British Manners [Episode 184] British Culture: Albion Never Dies podcast

32:06

Don't be shy, send me a message! Thomas Felix Creighton interviews John Glen, who directed five James Bond 007 films, three with Sir Roger Moore KBE in the lead and two with Timothy Dalton: For Your Eyes Only (1981) Octopussy (1983) A View to a Kill (1985) The Living Daylights (1987) License to Kill (1989) He also directed Christopher Columbus: The Discovery (1992), and worked on The Italian Job (1969), The Admirable Crichton (1957), and was responsible for the iconic parachute jump at the start of The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). We talk about all of the above films, as well as discussing what makes James Bond so British, what is the formula for a great 007 film, John Glen's rise through the film industry, and his experiences as a Brit abroad. We also talk about two of the iconic women of the films, Maud Adams and Grace Jones, as well as which actor was author Ian Fleming's first choice to play the character of Bond, James Bond. Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies , or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my https://www.youtube.com/britishculture Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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The Britishness of Octopussy: The lucky 13th James Bond film, discussed by authors and fans. 45:52

26 days ago45:52

45:52

Don't be shy, send me a message! Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the 1981 James Bond movie Octopussy starring Roger Moore as British secret agent 007. His special guests for this episode include: Daniel Gaster , Instagrammer, blogger, and Youtuber, ' The Field Office' . Marc Henandez , author of “ On the Train Tracks: Filming Octopussy & GoldenEye at Nene Valley Railway ” – presented by ‘ On the Tracks of 007 ’, a well-known book series on James Bond locations. Matt Spaiser , co-author of "From Tailors With Love: An Evolution of Menswear through the Bond films ”, and sole author of the Bondsuits.com blog site, I check in every Monday for new articles. The inimitable Pete Brooker , co-author of " From Tailors With Love ", and " Boy Wanted on Savile Row ", and host of the " There Will be Bond " podcast". He finishes up this podcast as only he can. There are also a couple of bonus contributions by… well… you’ll see! There. Will. Also. Be. A. *Very* Special Announcement! About a forthcoming episode, right near the end. Don't miss it. The recommended rabbit hole is ' Being James Bond ' by Joe Darlington , the book, the podcast, the Youtube channel... and the man himself of course. Message Thomas anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies E-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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What is an Anglican Easter? [Episode 187] 37:34

6 weeks ago37:34

37:34

Don't be shy, send me a message! I am delighted to be joined by Canon Ned Lunn at Bradford Cathedral for this special Easter episode! I ask him: What is a Canon? What is a Cathedral? What is Easter, for Anglicans? Anglicans are, of course, members of the the Church of England or members of any Church in communion with it. You can find Bradford Cathedral on Youtube: @bfdCathedral Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies E-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my https://www.youtube.com/britishculture Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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BONUS: Happy Birthday James Bond, 007! [Episode 186] 19:55

6 weeks ago19:55

19:55

Don't be shy, send me a message! April 13th! It's James Bond's birthday today... (oh, and mine!) Check out my SmörgåsBond playlist on Youtube : www.youtube.com/britishculture ...or indeed any of my previous Bond-themed podcast episodes. I always talk about the importance of Ian Fleming, and today marks the publication of his very first James Bond novel, ' Casino Royale '. I recommend three Ian Fleming biographies: "For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond" by Ben Macintyre, for some great 007 novel and film connections, I recommend the hardback glossy page edition. "The Life of Ian Fleming" by John Pearson, for a good straightforward biography of Tue great man. "Ian Fleming: The Complete Man" by Nicholas Shakespeare, for a forensic look at Fleming's life. Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies E-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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The CHINESE Culture Podcast: 中国 Never Dies 1:08:21

8 weeks ago1:08:21

1:08:21

Don't be shy, send me a message! A real change for the podcast: After 5 years of talking about British culture, it's time to move on and talk about 'The Middle Kingdom', China. I lived in China from 2015-2021, and regularly wrote e-mails to my parents detailing my time there. The first half of the podcast is me reading from these and adding in my reflections almost a decade on. I talk about my first arrival in China, the visa process and settling in at work, as well as a day trip to Hong Kong. This is the first 30 minutes. I then read a fourth e-mail detailing my first trip to Macao. I do actually have a series of reflective pieces I wrote for Chinese social media in 2021 as I was leaving. I read these prior to recording, but didn't read them out, as the podcast is long enough as it is. If you enjoy this episode, perhaps I will use them later more fully. In the second half of this podcast, I talk about Chinese cultural topics as requested by my Chinese friends. These include: Different foods and cities Chinese tech cities The Monkey King Hou Yi The movie 'Hero' with Jet Li Food culture (more detail) Language Chinese New Year I would usually do a great deal of reading, online and from my own book collection, before talking on such specialised topics. But on this occasion, I draw 100% from my experiences, as I currently remember them. Again, I am drawing on old writing, and another source I used was a leather-bound notebook I filled with entries detailing my day-to-day life in my first few years in China. I created this for my parents, who are well-travelled but had not been to China. The notebook passed back to me after my mother passed away. I was gratified to learn that she had often read it, and it was always close to hand for her. For further reading and viewing, I recommend the Youtube channels, @VideosByCaine and @DaNiuLaoShi both by a friend of mine who also lived in China. His experiences are naturally different from mine, his personal perspective is unique, but there is much in common also. I highly recommend all his content. Between the both of us, you would get a very full and rounded idea of life in China. No two people experience the same (or similar) events in the same way. There is much to gain from seeing both our experiences. I really like this video my friend created, called " China, I miss you ": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R28JoQszHqI ...and also the video below, which looks at why he first went to China. Don't worry about the Chinese title of the video, he speaks in English throughout! Actually, the thoughts in his video very much relate to the first half of this podcast. We do often compare and contrast our experiences, and our differing reflections, so again, I really recommend checking out both our content. 回忆之旅 — 安庆漫跑记 | 大牛跑步第六集: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1cuC2_M1IM If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me using any of the methods below! Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies , or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my https://www.youtube.com/britishculture Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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British Manners [Episode 184] 29:06

9 weeks ago29:06

29:06

Don't be shy, send me a message! The UK is famously polite, but is the reputation well-deserved? I check out the Hugh Dennis book, ‘Britty Britty Bang Bang’, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Micheal Portillo’s Great British Railway Journeys, and a range of other sources. I also draw on my own experience in the US, China, Turkish Cyprus, and elsewhere. Most of all, I ask you for your experience, so do get in touch! Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies E-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my https://www.youtube.com/britishculture Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Support the show Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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British Culture Q&A [Episode 183] 34:47

11 weeks ago34:47

34:47

Don't be shy, send me a message! Your questions answered, whether sent via Instagram, Chinese social media, or in a comment on Youtube! The questions were: How do you feel being in the UK after 2 years? - Instagram: @BondUpNorth (Sam) How is your Bond fitness challenge going? - Instagram: Licensetolift What is your favourite British sitcom from the 1980s? – [an old friend who will remain anonymous] Why are Vikings so popular? – Instagram: @BritishBondFan (a different Sam!) Could you talk about Narnia? - Instagram: @Francisco_Trevelyan Could you talk about British food? - Instagram: @BondUpNorth What is it you love about the Bond films the most? - Instagram: @MrHarris00794 Which Bond outfit would you love to have made for you? Which one is your favourite? - Instagram: @BritishBondFan Predictions for Bond 26? 2028-2030? - Jason Kim If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me using any of the methods below! Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies , or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my https://www.youtube.com/britishculture Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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Amazon Buys 007 & British Family Businesses [Episode 182] 29:59

13 weeks ago29:59

29:59

Don't be shy, send me a message! " Amazon MGM Studios, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today announced that they have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise. Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction.” - 20/02/2025 This news has gained sufficient traction that even my wonderful vicar asked me about in on Sunday, before the service. Of course, the Broccoli family is American, although based in the UK. But, seeing creative control of a very British film icon passing from a family firm to a US corporation has raised many questions for many people. I give my take, which is that this is not the first turning point for 007, and that a third-generation business would be very unusual, both in movie making and in the UK generally. Naturally, I can't resist looking at the counter examples! According to the Campden Family Business news website, the oldest twenty family firms in the UK have collectively traded for 7013 years, and traded on average for 350 years each. I take a quick look into these, along with a couple of famous UK artisans, who each came from a family of famous creators, but who did not leave a business to be handed down to grandchildren, either. Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies , or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my https://www.youtube.com/britishculture Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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Are the Harry Potter books worth reading? ...as an adult [Episode 181] 33:34

15 weeks ago33:34

33:34

Don't be shy, send me a message! I’ve just read all 7 Harry Potter books, plus the three supplementary books, for the first time . I’ve also visited some of the movie locations in the UK (including Durham Cathedral and King’s Cross Station), tried Butterbeer and Fizzing Wizzbees (plus Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs), worn my house colours (having been sorted by the official Sorting Hat), and played the video game Hogwarts Legacy. I’m slowly re-watching the movies as well, having not watched any of them for well over a decade, and most of them since the year they first came out. Finally, I’m now checking out all the J.K. Rowling writings originally hosted on the Pottermore website. Was it all worth it? Listen to the episode to find out. The books in order: Year #1: Philosopher's Stone (1997) Year #2: Chamber of Secrets (1998) Year #3: Prisoner of Azkaban (1999) Year #4: Goblet of Fire (2000) Year #5: Order of the Phoenix (2003) Year #6: Half-Blood Prince (2005) Year #7: Deathly Hallows (2007) The three supplementary books: Hogwarts textbook: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2001) Harry’s free time reading: Quidditch Through the Ages (2001) Bedtime stories for witches and wizards: The Tales of Beedle the Bard (2007) Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies , or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my https://www.youtube.com/britishculture Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

1
The Britishness of Quantum of Solace [Episode 180] 32:00

17 weeks ago32:00

32:00

Don't be shy, send me a message! 5 very special guests join me for this episode from 4 continents: David Zaritsky @TheBondExperience Donnie Waldron @Quantum of History Pete Brooker @LondonBondMap Gabriel Rabenales @TheStyleisNotEnough Lincoln McConnell-Brown @DressingLikeMcQueen We talk about places, themes, and values shown in this film from our vantage points in London, the USA, Chile, and Australia. Is this film truly British? If so, what makes it so? Listen to the episode to find out! Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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Interview with Raymond Benson - James Bond continuation author and more! [Episode 179] 32:04

22 weeks ago32:04

32:04

Don't be shy, send me a message! Raymond Benson is the author of over forty published titles. He is most well-known as being the first American to write continuation James Bond novels (six original titles and three film novelizations, between 1996-2002), and for the best-selling and acclaimed five-book serial, THE BLACK STILETTO (2011-2014). I also mention in the episode that he wrote, JETHRO TULL (POCKET ESSENTIAL SERIES) There's a lot more, so if you want the full story please visit the author at his website: https://raymondbenson.com/ and also his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRaymondBenson I previously reviewed his first two 007 continuation books on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/britishculture "James Bond Book Review | Zero Minus Ten | I've visited these Chinese locations!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD_kKtQsZlo "James Bond Book Review | The Facts of DEATH | Someone I know appears in the book!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow_WnHuU_bY Benson's newest original novel, THE MAD, MAD MURDERS OF MARIGOLD WAY, was published in 2022. His most recent works also include the suspense novels, THE SECRETS ON CHICORY LANE, IN THE HUSH OF THE NIGHT, BLUES IN THE DARK, and HOTEL DESTINY--A GHOST NOIR. His backlist of original thrillers (EVIL HOURS, TORMENT--A LOVE STORY, ARTIFACT OF EVIL, A HARD DAY'S DEATH, DARK SIDE OF THE MORGUE, and others) as well as his classic reference book from 1984, THE JAMES BOND BEDSIDE COMPANION, are much loved. Raymond is also a prolific tie-in writer: the first two best-selling TOM CLANCY'S SPLINTER CELL novels (for the latter he used the pseudonym of "David Michaels"), and with John Milius he wrote HOMEFRONT: THE VOICE OF FREEDOM. He also produced novelizations of other popular videogames--METAL GEAR SOLID and METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY, HITMAN (HITMAN: DAMNATION, and DYING LIGHT (DYING LIGHT--NIGHTMARE ROW). Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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The Britishness of James Bond: For Your Eyes Only (1981) starring Roger Moore 33:01

23 weeks ago33:01

33:01

Don't be shy, send me a message! Introduced by Joe Darlington ( Being James Bond ), I investigate the uniquely British aspects of this 007 film, with 6 special interviews from China thanks to my previous guest Max James Joy ( A Brit Abroad... in China - Celebrating a 'British Day' in Guangzhou ). We talk about: What makes this film so special? British submarines British-Greek Relations The King's Medal Ancient Chinese Sayings Elektra Saint Cyril The Most Famous British Greek British Winter Olympics I draw on a range of books, including but not limited to: Bond on Bond, by Roger Moore Some Kind of Hero, by Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury For My Eyes Only, by John Glen The Return of Heroic Failures, by Stephen Pile The Complete James Bond Short Stories, by Ian Fleming Operation Mincemeat, by Ben Macintyre Ian Fleming's Commandos, by Nicholas Rankin Ian Fleming, by Nicholas Shakespeare A Bond Odyssey, by Adam Muckle 30 Hot Days, M.A. Birant For Greece during the Second World War, I do draw on Winston Churchill's 6 volume account, and recommend the following novel and TV drama: Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières Sword of Honour (2001) starring Daniel Craig If this podcast prompts any thoughts you would like to share, please do message me at the contact details below. Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies , or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my https://www.youtube.com/britishculture Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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DEEP DIVE: The Britishness of Skyfall - My Favourite Daniel Craig 007 Film 59:18

27 weeks ago59:18

59:18

Don't be shy, send me a message! What makes the 007 films so uniquely British? In this episode, I take a deep (1-hour) dive into 2012's ' Skyfall ' starring Daniel Craig . If you haven’t seen the film ‘ Skyfall ’ since it came out in 2012, don’t worry, there is plenty for you. In fact, if you’ve never seen this film , I hope you’ll still enjoy this podcast, and indeed can still enjoy watching the film afterwards without too many plot or character spoilers beyond the usual shape of a Bond / action film... but I will comment on locations a great deal. I’m looking at what stands out to me in this film as a UK cultural icon, pondering what adds to my enjoyment, and delving into cultural touchpoints along the way. Bond reviews are my most requested topic, but this is something hopefully satisfying for Bond fans and for non-Bond fans alike . Topics include: An Englishman in Turkey The Reichenbach Falls Obituaries in the Times New Digs: Churchill's Bunker The National Gallery China: Shanghai and Macao BBC News: Hostage Killings Lord Tennyson Is James Bond Scottish? The final 5 minutes is me explaining why I like this film so much. I largely avoid topics covered in other podcasts I listen to, especially film reviews of Skyfall. I even avoid repeating what I previously said on 'The Bond Experience' Youtube channel on this topic (which has full spoilers). So, if 1 hour is not enough, do check out: ' Queen Elizabeth II & James Bond | ON THEIR MAJESTIES’ SECRET SERVICE | King, Queen, Bond ' over on Youtube. Thank you to everyone who has kindly encouraged me over the last 6-months especially. I am glad to be able to release my first newly recorded monologue since April 2024. Your messages have made all the difference at a personally very difficult time. Again, thank you. Correction: near the end, I state that Sean Connery was brought up in Glasgow. In fact, his hometown is Edinburgh. If this podcast prompts any thoughts you would like to share, please do message me at the contact details below. Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies , or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.com Check out my https://www.youtube.com/britishculture Check out my Red Bubble shop Subscribe to my newsletter for update e-mails, random postcards, and stickers: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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REISSUE: Celebrating Trafalgar Night (21st October) 27:06

31 weeks ago27:06

27:06

Don't be shy, send me a message! Every year, on October 21st, the Royal Navy celebrates Admiral Nelson’s most famous victory, near Trafalgar in 1805 when 27 British Royal Naval ships defeated a combined French and Spanish fleet of 33 warships. But, what if Nelson had lost? And how can we celebrate this night? I draw upon three books: ‘ The Rise and Fall of the British Empire ’ by Lawrence James ‘ Empire of the Seas: How the Navy Forged the Modern World ’ by Brian Lavery ‘ HMS Victory ’ by Peter Goodwin I also recommend the movie ‘Master and Commander’ (2003), the TV show Hornblower (1998-2003), and the classic clip (on Youtube) of John Noakes cleaning Nelson’s Column for the children’s TV show ‘Blue Peter’. My ‘Recommended Rabbit Hole’: Lord Cochrane. Just start with Google, see where it takes you, and let me know if you found it as fascinating as I do. This is an annual celebration and commemoration, so this episode is a rerelease from October 21st, last year. You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.com You can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies *** Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616 Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/britishculture Check out my online shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/British-culture/shop Support the show Support the show…

British Culture: Albion Never Dies

1
A Brit Abroad... in China - Celebrating a 'British Day' in Guangzhou 34:45

32 weeks ago34:45