Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:00 — 28.4MB)
This 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.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:28 — 28.7MB)
We 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.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:01 — 31.9MB)
This 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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:51 — 26.9MB)
This 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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:25 — 32.1MB)
This 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.)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:44 — 32.3MB)
This 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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:17 — 30.7MB)
Bit 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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:42 — 22.7MB)
We begin this week’s show by acknowledging the absurdity of Minnie Driver’s name. This gets us onto some stories about my gran, who really liked Ian McShane. Then we go through a list of (sadly) obsolete words, some of which have dirty-sounding names, and almost none of which mean what you think they do. Then, my mum takes a particularly difficult quiz, where she tries to guess the meaning of “The Iditarod.” I know, cruel. Johnson, on the other hand, has a bit of “previous”…
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:25 — 28.0MB)
This week is our big 40th episode, and we discuss our field trip to see the new film “The World’s End.” This gets us onto the subject of homesickness, and thence, integration into a foreign society. We then chat about the curious American habit of using last names as first names, which eventually leads to handicapped parking, and James’ imminent descent into the fiery underworld. Later, Sully returns to take the quiz from (apparently) the sea bed, and tries to guess some California-themed Americanisms. Johnson, meanwhile, tries and fails to keep his guess of a “full English” above the waist.
Oh: the link to the Key & Peele bit we mention is here. It’s worth it.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:16 — 32.0MB)
To get some jury duty closure, we talk about the complications of famous people doing jury duty. Then we talk about court reporters and their tiny keyboards, the TV show CHiPs, and Orange County sheriff Mike Corona. Later, I call my family in the middle of a party, and Helen (eventually) takes the quiz. New listeners: it’s not usually this anarchic. Honest.
