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Anglotopia Podcast | Discussing UK British Travel, History, Culture, London, British Slang, and More!
Anglotopia Podcast | Discussing UK British Travel, History, Culture, London, British Slang, and More!
The Anglotopia Podcast, hosted by Jonathan and Jacqueline Thomas of Anglotopia.net and Londontopia.net, explores British culture, history, travel, and television. Each episode features discussions with British guests and authors, covering topics from iconic TV shows and historical events to travel tips and hidden gems. The podcast aims to provide insights and entertainment for Anglophiles and anyone interested in the UK.
Episodes
Strictly Jane Austen Episode 5: America’s Love Affair with Jane Austen — One of Literature’s Strangest Romances
This is Episode 5 of a special six-part Jane Austen series, sponsored throughout by Strictly Jane Austen.
It is, when you stop to think about it, one of the strangest love affairs in literary history. Here is a country founded on tearing up the rule book of aristocracy, of inherited rank, of who married whom — a nation that fought a war precisely to be free of all of it. And what does it do? It
Strictly Jane Austen Episode 4: The People Who Made Jane Austen — The Crowded World Behind Six Perfect Novels
This is Episode 4 of a special six-part Jane Austen series, sponsored throughout by Strictly Jane Austen.
We tend to imagine great writers alone — a solitary genius at a small writing desk, which in Jane Austen's case is quite literally true; you can still see the little twelve-sided walnut table at Chawton. But nobody becomes Jane Austen alone, and behind those six perfect novels stands a whol
What’s On in London in October 2026 — New Exhibitions, Half Term & What to Pack
Tomorrow is October 1st, which means it's time for the monthly What's On in London — and October might be Jonathan's single favorite month to be in the city. The summer crowds have gone, prices have softened, the museums have hung their big autumn blockbusters, and the parks turn gold. It's the month the locals quietly love and the guidebooks tend to ignore. In this solo episode Jonathan runs thro
Strictly Jane Austen Episode 3: Jane Austen’s England on Screen – A Location-by-Location Visitor’s Guide
This is Episode 3 of a special six-part Jane Austen series, sponsored throughout by Strictly Jane Austen.
When we picture Jane Austen's world, most of us aren't actually picturing Hampshire in 1810 — we're picturing a television program. Colin Firth striding out of a lake. Keira Knightley on a windswept crag. A proposal in the pouring rain in front of a domed temple. The great screen adaptation
The Real Miss Moneypenny: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence With Dr. Claire Hubbard-Hall
If I say "British spy," you picture a man: James Bond, George Smiley, Kim Philby. And the one woman most people can name from that world is fictional — Miss Moneypenny, sitting outside M's office, quietly in love with 007. But Miss Moneypenny was real, or at least the woman who inspired her was. Her name was Kathleen Pettigrew, personal assistant to three consecutive chiefs of MI6, and every secre
Strictly Jane Austen Episode 2: What Jane Austen Actually Saw – The Real Georgian Bath with Dr. Moira Rudolf
This is Episode 2 of a special six-part Jane Austen series, sponsored throughout by Strictly Jane Austen.
Today's episode has duels fought over a runaway marriage. It has a scandal so severe it drove one of England's richest men into exile. It has the truth about what those elegant public baths were actually like to get into — considerably less charming than the paintings suggest. It has quack
The Impossible Journey: The Man Who Visited Every Country on Earth Without Ever Setting Foot on a Plane
In October 2013, a young Dane named Thor Pedersen set off from his home with a single, slightly mad rule: he wanted to visit every country on earth — all of them — in one continuous journey, and to do it without ever once setting foot on an airplane. Container ships, trains, buses, and a great deal of waiting around. He thought it might take three or four years. It took almost ten. He crossed clos
Strictly Jane Austen Episode 1: The Regency Explained — Robert Morrison on the Most Consequential Nine Years in British History
This is Episode 1 of a special six-part Jane Austen series, sponsored throughout by Strictly Jane Austen — Bath's most Austentatious travel company.
We talk a lot on this show about the Regency. It's the backdrop to Jane Austen, to Bridgerton, and to a thousand romance novels and costume dramas. But what actually was the Regency? Strictly speaking it was a brief window from 1811 to 1820, when G
Double Agents, Dead Drops & Declassified Files: Inside the MI5 Archive of Official Secrets
For over a century, in a building most of us could not name, an organization known only by its post office box number — PO Box 500, London — has been quietly reading other people's letters, following other people's footsteps, and keeping the realm's most closely guarded secrets. MI5, the British Security Service, was founded in 1909 in the nervous run-up to the First World War under the motto Regn
What’s On in London in September 2026 — Open House London, the Bayeux Tapestry & the Last Night of the Proms
Recorded on location in Hammersmith at Emery Walker's House — the best-preserved Arts and Crafts interior in Britain, packed with original William Morris wallpaper and once home to William Morris's great friend and collaborator, the printer Emery Walker — this is the September edition of What's On in London. Jonathan makes the case that September might be the single best month of the year to visit
Open Gates and Victoria Sponge – Inside Britain’s National Garden Scheme with Richard Claxton
In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas is joined by Dr. Richard Claxton, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, for a conversation about one of the most quietly magical institutions in Britain. On weekends across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, ordinary people — and some rather extraordinary ones — throw open their garden gates and invite stran
Doggerland, Lyonesse & Cantre’r Gwaelod: The True History Behind Britain’s Drowned Lands
In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas is joined by Professor Patrick Nunn — geographer at the University of the Sunshine Coast, honorary professorial fellow at the University of Melbourne, and visiting fellow at Oxford — for a conversation that will permanently change how you look at the map of Britain. Patrick's new book, Whispers from Celtic Seas, published this month by Rea
The Story So Far: Everything Before I Walk 84 Miles Across England Along Hadrian’s Wall
This is a special one. Recorded on home soil just days before departure, this is Jonathan Thomas's complete pre-trip briefing before he leaves to walk the entire 84-mile length of Hadrian's Wall — coast to coast across Northern England. It has been fifteen years in the making. Jonathan walks through the whole story: the conversation with his wife a year ago that set everything in motion, the year
The Last Cambridge Spy: Dr. Chris Smith on John Cairncross and the Cambridge Five
In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas welcomes back Dr. Chris Smith — historian at Coventry University, author of The Hidden History of Bletchley Park and The Last Cambridge Spy, and a returning friend of the podcast for his third appearance — to explore one of the most remarkable and troubling stories in modern British history: the Cambridge Five. Five young men, recruited at
What’s On in London in August 2026: Notting Hill Carnival, Buckingham Palace & London’s Newest Museum
In this monthly episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas returns with his August edition of What's On in London — and this one comes with a personal twist, because Jonathan will be in London himself later in the month. August is London's most contradictory month: the busiest tourist season of the year, a million-plus visitors, packed attractions and carnival streets — and yet simultaneou
BritRail 101: The Definitive Guide to Train Travel in Britain for Visitors with Expert Tim Roebuck
In this sponsored episode of the Anglotopia Podcast — brought to you by ACP Rail and BritRail — Jonathan Thomas sits down with Tim Roebuck, a man who has spent his entire career in rail travel: station manager, head of BritRail Travel International in New York, senior VP at ACP Rail for 25 years, and one of the most knowledgeable people alive on the subject of getting around Britain by train. This
Dragons, Black Hens & Sleeping Warriors: The Legends of England’s Buried Treasure with Jeremy Harte
In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas sits down with Jeremy Harte — folklorist, winner of the Catherine Briggs Folklore Award, curator of Bourne Hall Museum in Surrey, and author of Cloven Country: The Devil in the English Landscape and Travelers Through Time: A Gypsy History — to discuss his remarkable new book Treasures on Earth: Buried Wealth in the English Landscape, publi
Bonus Podcast: Genealogy 201 – Parish Records, Military History & the Secrets Hidden in Old Newspapers and Findmypast
In this second sponsored episode with Findmypast — the follow-up to our Genealogy 101 introduction — Jonathan Thomas and Jen Baldwin, Research Specialist at Findmypast, go deeper into the records, techniques, and stories that turn a nervous beginner into a confident family historian. The episode covers the extraordinary richness of the 1921 census and 1939 register, why the newspaper archive is th
Bonus Podcast: Genealogy 101 – Everything You Need to Start Tracing Your British & Irish Family History with Findmypast
In this sponsored episode of the Anglotopia Podcast — brought to you by Findmypast, one of the world's leading family history websites — Jonathan Thomas sits down with Jen Baldwin, Research Specialist at Findmypast and a professional genealogist since 2010, for a warm, practical, and genuinely inspiring introduction to British and Irish family history research. Jen specializes in British social hi
From D-Day to the Cold War: The Extraordinary Bond Between Winston Churchill and Eisenhower
In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas sits down with Jonathan W. Jordan — New York Times bestselling military historian, Wall Street Journal book critic, and now federal judge — to discuss his richly researched new book Ike and Winston: World War, Cold War, and an Extraordinary Friendship. Spanning a quarter century from their first meeting on Christmas Eve 1941 — when Eisenho
Stonehenge, Druids & Folk Horror: The Myths Behind Britain’s Standing Stones With Paul Robichaud
In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas sits down with Professor Paul Robichaud — Professor of English at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut — to discuss his remarkable new book, Stories of the Stones: Imagining Prehistory in Britain, Ireland, and Brittany, published by Reaktion Books on July 6th. Paul is not an archaeologist but a literary scholar, and his b
BONUS EPISODE: What’s On in London in July 2026: America 250, Exhibitions, Events & Heat Wave Survival Tips, What To See and Do
In this monthly bonus episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas returns with the July edition of What's On in London — a complete rundown of everything worth seeing and doing in the city this month. July is London at its most extroverted: Wimbledon fever, the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, British Summertime at Hyde Park, open-air cinema across the city, and a remarkable cluster of n
Return to Gold Hill – The Hovis Hill Cottage You Can Rent — Melanie Fontana on Restoring Button Cottage
In this deeply personal episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas makes a big announcement — he and Mrs. Anglotopia are returning to Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset, the place that inspired Anglotopia itself. As a teenager in Indiana, Jonathan hung a poster of Gold Hill on his bedroom wall and dreamed of going there; it became the reason he fell in love with Britain. After nearly 10 year
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 100 – Britain, America & Chicago: A Conversation with His Majesty’s Consul General Richard Hyde
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
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 99 – Churchill’s Secret Life as a Painter — Dr. Lucy Davis on a Once-in-a-Lifetime Exhibition at Wallace Collection
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 exhibiti
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 98 – Best British History Books with Brendan Dowd from the History Nerds United Podcast
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 tur
BONUS EPISODE: What’s on in London in June 2026, Royal Events, Exhibitions, Theatre, Heatwave Travel Tips
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
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 97 – City of Dreaming Spires – The Anglotopia Guide to Oxford – Travel, Tips, and Tricks
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 Experie
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 96 – Churchill the Writer – Gary Stiles on My Early Life and the Craft Behind the Legend
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 E
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 95 – Lights, Camera, Britain: A Film Scholar on What Makes British Cinema So Distinctively British
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
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 94 – The Tudor Podcast Pioneer – Heather Teysko on Obsession, Community & TudorCon 2026
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-conti
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 93 – 600 Years in One House – Magnus Throckmorton on Coughton Court & Its Extraordinary History
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
We Want Your Questions about Britain for our 100th Episode Q&A
A quick but exciting announcement from Jonathan: the Anglotopia Podcast is approaching its 100th episode, and to celebrate, Jonathan and Jackie — Mrs. Anglotopia herself — are sitting down together for a special no-script, no-agenda Q&A episode, just like they did for Episode 50. Anything goes: the history of Anglotopia, upcoming trips, favorite corners of Britain, TV recommendations, the mona
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 92 – Tudor 101 – A Complete Crash Course in England’s Most Dramatic Dynasty With Sarah Morris
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: f
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 91 – Roundabouts, Speed Cameras & Country Lanes – Driving in Britain Explained With a Retired UK Traffic Cop
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 o
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 90 – The Real Yorkshire – A Blue Badge Guide’s Insider Guide to England’s Biggest County
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 sq
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 89 – Inside the Brontë Parsonage – The Museum, the Moors & the Wuthering Heights Moment
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 resonan
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 88 – Castles, Crime & Cake – A Retired British Copper’s Accidental Guide to History
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
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 87 – How to Walk Hadrian’s Wall – Tips from the Man Who’s Done Every National Trail
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 practica
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 86: Codebreakers, Spies, and Secrets – The Truth About Bletchley Park and Alan Turing
This episode of the Anglotopia Podcast delves into the hidden history of Bletchley Park, exploring its origins, growth, and the significant role it played during World War II. Dr. Chris Smith joins us to discuss the secrecy surrounding the operations, the organizational structure, and the cryptanalysis processes that led to the breaking of the Enigma code. The discussion also highlights the impact
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 85 – The Poles – The Royal Family Henry VIII Tried to Erase With Adam Pennington
In this engaging conversation, Adam Pennington, a Tudor and Plantagenet historian, shares his journey from a corporate media consultant to a full-time historian. He discusses his passion for Tudor history, particularly the story of Margaret Pole and her family's tumultuous relationship with Henry VIII. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Exeter Conspiracy, the brutal execution of
Anglotopia Podcast: Bonus Episode – Don’t Make These Expensive Mistakes Traveling to Britain
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 throu
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 84 – Learning The Knowledge – A London Cabbie’s Guide to the City’s Hidden History
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 traditi
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 83 – How the Beatles Built the Greatest Team Ever (And What We Can Learn)
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 less
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 82 – Your Travel Guide to Britain in 2026 – Major Events, Exhibitions, Museums, and More!
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 fo
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 81 – British vs American Christmas – 40 Years of Festive Culture Shock with Expat Amanda Graves
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
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 80 – The Magic, History, and Nostalgia of British Christmas Television with Tom Salinsky
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
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 79 – Celebrating British Christmas as a British Expat Living in the USA – Jolly Posh Foods
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 t
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 78 – Did Churchill Know? Unraveling the Myths of the Coventry Blitz and Wartime Espionage
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 hi
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 77 – Anglotopia Guide to Churchill’s Britain – Where Churchill Lived, Worked, and Made History
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 pla
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 76 – Craftland – A Journey Through Britain’s Disappearing Crafts with Author James Fox
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
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 75: Exploring Britain on $100 a Day – Complete Anglotopia Guide to the UK on a Budget
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 hot
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 74 – Historian Julie Summers – Vogue, Jambusters, Country Houses, and the Hidden Stories of Britain’s Home Front
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with historian Julie Summers about her extensive work in uncovering the hidden corners of 20th-century British history. They discuss her approach to storytelling, the evolution of British Vogue, the significant contributions of the Women's Institute during World War II, and her personal connections to historical narratives. Jul
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 73 – Exploring the Wonders of Wales with Welsh Travel Guide Amanda Whitehead of Conwy Tours
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Amanda Whitehead, an official Wales guide with 25 years of experience. They discuss the unique aspects of Welsh tourism, the evolution of travel interests among American visitors, and the rich cultural heritage of Wales. Amanda shares insights on becoming a licensed tour guide, the importance of storytelling in guiding, an
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 72 – From Belvoir Castle to Heritage Tech Pioneer – Lady Violet Manners
In this engaging episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Lady Violet Manners shares her unique experiences growing up in Belvoir Castle, discussing the rich history of her family and the castle itself. She delves into her transition from aristocrat to tech entrepreneur with the launch of HeritageXplore, a platform aimed at connecting people with independent historic houses. Lady Violet also introduces
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 71 – Introducing Spilling the Tea – New British Expat in the USA Column with Amanda Graves
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas welcomes Amanda Graves, a British expat who shares her unique experiences of living in America since 1985. Amanda discusses her family's distinguished background, her mother's recent MBE award, and the cultural differences she has navigated as an expat. From the royal experience of receiving an MBE to the nuances of food and tea cultu
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 70 – Tips on Walking the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail With Emily Graver from Macs Adventure
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas interviews Emily Graver, an adventure operations specialist at Macs Adventure, about the Hadrian's Wall walk. Jonathan is planning to walk the trail, a lifelong goal, in summer 2026. They discuss the history, planning, and preparation needed for this iconic 84-mile trail that runs across Northern England. Emily shares insights on logi
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 69 – The Anglotopia Guide to Cumbria and the Lake District
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan Thomas explores the beauty and cultural significance of Cumbria and the Lake District. He shares his personal experiences, literary connections, and the planning process for his trip, including a writer's retreat. The conversation delves into the stunning landscapes, historical sites, and the unique charm of the region, emphasizing its importance
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 68 – Exploring Britain’s Canine Aristocracy With Agnes Stamp’s Country Life Book of Dogs
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Agnes Stamp, author of 'Country Life's Book of Dogs.' They explore the rich history of dogs in British aristocracy, the inspiration behind the book, and Agnes's personal experiences with various dog breeds. The conversation delves into the role of dogs in society, the impact of photography on public perception, and delight
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 67 – From Downton to Clarkson’s Farm – How TV Shows Are Transforming Cotswolds Tourism with Tom Burdett
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Tom Burdett, Managing Director of StayCotswold, about the enchanting Cotswolds region. They discuss the area's appeal to international travelers, the impact of film and television on tourism, and the advantages of self-catering accommodations. Tom shares insights on the evolution of StayCotswold as an online destination fo
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 66 – From Wedding Gowns to Winston Churchill – The Hidden Stories of Blenheim Palace’s Collections
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Carmen Alvarez, the collections and conservation manager at Blenheim Palace. They discuss the significance of Blenheim Palace, its new exhibitions, the challenges of conserving historical garments, and the evolution of public engagement in heritage conservation. Carmen shares insights into the Ladies of Blenheim exhibition
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 65 – Lynne Murphy – The American Linguist Who Has Decoded British English For 25 Years
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Lynne Murphy, a linguistics professor and author, about the fascinating differences between British and American English. Lynne shares her journey from the US to the UK, her experiences documenting language differences, and the cultural implications of these variations. They discuss common myths, embarrassing language mome
Anglotopia Podcast: Bonus Episode – Great British Telly – Exploring British TV From Monty Python to Downton Abbey and Beyond
Note: In celebration of our book launch this week, we're releasing this special discussion on British TV, but it's not part of our numbered cadence of episodes. It's truly an extra episode!
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan Thomas discusses the launch of his new book, 'Great British Telly,' which serves as a comprehensive guide to British television. He reflects on his person
Anglotopia Podcsat: Episode 64 – The Real Hogwarts – The Reality of British Boarding Schools of Expat Naomi Kent
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas interviews Naomi Kent, a British expat and CEO of the Boardroom Company, about her experiences growing up in British boarding schools. Was it like Hogwarts from Harry Potter? The reality is much more fascinating! Naomi shares her journey from living in various countries to attending a traditional girls' boarding school in England. The
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 63: Gone Native – 20+ Years in Horsham – An American’s Very British Life
In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, former Anglotopia Columnist Mike Harling shares his journey as an American expat living in Britain for over 20 years. He discusses the challenges and joys of adapting to British life, from cultural quirks to the impact of Brexit and COVID. Mike reflects on his writing career, including his Talisman series for his grandsons, and offers insights into the di
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 62 – The Untold Tragic Story of Titanic’s Sister Ship with Owner and Author Simon Mills
In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, host Jonathan Thomas interviews Simon Mills, a deep-sea explorer and maritime historian who owns the wreck of the HMHS Britannic, Titanic's lesser-known sister ship. They discuss the history of the Britannic, its sinking during World War I, and the unique aspects of its design that aimed to make it more unsinkable than the Titanic. Simon shares his journe
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 61 – Jane Austen at 250 – Discussing Jane At Home With Chawton’s Sophie Reynolds
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Sophie Reynolds, Head of Collections, Interpretation & Engagement at Jane Austen's house in Chawton, Hampshire, about the enduring legacy of Jane Austen as a literary figure. 2025 is the 250th anniversary of her birth, so there are celebrations at Chawton and all over the world to celebrate this literary great. They di
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 60 – Exploring Beatles History With Magical History Tour Guide Charles F. Rosenay
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Charles Rosenay, a seasoned Beatles tour guide and cultural ambassador for Liverpool. They explore the evolution of Beatles tourism, the significance of iconic locations like the Cavern Club, and the hidden gems of Liverpool that fans should not miss. Charles shares memorable experiences from his tours, the emotional react
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 59 – Behind the Scenes of a Boutique British Tour Company – Mary Valentine Tours
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Mary Valentine, founder of Mary Valentine Tours, about her journey from academia to leading boutique tours across Britain. Mary shares her passion for British culture, her experiences with the Women's Institute, and the unique insights she offers to fellow Anglophiles. The conversation covers her recent tour in Northern En
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 58 – Ian Russell – British Voice Actor – Cultural Insights from an Expat in South Carolina
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Ian Russell, a British voice actor who transitioned from a successful banking career in the UK to voice acting in the United States. Ian shares his journey of adapting to life in South Carolina, the cultural differences he has encountered, and how his British accent has become a unique asset in the American voice acting in
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 57 – Discovering Dartmoor – A Hidden Gem in Britain with Tour Guide Gillian Healey
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Gillian Healey, an expert guide in Dartmoor National Park. They discuss Gillian's journey to becoming a Dartmoor guide, the unique features of Dartmoor, and why it should be on every American's travel bucket list (there are several important American connections!). Gillian shares her experiences in international hiking, th
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 56 – Spitfires – The Untold Story of the American Women Who Flew for the British During WWII
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with author Becky Aikman about her book 'Spitfires,' which uncovers the remarkable stories of American women pilots during World War II. These women, known as the ‘Atta Girls,’ defied societal expectations and took to the skies to ferry military aircraft for the British during a time when their contributions were largely forgot
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 55 – Rules, Britannia Revisited – A Returned British Expat Reflects with Toni Hargis
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with writer Tony Hargis about her experiences returning to Britain after living in the US for nearly three decades. They discuss her new column 'Brit Buzz', the changing climate in Britain, cultural differences between the UK and the US, and the evolution of language. The conversation also touches on customer service, grocery s
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 54 – A Chat With the Man Who Walked the Entire Coast of Great Britain
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas interviews photographer and adventurer Quintin Lake about his remarkable journey walking the entire coastline of Great Britain. Over five years, Quintin captured the beauty and diversity of Britain's shores through his photography, documenting the challenges and discoveries he made along the way. The conversation explores his inspirat
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 53 – How to Do London on a Budget of $100 a Day
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan Thomas discusses the new goal for the Friends of Anglotopia membership club and shares insights on how to explore London on a budget of $100 a day. He covers various aspects of budget travel, including accommodation, free attractions, transportation, and dining options, providing practical tips for travelers looking to experience London without b
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 52 – The Global Dimensions of the American Revolution With Historian John Ferling
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas engages historian John Ferling in a deep exploration of the American Revolution, emphasizing its global implications and the international dynamics that shaped the conflict. Ferling discusses his extensive research, the surprising elements he uncovered, and the various perspectives from both American and British sides. The conversatio
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 51 – Exploring the Enchantment of the Cotswolds with Tour Guide Roanna Stromberg-Smith
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Roanna Stromberg-Smith, a luxury Cotswold concierge and tour guide. They explore Roanna's journey into tour guiding, the charm of the Cotswolds, and the unique experiences she offers to travelers. The conversation delves into the geography and appeal of the Cotswolds, the cultural differences between American tourists and
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 50 – Anglotopia Unfiltered 50th Episode Q&A – Travel Tips, Tea Kettles & British Misadventures
In this celebratory 50th episode of the Anglotopia podcast, hosts Jonathan and Jacqueline Thomas reflect on their journey through British travel, culture, and history. They engage with listeners through a Q&A session, sharing insights on accents, culinary experiences, and travel mishaps. The conversation also touches on the importance of historical figures, British traditions, and the joys of
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 49 – Andrew Mellon vs. Winston Churchill – A Clash of Titans Over War Debt
This conversation explores the complex relationship between American Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Winston Churchill during the post-World War I era, an underexplored era of Churchill's career that foretold future Anglo-American relations during World War II. The discussion delves into their rivalry over war debt repayments, contrasting their personalitie
Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 48 – Anglotopia Returns to England Part 2 – Cotswold Travel Tips and Observations
In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan and Jackie continue sharing their recent UK trip, focusing on their days in the Cotswolds. After the busy London portion covered in part one, they slow down to enjoy quintessential English countryside experiences. The hosts describe their perfect Sunday with a traditional roast at the Highwaymen Pub and visit to Basildon Park, their stay at Thorn
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