Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 36 - Bridging the Pond – The Art of Transatlantic Dating With Ben Elman From Dating Across the Pond

10/11/24 • 44 min

In this special sponsored episode of the Anglotopia podcast, we interview Ben Elman, founder of datingacrossthepond.com (formerly Date British Guys). We discuss the history and evolution of Ben’s international dating platform, exploring the unique challenges and benefits of transatlantic relationships. The conversation covers cultural differences in dating between the UK and US, the appeal of British accents, and how communication styles vary between the two countries. Ben shares insights on building trust in online dating, the importance of video interviews, and success stories from his platform. The episode also touches on the impact of British media on American perceptions and the nuances of British humor.

Links

Dating Across The Pond Website

Key Takeaways:

International dating platforms can foster meaningful connections by allowing people to meet potential partners from different cultures.
Paid memberships and video interviews can enhance trust and safety in online dating.
Cultural differences between the UK and US, such as communication styles and humor, can add intrigue to transatlantic relationships.
British accents are often appealing to Americans, though the distinctions between different UK accents may not always be apparent to US listeners.
Transatlantic dating often leads to a slower, more deliberate process of getting to know each other, which can be beneficial for building relationships.
The influence of British media in the US contributes to the appeal of dating British people.

Sound bites

“I think when you look at most international dating, you have to remember that the competition out there, for the most part, obviously you’ve got the big players, like Tinder, for example, and Bumble allow you to change your setting to be in another country. But that doesn’t mean that the people you’re seeing are particularly interested in people from your country or people from your nationality.”
“I think Americans are a bit more literal. I think when they say something, that’s exactly what they mean. But when it comes to British, I think there’s a lot of different meanings to what they’re saying.”
“I think in the UK, you can say the same thing in 10 different ways. And it could mean at least five to 10 different things. And I think that in America, they are much like, whatever they say is what they mean.”
“I think that the American connection to the UK means that already right at the beginning, there’s this like goal of romance and love and this sort of interest level is higher in the other person’s culture.”
“You watch British humor and it’s what’s not said that is really funny. And it’s where it could be two meanings and that’s where it’s funny.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Transatlantic Dating
04:59 Transition to Dating Across the Pond
11:00 Building Trust and Safety in Online Dating
14:05 Success Stories from the Platform
27:22 Cultural Differences in Dating
32:38 Communication Styles: British vs. American
43:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Links

Dating Across The Pond Website

Key Takeaways:

International dating platforms can foster meaningful connections by allowing people to meet potential partners from different cultures.
Paid memberships and video interviews can enhance trust and safety in online dating.
Cultural differences between the UK and US, such as communication styles and humor, can add intrigue to transatlantic relationships.
British accents are often appealing to Americans, though the distinctions between different UK accents may not always be apparent to US listeners.
Transatlantic dating often leads to a slower, more deliberate process of getting to know each other, which can be beneficial for building relationships.
The influence of British media in the US contributes to the appeal of dating British people.

Sound bites

“I think when you look at most international dating, you have to remember that the competition out there, for the most part, obviously you’ve got the big players, like Tinder, for example, and Bumble allow you to change your setting to be in another country. But that doesn’t mean that the people you’re seeing are particularly interested in people from your country or people from your nationality.”
“I think Americans are a bit more literal. I think when they say something, that’s exactly what they mean. But when it comes to British, I think there’s a lot of different meanings to what they’re saying.”
“I think in the UK, you can say the same thing in 10 different ways. And it could mean at least five to 10 different things. And I think that in America, they are much like, whatever they say is what they mean.”
“I think that the American connection to the UK means that already right at the beginning, there’s this like goal of romance and love and this sort of interest level is higher in the other person’s culture.”
“You watch British humor and it’s what’s not said that is really funny. And it’s where it could be two meanings and that’s where it’s funny.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Transatlantic Dating
04:59 Transition to Dating Across the Pond
11:00 Building Trust and Safety in Online Dating
14:05 Success Stories from the Platform
27:22 Cultural Differences in Dating
32:38 Communication Styles: British vs. American
43:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Previous Episode

Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 35 - Comedy in Space - How Red Dwarf Became a British TV Science Fiction Icon

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.

Links

Takeaways

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.

Sound Bites

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.”

Chapters

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

Video Version https://youtu.be/_-_AZ7CEnAI

Next Episode

Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 37 - The Illusionist - The WWII Master of Deception Dudley Clarke Unveiled with Robert Hutton

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, journalist and historian Robert Hutton discusses his book 'The Illusionist,' which explores the life of Colonel Dudley Clark, a master of military deception during World War II. Hutton reveals how Clark's innovative strategies and eccentric personality played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war, particularly through psychological warfare and deception techniques. The conversation delves into Clark's colorful life in Cairo, his relationship with Winston Churchill, and the lasting impact of his work on modern military tactics.

Links

Key Takeaways

Colonel Dudley Clarke’s pivotal role in WWII deception tactics.
Clarke's creativity, influenced by his love for magic and showmanship.
Clarke’s eccentric personality, including his scandalous arrest in Madrid.
How Clarke’s strategies misled the Nazis, shaping military deception.
Clarke’s influence on modern special forces, including the creation of the SAS.
His role in large-scale operations like D-Day through misdirection.
Clarke's lifelong passion for trickery, even beyond military contexts.

Sound Bites

“Clarke was not just a military man, he was a magician – weaving tricks that fooled Hitler’s army.”
“He was once arrested in Madrid, dressed as a woman – a scandal that almost cost him everything.”
“Clarke’s brilliance wasn’t just in strategy, but in storytelling. He led the Nazis to believe entire armies existed where none did.”
“Dudley Clarke helped create the SAS—one of the most elite fighting forces in the world.”
“In Cairo, Clarke thrived as a maverick, turning his eccentricity into a weapon against the enemy.”

Chapters