Brits in the Big Apple

Ahead of the historic debut of a new work featuring dancers from the prestigious Juilliard and Rambert Schools, British Deputy Consul General Mel Lawarance joins a conversation about how contemporary dance thrives thanks to the cultural links between the UK and US. Mel is joined by Melissa Toogood of the Juilliard School, Amanda Britton of Rambert School, and Louis McMiller of Studio Wayne McGregor.

British, historian, and professor Sir David Cannadine joins the British Consulate General New York for a conversation on his new book, a short biography of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and what her legacy can teach us on the eve of the 250th anniversary of America's founding.

In our first *video* podcast episode, the British Consulate's Ananda Seeram sits down with Morgan Library curator Dale Stinchcomb to discuss the life and legacy of Jane Austen, currently on display at the Library's Jane Austen 250 exhibition in Manhattan, through September 14th.

Television and theatre producer Jon Thoday joins the British Consulate General New York to discuss his role as lead producer of the smash Broadway hit musical Operation Mincemeat.

CEO of British American Business Duncan Edwards speaks with His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for North America Niall Mackenzie about the state of business and trade growth between the UK and United States, specifically in New York City.

In a special holiday episode of BITBA, Rector Carl Turner of St Thomas Church Fifth Avenue shares stories of his congregation's work to keep "an oasis of prayer" on New York's busiest shopping street. Fr. Turner speaks with Melanie Hopkins on his journey to New York from Hull, and the joys and challenges of leading an Episcopal church with a global congregation all centered in Midtown.

Outgoing Consul General Hannah Young looks back on her time as the British Consulate's top diplomat in New York in a tea time conversation with new Acting Consul General Melanie Hopkins.

Immerse yourself in the riveting world of international journalism with Jane Ferguson, a distinguished foreign correspondent with a rich career spanning the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, on this episode of "Brits in the Big Apple." Now making waves in New York City and holding a prestigious position as a non-resident Fellow at Princeton University's Lichtenstein Institute, Jane brings her frontline experiences to the heart of the Big Apple, offering listeners an unparalleled glimpse into the world of global reporting. With over 15 years of living and reporting from some of the world's most tumultuous regions, Jane has contributed significantly to PBS NewsHour and The New Yorker, providing in-depth analysis on US foreign policy, defense, conflict, diplomacy, and human rights. Her storytelling, recognized by the highest journalism accolades including the George Polk Award, an Emmy, and a Peabody, dives deep into the essence of reporting with humanity and accuracy. In this episode, Jane shares insights from her national bestseller memoir, "No Ordinary Assignment," recounting the challenges and triumphs of a career dedicated to unearthing the truth behind some of the most critical global narratives. Described as "engrossing" by the New York Times, her book offers a compelling look at the life of a correspondent with a passion for storytelling that moves and informs. Join us as Jane discusses her journey from reporting in war-torn regions to educating future journalists as a visiting McGraw Professor of Journalism at Princeton. This episode is a testament to the power of journalism in shaping our understanding of the world, highlighting the role of reporters in bringing global stories to our doorsteps. Tune in to "From Frontlines to Headlines: Jane Ferguson's Global Journey" for a captivating conversation that explores the intersections of journalism, history, and human rights through the eyes of one of the field's most esteemed voices. 📚✨Jane's Instagram Follow BITBA on ⁠Twitter⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ to keep up with the latest episodes, engage with the community, and dive deeper into the exciting stories of Brits making waves across the pond!

Join us on "Brits in the Big Apple" as we explore the captivating world of fashion with Stuart Vevers, the visionary Creative Director of Coach. Since taking the helm in 2013, Vevers has masterfully steered the over 80-year-old American fashion house into a new era, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with a fresh, contemporary vision. Under his leadership, Coach has undergone a remarkable transformation, reaffirming its position in the global fashion landscape for a new generation of style enthusiasts. In this episode, Vevers shares insights into his transformative journey with Coach, from redefining brand imagery and store environments to revamping both women’s and men’s collections. We delve into the creative processes and inspirations behind his acclaimed designs, including the iconic Rogue bag, which earned him the Hall of Fame Design Excellence Award by the Accessories Council. Hear about Vevers' illustrious career, from his early days at Calvin Klein in New York to leading roles at some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses, including Loewe and Mulberry. His accolades, including the Accessory Designer of the Year award by the CFDA and the Designer of the Year award by the AAFA, underscore his impact on the industry. Tune in to "Reinventing Icons: Stuart Vevers' Journey with Coach in the City That Never Sleeps" for an intimate look at how a Brit in New York is reimagining American luxury, one design at a time. Discover the challenges and triumphs of aligning a storied brand with contemporary culture and fashion's future directions. Immerse yourself in the story of a creative force who continues to shape the world of fashion with boldness and innovation. Stuart Vevers' narrative is not just about fashion design; it's about crafting identities and experiences that resonate across generations. 🍎👜✨ Follow BITBA on ⁠Twitter⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ to keep up with the latest episodes, engage with the community, and dive deeper into the exciting stories of Brits making waves across the pond!

Dive into the captivating world of photography with Sophie Wright, the esteemed Executive Director of Fotografiska, New York, in our latest podcast episode. With a career spanning over 25 years at the nexus of arts and business, Sophie has carved a unique niche for herself, blending management, strategy, sales, programming, and curation with an unparalleled passion for documentary photography. Join us as Sophie shares her fascinating journey from leading the Cultural department at Magnum Photos, where she worked closely with legendary photographers like Elliott Erwitt, Bruce Davidson, Martin Parr, and Susan Meiselas, to her impactful role in shaping the visual narrative through projects like the innovative Live Lab residencies and the groundbreaking exhibitions such as America in Crisis. Sophie's work has not only placed significant Magnum works in prestigious museums like Tate Modern and MOMA but has also guided over 100 emerging photographers through her mentorship program Photochat during the pandemic. Her collaboration with Leica on workshop programs and her co-authorship of "Light on the Riviera" further highlight her contribution to the photographic community. In this episode, Sophie also discusses her vision for Fotografiska New York, her insights into the evolving landscape of documentary photography, and the future of photographic art in digital and physical spaces. Whether you're an aspiring photographer, a seasoned professional, or simply a lover of compelling images, Sophie's story is sure to inspire and provoke thought. Tune in to "Framing the World: Sophie Wright's Photographic Journey" for an exclusive look into the life of one of the most influential figures in contemporary photography. Follow Sophie's ongoing projects and explorations in photography on Instagram @wrightsophie.