In this captivating episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, we sit down with historian and author Sophie Shorland to discuss her new book, The Lost Queen: The Surprising Life of Catherine of Braganza. Sophie takes us through the life of this often-overlooked queen, whose marriage to Charles II played a pivotal role in shaping Anglo-Portuguese relations, Britain's cultural landscape, and the introduction of tea drinking to the UK. The conversation dives into Catherine's struggles with her childlessness, her husband's numerous affairs, and her attempts to influence both Portuguese and British politics—all while remaining a devout Catholic in a staunchly Protestant England.

• Win a Copy of The Lost Queen
• Buy The Lost Queen on Amazon
• Buy The Lost Queen on Bookshop.org

• Catherine of Braganza was a Portuguese queen who married Charles II, becoming an essential figure in Anglo-Portuguese relations.
• Her marriage helped bring Bombay (now Mumbai) into British hands, influencing the future of the British Empire in India.
• Catherine introduced tea drinking to the English aristocracy, helping to popularize tea in Britain.
• Despite her struggles with infertility and Charles II's mistresses, she maintained her dignity and navigated her complex royal life.
• Catherine's influence extended beyond her personal life, including contributions to the arts, Baroque music, and diplomacy between Britain and Portugal.
• She returned to Portugal after Charles II's death, where she played a significant role in the country's political affairs.

• "Catherine of Braganza was much more than just Charles II's wife. She shaped diplomacy, influenced the arts, and brought tea drinking to England—an entire culture owes its roots to her."
• "Despite being childless and dealing with a king known for his mistresses, Catherine managed to hold her ground and maintain her dignity as queen."
• "Catherine’s dowry brought Bombay into British hands, which set the stage for the future of Britain's empire in India."
• "Imagine arriving in a new country, seasick, and the first thing you ask for is tea—but no one in England had even heard of it back then!"

• 00:00 Introduction to Catherine of Braganza
  02:38 Catherine's Early Life and Historical Context
  05:07 Restoration England and Political Landscape
  07:54 Catherine's Influence on British Imperialism
  10:32 Catherine as a Cultural Influencer
  13:20 Catherine's Role in the Arts
  15:46 Navigating Catholicism in a Protestant England
  18:31 Catherine's Personal Challenges and Resilience
  21:28 Surprising Discoveries in Research
  24:08 Catherine's Diplomatic Role
  26:34 Catherine's Financial Impact on England
  28:46 Catherine's Legacy in Anglo-Portuguese Relations
  31:10 Lessons from Catherine's Life

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, journalist and historian Robert Hutton discusses his book 'The Illusionist,' which explores the life of Colonel Dudley Clark, a master of military deception during World War II. Hutton reveals how Clark's innovative strategies and eccentric personality played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war, particularly through psychological warfare and deception techniques. The conversation delves into Clark's colorful life in Cairo, his relationship with Winston Churchill, and the lasting impact of his work on modern military tactics.

• Buy The Illusionist on Amazon
• Buy The Illusionist on Bookshop.org
• Robert Hutton's Website
• SAS Rogue Heroes

• Colonel Dudley Clarke’s pivotal role in WWII deception tactics.
• Clarke's creativity, influenced by his love for magic and showmanship.
• Clarke’s eccentric personality, including his scandalous arrest in Madrid.
• How Clarke’s strategies misled the Nazis, shaping military deception.
• Clarke’s influence on modern special forces, including the creation of the SAS.
• His role in large-scale operations like D-Day through misdirection.
• Clarke's lifelong passion for trickery, even beyond military contexts.

• “Clarke was not just a military man, he was a magician – weaving tricks that fooled Hitler’s army.”
• “He was once arrested in Madrid, dressed as a woman – a scandal that almost cost him everything.”
• “Clarke’s brilliance wasn’t just in strategy, but in storytelling. He led the Nazis to believe entire armies existed where none did.”
• “Dudley Clarke helped create the SAS—one of the most elite fighting forces in the world.”
• “In Cairo, Clarke thrived as a maverick, turning his eccentricity into a weapon against the enemy.”

• 00:00 Introduction to Colonel Dudley Clark
• 03:35 The Discovery of Dudley Clark's Story
• 11:22 Clark's Role in Military Deception
• 18:47 The Genius of Deception
• 25:34 Psychological Warfare Techniques
• 32:08 The Impact of Clark's Personality
• 39:15 Churchill's Awareness of Clark
• 46:12 Clark's Colorful Life in Cairo
• 52:40 Anecdotes and Personal Insights about Clark

In this special sponsored episode of the Anglotopia podcast, we interview Ben Elman, founder of datingacrossthepond.com (formerly Date British Guys). We discuss the history and evolution of Ben’s international dating platform, exploring the unique challenges and benefits of transatlantic relationships. The conversation covers cultural differences in dating between the UK and US, the appeal of British accents, and how communication styles vary between the two countries. Ben shares insights on building trust in online dating, the importance of video interviews, and success stories from his platform. The episode also touches on the impact of British media on American perceptions and the nuances of British humor.

• Dating Across The Pond Website

• International dating platforms can foster meaningful connections by allowing people to meet potential partners from different cultures.
• Paid memberships and video interviews can enhance trust and safety in online dating.
• Cultural differences between the UK and US, such as communication styles and humor, can add intrigue to transatlantic relationships.
• British accents are often appealing to Americans, though the distinctions between different UK accents may not always be apparent to US listeners.
• Transatlantic dating often leads to a slower, more deliberate process of getting to know each other, which can be beneficial for building relationships.
• The influence of British media in the US contributes to the appeal of dating British people.

• “I think when you look at most international dating, you have to remember that the competition out there, for the most part, obviously you’ve got the big players, like Tinder, for example, and Bumble allow you to change your setting to be in another country. But that doesn’t mean that the people you’re seeing are particularly interested in people from your country or people from your nationality.”
• “I think Americans are a bit more literal. I think when they say something, that’s exactly what they mean. But when it comes to British, I think there’s a lot of different meanings to what they’re saying.”
• “I think in the UK, you can say the same thing in 10 different ways. And it could mean at least five to 10 different things. And I think that in America, they are much like, whatever they say is what they mean.”
• “I think that the American connection to the UK means that already right at the beginning, there’s this like goal of romance and love and this sort of interest level is higher in the other person’s culture.”
• “You watch British humor and it’s what’s not said that is really funny. And it’s where it could be two meanings and that’s where it’s funny.”

• 00:00 Introduction to Transatlantic Dating
• 04:59 Transition to Dating Across the Pond
• 11:00 Building Trust and Safety in Online Dating
• 14:05 Success Stories from the Platform
• 27:22 Cultural Differences in Dating
• 32:38 Communication Styles: British vs. American
• 43:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This week on the Anglotopia Podcast, we interview author and podcaster Tom Salinsky and explore his new book Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series, a deep dive into the beloved British sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf. Tom discusses his inspiration for the book, covering every episode, and how the BBC's skepticism of sci-fi made Red Dwarf an underdog that grew into a cult classic. The interview touches on the show's humor, its influence on British TV, and the challenges of chronicling decades of content, from broadcast to remastered versions. Join us for a fun discussion about British TV comedy and science fiction.

• Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series: Volume I: 1988-1993
• Red Dwarf on BritBox
• Tom Salinsky
• The Best Pick Movie Podcast

• Origins of Red Dwarf: The BBC was hesitant about a sci-fi sitcom, but Red Dwarf emerged due to a quirk in budget allocation, allowing it to become a cult hit despite early obstacles.
• Unique Format: The series capitalized on the British sitcom format, combining science fiction with the traditional "two men who hate each other but can't leave" dynamic, popular in shows like Porridge.
• Character Chemistry: The show's enduring appeal lies in the chemistry between the characters, especially Lister and Rimmer, whose opposing personalities anchor the narrative.
• Cultural Legacy: Red Dwarf influenced later sci-fi comedies, despite the BBC's general disdain for the genre. Its longevity and ability to adapt over decades have cemented its place in British television history.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Tom’s research uncovered original ratings, unbroadcast scenes, and unused scripts that reveal new aspects of the show’s creation.

• On Red Dwarf’s Origins: “Red Dwarf almost didn’t happen—it snuck past the BBC’s deep suspicion of science fiction, thanks to a bizarre quirk in their accounting.”
• On the Show’s Characters: “You’ve got two losers—one content with his lot, one frustrated and hating himself—and that dynamic has kept the show fresh through 70 episodes.”
• On Revisiting Every Episode: “For the first episode, I watched the broadcast version, remastered version, DVD extras, and multiple commentaries… I think I know that episode pretty well by now.”
• On the Show’s Longevity: “The consistency of the cast is one of the things that’s kept Red Dwarf going. It’s amazing to see how stable the chemistry has been after all these years.”
• On British vs. American Comedy: “In America, sitcoms tend to start with a problem and end with a resolution. In Britain, sitcoms often begin with an aspiration and end with dashed hopes.”

00:00 Introduction to Red Dwarf and Its Cultural Impact
02:45 The Journey of Writing the Book
05:48 The Backstory of Red Dwarf's Creation
08:48 The Evolution of Red Dwarf's Popularity
11:32 Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts and Mishaps
14:27 Challenges in Analyzing Red Dwarf
17:29 The Cult Following of Red Dwarf
20:36 Red Dwarf's Longevity and Comparison to Other Sitcoms
23:32 Character Dynamics: Rimmer and Lister
26:17 Humor and Storytelling in Red Dwarf vs. Star Trek
29:14 Expectations for Future Red Dwarf Episodes
32:16 Tom Salinsky's Future Projects
35:03 The International Appeal of British TV
38:06 The American Remake of Red Dwarf
41:04 Recommendations for Other British Comedies

As part of our ongoing series of special podcasts about Winston Churchill in the build-up to the International Churchill Conference in October, this week we interview Timothy Riley, the Sandra L. and Monroe E. Trout Director and Chief Curator of America’s National Churchill Museum. We’ll discuss the history of just how a Sir Christopher Wren church ended up in Fulton, Missouri, and its connections to Winston Churchill. We’ll also talk about the museum’s mission to promote Churchill’s life and legacy through interactive exhibitions and educational programs. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including Churchill’s paintings and speeches. Riley shares his favorite Churchill quote, story, book, and film.

• America’s National Churchill Museum Website
• International Churchill Conference
• Churchill’s Iron Curtain Speech
• Painting as a Pastime Essay
• Painting As a Pastime on Amazon

• The Sir Christopher Wren church in Fulton, Missouri, was brought from London to honor Winston Churchill’s visit to Westminster College and his Iron Curtain speech.
• America’s National Churchill Museum promotes Churchill’s life and legacy through interactive exhibitions and educational programs.
• The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including Churchill’s paintings and speeches.
• The museum has a special relationship with the Churchill Center and the International Churchill Society.
• Timothy Riley’s favorite Churchill quote is ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.’
• Riley shares an anecdote about Churchill’s wit and humor during a dinner party.
• He recommends reading Churchill’s essay ‘Are We Alone in the Universe?’ to understand his curiosity and thought process.
• Riley’s favorite Churchill films are ‘Darkest Hour’ and ‘The Gathering Storm.’

• 00:00 Introduction and Recording Setup
• 00:24 The Unlikely Journey of a Sir Christopher Wren Church to Fulton, Missouri
• 06:00 Honoring Winston Churchill’s Visit and the Iron Curtain Speech
• 13:11 Preserving Churchill’s Legacy at America’s National Churchill Museum
• 16:44 Exploring Churchill’s Life and Contributions at the Museum
• 25:21 Winston Churchill: The Writer and Nobel Laureate
• 26:39 Churchill’s Unpublished Essay on Extraterrestrial Life
• 28:40 The International Churchill Conference and the Churchill Memorial
• 32:13 Preservation Work on the Churchill Memorial in Fulton
• 37:20 Favorite Churchill Quote: ‘Study History’
• 40:17 Recommended Book: ‘Painting as a Pastime’
• 41:12 Favorite Churchill Film: ‘The Gathering Storm’ and ‘Darkest Hour’

This week on the Anglotopia Podcast, we discuss the unique experiences and challenges faced by American drivers navigating the roads of the UK. We share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and insights into the cultural differences in driving, including the importance of understanding road signs, speed limits, and the etiquette of driving in a foreign country. We also discuss the quirks of roundabouts, the nuances of renting a car, and the significance of being courteous on the road, as well as other tips and tricks to reduce your anxiety about driving in the UK. It can actually be a lot of fun to drive in Britain. This episode will prepare you and teach you what to expect. This one is a long one, folks, but there was a lot to cover!

• The Illusionist by Robert Hutton Contest
• 101 Oxford Travel Tips and Tricks
• AA Road Guide
• The Bath Toll Bridge Essay
• See How an Insane 7-Circle Roundabout Actually Works | WIRED
• A Cotswold Farmshop (Motorway Services Documentary)
• Pay the Congestion Charge

• Driving in the UK can be enjoyable with the right preparation.
• Using a smartphone for navigation is essential.
• Roundabouts require signaling and understanding of traffic flow.
• Be aware of the differences in road signs and speed limits.
• Rental cars in the UK often come with manual transmissions.
• Driving on the left side can be challenging for Americans.
• Patience is key when navigating narrow country roads.
• Fuel prices in the UK are significantly higher than in the US.
• Understanding local driving etiquette can enhance the experience.
• Always check for damage before returning a rental car.

• “Driving in the UK is a lot of fun.”
• “You need to use common sense.”
• “Roundabouts are deceptively simple.”

• 00:00 Introduction to Driving in the UK
• 04:57 Understanding the Differences in Driving
• 13:54 Navigating Roundabouts and Intersections
• 21:55 Speed Limits and Road Etiquette
• 30:08 Parking Challenges in the UK
• 35:31 Driving in a New Country: First Impressions
• 40:18 Understanding British Miles and Distances
• 44:04 What to Do in Case of an Accident
• 48:24 Navigating City Driving and Traffic Challenges
• 52:52 Rental Car Etiquette and Responsibilities
• 56:40 Fueling Up: Petrol vs. Diesel
• 01:01:36 Driving Etiquette: Being a Courteous Driver
• 01:07:13 Driving in the UK: An Overview
• 01:10:02 Navigating with Technology: GPS and Apps
• 01:13:10 The Joy of Driving in the Countryside
• 01:15:57 Understanding Motorway Services in the UK

As part of our ongoing series about Winston Churchill in the lead-up to the International Churchill Society Conference in London in October, this week we interview author Robert Schmuhl about his new book ‘Mr. Churchill in the White House.’ The conversation explores the history and relationship between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. Robert Schmuhl, the author of ‘Mr. Churchill in the White House’ discusses the dynamics between the two leaders and their interactions. The conversation touches on Churchill’s storytelling, the differences between his relationships with Roosevelt and Eisenhower, and the significance of their meetings. It also delves into Churchill’s writing process, his visits to the White House, and the famous ‘nude bath’ story. Let’s take a deep dive into Anglo-American relations during and after World War II.

Mr. Churchill in the White House

International Churchill Conference

Churchill Addresses Congress

Winston Churchill’s Christmas in the White House

Churchill And Roosevelt At White House (1941)

Churchill’s Wilderness Years Drama

• The relationship between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt was complex and evolved over time.
• Churchill was known for his storytelling and had a talent for captivating people with his tales.
• Churchill’s relationship with Roosevelt was different from his relationship with Eisenhower, as they had different backgrounds and values.
• Churchill’s visits to the White House were marked by his demanding nature and his ability to make himself at home.
• The ‘nude bath’ story, while true, is more nuanced than popularly portrayed.

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 06:10 Churchill and Roosevelt’s Relationship
• 10:32 Churchill’s Visits to the White House
• 13:53 Logistics of Churchill’s Travel
• 19:05 American Views of Churchill
• 24:01 Churchill as a House Guest
• 26:54 The ‘Nude Bath’ Story
• 33:28 Introduction and Exploring the History of Churchill
• 35:10 The Relationship Between Churchill and Eisenhower
• 38:29 Churchill’s Meticulous Writing Process
• 41:43 Recommended Books About Churchill
• 45:20 Recommended Churchill Film: ‘Darkest Hour’
• 49:27 Recommended Churchill Series: ‘The Wilderness Years’