Podcast appearances and mentions of Jonathan Thomas

The First Hour of New Day with SSJ with Steven St. John, and producer Jake Gutierrez. We also have Nate Bukaty is in studio, we are joined over the phone by Jonathan Thomas from American century to talk about the American Century Championship. Former Royals reliever Jaime Bluma is in studio to finish the hour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonathan Thomas speaks to the Reverend Simeon Baker, recently appointed as the new General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Wales.The Baptist Union of Wales represents over 320 churches and 8000 members across the country. Simeon sets out his vision for the future of the Baptist Union; the challenges ahead and the evolving role of ministry in Wales. Together, they discuss the realities of sustaining church structures that were originally designed to serve far larger congregations; at the end of the 19th century, at its peak, the Baptist Union of Wales had 100, 000 members. What's the legacy today of managing a church that was once so vast? They reflect on the role the church can play in times of political division, and explore the implications of the reduction of theology teaching provision in Wales.

In this special on-location episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, recorded at the Chicago History Museum on the occasion of His Majesty the King's official birthday, Jonathan Thomas sits down with Richard Hyde — His Majesty's Consul General in Chicago and the senior British diplomatic representative across 14 states in the American Midwest. Speaking just before the British Consulate's King's Birthday Garden Party, Richard explains what a Consul General actually does, why Britain doesn't have a National Day, how he approaches representing modern Britain to the heartland of America, and what King Charles's address to a joint session of Congress meant for the Special Relationship. The conversation also uncovers a remarkable piece of Anglo-Chicago history: after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Queen Victoria and 8,000 British donors — including Disraeli, Tennyson, and John Stuart Mill — sent books to Chicago, directly founding the Chicago Public Library. Plus: the Beatles, Frank Lloyd Wright's Welsh roots, Abraham Lincoln's North Wales ancestry, and why Chicago is Richard's favorite city in the world. Note: We had originally planned to do a 100th Q&A for our 100th episode, but a much bigger opportunity arose last week, which we thought was more fitting. We'll do the Q&A soon! Links British Consulate General Chicago Website UK In Chicago on Instagram British Consulate General Chicago on X/Twitter British Embassy Washington DC UK Government in the USA Chicago History Museum Chicago Public Library Foundation Hawksmoor Chicago Celtic Crossings Chicago Chicago Shakespeare Theater America 250 Friends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways The United Kingdom is one of the only countries in the world without an official National Day — which is why British consulates abroad use the King's official birthday in June as their annual celebration, conveniently timed to coincide with Trooping the Colour. Richard Hyde covers 14 American states as Consul General — roughly 25% of the entire United States — including 105 members of the House of Representatives and 28 senators, making the Midwest a critical region for understanding where American politics is heading. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Queen Victoria personally led a donation drive that saw 8,000 British donors — including Benjamin Disraeli, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and John Stuart Mill — send books to Chicago, directly founding the Chicago Public Library. Victoria's personally signed copy of a biography of Prince Albert is still in the library's special collection. King Charles's address to a joint session of Congress during his America 250 visit was, in Richard's assessment, a masterclass in diplomatic communication — speaking to shared values rather than political divisions and reminding both nations of the deep historical thread connecting Magna Carta to the US Constitution. Frank Lloyd Wright's family were Welsh; Abraham Lincoln's great-great-grandfather came from a small village in North Wales just 40 miles from Richard's hometown of Liverpool; and Anish Kapoor — who designed Chicago's Cloud Gate Bean — is British. Britain's cultural fingerprints are everywhere in Chicago. The British Consulate deliberately chose the Chicago History Museum and the Chicago Public Library Foundation as partners for this year's King's Birthday event to honor the Victorian book donation story — and encouraged guests to donate to the Foundation in the spirit of Queen Victoria's original gesture. Richard argues that British culture in America is simultaneously everywhere and invisible — so deeply embedded in American music, film, language, and history that most Americans don't register it as foreign. The Beatles are the perfect example: four working-class kids from Liverpool whose music plays in every country in the world, including a Chinese restaurant in Somalia in 1998. The Special Relationship, Richard says, is ultimately about 80% agreement — both countries share fundamental values on democracy, freedom, and human rights, and the disagreements, while loud, are at the margins. King Charles's Congress speech focused on that 80%. Richard's most unexpected discovery in Chicago: Midwesterners are the most authentically friendly people he's encountered in 10 overseas postings. They follow up. They text you. They actually become your friends — not just professional contacts. Richard's message to young Americans: spend time abroad. Not a two-week vacation, but a semester, a few months, living in someone else's culture. It will change how you see America — and make you appreciate it far more deeply. Soundbites "I like to joke that Chicago is one of America's two great cities with proper downtowns. Everywhere else is sprawl. But the difference is — in Chicago, the people are nice, the streets are clean, and the food's better." — Richard on why Chicago stands apart. "We're celebrating America 250. We're celebrating the fact that this is the greatest startup in history. We argued a little bit and there was some spilled tea — and despite all of that, 250 years on, no two countries do more together in the world." — Richard on Britain's approach to America 250. "Queen Victoria and 8,000 British donors sent books to Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871 — and that donation directly led to the founding of the Chicago Public Library. Victoria's signed copy is still there. It's a gesture from 1871 that still resonates now." — Richard on the Anglo-Chicago library story. "The King rises above the moment. He was able to come at a challenging time in our relationship and remind Americans — and remind Brits — that there are fundamentally more important things than the moment we're in. And that is our shared values." — Richard on King Charles's Congress speech. "I've been all around the world. I've never really been a great theater-goer. But Ed Hall at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre has kind of infected me. I've become addicted to theater." — Richard on an unexpected Chicago conversion. "The flag in the United States is the symbol of their liberty. Our flag was created from existing countries we already had. So Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland — the Union flag is basically a combination of four different crosses. We didn't have to fight for it." — Richard on why Brits and Americans relate to their flags so differently. "I've lived here almost two years. Of all the places I've lived, this is the easiest place in the world to actually build a network of friends. You can stand in a bar and someone starts talking to you about the Cubs and fundamentally how terrible everyone is at the moment — and they actually follow up." — Richard on Midwestern friendliness. "The longer I stay away and the more I've represented my country overseas, the prouder I am of that country. Warts and all. I'm proud of the history — even the complicated history. You have to understand it, not erase it." — Richard on representing Britain from a distance. "I have to say — I saw Hamilton recently and the best character in Hamilton is the King. Everyone agrees. He has the best songs." — Richard on George III stealing the show. "If you ever get a chance to travel — and I say this to a lot of young Americans — don't mean a two-week vacation. Go spend a semester abroad. Go spend a few months in somebody else's culture. And you'll understand A, that the country you love isn't perfect. But the longer you think about it, the more you'll appreciate what your country does." — Richard's message to young Americans. Chapters 00:21 Introduction — Jonathan sets the scene at the Chicago History Museum on King's Birthday 01:36 Welcome from Richard Hyde — The occasion, Chicago, and what the day means 01:58 Richard's Background — Liverpool, an Indian father, and a career that took him to India, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Texas, and Chicago 02:47 What Surprised Richard Most About Chicago — Midwest vs. Texas, great food, accessibility, and why Chicago rivals New York 04:44 British Things in Chicago — Hawksmoor, Celtic Crossings, Irish pubs, and a Sunday roast worth traveling for 07:08 What Does a Consul General Actually Do? — The difference from an ambassador, 14 states, 25% of the US, and what the job really looks like day to day 10:25 Representing Modern Britain — Multicultural, proud, complicated history, and the gap between Downton Abbey and reality 11:30 The Scope of the Midwest Region — 105 House members, 28 senators, and listening to farmers in South Dakota 15:22 What Is the King's Official Birthday? — Why Britain has no National Day and how the official birthday fills that gap 17:42 The Anglo-Chicago Library Story — The Great Fire of 1871, Queen Victoria, 8,000 British donors, Disraeli, Tennyson, and the founding of the Chicago Public Library 19:49 Chicago's Literary Heritage — Hemingway, Carnegie libraries, and the bookishness of the Midwest 20:15 America 250 — Celebrating the greatest startup in history, spilled tea, and why Britain is all in 22:20 The Founding Fathers as British People — A nuance most Americans don't consider 22:33 King George III in Hamilton — Richard's verdict: the best character, the best songs 23:07 King Charles's Address to Congress — What it meant, how it landed, and the 80% agreement principle 26:02 Getting the King to Chicago — Deep dish dreams and the challenge of a royal itinerary 26:36 The Anglo-Chicago Connection — Frank Lloyd Wright's Welsh roots, Lincoln's North Wales ancestry, Anish Kapoor's Bean, and why British culture in America is invisible because it's everywhere 29:14 The Transatlantic Flow Goes Both Ways — Charles Yerkes and the London Underground, Gordon Selfridge, and Chicago's British legacy 29:46 Does Representing Britain Change How You See It? — Absence, appreciation, complicated history, and Churchill in Fulton, Missouri 33:08 What Richard Champions in the Midwest — The Beatles, Liverpool, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and British music's global reach 35:25 Chicago's Theater Scene — Shakespeare, Kinky Boots, Harry Potter, and how theater became Richard's unexpected passion 36:10 The Tea Question — Richard's honest answer, builder's tea, Yorkshire Tea, and the biscuit problem 37:06 Hadrian's Wall and Health Plans — Jonathan's August walk, no sugar in the tea, and necessity 37:37 Richard's Favorite Thing About Chicago — The people, authentic friendliness, and why this is his best posting in 10 assignments 39:39 The World Cup Question — England's chances, Richard's divided loyalties, Wales, Argentina, and playing in the heat 40:46 Wrap-Up — Thank you to the Chicago History Museum, how to follow the British Consulate General Chicago Video Version

Did you know that in addition to saving the free world, Churchill was also an accomplished painter? In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas sits down with Dr. Lucy Davis — curator of paintings at the Wallace Collection in London and co-curator of Winston Churchill the Painter, the first major retrospective of Churchill's art in over 60 years and the first substantial UK exhibition devoted to his paintings since his death in 1965. The exhibition brings together nearly 60 works, roughly half from private collections rarely accessible to the public, and traces the full arc of Churchill's artistic life: from the tentative canvases he made during the darkest moment of his World War I career, through the luminous Mediterranean harbors and Moroccan cityscapes of his mature period, to the bold late works of a man who found in painting one of the greatest solaces of his life. Lucy walks Jonathan through the story of how Churchill came to paint, the three major artists who shaped his style — John Lavery, Walter Sickert, and William Nicholson — the single painting he made during World War II, the extraordinary Hallmark Cards world tour, and why the Wallace Collection is the perfect home for this once-in-a-lifetime show. The exhibition runs until November 29, 2026. Book your tickets now. Lucy is very grateful to her colleagues at Hallmark Cards, Inc. for their research into the World Tour of Churchill's paintings, which she has referenced in this podcast. Links The Exhibition Winston Churchill the Painter — Wallace Collection (open until November 29, 2026 — book tickets in advance) The Wallace Collection, London Wallace Collection E-Newsletter (Over 60% of subscribers are US-based — talks and courses available remotely) Wallace Collection Events & Remote Courses The Wallace Collection at War — companion display (open until end of October) Gallery of Some of Churchill's Paintings in the Exhibition Books Painting as a Pastime by Winston Churchill — New Edition with intro by Paul Rafferty Winston Churchill the Painter — Exhibition Catalog, edited by Dr. Lucy Davis (Philip Wilson Publishers) Churchill's Citadel by Katherine Carter — Chartwell and the Wilderness Years Churchill Sites Chartwell, Kent — National Trust Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire Churchill Archives Centre, Cambridge America's National Churchill Museum, Fulton MO Also Mentioned Darkest Hour (2017) — Gary Oldman as Churchill Friends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways Winston Churchill the Painter at the Wallace Collection is the first major retrospective of Churchill's art in over 60 years — nearly 60 works, roughly half from private collections that are rarely if ever accessible to the public. This is a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Churchill took up painting in 1915 at the lowest point of his life, following the catastrophic failure of the Dardanelles campaign. His wife Clementine later said she thought he would die of grief — and it was painting that gave him back his spark. Churchill was never formally trained, but worked closely with at least three leading professional artists: John Lavery (portraiture and plein air painting), Walter Sickert (modernist techniques and working from photographs), and William Nicholson (still life, tonal restraint, and simplified composition). Churchill's single painting during World War II was a view of Marrakesh, painted the day after he took President Roosevelt to see the sunset over the Atlas Mountains following the Casablanca Conference. He gave it to Roosevelt as a gift — it is in the exhibition, facing the painting he later gave to President Eisenhower. The Wallace Collection's connection to Churchill runs deeper than the exhibition: Odette Pol Roger was born Odette Wallace as great-granddaughter of Sir Richard Wallace, became Churchill's close friend, and reserved an entire vintage of Pol Roger champagne for him. A quarter-bottle believed to be one of the last he drank before his death in 1965 is on display in the exhibition. Churchill's paintings were the subject of a record-breaking world tour of North America, Australia, and New Zealand in 1958, masterminded by President Eisenhower and Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards. Churchill initially refused — until Eisenhower wrote him a personal letter about the wave of goodwill it would create. Churchill submitted paintings to competitions under the pseudonym "David Winter" and was given the title of Honorary Academician Extraordinary by the Royal Academy — only the second person ever to receive this honor, after Edward VII. The goldfish pool at Chartwell — Lucy's personal favorite painting in the exhibition — contains a detail invisible in photography: the ripple created by the fish on the surface, painted in a subtle mauve-grey. Lucy says it perfectly summarizes Churchill's playful, witty personality. Picasso, upon seeing Churchill's painting La Dragonnière, said (paraphrasing) that Churchill would have been a good professional painter if he hadn't had something else to do. The painting is in the exhibition. The new edition of Churchill's own book Painting as a Pastime — with an introduction by Paul Rafferty — has just been published and is the perfect companion to the exhibition. It explains in Churchill's own words why he took up painting and why everyone else should too. Soundbites "Clementine was looking on and she was so relieved to see him engaged in something. He talked about all this unwanted leisure — going from a really high-pressured executive job to suddenly watching the whole tragedy unfold. To see that spark lit up again." — Lucy on Clementine's reaction when Churchill first picked up a paintbrush. "He said painting was a complete distraction. He said: I know nothing which without exhausting the body more entirely absorbs the mind." — Lucy quoting Churchill on why painting worked when nothing else could. "He's painting the headquarters of the battalion as it was progressively being shelled and devastated. One of his young soldiers said he was unusually quiet and withdrawn and asked what was wrong — and he said: I've been really struggling to paint the craters." — Lucy on Churchill painting in the trenches at Plug Street. "He said it should be a joy ride in a paint box. Nobody should feel afraid or daunted by it. We don't have to aspire to masterpieces." — Lucy on Churchill's message to anyone who wants to paint. "A traveling exhibition of your paintings in the United States would not only attract a great deal of attention, but I am certain it would serve in a very definite way to strengthen the friendship between our two countries." — Lucy quoting Eisenhower's letter persuading Churchill to allow the world tour. "He submitted a painting in 1925 to an amateur painting competition and won first prize — although one of the judges wanted to disqualify it because he thought it must be by a professional painter." — Lucy on Churchill exhibiting anonymously under the pseudonym David Winter. "Picasso said — and I'm paraphrasing — that he would have been a good professional painter if he didn't have something else to do." — Lucy on Picasso's verdict on Churchill's painting La Dragonnière. "There's a particular detail that doesn't come out in photography — the ripple created by the fish on the surface that he's painted in this sort of mauve-grey color. It's just such a lovely finishing touch and really summarizes that playful, witty side of his personality." — Lucy on her favorite painting in the exhibition, the goldfish pool at Chartwell. "He made the gardener row back and forth across the moat to create ripples so he could try a different effect in the water." — Lucy on Churchill's obsessive dedication to capturing reflections accurately. "I think he would like to see us leaving the exhibition with smiles on our faces and with an urge to pick up a paintbrush." — Lucy on what Churchill himself would have wanted visitors to take away. Chapters 00:22 Introduction — Jonathan sets up the exhibition and introduces Dr. Lucy Davis 01:59 Lucy's Background — 15 years at the Wallace Collection, the Courtauld, the National Gallery, and Washington DC 03:09 What Is the Wallace Collection? — A world-class art collection in an intimate Marylebone townhouse 04:47 The Wallace Collection's Churchill Connection — The Artists Aid Russia exhibition, Clementine's charity, and the Pol Roger link 06:29 Churchill's Favorite Champagne — And the quarter-bottle of Pol Roger in the exhibition 07:14 How Churchill Came to Paint — Gallipoli, the darkest moment, Ho Farm in Sussex, and Hazel Lavery's advice 09:49 Did He Take to It Naturally? — Total ambition, total audacity, and the self-portrait painted at 40 13:00 Painting in the Trenches at Plug Street — Easels in the First World War and the crater problem solved 14:50 What Painting Gave Churchill That Nothing Else Could — Complete absorption, relief from anxiety, and seeing the world properly for the first time 17:12 Churchill's Message to Everyone — A joy ride in a paint box, and why no one should feel daunted 19:13 500 Canvases Alongside Everything Else — Chancellor, Prime Minister, Nobel laureate: where did he find the time? 21:12 The One WWII Painting — The Casablanca Conference, Roosevelt, the Atlas Mountains, and a gift that symbolized the Special Relationship 23:02 The Marrakesh Painting and the Gift to Eisenhower — Two paintings face to face in the exhibition 23:47 The Hallmark Cards World Tour — Joyce C. Hall, Eisenhower's persuasive letter, and a record-breaking global exhibition 25:49 How Did Brad Pitt End Up Owning the Marrakesh Painting? — Neither host quite knows 26:34 Churchill's Artistic Mentors — John Lavery, Walter Sickert, William Nicholson, and what each one taught him 32:20 Churchill's Influences — Monet, Cézanne, the Impressionists, and the tessellated pavement of dabs and lozenges 32:33 Walking Through the Exhibition — Six galleries from First Attempts to the Royal Academy 34:00 Gallery 1: First Attempts — Lavery, the self-portrait, and the Plug Street paintings 35:00 Gallery 2: Life and Hope — Chartwell in all seasons, Blenheim, and the wilderness years paintings 36:00 Gallery 3: Still Lifes — Nicholson's influence, the Magnolia painting, and thank-you gifts to friends 37:00 Gallery 4: Light, Atmosphere & Reflections — The Riviera, Morocco, La Dragonnière, and making the gardener row 38:19 Morocco — Six visits, the Red City, the Atlas Mountains, and the Eureka Valley picnics 39:30 Gallery 5 & 6: Recognition — The Royal Academy submission under a pseudonym, Honorary Academician Extraordinary 40:06 Chartwell as Inspiration — 50 years, built for the view, goldfish pools, and the changing seasons 41:45 How a Major Exhibition Comes Together — Loan negotiations, private collections, and 20 years in the making 43:34 The Exhibition Catalog — Six essays, new archival research, and what makes it more than a picture book 47:11 The Contributors — Andrew Roberts on soft power, Catherine Carter on Chartwell, Paul Rafferty on the Riviera, Alan Packwood on Churchill as a visual person 48:36 The Churchill Family's Involvement — Support from the very beginning and throughout 49:16 Why Americans Should Get on a Plane — A revelation, a personality revealed, and a zest for life 50:22 Rapid Fire Churchill Round — Favorite book, film, quote, and painting 53:44 Wrap-Up — Exhibition details, tickets, catalog, and Jonathan's August visit Video Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas is joined by Brendan Dowd — West Point graduate, Iraq War veteran, government consultant, and host of History Nerds United, one of the most respected history book podcasts in the business with over 220 episodes — for a pure, unfiltered book nerd conversation. Both hosts came with a stack of their favorite British history books and took turns sharing their picks, debating the merits, going gloriously off-topic about Darkest Hour, the new Wuthering Heights film, Bridgerton, and Dan Jones's upcoming castles book, and building what amounts to a British history reading list that will keep you busy for years. Between them, Jonathan and Brendan recommend over 20 books spanning Alfred the Great, the Tudors, the Regency, Victorian London, World War II, Thatcher, the Iranian Embassy Siege, and the hidden history of English wolves — plus a peek at what's sitting on each of their TBR piles right now. Links History Nerds United ~History Nerds United Podcast~ ~History Nerds United on YouTube~ ~Brendan's Top Episode: Helen Castor on Joan of Arc~ (update with direct episode link) ⠀Jonathan's Picks ~Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson~ ~The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson~ ~Churchill: Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts~ ~My Early Life by Winston Churchill~ ~A Very English Scandal by John Preston~ ~London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd~ ~Citizens of London by Lynne Olson~ ~Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera~ ~Empireworld by Sathnam Sanghera~ ~The Iron Lady by John Campbell~ ~The Last Wolf by Robert Winder~ ~The Decline and Fall of the British Aristocracy by David Cannadine~ ~Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh~ ~The Regency Years by Robert Morrison~ ~Churchill's Citadel by Katherine Carter~ ⠀Brendan's Picks ~Alfred the Great by Justin Pollard~ ~The Six Loves of James I by Gareth Russell~ ~Battle for the Island Kingdom by Don Hollway~ ~Once a King: The Lost Memoir of Edward VIII by Jane Marguerite Tippett~ ~The Greatest Knight by Thomas Asbridge~ ~Henry V by Dan Jones~ ~Thomas More: A Life by Joanne Paul~ ~The Stolen Crown by Tracy Borman~ ~The Crown's Silence by Brooke Newman~ ~The Eagle and the Hart by Helen Castor~ ~The Invention of Charlotte Brontë by Graham Watson~ ~London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe~ ~The Siege by Ben Macintyre~ ⠀Also Mentioned ~Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe~ ~Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe~ ~Secrets of Great British Castles with Dan Jones on Netflix~ ~Darkest Hour (2017)~ ~Young Winston (1972)~ ⠀Anglotopia ~101 Oxford Travel Tips and Tricks by Jonathan Thomas~ (update with direct product link) ~Anglotopia Guide to the World of Bridgerton~ (update with direct product link) ~Friends of Anglotopia Club~ (update with correct URL) ⠀ Takeaways Both Jonathan and Brendan started their podcasts for exactly the same reason — frustration at the quality of existing coverage in their field — and both were shocked to discover how generous, enthusiastic, and collegial the history author community turned out to be. Brendan's gateway into British history was Alfred the Great by Justin Pollard — a compact, accessible biography of the only English monarch to earn the title "the Great," which he recommends as the perfect gateway drug for readers who think history books are intimidating. Jonathan's most-reread British book is Bill Bryson's Notes from a Small Island — a definitive outsider's portrait of British culture from the early 1990s that remains beloved by British readers themselves, and the book that most shaped his vision for Anglotopia. Andrew Roberts's one-volume Churchill biography is both Jonathan and Brendan's recommended starting point for anyone wanting a modern, comprehensive, and myth-busting account of Churchill — and Roberts's Napoleon biography is equally essential. Helen Castor is independently named by Brendan as one of his very favorite history writers — her Eagle and the Hart on Richard II and Henry IV, and her Joan of Arc episode of his podcast, are both highlighted as exceptional examples of humanizing complex historical figures without sanitizing them. Both hosts agree that the best history books share a quality: they humanize their subjects — showing the positive and the negative — rather than either condemning or canonizing them. The books they admire most leave the reader to make their own moral judgments. Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera and The Crown's Silence by Brooke Newman both generated significant controversy — particularly in British publications — but both Jonathan and Brendan recommend them as essential, rigorously evidenced correctives to popular myths about the British Empire and the monarchy's role in the slave trade. Ben Macintyre's The Siege — on the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London that made the SAS famous — is Brendan's pick for best recent true British history read, praised for building unbearable tension over hundreds of pages before releasing it all in a single extended final chapter. The new Wuthering Heights film gets a thumbs-down from both hosts — "it looks beautiful but just didn't land" — while Darkest Hour generates a spirited debate about the Underground scene that ends with both agreeing it's historically wrong but emotionally right. Both hosts are currently working through books about the interwar period, Cold War espionage, and upcoming releases from Dan Jones and Thomas Asbridge — and both agree that the single greatest problem with loving history books is that the TBR pile never gets shorter. ⠀ Soundbites "I lost it. I said, there's gotta be a better way. I don't want to continually torture my family with all my rants about books. So I started the blog." — Brendan on the one-star Amazon review that launched History Nerds United. "I sent 10 emails on the first day thinking if I get one back I'll be ecstatic. I got eight back within three days. And I've now sat on a boat with Dan Jones having drinks, overlooking Omaha Beach. Nobody tell me it didn't happen." — Brendan on the unexpected magic of the history community. "I have yet to interview a jerk. Everyone has been unfailingly nice and so excited to be there and just so game to talk about whatever." — Brendan on 220+ episodes of History Nerds United. "My long-term goal is to be like Bill Bryson. I've actually met him. He's a very nice chap. I can only hope to be 10% as good as him one day." — Jonathan on Notes from a Small Island and his writing ambitions. *"If you want to understand why everything is happening in Downton Abbey, read *The Decline and Fall of the British Aristocracy. I read it as research for a novel I was writing in college and it has never left me." — Jonathan on David Cannadine's masterwork. "Churchill wouldn't have done that. He was not that type of person. But you put Churchill in a period tube carriage, surrounded by Londoners during the Blitz, and it captures the essence of what the story is trying to tell. Was it real? Heck no." — Jonathan and Brendan on the Underground scene in Darkest Hour. "Helen Castor is constantly teaching you, but you feel like you're just having a conversation within the book. At the end of it, you hear Helen get emotional talking about this teenager burned at the stake — how scared she must have been, even with all her faith. She makes her human instead of an icon." — Brendan on his favorite episode of History Nerds United. "The thesis is that because Britain hunted wolves to extinction, it unleashed the economic powerhouse of sheep farming and wool — and as a consequence of that led to so much of what we know as Britain. I read it and I wanted to read it all over again immediately." — Jonathan on The Last Wolf by Robert Winder. "She stayed laser focused on the Elizabethan succession and somehow it's still interesting all the way through. She mentions the Spanish Armada for about three sentences. I said in my review: this book has been written. We don't need any more on this subject." — Brendan on Tracy Borman's The Stolen Crown. "No author has ever made me feel more lazy than Catherine Grace Katz — she wrote *Daughters of Yalta* while she was in law school. If you told me that I would one day be sitting there with Marsha Clark from the OJ Simpson trial, I would have called you a liar. But that's what this world does." — Brendan on the surreal privilege of the history podcast community. ⠀ Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Jonathan sets up the book conversation episode and introduces Brendan Dowd 01:41 How a Tank Platoon Leader Got a 220-Episode History Podcast — Long commutes, bad Amazon reviews, and one unexpected email 05:58 The History Author Community — Why everybody wants you to win, and the generosity of historians 08:10 Dan Jones on a River Cruise — Brendan's honeymoon, Omaha Beach, and a surreal life moment 09:01 What History Nerds United Is — The format, the philosophy, and why Brendan calls himself the laziest podcaster 10:26 BOOK PICKS BEGIN 10:39 Brendan Pick #1: Alfred the Great by Justin Pollard — The George Washington of England and the perfect gateway drug 12:18 Jonathan Pick #1: Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson — The definitive outsider's portrait of British culture and Jonathan's most-reread book 14:28 Brendan Pick #2: The Six Loves of James I by Gareth Russell — A party animal king, Scottish trauma, and the most uncomfortable compliment Gareth ever received 16:58 Jonathan Pick #2: Churchill: Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts — The one-volume biography that settles the argument 18:15 Andrew Roberts's Napoleon — A brief but enthusiastic detour to France 18:56 Brendan Pick #3: Battle for the Island Kingdom by Don Hollway — 1000 to 1066, the most disgusting assassination in history, and setting up everything 20:05 Jonathan Pick #3: My Early Life by Winston Churchill — The only autobiography, the Boer War escape, and the Gary Stiles connection 21:50 Darkest Hour Debate — The Underground scene: historically wrong, emotionally right, and why it works anyway 23:18 The Perfect WWII Double Bill — Darkest Hour followed by Dunkirk as a single evening 23:50 Brendan Pick #4: Henry V by Dan Jones — Present tense biography, the greatest medieval king, and writing something when you feel ready for it 25:29 Jonathan Pick #4: A Very English Scandal by John Preston — Jeremy Thorpe, a murder plot, a dead dog, and the British establishment 26:57 John Preston's Robert Maxwell Book — And a certain imprisoned daughter 27:26 Brendan Pick #5: Thomas More: A Life by Joanne Paul — Saints, hair shirts, comedy gold, and debunking 500-year-old myths 29:24 Jonathan Pick #5: London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd — The definitive history of London and the gateway to a great corpus 30:25 Brendan Pick #6: Once a King: The Lost Memoir of Edward VIII by Jane Marguerite Tippett — He wasn't a Nazi, and the documentation proves it 32:03 Jonathan Pick #6: Citizens of London by Lynne Olson — Americans in London during the Blitz and how they helped save Britain 33:24 Brendan Pick #7: The Stolen Crown by Tracy Borman — The Elizabethan succession, new evidence, and calling Henry VIII a few four-letter words 34:56 Tracy Borman on Inside the Tower of London — And Dan Jones's upcoming Castles book 36:03 Jonathan Pick #7: Empireland by Sathnam Sanghera — Deconstructing myths of the British Empire and why the author quit social media 37:32 Brendan Pick #8: The Crown's Silence by Brooke Newman — The monarchy's direct financial involvement in the slave trade and British publications' predictable response 39:34 Jonathan Pick #8: The Iron Lady by John Campbell — The definitive Thatcher biography and why she's Churchill's true successor 41:45 Brendan Pick #9: The Greatest Knight by Thomas Asbridge — William Marshal, four kings, King John, and a life that reads like a Hollywood script 43:22 Jonathan Pick #9: The Decline and Fall of the British Aristocracy by David Cannadine — The book that explains Downton Abbey and everything behind it 44:29 Brendan Pick #10: The Eagle and the Hart by Helen Castor — Richard II, Henry IV, and why taking the crown makes you a marked man 46:48 Jonathan Pick #10: Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh — Fiction that illuminates aristocratic decline and the companion read to Cannadine 48:18 Brendan Pick #11: The Invention of Charlotte Brontë by Graham Watson — Jane Eyre as a gateway, the weird genius of the Brontë family, and more autobiography than you realized 50:18 Wuthering Heights Film Discussion — Brendan defers, Jonathan gives a verdict: beautiful but it didn't land 51:43 Jonathan Pick #11: The Last Wolf by Robert Winder — No wolves, lots of sheep, and the surprising hidden springs of Englishness 53:10 Brendan Pick #12: London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe — A body off a balcony opposite MI5, true crime that leaves you profoundly uneasy 54:54 Jonathan buys London Falling at Barnes & Noble — And finds it in the fiction section 55:24 Jonathan Pick #12: The Regency Years by Robert Morrison — What Bridgerton gets wrong, what Jane Austen's world actually was, and the Anglotopia Bridgerton guide 56:23 Bridgerton vs. The Patriot — Two hosts agree: know your genre, leave accuracy at the door 58:15 Brendan Pick #13: The Siege by Ben Macintyre — The Iranian Embassy siege, the SAS, and a final chapter that takes an hour to read 1:00:06 Jonathan Pick #13: Churchill's Citadel by Katherine Carter — Chartwell as weapon, the wilderness years, and the best first book Jonathan has read in years 1:01:31 What's on the TBR Right Now — Ike and Winston, Three Weeks in July, A Shellshocked Nation, the Nord Stream conspiracy, Dan Jones's Castles, and more 1:07:37 The Book Neither Host Can Find Anyone to Write — Brendan's gap in the market involving Joan of Arc's most disturbing companion 1:10:24 The Book Jonathan Should Write — Brendan makes his pitch; Jonathan firmly declines 1:11:06 Jonathan's Gap in the Market — Churchill's second term as Prime Minister: underexplored, fascinating, partially covered by The Crown 1:12:29 John Lithgow as Churchill — Too tall, earned it on The Crown, also very scary in Dexter 1:12:36 Brendan's Proudest Episode — Helen Castor on Joan of Arc, two hours that felt like twenty minutes 1:16:52 Wrap-Up — Where to find History Nerds United, the full book list in the show notes, and promises of a return visit Video Version

In this special bonus episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas launches an experimental new monthly format: a London events guide covering what's actually on in the city this month. June is arguably London's finest month — 16 to 17 hours of daylight, the longest evenings of the year, and an events calendar absolutely bursting at the seams. Jonathan walks through everything worth knowing about June in London: the major royal events including Trooping the Colour and Royal Ascot, the blockbuster summer exhibitions at Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the Royal Academy, the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A, and more, plus what's on in London theater from Shakespeare's Globe to the West End, live music at Wembley and the Roundhouse, and practical tips for surviving — and thriving in — a London heat wave. If this episode proves popular, Jonathan will make it a monthly fixture. Let him know what you think in the comments. Links Royal Events ~Trooping the Colour — Official Info~ ~Royal Ascot~ ~Wimbledon Tickets & Ballot~ ⠀Exhibitions — Book Ahead ~Frida Kahlo at Tate Modern~ ~Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (opens June 16)~ ~Anish Kapoor Retrospective at Hayward Gallery (opens June 16)~ ~Marilyn Monroe at National Portrait Gallery~ ~Barbara Hepworth at the Courtauld Gallery (from June 1)~ ~Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A~ ~Wes Anderson Exhibition at the Design Museum~ ~James McNeill Whistler Retrospective at Tate Britain~ ~The Queen's Fashion at The King's Gallery~ (sold out through 2026 — book 2027 dates now) ~Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit at Young V&A~ ~Hokusai: 36 Views of Mount Fuji at Dulwich Picture Gallery~ (closes June 30) ⠀Theater ~A Midsummer Night's Dream at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre (from June 20)~ ~Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare's Globe (from June 11)~ ~To Kill a Mockingbird — New West End Adaptation (opens June 25)~ ~Cyrano de Bergerac — West End (opens June 13)~ ~Buy West End Tickets via Anglotopia's Link~ (supports Anglotopia) ~TKTS Booth at Leicester Square — Half-Price Day Tickets~ ⠀Long-Running West End Shows The Lion King Hamilton Wicked Les Misérables Matilda Mamma Mia Six Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (almost always sold out — book well ahead) Sinatra — The Musical ⠀Live Music Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium (from June 12) Olivia Dean at the O2 (from June 12) Orville Peck at the Roundhouse, Camden ⠀Practical Resources ~National Gallery Extended Summer Hours (from July 1)~ ~Londontopia London Events Calendar~ ~Argos UK — Buy a Fan on Arrival~ ~Anglotopia June London Events Article~ (link to article) ~Friends of Anglotopia Club~ ⠀ Takeaways June is arguably London's best month to visit — 16 to 17 hours of daylight, reliably pleasant weather, and the richest events calendar of the year, though it is also peak tourist season with hotel prices running 20 to 40 percent above spring rates. Trooping the Colour — the monarch's official birthday parade — is the major royal event of the year in 2026. Even without a ballot ticket to Horse Guards Parade, you can experience the procession on the Mall and the balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace by arriving very early and staking out a good spot. Every major summer blockbuster exhibition in London requires advance booking — some, like The Queen's Fashion at The King's Gallery, are already sold out through 2026. Book tickets as soon as you finish listening, even if your trip dates aren't confirmed yet. The Frida Kahlo survey at Tate Modern, the James McNeill Whistler retrospective at Tate Britain, and the Marilyn Monroe exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery are Jonathan's top three must-book exhibition picks for the month. The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition — the world's largest open submission art show, running since 1769 — is a uniquely chaotic, democratic, and wonderful experience where everything on the walls is for sale and any artist can enter. Shakespeare's Globe is staging Much Ado About Nothing from June 11, and Regent's Park Open Air Theatre opens A Midsummer Night's Dream on June 20 — watching Shakespeare outdoors on a long June evening is one of the quintessential London summer experiences. London generally does not have air conditioning in older buildings, hotel rooms, or most tube lines. The first thing you should do after arriving in summer is buy a fan — Jonathan recommends going straight to Argos, Britain's version of a catalog store, for an affordable one. The tube's older lines (Central, Piccadilly) get brutally hot in summer due to London clay absorbing and retaining heat underground. The Elizabeth line is fully air conditioned and runs east-west across the city — use it as much as possible in a heat wave. The National Gallery is experimenting with extended summer evening hours, staying open until 7 PM most evenings and until 9 PM on Fridays from July 1 — Jonathan's suggestion: have an early dinner, then walk over for a free evening of world-class art. Don't try to pack too much in. Pick three or four things you genuinely care about, build your days around those, and leave time to wander, sit in Green Park with a deck chair, or walk along the Thames in the long evening light. June in London is as much about the atmosphere as the attractions. ⠀ Soundbites "The light is the headline for June. You get sixteen to seventeen hours of daylight. Twilight stretches from around eight PM to nearly ten PM. You can have a full day of exploring, sit down for dinner, and still walk home along the Thames and have some daylight." — Jonathan on why June is London's best month. "If you've ever wondered what the best month to visit London is, a lot of people will quietly tell you it's this one." — Jonathan on June in London. Plan your day around it. Get up stupidly early — three, four, five in the morning — get your spot on the Mall and soak up the atmosphere. It'll be like a party atmosphere." — Jonathan on how to experience Trooping the Colour without a ticket. "The Queen's Fashion at The King's Gallery is sold out for the rest of the year, and I know a lot of people are gonna be really disappointed when they try to get tickets and they simply can't." — Jonathan's warning on the most in-demand exhibition of the summer. "The walls are packed from floor to ceiling and everything is for sale. It's chaotic and wonderful. And it's a great way to see up-and-coming artists and established artists side by side." — Jonathan on the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. "Shakespeare under the open sky in one of London's loveliest parks on a warm June evening — it doesn't get dark till ten PM anyway. Enjoy some champagne, enjoy some theater out in the green. That's my top theater pick for the month." — Jonathan on Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. "The first thing you should do after you land is go to what the British call an ironmonger — a hardware store — and buy a fan. Don't skimp. It is essential for Americans traveling in Europe." — Jonathan's number one summer travel tip. "The London clay is a heat sink. It absorbs heat and then it doesn't let it back out. So the tube gets really hot in the summer. If you are prone to heat issues, avoid the tube except the Elizabeth line, which is fully air conditioned." — Jonathan on navigating London in a heat wave. "I sat there in the rain in the 40s, got soaking wet. And I — not exaggerating — almost got hypothermia. It was July. I could not warm up when I got back to the hotel because the heating wasn't on and there weren't enough blankets because it was July." — Jonathan's cautionary tale about British summer weather. "Argos is exactly like Service Merchandise — you go in, there's a big catalog, you pick your thing, and it comes out on a conveyor belt. Get a fan. Don't even look at the weather forecast first. Just trust me — you're going to need a fan." — Jonathan's most practical London summer tip. ⠀ Chapters 00:21 Introduction — Jonathan launches the experimental monthly London events format 01:15 The Feel of June in London — Long days, the light, and why June is special 02:20 June Weather — What to expect, heat waves, and the maritime humidity problem 03:45 Peak Tourist Season — Crowds, hotel prices, and why June still beats July 05:00 Trooping the Colour — What it is, how to see it without a ticket, and Jonathan's tips for getting a good spot 08:30 Royal Ascot — Fascinators on the tube, the royal procession, and how to get tickets 10:00 Wimbledon — The ballot, resale tickets, strawberries and cream, and what to do if you can't get in 11:30 How to Book Exhibitions — Why advance booking is non-negotiable and the Queen's Fashion sellout warning 13:00 Frida Kahlo at Tate Modern — Jonathan's pick and why Tate Modern is worth seeing for the building alone 14:30 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (June 16) — The world's largest open submission art show 15:30 Anish Kapoor at the Hayward Gallery (June 16) — The Cloud Gate connection and why it's worth seeing 16:15 Marilyn Monroe at the National Portrait Gallery — Just opened, book fast 17:00 Barbara Hepworth at the Courtauld Gallery — And why Somerset House is worth a visit anyway 17:45 Schiaparelli at the V&A — Fashion exhibitions and why the V&A excels at them 18:15 Wes Anderson at the Design Museum — A treat for film fans 18:45 James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain — A sellout show, book immediately 19:30 Wallace & Gromit at Young V&A — The Aardman exhibition Jonathan is hoping to catch in August 20:15 Closing This Month — Mikalojus Čiurlionis at the Royal Academy (closes June 21) and Hokusai at Dulwich (closes June 30) 21:00 Theater — Why June is the best time for London theater 21:30 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre — A Midsummer Night's Dream, Jonathan's top pick of the month 22:00 Shakespeare's Globe — Much Ado About Nothing from June 11 22:30 New West End Openings — To Kill a Mockingbird (June 25) and Cyrano de Bergerac (June 13) 23:00 Long-Running Shows — Lion King, Hamilton, Wicked, Six, Les Mis, and how to get discount tickets 24:00 Live Music — Harry Styles at Wembley, Olivia Dean at the O2, Orville Peck at the Roundhouse 25:00 Practical Tips: Heat — Does London have air conditioning? (Mostly no) 26:30 The Fan Imperative — Buy one at Argos, the British Service Merchandise 28:30 Pack for All Weathers — The July outdoor concert near-hypothermia story 30:00 Humidity and Heat — Why British summer heat hits differently than dry American heat 31:00 Use the Long Days — 17 hours of light, late museum hours, rooftop bars, evening walks 32:00 National Gallery Extended Hours — Stay open till 7 PM, Fridays till 9 PM from July 1 33:00 Don't Overpack Your Itinerary — Pick three or four things, leave time to wander 34:00 Wrap-Up — Londontopia events calendar, listener feedback request, Friends of Anglotopia Video Version

In this solo episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas delivers his definitive guide to Oxford — his favorite city in England outside of London and the subject of his guidebook 101 Oxford Travel Tips and Tricks. From the bleary-eyed chaos of his first visit in 2012 with an angry 16-month-old and the Mini Cooper factory ring road at midnight, to two stays as a student on the Oxford Experience program, Jonathan brings nearly 15 years of personal history with the city to bear on a comprehensive, enthusiastic, and practically useful travel guide. The episode covers how to get there, how long to stay, the Oxford Experience immersive student program, the colleges you must see, the Bodleian Library's remarkable layers, the essential museums, the unrivaled bookstore scene led by Blackwell's and its famous five-mile Norrington Room, Oxford's extraordinary literary connections from Lewis Carroll to Tolkien to Philip Pullman, the day trips that demand your time — including Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds — and the practical tips that will make your visit infinitely more enjoyable. Links 101 Oxford Travel Tips and Tricks by Jonathan Thomas — [Anglotopia Store link] Oxford Experience at Christchurch English-Speaking Union Oxford Course Bodleian Library Tours — bodleian.ox.ac.uk Blackwell's Bookshop Oxford — blackwells.co.uk Oxford University Press Bookshop Scriptum, Turl Street Ashmolean Museum — ashmolean.org Pitt Rivers Museum — prm.ox.ac.uk Blenheim Palace — blenheimpalace.com Rousham House & Garden — rousham.org Didcot Railway Centre — didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Oxford Walking Tours Morse Walking Tour Oxford The Randolph Hotel (now Graduate Oxford) Friends of Anglotopia ⠀ Takeaways Oxford is Jonathan's favourite city in England outside London — and most Americans either skip it or see it in a rushed half-day bus tour that barely scratches the surface. Two days minimum is the right call; three is better. Oxford is just 60 miles and 40-45 minutes by direct train from London Paddington, making it one of the easiest day trips or overnights in Britain — and you can also get there direct by bus from Heathrow without going into London at all. The Oxford Experience — a residential immersive programme at Christchurch offering one-week courses for adults in July and August — is Jonathan's single highest recommendation for anyone who wants to truly inhabit the city. Courses cost £1,500–£2,000 all-in and include room, board, lectures, and excursions; book in November when the schedule is released as popular courses fill within hours. The Bodleian Library is not one library but several — the Divinity School, Duke Humphrey's Library, the Radcliffe Camera, and the Weston Library — and the best way to see them properly is to book a guided tour well in advance, as they sell out. Blackwell's bookshop on Broad Street is arguably the greatest bookshop in the world — the underground Norrington Room alone has five miles of shelving beneath Trinity College — and Jonathan has never left without spending several hundred pounds. Staff will package books in brown paper and ship them back to the US at reasonable rates. Oxford's literary connections are extraordinary: Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland at Christchurch (Alice was the Dean's daughter); Tolkien and C.S. Lewis met with the Inklings at the Eagle and Child every Tuesday through the 1930s and 40s; Philip Pullman set His Dark Materials here; Oscar Wilde studied at Magdalen; and Inspector Morse has made every corner of the city feel like a crime scene. The Eagle and Child — the Inklings' famous pub on St. Giles' Street — has been closed since COVID and is currently being refurbished by new owners. It must reopen as a pub by heritage law, and is expected to reopen either in 2026 or 2027; keep an eye on the show notes link for updates. If you're in Oxford for even one day, you must go to Blenheim Palace — just eight miles away by bus, the only non-royal non-episcopal palace in England, birthplace of Winston Churchill, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and arguably the greatest country house in Britain. A bus from Oxford drops you at the gates. Jonathan's top Oxford hack: stay for at least one night. By 4-5pm the tour buses are gone, Oxford becomes a completely different city, and the cultural life — theatre, bookshop talks, music — begins. Arrive early to beat crowds at the sights, then save the evenings for culture and quieter exploration. Avoid mid-April to mid-June (exam season, colleges restrict access), avoid July if you run hot (medieval stone buildings have no air conditioning and bake in the heat), and buy a fan the moment you arrive if visiting in summer. September and October are ideal months to visit. ⠀ Soundbites "Most of my early memories of Oxford were driving the ring road at midnight with a toddler who would not go to sleep and who would only stop crying if he was in the car. We drove round and around, seeing nothing other than the Mini Cooper plant every time we went past." — Jonathan on his first trip to Oxford in 2012. "Oxford has this warmth to it — that yellow beige Cotswold stone, weathered and warm. And there's this scholarly, bookish vibe from the place that you don't really get anywhere else. It's not just a campus. Oxford University is the town of Oxford." — Jonathan on why Oxford grabs you. "I was immediately spellbound. I loved it immediately. And that's the thing about Oxford — it grabs you once you visit, and you're walking around this beautiful architecture surrounded by deep, deep history. They don't even know exactly how old the university is. It's over 800 years old. When Oxford was founded, the Aztec Empire hadn't even reached its peak." — Jonathan on falling in love with Oxford in 2016. "There were riots. There was full scale urban warfare in Oxford in 1355 — the St. Scholastica's Day riot. 63 scholars and 30 townspeople were killed. As a result, the town was forced to pay annual reparations to the university in a formal ceremony that continued into the Victorian era." — Jonathan on Oxford's violent town vs. gown history. "You basically get to live as an Oxford student for a week. Morning is lectures, afternoon is tours and excursions, evening is formal dinner in the Great Hall. And one night you're invited to high table — suit and tie, port, mingling with the professors. It's a very quintessentially British experience." — Jonathan on the Oxford Experience programme. "I've never gotten out of the Norrington Room without spending several hundred pounds. Let me just say that. Five miles of shelving underground beneath Trinity College. So many books." — Jonathan on Blackwell's legendary underground bookshop. "The Pitt Rivers Museum is like the Victorian cabinet of curiosities. Dimly lit, quiet — maybe people don't even know it's there. Polynesian canoes, samurai outfits, weapons, armour. A strange and wonderful melange of human culture from all over the world." — Jonathan on one of Oxford's most atmospheric museums. "If you're in Oxford and you don't go to Blenheim Palace, you've wasted a trip to Oxford. It's the only non-royal, non-episcopal palace in England. I would argue it's probably the greatest house in Britain. And a bus from Oxford drops you right at the gates." — Jonathan on Blenheim Palace. "By four or five o'clock in the afternoon, the tour buses are gone. And it's just you and the people who live and work and study in Oxford. Oxford becomes a completely different place. That's when the cultural life wakes up." — Jonathan's key Oxford overnight hack. "Scriptum on Turl Street — if you're a bookish type, you will love this place. Beautiful blank books, journals, diaries, fancy pens. I have a beautiful leather book from there with gorgeous cream pages that I cherish so much I haven't written anything in it. I'm afraid to ruin it." — Jonathan on his favourite hidden gem shop in Oxford. ⠀ Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Jonathan sets up the Oxford guide episode and plugs his Oxford guidebook 01:48 Jonathan's Relationship with Oxford — Brideshead Revisited, American universities, and the Oxford DNA in US campus culture 03:30 First Visit: Oxford 2012 — Diamond Jubilee trip, an angry toddler, and the ring road at midnight 06:20 Second Visit: Oxford 2016 — The train from Paddington, the proper day, and falling in love properly 08:42 A Brief History of Oxford — Ford of the Oxen, Alfred the Great, Henry II, 800 years, and the St. Scholastica's Day riot 13:30 The University Explained — 44 colleges, town vs. gown, the founding of Cambridge by Oxford exiles, and Oxford today 16:10 How to Get There — Train from Paddington, Oxford Tube bus, direct from Heathrow, and why not to drive 19:30 Getting Around Oxford — Walking, taxis, park-and-ride pitfalls, and Tolkien's grave 21:10 Day Trip vs. Overnight — Why staying beats leaving, and how Oxford transforms after 4pm 23:40 The Oxford Experience Programme — Christchurch, Worcester College, the Nelson course, high table, and the Enigma course Jonathan wants to do next 33:15 Accommodation Options — Hotels, staying in colleges out of term time, and the Randolph (Inspector Morse's pub) 35:20 The College System Explained — 44 semi-independent colleges, how to apply, porters, scouts, and visiting hours 38:00 Must-See Colleges — Christchurch, Magdalen, Worcester, Merton, Wadham (Brideshead), and the peculiar All Souls 43:00 The Bodleian Library — Five buildings, Duke Humphrey's Library, the Radcliffe Camera, the Divinity School, and why you must book a tour 47:00 Radcliffe Square & St. Mary's Church Tower — The most beautiful urban space in Britain and the best views in Oxford 48:40 The Ashmolean Museum — Britain's first public museum, the Alfred Jewel, Guy Fawkes's lantern, Turner paintings, and it's free 51:00 The Pitt Rivers Museum — Through the Natural History Museum, the shrunken heads, Polynesian canoes, and the Victorian cabinet of curiosities 53:00 Carfax Tower, Oxford Castle & Prison, and the Covered Market — Views, ruins, Brown's Café, and Ben's Cookies 55:30 The Botanic Garden & Broad Street — Riverside walks, the Martyrs' Cross, and the Reformation in Oxford 56:30 Shopping in Oxford — The High Street, Blackwell's, the Norrington Room, OUP Bookshop, Scriptum, The Last Bookshop, and why to skip the Harry Potter tat 01:03:00 Literary Oxford — Lewis Carroll, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde, Philip Pullman, Inspector Morse, and the Eagle and Child update 01:09:00 Harry Potter Oxford — Divinity School, Duke Humphrey's Library, Bodleian courtyard, Christchurch Great Hall, and the new TV series 01:12:00 Day Trips from Oxford — Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Rousham House, Didcot Railway Centre, and Bicester Village 01:18:00 Practical Tips — Book ahead, avoid exam season, avoid July heat, arrive early, save museums for the afternoon, walk everywhere, punt the river, visit Scriptum 01:24:00 Wrap-Up — Oxford rewards time and attention; two days minimum, the Oxford Experience if you can, and a call for listeners to share what they love about Oxford Video Version

Last weekend saw the symbols of Christianity used in different acts of protest. At the 'Unite the Kingdom' rally, organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, crosses and posters saying ‘Christ is King' were held aloft. Some called for a return to a 'Christian Britain.' At the same time churches took part in 'A Million Acts of Hope', sharing stories about the people in their communities who help the elderly or refugees, the people who run food banks or community gardens, arguing that hope is louder than hate. In these seemingly polarised times, Jonathan Thomas speaks to guests from our four nations to give their perspectives. What is driving people to take to the streets? What are people so frustrated about and what can bring people together? Jonathan is joined by author and broadcaster Krish Kandiah, founder of The Sanctuary Foundation, a charity supporting refugees and vulnerable families. Peter Lynas, UK Director of the Evangelical Alliance, joins from Northern Ireland. Faith Jarvis, host of the 'Faith Speaks Louder' podcast and minister at Church on the Move joins from Wales. From Scotland, Jonathan is joined by Kenny Innes, pastor at Falkirk Vineyard Church. He's also the host of the TheoDisc podcast, and teaches at WTC, a theological college with locations across the UK.

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas sits down with Dr. Gary L. Stiles — physician, medical researcher, former Distinguished Professor of Cardiovascular Research at Duke University, and lifelong Churchill scholar — to discuss his new book A Prelude to Immortality, published by Unicorn Publishing Group. Gary's book is the definitive study of Churchill's most beloved work, My Early Life — his only autobiography, written in 1930 when Churchill was in his mid-fifties, and never out of print in nearly a century. Drawing on previously unpublished letters from the Churchill Archives, Gary walks Jonathan through the five specific reasons Churchill wrote the book, the remarkable ambulatory dictation process by which he composed it, the POW escape from the Boers that made him internationally famous, the strategic gifting of inscribed copies to over 100 influencers including T.E. Lawrence, Churchill's Nobel Prize for Literature and his complicated feelings about it, and the surprisingly human, vulnerable side of Churchill that his nanny shaped and that the history books rarely capture. The episode closes with a Churchill lightning round — favorite quotes, anecdotes, books and films — including the extraordinary story of Churchill reciting Hamlet from memory alongside Richard Burton at the Old Vic. Links A Prelude to Immortality by Gary L. Stiles (Unicorn Publishing Group) My Early Life by Winston Churchill Savrola by Winston Churchill (Churchill's only novel) Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert The Churchill Archives, Cambridge — chu.cam.ac.uk Chartwell, Kent (National Trust) — nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell Darkest Hour (2017 film) Young Winston (1972 film) Friends of Anglotopia Takeaways My Early Life, published in 1930 when Churchill was 55, is his only autobiography — covering only the first 27 years of his life — and has never gone out of print in nearly a century. It was also the book most prominently cited when Churchill was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953. Churchill wrote My Early Life for five specific reasons: to reinvigorate his public persona as the wilderness years approached; to describe the Victorian era that formed him; to tell his story in his own voice for posterity; to generate desperately needed income; and to inspire a post-WWI generation he felt was paralyzed by fear and disengagement. Churchill's writing method was "ambulatory dictation" — he would pace his library at Chartwell, mumbling and testing sentences aloud for cadence, rhythm, and word sound, while secretaries stood ready to transcribe. He never wrote My Early Life by hand; every word was dictated. The book is deliberately written in the voice of Churchill at the age of each event — as a frightened schoolboy, a cavalry officer, an escaped prisoner of war — not as a 55-year-old man looking back. This was a conscious literary choice to make readers feel what he felt, not intellectualize it. Churchill's escape from a Boer prisoner of war camp in 1899 — a 400-mile solo journey through hostile territory — was the pivotal moment that made him internationally famous and launched both his writing career and his political one. Captain Haldane never forgave him for it, calling him a cad; Churchill's two chapters on the escape in My Early Life are, in large part, a carefully crafted defense of his honor. Churchill kept fresh flowers on his nanny Mrs Everest's grave from her death until his own in 1965 — over 90 years — and kept her photograph at his bedside at Chartwell, where it can still be seen today. Gary argues it was Mrs. Everest, not Churchill's famously neglectful parents, who taught him humanity, empathy, and the capacity to care for others. Churchill was nominated for the Nobel Prize over 27 times in both the Peace and Literature categories. He won the Literature prize in 1953 — beating Hemingway, who came second — though he would have preferred the Peace Prize. Hemingway publicly stated Churchill deserved it, and had previously included Churchill's war writing in his own books as examples of great prose. Churchill was the original influencer: he personally managed the distribution of over 100 pre-publication inscribed copies of My Early Life to royals, politicians, business leaders, friends, and voters — with three handwritten iterations of the list found in the Churchill Archives, with personal notes on each recipient. Churchill's prodigious memory — which left FDR, Stalin, and his own staff in awe — was the key tool that allowed him to weave My Early Life from four earlier books, 13 major articles, and hundreds of newspaper dispatches, selecting and transforming individual sentences across decades of work. Churchill was not the impenetrable marble figure of popular mythology — he cried frequently, could be easily hurt, and never stopped seeking the parental approval he never received. Gary's research in the Churchill Archives reveals a side of him that is rarely discussed and fundamentally changes how you read everything he wrote. Soundbites "Churchill kept fresh flowers on his nanny's grave until the day he died in 1965. For 90 years. And he kept a picture of her at his bedside. If you go to Chartwell now, you can still see it. That's how close and important she was to him." — Gary on Nanny Everest and Churchill's lifelong devotion. "He was what I call stubborn. If he didn't want to study math or Greek or Latin, he just didn't — even at age twelve, he just told the teachers, I can't do this. I'm not interested in doing this. Which drove them absolutely crazy." — Gary on Churchill's unconventional education. "He would mumble. He would say words. He would say bits of sentences. Then he'd stop and say, no, no, no, that's not it. And then start again. He was listening to the cadence, the word play, the story he was telling — until he got the sound of the words, the pacing, the tone, the rhythm, and the message all clear." — Gary on Churchill's ambulatory dictation method. "He wanted to grab life by the throat. He wanted the post-WWI generation involved in politics, involved in social issues. He flatly states that if you do not make a difference in the world to make it a better place, your life is absolutely wasted." — Gary on what Churchill wanted the next generation to take from My Early Life. "Churchill was the original influencer. He sat down and planned who should get the books — Royals, business leaders, politicians, friends, voters. He went through three iterations of the list in his own hand, with personal notes on each person." — Gary on Churchill's strategic gifting of inscribed copies. "He would have preferred the Nobel Peace Prize. He wanted to be seen as the person who could get the Soviets, Americans, British and French together to create a calmer world. That obviously didn't happen." — Gary on Churchill's complicated relationship with his Nobel Prize for Literature. "Who's the bloody fool on the gray? Someone who wants to be noticed, I imagine. He'll be noticed — he'll get his head blown off." — the exchange Gary quotes about Churchill's habit of riding a conspicuously grey pony into cavalry charges to ensure he was seen. "It usually nauseates me. It's usually written by somebody who knows nothing about Churchill and what he really stood for. Churchill is a great name to drop when you want somebody to support what you're trying to support." — Gary on Churchill being invoked in modern political discourse. "Churchill begins to hear some kind of rumbling. He speeds up and the sound speeds up. He slows down and the sound slows down. And what he finally realizes is Winston Churchill is in the audience — reciting the speech from memory, out loud, word for word." — Gary recounting the Richard Burton / Hamlet anecdote at the Old Vic. "The price of greatness is responsibility. He turned that on himself. If you're great, you've got to be very responsible." — Gary on Churchill's favorite quote, first used in a speech at Harvard in 1943. Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Jonathan sets up the episode and introduces Gary Stiles and A Prelude to Immortality 01:47 How a Cardiologist Became a Churchill Scholar — A lifelong passion for resilience, literature, and collecting 02:59 What First Grabbed Gary About My Early Life — Churchill as a role model for success and getting back up 04:06 The Research Journey — 40 years, unpublished letters, and the surprising discovery of Churchill's humanity 06:33 Nanny Everest — The woman who shaped Churchill more than his parents ever did 08:36 What My Early Life Actually Covers — Ireland, Harrow, Sandhurst, Cuba, India, Sudan, South Africa, and Parliament 12:29 Why Churchill Stopped at Age 28 — The wilderness years, crossing the floor, and a planned second volume that never came 14:19 Writing in the Voice of His Younger Self — A deliberate literary choice, and how he pulled it off 17:00 Ambulatory Dictation — Pacing, mumbling, secretaries, and the sound of sentences 18:32 The Five Reasons Churchill Wrote the Book — Persona, legacy, income, inspiration, and the Victorian era 22:38 Churchill's Financial Chaos — Chartwell, near-bankruptcies, the best wine and cigars, and Clementine's despair 25:16 The Boer War Escape — Capture, the plan, the jump, Captain Haldane, and a 400-mile solo journey to freedom 32:24 How the Escape Made Churchill Famous — International press, a political career launched, and a grudge that lasted decades 34:50 The Dedication to a New Generation — Churchill's message to post-WWI youth, and its echo in JFK's inaugural address 37:43 Weaving the Book from Earlier Work — Prodigious memory, four books, 13 articles, and hundreds of dispatches 40:54 Two Titles, Two Markets — My Early Life in Britain, A Roving Commission in America, and a battle with publishers 43:13 The Inscribed Copy Strategy — Over 100 recipients, three handwritten lists, and T.E. Lawrence's extraordinary reply 47:36 Churchill's Education in English at Harrow — Mr. Somerville, color-coded sentence parsing, and the foundation of a Nobel laureate's prose 49:49 The Nobel Prize for Literature — 27 nominations, beating Hemingway, preferring the Peace Prize, and what Hemingway said 53:35 Churchill and Hemingway as Contemporaries — Two Nobel laureates who admired each other across the Atlantic 54:36 Churchill in the Modern Political Discourse — Gary's frank response to selective and misleading invocations of Churchill today 57:44 Churchill Was Not Perfect — Gallipoli, mistakes, humanity, and the importance of judging the past in its own context 58:17 Lightning Round: Favorite Churchill Quote — "The price of greatness is responsibility" 59:32 Lightning Round: Favorite Churchill Anecdote — Richard Burton, Hamlet at the Old Vic, and Churchill reciting it from memory out loud 1:01:35 Lightning Round: Favorite Churchill Book — Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert, and Savrola, Churchill's only novel 1:03:11 Lightning Round: Favorite Churchill Film — Darkest Hour, Young Winston, and the blubbering scene on the Underground 1:04:20 Wrap-Up — Where to find A Prelude to Immortality and My Early Life, and a call to read both Video Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas sits down with Spencer Murphy — Assistant Professor in Media and Communications at Coventry University, specialist in film theory and cross-cultural cinema, and founder of the Coventry East Asian Film Society — for a wide-ranging, enthusiastic, and genuinely entertaining conversation about British film. What is a British film, exactly? Is it about the money, the cast, the crew, the story, or the setting? How does class permeate almost every British film ever made, from Ealing comedies to Harry Potter? Why does the British landscape function as a character in its own right? And why do Americans connect so deeply with British cinema when its sensibility — restrained, ironic, self-deprecating — is so different from Hollywood's? Jonathan and Spencer also trade their top five British films each, debate the new Wuthering Heights adaptation (neither of them liked it), and discuss why British cinema's literary inheritance is both its greatest strength and, sometimes, its creative limitation. Links Spencer Murphy at Coventry University BFI Top 100 British Films Dead Man's Shoes (2004, Shane Meadows) The Full Monty (1997) The Remains of the Day (1993) Rebecca (1940, dir. Alfred Hitchcock) Tamara Drewe (2010, dir. Stephen Frears) Friends of Anglotopia Takeaways Defining what constitutes a British film is genuinely one of the hardest questions in film studies — it can't be reduced to funding source, shooting location, cast, or director alone. Both Jonathan and Spencer agree the most satisfying answer involves who is behind the artistic vision, but even that gets complicated fast. The "Mary Poppins test" is Spencer's shorthand for films that feel very British on the surface but aren't authentically so — the tourist's vision of Britain, the chocolate-box version that meets an expectation rather than reflecting a reality. British film has a deep and complicated two-way relationship with how Britain represents itself to tourists — Hollywood's vision of Britain shapes what visitors expect, and British places have increasingly adapted to meet those expectations, from Harry Potter shops in York's Shambles to the way villages brand themselves around filming locations. Class is the single most persistent thread running through British cinema across every decade and genre — from Ealing comedies to Downton Abbey to Trainspotting — and Spencer argues it's almost impossible to think of a major British film that isn't, consciously or not, about the class system. British cinema's literary inheritance — the endless cycle of Jane Austen, Brontë, and Robin Hood adaptations — is both a commercial lifeline and a creative constraint. Spencer sees it as potentially reducing the space for new voices and contemporary stories, though he acknowledges the money it generates can fund smaller, more singular films. The British landscape is not just a setting in British cinema — it functions as a character, carrying regional pride and identity in a way that Hollywood rarely matches. Spencer notes that British location managers and production designers feel a deep obligation to get place right in a way their American counterparts don't always have. Spencer's explanation for why Americans love British film comes down to one word: self-deprecation. British culture — and British cinema — is not afraid to ridicule itself, to see its own shortcomings, and to raise them with others in a way that doesn't quite offend. He sees this as the quality Hollywood fundamentally cannot replicate. The new Wuthering Heights adaptation was a near-universal disappointment for both Jonathan and Spencer — not for lack of visual quality, but for failing the fundamental question every film must answer: who is this for? Spencer's most unexpected recommendation is Dead Man's Shoes (2004) by Shane Meadows — a harrowing, masterful, deeply regional Midlands film that he shows students as one of the most authentic and powerful representations of working-class Britain ever put on screen. The incoming Harry Potter TV series — set explicitly in the 1990s with a period-appropriate visual aesthetic — is likely to have a bigger impact on British tourism than anything since the original films, and will once again reshape what visitors expect Britain to look and feel like when they arrive. Soundbites "When I grew up, I really loved Hong Kong movies — Bruce Lee. The thing that fascinated me was you had streets with Chinese signs, but then Royal Albert Street, buses that looked like London buses. I remember my dad saying, 'Oh, it's part of Britain.' And I was like, what? That can't be so." — Spencer on the connection between British colonialism and his career in film. "It's almost like a snake eating its tail. Britain adapts to meet the expectation that its own exported films have created. You go to the Shambles in York and every other shop sells Harry Potter things and tea — because that's what people want to see." — Spencer on cinema's two-way influence on British culture and tourism. "Class in the UK is not purely related to finance. You can be a very, very wealthy working class person. You could be a millionaire and you'll always be working class. That idea of class being embedded generationally — going back hundreds and hundreds of years — movies articulate that struggle." — Spencer on why class is the defining thread of British cinema. "I'm from the Black Country — a heavily industrial area. I moved into what people would call a very middle class job as a lecturer at university. But my accent, the way I speak, where I'm from — it's working class and it will never leave me." — Spencer on living the class story British cinema tells. "You could argue British cinema is trying, in the 1940s post-war period, to lay out the parameters of class once more — because the great leveller of class was the Second World War, when it really didn't matter who your parents were. People were dying at every rank." — Spencer on class and British cinema's post-war identity crisis. "I always think of it as the King Charles test. He gave that speech in Congress — understated, but deeply critical, undercutting the president in a way where nobody could quite call him out for it. That is quintessentially British. And I think British film does that too." — Spencer on why Americans love British cinema's self-deprecating wit. "You're never going to see a British version of Top Gun. It's just never going to happen. Hollywood can be very congratulatory. British cinema is not afraid to ridicule what it is to be British — and I think that appeals to American audiences enormously." — Spencer on the fundamental difference between British and American cinema. "Wuthering Heights — I watched it and I thought, I don't even know what it felt like, but it didn't feel British to me. I wasn't sure who it was made for. Is this made for 19 year olds? Because I don't get it." — Spencer on the Emerald Fennell adaptation. "Dead Man's Shoes is harrowing and awful, but it had a massive impact on me. It touches on class, on the 1980s, on the downtrodden. It's a film I've seen about three times. I show it to students because it's just masterful." — Spencer on his most unexpected British film recommendation. "When they replayed the Royal Wedding coverage in the pub, you know what came on after it on BBC One? Wallace and Gromit. The perfect chaser of all that Britishness." — Jonathan on the most quintessentially British television scheduling decision ever made. ⠀ Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Jonathan sets up the episode and introduces Spencer Murphy 01:50 Spencer's Journey into Film — VHS tapes, corner video stores, Hong Kong martial arts films, and an accidental PhD 04:36 Jonathan Meets His Wife at Film School — A brief Anglotopia origin story 05:13 Southeast Asian Cinema and the British Colonial Lens — How post-1997 Hong Kong shaped Spencer's thinking about national cinema 08:52 What Is a British Film? — The question neither host can fully answer, and why that's the right response 12:36 Jonathan's Working Definition — Setting, cast, and the authenticity test 13:37 The Merchant Ivory Problem — When a British story isn't quite a British film 14:32 The Mary Poppins Test — How to spot a tourist's version of Britain on screen 16:17 Harry Potter, Bond & Lawrence of Arabia — Are America's favourite "British" films actually British? 18:46 Cinema's Two-Way Effect on Britain — How films shape the places they portray 20:53 Harry Potter as Britain's Biggest Cultural Export — And the new TV series that will change tourism again 22:29 The Visual Identity of the Harry Potter TV Show — Why setting it in the 1990s is a smart move 24:28 British Film Genres — Social realism, heritage drama, comedy, Hammer Horror, and what each adds to the British identity 26:50 Class as British Cinema's Defining Thread — Why it runs through every genre from Ealing to Peaky Blinders 31:33 The Full Monty, Billy Elliot & Richard Curtis — Class in 1990s British film 33:36 Accents, Class & the Transatlantic Voice — From clipped 1930s RP to Trainspotting's Scots 38:45 British Cinema & Literary Adaptation — Strength or creative constraint? 42:49 The New Wuthering Heights — Two film lovers find they agree it didn't work, and debate why 47:36 Landscape as Character — How place functions in British cinema differently from Hollywood 52:08 Why Americans Love British Film — Self-deprecation, irony, and the King Charles Congressional speech 55:23 The Battle of Britain vs Top Gun — How British and American cinema represent heroism differently 55:50 Spencer's Top Five British Films — Rebecca, Dr. No, The Devil Rides Out, The Full Monty, Dead Man's Shoes 59:14 Jonathan's Top Five British Films — The Remains of the Day, Master and Commander, About Time, Tamara Drewe, That Hamilton Woman, Hot Fuzz, On Chesil Beach, and Wallace & Gromit 1:03:06 Wallace & Gromit After the Royal Wedding — The perfect end to any discussion of British culture 1:04:08 Wrap-Up — Spencer must dash, a second episode is promised, and a call to share your own favorite British films Video Version

Jonathan Thomas is joined by Dr Chloe Swart the National Director of Alpha UK. It's a course that helps people explore the Christian faith, and which just last year was used by nearly three million people across one hundred and fifty-eight countries. Dr Swart is also a theologian and Church leader. Her first book, “605 Everyday Miracles – Learning to do what Jesus Did, Today” is taken from her phd research. It's based on hundreds of first hand accounts of healing. People who claim they had or witnessed all sorts of conditions from sciatica to cancer improved and even completely healed through the power of prayer. Not necessarily in churches but everyday places like fast food restaurants, bus stops and gyms. She talks about what she discovered in her research and what she sees happening in the church across Wales and the UK.

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas is joined by Heather Teysko — host of the Renaissance English History Podcast, founder of TudorCon, and one of the true pioneers of independent history podcasting. Heather started her podcast back in 2009 on a Labor Day weekend whim, with a cheap microphone and no idea how to edit audio, and has since built it into one of the longest-continuously-running independent history podcasts in the world, alongside a book community, online summits, a Tudor planner, and TudorCon — the world's first Tudor history convention, now in its seventh year. Jonathan and Heather swap stories about falling in love with Britain, building history audiences online, resisting the shiny lure of algorithm-chasing, and why genuine passion is the only thing that makes any of this work. They also dig into TudorCon 2026 — taking place October 23rd–25th at the extraordinary Agecroft Hall in Richmond, Virginia, a genuine 15th-century English manor house that was disassembled and shipped to America piece by piece — where Anglotopia is proud to be a sponsor. Anglotopia Listeners can use the code ANGLOTOPIA to get 15% off the Tudorcon ticket price or Tudorcon from home. For Tudorcon, they can go to https://tudorcon.englandcast.com; that's the full Tudorcon site. For Tudorcon From Home, you can go to englandcast.com/tudorconfromhome and get a Tudorcon from home ticket. Use the code ANGLOTOPIA to save 15% on both pages. Links Renaissance English History Podcast — englandcast.com TudorCon 2026 (October 23–25, Richmond VA) — tudorcon.englandcast.com Agecroft Hall, Richmond Virginia — agecrofthall.org Heather's book — The Tudor Fan Guide (Countryman Press/WW Norton, coming Summer 2027) Churchill Conference 2026 Philadelphia Friends of Anglotopia Takeaways Heather Teysko launched the Renaissance English History Podcast in 2009 — the only Tudor history podcast in existence at the time — and very nearly canceled it in 2013 when she discovered it was getting 40,000 downloads a month without her having posted a new episode in nearly a year. The spark for Heather's Tudor obsession was singing William Byrd's Ave Verum Corpus in a high school choir and realising that Byrd was writing secret Catholic music in Latin while serving Elizabeth I's Protestant court — a teenage existential crisis that never really ended. TudorCon, which began as an online summit and went in-person in 2019, is now expanding significantly for 2026 — moving from a single-track event at Agecroft Hall to a multi-track conference with five classrooms and a reception hall, thanks to a new partnership with Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. Agecroft Hall is a genuine 15th-century Lancashire manor house that was purchased, disassembled stone by stone, and shipped to Richmond, Virginia in the 1920s by a wealthy tobacco entrepreneur who wanted to live in an authentic English manor — including the original medieval glass, which had to be transported separately by road to avoid cracking. TudorCon is deliberately designed to sit between an academic conference and a Renaissance fair — costume-friendly, open to non-academics, and built around the idea that passionate enthusiasts with deep knowledge of a specific corner of Tudor history have just as much to contribute as credentialed scholars. TudorCon From Home is a full live-streamed experience with its own host, dedicated talks, special events, and a real community feel — the online attendees even took a group screenshot last year to include in the official TudorCon group photo. Heather lived in England for two years in her mid-20s on a BUNAC visa, spending weekends picking random train destinations and exploring — including accidentally attending the Durham Miners' Parade without knowing what it was. After nearly 16 years treating her Tudor work as a hobby, Heather made a deliberate mental shift 18 months ago to treat it as a business — and has since signed a book deal with Countryman Press (an imprint of WW Norton) for The Tudor Fan Guide, due out in summer 2027. Both Heather and Jonathan agree that chasing algorithms and platform trends is a dead end — the only sustainable strategy is making content you're genuinely passionate about and trusting that your specific audience will find you. Heather is currently deep in a rabbit hole on medieval female mystics — including Julian of Norwich, Margery Kempe, and Elizabeth Barton (the Maid of Kent), the only woman in recorded history to have her head displayed on London Bridge. ⠀ Soundbites "William Byrd was writing Catholic music in Latin about transubstantiation while he was writing Protestant theological services for Elizabeth I. And something about that really spoke to the teenager in me — nobody understands my deep dark soul." — Heather on the moment that sparked a lifelong obsession. "I logged in and I looked at my statistics. And this thing was getting like 40,000 downloads a month. And I was like, what the heck? I guess I'll keep this live." — Heather on almost cancelling the podcast in 2013. "I had a young person's rail card. Every weekend I would show up at a random train station, look at where the trains were headed, and pick a place that sounded interesting. I wound up in Durham Cathedral for the miners' parade without knowing what a miners' parade was." — Heather on her two years living in England. "I wanted to build something that was a mix of an academic conference with the fun of a Renaissance fair — where you could wear costumes, but you're actually focused on the history. And I think it's pretty cool." — Heather on the founding vision of TudorCon. "Tudor nerds tend to be islands of nerdiness surrounded by people who roll their eyes when we want to talk about transubstantiation. Just having a space for all these people to be together in real time was really awesome." — Heather on why the community side of TudorCon matters more than the talks. "It's the friendliest place in the world. People are always nervous about coming if they don't know anybody. Absolutely, you can come by yourself — because it's just the nicest group of people around." — Heather on what first-time TudorCon attendees always say. "I could listen to somebody read train schedules if they were enthusiastic about it and loved it. That genuine passion for something — it's not something you see every day. When you see people who really have it, it's infectious." — Heather on what makes content communities work. "She was starting from nothing — she had nothing. And she was paying me and treating it like a business. And I had this realization: I have way more reach than she does, and I keep treating my stuff like a hobby. So it's going to always stay that way." — Heather on the moment she decided to take her own business seriously. "I used to feel guilty working on my podcast because I was like, I'm just doing my Tudor stuff. But now I'm like, actually, this is a business. Mom's going to work now. Mom needs to not be disturbed because mom is working." — Heather on the mental shift that changed everything. "There's a community dedicated to roundabouts in Wales. There are 8 billion people in the world — surely a couple thousand of them share what you're passionate about. The internet gives you the tools to bring them together." — Heather on why niche communities always find their audience. ⠀ Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Jonathan introduces Heather Teysko and TudorCon, and announces Anglotopia as a 2026 sponsor 02:17 How Tudor History Started — William Byrd, high school choir, and a teenage existential crisis about transubstantiation 04:29 Moving to England at 24 — BUNAC visas, headhunting firms, Barnet, and random train adventures 07:19 Starting the Podcast in 2009 — A Labor Day whim, a cheap microphone, and no idea how to edit 09:38 The Early Podcasting Landscape — Why nobody treated it as a business, and how the show evolved 11:00 Almost Cancelling Everything — 40,000 monthly downloads, a baby, and a very close call 12:27 Moving to Spain and Finding a Business Model — Throwing things at the wall, a failed Tudor radio network, and a slow evolution 13:44 The Online Summit That Led to TudorCon — The Facebook group, the debates, and realising community was the magic sauce 15:02 TudorCon's History — From first in-person 2019 to pandemic pivot to Richmond expansion 15:52 TudorCon 2026 — Multi-track expansion, Randolph-Macon College partnership, and why Jonathan is finally going to Agecroft 16:00 What Is Agecroft Hall? — A real 15th-century Lancashire manor house shipped to Virginia stone by stone 18:37 The TudorCon 2026 Speaker Lineup — Nathan Amin as keynote, John Dee's experiments, everyday Tudor life, and Virginia's local Tudor connections 21:21 What Surprises First-Time Attendees — The friendliness, the inclusivity, and the magic of being around your people 23:05 TudorCon From Home — The live stream, Heather's husband as host, and the group photo story 24:43 A Discount Code for Anglotopia Listeners — Details in the show notes 25:09 The Churchill Conference Comparison — Jonathan's experience and the Philadelphia America 250 connection 26:41 Building a History Community — What Heather has learned about authenticity, passion, and why shiny marketing objects always fail 29:51 On Expanding Too Far — Why Francotopia and New Zealandopia were bad ideas, and why passion can't be replicated 30:31 The New Zealand Girls' Trip — Nine months old, postpartum depression, and one of the worst decisions of Heather's life 31:52 Travelling with Infants — Jonathan's Diamond Jubilee trip with a six-month-old and the Oxford ring road 33:18 Chasing Algorithms vs. Staying Authentic — How both Jonathan and Heather learned the same lesson the hard way 34:25 The Value of Community in the Age of AI — Why human connection and shared passion can't be replicated by technology 34:54 What's Coming on the Renaissance English History Podcast — Female mystics, Julian of Norwich, Elizabeth Barton, and following the rabbit hole 36:50 The Business Shift — From "my Tudor stuff" to a real business, a book deal with WW Norton, and a Tudor app in development 41:21 Two Hobby-Turned-Businesses Compare Notes — Jonathan and Heather on what it feels like when the hard work starts paying off 42:51 Wrap-Up — Where to find Heather, TudorCon details, and a reminder that Anglotopia is a proud 2026 sponsor Video Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas is joined by Magnus Birch Throckmorton, the latest custodian of Coughton Court — a Tudor manor house in Warwickshire that has been home to the Throckmorton family for over 600 years. Coughton Court is one of England's most historically charged houses: its great gatehouse was built during the reign of Henry VIII, its walls conceal a double priest hole from the Reformation, and on the night the Gunpowder Plot collapsed in 1605, it was the very house where the plotters' families waited for news. Magnus walks Jonathan through six centuries of survival, faith, and family — from Sir George Throckmorton's audacious confrontation with Henry VIII over Anne Boleyn's marriage, to the sacking of the house during the English Civil War, to the remarkable women of Coughton who kept it alive through every crisis. Magnus also shares what it's like to raise his young children in this living, breathing house, what he and his wife Imogen have introduced since taking over direct management in March 2026, and why American Anglophiles should make Coughton a priority stop on any Midlands itinerary. Links Coughton Court — coughtoncourt.co.uk Historic Houses Association — historichouses.org Harvington Hall (mentioned for priest holes) — harvingtonhall.com Doddington Hall, Lincolnshire (mentioned) — doddingtonhall.com Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon — shakespeare.org.uk Friends of Anglotopia ⠀ Takeaways The Throckmorton family has lived at Coughton Court since 1409 — predating Columbus's voyage to America — making it one of the longest unbroken family occupancies of any historic house in England. Sir George Throckmorton, who built the great gatehouse around 1530, was audacious enough to confront Henry VIII directly over his marriage to Anne Boleyn — and somehow survived by throwing himself on the king's mercy. Coughton Court has a double priest hole: a decoy chamber above a hidden second chamber, designed so that searchers would find the first and assume it empty, never discovering the one below. The Throckmorton family were connected to — but not directly implicated in — the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The plotters' wives and Father Garnet waited at Coughton for news of whether the plan had succeeded or failed. During the English Civil War, Coughton was sacked and plundered, leaving it in a state of ruin that took generations to rebuild. Among the most remarkable objects in the house are a chemise believed to have been worn by Mary Queen of Scots at her execution in 1587, and a cape attributed to Catherine of Aragon and her ladies-in-waiting. The award-winning gardens were designed from scratch in 1991 by Magnus's mother for his grandmother, including a rose labyrinth deliberately full of dead ends, designed to slow visitors down and make them appreciate the colours and scents. Since taking over direct management from the National Trust in March 2026, Magnus and Imogen have introduced a café using hyper-local producers, a charity bookshop, artist residencies, workshops from willow weaving to botanical pottery, Tai Chi, yoga, a monthly supper club, and a summer programme of outdoor theatre. Coughton is just 20 minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon and easily reachable from the Cotswolds — making it a natural addition to any Shakespeare Country itinerary. The property includes two churches — one Catholic, one Protestant — with Throckmorton ancestors buried in both, a quirk that speaks directly to the family's extraordinary journey through five centuries of English religious history. ⠀ Soundbites "It's incredibly exciting — quite scary that your ancestors are looking down at you judging every step of the way. They've got the lovely portraits as you walk up the stairs, so you can't get away from them." — Magnus on being the latest custodian of Coughton. "It's still a family home. It's not a statue in time. It's still breathing, it's still living, it's still evolving — and it really tells the story of one family who've stayed true to being Catholic the whole way through." — Magnus on what makes Coughton different. "He said it is wrong to have meddled with both mother and sister — to which the king replied, it was never with the mother. So Sir George obviously had a nature of being able to push the boundaries." — Magnus on Sir George Throckmorton's confrontation with Henry VIII. "The Throckmortons were not directly implicated in the Gunpowder Plot. They were one step away. None of the plotters had a Throckmorton name — which is probably the reason we're here today." — Magnus on the family's Gunpowder Plot connection. "We have a chemise believed to have been worn by Mary Queen of Scots at her beheading. There's a Latin inscription saying Mary Queen of Scots at her execution on the 8th of February 1587. She was an incredibly tall lady, so it is a very long chemise." — Magnus on one of the house's most extraordinary objects. "It was a thousand guinea bet — shear two sheep and wear the coat between sunrise and sunset. They shorn the sheep, wove it, dyed it, and it was worn at the feast that evening. The biggest travesty was the two sheep were served at the banquet." — Magnus on the famous Throckmorton Coat wager of 1811. "The ladies are the ones who maintain and keep these houses going. They put their life and soul into it and the character of it. My grandmother was one of the first female QCs in the UK. These women are sometimes forgotten about in the grand stories." — Magnus on the women of Coughton. "We are not necessarily close to anywhere, but we're never that far away. You can get to anywhere within an hour and a half — and we're 20 minutes from the Cotswolds, 20 minutes from Stratford." — Magnus on Coughton's surprisingly central location. "Some people come to the UK expecting these houses to be the new Downton Abbey. There is no grandeur here. This is a living and breathing family house — we'll take you on our story, and you'll get an insight into what it's like living at Coughton." — Magnus on the personal experience he and Imogen offer visitors. "My daughter is very good at watering on a Saturday. Mainly she waters the paths, not the plants — which is probably a thing, otherwise the gardeners would tell us off." — Magnus on raising children at Coughton Court. ⠀ Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Jonathan sets the scene at Coughton Court and introduces Magnus Throckmorton 01:58 A New Chapter Begins — Coughton's March 2026 reopening under Magnus and Imogen's direct management 02:19 600 Years of Continuity — What that extraordinary length of connection to one place feels like from the inside 03:11 Raising Children at Coughton — Hector, Isabella, hide-and-seek, and the priest hole problem 05:01 What Is Coughton Court? — A living Tudor family home, its history and why it matters 07:09 Sir George Throckmorton & Henry VIII — The courtier who dared oppose the king's marriage to Anne Boleyn 09:07 The Reformation and Catholic Persecution — Fines, recusancy, and the double priest hole 11:35 The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 — How Coughton became the waiting room for the plotters' families 14:30 The English Civil War — Sacked and plundered, and the long road to rebuilding 15:32 The Women of Coughton — The overlooked figures who kept the house alive across the centuries 17:00 WWII and the Speaker of the House — Coughton's designation as a wartime safe house 17:38 First Impressions — What an American visitor sees walking through the gates for the first time 18:22 Where Is Coughton Court? — Geography, distances, and how it fits into a Midlands itinerary 19:40 Must-See Highlights — The panelled dining room, Mary Queen of Scots' chemise, Catherine of Aragon's cape, and the Throckmorton Coat 23:47 The Award-Winning Gardens — Designed in 1991, the rose labyrinth, and Imogen's new influence 26:08 Two Churches, One Estate — The Protestant and Catholic churches and the ancestors buried in both 28:01 Taking Over from the National Trust — What it means to personally open the doors again 29:46 New Ventures — The café, bookshop, workshops, artist residencies, supper club and more 31:55 Coughton as a Community Hub — The village fête, dementia awareness days, and the volunteer team 33:19 The Historic Houses Network — What joining has meant for advice, connections, and visibility 34:43 Coughton's USP — One family, one faith, 600 years, and gardens that change with every season 36:31 Why Americans Should Visit — The personal touch, the family access, and the Shakespeare Country connection 40:37 Summer 2026 at Coughton — Roses, herbaceous borders, outdoor theatre, and very good ice cream 41:43 Wrap-Up — Opening hours, website link, and how to find Coughton Court Video Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas is joined by Sarah Morris — creator of the Tudor Travel Guide, author of multiple Tudor books, including her novel about Anne Boleyn, and co-founder of Simply Tudor Tours — for a sweeping, entertaining, and deeply informative crash course in Tudor Britain. Calling it Tudor 101, Jonathan and Sarah walk through the full arc of the dynasty: from the unlikely origins of Henry VII emerging from exile to win the crown at Bosworth, through the world-altering reign of Henry VIII and the break with Rome, the short and turbulent reigns of Edward VI and Mary I, and the remarkable story of Elizabeth I and how she turned vulnerability into a kind of genius. Along the way, they tackle the most misunderstood Tudor wife, untangle the confusing web of Marys in the family tree, explain the real-world devastation of the dissolution of the monasteries, and map out the social hierarchy of Tudor England from vagabonds to dukes. Sarah also shares her essential must-visit Tudor sites for American Anglophiles, gives insider tips on getting the most from historic houses and ruins, makes a passionate case for the Mary Rose Museum, and reveals which controversial Tudor drama she secretly loves — and why it launched her writing career. Links Tudor Travel Guide — tudortravelguide.com Simply Tudor Tours — simplytudortours.com Le Temps Viendra (Sarah's Anne Boleyn novel) Sarah's Tudor books on Amazon Hampton Court Palace — hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace Hever Castle — hevercastle.co.uk Tower of London — hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Westminster Abbey — westminster-abbey.org National Portrait Gallery — npg.org.uk Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth — maryrose.org Portsmouth Historic Dockyard — historicdockyard.co.uk Hatfield House — hatfield-house.co.uk Hardwick Hall — nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick Penshurst Place — penshurstplace.com Haddon Hall — haddonhall.co.uk Kenilworth Castle — english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth Fountains Abbey — nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey Rievaulx Abbey — english-heritage.org.uk/rievaulx Weald & Downland Living Museum — wealddown.co.uk Little Moreton Hall — nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall Adam Pennington episode Friends of Anglotopia ⠀ Takeaways The Tudor dynasty was a genuinely unlikely outcome — Henry VII spent 12 years in exile before winning the crown at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, and his claim to the throne depended on a chain of improbable events all lining up just so. Henry VIII's most consequential legacy isn't his six wives — it's the break with Rome and the dissolution of the monasteries, which was the largest transfer of wealth in British history and permanently reshaped the country's physical landscape, religious life, and social structure. Anne Boleyn is the most misunderstood Tudor wife — not the romantic schemer of popular legend, but a woman of serious religious principle who was a genuine catalyst for the English Reformation, including passing Henry the book that sharpened his theological break with Rome. The dissolution of the monasteries was not an orderly administrative process — it was ransacking, burning, hacking apart, and looting of some of the most important buildings in medieval England, with monastic communities thrown out onto the street and abbots executed for resistance. Tudor society was rigidly stratified into distinct layers — from outcasts and vagabonds at the bottom, through the deserving and undeserving poor, yeoman farmers, merchants, the gentry, the nobility, and the monarch — and most people's lives were entirely shaped by where they sat in that hierarchy. Elizabeth I's greatest political achievement was turning her femininity from a perceived weakness into a kind of myth — culminating in the Virgin Queen persona, which elevated her to an almost goddess-like status and was, in Sarah's words, "a stroke of PR genius." Bloody Mary and Mary Queen of Scots are entirely different people — Mary I was Henry VIII's Catholic daughter by Catherine of Aragon; Mary Queen of Scots was a separate Scottish monarch and great-granddaughter of Henry VII, whose claim to Elizabeth's throne made her a lifelong political threat. For first-time visitors to Tudor England, Sarah's essential London list is Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey's Lady Chapel, and the National Portrait Gallery — and outside London, Hever Castle and Hatfield are the top priorities. The Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth is Sarah's single most important Tudor site recommendation — 19,000 artefacts from Henry VIII's sunken flagship, now with immersive film experiences, offering an unparalleled window into everyday Tudor life. Sarah's top pre-visit tip: always read about a place before you go, not after — and always step into the local parish church, which often contains extraordinary Tudor and medieval tombs that most visitors rush straight past. ⠀ Soundbites "It is time and not space that separates us from the past. When I walk into a space and I can recreate in my mind's eye what it was like in the 16th century, I feel like I'm much closer to history. It's like pulling back the veil of time." — Sarah on why visiting Tudor places transforms the experience of history. "The Tudors have everything. Power, betrayal, brutality, glamour, the six wives of Henry VIII. These stories seem like they should belong literally in a Netflix movie rather than in history." — Sarah on why the Tudor era captivates us five centuries later. "Without Henry VII, there is no Tudor dynasty. You could imagine this nine-year-old lad fleeing to Brittany — the likelihood of him inheriting the crown is really slim. And yet these whole series of circumstances just line up." — Sarah on the dynasty's unlikely founder. "Henry VIII bent the nation to serve his personal will. The break with Rome and the dissolution of the monasteries absolutely changed the physical landscape, the societal structure, and many aspects of cultural life in England." — Sarah on Henry VIII's true legacy. "Anne Boleyn was a woman of profound religious principle. She was a catalyst — a really important catalyst — in the whole Reformation process, which had massive ramifications for the social and cultural and religious landscape of the country." — Sarah on the most misunderstood Tudor wife. "People turned up and ransacked these incredible medieval buildings. They pulled them apart, they hacked at them, they burned books and precious artifacts, they melted the roofs down and sold off all the goods and left these piles of smouldering ruins." — Sarah on the dissolution of the monasteries. "I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king — and a king of England too. That encapsulates the miracle of Elizabeth." — Sarah quoting Elizabeth I's Tilbury speech. "She created this version of the Virgin Queen — a physical image of almost deity. She elevated herself to almost a goddess-like quality that people could look up to and worship. It was an utter stroke of PR genius." — Sarah on Elizabeth I's most brilliant political move. "Do your reading before you go, not after. And always go into the local parish church. I've been in some remote, out-of-the-way parish churches and found the most incredible medieval and Tudor tombs. They're very easily rushed by." — Sarah's top two tips for visiting Tudor sites. "I loved The Tudors. I know. Controversial. There was a lot in there that was not historically accurate — but it created this milieu of energy and interest that sparked my writing career off. So I've probably got a lot to be grateful for." — Sarah on her favourite — and most controversial — Tudor drama. ⠀ Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Jonathan sets up Tudor 101 and introduces Sarah Morris 01:50 How Tudor History Became Sarah's Career — From doctor to executive coach to Anne Boleyn novelist 03:36 The Pivotal Moment at Hever Castle — A hot August day, a picnic on the lawn, and a novel begins 06:09 The Tudor Travel Guide — Mission, audience, and connecting people to Tudor places 08:15 Tudor 101: Origins of the Dynasty — The Wars of the Roses, Owen Tudor, and Henry VII's unlikely path to the crown 11:23 Why the Tudors Loom So Large — A turning point between medieval and modern, plus drama, portraiture, and artifacts 14:19 Henry VII — The overlooked founder who brought stability and created the dynasty 16:43 Henry VIII — Beyond the six wives: the break with Rome, Thomas Cromwell, and reshaping a nation 19:16 Historical Blind Spots — Churchill off the money, digressing into post-1603 history, and everyone's gaps 20:32 The Six Wives — Which wife is most misunderstood, and Anne Boleyn's real role in the Reformation 23:21 Edward VI, Mary I & Elizabeth I — Walking through the three children and their dramatically different reigns 28:45 Untangling the Marys — Bloody Mary vs Mary Queen of Scots, and how the family tree connects 33:22 Elizabeth I — Intelligence, the Virgin Queen, Tilbury, Shakespeare, and the age of exploration 37:50 The Reformation and the Dissolution of the Monasteries — The biggest wealth transfer in British history and its devastating human cost 42:49 Daily Life in Tudor England — The full social hierarchy from vagabonds to dukes 47:33 What the Tudors Left Behind — A more unified nation, rising nationalism, and the seeds of civil war 49:29 Essential Tudor Sites in London — Hampton Court, the Tower, Westminster Abbey, and the National Portrait Gallery 52:26 Beyond London — Hever Castle, Hatfield, and why you should always pair Hever with Penshurst 54:41 Sites for Every Social Class — Weald & Downland, Little Moreton Hall, Speke Hall, Haddon Hall 56:37 The Best Tudor Ruins — Fountains, Rievaulx, Jervaulx, Kenilworth, and Cowdray House 58:32 The Mary Rose Museum — Sarah's single most essential Tudor recommendation and why 59:22 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard — Three eras of naval history and the ongoing HMS Victory restoration 1:02:35 The "If Only I'd Known" Problem — Read before you go, and never skip the parish church 1:05:44 Simply Tudor Tours — How Sarah and Adam Pennington founded the company and what makes it different 1:08:33 2026 Tour Dates — Mary Queen of Scots in Scotland, the 1502 Progress, and the Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn 1:10:21 Favourite Tudor Drama — Sarah's controversial answer, Natalie Dormer, and why inaccurate TV still matters 1:13:31 The Downton Abbey Parallel — How popular drama creates waves of new history enthusiasts 1:13:54 Wrap-Up — Links, tour spaces available, and an open invitation to return Video Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas sits down with Ben Pearson — retired West Yorkshire Police traffic officer, Police Interceptors TV veteran, bestselling author, and mental health advocate — for the ultimate American's guide to driving in the UK. Ben spent 19 years on one of Britain's elite roads policing units, handling high-speed pursuits, fatal collisions, and serious organized crime, and he brings that expertise to bear on every question American drivers have about navigating Britain's roads. The pair cover the most common mistakes tourists make, how roundabouts actually work (and why signaling is advisory, not legally binding), the truth about speed cameras and the 10% rule, how the UK's "ghost licence" system means your speeding history follows you every time you return to Britain, what to do if you're stopped by police, how to handle narrow country lanes without panic, and why you should never — ever — touch your phone while driving. Ben also opens up about his diagnosis with complex PTSD after 19 years on the front line, the Code Zero mental health app he co-created for emergency service workers, and his life since leaving the force. Links Ben Pearson on YouTube Ben Pearson's books on Amazon Code Zero Emergency Service Mental Health App 1965 PTSD Awareness Charity Ben Pearson on Instagram/social media Police Interceptors (Channel 5) Friends of Anglotopia Takeaways Always carry your driving licence and documents when driving in the UK — police can't issue a ticket without ID, which means you may be summoned to court instead, and non-compliance complicates everything significantly. UK speed limits are a maximum, not a target. The national speed limit sign (white circle with a diagonal black line) means 70mph on motorways and dual carriageways, but drops to 60mph on single carriageway roads — and vans have different limits again. Speed cameras allow a 10% plus two mph tolerance due to speedometer variance — but this is not a green light to speed, and a traffic officer can still stop and deal with you regardless. The UK operates a "ghost licence" system for foreign visitors — a record that accumulates points each time you're caught. Hit 12 points across multiple visits and you can be disqualified from driving in the UK and potentially arrested on your next trip. Roundabout rule: give way to traffic from your right, choose your lane based on your exit (left lane for left, middle for straight on, right lane for right), and always indicate. But treat all indicators as advisory — never assume another driver will follow through on their signal. Narrow country lanes require a completely different mindset to American roads — go slower than you think you need to, never cut corners, hug the left kerb line, and if in doubt, pull over and wait. No one will be angry with you for being cautious. Never touch your phone while driving in the UK — the law is extremely strict, members of the public can film and report you (as Cycling Mikey does in London), and the consequences include points, fines, and potential prosecution. If you're stopped by a UK police officer, stay in your car, be calm and polite, and have your documents ready. British traffic police are not looking to ruin your holiday — but they do need to do their job. Ben left the police in 2020 after being diagnosed with complex PTSD following 19 years dealing with fatal collisions and traumatic incidents. He now co-runs the Code Zero app and the 1965 charity, both dedicated to emergency service mental health support. Britain is a small island but enormously rewarding to explore by car — and Ben's parting advice is to go for it, slow down, enjoy it, and consider the NC500 in Scotland if you really want a road trip of a lifetime. Soundbites "Ever since I saw Frank Poncherello on that Kawasaki coming off that slip road, and that baseline kicks in — it just sent me on the path. I thought, I've got to be a police officer." — Ben on growing up watching CHiPs and deciding his career. "I came out in 2020 after being diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder. I just dealt with too many dead children and I wanted a change of life. I've moved on and all the better for it." — Ben on leaving the force. "I got pulled over by a cop in Florida. I got out like we do in England — hello, I'm a bit stupid, I'm from England. And I got shouted at: stay in your car, show me your hands. I were a bit like, this has gone wrong very quickly." — Ben on his own experience being stopped by American police. "Roundabouts — I do not understand why you find it so hard to deal with them, but it's extremely funny to watch." — Ben on American drivers and roundabouts. "An indicator is an advisory motion. It's me saying, hi, I think I'm going to go down here — but I might go in front as well. Until I do that move, you've got to stay still. It doesn't stand for anything in a court of law." — Ben on why you can never fully trust another driver's signal. "The speed limit is the maximum you should go at any time. It's not a target." — Ben on the most important principle of driving in the UK. "If you've got 12 points on that ghost licence because you've gone through a lot of speed cameras and you're not bothered — we stop you and you're driving while disqualified, you're arrested. Your insurance is void. The car is seized." — Ben on the ghost licence system for foreign visitors. "Don't think because I can do it in the States, I can do it in the UK. The roads are completely different, the tarmac grip is different, even the tyres. Where you think you can get round at 60, the car might only want to do 40." — Ben on spatial awareness and UK road conditions. "Do not touch your phone for anything. Pull to the side of the road, turn the engine off, put the handbrake on — then touch your phone. The police don't have to see you. A member of the public can just film you and send it straight to us." — Ben on mobile phone laws. "We are a small island, but we're a big island for seeing stuff. Go to the castles, go to Scotland, go to York. Just smile — it might be someone's last chance, and you might be the last person they ever interact with." — Ben's closing message to American visitors. Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Jonathan sets up the episode and introduces Ben Pearson 02:29 Ben's Background — Growing up watching CHiPs, joining West Yorkshire Police, and finding his calling 05:13 Two Traffic Cops Swap Stories — Ben gets stopped in Florida; Jonathan gets starstruck by California Highway Patrol 07:37 A Day in the Life of a UK Traffic Officer — Shifts, intel briefings, pursuits, and working in Bradford 11:10 Common Mistakes American Tourists Make — Documents, speed limits, and roundabouts 13:51 UK Speed Limits Explained — 30, 40, 50, national speed limit, dual carriageways, and why vans are different 15:59 Roundabouts: How They Actually Work — Lane choice, right of way, and why standoffs happen everywhere 19:03 Signalling on Roundabouts — The legal reality of indicators and the "ask the question" approach 21:51 Driving on the Left — Spatial awareness, narrow lanes, cutting corners, and why you shouldn't panic 26:40 Country Lane Survival — Jonathan's wife's near-miss and Ben's golden rule: just wait 28:30 Speed Cameras — How they work, the 10% rule, and what actually triggers a prosecution 31:05 The Ghost Licence System — How speeding points follow American visitors across multiple trips to the UK 35:07 Getting Stopped by UK Police — What to expect, how it differs from the US, and what happens if you can't be issued a ticket 40:05 Phone Laws — Zero tolerance, Cycling Mikey, and when you are and aren't allowed to use your device (Post phone section) Congestion Charge & London Driving — Jonathan's Heathrow penalty and urban UK driving quirks (Final section) Ben's Life After the Police — YouTube, books, the Code Zero app, the 1965 charity, and a new TV contract 1:10:23 Wrap-Up & Final Tips — Ben's parting advice: go slowly, enjoy it, consider the NC500, and be kind YouTube Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas sits down with Tim Barber, Yorkshire Blue Badge guide and founder of Real Yorkshire Tours, for an in-depth traveler's guide to one of England's most captivating and varied regions. Tim brings over a decade of guiding experience and a background in geography, geology, and marketing to the conversation, explaining why Yorkshire — at 6,000 square miles — deserves far more than a single day stopover between London and Edinburgh. The pair cover everything from the dramatic differences between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, to the best way to experience York Minster, to why the Yorkshire Wolds is the region's best-kept secret. Tim also unpacks his hugely popular All Creatures Great and Small filming locations tour, explains what the Blue Badge qualification actually means for travelers, shares his personal recommendations for how many days to spend and where to stay, and offers practical advice for Americans planning their first Yorkshire adventure — including the one language misunderstanding that left him without his lunch. Links Real Yorkshire Tours — realyorkshiretours.co.uk Institute of Tourist Guiding (Blue Badge info) — itg.org.uk York Minster — yorkminster.org Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal — nationaltrust.org.uk World of James Herriot, Thirsk — worldofjamesherriot.org The Brontë Parsonage Museum, Haworth — bronte.org.uk Castle Howard — castlehoward.co.uk Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (steam train to Haworth) — kwvr.co.uk North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Pickering to Whitby) — nymr.co.uk Grantley Hall Hotel, near Ripon — grantleyhall.co.uk Friends of Anglotopia Takeaways The Blue Badge is the gold standard qualification for British tour guides — an 18-month course equivalent to a foundation degree, requiring practical exams, written tests, and specialist site accreditations. Always look for it when booking a guide. Yorkshire is England's largest region at 6,000 square miles, with more landscape variety than almost anywhere else in the country — from wild Pennine moorland and rolling Dales to a hundred miles of coastline and the little-known chalk uplands of the Yorkshire Wolds. If you only have one day in the countryside, Tim recommends the Yorkshire Dales over the North York Moors — not because the Moors aren't spectacular, but because the Dales offer slightly more varied scenery and you'll still get a taste of moorland driving over the tops. York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and contains 65% of all medieval stained glass in England — saved during the Civil War by a Yorkshireman who threatened his troops with death if they touched it. The All Creatures Great and Small new series has overtaken Downton Abbey in US viewing figures on PBS Masterpiece — and Tim's filming locations tour takes in Grassington (Darrowby), Helen's Farm, the church where James and Helen married, and more. The Yorkshire Wolds — a chalk upland area east of York — is Tim's top hidden gem recommendation: barely known even to locals, with picture-postcard villages, chalk streams, and stunning dry valleys almost entirely free of tourists. Americans typically underestimate how much time they need in Yorkshire. Tim's ideal recommendation is five days, covering York, the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and coast, Fountains Abbey, and a stately home. York makes the best base for a Yorkshire visit, with easy rail and road access to almost every corner of the region — though Harrogate is a great alternative for those focused on the Dales and All Creatures tours. Haworth and the Brontë Parsonage offer a very different experience from the open Dales — a darkened millstone grit industrial village where Tim drives clients up onto the moorland tops so they can feel the wind and understand where Wuthering Heights came from. Jonathan is personally planning a two-to-three day Yorkshire visit after completing his Hadrian's Wall walk this summer, and Tim recommends Helmsley, Rievaulx Abbey, and Whitby as excellent options accessible by public transport from York. Soundbites "I won a big pitch and I just couldn't get excited by it. I came home on Friday and said, I think I'm done. She said, well, you're 48, you can't retire yet — we'd better find you a job then." — Tim on the moment he decided to leave marketing. "I take people to absolutely beautiful places, we have a traditional lunch in a country pub, they drop off at the end of the day, I get lots of thanks and a tip, I drive home and pinch myself and think — have I really been at work?" — Tim on loving his second career. "She just sort of said, I just can't believe it. It's more beautiful than I ever thought it would be. To see a reaction like that, where the landscape had created that kind of emotion — that's a pretty special thing." — Tim on a lifelong James Herriot fan finally seeing the Dales. "The history of York is the history of England. You can actually do it all on foot. You don't have to jump on trains or tubes. A lot of the stuff is within the city walls." — Tim on what makes York so extraordinary. "65 % of all the medieval stained glass in England is in York Minster. Because during the Reformation, a Yorkshireman told his parliamentary troops: you do not touch York Minster, under pain of death." — Tim on how Yorkshire saved its own history. "You'd be driving down little tiny country lanes in the Dales that are just difficult to pass on. You just couldn't get a 55-seat coach down them." — Tim on why the All Creatures filming locations can only be done in a small vehicle. "I knew there was a Yorkshire Terrier and I'd heard of a Yorkshire Pudding — but I can't believe what you've got to offer here." — a typical American tour operator reaction on first seeing the region, as recounted by Tim. "Yorkshire men have more call centres here than anywhere else in England because people want to talk to somebody with a trustworthy voice who tells them how it is and is honest and straightforward." — Tim on the Yorkshire character. "She said she'd just have chips — so I booked a restaurant that did pub grub. And about quarter to twelve she said, could we pull up at this garage? She came out with a bag of crisps. And I suddenly realised I wasn't going to get any lunch." — Tim on the chips vs crisps language trap. "People spend five or six days in London, five or six days in Edinburgh — and they always say, I wish I'd spent longer up here. Yorkshire feels a little bit more real and authentic." — Tim on why Americans should slow down and give Yorkshire more time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Jonathan introduces Tim Barber and Real Yorkshire Tours 01:22 How Real Yorkshire Tours Began — A marketing career, a bottle of red wine, and a brainstorming session 03:38 Marketing Meets Tour Guiding — How Tim's professional background gave him a competitive edge 04:13 What Is a Blue Badge Guide? — The qualification, what it takes to earn it, and why travellers should look for it 06:10 Geography, Geology & the Yorkshire Landscape — How Tim's degree informs every tour he gives 08:10 Living in Burley in Wharfedale — The best of both worlds: Dales walks and Leeds city culture 09:43 What Still Excites Tim After a Decade — People's reactions, a James Herriot fan in tears, and the joy of the job 12:54 Yorkshire's Extraordinary Variety — Moorland, Dales, coast, chalk uplands, and thriving cities 15:07 The Yorkshire Character — Straight talking, trustworthy, understated, and proud 16:36 Yorkshire Dales vs North York Moors — How to choose if you only have one day 19:11 York — The History of England on Foot — City walls, York Minster, Museum Gardens, and the Chapter House ceiling 24:37 Yorkshire's Best Hidden Gem — Why the Yorkshire Wolds deserves far more attention 27:06 What Draws Americans to Yorkshire — TV tourism, trade shows, and fam trips that converted tour operators 29:36 Yorkshire Words and Phrases — Boot vs trunk, chips vs crisps, and the story behind On Ilkla Moor Baht 'At 32:22 The All Creatures Great and Small Tour — Key filming locations, Helen's Farm, and why coaches can't do it properly 36:39 The World of James Herriot — Thirsk, Alf Wight's real life, Wensleydale, and Herriot Country vs new series locations 38:19 Americans and Vacation Time — Why cramming doesn't work and less is more 40:49 Taking Literary Pilgrims to Haworth — The Brontës, the moorland, the Parsonage, and the new Wuthering Heights film 44:01 Most Common Misconceptions — Americans who don't realise how much history exists outside London 45:33 How Many Days Should You Spend? — Tim's ideal five-day Yorkshire itinerary 47:09 Where to Stay — York vs Harrogate, and a top-end recommendation near Ripon 48:26 Best Time of Year to Visit — Why April–June and September–October beat the summer crowds 49:27 Jonathan's Personal Yorkshire Plans — Post Hadrian's Wall tips for travelling without a car 51:00 Tim's Recommendations for a Carless Visitor — Helmsley, Rievaulx Abbey, Whitby, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway 53:01 The North Yorkshire Moors Railway — Pickering's Downton Abbey connection and medieval church paintings 54:08 Castle Howard — Brideshead Revisited, Bridgerton, and getting there from York 54:54 Wrap-Up — Jonathan's outro, Friends of Anglotopia, and a call to slow down and explore Yorkshire properly Video Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas is joined by Mia Ferullo, Digital Engagement Officer, and Sam, Programme Officer at the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, Yorkshire — and co-hosts of the museum's own acclaimed podcast, Behind the Glass: A Parsonage Podcast. Together they explore what makes the Parsonage one of Britain's most atmospheric and emotionally resonant literary destinations, from the world's largest collection of Brontë artefacts to the wild moorland that inspired the novels themselves. The conversation spans the remarkable story of three sisters who published against the odds under male pseudonyms, the often-overlooked legacy of Anne Brontë and patriarch Patrick Brontë, the concept and standout episodes of Behind the Glass, and the swirling cultural moment around Emerald Fennell's new big-screen adaptation of Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Mia and Sam also share practical advice for American Anglophiles planning their first visit to Haworth, including the best time of year to go and how to get there. Links Brontë Parsonage Museum — bronte.org.uk Behind the Glass: A Parsonage Podcast Keighley and Worth Valley Railway — kwvr.co.uk Visit Yorkshire — visityorkshire.com Friends of Anglotopia Takeaways The Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth is home to the world's largest collection of Brontë artefacts, including handwritten manuscripts, first editions, writing desks, and extraordinary miniature books the sisters made as children. Almost everything on display in the Parsonage is genuine Brontë furniture and objects — not set dressing — making it one of the most authentically preserved literary homes in Britain. The Brontë sisters published their novels under male pseudonyms not just for anonymity, but to avoid the prejudice that would have greeted female authors — and the books were still considered shocking and coarse when they appeared. Anne Brontë is widely regarded as the most overlooked of the three sisters, lacking the pop culture adaptations and name recognition that Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights have accumulated over generations. Patrick Brontë, often cast as a footnote or even a villain in the family story, played a significant role in his daughters' development — educating them in the classics and sparking their imaginative lives by bringing home a set of toy soldiers for Branwell. Behind the Glass: A Parsonage Podcast invites guests to choose a single object from the collection as a jumping-off point, allowing deep dives into rarely seen items — including Charlotte's tea cosy and its fascinating gendered history. Emerald Fennell's new Wuthering Heights film has driven a surge of visitors to the museum, with people noting in the visitor book that the film brought them to Haworth for the first time. Controversy around Wuthering Heights is nothing new — the original 1847 novel was condemned as vulgar and depraved by contemporary reviewers, making modern critical debate very much in keeping with Emily Brontë's legacy. A new television adaptation of Jane Eyre has been announced, which the museum is already looking ahead to as potentially another major cultural moment. August is the best month to visit Haworth when the heather is in full purple bloom on the moors, though autumn's fog and mist give the village an irresistibly gothic atmosphere perfect for Brontë fans. Soundbites "When you go up behind the Parsonage, you've got the moorlands. There's the ruin of Top Withens up there, supposed to be the influence for Wuthering Heights. You feel like you can really step into the pages of the book." — Sam on Haworth's atmospheric setting. "There are moments where you think, gosh, this all started here where I work, and I'm there every day. They actually wrote Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights in this room, on this writing desk." — Mia on the weight of working at the Parsonage. "The writing desks contain all the same materials the Brontës left in them. Everything's been preserved exactly as it was when they died." — Mia on her favourite objects in the collection. "It's believed that Emily died on the sofa. And I think that's something people find very moving — especially when they've come from abroad, because Haworth isn't easy to get to even if you live in the UK." — Sam on emotional moments with visitors. "They had to use pseudonyms so nobody would know who they were, and there'd be no prejudice against them being women writers. And still the books were called coarse and shocking — people thought women shouldn't even be reading them." — Mia on the Brontës publishing against the odds. "I think Anne definitely gets overlooked. Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights have very much become part of pop culture — there are more movies, more adaptations, pop songs written about them. Anne doesn't get that same exposure." — Sam on the most neglected Brontë sister. "You can almost compare the Brontës to Shakespeare — how his work is reinterpreted in different settings and time periods. That's why the Brontës' work is so timeless. You can draw on certain elements and themes and keep it fresh." — Sam on why new adaptations keep coming. "We never really want to tell visitors what to think. We want people to read the books and make their own minds up." — Mia on the museum's approach to literary interpretation. "I don't think we expected it to be quite as big as it was. Seeing all the money that went into the premieres and the marketing — we've just been wanting to grab a bit of everything to remember it, because how often does something like this come along?" — Sam on the scale of the Wuthering Heights film moment. "It just came from this little house in this little village in Yorkshire." — Sam on the extraordinary global legacy of the Brontë Parsonage. Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Jonathan sets the scene at the Brontë Parsonage Museum and introduces Mia and Sam 01:39 What Is the Brontë Parsonage Museum? — Location, atmosphere, and what to expect from a visit 03:21 Mia's Role as Digital Engagement Officer — Social media, digital content, and the podcast 04:07 Sam's Role as Programme Officer — Events, workshops, live music, and how she joined the podcast 05:18 The Collection — Manuscripts, miniature books, writing desks, and authentic Brontë artefacts 06:47 The Weight of the Place — Favourite objects and emotional moments on the job 09:50 Behind the Glass Podcast — The format, concept, and how objects anchor each episode 10:52 Standout Episodes — Holly Ringland, Charlotte's tea cosy, and the gendered history of everyday items 12:43 Who's Listening — Reaching new audiences and the American visitors who came because of the podcast 14:13 The Brontës for Newcomers — Why the sisters matter and what made their achievement so remarkable 15:52 Honouring Each Sister Individually — How the museum balances Charlotte, Emily, and Anne 17:51 The Most Overlooked Brontë — Why Anne deserves more attention 18:50 Patrick Brontë — His real role in the family and his presence throughout the house 20:28 The Moors and the Novels — How the landscape shapes the reader's understanding of the books 21:53 The Wuthering Heights Film Moment — The mood at the museum as the Emerald Fennell adaptation lands 23:16 Have They Seen the Film? — Mia and Sam's reactions, and the Charli XCX album recommendation 23:45 Is It a Good Adaptation? — Discussing Fennell's personal interpretation versus fidelity to the novel 26:21 Misreading Wuthering Heights — The novel's darkness and moral complexity versus its romance reputation 27:10 A Long History of Controversy — Why provoking critics is part of Emily Brontë's legacy 27:35 Do Adaptations Drive Visitors? — The film's impact and the newly announced Jane Eyre series 28:41 Jane Eyre Nostalgia — Jonathan's favourite adaptation and a digression into Wide Sargasso Sea 29:38 How to Pronounce Haworth — And why British place names are endlessly confusing 30:06 Practical Tips for Visiting — What to expect, how busy it gets, and wear good shoes 31:24 Getting There from London — Trains, connections, and the steam railway from Keighley 32:00 Make a Week of It — Combining Haworth with York, Manchester, and the Yorkshire Moors 32:53 Best Time of Year to Visit — August heather, autumn mist, and gothic atmosphere 33:34 The Literary Gothic Trail — Adding Whitby to a Yorkshire literary itinerary 34:12 What's Coming Up at the Museum — Hair jewellery workshops, live music at Easter, and upcoming events 35:12 Wrap-Up — Jonathan's outro, Friends of Anglotopia, and a recommendation to pick up Wuthering Heights Video Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, host Jonathan Thomas sits down with retired British police officer, military veteran, and author John Donoghue to discuss his remarkable journey from the Royal Navy and British Army to 40 years in the police — and then, in retirement, accidentally becoming a castle guide at Pembroke Castle in Wales. John's new book, *Castles, Crime and Cake: A Policeman's Accidental Guide to History*, blends laugh-out-loud stories from the beat with medieval history, bizarre forgotten British laws, and surprisingly profound reflections on finding purpose in later life. Along the way, Jonathan and John explore how British policing differs from American policing, the absurdity of some 999 emergency calls, what it means to police without firearms, the infamous Salmon Act of 1986, and the ghost of a murderous monkey haunting a Welsh castle. Links Castles, Crime and Cake by John Donoghue — Amazon Link John's police memoir trilogy Pembroke Castle, Wales — pembrokcastle.co.uk Durham Constabulary — durham.police.uk Friends of Anglotopia Takeaways John Donoghue served in the Royal Navy, British Army, and police across a 40-year career before retiring to become an accidental castle guide. British police operate without firearms in most situations, relying instead on communication, humor, and patience to defuse confrontations. The UK has 43 regional police forces, each covering a defined geographic area and handling all crimes within it — unlike America's layered federal, state, and local system. "Policing by consent" means British officers see themselves as part of the community, earning authority through trust rather than force. The 999 emergency line receives some truly baffling calls — including reports of stolen snowmen, dogs looking at people funny, and complaints about McDonald's breakfast hours. John accidentally became a Pembroke Castle guide after sending a CV that included a photo of his dog eating birthday cake — and still got the job. The Obscure Crime Preservation Society (membership: two, including Jonathan) was founded to highlight Britain's forgotten and bizarre laws still on the statute books. The Salmon Act of 1986 makes it illegal to handle a salmon in suspicious circumstances — and John tried to get himself arrested under it. Police humor and dark comedy are genuine coping mechanisms for officers exposed to high levels of trauma and PTSD. The biggest life lesson John took from policing: approach everything with a sense of humor — it won't always work, but it's the best tool you have. Soundbites "I could either go to university like my brothers had, or do something more exciting. For me it was a choice between more schoolwork or a life of adventure — so I chose the latter." — John on why he joined the Royal Navy at 18. "I thought, what other job would you have where a dog comes into the room and just does a poo and nobody says a word? So I thought, I've got to start writing these stories down." — John on the incident that convinced him to write his police memoirs. "I've been punched, kicked, had broken bones, been stabbed in the face, put in hospital. That's the downside — but we don't carry guns because our public don't carry guns." — John on the realities of unarmed policing. "We police because the community wants itself to be kept safe and kept lawful. We don't do it with a heavy hand — talk first, and then force if needs be. Not the other way around." — John explaining policing by consent. "My CV basically consisted of: I can navigate a warship, I can shoot the enemy, and I can arrest baddies. So I thought it's not a great CV." — John on applying to work at Pembroke Castle. "I want it to be like the best tour since Willy Wonka's tour of his factory — but with maybe less deaths." — John on his approach to castle guiding. "Women can't eat chocolate on a bus. You can't wear armour in the House of Commons. You're not allowed to be drunk in a pub. These laws are still on the statute books." — John listing Britain's strangest surviving laws. "The fishmonger asked if I wanted him gutted — but to be honest, he looked gutted enough already." — John on acquiring Steve the salmon for his Salmon Act experiment. "Every contact leaves a trace — like fingerprints and DNA. And just the same, every contact leaves a trace on your soul. All that negativity can have an effect on you." — John on the psychological toll of policing. "I don't know where they could have parked — it's double yellow lines outside." — A robbery victim's response moments after an armed raid, which John recalls as a reminder that hope is always the last thing left. Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Introduction — Jonathan introduces John Donoghue and his new book 01:42 A Life of Service — From the Royal Navy to the British Army to the police 03:10 Writing the Police Memoirs — How bizarre incidents on the job inspired John to write 06:33 The Bravery Commendation — Rescuing a family (and their pets) from a house fire 07:50 Police Humor & the Women's Institute — Writing for a general audience 09:34 British vs. American Policing — Core similarities and key differences 10:51 Policing Without Firearms — What it's really like to work unarmed 12:45 Rank Structure Explained — What a PC is, and how it compares to American officers 13:44 How UK Police Forces Are Organized — 43 forces, one geographic system 15:39 Absurd 999 Calls — Stolen snowmen, dog stares, and McDonald's complaints 17:52 Policing by Consent — What it means in everyday practice 19:31 British Police Jargon Decoded — Response officers, custody suites, and more 20:11 Becoming an Accidental Castle Guide — The CV, the dog photo, and the job offer 23:31 The Crime Preservation Society — Breaking Britain's forgotten laws 25:25 The Salmon Act of 1986 — Handling Steve the salmon in suspicious circumstances 27:28 More Bizarre British Laws — Armour, top hats, chocolate, and convicted Egyptians 29:38 Obscure Laws in Police Training — What they never taught at the academy 30:22 Pembroke Castle — History, Henry VII, and why it's never been taken by force 31:45 The Monkey Ghost — A Welsh castle's most unusual haunting 34:20 Police Skills Meet Castle Tours — Crowd control, hecklers, and bored teenagers 36:01 Strangest Tourist Questions — Railway lines, castle roofs, and knight nurses 37:03 Getting Banned by a Police Force — How the books opened and closed doors 38:28 The Biggest Life Lesson from Policing — Humor, hope, and the Pandora's Box story 41:41 What's Next — Jesters, Roland the Farter, and no writing projects yet 43:37 Wrap-Up — Book details and how to find John's work Video Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas welcomes back photographer and adventurer Quintin Lake to discuss the Hadrian's Wall National Trail. They explore Quintin's experiences walking the trail, its historical significance, the unique landscapes, and the challenges of photography along the route. The conversation also touches on memorable moments, iconic sites, and practical advice for those planning to walk the trail themselves. Links Quintin Lake: Website: quintinlake.com The Perimeter Project: theperimeter.uk Instagram: @quintinlake The Perimeter book (Hutchinson Heinemann) Quintin's Article on Walking Hadrian's Wall Quintin Hadrian's Wall Pictures he shared with us ⠀Hadrian's Wall Resources: Walk the Wall with Macs Adventure Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail Vindolanda Roman Fort Takeaways Quintin Lake has walked all 16 of Britain's national trails. Hadrian's Wall is a unique trail steeped in Roman history. The trail offers a rich experience with museums and historical sites. Walking the trail can be both contemplative and physically challenging. The landscape varies from flat agricultural land to rugged moorland. Photography along the wall requires attention to light and distance. The best time for photography is during golden hours. Planning for resupply is crucial when walking the trail. Memorable moments often come from unexpected encounters with history. The experience of walking connects you to the past in profound ways. Soundbites "It's more like walking an idea than walking a trail. You're in the Roman world from beginning to end and that's really exciting." — Quintin on what makes Hadrian's Wall unique among all 16 national trails. "I kind of thought it'd be a bunch of old stones and after half a day I would have had enough. But actually it was so rich and deep and they're all different. It's way more fascinating than I thought." — Quintin on being surprised by the wall's depth. "There were these huge blocks of stone with Roman drill holes where they've tried to wedge them apart. And they've clearly given up. That was the moment I felt most connected to history on the journey." — Quintin on finding abandoned Roman quarrying at Limestone Corner. "The notes they're writing home were things like, 'Please send me new socks.' It's very domestic stuff — saying how boring it is, how wet it is. They're looking forward to seeing their wives." — Quintin on the Vindolanda tablets. "I remember as a young man seeing it as quite a small tree and then seeing it again as a full tree. It's like a measure of one's own life, and then to see it so senselessly cut down." — Quintin on the Sycamore Gap tree. "Newcastle is such an extraordinary fantastic city. It's a better place to celebrate at the end — amazing restaurants, the Tyne, the bridges." — Quintin on why to walk west to east. "If you think you can wing it and buy food and provisions along the way, you won't. It's really difficult for resupply." — Quintin's practical warning for walkers. "I slept in the ditch itself just to get out of the wind. It was a bit stealthy, sneaky, beaky, but it kind of added to the sense of mischief — the history of raiding Scots and border reavers." — Quintin on wild camping along the wall. "The biggest unexpected thrill was the views. You can see the Lake District mountains, the North Pennines, the hills of southern Scotland. It's like a pivot point between separate worlds." — Quintin on the panoramic surprise of the central section. "You imagine seeing a famous monument and you wonder, is it going to be as amazing as the postcards? And when it is, that was truly tremendous." — Quintin on first seeing the iconic wall winding across the Whin Sill. Chapters 00:00 Revisiting the Journey 01:42 Exploring Hadrian's Wall National Trail 04:35 Walking Experience and Contemplation 07:28 Logistics and Planning for the Walk 10:40 Historical Significance of Hadrian's Wall 13:44 Landscape and Weather on the Trail 16:36 Unexpected Discoveries Along the Wall 19:59 Connecting Through Mundanity 20:19 Memorable Moments on Hadrian's Wall 23:31 The Impact of Nature and Change 24:10 Challenges of Photography on the Trail 27:32 Capturing Iconic Landscapes 29:00 The Experience of Wild Camping 30:34 The Hardest Days on the Trail 31:48 Post-Walk Recovery and Exploration 34:02 Impressions of Roman Sites 35:56 Unexpected Historical Richness 38:30 Planning for Provisions 42:14 Future Adventures in the Mountains 44:08 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version

After 25 years and roughly 25 trips across the Atlantic — including one where he ran out of money and had to beg his parents from a London phone box and another that ended with a $1,200 phone bill — Jonathan Thomas has learned how to travel Britain without going broke. In this special bonus episode, he introduces the completely rewritten third edition of 101 Budget Britain Travel Tips, walks through what's new (including 30–40 tips that have never been in the book before), and reads 10 of his favorite tips covering everything from the mandatory new Electronic Travel Authorization to the airport drop-off fee that cost him £140, why you don't need an Oyster card anymore, and the supermarket meal deal hack that saves his family hundreds every trip. Whether you're planning your first visit or your twentieth, this is the episode to listen to before you book. Links 101 Budget Britain Travel Tips, 3rd Edition — Anglotopia Store product page (paperback, ebook pack, and bundle with 101 London Travel Tips) 101 Budget Britain Travel Tips on Amazon — Paperback, Kindle, and Audible audiobook 101 London Travel Tips — Companion book (link to store page and/or Amazon) 101 Budget Britain Travel Tips + 101 London Travel Tips Bundle — Anglotopia Store UK ETA Official App — iOS App Store / Google Play (official UK government app, not third-party services) Royal Oak Foundation — royaloak.org (US membership for free National Trust admission). Friends of Anglotopia Club — Anglotopia membership for early podcast access and exclusive content Previous Anglotopia Podcast Episode on the UK ETA Takeaways This is a complete rewrite, not just an update. The 3rd edition has 30–40 brand new tips never in the book before, the free attractions lists have been consolidated into a master appendix by country, and the book is roughly twice as thick as the previous edition. The UK's Electronic Travel Authorization is now mandatory. As of February 24, 2026, it is being strictly enforced. If you don't have one, you're not boarding the plane. Use the official UK government app — it costs £16. Anyone charging more is a third-party service skimming money. Airport drop-off fees can sting you badly. Jonathan got hit with a £140 total charge (£100 penalty + £40 rental car processing fee) for forgetting to pay the Heathrow drop-off fee within 24 hours. The cameras scan your license plate and the bill goes to the rental car company. You don't need an Oyster card anymore. Contactless credit/debit cards now work on London's entire transport network with the same daily fare caps. Just tap in and tap out — it settles up at the end of the day at no more than about £7–8. Book trains up to 12 weeks out to save money. A same-day journey can cost 4–5 times more than one booked a month or two in advance. Jonathan recommends open tickets for flexibility since trains are frequently late or cancelled. Never pay in US dollars at a British cash register. Dynamic currency conversion is a legal scam — the merchant's bank sets the exchange rate and skims money. Always pay in pounds and let your credit card convert at the interbank rate. Supermarket meal deals are one of Europe's best budget secrets. Lunch deals (sandwich + drink + snack) run £3–4. Dinner deals for two with a main, side, dessert, and wine cost £10–15. Jonathan's family hits the grocery store as one of their first stops every trip. Join Royal Oak, English Heritage, and Historic Houses before your trip. A Royal Oak Foundation membership (under $100/year) gets you free entry to all National Trust properties. English Heritage has an overseas visitor pass. Historic Houses membership covers ~300–400 privately owned stately homes including Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey). Premier Inn is the budget traveler's best friend. Consistent quality, breakfast included, advance rates from £35/night. Not glamorous, but reliable and spread across hundreds of locations near major cities and attractions. Budget travel isn't about suffering — it's about spending smart. The book's philosophy is to save money on the things that don't matter (airport snacks, dynamic currency conversion, overpriced afternoon tea) so you can spend more on the things that do (comfortable lodging, rental cars, experiences, souvenirs). Soundbites "We came home and got our phone bill the next month — we had a $1,200 phone bill from all of our adventures in Britain. And we didn't know. This is 2008, 2009 — we just didn't know." — Jonathan on the expensive lessons that inspired the book. "Budget travel isn't about suffering. It's about spending money on the things that matter and refusing to waste money on the elements of your trip that you don't need to." — Jonathan on the book's core philosophy. "A family of four could easily spend $10,000 on a one to two week trip to Britain without even trying. Our philosophy with this book is that it doesn't have to cost that much." — Jonathan on why the book exists. "There's a new rule for visiting Britain and many Americans still don't know about it. If you don't have the ETA and you show up at the airport, you're not going." — Jonathan on the mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization. "Anyone charging you a fee more than 16 pounds to do this is ripping you off. You do this yourself. Use the official app." — Jonathan on avoiding third-party ETA services. "Making it easier to drop my wife off with the bags at the terminal cost us 140 pounds. We were not amused." — Jonathan on his personal airport drop-off fee disaster. "You don't need to buy the Oyster card in advance. You don't need to buy it when you get there. Just use your credit card as long as you have tap on it." — Jonathan on contactless fare caps replacing the Oyster card. "Do not pay in US dollars. Never pay in US dollars. You're overpaying. Pay in pounds." — Jonathan on the dynamic currency conversion scam. "We did the Fortnum & Mason high tea and it was 85 pounds per person, which is absurd. You can get an afternoon tea for half that or a third of that in many other places." — Jonathan on saving money on afternoon tea. "I had to make a panicked phone call to my parents from a London phone box begging for them to deposit my paycheck early so that we could have money to finish our trip." — Jonathan on running out of money as a 21-year-old traveler. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Angletopia Podcast 00:49 The Evolution of Budget Travel Tips 03:07 Understanding the New Travel Landscape 07:33 Key Tips for Affordable Travel in Britain 14:37 Exploring the Book's Structure and Content 18:47 Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Britain 27:38 Navigating Currency and Payment Options 29:28 Accommodation Insights for Budget Travelers 31:23 Dining and Food Tips for Travelers 36:41 Conclusion and Book Availability 40:39 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4

Follow Anglotopia in all the places Anglotopia website: anglotopia.net Anglotopia store: store.anglotopia.net Anglotopia app: available on iOS App Store and Google Play Store Quentin Lake's coastal walk: https://theperimeter.uk/ ----- What makes someone dedicate their life to a country that isn't their own? Jonathan Thomas, founder of Anglotopia, has spent 19 years building a community for Americans obsessed with British history, culture, and travel. We talk about how he started the site in a closet in Chicago, what turns a casual Anglophile into a lifelong devotee, the best places to visit in Britain beyond the tourist trail, and his plans to walk Hadrian's Wall this summer. Plus we swap notes on what it actually takes to build a business around something you love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Billy Cullen, a London taxi driver and history enthusiast, about the unique experience of navigating London's rich history through the lens of the iconic black cab. They discuss the rigorous training known as 'The Knowledge,' the challenges of being a tour guide, and the impact of modern technology like Uber on the traditional taxi industry. Billy shares insights on hidden gems in London, the importance of supporting local businesses, and the evolving landscape of tourism in the city. Links Website: londonhistorytaxitours.com Billy's Black Cab Tour: londonhistorytaxitours.com/book-now/details/372561/billys-black-cab-tour-of-london/ Instagram: @londonhistorytaxitours Transport for London: tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/learn-the-knowledge-of-london Takeaways The Knowledge is a rigorous training process for London taxi drivers. Billy Cullen combines his passion for history with his taxi driving. London's history spans over 2000 years, offering endless exploration. The black cab experience provides a personal connection to the city. Supporting local businesses is crucial for the economy. Uber has changed the landscape of the taxi industry in London. Layover tours offer a unique way to experience London in a short time. Hidden gems like Greenwich are often overlooked by tourists. Film and TV locations are increasingly popular among visitors. The future of London's museums is promising with new developments. Soundbites "I started thinking about doing the knowledge for freedom, working for myself. Freedom and a cool city." — Billy on why he became a cabbie. "You have to see the map of London in your head." — Billy on what the Knowledge actually requires. "They say you can't fail the knowledge, you can only quit." — Billy on the grueling examination process. "Some driver drove past and shouted out the window, 'Don't bother mate, the game's dead, give it up.' I was furious. After about five minutes, I shrugged it off and carried on my run." — Billy on nearly being discouraged. "It's a proven fact that the London black cab driver has a significantly larger hippocampus than the average person." — Billy on what the Knowledge does to your brain. "You'll be on Regent Street and someone will come out in front of you and just start taking loads of pictures and you feel like you're a celebrity." — Billy on driving an iconic black cab. "99% of the time, people are amazed by the stuff they weren't expecting. It's the secret things that also make up London, not just the stuff you see on pamphlets." — Billy on what surprises American tourists. "If there's one reason why you should use a black cab rather than Uber, it's because we actually care. Our badge is worth millions of pounds. It's a lifetime of employment." — Billy defending the trade. "Support local, support the local businesses. Don't pay up to a multi-billion company that has no care for human welfare." — Billy on why to skip Uber in London. "Know that you can't do everything in one trip. There's people that have lived in London that would need at least 200 lifetimes." — Billy's advice for first-time visitors. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to London Taxi Culture 02:51 The Knowledge: A Grueling Test for Taxi Drivers 05:40 The Journey to Becoming a Taxi Driver 08:55 The Oral Examination Experience 11:41 Determination and Challenges in the Knowledge 14:33 Life After Passing the Knowledge 17:28 The Iconic London Black Cab 20:14 Memorable Passengers and Celebrity Encounters 23:20 The Cabbie's Perspective on Opinions 26:29 Transitioning to a Tour Guide 29:13 London History Taxi Tours: Growth and Development 32:07 Advantages of Taxi Tours Over Other Tours 35:11 Film and TV Location Tours 38:08 Airport Layover Tours: A Unique Experience 39:07 American Tourists' Must-See Attractions 40:03 Navigating Misconceptions in British History 45:43 The Impact of Uber on London's Taxi Trade 50:17 Future Plans for London History Taxi Tours 57:29 Exploring London's Historical Tours 01:00:00 Time Travel to London's Past 01:02:56 Advice for First-Time Visitors to London 01:02:57 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Dan Absher, a lifelong Beatles fan and CEO, about the cultural impact of the Beatles and the insights he has drawn from their success for his upcoming book, 'The Fab Four Pillars of Impact: Building Dynamic Teams the Beatles' Way.' They discuss Dan's early memories of the Beatles, his experiences in Liverpool, and the lessons that modern businesses can learn from the Beatles' journey, including the importance of unity, vision, and adaptability. Links Dan's book — The Fab Four Pillars of Impact: Building Dynamic Teams the Beatles Way (Greenleaf Book Group Press, February 2026) fab4academy.com — Dan's website The Beatles on Ed Sullivan, February 9, 1964 Cliveden (National Trust) Strawberry Fields Forever Friends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways Dan Absher's lifelong passion for the Beatles began at age five. The Beatles' charisma and humor were key to their early success. Ringo's role was essential as the steady drummer of the group. Family traditions often incorporate Beatles music, especially at milestone birthdays. Cliveden, where the Beatles filmed, was a significant experience for Dan. Liverpool has transformed into a vibrant city with a Beatles economy. Freda Kelly provided unique insights into the Beatles' personalities. The Beatles' success was driven by the right people and a catalytic vision. Internal conflicts and differing visions contributed to the Beatles' breakup. The Beatles' legacy continues to influence modern business practices. Soundbites Here are 10 interesting soundbites from the episode: "It wasn't until much later that I started to realize how great of musicians they were too. Right then it was their charisma, their personalities, their humor." — Dan on watching the Ed Sullivan show at age five. "I might have been coerced into picking Ringo because they needed a drummer and not another guitar player. But I fully embraced the Ringo role." — Dan on childhood Beatles roleplay with his brother and cousin. "Every occasion I can think of, particularly in my life, a Beatles song gets played a lot at family outings." — Dan on how the Beatles are woven into his family traditions. "John's vision was to save the world. George's was to save his soul and be close to God. Paul wanted to remain relevant in music his whole life. And Ringo — his vision was, have fun with my buddies." — Dan on how their diverging visions fractured the band. "It sounds absurd to think of the four of them having a strategic planning retreat, but that's what they needed." — Dan on what could have saved the Beatles. "Paul was clinging so hard to try to keep them together. I think that clinging itself had a way of pushing them further apart." — Dan on Paul's role in the breakup. "No one I think is in my tree. He's talking about feeling different and isolated, maybe special." — Dan breaking down why Strawberry Fields Forever is his favorite Beatles song. "The big fight was over who was going to manage the Beatles — Alan Klein or Paul's in-laws. They were all wrong." — Dan on the business conflict that tore them apart. "Each of the four of them had a vote and each of the four of them had veto power of anything they wanted to do." — Dan on how Apple Corps eventually structured their business. "It made me realize life's short. Most people back at the company, they got it handled. They can do it without me." — Dan on how dying on the operating table inspired him to finally write the book. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Beatles' Impact 01:49 Dan's Beatles Origin Story 04:33 Teenage Years and Family Traditions 07:27 Study Abroad at Clifton Estate 09:25 Visiting Liverpool: A Beatles Pilgrimage 11:20 An Evening with Freda Kelly 14:06 Abbey Road Experience 15:17 The Fab Four Pillars of Impact 19:09 The Formation of The Beatles 21:52 The Role of Vision and Competition 23:25 Camaraderie and Emotional Bonds 27:57 Synergy and Serendipity in Creativity 31:25 Understanding the Breakup 36:03 The Aftermath and Corporate Dynamics 42:34 Lessons for Modern Businesses 49:09 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version

Today, churches around thew world are marking Candlemas, and stepping into that moment in the Temple when the infant Jesus was presented, and Simeon proclaimed him a light for all nations — a light that still reaches into every culture, every community, every corner of our world. But what does that look like in multicultural Wales today? How does that light sound, feel, and take shape among the many voices that make up our shared life? Jonathan Thomas explores the concept of a Polyphonic Church with Craig Gardner from Cardiff Baptist College; Tim Gill from Newtown Evangelical Church; Jessica Morgan from the Bont Church in Pontypridd, and Rev. Dominic DeSouza who recently co-authored a chapter in the book 'Polyphonic God'.

This is the thirty-first episode in the Crypto Hipster's Curtain Calls Series, which includes 3–4-minute clips from Seasons 6-8. This compilation draws upon my conversations with:Nikita Ovchinnik, co-founder @ Barter DeFi (4/16/2024, Season 7)James Lucas, COO and co-founder @ Lamina (8/12/2024, Season 7)Jonathan Thomas, CEO and co-founder @ Blueberry Protocol (5/12/2024, Season 7)Jacob Margulies, Senior Business Development Executive @ Galxe (1/27/2024, Season 6)

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas discusses exciting plans for 2026, including his personal goal of walking Hadrian's Wall, the revival of Anglotopia's online store, and major cultural events happening across Britain. He highlights significant Royal anniversaries, exhibitions, and theatre performances to look forward to, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead for Anglophiles. The episode concludes with a call to support Anglotopia through the Friends of Anglotopia Club. Links Friends of Anglotopia Cornish Smuggler's Tea Anglotopia Store Macs Adventure Shadowlands with Huge Bonneville Sorry, Prime Minister Tickets The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Takeaways Walking Hadrian's Wall is a personal goal for Jonathan. Anglotopia is reviving its online store after ceasing imports. 2026 marks Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday with special events. The Bayeux Tapestry will be exhibited at the British Museum. Celebrations for Beatrix Potter and other British icons are planned. New museums, including V&A East, will open in 2026. Winston Churchill's paintings will be featured in an exhibition. Theatre performances in London's West End are highly anticipated. Planning ahead is crucial for Anglophiles traveling to Britain. Joining the Friends of Anglotopia Club supports British culture. Sound Bites 1. The Big Commitment (Line 38) "So we closed this deal about a month or two ago and that's a big deal because now I have to do it. There's people counting on me to do this. Macs Adventure is counting on me doing it, my business is counting on me to do it, so I have to do it. I don't have a choice." 2. The Challenge Ahead (Line 14) "It involves physically preparing to walk 84 miles on purpose. And I, as you can see, I'm not in the best of shape. So the idea of walking so many miles is kind of daunting to me." 3. You're All Coming Along (Line 44) "That's the big thing for Anglotopia in 26 is I'm walking Hadrian's Wall. I don't have a choice and you're all coming along for the ride with me." 4. Personal Health Stakes (Lines 26-28) "It's for my own health. I'm not in great health. Preparing training for the walk will improve my health and having done it will also improve my health, and I'm hoping that it kind of ushers in a new era where hopefully once a year I do one of these famous long distance walks in Britain." 5. The Bayeux Tapestry Coup (Lines 105-106) "I don't know how they got the French to agree to this. Apparently it took years of negotiations, but the Bayeux Tapestry is gonna leave France and come to the British Museum for a special exhibition. One hopes they give it back when they're done." 6. Queen Elizabeth 100 (Lines 80-82) "April would have been Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday. And so we're expecting a lot of commemorations around that… It'll be a chance for people to kind of reflect and remember the lovely days of the reign of Elizabeth II." 7. The London Museum Opening (Lines 166-168) "It might almost be worth making a special trip for—not just because I like London's history, but it's to see the building itself. The Smithfield Market is an architectural jewel of London." 8. Churchill's Painting Secret (Lines 185-186) "He famously used it to help cope with his mental health, because when he was having the most troubles, he would just go paint, and he would find solace in painting." 9. Television Turns 100 (Line 112) "Many people don't know that a Brit actually made invented television. And so January 26, 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of Brit John Logie Baird's first public demonstration of television in London." 10. Yes Prime Minister Passion (Lines 220-222) "Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister are my favorite British comedy show of all time. I've watched it a dozen times over and over. It is so funny… I desperately wanted to see this on the West End." Chapters 00:00 Angotopia's Plans for 2026 10:08 Major Events in Britain for 2026 16:39 Cultural Celebrations and Anniversaries 26:48 Looking Ahead: Future Events and Exhibitions 27:43 Upcoming Exhibitions Worth Seeing 29:45 Exciting Museum Openings in 2026 32:11 Major Exhibitions to Look Forward To 35:15 Theatrical Highlights in the West End 48:30 Top Picks for 2026 50:23 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version

In this engaging Christmas episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas and guest and Anglotopia columnist Amanda Graves explore the fascinating differences between British and American Christmas traditions. Amanda shares her experiences of celebrating Christmas in both cultures, discussing everything from the timing of decorations and Christmas dinner to the significance of Boxing Day and the King's speech. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of each tradition, the challenges of blending cultures, and the joy of preserving cherished customs while adapting to new ones. Links Spilling the Tea Column on Anglotopia British Christmas Articles Friends of Anglotopia Takeaways Amanda shares her first culture shock during her first American Christmas. The tradition of opening presents on Christmas Day is a significant difference between the UK and the US. Christmas dinner in the UK typically includes turkey, stuffing, and Christmas pudding, while Americans often opt for ham or beef. Amanda has adapted to American traditions while still trying to maintain some British customs. Christmas crackers are a fun British tradition that Amanda tries to introduce to her American friends. The misconception of fruitcake in America differs greatly from the British version, which is often enjoyed. Boxing Day is a day of recuperation and charity in the UK, but is largely unknown in America. The King's Christmas speech is an important tradition for Amanda, providing a moment of reflection during the holiday. Christmas television specials are a cherished part of British culture that Amanda misses. Amanda enjoys the festive spirit of Texas, where Christmas decorations are often extravagant. Sounds Bites Here are 10 compelling sound bites from the episode with timestamps: 1. The Decoration Culture Shock (02:22-02:51) "Suddenly everybody had tons of decorations up. Everybody had wreaths on their door. Everybody was putting lights into their bushes outside their door. And I'm thinking, I didn't know that we were supposed to do that." 2. Tree Timeline Shock (02:51-03:18) "A lot of people put their Christmas trees up super early, right after Thanksgiving. That was a bit baffling to me because at home we really didn't put up our Christmas tree until the week of Christmas." 3. The Cactus Christmas (04:12-05:02) "When I first met my husband, he had a large cactus and he would put some really funny ornaments on the cactus. He has some funny ornaments like the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, which hangs from that. We still have a small Christmas tree that we put the tacky ornaments on as a nod to his previous indifference of Christmas." 4. The Breakfast in Bed Disaster (06:48-07:37) "We decided to make my mother breakfast in bed. We had no way of knowing that very late the night before she'd gone to midnight mass and had trod dog poo all the way up the stairs and had to spend two hours scrubbing the stairs, had fallen into bed at about three o'clock in the morning and we woke her at six o'clock with breakfast in bed." 5. Bilingual Christmas Greetings (01:32-01:38) "Well, I am bilingual now. So when I'm here, I say Merry Christmas. And when I'm in England, I say Happy Christmas." 6. Christmas in July Surprise (41:45-42:29) "I enlisted my niece to help me surprise everybody with Christmas in July. I had ordered a turkey from the butcher and it was so big it literally wouldn't fit in the fridge. So I had to find a cooler, pack it full of ice and put the turkey in the cooler and hide it." 7. The Queen's Speech Tradition (06:48-07:37) "At three o'clock, it was the Queen's speech, it's now the King's speech, and that is an absolute must-see. Everybody pretty much gathers around the TV. We would spend hours before Christmas poring over the radio times and the TV times to see what was on on Christmas Day." 8. Not Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (43:11-43:22) "I like to tune into the Christmas carols and just remind myself that there are beautiful carols out there and beautifully sung and it's not Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." 9. American Vacation Reality (42:01-42:29) "In the UK, pretty much everybody has that whole week off. It's just expected. That's another thing. It's more difficult to do that, to get away, unless the children are really small." 10. The Great Christmas Closing Line (46:46-46:52) "Whether you're celebrating with Christmas crackers or inflatable lawn Santas, mince pies, or fruit cake, we wish you a very happy Christmas. Or is it Merry Christmas? After this conversation, we'll leave that choice up to you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Christmas Traditions 02:29 Amanda's First American Christmas Experience 05:19 Childhood Christmas Traditions in Britain 08:22 Navigating British Traditions in America 11:04 Christmas Dinner: A Cultural Comparison 14:21 The Role of Christmas Crackers 16:59 Understanding Fruitcake: A Misconception 20:06 Present Opening Traditions 23:10 Cultural Differences: Massachusetts vs. Texas 24:43 Christmas Traditions: A Cultural Contrast 31:03 Understanding Boxing Day: A British Perspective 35:48 The Importance of Christmas Carols and Services 39:37 American Christmas Traditions: Embracing New Customs 41:34 Nostalgia and Family: Celebrating Christmas Across the Pond Video Version

In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, host Jonathan Thomas and British TV expert Tom Salinsky delve into the rich tradition of British Christmas television specials. They explore the cultural significance of these specials, the evolution of Christmas Day TV schedules, and highlight some of the most beloved and memorable Christmas episodes from shows like Wallace & Gromit, Doctor Who, Only Fools and Horses, and Gavin and Stacey. The conversation also touches on the nostalgia associated with classics like The Snowman and the impact of streaming on traditional viewing habits. Salinsky shares insights into the history of Morecambe and Wise, the role of sports in Christmas TV, and the unique approach of shows like EastEnders during the festive season. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of the Radio Times Christmas double issue and a promotion for Salinsky's new podcast, All British Comedy. Links AllBritishComedy.com Tom Salinsky Tom Salinsky's Red Dwarf books Radio Times Christmas Double Issue BBC Genome Project The Snowman Friends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways British Christmas television specials are a cultural institution. Christmas specials often feature nostalgia and beloved characters. The Snowman is a quintessential part of British Christmas. Only Fools and Horses Christmas specials are highly anticipated events. Gavin and Stacey's serialization contributed to its popularity. Christmas Day TV schedules have evolved over the years. The Radio Times Christmas double issue is a cherished tradition. Not all Christmas specials are successful or well-received. EastEnders often delivers dramatic and intense Christmas episodes. Streaming has changed how audiences engage with Christmas specials. Sound Bites 1. On why British Christmas TV became a tradition: "I think it was EastEnders that made the difference. In 1986, EastEnders devoted its Christmas episode to the Den and Angie storyline absolutely coming to boiling point... The viewing figures were phenomenal—something like 30 million. Half the population was watching." — Tom Salinsky 2. On the unique appeal of Christmas specials: "The difference between writing a regular episode of Doctor Who and a Christmas special is there will be non-fans watching at Christmas. The 14-year-old says, everybody has to shut up so I can watch this. And then uncle and auntie and grandma and grandpa are all in the room anyway." — Tom Salinsky 3. On nostalgia and Christmas television: "Nostalgia and Christmas, certainly for British television, seem very intertwined. It's a time when we want to hark back to the past... Even Vengeance Most Foul, which is a brand new piece of work, feels old-fashioned, has that old-fashioned charm about it." — Tom Salinsky 4. On why EastEnders goes dark at Christmas: "If what we tune in for is misery and torment and betrayal, then at Christmas it needs to be maximum misery and maximum betrayal. No one is starved of EastEnders. So when it comes around for Christmas, we just want to take that lever and throw it as far in the direction of drama as we possibly can." — Tom Salinsky 5. On the Radio Times Christmas double issue: "When I was 10, I would have read about National Velvet and that Old Curiosity Shop musical film in the Radio Times and probably opted not to circle them. We were a very middle-class household, Jonathan, so we didn't get the TV Times because that was vulgar." — Tom Salinsky 6. On discovering The Snowman: "I spent Christmas in England in 2013 and I kept hearing this haunting melody everywhere... I finally saw it and I was literally in tears when it was over. I'd never seen it before, but it just hit me. There's no words—even the book has no words—and it's an incredible story." — Jonathan Thomas 7. On the 1971 Morecambe and Wise Christmas special: "The 71 special with Andre Previn is definitely something a cut above. That is such a famous routine. They kind of stayed at the top of their game for about seven or eight years, which is hard to do." — Tom Salinsky 8. On The Office Christmas specials: "The way that The Office started out as this show which nobody really knew what it was or why it was funny... to then capturing the nation's conversation and ending up being the centerpiece of the BBC One Christmas schedule in three years is astonishing." — Tom Salinsky 9. On the first Doctor Who Christmas special: "Nobody knew whether that first series with Christopher Eccleston was going to be a success. We'd never had a Doctor Who Christmas special before. Just as Russell T. Davies had to invent how to make Doctor Who at all in 2005, he had to invent a Doctor Who Christmas special." — Tom Salinsky 10. On Christmas specials as the last appointment viewing: "We're just now used to using our television sets as jukeboxes where we select what we're going to watch. We're out of the habit of treating them like radio sets where the broadcaster determines what we are sent at what time... I think it's one of the nice things about Christmas that we just get a little bit of that communal viewing experience back again." — Tom Salinsky Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Christmas Television Specials 04:03 The Cultural Significance of British Christmas TV 09:59 Traditional British Christmas Day TV Schedule 13:22 Top British Christmas Specials 20:07 The Evolution of Doctor Who Christmas Specials 25:52 The Legacy of Morecambe and Wise 30:44 The Timeless Charm of The Snowman 33:21 Only Fools and Horses: Christmas Specials 35:18 The Enduring Appeal of Call the Midwife 36:41 Christmas Specials: A Tradition in British Sitcoms 39:01 Gavin and Stacey: The Power of Serialization 41:53 Sporting Events and Christmas TV 42:41 Christmas Specials That Missed the Mark 45:39 EastEnders: Maximum Drama at Christmas 48:17 The Future of Christmas Specials in Streaming Era 49:31 The Radio Times: A Christmas Tradition 54:20 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version

Are you unknowingly setting yourself up for a massive tax bill in retirement?This week on Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth, host Gary Heldt welcomes Jonathan Thomas, CFP®, Private Wealth Advisor at LVW Advisors, for a candid look at the hidden pitfalls that can derail even the best retirement plan. Jonathan reveals how overfunding tax-deferred accounts, ignoring liquidity, and delaying estate planning can lead to unnecessary taxes and lost opportunities. From smart Roth conversion timing to building tax diversification, Jonathan shares the same strategies he uses with high-net-worth families to create lasting financial confidence. You'll also hear why independent advisors can offer more flexible, client-first solutions and how small shifts in your financial plan today can open doors for early retirement, charitable giving, and true generational wealth. Key Takeaways:→ The #1 retirement mistake that could raise your future tax bill→ Why liquidity and diversification are essential for business owners→ How to use Roth conversions and tax-smart planning for lifelong savings→ The overlooked importance of estate planning, wills, and term life insurance→ Simple, practical steps every young family can take to secure their financial future→ Quote from Jonathan Thomas:"I like to make the complicated really simple for people—because once they understand it, they feel at ease and realize they can retire earlier than they ever thought possible."→ Connect with Jonathan:

On November 8th, Cherry Vann will be enthroned as the 15th Archbishop of Wales. Her appointment has been covered in an abundance of headlines, as it has come in the midst of a turbulent time for the Church in Wales. The former archbishop stood down amidst problems in Bangor Cathedral. But, her appointment is also hailed by many as a new era for the Church. A few weeks before her enthronement, Jonathan Thomas sat down with the new Archbishop of Wales at the Bishops office in Newport, to find out who she is beyond the headlines.

Jonathan Thomas visits the Torch Fellowship Group in Ammanford, speaks to volunteers of Guide Dogs UK, and interviews others about the experience of sight loss in the church. He also remembers the life and ministry of Peter Jackson, a blind pianist. All music performed by Peter Jackson for BBC Radio Wales Celebration in 1995 and 2013.

Jonathan Thomas interviews Katharine Hill about schools and smartphones. Katharine Hill is the UK director of Care for the Family. She is a well-known speaker, broadcaster and author of a number of books, including Left To Their Own Devices: Confident parenting in a digital world and A Mind of Their Own: Building your child's emotional wellbeing in a fast-changing world.

For centuries the singing of psalms has been a cornerstone of Christian worship and in Wales today psalms are sung in the splendour of great cathedrals and in the quiet devotion of Catholic monasteries. While the singing of psalms has long been cherished, in some churches and denominations psalm singing has been replaced by more modern songs and worship. But a new movement called 'Psalm Roars' is challenging that notion. Led by vicar Tim Vasby Burnie, 'Psalm Roars' aim to make psalm singing accessible to everyone, regardless of whether you have a musical background, and to encourage singing that is “enthusiastic, robust, loud, and inclusive.” Jonathan Thomas attends a 'Psalm Roar' and meets enthusiastic people learning all about psalm singing. He speaks to one of the most pre-eminent modern hymn writers of today, Keith Getty, who sets psalms to music, bringing them to contemporary audiences. Jonathan visits Llandaff Cathedral and meets Stephen Moore, Director of Music, where psalms are sung daily by the cathedral choirs. At Belmont Abbey, Abbot Brendan Thomas explains the ancient tradition of psalmody in the Benedictine Order, where psalms have been sung since its foundation in the sixth century.This programme was first broadcast on the 30th March 2025.

CoreSelf Positioning to Get on the Same Page, Literally: 8 Steps That Refine Our Current Position and Identify Our Best Action Plan by Jonathan Thomas, Tim Preston https://www.amazon.com/CoreSelf-Positioning-Same-Page-Literally/dp/B0DWCJWY74 Simplenoteasy.org Your story. Your narratives. Your experiences. All of them can provide insight and direction that you never knew existed by activating your Internal Observer. Without it, we are doomed to repeat the same patterns of behavior that reinforce tired preconceptions. ARE YOU READY TO SURPRISE YOURSELF? In this genre-bending new book, readers will be introduced to a new road map for positive self-discovery. Using visual geometry, questions and exercises culled from real-life stories, and an 8-step guide that anyone can follow, readers will be empowered to leverage their own narratives and to navigate difficult situations. Whether for the professional or personal, individual or team, the CoreSelf Framework can teach anyone to access where they are, acknowledge where they want to be, and determine how to best get there.This journey of self-exploration allows us to position ourselves in difficult situations, use our values to provide perspective, and determine the best next steps to literally Get on the Same Page with ourselves and others.

Jonathan Thomas is joined by the award-winning historian, biographer and broadcaster Tom Holland. Tom is the co-presenter of the world's most popular history podcast 'The Rest is History', a bi-weekly podcast that explores everything from the Norman Conquest to Nazi Germany. The series is downloaded an astonishing eighteen million times every month. Tom Holland has written many best-selling books include 'Millennium' and 'Rubicon', but in the programme Tom discusses 'Dominion', a book that explores how Christian values and ideas have shaped Western civilisation, although we now live in a secular age. Tom and Jonathan explore how writing Dominion has influenced Tom's perspectives on Christianity.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by Topo Athletic, we are joined by Jonathan Thomas, known on trail as Janis Joplin. Janis Joplin is a thru-hiker, FKT record holder, D1 collegiate track and field athlete, former news cameraman, Boston Marathon bombing survivor, CDT trail angel, and owner of Exotic Pax, an innovative, vest-style backpack for thru-hikers handmade in Chama, New Mexico. This episode covers a lot of ground, including the many times he's narrowly escaped death, what is was like growing up in New Orleans, being a D1 collegiate athlete, what brought him into the world of FKTs and how FKT athletes are more possessive over their records than they might lead on, what it's like to run an outfitter in a sleepy CDT town, and the inspiration and process that goes into his unique backpacks. We wrap the show with a reversal on the closure of a campground key to JMT and PCT hikers, our takes on who'd win in a fight between 100 men and one silverback gorilla, and the Triple Crown of items you geniously stash in many strategic locations. Topo Athletic: Use code “TREKSPRING15” at topoathletic.com. Gossamer Gear: Use code “BACKPACKER20” for 20% off packs at gossamergear.com.  Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek. Burgeon Outdoor: Use code “BACKPACKER15” for 15% off at burgeonoutdoor.com. Bear Mattress: Use code “BACKPACKER” for 40% off at bearmattress.com. [divider] Interview with Jonathan Thomas aka JJ JJ's Instagram JJ's Youtube Exotic Pax Website Tumble On Outfitters Website Time stamps & Questions 00:05:34 - Reminders: Take our survey, listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon, and apply to blog for the Trek! 00:09:25 - Introducing JJ 00:10:28 - What's it like growing up in New Orleans? 00:18:10 - Tell us about working for a news channel 00:21:40 - What's the most interesting scene you ever shot from? 00:24:30 - What were the highlights from the local news industry? 00:26:50 - What events did you do at LSU? 00:30:00 - Discussion about biking in Baton Rouge 00:34:20 - What personality differences were there between swimmers and runners?00:35:25 - Why did you walk on to the team at LSU? 00:37:35 - Tell us about running the Boston marathon 00:40:40 - How did you get into hiking? 00:43:20 - How did the PCT compare to running? 00:44:12 - How have you processed the trauma you've gone through? 00:48:27 - Did the calm on a long trail draw you in? 00:50:10 - Tell us about attempting to do an FKT in the middle of your PCT thru-hike 00:53:40 - What are the differences between the different distances of running? 00:59:25 - What are the differences between preparing for an FKT and for road running? 01:03:40 - How do you train for the unexpected? 01:12:15 - What's the wildest hallucination you've had? 01:17:00 - Is it difficult to maintain motivation during your FKT attempt? 01:26:20 - Discussion about JJ's Oregon FKT 01:29:30 - Wheel spin 01:36:25 - Tell us about the Oregon FKT 01:39:50 - Why did you carry a cast iron on the trail? 01:45:40 - Tell us about your interactions with foxes 01:49:45 - What other meals do you make on trail? 01:56:20 - What's the inspiration for your company? 02:03:40 - What are the main stitches used in backpacking gear? 02:09:12 - Discussion about Exotic Pax 02:12:30 - How did Tate find you to make his pack? 02:16:27 - Tell us about the process with making custom packs 02:18:00 - Which model of backpack is the most popular? 02:20:40 - Tell us about the zippered pocket 02:22:42 - Explain the vest functionality of your backpack 02:30:00 - Chaunce tries on the backpack 02:33:30 - How do you do the sizing? 02:37:20 - How did you decide to go for the PCT FKT this year? 02:39:00 - Where can people keep up with you? 02:39:48 - Peak Performance Question: What is your top performance-enhancing or backpacking hack? Segments Trek Propaganda: Yosemite Campground Closure Will Disrupt Backpackers — Including JMT and PCT Thru-Hikers by Katie Jackson QOTD:  Who wins in a fight, 1 gorilla vs. 100 men? Triple Crown of items you geniously stash in many strategic locations Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Brent Stenberg, Bryan Alsop, Carl Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Greg McDaniel may he bring honor to his name, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Lauren F, Patrick Cianciolo, Rebecca Brave, Sawyer Products, SPAM, Timothy Hahn, Tracy ‘Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, David, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Emily Galusha, Greg Floravanti “Lumberjack”, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Luke Netjes, Merle Watkins, Peter, Ruth S, and Spencer Hinson.