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S04E05 – Oli Pettigrew (That Englishman in Texas)
Join Chris as he talks with movers, shakers, news makers and just people he finds cool. Hear their unique and inspiring stories.
Chris Doelle welcomes Oli Pettigrew, also known as “That Englishman in Texas” @thatenglishmanintexas. Oli discusses his fascinating life journey and how he became “that Englishman” people recognize.
Key topics covered include:
- Oli’s Diverse Upbringing and Family History: Oli shares his unique background, having been born in Hong Kong and living in the UK, Singapore, and Arizona. His family history is also spread across places like Persia, Russia, Delhi, and Hong Kong. He mentions a possible direct descent from Lewis Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and founder of Canada.
- The Significance of a Gap Year: Oli explains the concept of a gap year, common in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, where students take a year off between finishing high school and starting college. He highlights how a gap year can lead to personal growth and open up unexpected paths, noting that those who take one often appear more “grown up” and “open-eyed” in college. Oli’s own gap year in Hong Kong was pivotal, leading him into modeling.
- From Modeling to TV Host: Oli recounts how a modeling opportunity during his gap year, where he was paid £50 an hour compared to £5 an hour working in a bar, launched his career. He picked up work because he fit the look they wanted at the time. Modeling led to TV commercials and eventually a 17-year run hosting TV shows across Asia. He hosted dozens of shows on channels like Discovery Channel, Food Network, HBO, and Cinemax, and was the Cash Cab Asia driver. He won awards for his TV work.
- The Transition to “That Englishman in Texas”: After 8 years working on a TV show in Arizona, which ended in 2022, Oli moved back to Texas and started “That Englishman in Texas” from nothing. The project involves telling stories about Texas, its history, mindset, and people, approaching nearly 300,000 followers. He feels a responsibility to tell these stories, considering himself the unofficial Texas ambassador. He notes that while he initially thought he was telling stories for non-Texans, he realized he is also telling them to Texans, offering an outside perspective that helps them appreciate and feel proud of their state.
- Embracing the Texas Mindset: Oli is drawn to the unique Texas mindset. He shares that the Texas state motto is “Friendship,” derived from the Caddo Nation word “tesa” meaning friend and ally. He declares that Texas is the friendliest place he has ever been after visiting 50 countries. He agrees with the idea that Texas is not just a state, but a state of mind. He even got “baptized as a Texan” on Texas Independence Day in Huntsville.
- Slowing Down and Finding Balance: Having experienced burnout from a high-intensity TV job, Oli discusses learning to slow down since moving to Texas. He enjoys his life on 2.5 acres with chickens and dogs. While his current work for “That Englishman” is demanding as he is the writer, creator, editor, and handles business, he appreciates the ability to take breaks and manage his own schedule for creative output.
- The Challenges and Rewards of Self-Employment: After the sudden end of his TV show, Oli faced unemployment and depression. “That Englishman” has helped him make forward progress. He finds his current role challenging but also freeing because he is in charge, allowing for custom solutions and direct interaction with partners like cities and brands such as HB. He values collaboration and believes in the philosophy that “a rising tide raises all boats”.
- A Life of No Regrets and Future Dreams: Oli feels incredibly lucky to have ticked off “damn near everything” on his bucket list through his travels and personal life, including marriage, kids, and adoption. He and his wife feel they have lived life “in reverse” and would die with no regrets. A remaining item on his bucket list is owning a pristine late ’60s or early ’70s American muscle car, particularly mentioning the ’69 Camaro, Mustangs, and Trans Ams like the one from Smoky and the Bandit. He also has a soft spot for the Blues Mobile from The Blues Brothers.
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