The Goode Olde Dayse

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candy_01This week, it’s Transatlantically Speaking “After Dark” which, sadly, just means that we recorded later than normal. We do a wrap-up of the women’s World Cup, and get a letter from Kevin in Oregon with a list of ways to tell if you’re an American. Then we go through a list of olde tyme stuff, to see how many Johnson and I know. Somehow in this episode we touch on everything from airport codes to artisanal Jell-o, David Caruso to ice trays. Enjoy!

From My Cold, Dead Van

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MorrisMinorThis week, Jochen writes in about how well the England and Germany women’s football teams are doing (unfortunately, a week is a long time in football, and they’ve since both been eliminated.) Also in his letter, among  other things, is a theory on the American knife/fork switcheroo thing, then my dad writes in to commiserate on the trials of our family name. Later, the old buddy-cop team is back when Cocker takes the quiz, trying to identify what “Ma Bell” is, while Johnson goes below the waist (I know!) with “a dab hand.” Happy 4th of July, everyone!

The One-Drop Rule

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MochaMixThis week, Johnson hijacks the show; firstly with something called “Periscope” that, apparently, those crazy kids are into. And later, after me griping about how everyone gets me name wrong, and some chat about silly things we said and did as kids, he weighs in on the Rachel Dolezal story which was breaking at the time.

Some links: the Colbert thing is here, the awkward Dolezal interview is here (some before-and-after pictures here and here.)

Johnson Tubes Your Cave

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2BelizeBucksVery, ridiculously late with this one, but finally, we get to hear the Belize trip debrief. Caves! Cash! Crabs! Crashes! This episode has them all. Then we chat about the fall of the British empire, and how we magnanimously gave all those countries back, minus anywhere nice. Then I lament the end of the football season, and we discuss soccer’s popularity (or lack thereof) in the USA, and whether or not we’re sexist gits.

Johnson’s Big Blue Hole

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BigBlueHoleVery late with this one, but we talk about the (at the time unnamed) new princess, and then I make the Kentucky Derby sound more British, which is to say, better. Then, it’s time for another round of our annual tradition: “Star Wars Character or NFL Prospect” which is much harder than it sounds. Finally, we talk about Johnson’s upcoming trip to a mysterious place that, according to modern maps, doesn’t even exist…

Je Vais Chez Le Dentiste

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LeDentisteThis week, my recent dental surgery gets us into Niki Lauda jokes, stealth Australians and Ken Branagh’s lips. Then we talk about Hot Cross Buns: what they are, how much they cost, and why Puffy remixed the song. Then Paul takes a below-the-waist guess at what “The Old Grey Whistle Test” might be, and finally, I am proven spectacularly wrong about, well, dontists.

These Go To (Legs) 11

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OneLouderThis week, I prove that, though they don’t know it, most Americans have heard the voice of one Magnus Pyke. Then we chat about some conspicuously British Bingo calls, and something in British newspapers called “Spot The Ball.” Then, I read a nice email from my big brother, in which his podcast listening lands him in trouble.

Links to things mentioned: Lenny Henry‘s impression of David Bellamy, the actual David Bellamy, the Thomas Dolby video, Spinal Tap going to 11, the Spot The Ball for all those who want to play too, and oh my, Danny La Rue.

Guns and Hair Pins

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This week, we talk about Barettaour recent one-hour jet lag, and I frighten Americans by telling them it’s Mother’s Day. Then, I play a clip of someone trying to identify individual members of the Jackson 5 using only European culture references. Then we talk about how Americans don’t know about the Goon Show, despite one of its members being really famous. Later, my mum takes the quiz, and violence ensues with pins, guns, wellington boots and Robert Blake.

Some links to things mentioned: the always great Danny Baker show, the late, great Leonard Rossiter, the conspicuously white Steptoe and Son, and the Goon Show.

Like A Diamante Cowboy

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RhinestoneCowboyThis week, a letter from our Kansas chum Jeff gets us arguing over who should be allowed to call their sport “football.” Then, I give Johnson chocolate spiked with something, and share one of my famous (and slightly stupid) observations, this time about large paper clips. Beth gets in touch, with a story from the UK involving donuts and white supremacy, and finally Cocker takes the quiz, which leads to everything from cheesy snacks to Kiefer Sutherland.

Some links to things we talk about: the Sudeikis stuff (in case you missed it), the Glenn Campbell video, the B.A. Robertson song, and the Tommy Boy bit.

Mail Enhancement

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Stamp_British_Honduras_1895_10cThis week, we talk about Black History Month — what it used to be called, and which month they went with in the UK. Then we discuss the latest British chocolate drama, and read some mail from the listeners: Ed criticizes my pronunciation, Rebecca talks about Twizzlers and Red Vines, Ron reminisces about kids’ games, Jochen worries about Johnson’s well-being, and Beth delivers her undies homework. Thanks to all our correspondents for making the show better!