Each week, BBC presenter and comedian Elis James takes on the challenge of finding a mutual connection to random callers from Wales in just 60 seconds. The segment, known as The Cymru Connection, was born when a Welshman living in Japan called into James’ Radio 5 Live show and podcast last year. Despite the caller being from Aberystwyth, James quickly rattled off names from the town, impressing the caller and sparking the idea for a regular feature.
The fast-paced exchanges between James and the callers have garnered hundreds of thousands of views on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. While listeners from outside Wales find it entertaining, Welsh listeners resonate with the desire to find common ground with others from their country. James, hailing from Carmarthenshire, believes it is intrinsic for Welsh people to seek out mutual connections, a sentiment echoed by his co-host, comedian John Robins.
The urge to connect is not unique to the Welsh, as James notes that people from smaller countries, like those from the north of England, Ireland, and Scotland, also exhibit this behavior. However, the overabundance of people and places in the south-east of England seems to dilute this connection-seeking instinct. Despite the pressure of the one-minute challenge, James often finds success in establishing a Cymru Connection with the callers, leading to moments of triumph and occasional disappointment.
Psychologist Dr. Martin Graff suggests that the inclination to find common ground with others stems from a desire to interact with familiar faces, making behavior more predictable and fostering a sense of safety. James and Robins’ longstanding friendship and working relationship bring an extra layer of authenticity to The Cymru Connection, showcasing the natural rapport that Welsh people often have with each other. Even in an impromptu test with a fellow Welsh native, James succeeds in finding a connection, further exemplifying the strong sense of community that binds the people of Wales together
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