This week on the Anglotopia Podcast, we interview author and podcaster Tom Salinsky and explore his new book Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series, a deep dive into the beloved British sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf. Tom discusses his inspiration for the book, covering every episode, and how the BBC's skepticism of sci-fi made Red Dwarf an underdog that grew into a cult classic. The interview touches on the show's humor, its influence on British TV, and the challenges of chronicling decades of content, from broadcast to remastered versions. Join us for a fun discussion about British TV comedy and science fiction.

• Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series: Volume I: 1988-1993
• Red Dwarf on BritBox
• Tom Salinsky
• The Best Pick Movie Podcast

• Origins of Red Dwarf: The BBC was hesitant about a sci-fi sitcom, but Red Dwarf emerged due to a quirk in budget allocation, allowing it to become a cult hit despite early obstacles.
• Unique Format: The series capitalized on the British sitcom format, combining science fiction with the traditional "two men who hate each other but can't leave" dynamic, popular in shows like Porridge.
• Character Chemistry: The show's enduring appeal lies in the chemistry between the characters, especially Lister and Rimmer, whose opposing personalities anchor the narrative.
• Cultural Legacy: Red Dwarf influenced later sci-fi comedies, despite the BBC's general disdain for the genre. Its longevity and ability to adapt over decades have cemented its place in British television history.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Tom’s research uncovered original ratings, unbroadcast scenes, and unused scripts that reveal new aspects of the show’s creation.

• On Red Dwarf’s Origins: “Red Dwarf almost didn’t happen—it snuck past the BBC’s deep suspicion of science fiction, thanks to a bizarre quirk in their accounting.”
• On the Show’s Characters: “You’ve got two losers—one content with his lot, one frustrated and hating himself—and that dynamic has kept the show fresh through 70 episodes.”
• On Revisiting Every Episode: “For the first episode, I watched the broadcast version, remastered version, DVD extras, and multiple commentaries… I think I know that episode pretty well by now.”
• On the Show’s Longevity: “The consistency of the cast is one of the things that’s kept Red Dwarf going. It’s amazing to see how stable the chemistry has been after all these years.”
• On British vs. American Comedy: “In America, sitcoms tend to start with a problem and end with a resolution. In Britain, sitcoms often begin with an aspiration and end with dashed hopes.”

00:00 Introduction to Red Dwarf and Its Cultural Impact
02:45 The Journey of Writing the Book
05:48 The Backstory of Red Dwarf's Creation
08:48 The Evolution of Red Dwarf's Popularity
11:32 Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts and Mishaps
14:27 Challenges in Analyzing Red Dwarf
17:29 The Cult Following of Red Dwarf
20:36 Red Dwarf's Longevity and Comparison to Other Sitcoms
23:32 Character Dynamics: Rimmer and Lister
26:17 Humor and Storytelling in Red Dwarf vs. Star Trek
29:14 Expectations for Future Red Dwarf Episodes
32:16 Tom Salinsky's Future Projects
35:03 The International Appeal of British TV
38:06 The American Remake of Red Dwarf
41:04 Recommendations for Other British Comedies

As part of our ongoing series of special podcasts about Winston Churchill in the build-up to the International Churchill Conference in October, this week we interview Timothy Riley, the Sandra L. and Monroe E. Trout Director and Chief Curator of America’s National Churchill Museum. We’ll discuss the history of just how a Sir Christopher Wren church ended up in Fulton, Missouri, and its connections to Winston Churchill. We’ll also talk about the museum’s mission to promote Churchill’s life and legacy through interactive exhibitions and educational programs. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including Churchill’s paintings and speeches. Riley shares his favorite Churchill quote, story, book, and film.

• America’s National Churchill Museum Website
• International Churchill Conference
• Churchill’s Iron Curtain Speech
• Painting as a Pastime Essay
• Painting As a Pastime on Amazon

• The Sir Christopher Wren church in Fulton, Missouri, was brought from London to honor Winston Churchill’s visit to Westminster College and his Iron Curtain speech.
• America’s National Churchill Museum promotes Churchill’s life and legacy through interactive exhibitions and educational programs.
• The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including Churchill’s paintings and speeches.
• The museum has a special relationship with the Churchill Center and the International Churchill Society.
• Timothy Riley’s favorite Churchill quote is ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.’
• Riley shares an anecdote about Churchill’s wit and humor during a dinner party.
• He recommends reading Churchill’s essay ‘Are We Alone in the Universe?’ to understand his curiosity and thought process.
• Riley’s favorite Churchill films are ‘Darkest Hour’ and ‘The Gathering Storm.’

• 00:00 Introduction and Recording Setup
• 00:24 The Unlikely Journey of a Sir Christopher Wren Church to Fulton, Missouri
• 06:00 Honoring Winston Churchill’s Visit and the Iron Curtain Speech
• 13:11 Preserving Churchill’s Legacy at America’s National Churchill Museum
• 16:44 Exploring Churchill’s Life and Contributions at the Museum
• 25:21 Winston Churchill: The Writer and Nobel Laureate
• 26:39 Churchill’s Unpublished Essay on Extraterrestrial Life
• 28:40 The International Churchill Conference and the Churchill Memorial
• 32:13 Preservation Work on the Churchill Memorial in Fulton
• 37:20 Favorite Churchill Quote: ‘Study History’
• 40:17 Recommended Book: ‘Painting as a Pastime’
• 41:12 Favorite Churchill Film: ‘The Gathering Storm’ and ‘Darkest Hour’

This week on the Anglotopia Podcast, we discuss the unique experiences and challenges faced by American drivers navigating the roads of the UK. We share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and insights into the cultural differences in driving, including the importance of understanding road signs, speed limits, and the etiquette of driving in a foreign country. We also discuss the quirks of roundabouts, the nuances of renting a car, and the significance of being courteous on the road, as well as other tips and tricks to reduce your anxiety about driving in the UK. It can actually be a lot of fun to drive in Britain. This episode will prepare you and teach you what to expect. This one is a long one, folks, but there was a lot to cover!

• The Illusionist by Robert Hutton Contest
• 101 Oxford Travel Tips and Tricks
• AA Road Guide
• The Bath Toll Bridge Essay
• See How an Insane 7-Circle Roundabout Actually Works | WIRED
• A Cotswold Farmshop (Motorway Services Documentary)
• Pay the Congestion Charge

• Driving in the UK can be enjoyable with the right preparation.
• Using a smartphone for navigation is essential.
• Roundabouts require signaling and understanding of traffic flow.
• Be aware of the differences in road signs and speed limits.
• Rental cars in the UK often come with manual transmissions.
• Driving on the left side can be challenging for Americans.
• Patience is key when navigating narrow country roads.
• Fuel prices in the UK are significantly higher than in the US.
• Understanding local driving etiquette can enhance the experience.
• Always check for damage before returning a rental car.

• “Driving in the UK is a lot of fun.”
• “You need to use common sense.”
• “Roundabouts are deceptively simple.”

• 00:00 Introduction to Driving in the UK
• 04:57 Understanding the Differences in Driving
• 13:54 Navigating Roundabouts and Intersections
• 21:55 Speed Limits and Road Etiquette
• 30:08 Parking Challenges in the UK
• 35:31 Driving in a New Country: First Impressions
• 40:18 Understanding British Miles and Distances
• 44:04 What to Do in Case of an Accident
• 48:24 Navigating City Driving and Traffic Challenges
• 52:52 Rental Car Etiquette and Responsibilities
• 56:40 Fueling Up: Petrol vs. Diesel
• 01:01:36 Driving Etiquette: Being a Courteous Driver
• 01:07:13 Driving in the UK: An Overview
• 01:10:02 Navigating with Technology: GPS and Apps
• 01:13:10 The Joy of Driving in the Countryside
• 01:15:57 Understanding Motorway Services in the UK