The Eurospeak Podcast

Downton Abbey and the Rules of DiplomacyWhat can Downton Abbey teach us about diplomacy? Quite a lot, apparently! BJ and his guest JP Mondejar enter the drawing rooms and dining halls of the Crawley family to explore the elaborate rules of etiquette that governed aristocratic life, and their surprising connections to the world of diplomatic protocol. From seating arrangements and dressing for dinner to royal visits and quarrelling diplomats, they discover why seemingly trivial rules of behavior once mattered so much, and why some of them still matter today. This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

The European Stories Behind Tolkien’s WorldOne does not simply invent Middle-earth from scratch! BJ and his guest Andres journey through the myths and legends that helped inspire J.R.R. Tolkien’s imaginary world. From dwarf names found in medieval Norse poetry and Smaug’s echoes of Beowulf, to Finnish tragedy, cursed rings, and legends of returning kings, the pair explore how Tolkien transformed centuries of European storytelling into the hobbits, heroes, monsters, and magic of one of the most influential fantasy worlds ever created. This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

The Korean Wave is crashing across the globe, but how did K-culture become such a powerful international phenomenon, and how long can it last? BJ and his guest Professor Sang-Chul Park, Professor Emeritus of the Tech University of Korea, explore the European influences hiding behind K-pop before turning the tables to examine Korea’s growing cultural impact on Europe and the rest of the world. From Scandinavian songwriters and European fashion houses to K-dramas, K-beauty, KPop Demon Hunters, and the return of BTS, they ask why the world can’t seem to get enough of all things Korean. This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

What do a Roman prison cell, a forbidden wedding ceremony, and a note signed “from your Valentine” have in common? They’re all part of the earliest recorded Valentine story in Europe! Join BJ as he explores the legend of Saint Valentine, its roots in the Roman Empire, and how a martyr’s story evolved into the Valentine’s Day tradition celebrated across Europe today.

This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

What do whispered dares, flickering mirrors, and ancient European rituals have in common? They’re all echoes of the ghostly games we played as kids. Join BJ as he uncovers the dark European origins of “Bloody Mary,” “Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board,” and the folklore that turned childhood curiosity into spine-tingling legend.

This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

What do historic Italian newspapers, the digital revolution, and the future of journalism have in common? They’re all part of the evolving story of Italy’s press! Join BJ and his guest Marco Ascione from the Corriere della Serra as they explore the rise of Italian newspapers, their fight for relevance in the digital age, and what lies ahead for print and online journalism in Italy.

This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

What do Marcus Aurelius, Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking have in common? They’re all linked to the history of professorial chairs! Join BJ as he unpacks the legacy, funding, and influence of these prestigious academic titles.This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

What if I told you Valentine’s Day began with goat sacrifices, secret weddings, and a death sentence? In this episode of The Eurospeak Podcast, BJ discusses the unexpected origins of the world’s most romantic holiday—from the wild Roman festival of Lupercalia to the daring defiance of Saint Valentine. Explore how forbidden love, ancient rituals, and iconic symbols like Cupid’s arrow and the heart shape transformed February 14th into a global celebration of romance. Love it or hate it, you’ll never see Valentine’s Day the same way again.

This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

In this episode of Eurospeak, BJ dives into the stories behind two iconic New Year’s songs: Auld Lang Syne and the Radetzky March. Discover the history, meaning, and unique vibes of these pieces—one reflective and nostalgic, the other upbeat and full of energy. Tune in to explore how these tunes shape New Year’s traditions worldwide and decide which one fits your midnight celebration best!

This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

In this holiday episode, BJ explores the European origins of iconic toys like Barbie, LEGO, Hot Wheels, and the Labubu. Discover how these classics were inspired by European traditions and myths, shaping playtime for generations. Perfect for toy lovers and holiday gift hunters!

This episode is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.