British Culture: Albion Never Dies

Thomas Felix Creighton
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

What is 'British-ness'? This podcast explores all aspects of British culture from the perspective of an Englishman previously based in China and Turkey. Perhaps you know Thomas Felix Creighton already from Instagram's @FlemingNeverDies centered on Ian Fleming's classic creation, James Bond, 007. Here, we can see a wider background of where our British hero sits. You can also check out the video channel: www.youtube.com/britishculture  

  1. REISSUE: The Fourth of July - The British Perspective

    6d ago

    REISSUE: The Fourth of July - The British Perspective

    Don't be shy, send me a message! Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the British perspective on 4th July – American Independence Day. This episode is perfect to listen to as you drive to a family barbeque on the day, giving you fun facts, and a unique perspective you can share! Why is there a triumphal arch close to where this episode was recorded in England, celebrating the American victory? Was 1776 the start of a new identity? What inspired the US constitution? Would slavery have ended sooner for the USA if the colonies had stayed with Britain?All these questions are answered, with the following books and films recommended (listen in order of mention in the episode): Books: Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens, by David MitchellA Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain by Marc MorrisCromwell, by Antonia FraiserOrigins of the American Revolution (2nd ed.) by John Chester Miller Movies:  1973’s Robin Hood (Disney)1968’s The Lion in Winter (with Timothy Dalton as Phillip II of France)2010’s Robin Hood (the Russell Crowe one)1970’s Cromwell  Released on the first of July, to give you time to listen in advance of the celebratory day, when many will be busy with family, or in case you have a really long drive to get to that barbeque!    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 (...and thank you to the listener in Germany who ordered an 'A is for Albion' mug recently!) 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 https://www.albionneverdies.com/

    30 min
  2. The Britishess of 007 First Light [Episode 214]

    May 4

    The Britishess of 007 First Light [Episode 214]

    Don't be shy, send me a message! The new James Bond video game releases at the end of this month, but how 'British' will this latest iteration of 007 really be? This is a no spoilers look at everything we've seen so far, as I ask first 'What is Britishness?' (as always), ponder the relevance of medium (games in particular), before picking out a few things I noticed in the various playthroughs I've watched of the game itself. Nothing to spoil surprises, just little things to look out for. My recommended rabbit hole is a Sid Meier  interview for Kotaku gaming magazine. I referenced one from 2010, but there is also this one from a little later: https://kotaku.com/the-father-of-civilization-584568276 I recorded this whilst a little under the weather, so not too much editing, apologies for any repetitions or errors. Support the show https://www.albionneverdies.com/

    37 min
  3. Between Two Worlds - A Slice of UK and China Life [Episode 213]

    Apr 20

    Between Two Worlds - A Slice of UK and China Life [Episode 213]

    Don't be shy, send me a message! Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the issues that really matter, getting a (slightly) nicer coffee and a gluten-free muffin in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. He compares this to doing much the same in Bingley, West Yorkshire, UK. He also compares a range of more important stories, from therapy dogs and robots to a very familiar fake doctor at a hospital.  The most important story in the world: https://www.ftbchambers.co.uk/news/news-view/planning-permission-granted-on-appeal-for-mcdonalds-restaurant-and-drive-through-in-bingley The robot traffic policeman: https://english.news.cn/20260313/56c326b7fd7b4976b877775b48ca43dd/c.html The marathon robot: https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/19/robots-beat-human-records-at-beijing-half-marathon/Therapy dog: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly674jzzgloCan’t have West Yorkshire without endless Bronte stories: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1l92mrmmp2oWei Wei. 2007. "Piaopiao" in the City: The Emergence and Change of Homosexual Identities in Local Chengdu[J]. Chinese Journal of Sociology(in Chinese Version), 27(1): 67-97. Recommended Rabbit Hole: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/beau-brummell-nineteenth-century-fashion  Support the show https://www.albionneverdies.com/

    32 min

  4. Apr 6

    Work Culture Around the World [Episode 212]

    Don't be shy, send me a message! Thomas Felix Creighton has worked in Turkish Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UK, and China. Here, he sets out three models for understanding the different working cultures in different countries, and illustrates them with some of his own experiences.  First, Derek Silvers’ 2 minute 38 second TED Talk, drawing particularly on his experience in Japan. A quick and very basic look at 'weird or just different', which is nonetheless a good starting point, and a good reminder for more 'advanced expats'.  http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_weird_or_just_different Then, the six Hofstede Dimensions: Small Vs Large Power DistanceIndividualism Vs CollectivismMasculinity Vs FemininityHigh Vs Low Uncertainly AvoidanceLong Vs Short Term OrientationIndulgence vs. Restraint Thirdly, Thomas then looks at 'the Silent Language' by Edward T Hall:  Language of TimeLanguage of SpaceLanguage of ThingsLanguage of FriendshipLanguage of AgreementsFinally, some final reflections on ‘weird or just different’. If you find this podcast interesting, in any way, please do share your thoughts with Thomas at the website below or by e-mail: albionneverdies@gmail.com  Support the show https://www.albionneverdies.com/

    38 min
  5. From China With Love - A Brit in Chengdu [Episode 211]

    Mar 24

    From China With Love - A Brit in Chengdu [Episode 211]

    Don't be shy, send me a message! Thomas Felix Creighton shares his experiences from a month in Chengdu (Sichuan Province, China). He previously lived in Shenzhen (Guangdong Province) 2015-2021 and Turkish Cyprus 2001-2008 – he draws on both these experiences as he discusses how experience, language ability, and the company we keep can shape our perceptions of culture. Naturally, he talks about some Chengdu highlights a little, so skip to the end if that’s what you are primarily interested… or listen to the whole thing and enjoy the ride!  Thomas recommends: Daniel Gaster: his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielGaster  The jacket review Thomas mentions: https://fromtailorswithlove.co.uk/james-bonds-no-time-to-die-massimo-alba-rain-2-duster-coat-review  Daniel Gaster's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielgaster  Caine: Film reviews and a video diary of a visit to small Chinese city, so if you enjoyed this podcast episode, do check these two Youtube videos out: Caine’s Anqing (China) diary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qtGLk3cY7A  Caine’s review of a Chinese movie that delves into the meaning of 'memory' and how it shapes who we are. The review Thomas 100% recommends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6ugQHJw2IdI  Support the show https://www.albionneverdies.com/

    41 min
  6. James Bond and China [Episode 210]

    Mar 10

    James Bond and China [Episode 210]

    Don't be shy, send me a message! Thomas Felix Creighton draws upon six years in China and knowledge of Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 to give an insight into how the series has merged fact and fiction, for the most part without friction.  Books, websites, and movies mentioned: The World of Suzie Wong by Richard MasonThrilling Cities by Ian FlemingDr No by Ian FlemingTong Wars: The Untold Story of Vice, Money, and Murder in New York's Chinatown by Scott D. SeligmanThe Good Immigrants: How the Yellow Peril Became the Model Minority by Madeline Y. HsuThe Encyclopedia of Milwaukee [website]: https://emke.uwm.edu/entry/chinese/ Goldfinger by Ian Fleming (plus the movie with Sean Connery)You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming (Thomas talks more about the movie though)The Man With the Golden Gun (just the movie with Roger Moore and Christopher Lee)For Your Eyes Only, movie directed by John Glen (see the 'Albion Never Dies' podcast episode released 17/12/2024)License to Kill (movie)Tomorrow Never Dies (movie)Zero Minus Ten by Raymond Benson (also, check out the 'Albion Never Dies' podcast episode #179)Die Another Day (movie)Skyfall (movie)...and these are just the key ones. Plenty more 007 and China references out there, I am sure.  Support the show https://www.albionneverdies.com/

    48 min

  7. Feb 24

    The Britishness of Cozy Crime [Episode 209]

    Don't be shy, send me a message! Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the 'cozy crime' genre, drawing on a range of suggestions from TV and film critics, academics, and his own friends.  Thomas even has a special guest contribution from Jon Auty, host of 'Behind the Stunts' and 'The Bond Buzz', do check those out.  Suggested reading: 'Identity and nostalgia in a globalised world: Investigating  the international popularity of Midsomer Murders' by Tiffany Bergin at the University of Cambridge (UK)'The Simple Art of Murder' by popular crimewriter Raymond Chandler...and also, the BBC's 'Independent Thematic Review  of  portrayal and representation  of the UK  in BBC content' (2026)Support the show https://www.albionneverdies.com/

    41 min
  8. Pith Helmet Adventures - Interview with Alex Lamas (Youtube: Always Say Yes To Adventures)

    Feb 10

    Pith Helmet Adventures - Interview with Alex Lamas (Youtube: Always Say Yes To Adventures)

    Don't be shy, send me a message! Thomas Felix Creighton talks to Alex Lamas ( Instagram @sifu_lamas / Youtube @ @yestoadventure007 ) about his love of movies set in the British Empire. This includes Zulu (1964), Zulu Dawn (1979), Breaker Morant (1980), Four Feathers (1939), Gunga Din (1939), The Wind and the Lion (1975), and two we focus on particularly; The Man Who Would Be King (1979) with Sean Connery and Micheal Caine and Lawrence of Arabia (1962) with Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif.  He also talks about the joy of visiting some of the historic locations seen in some of these films, which you can see more of on his Instagram and Youtube channels. This includes Aït Benhaddou, Morocco, which was used for: Lawrence of Arabia (1962)The Man Who Would Be King (1975)The Living Daylights (1987)The Mummy (1999)Gladiator (2000)Alexander (2004)Kingdom of Heaven (2005) Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) Game of Thrones (2011-2019)Do check out: https://www.youtube.com/@yestoadventure007  Books I would recommend: Jan Morris, the ‘Pax Britannica Trilogy’ of books about the art and popular depiction of the British Empire: 'Heaven's Command: An Imperial Progress', 'Pax Britannica: Climax of an Empire', 'Farewell the Trumpets: An Imperial Retreat'. Many, many books by Rudyard Kipling, including the original short story ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ (1888) and ‘Kim’ (1901). And, T.E. Lawrence’s ‘The Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ (1926). I reference the following; Lawrence of Arabia: A Film's Anthropology by Steven C. Caton (1999), a great insight into the critical reception of David Lean's classic movie. Support the show https://www.albionneverdies.com/

    40 min
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About

What is 'British-ness'? This podcast explores all aspects of British culture from the perspective of an Englishman previously based in China and Turkey. Perhaps you know Thomas Felix Creighton already from Instagram's @FlemingNeverDies centered on Ian Fleming's classic creation, James Bond, 007. Here, we can see a wider background of where our British hero sits. You can also check out the video channel: www.youtube.com/britishculture  

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas Felix Creighton
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    215
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 British Culture: Albion Never Dies
  • Show Website
    British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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