Giles Coren Has No Idea
Each week Giles Coren finds himself with no idea what to write about in his weekly column. Having read all the papers and found nothing of interest whatsoever, he takes a break and does the school run. That’s where his wife and fellow journalist Esther Walker comes in. Upon his return, Esther has half a dozen ideas she’s spotted ready to knock around with him over the kitchen table and a much needed pot of coffee.
Episodes
So Long, Farewell
The final ever episode of 'Giles Coren Has No Idea.'A mix of podcast quiz, listeners good wishes and a star turn from the next generation of podcasters.It has been a joy and a pleasure. Thank you for listening, emailing and subscribing, we are very grateful to every one of you.From Giles, Esther and producer Neil a big thank you and a very Merry Christmas.God Bless us, every one! Hosted on Acast.
Giles Coren Has No Podcast
Some sad news – the podcast is coming to an end.Giles and Esther, after over two hundred episodes will be ending the podcast next week. The penultimate episode has echoes of the first as masks are making a comeback. With a particularly virulent strain of flu spreading across the nation is it time to bring back masks…opinion is divided.Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch is also making something of a c
Festive Cheer
It is advent which means calendars, Christmas preparation and church services. Esther is making up for her childhood austerity by buying big gaudy chocolate calendars; Giles is curbing his instinct to over buy and both of them are pondering the true meaning of Christmas. According to recent research couples that drink together stay together…as mismatched drinking habits can be the death knel
Home Energy Education
Giles and Esther are trying to work out how best to teach their children to think better about energy - how and when to use it wisely. But who should teach valuable lessons about the economics of the home - the school or themselves, the parents? And how much do they really understand? So in this bonus edition made in partnership with Smart Energy GB Giles and Esther discu
Now Tax The Coffee Shops!
Giles and Esther have delayed the recording of the podcast so they can respond to Rachel Reeves much anticipated budget. Turns out they didn’t need to as the whole thing was leaked! With the mansion tax potentially looming large should people consider devaluing their houses? If so, how might one go about doing that…? And if the Chancellor is taxing milk shakes and lattes Giles thinks she should go
How to Tell If You Are Rich
A quick but very loud update on Giles’ snoring. He has recorded himself and it’s been quite a shock. But he has found a new gadget that is aiding him in his quest to return to the marital bed. This week is better than Christmas for Giles as the Ashes begin, he plans on adjusting his body clock and not missing a second…and he’ll be dragging a bleary eyed twelve-year-old along for the ride.Are you r
Bob Vylan - Blood On The Tracks?
Giles has been to see a Bob Vylan gig. Bob Vylan are a punk rap duo who hit the headlines when the BBC broadcast their set live from Glastonbury, during which they led a chant of ‘death death to the IDF.’ Performing round the corner at the forum in Kentish Town Giles went to see the gig, the various protest and counter protest groups and to talk to some strangers.If PM Sir Keir Starmer really is u
Time's Up For Fine Dining
Giles is still sleeping apart from Esther because of his snoring. But he is not fully reconciled to the new arrangement. The subject hit a nerve as many listeners have been in touch with ideas to improve the situation – from wired jaws, wedge pillows or intriguingly a trip to Newcastle. After Giles composes himself, he considers a few of the options. In more upbeat new Parisians are being offered
We’re Getting a (sleep) Divorce
Sixteen percent of UK couples sleep in separate bedrooms. (Giles knows because he asked Grok.)Esther and Giles have now joined that group as Giles’ snoring has finally got too much for Esther. Is this a problem that listeners are familiar with…are their other causes for sleeping separately besides snoring? Government ministers have announced they will investigate the brightness of modern car headl
Live from Cheltenham: ‘Fasting is bo**ocks!’
This week Giles and Esther record the pod in front of a live audience at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.Giles regales the crowd with tales of his prostate cancer diagnosis, taps up an off-duty doctor for some opinions and wonders what would get Jane Austin cancelled.Esther demonstrates her grasps of veganism, her unwillingness to read out loud and knows what would get her cancelled.Special tha
A Listeners Special: "I hope that was illuminating…”
In a listeners special Esther is delighted to have not read the papers as her and Giles dip into the post bag. They get some book recommendations, test opinion on central heating and to reply to some marvellous listeners. In amongst all that if you’ve ever wondered how many people it takes to publish a book and what do they all do Esther can fill you in.And as always please do get in to
A Bleak Christmas for Andrew and Fergie
Giles and Esther had a lovely night out at the theatre, but they’re suffering for it now. As the hang overs clear and King Charles requests Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson not to take part in Royal Christmas engagements they wonder which of your relatives would you like to disinvite to Christmas lunch? Perhaps the King should utter “Riddikulus!” a spell cast in Harry Potter when faced with a lurk
Your Country Needs YOU... To be a Traffic Warden
With more people employed in the parking industry then as full time soldiers are they up to the job of giving Putin a ticket? Giles turns to some great war films for inspiration:“Did you issue the parking ticket!?” “Goddam right I did!”The Booker Prize announced its short list this week, with one notable omission and one baffling inclusion – Giles is not happy. After the break is it too early in t
Trump Takes the Rail Replacement
President Donald Trump has been honoured with a second state visit to the UK. He had a stay at Windsor castle, met Esther’s sister and took a trip to Chequers. But what would have given him a more realistic reflection of Great Britain? Join a queue, attend A&E, get stuck in a traffic jam…? In his column last week, Giles incurred the wrath of Times readers…again. He wrote about the inflated gue
Well, This Is Awkward
Swings and roundabouts as Giles and Esther return from their summer break. Giles has had an awkward week, but Esther is ready for the release of her debut novel.In the news; why are Beyonce and Jay-Z moving to the Cotswolds, do they want to go shooting and pay ten pounds for a sausage roll? Sticking with Z, Gen Z are embracing the crowded tea rooms of the National Trust with membership for the 18-
Listeners' Questions
It’s the last episode before a summer break. Giles and Esther open the post bag to answer some of your questions. There are love stories, restaurant reviews, far flung listeners, potters, dating advice, film recommendations and more.As always please do get in touch with any comments or questions: noidea@thetimes.comHave a lovely summer – see you in September Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
England in the final but does anyone really care?
England’s female football team – the Lionesses - have reached the final of Euro 2025. Giles is intrigued to know who is following their progress. A government initiative to limit public services to UK billionaires prompts an idea…what other mundane day to day activities should billionaires be prohibited from doing? Riding the top deck of a bus? If there is an art to holiday packing, Esther has mas
The Master Chef Mess
Giles has been triggered. The BBC/Banijay investigation into allegations surrounding former Master Chef presenter Greg Wallace has published its findings. The results are enough to sack not only Greg Wallace, but also former co-host John Torode. Rather than sack Mr Torode perhaps the BBC could kindly draft a resignation statement for him, sighting the stress of recent events and challenges to his
The Salt Path Crumbles!
The Salt Path is a worldwide, multimillion bestselling novel which was later turned into a Hollywood film. It was based on a true story…or so everyone thought. Revelations this week cast considerable doubt on the veracity of the first-person tale. Does it change how Esther and Giles feel about the book?Greg Wallace has finally been fired by the BBC but the question is did he take a leaf out of the
Starmer's Worst Week
Giles wants to recount his plumbing woes…the Smurfs give him a helping hand to hurry things along.After sifting through the first weeks post from the new podcast email address Giles and Esther assess a very difficult week for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. A week since rap duo 'Bob Vylan' hit the headlines at Glastonbury Giles shares some of the responses to his notebook piece on the subject, no
Top Tips for a Great Night's Sleep...or are they?
Esther and Giles have some exciting news which they share at the start of the episode…On with the pod: Do couples have a better chance of staying together if their political views are aligned? Luckily for Esther and Giles they never discuss politics, they’re far more concerned with being mean and what they’re drinking in the evening. Just as well as Esther keeps her voting habits a closely guarded
No Kids. No Dogs. No Muzak.
**Please hold. Giles and Esther will be with you shortly….[muzak]…Press 1 for the podcast. Press 2 for immediate death or press 3 to speak to a bot who will return you to the main menu…** If there really is no sound more joyful than that of children playing, no wonder the world is so miserable. It is a sound in short supply as children have retreated from playing outdoors to stay indoors on t
Balls to Economy, Winners Fly Club Class
The airline industry has big plans to improve life for economy passengers. But Giles and Esther have a better solution, just fly business class. And while they’re at it, ditch Gucci shops, treble the size of Pret and provide free bags to those at the back.Last year Giles' bid to join the The Garrick Club was declined so, as ITV news presenter Julie Etchingham withdraws her candidacy to join surely
Gary Lineker - It's Complicated
It’s a busy day in the Coren house as they prepare to welcome sister podcast ‘Wine Times’ for lunch…and wine. But before that the small matter of Gary Lineker leaving the BBC under a cloud of antisemitism. How does Giles feel about his friend’s departure and recent tweets? From one complicated subject to another, what is a semicolon and how should one use it? Two published authors might
Should I be taking Ozempic?
Do the collection of new weight loss drugs offer more than just weight loss? With claims suggesting that they can help lower risks of cancer and improve mood, Giles feels like he is missing out. Is it time for him to tuck in to Mounjaro? Esther is not convinced and if Giles and his peers live to be one hundred and forty, where are all the Gen Z’s going to live?If you’re lucky enough to come by a l
"Hairy Battleaxes Screaming for Drugs"
Recent research suggests that most men don't understand what the menopause is. But Giles is not most men, he has a thorough grasp of the topic...or so he thinks until Esther sets him straight. What is it, how will it affect Esther, and can he do anything to help? All good questions, but sadly lost as he is distracted by an image of a very specific type of queue outside the GP’s surgery.Giles and
He's not the Messiah he's a very naughty Jew!
It has been a pretty bad week for Giles. His article on Zionism generated a mixed reaction, gaining support from some but rebuke from others. Does hearing Esther’s take on the matter cause him to rethink? A more domestic problem is Esther’s birthday, or rather her present. For once Giles was well prepared, he’d chosen the perfect gift well ahead of time. He knows where he left it, where it should
The Clooneys don’t argue, but we do!
In a recent interview George Clooney said he and his wife Amal never argue. The Clooneys may not, but the Corens most certainly do! And, as if my magic they demonstrate how to have a good argument…three times…in half an hour!Everything is going well until Giles attempts some in pod production, then there is an unexpected phone call, followed by more production disagreements. It all proves too much
Happiness is a Stupid Husband
A piece of ground breaking research suggests women are tending to marry men less educated than themselves. Twas ever thus… Esther and Giles are on trend, they have a ‘marriage of unequals’ with Esther technically more educated than Giles.A new AI concept offers the chance to talk with fictional characters in books. Might Giles one day be able to chat with Hamlet…the app may prefer he stick to Lucy
The Truth About 'Adolescence'
Esther can’t bring herself to watch the much vaunted Netflix show ‘Adolescence’. Giles watched it and was deeply moved by it. They discuss just how hard parenting is and the complicated relationship between young people, their phones and social media. With a child able to have the world in the palm of their hand, what role does a parent have?Last week was a tribute to Group Captain Hemingway, this
Esther and Giles play 'Mr and Mrs'
How well do Giles and Esther know each other? Cue a game of Mr and Mrs. What A levels did they take, what were their childhood pets called…or let’s start simple: “What is your wife’s name?” It isn’t Farah Fawcett.Continuing the game theme Giles plays “what’s in the inflation basket this year? If tinned fish isn’t in there, it should be. If Esther can answer correctly, will she win a speed boat?Jer
Boomers vs ADHD
"What's that Lassie? You think you might have ADHD?"Can Giles talk to the animals? Probably not, in fact research suggest none of us can. But does he have ADHD? Esther thinks he might. The prevalence of mental illness is on the rise, could TikTok be to blame? If you ask boomers, it's a case of "pull yourself together" but for Gen Z its "talking about your feelings is good". Giles and Esther take t
Inside the Meghan Nightmare
What better way to spend pancake day than curling up to watch “With Love, Meghan”But what was it exactly, comedy, horror, a sad documentary? Despite wanting to like it Esther just couldn’t. Dinner and candles for imaginary guests, cooking in a cashmere jumper, dragon handlers and all in someone else’s house. Was it a case of advice not given or advice not taken?Another day, another step closer to
Tough Talk for Gentle Parents
Parenting, President Trump and UK net zero - is it time for a reality check? Have the middle classes ruined parenting in the UK? Uber head Katharine Birbalsingh has spoken out on parenting methods, and it’s given Giles an idea for a book – “Parenting tips for the working class.” Do the travails of modern parenting have anything in common with the redrawing of post war alliances and UK net zer
Get Fit the Nazi Way
Does a 10k goosestep count as a workout? How many Sieg Heils build the perfect bicep? When faced with a Neo Nazi fitness class what can one do except laugh...?As half term approaches everyone in the world is going skiing, everyone except the Corens. Giles and Esther reiterate their disdain for ski holidays. Instead, they’ll be having a 1970’s style break; they’ll work while the kids stay at home a
It's cancer but it's not a tragedy - Giles opens up about his "heartbreaking diagnosis".
This week Giles revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer. In this week’s episode he relives the moment he found out and the responses of those around him, and his own. Is it a big deal “it’s only a dash of cancer after all?” Or are he and Esther in denial? They consider the language around cancer and wonder why Bob hasn’t been in touch…?For some light-hearted distraction a one hundred and t
Don't mention the Jews
Giles has modified his coffee intake and is ready to tackle the pressing issues of the week.First up, say it loud say it proud – Jew! Easier said than done for some…but why is that? Could “People of Nose” be a better option?The touchy-feely millennial generation may actually be the hardest of the lot; they’re embracing the potential return of the death penalty.After being overheard making sexual c
Went Woke, Went Broke!
Lots of laughs in this week’s episode. As Harrow school adopts a therapy puppy, will there be a similar puppy on a bursary…? Either way don’t expect the canines to bring much happiness.The good literary agency is closing. Were they victims of the culture war or the marketplace? Giles thinks he knows the answer.A conversation about clever footballers brings up stereotypes but gone are the days when
"I'm going to stand here till you get fat!"
After a busy but very enjoyable Christmas Giles and Esther return to ponder some of the talking points of the week.What is a work life balance and how does one get one? How do you wire a plug – why not ask one of Giles many deceased relatives. Is post war rationing the root cause of child obesity? Finally, how to play Fagin without bowing to stereotype and… stop climbing Everest! Hosted on
The Corens' Second Christmas Quiz
As described in the title - a fun festive quiz.We hope you enjoy it. If you do, please share.Merry Christmas, see you in the New Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
No new episode this week due to unforeseen circumstances. We'll be back next week with a Christmas Special. See you then. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcasts don’t get tougher than this
Where now for Gregg Wallace and the BBC? Esther is focused on the BBC’s HR department – what were they doing? Giles ponders the consequences of a decision made twenty years ago. And if this is the new bar for public opprobrium - who might be next? Board games at Christmas, marvellous. All the family sat round the fire, rolling the dice…until one falls asleep, one cheats, and one gets so competitiv
What did you do in the Culture War, daddy?
Giles thought he was going to be cancelled due to his last two rather edgy pieces. One was about an Israeli restaurant and the other took a big bite out of the super-woke Jaguar re-brand. But, the total opposite happened and everyone loved them. It’s all in danger of going to Giles’s head and he toys with leaning in and becoming the UK’s answer to Joe Rogan. If the culture war is truly over,
Old McStarmer Taxed a Farm, ee-eye, ee-eye oh!
After a very quick diversion round rats learning to drive this week’s episode begins with a debate over farmers and inheritance tax – a tax dodge for the affluent or a hit to hard working farmers? Giles leans on his knowledge of the French Revolution and his own experience of tax ‘manoeuvring’. Zoe Ball is stepping down from the Radio 2 breakfast show. Is it really to spend more time with her
The Archwhat of Where?
As the Archbishop of Canterbury resigns Giles asks the key question - does anyone care? Following Donald Trump’s election victory there is a rumour doing the rounds that some rich celebrities plan to leave the US for Britain. Do we want them, does anywhere want them? Might they be in for a surprise with the reality of modern London not quite matching the dream…How does one deal with a moth infesta
Yay! It’s President Trump!
What do Kamala Harris and QPR have in common? Giles and Esther react to the breaking news that Donald Trump is back as the American President. They ponder the reasons and how to break the news to a despondent teenager. Any mood can be lifted by a good cheese trolly, some people can even build a career off the back of a cheese trolly. Can being married also keep one chipper? Depends on who you’re m
Bad Manners or Just Badenoch?
Is Kemi Badenoch rude, or just straight talking? Esther has changed her ways and now plays a very polite tactical game; Giles on the other hand takes too much pleasure in expressing his true feelings in glorious technicolour. Who cares if its rude. It’s all change at British Airways as they switch from lunch to brunch on many flights; Esther isn’t sure what all the fuss is about…How do you get a n
NEW PODCAST FROM THE TIMES: Feel Better About Money
Tomorrow is the big day! Budget Day looms, and we're bringing you a special feature from The Times' brand new show: Feel Better About Money.In her inaugural money chat, Holly Mead is talking about budgeting and the budget. She looks at the many different aspects of money to help you make better financial decisions about pensions, mortgages, investments. With so many suggestions, rumours and suppos
Giles vs The Boomers
Are Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Raynor following in the footsteps of The Coren's builders – telling you how bad the previous tradesmen were?Who is in charge around here? Giles has a boomer bee in his bonnet and wonders if they’re just struggling to accept their waning influence in society. He takes to the comments to do battle; but he certainly doesn’t call them c…. !Ozempic may be a miracle drug
Mo Money Mo Problems
All change this week as The Corens are having work done – brick work not cosmetic work. As a result, they have decamped to someone else’s house…it prompts discussion about interior decor and the ‘Sandbanks House Wars’ where multi-millionaires are competing to build the grandest home.It turns out Christopher Columbus was Jewish; unfortunately, now he has been branded imperialist and racist its 500
A Medieval Version of Grindr
There are only three weeks left to audition for the new HBO Harry Potter series, sadly for Giles his best wizarding days are behind him, but he has high hopes for his son.In fact, at fifty-five are most of his best days behind him? Who knows, he’s too old to care. But he does know what goes best with a square of dark chocolate…“There is no such thing as ‘man flu’” says Giles, but then he goes on t
Is It A Phone...?
Three questions:1) What constitutes modern art? A sieve without a handle, a misshapen squash? Esthers patience with the Turner Prize has reached its limit.2) What’s the difference between a banana and a phone? ...what's a banana?3) What’s the first rule of customer relations? The customer is always a tw@t.Plus,
Freebies!
What is a freebie, how do you get them and do you have to pay tax?A tale of two particular freebies this week, interspersed with a collection of Giles and Esthers own freebies from the past.While Lady Starmer has fallen foul of some members of the press for her new dresses, Eamonn Holmes has been scoffed at for taking his lady friend on a cruise. Esther and Giles have sympathy, freebies aren’t all
Starmergeddon!
Giles and Esther are thrilled to be back from their long summer break, well Esther is.And there is so much to talk about; Keir Starmer has taken a truth serum, but is that what people want? Donald Trump went face to face with Kamala Harris in an animalistic US presidential debate. The weight loss drug Ozempic is now being offered to children and Greggs have launched a range of footwear. The world
Coming soon... Giles and Esther
Giles and Esther send a quick note from their holidays. They'll be back and raring to go next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Goodbye neighbour, hello Prime Minister..?
A new dawn has broken, has it not… well something like that. Giles and Esther channel their inner Nostradamus to predict last night’s results. If, as assumed Sir Keir becomes PM, what does it mean for his family? Giles considers penning an ode to Kentish Town and all that the Starmers will leave behind.As Sir Keir awaits his big result, Giles is waiting for his own important phone call, but its fr
Fighting Podcasts From The Inside
Giles is feeling bright and breezy, and it’s all thanks to Ether. For once he took her advice and tried the latest ‘wonder drug’ Naltrexone. What would have otherwise been a night of drunken excess instead turned into a night of charitable excess. He is a convert. Sadly, neither he nor Esther have made any money out of their pharmaceutical evangelism. Keir Starmer has exposed the latest ‘get
Working class hero, moi?
In response to a survey suggesting people are turning away from the news Giles and Esther pander to the masses and happily look past the obvious headlines. Who or what constitutes a working man? As the blue and red parties scabble to attract anyone who earns a living Giles is temporarily bewitched by the endless tax breaks on offer from the Reform party. His conscience kicks in but with his new fo
Esther's Booze Hell
Esther is front page news after writing about a drug which helps with alcoholism…unusually she hasn’t just written about naltrexone, she’s tried it. It leads to a discussion about the results of alcohol abuse within different economic groups. As ever the Germans are ahead of the game, they’ve decided to only sell England football fans low alcohol beer.Rishi Sunak has once again shown his gift for
Election numberwang
Stephen Fry has upset the ruddy faced members of the MCC; it has left Giles awkwardly fiddling with his box as he balances his desire to join the MCC with his admiration for Mr Fry.No such trouble with Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak who come in for equal disdain. Was it a debate or a barrister and a banker meeting at the school gates? Or a special episode of Numberwang…?The debate slid to one side E
Half term highlights
Giles and Esther are away this week. In their absence here is a short collection of recent highlights.Giles faces a late fitness test. Esther takes the AA road quiz. And why won't flying taxis go south of the river...?Hope you enjoy them. Please do like and share and we’ll see you next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lasagne Al Porno
** This episode was recorded just before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the election; please sit back and bask in an election free zone.Has Kevin Costner got better with age? Esther thinks so. She also ranks his film ‘Robin Hood Prince of Thieves’ as the best of all time, unlike his current project – Horizon: chapter one. In a spooky premonition Giles stars in his own vanity project; a gripping
The Secret Diary of Giles Coren aged 13 ¾
Artist Jonathan Yeo has painted luminaries such as Tony Blair, David Cameron and most recently the King. He has also painted Giles (twice) and Esther’s sister. As old friends of Jonathan, Giles and Esther are well placed to guide the philistines of Instagram through his artistic talents.Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is seeking to reassure the nation that all is well in the UK. Unfortunately, his lacklust
Time, Gentlemen
The Garrick Club is finally opening its doors to women, well some women. Whilst not a member, as a regular frequenter of the Garrick Giles lets daylight in upon magic and reveals the earth-shattering secrets of the gentleman’s club. Esther wonders why on earth anyone would bother. A grassroots Muslim campaign group emboldens Giles and Esther to offer their own list of demands to potential PM
Tyrannosaurus Swift
The pressing question this week is: If a T-Rex played Taylor Swift at chess who would win? An octopus has offered to referee, but only if it is paid in food stamps. ‘An expert’ has suggested that the T’Rex may have been a little dim…so Giles wonders what or who constitutes dim in the 21st century...?Could the demise of Humza Yousaf be down to the Scottish Nationalists losing the culture wars…when
Spear today, gone tomorrow
Could the culture wars finally be drawing to a close? If they are what will Giles talk about in future; certainly not ancient antiquities, his knowledge is lacking in that sphere. How to spice up one’s autobiography, some celeb gossip here, a royal orgy there…let’s ask Rebel Wilson she is bound to have a few more ideas.Age is but a number, which may just be seventeen thousand. That’s what John Cle
Is my air fryer pansexual?
Warning flag: this episode contains sensitive content.Fresh from the Easter recess Giles and Esther have a cunning plan to lure in new listeners, they’re flying the flag for air fryers. Keen to be welcoming of all cooking methods they undertake some thorough research which includes never using, trying or knowing anything about air fryers, before coming to a categoric conclusion on the latest kitch
What kind or arsehole are you...!?
Britain was made great by arseholes; MP’s thinking about porn and national stereotypes. It’s a very slow news week. Lacking stimulation Giles and Esther turn to pornography and the MP’s who are worrying about its effect on sex education. Inspired, Giles decides he can write a piece in praise of ‘the arsehole’ – they have a game of “good arsehole, bad arsehole” and speculate on the nature of Sacha
Bondstein, James Bondstein
The new Bond, MP’s presenting TV programmes, Giles is a Gorilla and Ewan McGregor’s…acting skills.Giles is very excited by the latest actor being linked with the role of James Bond, he feels sure he has some useful tips for the scrip writers – a Volvo car, a fussy mother, and some anti-allergy pillows.Elsewhere, what would the BBC advertise if they could… waterproof pants or Stormzy’s latest album
Roadhog!!
Giles has gone down the RAC rabbit hole, and to his delight it is providing him with an endless stream of evidence proving that he is, surprise surprise… an excellent driver. Not content with that he decides to quiz Esther on some of the most common driving myths, thus proving that she is not an excellent driver. You be the judge as to the veracity of his conclusions.In a column that writes itself
A crash diet for Keir
Peter Mandelson thinks Keir Starmer "needs to shed a few pounds". And Giles, always the friendly neighbour, thinks he can help his local MP look his dashing best on camera. What should he wear, where should he stand, and who should he stand next to? You're welcome Sir Keir - a future invite to Chequers is surely inevitable... Plus, it's International Women's Day. So what better way to celebrate th
The meanest love story ever told…
Following last week’s comments about the Israel Gaza conflict, Giles had a visit to a local synagogue to navigate. It turned out the Rabbi may have been more famous than he is, but Giles did his aunt proud – shepping nachas!Looking for a diversion, Giles and Esther watched a documentary on ‘Bennifer’ - Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez…it was quite a disappointment. Their version of a great love stor
Israel - what now?
It’s a challenging and thoughtful episode this week. Giles has changed his opinion on the Israel Gaza conflict. He reflects on the time since he last spoke and wrote about it back in October; his final comments then proved depressingly accurate. Esther is caught off guard when discussing the fate of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny. Thereafter, all other subjects seem to be ‘tap dancing’ around th
Watch out the Etonians are coming…
VAT on school fees offers Giles and Esther the chance to consider the effects of a deluge of public-school children into the state system. Should it come to pass there will be a familiar cast of winners and losers. A pressing question; how should one dress when out in Mayfair? As shabbily as possible it seems, with good reason, oh and don’t wear a watch. After the break the Kings cancer diagnoses
Gwyneth: Battier than ever?
Gwyneth Paltrow is…furious. Thankfully Gwyn has a unique way to unleash her anger. As a man used to losing his temper Giles feels he can give her some tips.Esther and Giles have been mixing in rarefied circles, but they don’t like to talk about it…much. In an exclusive just for the podcast they give a little glimpse into the life of grace and favour.Lean, fearful children, vain rats and a sexy Jes
Who’s a healthy boy then…
What constitutes being fit for your age…a lap of the track, twenty push ups, or lugging a TV to the tip and changing the bed sheets? Giles and Esther put themselves to the test. Is ‘fat neck’ a sign of being unfit, or an ailment or not a thing at all. Whatever it is, Giles definitely doesn’t have it! And while we’re on illness, he doesn’t have man flu either. In fact, ‘man flu’ is just a tired tro
"The young need to see the old w**king."
Welcome back and a Happy New Year. Giles welcomes 2024 by pondering the impending apocalypse. Thankfully that doesn’t last long before thoughts turn to working or wanking, or both. Is work by its very definition not to be enjoyed? To quote Esther; “it’s boring and it never stops.” It is unlikely that public sex acts would improve matters much, but it is hard not to consider once the seed has been
The Corens' Christmas Quiz
It's fun, it's festive, it’s a bumper edition.We hope you enjoy it. If you do, please share.Merry Christmas, see you in the New Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Its Christmas shut up, f**k off!
Its Christmas and it’s all hands to the ideas pump. Giles has columns to write, lots of them, and he’d like them done before Christmas eve. Cue a list of perennial Christmas crackers; cost of Christmas, Whamageddon!, other things to avoid before Christmas, who likes Christmas pudding and dead or alive at Christmas…A quick look at robot reverends and Esther’s tips on prepping for the end of the wor
We wish you a Merry Chris-hamas
Giles and Esther are feeling a little uneasy about discussing the news. Well, one story in particular, the Israel Gaza conflict. Can anything be said, is anyone the right person to say it? In cheerier news, winter is here, hurrah! Light the fire, hunker down and see no one. Whilst huddled under a blanket Esther has an idea, possibly one ‘borrowed’ from an Adam Sandler film; Esther wants to enact V
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ADHD Chatter
Stick to Football
Hanging Out With Ant & Dec
Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Sh**ged Married Annoyed
Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe
The Romesh Ranganathan Show
Learning English Conversations
Comedy with an Accent
