British Culture: Albion Never Dies

Don't be shy, send me a message!Today, I’m talking about:(1) T is for… ThomasI talk about my experience in China, with Chinese social media and blogs, which led me ultimately to creating my @FlemingNeverDies Instagram account, and this podcast, which I chose *not* to give the same name. (2) What have I learned?Social media works best when it is more 'social' than 'media'.Where you stand depends on where you sit; as I gained perspectives from around the world, and as I move betwen China, the USA, and the UK itself. Where you stand depends on *when* you sit; the lag between perception and reality, which can be increased through geographic distance.(3) 1-100 in ten minutesOkay, maybe not a whole ten minutes here, but I talk about how my podcast evolved from its initial form - influenced by Chinese social media - to the regular podcast you now get every week.(4) Where next?Learning a lesson from Elliot Carver (or was it James Bond?), I will remember the first rule of mass media and give the people what they want: I will bring back 'The Alphabet of Britishness'.I will finally review Bond content (I've resisted this one a long time) I will create more Youtube videos, both uploading the 'deep dives' there and 5 minute video-only content. Plenty to look forward to, and plenty of room for your suggestions. Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSomething that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!British Christmas traditions feel universal and timeless to us Brits... yet as my interviewee Caine explains, Christmas has changed a great deal since the time of the first Christians in Britain, and indeed, since the first Christians!This is a special two-hour truly deep dive into what makes Christmas special, and what aspects are specially British. There are little breaks, so feel free to listen to this in installments. That's how we intended it to be listened to. (But if you want to listen to it all in one go, all power to you!)Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comFollow Caine on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/videosbycaineCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSomething that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!The number one movie on Netflix (UK) right now is the latest adaptation of D.H. Lawrence's "Lady Chatterley's Lover". Joining me to talk about this remarkable novel is British author Roland Hulme, described in his Amazon biography as "a digital Don Draper with a Hemingway complex - one of the world's foremost experts on social media and interactive marketing". Roland was born in the UK, but is currently living and working across the Atlantic in the USA. You can find him on Instagram and Youtube. I last had him on the podcast last October, so we are overdue another appearance!Roland is the author of the Knuckleheads Motorcylcle Club books, 'High Point', and also the Edventure Eddie series. He got his start writing romantic fiction, and here gives me his unique take on Lady Chatterley's Lover,  by D. H. Lawrence, which was published in a limited English-language edition in Florence (1928) and in Paris (1929). and then in England in an expurgated edition in 1932. The full text was published only in 1959 in New York City and in 1960 in London, when it was the subject of a landmark obscenity trial that turned largely on the justification of the use in the book of until-then taboo sexual terms. This episode is, as always, a clean-language podcast. I hope you enjoy our discussion. Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSomething that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!This week's episode looks at:Edith Nesbit: British children’s author, novelist, and poet. Among many other stories, she wrote, '5 Children and It' which I talk about here.The Dreyfus Affair: a sandal that captured the world's attention (and was obliquely references in 'The Railway Children').The TV Show: starring Jenny Agutter in BBC black and white glory.The Film (1970): there are, of course, many movie adaptations, but this one is the classic, and no film review of any of the others fails to mention that!The Railway itself: the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (yes, pronounced 'Keith-ley'), a fantastic place to visit in West Yorkshire, and home to the films.I hope you enjoy this - just over thirty minute - episode... and the poems. Couldn't resist. Oh, and I also announce the competition winner. Stay subscribed so you don't miss out!Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSomething that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!That's right! If you can guess the topic of my forthcoming episode, on a certain Edwardian children's story, then you can win an 'A is for... Albion' mug! Just for fun, and for the three other reasons I give, along with many, many clues in the episode. Send answers to me on Instagram... ...or by e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comRecommended Rabbit Hole: The Dreyfus Affair.Thank you also to everyone who recently subscribed to my newsletter! If you haven't subscribed, you can do that by following this link: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Check out my Red Bubble shop (which is where the prize is from).Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thanks to Frank on Instagram (@HansGruberr) for suggesting this topic. In fact, ‘007’s Drinks’ was the request, but since I have covered some of these on my Youtube channel already (www.youtube.com/britishculture), I thought I’d broaden it out to include food from the original James Bond novels by as well.The key reference books I use in this episode are:"For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming + James Bond" by Ben Macintyre "License to Cook" by Edward Biddulph"The Complete Guide to the Drinks of James Bond" by David Leigh…and of course, I quote three Ian Fleming novels with the most vivid and memorable (to me) food descriptions, "Casino Royale" (1953), "From Russia With Love" (1957) and "Goldfinger" (1959).  I also mention (and recommend) the podcast and Youtube channels 'From Tailors with Love'  and 'Quantum of History'.  Thank you also to everyone who recently subscribed to my newsletter! If you haven't subscribed, you can do that by following this link: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my Red Bubble shopSupport the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!If you’ve lived under two British monarchs and three Prime Ministers, you may only be a few months old. Recent events have been (almost) unprecedented, as since so much of the UK’s image abroad can depend on our political representation, I touch on the topic of politics once again. This episode in in three parts: first I give context to recent events, especially the short tenure of Liz Truss; then in the longest part I address the many questions (below) I was asked on Instagram about our political events; and finally, I give a very brief bio of our new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.I also suggest, thanks to an article in Private Eye magazine, that recent events are not *totally* unprecedented. If you live outside the UK, that fortnightly publication is my recommended rabbit hole. If you live inside the UK, then I’d suggest Prime Minister Spencer Perceval as a good rabbit hole.  Questions from Instagram: 20th October, carrying on throughout the week What now? Elections? Are you surprised?How close are we to snap elections?Who’s your money on for the new Conservative leader? And will there be a general election?In the UK can you call a general election at any time?Bring back Boris?Will the Health Secretary also quit? She needs to.Will there be new surprises? Can Boris return? How is the public’s reaction? Yours?Risk of the Tory coalition collapsing? Still relying on the DUP for support?Who is Penny Mordaunt?Why did Liz Truss want to abolish the monarchy but claim she is fit for her past majesty’s government?How is this gonna end? Because I can’t imagine the PM from the conservatives will survive?Do you want the next PM to keep Hunt as Chancellor? Questions from Instagram: 24th October onwards, after Rishi Sunak became de facto PMHis wife with the tax issue, how is that now?And will it be a problem that he is so rich? Seen by the general public?What are the betting odds for how long he will last?If he has to resign, beyond Mourdent and (ugh) Boris, is anyone in the running with a chance?Your hopes and thoughts on himWill he get into bed with Boris?He does have great style. Tailor made suits I believe? Larry the Cat is sticking around, right? and finally: What’s your next sartorial Bond purchase? What’s on your wish list?I do my best with all these questions, and hope I will not have cause to do another podcast on politics for a good long while!Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSomething that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!By request of many, many listeners, I am covering 'Lawrence of Arabia' (1962) in the final episode in my trilogy covering the films of British Imperial history. I previously covered the events that inspired the films Zulu (1964) and The Man Who Would Be King (1975), each with Michael Caine. This time, it's the David Lean classic starring Peter O'Toole. If, like 28% of respondents to my poll on Instagram, you haven't seen the film, or if, like myself and many people who messaged me, you haven't seen it for a long time, have no fear. This is a NO SPOILERS episode. Although I do talk about his death, this is shown in the first five minutes of the (more than) 3 hour epic movie. Mostly, I focus on the true life story of Thomas Edward Lawrence. At the outset, I explain why I chose this topic out of all the suggestions. Then, I delve into the many varied perspectives on him from the members of the Facebook group, 'The Gentlemen's Society for the Appreciation of the British Empire'. I received over 150 comments,  so I had to be very selective here. Finally, I give a brief bio, and read the introduction to his book:'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom'  by T.E. LawrenceMy recommended rabbit hole is Gertrude Bell.I hope you enjoy this one!Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSomething that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!This is a REISSUE of my Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) special episode from last year. My style has changed a little since then, and I considered simply re-recording this, but there is honestly so much information packed in here, I truly think I cannot do better. Whether it is new to you (many people have discovered my podcast in the last year), or whether it's been a year since you heard it, I very much hope you enjoy it.Remember, remember,The Fifth of NovemberGunpowder treason and plotI see no reason why gunpowder treasonShould ever be forgotGuy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intentTo blow up the King and the ParliamentThree score barrels of powder belowPoor old England to overthrowBy God's providence he was catch'dWith a dark lantern and burning matchHoller boys, holler boys, let the bells ringMessage me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSomething that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!I take a NO SPOILERS look at the 1975 film ‘The Man Who Would Be King’, and the original 1888 short story by Rudyard Kipling. I also recommend the books:‘The Great Game’ by Peter Hopkirk'‘Inside the Kingdom’ by Robert LaceyIf you are one of the 47% of my Instagram friends who hasn’t seen the film ‘The Man Who Would Be King’, check it out! Do let me know what you think of it!You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.comYou can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies***Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my online shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/British-culture/shopSupport the show