In partnership with
This week I am away with my family. Nothing glamorous or sunny - it is January after all - but a little town called Bognor Regis, at a family friendly holiday park called Butlin’s. Don’t worry, there’s a reason I’m telling you this…
Firstly, a big shout out to the wonderful folks at the University of Chichester, who made this week’s episode of In the Making possible. You see, Butlin’s isn’t known for its premium facilities. Quite the opposite. And unfortunately this extended to its WiFi, which I discovered, to my great despair, just 48 hours before I was due to record.
However, thanks to a desperate LinkedIn please and the exceptional response from the podcast community, Chichester were able to arrange access to a room at their campus just five minutes away. As a result, your podcast schedule remained uninterrupted, so huge kudos to everyone involved.
Secondly, historians probably know the Redcoats as the legendarily dressed soldiers of the British army, synonymous with many major wars, including the American Revolution, which is the topic of this week’s A History.
But Redcoats is also the name given to Butlins front of house staff, due to their distinct red uniform created by the holiday park’s founder Billy Butlin back in 1936.
Coincidence? Well, maybe not as much as you might assume…
Image via Butlins.com
You see, before founding the national institution of Butlins, Billy Butlin served in the Canadian Army during World War I, who also historically donned the redcoat uniform (though he personally wouldn’t have done).
Additionally, Butlin’s Filey, though gone today, was once the flagship resort in the Butlin’s chain, and was built on a former military site. The military connections and interest from Mr. Butlin is clear, and it was he who invented the Redcoat due to its distinctive appearance, making staff easy to identify among a crowd of holidaymakers.
So maybe it isn’t that much of a stretch to see where his inspiration came from.
It is entirely coincidental, however, that this week on the podcast I was joined by Liz Covart, the wonderful creator of Ben Franklin’s World, to discuss the American Revolution. I urge you to listen now!
Today on America: In the Making…
Is social media getting cancelled?,
ICE may finally be starting to crack in Minnesota, and
Mr. Potato Head is at the center of a legal dilemma in Rhode Island.
Theo Zenou, visiting Fellow at the Australian National University, drops in to the podcast to discuss the latest news from the US, including the ongoing ICE saga, in which President Trump appears to be showing something that resembles compassion. Could it be? Could it really be?!
Plus, we discuss the upcoming Super Bowl and another big event is pulled from the Kennedy Center following its controversial renaming.
You can listen to America: In the Making right now by clicking here or heading to your favourite podcast player.
Here’s some topical episodes from our archive to help you get to grips with some of this week’s latest episode and biggest news…
What Was the American Revolutionary War?
How Has the Internet Shaped American Politics?
How Has Immigration Shaped American Identity?
The Briefing Leaders Rely On.
In a landscape flooded with hype and surface-level reporting, The Daily Upside delivers what business leaders actually need: clear, concise, and actionable intelligence on markets, strategy, and business innovation.
Founded by former bankers and veteran business journalists, it's built for decision-makers — not spectators. From macroeconomic shifts to sector-specific trends, The Daily Upside helps executives stay ahead of what’s shaping their industries.
That’s why over 1 million readers, including C-suite executives and senior decision-makers, start their day with it.
No noise. No jargon. Just business insight that drives results.
Most Recent Podcast Episodes
This week, we explore what is arguably the most consequential event in the creation of the United States, reshaping the Western world by enshrining new concepts of liberty, equality, and self-governance. So I want to know what really caused it, why people risked their lives for it, and how are modern day debates about power, justice and identity still shaped by it, as I ask… what is the American Revolutionary War?
America: Study Notes are quickfire explainers for all the things you want to know about the USA, but don't want to ask.
This week, US time zones: what they are, why they exist, and a few quick tips so you don’t miss a lecture (or a podcast recording) ever again.
America: The Story of the USA is a passion project between a podcast producer and the global American Studies community, and your support helps us to continue making the content you love.
From just $3 monthly, individuals can join our exclusive Patreon community and gain access to ad-free content and curated playlists. Higher tiers can enjoy exclusive bonus content and more perks.
Are you a University, college, or educational institution? Check out our support options, or reach out to us directly via [email protected] and let’s discuss how you can make American history podcasts great again.