harry Potter, Hammer Films, Horatio Nelson, Haggis, Hot Cross Buns, High Tea, Hastings (Ba

Oct 19, 2021 • 39:32

007 as seen from China | *No Spoilers* for 'No Time To Die' [26]

Don't be shy, send me a message!"What do the Chinese think of the truly British institution that is James Bond, 007?" This may not have been the first question you woke up with this morning, but hopefully now I've asked it, you are dying to find out. I spent 6 years working in adult education in China, and the most common student request was to learn about 'culture'. I found, somewhat by accident, that using 007 as a Trojan horse / useful structure led me down some p

Oct 12, 2021 • 39:07

'G' is for 'Great' [25]

Don't be shy, send me a message!In this episode, I list the number of people who said 'G is for Great' and well, that takes care of the first few minutes of the podcast! After that, I delve into; 'gentleman', 'Gromit', 'St. George', 'Gun Carriage Competition', 'Gladstone', 'Guy Falkes' 'Fat Rascals' (whoops, wrong week), Gallifrey, Gielgud, George Cross, the Great Escape, and Gardening.I didn't quite get aro

Oct 4, 2021 • 48:09

007's Retirement: Reading, Rum and Riparian Feasts [24]

Don't be shy, send me a message!The new James Bond film will soon be in cinemas. According to EON Productions, “In No Time To Die, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica…” obviously this peace will be short-lived (otherwise it would be a dull film), but we have seen some gorgeous photos of Bond’s retirement home. The photos show some interesting choices in reading material, alcohol, and food. All of these choices will be reviewed in detail here, I thoroughly

Sep 28, 2021 • 33:11

'F' is for 'Fish and Chips' [23]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Well, it had to be. Three people said so, and that was the largest number for any one topic. I also voice my view that it's best eaten in the North East of England, rather than in London. F further stands for; Fortnum and Mason, Football, Fuller’s London Pride, Flanders Field, Faulty Towers, The Full Monty (1997), Falstaff, and Fleming… Ian Fleming.  Take a look at my Youtube series for a look at next week's topic:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUE

Sep 21, 2021 • 30:30

A Deep Dive Into British Men's Wardrobes with Caine (in Fuzhou, China) [22]

Don't be shy, send me a message!How has Britain influenced men's wardrobes around the world? Listen as Caine returns and gives us a real insight into the part played by traditional British clothing in shaping the wardrobes of men all around the globe. We start at the feet and work our way up to the head in four distinct stages. Enjoy! You can fine Caine here:https://youtube.com/videosbycaineThis podcast has a Youtube channel which you can subscribe to for exclusive content coming soon:h

Sep 14, 2021 • 1:53:09

'E' is for 'Elgar' [21]

Don't be shy, send me a message!'E' is for Edward Elgar, a wonderful English composer, who gave us 'Land of Hope and Glory'; or rather the music 'Pomp and Circumstance' (known sometimes in the USA as 'the graduation tune') which was put to words by the old Etonian A.C. Benson. If you're not sure what an 'old Etonian' is, don't worry, I cover that too. I cover a range of other 'E's as well, so settle in for a good one! Mess

Sep 7, 2021 • 36:47

British Culture as Experienced by British People Overseas - Thomas and Caine [20]

Don't be shy, send me a message!British expatriates are both 'insiders' for British culture but also 'outsiders'. Living outside of the British Isles for a decade or more naturally changes our perceptions of our home country and home culture. As Caine (in Fuzhou, China) says; "being an expat... has broadened my horizons about British culture, it's made me question things that I assumed, things that I thought to be true based on my own experience it's made m

Aug 29, 2021 • 1:16:31

'D' is for 'Democracy' [19]

Don't be shy, send me a message!A huge thank you to 'Novice_Artisan' on Instagram for suggesting the headline topic of this episode; a good half of this episode is me explaining the debt we owe to Edward the First, the English Civil War and the Victorians for giving us the parliamentary democracy we have today (plus a little mention of the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans).Other topics include Dickens, David Beckham, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Dorchester, and 101 Dalmatians (which I kn

Aug 23, 2021 • 35:08

A Deep Dive Into Ink: British Tattoo Culture, with Caine (in Fuzhou, China) [18]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Caine joins me from China for the third time, having been on "British Culture as seen from Fuzhou, China" and "A Deep Dive into Tea", one of my most popular episodes. In this episode, he gives his unique insight into British tattoo culture, educating me on why the British Isles have such a unique 'inking' culture. This is a special bonus episode with the fortnightly alphabet series continuing next week. Caine is an expert both on

Aug 17, 2021 • 56:59

'C' is for 'Crumpets' [17]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thank you to the 25 people who answered the question, “What does ‘C’ stand for in the alphabet of Britishness?”This episode starts with ‘crumpets’ but breezes happily by a whole range of ‘C’s with much reference to perhaps going deep into some of these subsequent topics in later ‘deep dive’ episodes. You can contact me on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/ You can help with the next episode by telling what ‘D’ stands for in the alphabet

Aug 10, 2021 • 35:46

'B' is for 'Bloody Hell'! [16]

Don't be shy, send me a message!In the alphabet of Britishness, 'A' is for 'Bloody Hell'... according to my many, many of friends on Instagram!'B' can also stand for Barbour, Belstaff, Baracuta, Brownsea Island, blimey, Brexit, banter, bunting, Blackadder, Battle of Britain and Bradford!Thank you to everyone who messaged me. This episode is for all of you!If you'd like to get in touch, you can find me at:  www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/Support the show

Jul 26, 2021 • 21:15

'A' is for 'Albion' [15]

Don't be shy, send me a message!In the alphabet of Britishness, 'A' is for 'Albion.... but what does it mean? I asked on Instagram what I should talk about this week, and 69% of respondents voted for this topic. I'm sick with a cold at the moment, so I've done my best with this one and I hope you enjoy listening to my definition of 'Albion'. After all, it is in the title to this podcast!You can contact me on: https://www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/Suppo

Jul 13, 2021 • 12:47

British Bond Addict talking about Bond, James Bond [14]

Don't be shy, send me a message!British Bond Addict returns, this time to delve into the world of Ian Fleming's 007. Thomas has 10 questions about James Bond which we thoroughly ignore for half an hour because frankly the topic is so good! However, we do get to them. If you'd like to give Thomas your answers you can contact him at: https://www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/You answers will get read out in future Bond-related episodes. The 10 questions are:1. What does he wear?2. D

Jun 29, 2021 • 1:05:28

The Cost of Counter-Piracy (Somalia) [13]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Remember Somali piracy? This was a serious issue that, for many people, just suddenly came and went out of the news. With so much of the maritime industry based in the UK, Thomas Felix Creighton was well placed, as a former RNR officer, to research this at the height of its relevance. Now, seven years on, we have a one-off retrospective episode examining this.  This is a recording of a university lecture which was broken down into three parts:The ProblemThe So

Jun 22, 2021 • 56:21

My Five Favourite (British) Books [12]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Aside from the (King James) Bible and Shakespeare, what are my favourite books?1. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien 2. 'Kim' by Rudyard Kipling 3. 'From Russia With Love' by Ian Fleming4. 'Ataturk: The Rebirth of a Nation' by Lord Kinross5. 'The Dogs of War' by Frederick Forsyth Listen to find out why. You can contact Thomas at: https://www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/ Support the show

Jun 8, 2021 • 9:15

Britishness as viewed from California: An Interview with IG's "That One Bond Guy", Christopher Morales [11]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Today, Christopher Morales joins me, who you might know as Instagram’s “That One Bond Guy”. We talk about his passion for Kingsman, James Bond, Dr. Who, and all things British. You can find him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/thatone_bondguy/ …and on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ7xMlDhbc1ltEG7G-oWKQw You can contact me anytime on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/  The clip from Thomas the Tank Engine featur

Mar 8, 2021 • 26:31

The 7 Pillars of Britishness: An Interview with Instagram's "British Bond Addict" [10]

Don't be shy, send me a message!In this episode, I interview Chris Hunt, known on Instagram as ‘British Bond Addict’, you can find him here: https://www.instagram.com/britishbondaddict/ He and I work together to identify The Seven Pillars of Britishness:(1)   Humour (spelt with a ‘u’)(2)   A stiff upper lip(3)   Embracing a range of accents(4)   The class system (5)   Gentlemenliness (not a word)(6)   Patriotism (7)   TeaWe also talk about the British inability to let go of the past, and how

Feb 22, 2021 • 37:59

A James Bond Location: Hong Kong and the Peninsula Hotel [9]

Don't be shy, send me a message!哈囉! Hello!Many of you know me from my Ian Fleming / James Bond themed Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/ . In this episode, I explore some of the British heritage in Hong Kong, which has appeared in three 007 films; You Only Live Twice (1967), The Man With The Golden Gun (1974), and Die Another Day (2002).Special thanks to Donnie Waldron for recording an excerpt from ‘God Is My Co-Pilot’  by Colonel Robert Lee Scott, Jr. (USAAF) spe

Feb 15, 2021 • 13:37

Bonus Episode: What are biscuits in the USA!? [8]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thank you to everyone who contacted me after the last episode, in which Caine and I talked about tea and biscuits. We asked, 'What are biscuits in the USA?'Thank you to 'Ladies Who Bond' on Instagram for giving me a great answer. You can find her great account here: https://www.instagram.com/ladieswhobond/ Also, thank you to Jon Auty, who also contacted me. He runs the podcast, 'Behind the Stunts'. You can also find him on Youtube

Feb 8, 2021 • 2:03

A Deep Dive into Tea (Part II): British Tea, Turkish Tea, and Tea in East Asia [7]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Last week, I travelled 5 hours by high-speed train from just north of Hong Kong to Fuzhou, in Fujian, famous for its tea culture. I met with an old friend called Caine who is an expert both on British culture and Fijianese tea. This is the second part of our discussion.In this episode, we talk about the quality of tea in teabags (as opposed to loose tea). Caine asks me about Turkish tea culture, and we also talk about what different people have with tea. We do

Feb 1, 2021 • 23:20

A Deep Dive Into Tea (Part I) [6]

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week, I travelled to Fuzhou (China) and met Caine, an expert on British culture and on the traditional tea culture of Fuzhou. We talked about the origins of tea culture, both Chinese and British, and about the real ‘lived culture’ of tea in both countries. We also talk about tea production in Fuzhou, and on the tea and coffee culture of the Middle East. Enjoy! You can find Thomas at: https://www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/  Take a look at Caine’s Yout

Jan 24, 2021 • 36:21

Coming up soon on the podcast! [5]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Just a quick update to say what to expect, what's coming up, and what's going on!You can find Thomas at: https://www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/Support the show

Jan 17, 2021 • 2:48

British Culture as seen from Fuzhou, China: Interview with Caine [4]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Caine is an English teacher in Fuzhou, China, and has been for more than 8 years. He teaches, lectures, blogs, and appears on Chinese television talking about about British culture.  You can find Thomas at: https://www.instagram.com/flemingneverdies/You can find Caine on: the Chinese internets, or visit beautiful Fuzhou and just ask around!Made in Spain Whether you’re an expat chasing the dream, a traveller inspired by European elegance...Listen on: Apple Podc

Jan 10, 2021 • 47:26

What's this series all about? [3]

Don't be shy, send me a message!This podcast asks the question, "What is Britishness?"Listen to find out what to expect from future episodes! Support the show

Dec 28, 2020 • 2:55

Book Review: From Russia With Love [2]

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas reviews the classic British novel "From Russia With Love" by Ian Fleming, first published in 1957 with a film adaptation starring Sean Conner following in 1963. This podcast was originally created by Thomas for an online book group he set up in March 2020 for British and American expats under lockdown in Wuhan, China. They were working for the company EF (Education First), where Thomas has worked as a manager for four years.  Support the show

Dec 28, 2020 • 10:08

You Only Live Twice [1]

Don't be shy, send me a message!This is my favourite chapter of Ian Fleming's penultimate 007 novel 'You Only Live Twice. It's quite different from the classic 1967 film with Sean Connery; we see a world weary Bond at the end of his career. Perhaps we shall see something like it with the 25th 007 film, No Time To Die. On the other hand, perhaps it will forever stand alone, telling its unique story.  Support the show

Dec 26, 2020 • 5:49