Episodios

  • Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 82 – Your Travel Guide to Britain in 2026 – Major Events, Exhibitions, Museums, and More!

    Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 82 – Your Travel Guide to Britain in 2026 – Major Events, Exhibitions, Museums, and More!
    Dec 26 2025
    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 AnglotopiaCornish Smuggler's TeaAnglotopia StoreMacs AdventureShadowlands with Huge BonnevilleSorry, Prime Minister TicketsThe 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 202610:08 Major Events in Britain for 202616:39 Cultural Celebrations and Anniversaries26:48 Looking Ahead: Future Events and Exhibitions27:43 Upcoming Exhibitions Worth Seeing29:45 Exciting Museum Openings in 202632:11 Major Exhibitions to Look Forward To35:15 Theatrical Highlights in the West End48:30 Top Picks for 202650:23 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version
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    51 m
  • Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 81 – British vs American Christmas – 40 Years of Festive Culture Shock with Expat Amanda Graves

    Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 81 – British vs American Christmas – 40 Years of Festive Culture Shock with Expat Amanda Graves
    Dec 19 2025
    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 AnglotopiaBritish Christmas ArticlesFriends 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 Traditions02:29 Amanda's First American Christmas Experience05:19 Childhood Christmas Traditions in Britain08:22 Navigating British Traditions in America11:04 Christmas Dinner: A Cultural Comparison14:21 The Role of Christmas Crackers16:59 Understanding Fruitcake: A Misconception20:06 Present Opening Traditions23:10 Cultural Differences: Massachusetts vs. Texas24:43 ...
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    47 m
  • Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 80 – The Magic, History, and Nostalgia of British Christmas Television with Tom Salinsky

    Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 80 – The Magic, History, and Nostalgia of British Christmas Television with Tom Salinsky
    Dec 12 2025
    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.comTom SalinskyTom Salinsky's Red Dwarf booksRadio Times Christmas Double IssueBBC Genome ProjectThe SnowmanFriends 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...
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    55 m
  • Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 79 – Celebrating British Christmas as a British Expat Living in the USA – Jolly Posh Foods

    Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 79 – Celebrating British Christmas as a British Expat Living in the USA – Jolly Posh Foods
    Dec 5 2025

    In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast sponsored by Jolly Posh Foods, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Lucy Pask, a British expat in Chicago, about the significance of British food during Christmas. They discuss the offerings of Jolly Posh Foods, Lucy's journey from the UK to the US, and the unique aspects of British Christmas dinner traditions, including the importance of specific dishes and the cultural nuances that come with being an expat. The conversation also touches on Boxing Day traditions and the challenges of finding authentic British food in America.

    Links
    • Jolly Posh Foods
    • British American Business Council Chicago
    • Friends of Anglotopia Club
    Takeaways
    • British food is a significant comfort for expats during the holidays.
    • Jolly Posh Foods provides authentic British food to expats in America.
    • Lucy Pask's journey reflects the passion for British culture in the US.
    • Christmas dinner in Britain includes unique dishes like pigs in blankets and roast potatoes.
    • Boxing Day is a day for leftovers and family traditions.
    • The importance of Yorkshire pudding in British cuisine cannot be overstated.
    • Mince pies are a staple of British Christmas, despite their acquired taste.
    • Ordering British food early is crucial for expats during the holiday season.
    • Cultural differences in food can lead to humorous misunderstandings.
    • The joy of sharing British food traditions with American family members.
    Sound Bites
    1. "The correct answer is always to say my family. But the honest answer, Jonathan, is that I really miss Waitrose and Marks and Spencer."
    2. "When you're in the UK, the whole of the UK, not just England, you're never more than about six foot away from a bacon butty."
    3. "When you have a proper breakfast sausage in the UK for the first time, it's almost like a revelation. You're like, I've been doing sausage wrong my whole life."
    4. "Being able to access this food and share it with them is one of my greatest joys in life."
    5. "I honestly don't think I could eat a Christmas dinner if I wasn't wearing a paper crown. I've never tried it and I don't want to."
    6. "Over 750 million pigs in blankets are eaten in the UK during Christmas... every citizen eats 13 pigs in blankets on Christmas Day."
    7. "We thought, well, what can we take to Thanksgiving? Why don't we take a Christmas pudding? We'll set fire to it and it'll make them laugh. And now we have to do it every year."
    8. "There's something about Chicago and a Midwestern attitude that's actually very British. It's a little self-effacing, fun, open to being humble and funny about yourselves."
    9. "It is treated with the same reverence and panic as booking Coachella tickets or Eras Tour tickets."
    10. "Full disclosure, I messed the whole thing up... Christmas Eve in the UK is one of the biggest nights out of the year. It is a full-on festival of going out to the pub. All the pubs and bars were shut at 10."
    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to British Christmas Food
    • 04:11 Lucy Pask's Journey to Chicago
    • 19:58 Exploring British Christmas Dinner Traditions
    • 25:54 The Quintessential British Christmas Dinner
    • 34:54 Christmas Pudding and Its Traditions
    • 38:25 Understanding Mince Pies
    • 50:17 Boxing Day: The Day of Leftovers
    • 54:56 Ordering British Foods for the Holidays
    • 58:59 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4
    Video Version
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    59 m
  • Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 78 – Did Churchill Know? Unraveling the Myths of the Coventry Blitz and Wartime Espionage

    Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 78 – Did Churchill Know? Unraveling the Myths of the Coventry Blitz and Wartime Espionage
    Nov 21 2025
    In this episode, historian Dr. Chris Smith discusses the Coventry Blitz, marking its 85th anniversary. He explores the myths surrounding the event, particularly the narrative that Churchill sacrificed Coventry to protect intelligence secrets. The conversation delves into the scale of the bombing, the city's industrial significance, the immediate aftermath, and the role of propaganda. Smith also highlights the reconstruction efforts and the lasting legacy of the Blitz in Coventry's identity, emphasizing themes of resilience and reconciliation. Note: I'm aware of the technical problems with the guest's video - unfortunately, there is no way to fix it, but the audio is fine. Also, there will not be a podcast next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Links Chris Smith at Coventry University"The Last Cambridge Spy: John Cairncross, Bletchley Codebreaker and Soviet Double Agent" by Chris SmithOfficial Coventry Cathedral website: coventrycathedral.org.ukHitler's Btlitz's on Britain (Article)Friends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways The Coventry Blitz is framed by both historical and modern narratives.Myths surrounding the Blitz, particularly about Churchill, persist despite being debunked.The bombing raid on Coventry was one of the largest of the war at that time.Coventry's industrial significance made it a strategic target during WWII.The aftermath of the bombing revealed a complex public reaction, not just unity.Propaganda played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the Blitz.The reconstruction of Coventry was influenced by pre-war modernization plans.The new cathedral symbolizes peace and reconciliation after the war.Coventry's identity is deeply tied to the events of the Blitz.Commemoration of the Blitz remains significant in Coventry's cultural memory. Soundbites Here are 10 interesting soundbites from the Coventry Blitz podcast: On the scale of the raid: "They dropped something in the region of 30,000 incendiary bombs, 500 tons of high explosives and 50 landmines. They even used some brand new types of explosive that they hadn't really been using to that point. It's a really, really massive raid by the standards of the war to that point."On the Churchill Ultra myth: "There's no evidence that Churchill made a decision to sacrifice Coventry. It's an absolute fantasy which basically has to rely upon either Churchill being the most evil man who has ever existed or the most incompetent man who has ever existed."On strategic bombing's true purpose: "One of the points of strategic bombing is terror, is to cause terror amongst the citizens... the British actually have a really nasty euphemism for this, which was to 'dehouse people' as a result of bombing. And that's how they basically described killing citizens and making other citizens homeless."On Coventry's industrial importance: "Coventry is hugely important industrially to Britain's war effort... by the time we get into the 20th century, bicycle manufacturing, the auto industry, the car industry becomes very important to Coventry, which makes it both wealthy and a ripe target."On the cathedral's symbolism: "They didn't knock it down. They built a new cathedral right next to it. So if any of your listeners ever visit Coventry, you can actually walk around the ruins of the old cathedral... It's a really powerful testament to resilience."On why the myth persists: "The myth of Churchill sacrificing Coventry persists because it plays into this very British, post-war self-image of stoic heroism and difficult choices. It makes for a better story than the truth, which is that sometimes intelligence fails and terrible things happen."On comparing bombing campaigns: "In Dresden, over 22,000 people are killed. The US conventional bombing of Tokyo kills over 100,000 people. So by those standards, what we're talking about in Coventry is relatively light, but by the context of what's happening in Britain, it's extremely serious."On "Keep Calm and Carry On": "These posters were wildly unpopular. They're really patronizing. They never really get used in the Second World War—they mostly just stay in a warehouse and are pulped for paper. But now they've taken on this massive life... You cannot go to London without seeing them, but you wouldn't have seen that in the Second World War at all."On Coventry's transformation: "Coventry becomes a symbol of reconciliation and peace after the war, forging connections with other bombed cities including Dresden. It's this remarkable transformation from devastation to representing hope and international cooperation."On the raid's duration: "The raid begins around seven o'clock in the evening, 10 past seven, and it lasts for a good 11 hours. The all-clear isn't actually announced until 6:16 the following morning. Eleven hours of continuous bombing—imagine living through that." Chapters 00:00 The Coventry Blitz: A Historical Overview01:48 The Scale and Impact of the Raid04:48 Destruction and Loss: Key Buildings in Coventry06:29 ...
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 77 – Anglotopia Guide to Churchill’s Britain – Where Churchill Lived, Worked, and Made History

    Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 77 – Anglotopia Guide to Churchill’s Britain – Where Churchill Lived, Worked, and Made History
    Nov 7 2025
    In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan Thomas takes listeners on a journey through significant locations in Britain associated with Sir Winston Churchill. The discussion begins with key sites in London, including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, and the Cabinet War Rooms, highlighting their importance in Churchill's life and career. The conversation then shifts to notable places outside of London, such as Blenheim Palace and Chartwell, which were pivotal in shaping Churchill's identity. The episode concludes with a look at international connections to Churchill's legacy, including museums and archives in the United States. Links Houses of Parliament Tours - Palace of Westminster official tour booking page Churchill War Rooms - Imperial War Museums official site 10 Downing Street - UK Government page (note: not open to the public) Chartwell National TrustBlenheim Palace Official WebsiteHarrow SchoolRoyal MIlitary Academy SandhurstChurchill Archives CambridgeNational Churchill Museum Fulton, MissouriInternational Churchill SocietyWallace Collection Churchill Paintings Exhibition (2026)Tim Riley Churchill PodcastChurchill Archive Podcast Takeaways Churchill's connection to London was profound and influential.The Houses of Parliament served as a key location for Churchill's political career.Chartwell was not just a home but a source of inspiration for Churchill.Blenheim Palace is significant as Churchill's birthplace and family heritage site.The Cabinet War Rooms provide insight into Churchill's leadership during WWII.Churchill's speeches were often first delivered in the House of Commons.The Churchill Archives at Cambridge is a valuable resource for research.Churchill's legacy extends beyond the UK, with significant sites in the US.The Wallace Collection will host a major exhibition of Churchill's paintings in 2026.Visiting Churchill-related sites offers a deeper understanding of his impact on history. Sound Bites "If he had a single place of work that was most important to him, it would be the Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster.""He genuinely had a great love and affection for the Houses of Parliament. He thought they were beautiful. He thought they were the heart of the empire. He thought that it was an immense privilege to work there.""Many people don't know that when you hear recordings of Churchill's speeches, most of those were actually recorded after the war.""He famously said that a day away from Chartwell is a day wasted.""To him, the manor house represented the England that he loved the most.""Chartwell is not a grand house. It's not like Blenheim Palace. Blenheim Palace is a palace. Chartwell is a family home.""He produced much of his literary output that he would eventually win the Nobel Prize for literature for.""I should do a whole podcast on Young Churchill because some of the stuff that he did is wild.""We're going to guide you through the places, why they're important to Churchill, and then give you some visiting tips in case you would like to visit.""It's where he wrote, it's where he painted, it's where he had his family life and raised his children in the later years." Chapters 00:00 Exploring Churchill's Britain20:01 Churchill's Legacy Beyond London32:52 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version
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    33 m
  • Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 76 – Craftland – A Journey Through Britain’s Disappearing Crafts with Author James Fox

    Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 76 – Craftland – A Journey Through Britain’s Disappearing Crafts with Author James Fox
    Oct 31 2025
    In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with art historian and broadcaster James Fox about his new book 'Craftland: In Search of Lost Arts and Disappearing Trades.' They explore the significance of traditional crafts in British culture, the impact of geography on craftsmanship, and the challenges faced by artisans in a modern, digital age. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving these skills and the cultural heritage they represent, as well as the potential for a craft revival in contemporary society. Links Craftland (Amazon Link)Craftland (Bookshop.org link)James Fox WebsiteHeritage Crafts AssociationFriends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways Craftsmanship is a profound part of our identity.We are a species of makers, connected to our craft heritage.The art of making still matters in our digital age.Geography significantly influences the types of crafts practiced.Craftspeople are often the last custodians of their trades.The decline of traditional crafts reflects a broader economic shift.Craftsmanship can teach us about patience and value in a fast-paced world.There is a growing interest in crafts post-COVID-19.Apprenticeships are crucial for sustaining traditional crafts.Crafts can reveal much about local and national identity. Sound Bites 1. On the crisis facing British crafts: "Of all of our traditional crafts, about half of them are endangered, about quarter of them are critically endangered. And in the last 10 years or so, five crafts have gone extinct in Britain." 2. On the cricket ball revelation: "I read in the newspaper that the art of cricket ball making had gone extinct. And I thought this was completely outrageous for a country that invented the game of cricket, which I'm sure you know, Jonathan, is the greatest sport in the world, that we weren't even making cricket balls anymore." 3. On breaking down art vs. craft distinctions: "These distinctions are completely false. You know, there is for me one great spectrum of making that exists for human beings... craftspeople... are just as culturally important as our famous artists and actors and composers that have generally got much more credit." 4. On the 10,000 hours principle: "All the people I know who are successful are successful because they work hard and they do not give up and they've dedicated to themselves to doing something and to doing it right." 5. On learning a craft the hard way: "I thought it would be very easy actually dry stone walling... as soon as I started doing it I realized it is far more difficult than you think... I embarrass myself greatly." 6. On what other countries do better: "If you are a top crafts person in Japan or South Korea or even in France, you can be called a living national treasure where the state actually pays you to promote your craft and to pass it on. We do not have such a scheme in the UK." 7. On the apprenticeship crisis: "The biggest problem is apprenticeships. There's woefully little support for apprenticeships in the UK... if the UK really wants to make a difference to craft and to make it more viable, it needs to invest more significantly in its apprenticeship schemes." 8. On hidden heritage in unexpected places: "Wherever you come from, whether it's Bedfordshire in England or it's Indiana in the United States, there is a craft history, a manufacturing history to uncover... you will find creativity, you will find something interesting happen." 9. On craft as universal: "I think it's something that is just common to humanity, but unfortunately not as common as it used to be." 10. On the motivation behind the book: "This is the moment to travel around the country and to document these crafts before they disappear... It was just the most enjoyable and wonderful thing to do. It was the highlight of my professional career."Retry Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Craftland and Its Importance02:50 The Journey of Discovery: Craft Revival in Britain05:35 The Art of Craft vs. Art: A Cultural Perspective08:37 Surprising Crafts: The Intricacies of Bell-Founding11:47 Bells: A Cultural Heritage and Their Significance14:36 Craftland: A Reflection of Britain's National Identity17:24 Regional Crafts: The Lost Industries of Britain20:23 The Decline of Manufacturing: A Global Perspective23:19 Cultural Identity: The Legacy of Craft Surnames26:22 The Future of Craft: A Personal Connection26:31 Custodians of Craftsmanship29:03 Craftsmanship in the Age of AI35:12 Geography's Influence on Craft38:59 The Role of Royalty in Craft Preservation45:36 Lessons from Craft Masters51:16 The Future of Traditional Crafts56:22 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version
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    57 m
  • Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 75: Exploring Britain on $100 a Day – Complete Anglotopia Guide to the UK on a Budget

    Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 75: Exploring Britain on $100 a Day – Complete Anglotopia Guide to the UK on a Budget
    Oct 24 2025
    In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan Thomas discusses how to travel around Britain on a budget of $100 a day. He shares practical tips on accommodation, transportation, attractions, and dining, emphasizing the importance of planning and making use of available resources to save money. The conversation covers various strategies for budget travel, including the use of budget chain hotels, public transportation, and free attractions, while also providing insights into dining options and money-saving tips. Links VisitBritain.com – official UK tourism website with deals, itineraries, and regional guides.BritRail Pass – britrail.net for rail pass information and booking.National Rail Enquiries – nationalrail.co.uk for live train times and prices.National Trust – nationaltrust.org.uk for passes, properties, and cream tea stops.Trainline - App for booking UK train ticketsEnglish Heritage – english-heritage.org.uk for castle and ruin visits. Click here for Overseas Visitors Passes.Royal Oak Foundation (US) – royal-oak.org for discounted entry to National Trust sites for Americans.Premier Inn – premierinn.comTravelodge UK – travelodge.co.ukYHA Hostels – yha.org.uk for affordable and scenic stays.Friends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways Traveling around Britain on a budget is achievable with careful planning.Accommodation is often the largest expense; budget chain hotels can save money.Public transportation is affordable and efficient for getting around Britain.Many attractions, especially museums, are free to enter.Using a Britrail pass can be economical for train travel if used wisely.Dining at pubs and local grocery stores can significantly reduce food costs.Avoiding airport purchases can save a lot of money.Planning meals and taking advantage of hotel breakfasts can help budget.Memberships for organizations like English Heritage can provide access to multiple attractions.Advanced booking for accommodations and attractions can lead to significant savings. Sound Bites “Budget travel around Britain is possible — and in these belt-tightening times, it can make or break whether a trip even happens.”“You don’t need British cash anymore. I haven’t purchased pounds in fifteen years — Britain is almost entirely cashless now.”“If you’re smart about where you stay, you can get a clean room for £30 to £50 a night at a Premier Inn or Travelodge — that’s the secret to keeping your budget.”“The BritRail Pass lets you travel anywhere in Britain for one set price — it’s your ticket to freedom on the rails.”“Fill up on the free breakfast, grab a £3 supermarket meal deal for lunch, and have a pub dinner — that’s the recipe for staying under $100 a day.”“Skip the £80 afternoon tea in London — a proper cream tea at a National Trust café for under £10 is just as lovely.”“Join the Royal Oak Foundation or get an English Heritage pass — two visits to places like Blenheim or Stonehenge and they’ve paid for themselves.”“Travel carry-on only — it saves money, time, and stress. Everything you need for Britain can fit in one bag.”“Avoid buying anything at the airport — it’s designed for desperation. Save your money for Britain.”“The goal isn’t to travel cheap, it’s to travel smart — to experience more of Britain without feeling like you’re missing out.” Chapters 00:00 Budget Travel in Britain: An Overview02:48 Pre-Travel Tips for Budgeting16:11 Accommodation Strategies for Saving23:58 Transportation Options for Budget Travelers26:28 Exploring the Brit Rail Pass34:44 Maximizing Free Attractions in Britain42:14 Dining on a Budget in Britain46:01 Money-Saving Tips for Travelers51:16 Final Thoughts on Budget Travel52:22 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version
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