Between Two Worlds - A Slice of UK and China Life [Episode 113]

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 showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

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_differentThen, 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: [email protected] Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

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 showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

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 showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

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 showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

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 showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks about 'the Britishness' of one of the most famous murder mysteries in the world... with no spoilers! He talks about the themes, characters, places, and ideas that shape this remarkable story from Agatha Christie. He also gives a guide to the key adaptations in film, TV, and audio.Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton interview Garvan Rushe about Irish culture, gaining an insight into the British-Irish connection. Garvan runs Dublin Tour Guide, a boutique tour company known for its personalised, privately guided walks through Dublin. With more than fifteen years of guiding experience, he specialises in creating made-to-measure tours for small groups, shaping each experience around what guests truly care about.Over the years, he has also developed and mentored a team of nine professional guides who share his commitment to quality and attention to detail.Discover more about his tours at [email protected]  https://www.dublintourguide.ieFacebook: https://web.facebook.com/DublinTourGuide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dublintourguide/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/tourguidedublin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dublintourguide/ Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton talks to David Zaritsky of 'The Bond Experience' about the Britishness of 1969's James Bond 007 adventure, 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'.The movie has an Australian star, an American and a Canadian producer, and was certainly made for export... so why does this film feel so extremely 'British'?Listen to find out!You can find David at:Instagram: @thebondexperience Youtube: www.youtube.com/thebondexperiencePodcast: Search 'The Bond Experience' wherever you found this!Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thomas Felix Creighton interviews Calvin Dyson, one of the first people to set up a 007-themed Youtube channel, and asks 'Which is the 'most British' James Bond film?'. Don't worry, we *do* talk about the TV animated series 'James Bond Jr.'! https://www.youtube.com/calvindysonThomas adds a fun fact about the ending For Your Eyes Only, which ultimately comes from the John Glen book 'For My Eyes Only', hardback edition page 115. It did not come from 'a man down the pub'. www.AlbionNeverDies.com Support the showhttps://www.albionneverdies.com/