Category Archives: Podcast

This Time It’s Personal

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:03 — 31.9MB)

dogsblxThis week, as suggested by listener Garry, we talk about one of the starkest differences between our two countries: the ability (or lack thereof) to score a personalised license plate for your car. Then, Jochen writes in to talk about Berliners (the pastry, not the people) and later, Simon from the Puzzle Hall Inn in Halifax, Yorkshire calls in to take the quiz, and tries to guess what “stucco” is, while Johnson encounters “width restrictions.” Oh boy.

The “V For Vendetta” Dude?

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imagesThis week, we discuss the bizarre British tradition that is Guy Fawkes Night: the annual celebration of a monumental failure. Then we chat about why British people are wearing paper poppies at the moment, and our chum Ron Choularton writes in about Desperate Dan. Later, Angus from the Stod Fold Brewing Company calls in to take the quiz, and tries to guess what a “cheese head” is; Johnson meanwhile tries to figure out which tribe lives in the “central reservation.”

Oooh. Spooky.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:27 — 28.0MB)

ChairAppropriately for Halloween, this week was strange. We talk about the end of British Summer Time, the huge storm about to hit the south of England, and the last big British hurricane in October of ’87. Then we get into Halloween itself, and the Mexican tradition of “the day of the dead.” Instead of the quiz, my wife Jennifer and I chat about the show, podcasts in general, divine intervention, and mysterious wheelchairs that appear and disappear like the fog. Or quiz guests. Or something.

Cheeky Monkeys, Cockney Gekkos

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:00 — 28.4MB)

The-Gecko-GEICOThis week, we talk about how the thing Americans call a “chaise lounge” isn’t that at all; then we talk about the weird British shop that is Argos. Then, Simon from Halifax (Yorkshire, not Canada) sends us an article all about British cheekiness, and we discuss where the Geico Gekko is from. Later, Helen calls in to take the quiz, and tries to guess what “RoShamBo” is; Johnson, meanwhile, tries on “Y-Fronts.”

1492. Wednesday. Just After Lunch.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:28 — 28.7MB)

ColumbusWe celebrate Columbus Day (and my first wedding anniversary) by discussing the discovery of a continent, and Americans’ pronunciation of “lever.” Then Johnson is underwhelmed at the idea of school curry, so we talk about the Tottenham “Yid” controversy. Then we move onto the weightier issue of whose electric plug sockets are better (verdict: a draw), and later Cocker calls in to take the quiz, and tries to imagine what “Rocky Mountain Oysters” might be; Johnson, meanwhile, is in trouble with the “rozzers.”

Greetings From Merryland

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

Maryland-postcardThis week, Johnson gets a letter from listener Chris about race codes used by the police, and I get one from Andrea with a list of midwestern words in it. Then, fitness trainer and award-winning blogger Claire McGill calls in, and we chat about everything from drive-thru banking to exercise positions which are, bizarrely, named after Mexican food. Later, Sam takes the quiz, and tries to guess what a John Deere might be, while Johnson tries to identify his wedding tackle.

And Speaking of Segues

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:51 — 26.9MB)

segueThis week, a random assortment of things, poorly joined together. We discuss flannel, then Latoya gets in touch to talk about Shipley’s in Houston, and Krispy Kreme in London. Then we meander between Apple Jacks, Coke (both new and classic,) a game called Horse, Patrick Stewart and Robert DeNiro mispronouncing things, and how to say the word “Caribbean.” Later, James (not me) takes the quiz and tries to figure out what “layaway” might be, while Johnson goes “on the game.” Yup.

Food, Inglorious Food

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:25 — 32.1MB)

stargazy-pieThis week, listener Evelyn writes in to chide us about chia, then we talk about American food: the difference between New York, Chicago and California pizza; the politics of donuts; and what’s with chicken & waffles. Later, Martin takes the quiz, and is confused by various French terms that seem to mean completely different things in America. Johnson, meanwhile, tries to guess what “star-gazey pie” is. (Clue: it’s that monstrosity pictured above.)

Namedropping

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:44 — 32.3MB)

EdgeThis week, we mention Yom Kippur, which is nothing to do with smoked herrings. Then we discuss the spelling of the word “kebab,” and then shamelessly mention the famous people we’ve met in various ways. Later, Josie calls in to take the quiz, and tries to guess what a “chia pet” is, while Johnson goes “potholing.”

Oh: the Guy Pearce movie we talk about is here.

Native, Um, You Know. People.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:17 — 30.7MB)

822555Bit of a delicate one, this. After discussing how the correct spelling of a crossword answer became a whole thing, we go through a list of native American words in common use, and wonder which ones we should feel guilty about. Later, Sam takes the quiz, trying to guess what a “purple state” could be. Scott, from the place where the onion stinks, then tries to figure out what to do with “Welsh rarebit.” (Note: no rarebits were harmed during the making of this podcast.)

Had to add this: a Fry’s Turkish Delight ad from my youth. So generically middle-eastern. Sand! Scimitar! Snake! It’s got it all.