Explore every episode of British Culture: Albion Never Dies
Dive into the complete episode list for British Culture: Albion Never Dies. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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!
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 is for Pimms (minute 58) P is for Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQ) P is for Paddington Bear (1 hour, minute 6) P is for Pub (1 hour, minute 10) P is for Posh and Poor (1 hour, minute 13) P is for Pie (1 hour, minute 17) P is for Prize-fighting or Pugilism (1 hour, minute 19) P is for Politeness (1 hour, minute 20) P is for Pips, as in 'time pips' (1 hour, minute 22)
And at 1 hour, minute 23: P is for Pennies, Pillar Boxes, Pooh, Pontefract Cakes, Pencil Museum, Pop Music, Penny for the Guy, Park, Pride, Palace, Post Office, Pantomimes, Patience, Punk Rock, Pint, Patiotism, Peas, Pluck, Porridge, Poppy Day, Pomp and Circumstance and the Proms, Portsmouth, Parliament, Police Telephone Boxes, Peaky Blinders, Politics, Pax Britannica, St. Paul's Cathedral, Peter Sellers, Pudding. At 1 hour, minute 27, I look at the Wikipedia article on British stereotypes.
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 🇬🇧".
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.
Links to original stories are available above on most podcast players (Spotify and Buzzsprout definitely work), and all comments on them are my own.
You can contact me on Instagram, or by e-mail (AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com), let me know if you'd like a third slice of Yorkshire life... I may even end up doing a whole cake of it!
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 Aquitaine again. Women have been no cyphers in British history.
I also talk about Q, as in James Bond's Q. I mainly delve into the Q-Ships that are (in my view) the most likely origin of his name.
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 🇬🇧".
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 of Britishness'.
Bill Koenig runs "The Spy Command" blog which provides news and commentary about James Bond, “The Other Spies,” and other entertainment-related topics.
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.
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:
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?
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 talk about the best food(s) from Ian Fleming's novels, and also which is the best Bond film for food.
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 'Videos by Caine', lots of interesting new content coming, which he gives a sneak peak of in this episode. Also, if you haven't already, check out his previous contributions to this podcast, such as the Deep Dives into... Tea, Ink (British Tattoo Culture), Christmas and British Men's Wardrobes.
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.
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 the Soapbox races, video coming to my Youtube at some point (I expect to be busy with the new job), but subscribe and you won't miss it!
Most importantly, my friend's cat makes an appearance, Alfred Chocolate Yumyum. I'll start owing him royalties soon, even though he'd probably spend it all on fish.
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.
After that, and giving my tale of train journeys between Yorkshire and the capital, I talk about my new job, and give an update on the Alphabet of Britishness.
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 Similarities", and I make a fair few references to it, so do check out his Youtube channel.
I talk about that for about 30 minutes, then give my report on life in the UK for the remaining 10, just after the sounds of the countryside. If you haven't heard of 'The Knitted Bible' exhibition, do check out their Facebook page.
Oh, and why not check out my friend Caine's video on Christianity in Imperial China? You've heard him talk about British culture in many, many Deep Dives for this podcast. On his Youtube channel 'Videos by Caine', he covers this really cool topic.
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 with some personal updates; job going well, flat hunting continuing. Sadly, I do have news regarding my friend's 17 year old cat, Alfred Chocolate Yumyum. He was such a star in previous episodes, and many people messaged me about him, so he has the last words in this episode.
Contact me anytime, either about UK/US differences, or the Alphabet of Britishness, which will return. Hopefully, it will return swifter than James Bond between films these days!
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.
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://www.bradfordbrass.co.uk
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.
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 the choir at Bradford Cathedral this Sunday, as part of the special evensong to celebrate 30 years of the girls' choir.
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 of others. In short; build your network, prepare for 'home comfort' days, and make little outings when you can.
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-Chitty-Bang-Bang, and the film adaptations of both books by Roald Dahl.
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 drinks enjoyed by our favourite fictitious agent. You can find these videos, and many more, at: https://www.youtube.com/britishculture
I was prompted to upload this bonus content due to two listeners. The first messaged me on Instagram saying he enjoyed this week's episode, but would love it to be longer. The other e-mailed me, asking for advice on how to run an Ian Fleming themed event, reminding me of this wonderful event in China.
You can e-mail me anytime at: albionneverdies@gmail.com You can also find me on Instagram: @flemingneverdies You can find my Turkish account here: @JamesBond_Turkiye
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 wins will certainly be the next Prime Minister.
In this episode, I give some background to events, both surrounding BoJo, and the office of Prime Minister itself. I outline the selection process and how it works. I also give a brief overview of the main contenders at time of recording.
If you enjoy this episode, let me know, and I shall give further updates.
Currently, no candidate has personally contacted me.
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 politics? 6) Do you believe the reports of the coup plots against Harold Wilson? 7) Who do you prefer out of Sunak and Truss as the UK’s next Prime Minister 8) Is Thatcher the only PM to appear in a Bond film? 9) Who is your favourite pre-1940 PM? 10) Have you heard about Sunak’s wife’s businesses?
Thank you also to those who gave me 5-star reviews on iTunes, and who shared on their social media about my podcast. Thank you for helping new people find this content!
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:
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 spy.
After this, you can decide how far I go down the Bond rabbit hole! Contact me using any of the following accounts:
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 spy.
After this, you can decide how far I go down the Bond rabbit hole! Contact me using any of the following accounts:
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.
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 questions, expect answers in upcoming episodes.
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' Palace, and the proclamation of accession formally distributed throughout the kingdoms, counties, and cities.
This episode is primarily a recording of the official proclamation in Bradford City Centre, in West Yorkshire with a special inter-faith ceremony afterwards. After all, the King of England is also the head of the Church of England, the Defender of the Faith.
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.
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, and what a wonderful host 'The Bond Experience' proved to be!
In this episode, I talk about Forsyth's career as a thriller writer, and suggest that he could be viewed as an 'Heir of Fleming'. I don't talk about all his books, just the ones that stand out to me, and I read a section from The Fourth Protocol.
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).
The third week of this apparent trilogy (7th November, 2022), YOU DECIDE! Contact me with your suggestions, and I'll cover whatever the people demand!
You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies
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 Goodwin
I also recommend the movie ‘Master and Commander’ (2003), the TV show Hornblower (1998-2003), and the classic clip (on Youtube) of John Noakes cleaning Nelson’s Column for the children’s TV show ‘Blue Peter’.
My ‘Recommended Rabbit Hole’: Lord Cochrane. Just start with Google, see where it takes you, and let me know if you found it as fascinating as I do.
You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies
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 James
'Pax Britannica' by James/Jan Morris
and also a special shout-out to two authors who reached out to me:
Neil Thornton (Rorke's Drift: A New Perspective)
Kevin Brazier (Victoria Crosses of the Zulu and Boer Wars)
Both informed this podcast.
I asked on my Instagram (@FlemingNeverDies) whether you've seen the movie 'Zulu' and 37% of people said 'no'. So, I don't delve too deep into the movie, you can listen to this then watch the film happily for the first time, or vice versa. Either way, I hope you enjoy it as much as I, and many others, do.
My ‘Recommended Rabbit Hole’: Frank Bourne (the youngest Colour Sergeant at the time of the Battle of Rorke's Drift). Just start with Google, see where it takes you, and let me know if you found it as fascinating as I do.
You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies
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' into St. George's Day; and many more!
Check out his video on a similarly themed topic to Halloween, The Hungry Ghost Festival, celebrated in China.
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 Lacey
If 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.com You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies
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 November Gunpowder treason and plot I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent To blow up the King and the Parliament Three score barrels of powder below Poor old England to overthrow By God's providence he was catch'd With a dark lantern and burning match Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Something that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!
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 if, like myself and many people who messaged me, you haven't seen it for a long time, have no fear. This is a NO SPOILERS episode. Although I do talk about his death, this is shown in the first five minutes of the (more than) 3 hour epic movie. Mostly, I focus on the true life story of Thomas Edward Lawrence.
At the outset, I explain why I chose this topic out of all the suggestions. Then, I delve into the many varied perspectives on him from the members of the Facebook group, 'The Gentlemen's Society for the Appreciation of the British Empire'. I received over 150 comments, so I had to be very selective here. Finally, I give a brief bio, and read the introduction to his book:
'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom' by T.E. Lawrence
My recommended rabbit hole is Gertrude Bell.
I hope you enjoy this one!
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Something that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!
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 asked on Instagram about our political events; and finally, I give a very brief bio of our new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
I also suggest, thanks to an article in Private Eye magazine, that recent events are not *totally* unprecedented. If you live outside the UK, that fortnightly publication is my recommended rabbit hole. If you live inside the UK, then I’d suggest Prime Minister Spencer Perceval as a good rabbit hole.
Questions from Instagram: 20th October, carrying on throughout the week
What now? Elections? Are you surprised?
How close are we to snap elections?
Who’s your money on for the new Conservative leader? And will there be a general election?
In the UK can you call a general election at any time?
Bring back Boris?
Will the Health Secretary also quit? She needs to.
Will there be new surprises? Can Boris return? How is the public’s reaction? Yours?
Risk of the Tory coalition collapsing? Still relying on the DUP for support?
Who is Penny Mordaunt?
Why did Liz Truss want to abolish the monarchy but claim she is fit for her past majesty’s government?
How is this gonna end? Because I can’t imagine the PM from the conservatives will survive?
Do you want the next PM to keep Hunt as Chancellor?
Questions from Instagram: 24th October onwards, after Rishi Sunak became de facto PM
His wife with the tax issue, how is that now?
And will it be a problem that he is so rich? Seen by the general public?
What are the betting odds for how long he will last?
If he has to resign, beyond Mourdent and (ugh) Boris, is anyone in the running with a chance?
Your hopes and thoughts on him
Will he get into bed with Boris?
He does have great style. Tailor made suits I believe?
Larry the Cat is sticking around, right?
and finally: What’s your next sartorial Bond purchase? What’s on your wish list?
I do my best with all these questions, and hope I will not have cause to do another podcast on politics for a good long while!
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Something that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!
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 Edward Biddulph
"The Complete Guide to the Drinks of James Bond" by David Leigh
…and of course, I quote three Ian Fleming novels with the most vivid and memorable (to me) food descriptions, "Casino Royale" (1953), "From Russia With Love" (1957) and "Goldfinger" (1959).
I also mention (and recommend) the podcast and Youtube channels 'From Tailors with Love' and 'Quantum of History'.
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.
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 is the classic, and no film review of any of the others fails to mention that!
The Railway itself: the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (yes, pronounced 'Keith-ley'), a fantastic place to visit in West Yorkshire, and home to the films.
I hope you enjoy this - just over thirty minute - episode... and the poems. Couldn't resist.
Oh, and I also announce the competition winner. Stay subscribed so you don't miss out!
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Something that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!
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 across the Atlantic in the USA. You can find him on Instagram and Youtube.
I last had him on the podcast last October, so we are overdue another appearance!
Roland is the author of the Knuckleheads Motorcylcle Club books, 'High Point', and also the Edventure Eddie series. He got his start writing romantic fiction, and here gives me his unique take on Lady Chatterley's Lover, by D. H. Lawrence, which was published in a limited English-language edition in Florence (1928) and in Paris (1929). and then in England in an expurgated edition in 1932. The full text was published only in 1959 in New York City and in 1960 in London, when it was the subject of a landmark obscenity trial that turned largely on the justification of the use in the book of until-then taboo sexual terms.
This episode is, as always, a clean-language podcast. I hope you enjoy our discussion.
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Something that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!
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 listened to.
(But if you want to listen to it all in one go, all power to you!)
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Something that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!
(1)T is for… Thomas I 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 move betwen China, the USA, and the UK itself.
Where you stand depends on *when* you sit; the lag between perception and reality, which can be increased through geographic distance.
(3) 1-100 in ten minutes Okay, maybe not a whole ten minutes here, but I talk about how my podcast evolved from its initial form - influenced by Chinese social media - to the regular podcast you now get every week.
(4)Where next? Learning a lesson from Elliot Carver (or was it James Bond?), I will remember the first rule of mass media and give the people what they want:
I will bring back 'The Alphabet of Britishness'.
I will finally review Bond content (I've resisted this one a long time)
I will create more Youtube videos, both uploading the 'deep dives' there and 5 minute video-only content.
Plenty to look forward to, and plenty of room for your suggestions.
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Something that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!
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.
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 content A1: Film set in the UK or a European Economic Area (EEA)– Up to 4 points A2: Lead characters British or EEA citizens or residents – Up to 4 points A3: Film based on British or EEA subject matter or underlying material – 4 points A4: Original dialogue recorded mainly in English or UK indigenous language or EEA language – Up to 6 points
Section B – cultural contribution
The film demonstrates British creativity, British heritage and/or diversity – Up to 4 points
Section C – cultural hubs
C1: (a) At least 50% of the principal photography or SFX takes place in the UK – 2 points (b) At least 50% of the VFX takes place in the UK – 2 points (c) An extra 2 points can be awarded if at least 80% of principal photography or VFX or SFX takes place in the UK – 2 points C2: Music Recording/Audio Post Production/Picture Post Production – 1 point
Section D – cultural practitioners
D1: Director – 1 point D2: Scriptwriter – 1 point D3: Producer – 1 point D4: Composer – 1 point D5: Lead actors – 1 point D6: Majority of cast – 1 point D7: Key staff (lead cinematographer, lead production designer, lead costume designer, lead editor, lead sound designer, lead visual effects supervisor, lead hair and makeup supervisor) – 1 point D8: Majority of crew – 1 point
Total available points: 35 (I mis-speak at the start of the episode, correcting myself later)
Number of points needed to pass the Britishness test: 18 points
Something that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!
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 looking into the origins of snooker in British India.
[Minute 12]
S is for... Scotland I look at Roman Scotland, which actually surprised me because like many I tend to think of life beyond The Wall(s) as non-Roman. I amuse myself with the historical inaccuracies of Braveheart. I also can't resist talking about the non-historicity of 'clan tartans' which is always a fun topic.
My Recommended Rabbit Hole: Scots of the British Empire
[Minute 23]
S is for... SAS (Special Air Service) and SBS (Special Boat Service)
Here, I go through an obituary of Paddy Ashdown, a well-known liberal politician in the UK who had a special forces and diplomatic background. I felt his colourful early career would be of particular interest to international listeners. I take much of my information from The Guardian, which would tend to be critical of such exploits.
***
Since the Alphabet of Britishness is now a monthly project, feel free to message me with more suggestions for 'S'. There certainly is one more coming up. Next week, Episode 104 will be "S" is for... "The Saint" with a very special guest. Stay tuned for that, coming up on January 10th, 2023.
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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 Chatterley's Lover, so I am delighted to draw on his literary expertise once again!
Roland is the author of the Knuckleheads Motorcycle Club books, 'High Point', and also the Adventure Eddie series. He is a successful romance / adventure novelist, and here gives me his unique take on the works of Leslie Charteris, and the 1960s TV show starring Roger Moore that was inspired by them. He explains what makes the books so special, which one to start with (The Saint in New York), and why.
I hope you enjoy our discussion. I did!
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Thank you to so many, for so many great suggestions! I list the *main* ones below that I talk about:
Shires (and The Shire)
Stonehenge
Security Service
Stoicism
Stiff Upper Lip
Savage! Just kidding; the title ‘Sir’
Sarcasm and Satire
Sausage Rolls
Scones
Seaside
Sandringham
SPECTRE
Sky
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 and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain’ by Marc Morris
‘Operation Mincemeat’ by Ben MacIntyre
‘For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming + James Bond’ also by Ben MacIntyre
'Post-War' by Tony Judt
‘Ian Fleming’s Commandos: The Story of 30 Assault Unit in WWII’ by Nicholas Rankin
‘Ian Fleming and SOE’s Operation Postmaster: The Untold Top Secret Story’ by Brian Lett
‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ by Ian Fleming
‘Yes Minister: The Diaries of a Cabinet Minister by the Rt Hon. James Hacker MP: Volume Two’ Edited by Jonathan Lynn and Anthony Jay
‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ by Ian Fleming
I also recommend Simon Schama’s television documentary ‘A History of Britain’, more for the early episodes than the later ones. They are available to watch online for free on the BBC iPlayer. I also draw on information on the official SIS and Royal Family websites, along with the 'Sandwich & Food to Go' magazine'.
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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 we classify a form of creative expression as satire, we frame it as setting out to critique some social wrongness as well as offering aesthetic pleasures associated with entertainment. These moral and aesthetic purposes interact in satire, although neither is wholly instrumental to the other – and they ultimately also pull in different directions, which makes the genre ambiguous.”
In this episode, I first ruminate on satire that I have personally seen in other countries, for example, Turkish satire and the role played by penguins during the Gezi Park protests (9 years ago), thanks to CNNTurk. I coment on Turkish humour generally, and the tale of Nasreddin Hoca and the bump in the night.
I also recollect Turkish Cypriot satire, which led to a leading newspaper changing its name from 'Avrupa' to 'Afrika', a move that had very significant satirical connections. Finally, I comment on Cantonese satire, especially humourists based in Hong Kong using Winnie the Pooh, leading to a ban on images of the classic character on the Mainland of China.
After all this, I finally start delving into the history of British satire, from Hogarth's 'Gin Lane' images to the rise of first Punch Magazine (including '1066 and all that'), then Private Eye magazine, and the 1980s BBC TV show 'Yes Minister'. My final recoomendation is the TV satirical quiz show 'Have I Got News For You'.
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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 glad she did. We first met as we worked for the same company in Mainland China!
Due to votes from 29 listeners on Instagram, I also chat at the end about the special screening of Octopussy I attended last weekend (sorry, the 1 person who voted 'no'). I also explain why Episode 106 talked about British satire without even mentioning Monty Python once. I (almost) always respond to requests.
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Several subscribers have received their postcards and other little 'thank you's, randomly drawn from the list, and two have won extra special monthly prizes!
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 Bond Addict' & 'From Tailors With Love' (Pete Brooker)"
Episode #63: "Back in Britain #4 | A visit to London meeting "From Tailors With Love", Daniel Gaster, and "British Bond Addict""
I am absolutely delighted to have him back again. We discuss 'Thunderbirds', 'Joe 90', Stingray', and a host of other Supermarionation TV shows.
If you have a 't' suggestion for this month, or indeed any forthcoming letter of the alphabet (Chris messaged me about this one a long while back), please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Message me anytime on Instagram E-mail me at: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Several subscribers have received their postcards and other little 'thank you's, randomly drawn from the list, and two have won extra special monthly prizes!
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 Thomas pressed on, year after year, With courage and wit, and a twinkle in eye, He showed the world what Britain’s culture was high And though some may still not understand, Thomas’ efforts will always stand, A testament to his love and his zeal, For educating the world, a true culture connoisseur real.
I love it!
I also talk about Tim Berners-Lee, Time Lords, the TARDIS, and very briefly, the Thames River in London. More coming up this month.
Message me anytime on Instagram E-mail me at: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Several subscribers have received their postcards and other little 'thank you's, randomly drawn from the list, and two have won extra special monthly prizes!
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 television documentary from 1996 narrated by Judi Dench... and of course, I lived as a child in Worcestershire, the inspiration for ‘the Shire’ and the real life location of Bag-End in Dormston, which was a farm belonging to Tolkein’s aunt where he stayed in 1923. It is about 15 minutes from Stratford-Upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born. All that, just for this podcast episode. I hope you enjoy it.
Message me anytime on Instagram E-mail me at: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
Several subscribers have received their postcards and other little 'thank you's, randomly drawn from the list, and two have won extra special monthly prizes!
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 the episode.
We discuss story structure, archetypes and cliché, and why, as a novelist, he loves a good story structure.
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, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, This other Eden, demi-paradise, This fortress built by Nature for herself, Against infection and the hand of war, This happy breed of men, this little world, This precious stone set in the silver sea, Which serves it in the office of a wall, Or as a moat defensive to a house, Against the envy of less happier lands "
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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 world, and I touch on my new life in my 'home country', which can now seem very alien at times. This is a very personal story, so, I do hope you enjoy it.
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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 became involved with the filming of 'Octopussy' (1983), after receiving a phone call out of the blue from EON Productions - the dream for any Bond fan! He talks about his time with Roger Moore and Kabir Bedi, who played the imposing Gobinda, and even Del's input into the latter character's wardrobe. Del even comments on the best (and worst) place for a movie crew to buy a turban.
Del talked to Roger Moore about his take on Sean Connery's 007, and observed how Moore dealt with this question differently in sessions with journalists. What did Moore claim he could do as Bond that Connery could not? The answer comes at minute 26. We also hear what Moore said his favourite film was (answer at minute 27), and, hear of Roger Moore's experiences filming 'The Wild Geese' (1978) with Richard Burton and Richard Harris.
The spectacular train stunts in Octopussy were filmed at the Nene Valley Railways near Peterborough, where Del hails from, back before CGI could be used for such scenes, so we also hear Del's memories of watching these incredible stunts done on location, and the immense risks involved: Del says, "they really do earn their money"!
Out of curiosity, do you know how long a turban is?
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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. We discuss the place Octopussy has in the 007 rankings, especially against 1983’s other Bond film, ‘Never Say Never Again’ with Sean Connery.
I also comment on why I am especially glad those turbans were right.
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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 non-specialist source, The Encyclopedia Britannica.
At 15 minutes into the episode, I start a long reading from a truly interesting source; "Cyprus Under British Rule" by Captain C.W.J. Orr, published 1918. Out of print (and out of copyright in the UK), this account gives us a real insight into the times.
Indeed, I find it such an interesting insight, I may return to the topic, and indeed, the book...
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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 contemporary books on the topic. For the final, well, it is an extension of an article I have published in Country & Town House Magazine, link below.
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 a Cathedral service. Little correction, I say we recorded this in the Peace Chapel; actually we recorded it in the Chapel to the Holy Spirit ~ there is no Peace Chapel there, my mistake!
We further talk about the City of Bradford, which will in 2025 host the UK's City of Culture, something Ned is unusually well qualified to talk on. Please do check out the work of the Cathedral here: https://bradfordcathedral.org.uk/
In Spring 2023, I will be covering the three most requested topics:
What is 'The Church of England'?
What was The British Empire really like?
What is my personal ranking of the 007 films?
Thank you to all those who have encouraged me to take on these, and all those who have helped me create the forthcoming episodes.
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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.
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 Caine', lots of interesting new content coming, which he gives a sneak peak of in this episode. Also, if you haven't already, check out his previous contributions to this podcast, such as the Deep Dives into... Tea, Ink (British Tattoo Culture), Christmas and British Men's Wardrobes.
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:
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 repost to modern ideas that those who lived in the Empire paid little attention to the histories, lives, and stories to those they ruled.
This is the second part, but it can be listened to without having heard the first. There are also a few 'pause points' when music plays in the background, so no need to listen in one long go (unless you really want to). I am releasing these episodes in response to long-term requests that I cover Imperial topics (as well as religion and James Bond), I always like to do requests, if I feel I can. Cyprus is close to my heart, as I lived there for seven years. Indeed, I am just back from a visit. Expect more on this topic, although not such a long episode!
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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: www.youtube.com/britishculture
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]
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 official James Bond 007 continuation novel, from Ian Fleming Publications.
British author Roland Hulme and I have both released Youtube reviews of this latest 007 adventure. Mine is very brief with some footage of the coronation celebrations in Hyde Park. Roland’s is a much deeper dive, where he shares his unique insights as a professional novelist. I ask him to further explain some of his points here. Please do check out his social media accounts, and Amazon profile:
Something that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!
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 perennial favourite of mine; local newspapers. I take a look at stories in the 'Fleet and Yateley News & Mail' and 'The Reading Chronicle'. My favoruites being a journalist who doesn't like cheese being sent to a cheese festival and her writing the report, a man who stole meat from M&S (I suppose rather than go to budget-friendly Aldi), and a woman who stole £81.75 worth of paint from a shop.
The final subject is Haworth 1940s weekend, a historical reenactment event with the audience (mostly) in period wear. I hope to do a Youtube video on this very shortly, so do keep an eye out on my channel there, same name as this podcast. There was plenty to see, including a Winston Churchill lookalike (not soundalike), and a Spitfire flyover that thrilled.
Lots going on here in the UK, and more real deep dives coming up soon. That includes a (triumphant) return of my very first guest, and man behind many deep dives... Caine! He gives us an insight into a Crown Colony which was featured in a very memorable James Bond sequence. In fact, his insight so good, it cannot be contained in just one episode, so a double-bill is one the way.
If you have topics for the last remaining letters in 'The Alphabet of Britishness' then do message me, as I slowly prepare episodes for U, V, W, X, Y, and Z.
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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]
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 is here, with plenty of volunteer-run community activities going on. Great to see people working together.
I also talk about life as a Bond fan. There have been quite a few discussions I’ve been privy to, talking about how expensive it can be, and how few ‘new 007 things’ there are at the moment. I’m finding plenty to enjoy, so I just share a little here. If you’d like me to share more on this, just message me and say!
Finally, this is very much an audience-driven podcast. Anything from topics, to music requests, to sound quality comments, to fun little gems of information, can come from listeners. The Alphabet of Britishness *will* return, along with any other topics you request.
Coming up will certainly be aspects of the British Empire, and British territories. This is something long, long requested, so I’m working hard to try and do this are some justice. It is challenging due to the breadth of the topic, so I’m starting with what is most familiar to me.
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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 Love) rang me to give his views on this swiftly unfolding drama, and give an outline to what's going on. You can find him at: https://www.instagram.com/fromtailorswithlove/
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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 the time between films.
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 my guest really reveals the depth of British influence. Not something I would ever have considered, so thank you so much to Matt, and to listener David Berger for suggesting this topic!
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!
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 Gazioğlu
Cyprus Under British Rule – by CWJ Orr (Army Captain)
The Death of Friendship: A Cyprus Memoir – by Türkan Aziz (MBE)
I hope you enjoy this episode, drawing on my 7 years on the island, and my personal collection of rare books on the island.
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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, British men's wardrobes, tattoo culture, and Christmas.
Check out his recommended rabbit hole: "The Pitcairn Islands". Well worth a Google, as we discuss!
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 about, so I really hope you enjoy it.
Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, randomly drawn from the list, and one more will soon have a little gift on the way!
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 Music
British Sports
British TV and Film
British Comedy
British Festivals and Traditions
British Accent and Dialects
British History
These topics should provide a good starting point for exploring various aspects of British culture in your podcast."
So, these are the topics on which I give my thoughts and reflections. Last time I did this, I asked my friends of social media, this time, I thought I'd try Chat GPT, as it is essentially a prediction machine, giving what it thinks is the most likely answer based on it's current database (which is a few years old).
Let me know which of these you'd like more podcasts on!
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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"!
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 Chronicle, founded 1801, this edition 23/03/2023 The Whitby Gazette, founded 1854, this edition 15/06/2023 The Craven Herald & Pioneer, founded 1853, this edition 27/07/2023
I genuinely have a passion for local news, as these really do touch of people's lives and they give such an insight into people's real experiences. I read out articles that caught my eye, and give my own little observations. I'd hesitate to call this a 'filler' episode, but I do hope that you enjoy the levity of it.
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 choices for his 460,000 Twitter followers, Mr Guy said: 'Baffling to me how the wealthiest UK prime minister in history could live just steps away from Savile Row, the single greatest concentration of skilled bespoke tailors, and end up paying $2k for a MTM suit with sleeves and trousers 2-4' too short.'
The fashion expert dismissed claims from his followers that Mr Sunak was trying to mask his short stature, or opting for children's sizes to 'dodge VAT'.
The PM has never been known to skimp on fashion, having previously been seen wearing £3,500 suits from Bloomsbury tailor Henry Herbert, £490 Prada shoes and a £795 Reiss jacket.
He continued: 'Lots of conspiracy theories on why Sunak wears such short trousers and sleeves, but my theory is simple...
'Sunak is a vaguely trend-aware guy, but just a little behind the times. He wears Palm Angels slides, Common Projects sneakers, slim-fit chinos, etc.
'I don't think he has a grand theory for how short sleeves and pants make him look taller.
'He's simply accustomed to wearing trendy things and so, he wears early 2000s menswear trends.
'It is not unusual to see wealthy guys wear such shrunken suits. In fact, this is the dominant silhouette if you visit the downtown district of any major city...
...Mr Guy, who has written for Esquire and the Financial Times, later suggested Mr Sunak had been eclipsed in the fashion stakes by US President Joe Biden, whose 'ready to wear' suits fitted better despite probably being far cheaper."
Well, so says the Daily Mail. What do you think?
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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' starring Roger Moore is clearly THE BEST James Bond adventure. Some things are just objective facts.... from a certain point of view.
You can find 'Being James Bond' on iTunes, Youtube, Instagram, and a whole host of other social media. If you haven't already, so check him out, and he even wrote a book of the same name!
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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.
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.
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' and 'No Time to Die' with Daniel Craig. Which ones are high and low? Listen to find out.
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 Cornwell novels have Sharpe as a Londener, but this was reset for the show after casting Bean.
Judi Dench, hard to know which is her best-known role, but I shall default to ‘M’ from the 007 films! Her Yorkshire accent only comes out with strong language.
Diana Rigg (Mrs. James Bond) who is from Doncaster, just like Jeremy Clarkson, although they sound quite different. Clarkson’s original ‘BBC voice’ was closer to Rigg’s, he later dropped it for his more natural accent.
Patrick Stuart (a non-Bond); in the 24th Century no one cares if you have hair (for men anyway)
Pete Prostlewaite, Steven Spielberg called him "The best actor in the world"! He’s most famous for Jurassic Park 2 and Inception (he’s the old dude dying who prompts the story)… and of course, Brassed Off (1996) with a young Obi Wan Kenobi.
I also talk about a famous Yorkshire ‘anthem’: Ilkla Mooar baht 'at Song Lyrics:
Wheear 'ast tha bin sin' ah saw thee, ah saw thee? On Ilkla Mooar baht 'at Tha's been a cooartin' Mary Jane Tha's bahn' to catch thy deeath o` cowd Then us'll ha' to bury thee Then t'worms'll come an` eyt thee up Then t'ducks'll come an` eyt up t'worms Then us'll go an` eyt up t'ducks Then us'll all ha' etten thee That's wheear we get us ooan back
Don't worry, I provide a translation from the West Yorkshire dialect. I do attempt to read it in the dialect, please have patience with that!
Finally, I wrap up with 8 suggestions for days out in Yorkshire.
Steam through stunning countryside
Amble down the Shambles in York
Walk in the Dales
Indulge in a local speciality
Follow in Captain Cook’s footsteps
Tuck into fish & chips in Whitby
Visit one of Britain’s greatest stately homes
Have afternoon tea at Bettys
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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 start with the Encyclopedia Britannica, check the Guardian newspaper, and find most biographies really draw on a single source, ‘Queen of the Desert: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell’ by Georgina Howell. I do check that, and a documentary that accompanied The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. There is also a 2015 movie starring Nicole Kidman, but honestly I found it hard to get into it, as many do.
If you are interested in her archeological work, rather than her private life and public politics, it would be hard to do better than the hour-long Youtube video, ‘Lisa Cooper | Encounters with Ancient Splendors: Gertrude Bell’. This is a public lecture, which does show some of her remarkable photography. Meanwhile, BBC North East has shared videos about the influence her family had on her regions, Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Throughout this episode, I do try and add in my own experience where I can, having worked in Saudi Arabia and then in Oman. I was able to visit some of the archeological sites out in the desert, and I can quite understand how this could draw someone in as a life-ling interest. I shall share more on that, if requested, so do get in touch.
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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 that makes it good for all of us.
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; I put this in the upper-middle of my overall 007 film ranking.
Please let me know what you think of this episode; I've never done a film review episode before (despite requests). So, if you like it, I might do more, and if you don't... well, I probably won't. It's all about requests, here!
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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.
The first time I took the helm of a Royal Navy ship was actually along much of this route, heading down the Thames from near Tower Bridge, and along past the Millennium Dome (now the O2). Now, when I see the chase, it brings back that very happy (if now distant) memory. I'm looking forward to attending the Q the Music concert on October 15th, and will be meeting up with friends before hand.
Let me know if you want to come, all are invited!
Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com
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.
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 Goodwin
I also recommend the movie ‘Master and Commander’ (2003), the TV show Hornblower (1998-2003), and the classic clip (on Youtube) of John Noakes cleaning Nelson’s Column for the children’s TV show ‘Blue Peter’.
My ‘Recommended Rabbit Hole’: Lord Cochrane. Just start with Google, see where it takes you, and let me know if you found it as fascinating as I do.
This is an annual celebration and commemoration, so this episode is a rerelease from October 21st, last year.
You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies
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