Glynn Burrows checking the Coat of Arms on a Georgian tomb in Norfolk, England.
Here at BigBlendMediaHouse.com, our virtual estate is built entirely around the concept of community, exploration, and sharing the unique stories of our expert family. In this special episode of our Meet Our Big Blend Experts series, we are stepping into the Den and the Travelers Lounge for a lively conversation that spans history, culture, and deep personal connections.
Our guest of honor is longtime friend, historian, and genealogy expert Glynn Burrows, owner of Norfolk Tours (also known as The English Connection). Glynn has been a beloved part of the Big Blend family for roughly 15 years, helping people connect with their roots across East Anglia and all of Great Britain.
Instead of a standard history quiz, we put Glynn in the hot seat with seven fun, unexpected questions to reintroduce him to our audience and feed your curiosity.
Watch the related “Getting to Know You” Podcast Episode with Glynn Burrows below, or Listen/Download it on Podbean, and read on for the delightful highlights!
From the Den: Interview Highlights & Fun Facts
The Spirit Animal
When put on the spot, Glynn chose a cat as his spirit animal. Why? Because it perfectly mirrors his work as a historical researcher: "I like to explore, but I also like to sort of curl up on the rug and go to sleep."
Unwinding by the Seaside
When he isn't deep in the archives, Glynn loves spending time with his family, which now spans three generations. His favorite way to relax is renting a couple of classic, stationary residential caravans (the British version of a mobile home) at a beachside park where his three granddaughters can play and they can all explore together.
Wisdom for the Next Generation
Reflecting on a life that started with a youthful stint as a chef in France before building his own successful touring company, Glynn emphasizes the power of authenticity:
"Be yourself, be honest with yourself, and do what you want to do... If you don't like what you're doing, then don't do it. Do something that you love."
Travel Like a "Starfish"
Glynn's core mission is to fundamentally change how people experience travel. He shared the famous Starfish on the Beach story—where saving just one stranded starfish makes a world of difference to that specific one. For Glynn, encouraging travelers to step off the highway, skip the corporate chains, and support local, mom-and-pop bed & breakfasts or cafes is his way of making a real difference.
Priceless Connections (and Tissues)
In our Travelers Lounge, Glynn is famous for creating unforgettable, deeply personal journeys. He shared a sneak peek into an upcoming tour where he is taking two guests down a tiny, single-car country lane to visit the exact farmhouse their ancestors lived in back in 1820. Because standing where your family stood two centuries ago is incredibly emotional, Glynn always keeps a box of tissues handy in his car!
The Glynn Burrows Dinner Manifesto
Thinking of inviting Glynn over for dinner? Here is your ultimate cheat sheet:
The "Please Don't" List: Absolutely no added sugar, no alcohol in the food (skip the Coq au Vin), no sweet-and-sour dishes, and definitely no Edam cheese.
The Dream Three-Course Meal: Deep-fried whitebait to start, followed by a hearty British beef stew with proper Norfolk dumplings, and a dessert consisting entirely of a cheese and biscuit board (featuring a great Roquefort or goat's cheese).
The Talk Show Theme Song
If Glynn had his own television show running in our virtual media room, his theme song would be Carly Simon's James Bond classic, "Nobody Does It Better." As Glynn puts it, he pours his absolute everything into what he does, and nobody digs into history with quite the same passion!
Glynn’s Corner of the Big Blend House
Every expert gets to claim their space in our mansion, and Glynn has officially requested a massive History Library Wing.
His perfect setup? A room packed entirely with historical reference books (no fiction allowed!), featuring a giant, high-backed leather wing chair to hide away in, a comfy footstool, and a small side table reserved strictly for his coffee.
Connect with Glynn & Explore the House
Ready to uncover your UK roots or plan an authentic, off-the-beaten-path journey across Great Britain?
Plan a Tour: Explore custom travel and genealogy research at englishconnection.uk
Historical Archives: Browse through years of insights at norfolk-tours.co.uk
Explore more episodes of Big Blend Radio’s “English Connection” Podcast and check out the digital English Connection Magazine.