Learning British: A Film and TV Podcast

Sam Brown and Natalia Brammen
  • 3.7 (3)
  • TV Reviews
  • Updated Weekly

Join Sam and Natalia as they explore British film and TV, from badly aged sitcoms to acclaimed dramas. Keep up with the podcast on Instagram⁠, @learningbritishfilmtv. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Sep 26

    “70 Up” and the 7 Up Films | Learning British

    “Give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man…” Sam and Natalia watch the final film in the UP series, 70 UP. UP is a documentary series that chronicles the lives of ten boys and four girls as they grow older. Starting in 1964, filmmakers have returned to each of the original fourteen participants every seven years to see what has happened in the intervening years. The documentaries have developed a cult following, and provoke existential questions relating to age, expectations, and human existence. Sam introduces Natalia to the final film in the series, 70 UP, which was recently released in two episodes on ITV. Topics of conversation include Pixar's UP, Michael Apted and Asif Kapadia, sexism, Eton, roasting BOYHOOD, the BFI Southbank, HARRY POTTER, Rooney Mara, Marvel, unconscious bias training, how race plays a part in British culture and history, being born out of wedlock, Simon Says, and the British class system. Don’t forget to ⁠follow and find us on Instagram⁠ (@learningbritishfilmtv) and follow us on Reddit (r/learningbritish). If you would like us to read your comments on the podcast, ⁠leave us a five-star rating on APPLE PODCASTS with your comments included as part of the review⁠. ‘Learning British: A Film and TV Podcast’ (or just ‘Learning British’) is a weekly show hosted by Sam Brown, a born-and-bred Brit, and Natalia Brammen, a Polish immigrant living in the UK. In each episode, Sam introduces Natalia to a new British film or TV show. From badly aged sitcoms to acclaimed dramas, they explore what these films and TV shows reveal about British culture, history, and identity. You can keep up with the podcast on Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningbritishfilmtv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SkyWasTheRobot Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/learningbritish Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Sep 23

    The 2026 Booker Prize Shortlist | Learning British

    Sam and Natalia visit the Southbank Centre in London as the 2026 Booker Prize shortlist is revealed. The Booker Prize is a literary award given to the best English-language novel published each year. After attending the 2026 shortlist announcement on September 22nd, Sam and Natalia go through their thoughts on each book. Intro: 00:00 - 05:50 THE END OF EVERYTHING by M. John Harrison: 05:50 - 08:04 THE DISAPPEARERS by Marlon James: 08:04 - 13:23 BLACK BAG by Luke Kennard: 13:23 - 17:12 MAY WE FEED THE KING by Rebecca Perry: 17:12 - 21:08 THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY by Elizabeth Strout: 21:08 - 23:45 JOHN OF JOHN by Douglas Stuart: 23:45 - 28:14 Conclusion: 28:14 - 36:20 Topics of conversation include FLESH by David Szalay, pronouncing Québec, The National Book Award, Natalia's cough, insiders, DOCTOR WHO, Asimov and Vonnegut, THE NEW YORKER, expensive books, The Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, books that are over 600 pages long, A BRIEF HISTORY OF SEVEN KILLINGS, Raymond Antrobus, Russell T Davies and TIP TOE, cringe, campus novels, Michael Fassbender's BLACK BAG, trampolinists, judging books by their covers, divisive American politics, remote Scottish islands, SHUGGIE BAIN, and this week's episode of LEARNING BRITISH. Here's the article we used to guide our conversation: "Booker Prize judges reveal shortlisted novels after selection 'tussle'", written by Ian Youngs for the BBC. Don’t forget to ⁠follow and find us on Instagram⁠ (@learningbritishfilmtv) and follow us on Reddit (r/learningbritish). If you would like us to read your comments on the podcast, ⁠leave us a five-star rating on APPLE PODCASTS with your comments included as part of the review⁠. ‘Learning British: A Film and TV Podcast’ (or just ‘Learning British’) is a weekly show hosted by Sam Brown, a born-and-bred Brit, and Natalia Brammen, a Polish immigrant living in the UK. In each episode, Sam introduces Natalia to a new British film or TV show. From badly aged sitcoms to acclaimed dramas, they explore what these films and TV shows reveal about British culture, history, and identity. You can keep up with the podcast on Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningbritishfilmtv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SkyWasTheRobot Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/learningbritish Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Sep 12

    "Lie to Me": How the War on Terror Changed TV w/ Tim Roth | Learning British

    Sam and Natalia, for some reason, watch all three seasons and forty-eight episodes of the mostly forgotten American crime drama TV show, LIE TO ME.  LIE TO ME is an American crime drama television show that aired on Fox from 2009 to 2011. It follows Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth), and his friends and colleagues, who assist in criminal and civil investigations by 'truth-checking' suspects; the show purports to demonstrate that their 'truth-checking' methods, based on a mixture of body language and microexpressions, are reflected in real-life psychology.  Sam and Natalia watch all of LIE TO ME to help answer the question on everyone's lips: why, exactly, are Sam and Natalia watching this show?  Topics of conversation include the CSI: NY theme song, the war on terror, consistently declining viewership, dinnertime TV, BONES, British main characters in American TV shows, nostalgia, HOUSE and SHERLOCK, George Bush to Barack Obama, social media, the ridiculous length of American TV shows, the most insane actor cameos of all time, an accidental BREAKING BAD cast reunion, Dr. Lie-man, and Zendaya's entire filmography. Don’t forget to ⁠follow and find us on Instagram⁠ (@learningbritishfilmtv) and follow us on Reddit (r/learningbritish).  If you would like us to read your comments on the podcast, ⁠leave us a five-star rating on APPLE PODCASTS with your comments included as part of the review⁠.  ‘Learning British: A Film and TV Podcast’ (or just ‘Learning British’) is a weekly show hosted by Sam Brown, a born-and-bred Brit, and Natalia Brammen, a Polish immigrant living in the UK.  In each episode, Sam introduces Natalia to a new British film or TV show. From badly aged sitcoms to acclaimed dramas, they explore what these films and TV shows reveal about British culture, history, and identity.  You can keep up with the podcast on Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningbritishfilmtv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SkyWasTheRobot  Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/learningbritish Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Aug 29

    Jon Ronson, "The Castle", and Masculinity | Learning British

    Sam introduces Natalia to Jon Ronson and his new book, THE CASTLE, in this thrilling episode of the LEARNING BRITISH podcast. THE CASTLE (or Adventures in a World of Unravelling Men) is a 2026 book by acclaimed journalist Jon Ronson. THE CASTLE follows Ronson as he investigates a mysterious castle in rural Connecticut. Topics of conversation include Jon Ronson discovering Alex Jones in THEM, JK Rowling, SO YOU'VE BEEN PUBLICLY SHAMED, Louis Theroux, FRANK, messaging people on Instagram, THE SIMPSONS, the manosphere, why nobody is talking about the male loneliness epidemic, overheard conversations, Chris Mark and 101 PRINCESSES, Andrew Tate, EYES WIDE SHUT, why absolutely nobody is talking about the male loneliness epidemic, Hugh Hefner, biohacking being the crypto of lifestyle content, IF BOOKS COULD KILL, Armie Hammer and Graham Linehan, and, seriously guys, why is nobody talking about the male loneliness epidemic? Don’t forget to ⁠follow and find us on Instagram⁠ (@learningbritishfilmtv) and follow us on Reddit (r/learningbritish).  If you would like us to read your comments on the podcast, ⁠leave us a five-star rating on APPLE PODCASTS with your comments included as part of the review⁠.  ‘Learning British: A Film and TV Podcast’ (or just ‘Learning British’) is a weekly show hosted by Sam Brown, a born-and-bred Brit, and Natalia Brammen, a Polish immigrant living in the UK.  In each episode, Sam introduces Natalia to a new British film or TV show. From badly aged sitcoms to acclaimed dramas, they explore what these films and TV shows reveal about British culture, history, and identity.  You can keep up with the podcast on Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningbritishfilmtv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SkyWasTheRobot  Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/learningbritish Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Aug 15

    #9. Interstellar (2014) | Christopher Nolan Ranked

    Sam and Natalia continue their Christopher Nolan retrospective by watching and reviewing his ninth film, INTERSTELLAR. INTERSTELLAR (2014) is a science-fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, and Michael Caine. It follows a group of astronauts who travel through space in search of a new home for humanity. INTERSTELLAR is often considered a marmite film, with some people loving it and some people hating it. What will Sam and Natalia think? Topics of conversation include Timothée Chalamet, that random Matt Damon cameo, the main character's pointless son, 'Pocketful of Sunshine' in EASY A, the eclipse, the power of love, the ending of Spielberg's A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, "Do not go gentle into that goodnight", the 2001 references, the word 'daddy', and Harry Styles. Don’t forget to ⁠follow and find us on Instagram⁠ (@learningbritishfilmtv) and follow us on Reddit (r/learningbritish).  If you would like us to read your comments on the podcast, ⁠leave us a five-star rating on APPLE PODCASTS with your comments included as part of the review⁠.  ‘Learning British: A Film and TV Podcast’ (or just ‘Learning British’) is a weekly show hosted by Sam Brown, a born-and-bred Brit, and Natalia Brammen, a Polish immigrant living in the UK.  In each episode, Sam introduces Natalia to a new British film or TV show. From badly aged sitcoms to acclaimed dramas, they explore what these films and TV shows reveal about British culture, history, and identity.  You can keep up with the podcast on Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningbritishfilmtv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SkyWasTheRobot  Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/learningbritish Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Aug 1

    #8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) | Christopher Nolan Ranked

    Sam and Natalia watch and review Christopher Nolan's eighth film, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012) is the superhero-action sequel to BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT. Eight years after the events of THE DARK KNIGHT, a retired Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is forced to return to his Batman persona to save Gotham from Bane (Tom Hardy). The film also stars Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, and Marion Cotillard. Will Sam and Natalia like the final instalment of THE DARK KNIGHT trilogy? Topics of conversation include dog bones, Tom Hardy's Bane voice, adaptation and GAME OF THRONES, Cotillard's infamous dying scene, plot holes and choppy scripts, stupid police officers, Gotham being New York City, storming Area 51, Heath Ledger's Joker, the logic of January 6th and why people follow Trump, Epiphany Day, "WHERE'S THE TRIGGEEER?!", the male loneliness epidemic, rooting for the billionaire, Liam Neeson's cameo, THE GODFATHER, and why THE DARK KNIGHT RISES is secretly right-wing propaganda. Don’t forget to ⁠follow and find us on Instagram⁠ (@learningbritishfilmtv) and follow us on Reddit (r/learningbritish).  If you would like us to read your comments on the podcast, ⁠leave us a five-star rating on APPLE PODCASTS with your comments included as part of the review⁠.  ‘Learning British: A Film and TV Podcast’ (or just ‘Learning British’) is a weekly show hosted by Sam Brown, a born-and-bred Brit, and Natalia Brammen, a Polish immigrant living in the UK.  In each episode, Sam introduces Natalia to a new British film or TV show. From badly aged sitcoms to acclaimed dramas, they explore what these films and TV shows reveal about British culture, history, and identity.  You can keep up with the podcast on Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningbritishfilmtv/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SkyWasTheRobot  Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/learningbritish Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jul 19

    The Odyssey | Christopher Nolan Ranked

    Sam and Natalia watch and review Christopher Nolan's THE ODYSSEY. THE ODYSSEY (2026) is a film adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek poem, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the King of Ithaca. Sam and Natalia jump ahead in their Christopher Nolan retrospective series to find out if his new film is worth the hype. Topics of conversation include England in the FIFA World Cup, Odyseusz, iPhone faces, the singular version of Cyclopes, Cyclopiea, that stupid Helen of Troy controversy, translation, OPPENHEIMER, and what Nolan left out of THE ODYSSEY. Don’t forget to ⁠follow and find us on Instagram⁠ (@learningbritishfilmtv) and follow us on Reddit (r/learningbritish). If you would like us to read your comments on the podcast, ⁠leave us a five-star rating on APPLE PODCASTS with your comments included as part of the review⁠.   ‘Learning British: A Film and TV Podcast’ (or just ‘Learning British’) is a weekly show hosted by Sam Brown, a born-and-bred Brit, and Natalia Brammen, a Polish immigrant living in the UK.   In each episode, Sam introduces Natalia to a new British film or TV show. From badly aged sitcoms to acclaimed dramas, they explore what these films and TV shows reveal about British culture, history, and identity.   You can keep up with the podcast on Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit.   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningbritishfilmtv/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SkyWasTheRobot   Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/learningbritish Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jul 18

    #7. Inception (2010) | Christopher Nolan Ranked

    Sam and Natalia spend the UK premiere of THE ODYSSEY rewatching Christopher Nolan's seventh film, INCEPTION. INCEPTION (2010) is a science-fiction action film starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a thief who steals information by infiltrating the dreams of his targets. The film also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, Elliot Page, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, and Ken Watanabe. Is INCEPTION as good as people remember? Sam and Natalia find out.  Topics of conversation include dead wives, VENOM, Obamna, movie-movies, Barbenheimer, stupid dream rules, the humanity of THE DARK KNIGHT, the name of the main character from AVATAR, Penrose stairs, the mythological Ariadne, inconsistent logic, INCEPTION memes, Batman returns, IMAX, and Nolan's worst films. Don’t forget to ⁠follow and find us on Instagram⁠ (@learningbritishfilmtv) and follow us on Reddit (r/learningbritish). If you would like us to read your comments on the podcast, ⁠leave us a five-star rating on APPLE PODCASTS with your comments included as part of the review⁠.   ‘Learning British: A Film and TV Podcast’ (or just ‘Learning British’) is a weekly show hosted by Sam Brown, a born-and-bred Brit, and Natalia Brammen, a Polish immigrant living in the UK.   In each episode, Sam introduces Natalia to a new British film or TV show. From badly aged sitcoms to acclaimed dramas, they explore what these films and TV shows reveal about British culture, history, and identity.   You can keep up with the podcast on Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit.   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningbritishfilmtv/   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SkyWasTheRobot   Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/learningbritish Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join Sam and Natalia as they explore British film and TV, from badly aged sitcoms to acclaimed dramas. Keep up with the podcast on Instagram⁠, @learningbritishfilmtv. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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