Explore every episode of the podcast An American Journey
Dive into the complete episode list for An American Journey. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
e61 - Alaskan Railways and Presidential Debates
26 Oct 2024
00:46:17
In Episode 61, Julian and Michael talk about Alaskan Railways. Julian thinks they are pricey and slow, but they do afford a good view at times.
In the lead-up to the US General Election, Julian and Michael discuss the thorny history of Presidential Debates. Of course, we do get sidetracked into the current campaign.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Learn more about America's future in Julian's second book, Are We There Yet
e60 - DC's Smithsonian Museums and Storage Units
23 Oct 2024
00:56:16
In episode 60, Julian and Michael talk about
1. the Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC.
2. Julian also tries to convince Michael of the joys of leasing a storage unit (or at least why so many Americans have one).
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Learn more about America's future in Julian's second book, Are We There Yet
E49 - New York update with Michael Moran and Simon Gosney
03 Oct 2023
00:38:05
In Episode 49, Michael talks to Simon Gosney about New York City. We also reprise an earlier episode about the Big Apple.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
e48 - The Assassination of JFK and Monument Valley
16 Jun 2023
00:44:43
In Episode 48, Michael and Julian talk about
1. The Assassination of JFK. Julian is typically pragmatic, while Michael thinks it unlikely that Oswald could have hit the moving target twice from that distance. We talk conspiracy theories.
2. Monument Valley. This is one of Julian's favorite places in the USA.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
e47 - Van Life and Skyscrapers
10 May 2023
00:50:32
In Episode 47, Michael and Julian talk about
1. Van Life. Have you thought about living in a van and traveling across America? Millions have this lifestyle
2. Skyscrapers. Competition between New York and Chicago started a worldwide trend for very tall buildings. We discuss building regulations, elevators, and our favorite buildings
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
e46 - Memphis and an American Truck
23 Feb 2023
00:38:22
In Episode 46, Michael and Julian talk about
1. Memphis. Music, museums, and ducks. We also talk about Marc Cohn's Walking in Memphis
2. American Trucks. Julian loves a truck and speculates why there are over 50 million on American roads
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
e45 - Resolutions, Niagara Falls, How Americans Dress for Work
08 Feb 2023
00:46:15
In Episode 45, Michael and Julian talk about
1. Progress on New Year's Resolutions. Some progress but some setbacks
2. Niagara Falls. We get sidetracked onto barrels and tightrope walking 3. How Americans Dress for Work. More casually than in Europe. Again, we get sidetracked by the school uniforms of our youth
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
e44 - New Year's Resolutions, Key West, Selecting a Republican Speaker, & Melvyn again
23 Jan 2023
00:51:40
In Episode 44, Michael and Julian talk about
1. New Year's Resolutions. Michael cuts and pastes his from the previous year...
2. Key West. Michael loved it and plans to return next year
3. Selecting a new Republican Speaker. Julian attempts valiantly to explain it to a dubious Michael
4. Melvyn. Michael thinks he has had a lot of luck. Julian suspects that his success is down to hard work and being open to opportunities.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
e43 - Interview with Melvyn Anderson
28 Dec 2022
00:39:18
In Episode 43, Julian interviews Melvyn Anderson about his life as an East-End antique dealer. He talks about
His upbringing. Melvyn was born in Stepney in the East End of London
His time running a rough London pub.
How he became an antique dealer.
His impulsiveness, including the houses and boats he purchased because it seemed a good idea at the time.
His life and experience in the USA.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
1. Mount Rushmore & Surrounding Areas. Both Julian and Michael rate this part of America. Michael finds a train to see, while Julian is interested in the area's Native American history. Julian warns against Wall, SD.
2. An American Beach. Julian talks about how an American beach differs from one in the UK. We talk about beach yoga, a dog beach, and shell collecting, Michael laments that people don't play cricket on an American beach.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
1. New Orleans. Michael doesn't like it at all. He is mistaken.
2. Conspiracy Theories. Julian has read much of the academic literature about them. However, Michael prefers his own theories. We swap our favorite conspiracy theories. Michael surprises Julian by expressing some doubt over the moon landings.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
In Episode 58, Julian talks to his two daughters about the US education system
This will be the second part of a three-part series where we explore how education in the US works, and - in particular - how it contrasts with that in the UK.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Learn more about America's future in Julian's second book, Are We There Yet
e39 - Recovering from a Hurricane and Tailgating
21 Oct 2022
00:43:45
In Episode 39, Michael and Julian talk about
1. Recovering from a Hurricane. From Julian's perspective, it looks really well organized.
2. Tailgating. This has an entirely different meaning than in the UK. It is the most common type of party in the US.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
E36 - Hurricane Preparation, The Grand Canyon, and Robbing a Bank
17 Sep 2022
00:49:33
In Episode 36, Michael and Julian talk about
1. Preparing for a Hurricane. Julian explains why he is already blase about hurricanes but explains what you need to do in the event of a hurricane
2. The Grand Canyon. Many people who visit are disappointed. We explore some of the activities that are likely to make this trip one of the highlights of your life
3. Bank Robberies. The USA was famed for bank robberies in the Wild West period when they were frankly very rare. They are ubiquitous in today's America. We take a humorous look at today's bank robberies.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
In Episode 30, Julian talks to his daughters about American Summer Camps.
Whether you merely have an interest in these traditional summer camps, are a parent who is thinking of sending their children to a summer camp, or a young adult contemplating working at a summer camp, this is an episode for you.
e57 - US Education (part one of a three part series)
22 Aug 2024
00:54:24
In Episode 57, Julian talks to his two daughters about the US education system
This will be the first part of a three-part series where we explore how education in the US works, and - in particular - how it contrasts with that in the UK.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Learn more about America's future in Julian's second book, Are We There Yet
E29 - Cape Cod & Martha's Vineyard and Small-Town Museums
23 May 2022
00:33:43
In Episode 29, Michael and Julian talk about
1. Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. They are both splendid places to go in the Summer. Beaches, lighthouses, and hikes are the highlights
2. Small-Town American Museums. Both of us love small-town museums. Any American town of almost any size has one, and they are great places for understanding American culture.
3. A Grand Tour. Julian talks about his forthcoming Grand Tour across Europe. Michael talks about the podcasts he is going to record and edit in Julian's absence.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
1. Amish Communities. They are amongst the most successful communities in America and have spread to over 30 US states. Julian talks about what you mind find if you visit an Amish community
2. Rodeos. We both love them and are full of admiration for these brave cowboys and cowgirls. Watch out for some truly terrible jokes too.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
E27 - Knoxville TN, State Fairs & Taco Bell closers
22 Apr 2022
00:48:30
In Episode 27, Michael and Julian talk about
1. Knoxville, Tennessee. We try to find a way of describing its main monument to keep this podcast clean. Michael is thoroughly unimpressed with Julian's facts
2. State Fairs. Julian loves them but fails to convince Michael that the food is excellent. We both would like to participate in the sunflower seed spitting contests
3. Taco Bell closers. Taco Bell is offering $18 an hour for an unskilled job. We talk about the implications for the US economy
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 26 - Phoenix, City Names, Spring Training Baseball, & California Movies
09 Apr 2022
00:48:22
In Episode 26, Michael and Julian talk about
1. Phoenix. The saguaro-dotted vistas are magnificent, but will Michael and Julian recommend Phoenix as a destination?
2. City Names. 25 city names have a presence in more than 18 states. Why are Americans so unoriginal in the naming of their cities? Also, when you have a unique name like Buttsville do you change it to Greenville?
3. Spring Training Baseball. With the strike settled, Julian goes to a Spring Training Baseball game and contrasts it with a regular-season game.
4. California Movies. A listener is traveling down the coast of California with her family this summer. She wants to know which movies to watch to get in the mood. Julian gives his suggestions. Michael does too, but then he recommended Bad Santa
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 25 - Atlanta, Vegetarianism in the US & the ending of the baseball strike
27 Mar 2022
00:45:49
In Episode 25, Michael and Julian talk about
1. Atlanta. Julian lived here for almost a decade, while Michael is confused about its center
2. Vegetarianism. A listener asks if she will be able to get vegan food easily before she runs the New York Marathon.
3. The ending of the baseball strike. After 99 days, it is all over. The season will start a week late but still feature 162 regular-season games. Michael asks, who won?
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
E24 - Denver, The Drive Thru, and Automatic audio software
09 Mar 2022
00:49:12
In Episode 22, Michael and Julian talk about
1. Denver. Michael loves it and keeps returning.
2. The Drive Thru. Michael is dubious about them and thinks they have a limited future. Julian, however, believes they are quintessentially American and some data to disprove Michael's thesis.
3. Automated software for voice recording. Julian has been experimenting with software that transcribes our podcasts. There is a problem, however. The clever technology cannot understand what Michael is saying
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 22 - American Malls, San Diego, Another Baseball Strike, and Trouble at the Golden Corral
12 Feb 2022
00:45:20
In Episode 22, Michael and Julian talk about
1. American Malls. While it may appear that Michael is talking about American Moles, it is American shopping centers that get our attention in this episode.
2. San Diego. Julian loves it but hasn't been there for over 25 years. Michael talks lovingly about its beaches, parks, and baseball
3. Another Baseball Strike. Julian tries to explain a lockout to Michael and the 50 years of disputes between owners and players. Michael wonders whether there might be an endemic industrial relations issue.
4. Trouble at the Golden Corral. Julian describes a big fight that erupted at the Golden Corral. It does not encourage Michael to ignore the advice from Episode 18
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 21 - The Superbowl and Orlando Theme Parks
02 Feb 2022
00:44:45
In Episode 21, Michael and Julian talk about
1. The Superbowl. We look forward to Superbowl LVI. Michael struggles with the roman numerals but does explain why they are used. Julian shares how much food is eaten on Superbowl night
2. Orlando Theme Parks. We give some tips on how to best enjoy Orlando's many theme parks
3. Outtro. Lorna finally reviews Bad Santa, and we lament Derby County's tricky financial situation.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
1. Sedona. Julian loves the red rock hikes, while Michael likes to explore his spiritual side.
2. Buying and Selling a House. After three years of traveling and renting, Julian finally buys a house. We talk about the process of buying and selling a house in America and compare it with that of the UK. Michael attempts to pronounce Realtor.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Learn more about America's future in Julian's second book, Are We There Yet
Episode 19 - San Francisco and Tipping
14 Jan 2022
00:39:55
In Episode 19, Michael and Julian talk about
San Francisco. Michael likes it but recommends that you take a sweater. Julian has a friend with a plane
Tipping. Michael has a rant, while Julian tries to explain the rules of tipping in the US
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
This episode is a Christmas present for Michael, who often complains that there is no good food near American highways.
Daughters #1 and #2 and their respective boyfriends (boyfriend #1 and #2) discuss where they like to eat and what they like to eat. They also tell you where they will never eat again.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Northern New England. You can have three types of vacation there depending on whether you go in summer, fall, or winter. Michael talks about more hotel mishaps and trains
Thanksgiving(s). Julian likes to give thanks, and Michael likes the football
Education questions. Michael puts questions from listeners on education to Julian
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 15 - Mackinac Island, Updates on what's happening in US, Sororities and Fraternities
06 Dec 2021
01:10:55
In Episode 15, Michael and Julian talk about
Mackinac Island. Michael hopes it might be idyllic.
Another update on previous topics. Will Biden ever get his trillion-dollar bills passed? Vaccine mandates. More information on the molasses catastrophe of 1919. Michael's romantic packages. High School football
Sororities and Fraternities. Julian and his daughters talk about these university social clubs
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 13 - Our Pilot Episode on Homeschooling, Savannah, and Mass Shootings
10 Nov 2021
00:30:27
Michael and Julian go back to the past in this episode and publish the previously unheard pilot episode.
It's rough and ready, but has some merit (if you look hard enough). In the episode, we discuss
Homeschooling. Julian explains why it's much more popular in the US than in Europe
Savannah. We both love it. We think you will love it too.
Mass Shootings. We used to have a topical news item on each episode. This topic, sadly, always seems topical in the US. Julian tries to explain why they are difficult to stop.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 12 - Yosemite, Air Conditioning, and School Shootings
18 Oct 2021
00:50:16
Michael and Julian discuss:
Yosemite. Julian went here on his honeymoon. Michael sees another bear and retells a much-loved story
Air Conditioning. Michael doesn't understand why we are talking about it. However, it's instrumental in America's development. There are also many downsides
Part 6 of a series on Education. With help from Daughter #1 and #2, Julian talks about discipline in US schools. This leads to a discussion on school police officers and school shootings. D#1 and D#2 talk about school shooter training.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 11 - Drug Advertising, Nashville, and Music and Sport at High Schools
05 Oct 2021
00:50:30
Michael and Julian discuss:
Drug Advertising on TV. Only two countries in the world allow drug advertising on TV. In the US, three-quarters of TV revenues come from drug adverts. Julian and Michael talk about this phenomenon.
Nashville. Julian loves the music and Michael likes the old train terminal. They talk about other stuff there too
Part 5 of a series on Education. With help from Daughter #1 and #2, Julian talks about music and sport in US high schools. D#1 waxes about game day, while D#2 talks about how good the high school bands are.
Bloopers. Just one this week. Julian can't understand what Michael is saying.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 10 - Planning Michael's Next US Vacation, Why There Are No Workers In The US & UK, And Part 4 Of Series on Education (High School Cliques).
20 Sep 2021
00:54:22
Michael and Julian discuss:
Planning Michael's Next US Vacation. As a UK citizen, Michael is not yet allowed to travel to the US. However, he is looking forward to when the rules change. We talk about a potential trip that includes train travel (yawn), Los Angeles, Texas, New Orleans, and a road trip to Florida
Why are there no workers in the US or the UK? Both countries seem to have a dearth of workers at the current time, but for slightly different reasons. Julian and Michael explore these reasons
Part 4 of a series on Education. With help from Daughter #1 and #2, Julian talks about High School cliques. Jocks, Nerds, Stoners, outcasts, etc. Do these cliques really exist or are they mainly the construct of Hollywood?
Bloopers. Just one this week. We must be getting better at this podcast thing
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
In Episode 55, Julian interviews Ian Barnes about a Deep South music road trip. In this journey, he and his family travel to the major music destinations of the Deep South, while learning about the South's history
1. Memphis. The home of blues music
2.
3. Natchez. An elegant but fading town on the Mississippi
4. New Orleans. The home of jazz music and drunkenness
5. Montgomery. Civil Rights history
6. Atlanta. The home of hip-hop
7. Pigeon Forge. Dollywood
8. Nashville - the highlight of the trip. Country music's home
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Learn more about America's future in Julian's second book, Are We There Ye
Episode 9 - American TV, Yellowstone, High School Icons, and Outtakes
07 Sep 2021
01:08:03
Michael and Julian discuss:
American TV. Michael watches it every night, while Julian avoids it
Yellowstone. It's the oldest National Park, and we talk about what we love about it.
Part 3 of a series on Education. With help from Daughter #1 and #2, Julian talks about the icons of High School education. Yellow buses, driving to school, uniforms, lockers, the cafeteria, the pledge of allegiance, proms, and graduation
Bloopers. It's another bumper week for outtakes. Michael's doorbell disturbs everyone
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 8 - From High School to College; Drive-In Movies; Philadelphia; and some outtakes
22 Aug 2021
00:58:02
Michael and Julian discuss:
Part 2 of a series on Education. With help from Daughter #1 and #2, Julian compares the UK and US education systems. This week, we cover whether the US education system is too US-centric; Streaming by ability; Testing; and comparison of university admissions processes
Drive-In Movies. Michael has never been to one. He has missed out
Philadelphia. Few British people ever go there. Julian argues that they should.
Bloopers. It's another bumper week for outtakes.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 7 - Baseball, Part 1 of series on education, Chicago, and record number of outtakes
08 Aug 2021
00:54:07
Michael and Julian discuss:
Baseball. We both love baseball; we explain why. Julian tells a long story about the longest baseball game
Part 1 of a series on Education. With help from Daughter #1 and #2, Julian compares the UK and US education systems. This week, we cover the structure and history and answer a few basic definitional questions
Chicago. It's my kind of town, says Michael
Bloopers. It's a bumper week for outtakes. Michael boasts that he has done some preparation this week and has more trouble with household technology. Daughter #1 and Julian struggle to understand the relative numbering of years/grades in the UK/US education systems.
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook
Episode 6 - A Classic American Motel, Chattanooga, and News Follow-up
22 Jul 2021
00:53:02
Michael and Julian discuss:
The Classic American Motel. What is the appeal of a classic American motel? Why is there a shortage of rental cars?
Chattanooga. Michael struggles to pronounce the name of the town but loves its railway museum.
News update. Julian gives an update on news items covered in the previous episodes: Masks, more trillion-dollar budgets, Meghan, has the bungled NYC election finished yet?
Blooper. Michael struggles to pronounce stuff
Other Show Notes Learn more about how America's culture developed in Julian Bishop's High, Wide, and Handsome.
Available here to buy as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook