The One-Drop Rule

Posted on June 23, 2015 by James

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:51 — 20.8MB)

This 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

Posted on June 13, 2015 by James

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:05 — 27.8MB)

Very, 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

Posted on May 13, 2015 by James

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:32 — 24.7MB)

Very 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

Posted on April 14, 2015 by James

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:20 — 19.7MB)

This 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

Posted on March 29, 2015 by James

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:19 — 21.8MB)

This 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

Posted on March 16, 2015 by James

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:14 — 23.8MB)

This week, we talk about our 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

Posted on February 27, 2015 by James

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:01 — 31.9MB)

This 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

Posted on February 13, 2015 by James

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:19 — 20.4MB)

This 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!

Let’s Talk Dangly Things

Posted on January 30, 2015 by James

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:18 — 22.4MB)

A packed episode this week: First, we talk about the “New” versions of lots of places, then I confess to over-thinking the way to say a colleague’s name. Then, I compare the British “Wagon Wheel” to the American “Moon Pie.” This leads to the Creme Egg fuss currently going on, and the introduction of the Starbucks “Flat White.” Finally, we address the confusion in the U.S. about the names of cable cars (or trams, or gondolas, or sky carts, or whatever the hell they are.)

Some links: the gaming video we watch is here, and the Starbucks “Flat White” commercial is here (and tell me that doesn’t look delicious!)

We’re 100!

Posted on January 19, 2015 by James

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:00 — 22.9MB)

It’s our 100th episode, and Johnson celebrates by becoming a woman! Not really, but he does have more holes in him than he used to. We discuss what Brits call “styrofoam,” which gets us onto the Stylophone, a kid’s toy endorsed by a convicted paedophile. Then, listener Irene asks us for names like hers that are pronounced differently in each country, and finally we learn about “backronyms.”

Thanks for listening these last 100 episodes, and for your continued support! Some links to things we mention: the Rolf Harris “Stylophone” ad, and the clip of Tony Hancock with Irene Handl.

Transatlantically Speaking

A weekly Anglo-American podcast about British and American culture

Tag Archives: Anglophile