Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Comedian Margaret Cabourn-Smith hosts a podcast dedicated to the joys and embarrassments of having crushes. Each episode features a funny guest sharing an unforgettable story of unrequited love or a secret obsession. Guests include Sindhu Vee, Sarah Millican, and Sue Perkins. The tone is warm, witty, and self-deprecating as they celebrate the intensity of these infatuations.
Episodes
116. Bilal Zafar
It's the last Edinburgh special! Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where funny people spill all their stuff about unrequited love.
I'm a massive fan of this week's guest fantastic comic and Twitch
sensation BILAL ZAFAR and loved our chat about herd mentality, grown-up dates, accidentally stumbling upon a smoother version of yourself. Oh and waking up not feeling hu
115. Hannah Platt
WHAT A TREAT! A weekly episode of Crushed by Margaret
Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where funny people spill all their stuff about
unrequited love.
This episode features the brilliantly dark and cool dynamo of a comic, HANNAH PLATT who talks about being queer, being drawn to people who would tie her to a railway track and why boys can't carry off a backwards cap.
GO SEE HER IN
114. Andrew White
Put on your best bib and tucker (no idea) and fill up with this new episode of Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where funny people have all their stories about unrequited love forced out of them. Thanks for getting involved (reading this).
This episode is with the brilliant comedian Andrew White, who told me all about spending too much money on Premier Inns to impress a crush who wa
113. Chris Cantrill
Gang!
It's another episode of Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where funny people have all their stories about unrequited love forced out of them. Thanks for getting involved (reading this).
Today's episode features the hilarious unique comic brain (and body) of comedian and writer Chris Cantrill. Chris has just come off writing all your favourite sketches on SNL UK and is
112. Rosalie Minnitt
Here we go! Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love. Thanks for getting involved (reading this).
Today's episode features the exceptionally creative goddess that is comedy writer-performer ROSALIE MINNITT. If you go to her website and scroll to the bottom of the homepage you will laugh at just how Crushed-Coded it is.
She's doing Edinburg
111. Tom Neenan
Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited
love. Thanks for being here and listening/reading.
Today's episode features the brilliant comedy writer-performer TOM NEENAN who lived up to his reputation as super funny, clever, thoughtful and sensitive. His theory that people on escalators are the new celebrities is truly excellent. I cannot BELIEVE he told Liv Tyler she was fi
110. Reuben Kaye
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about
unrequited love (WILD APPLAUSE HERE)
Today's episode features the iconic stand-up comic, podcaster, writer and drag legend REUBEN KAYE. This interview is proper special - an ideal interview subject, Reuben was hilarious, thoughtful and outrageous.
Do go and see his show Hard To Swallow, at Assembly’s George Square
Gardens Palais
109. Abigoliah Schamaun
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the number
one* podcast about unrequited love.
Today's episode features the fabulous Abigoliah Schamaun who is fully
on board with the idea that Crushes Are Fun.
She has two excellent podcasts All British Comedy Explained with Tom
Salinsky and Neurodivergent Moments with Joe Wells.
She and Joe also have a book called: Neurodivergent
Moment
108. Harriet Kemsley LIVE from the Machynlleth Comedy Festival
Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love (WILD APPLAUSE HERE)
Today's episode was recorded live at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival and features the awesome stand-up comic, podcaster and Last One Laughing Legend HARRIET KEMSLEY.
She really went for it even though the shame was thorough - super enjoyable for the audience. From wishing Peter Andre the best, to bond
107. John Robins
Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about
unrequited love (WILD APPLAUSE HERE)
Today's episode features the phenomenal stand-up comic, podcaster, writer and marathon legend JOHN "INTENSE" ROBINS.
This interview is a proper gem - full of insight, laughs and compassion for John's younger self. You absolutely need to buy his book Thirst - and catch up with his podcasts How Do You C
106. Selina Mosinski
Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited
love (WILD APPLAUSE HERE)
Today's episode features the glorious, larger than life, legendary character comedian, writer and performer SELINA MOSINSKI. Selina is the woman behind the legendary Charity Shop Sue. I loved hearing about her colourful past and joyful scrapes.
Selina Mosinski is at the Edinburgh Fringe with her new sh
105. Amy Matthews
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
Today's episode features the hilarious sparkfest that is comedian AMY MATTHEWS. She's the host of the English Heritage Podcast and preparing for the Edinburgh Fringe (and UK tour) with her new show ‘Definitions of Toast’. Dates and tickets info here.
Watch Amy’s special ‘I Feel Like I’m Made of Spiders’ on ITV
104. Frog Stone
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
Today's episode features my old mucker, fantastic writer-performer FROG STONE. She's the writer of the smash Finnish hit TV show L/Over and is currently wowing us all in Emmerdale. Unlikely bedfellows but that's the broad talent that is Frog. Not ALL of this chat is Julie Andrews based - we also get to hear some tee
103. Jake Bhardwaj
You've found Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the
podcast about unrequited love.
This episode features fantastic comic, writer, podcaster, quiz show host JAKE BHARDWAJ. I really loved bonding with Jake and hearing his stories. It was one of those podcasts that left me on a high afterwards. What a privilege to intrude on lovely funny people's inner lives.
Jake is doing his Not Another
102. Daisy Doris May
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where I grill funny people about unrequited love.
Today's episode features powerhouse character comic and drag king Daisy Doris May. You can catch her show Big Night Out at the Soho Theatre on 24 - 28 March. Loved talking to Daisy about her big juicy crush history.
Thrilled to announce that my guest for our next live show at the Machynl
101. Fatiha El-Ghorri
Welcome to the VALENTINE'S DATING SPECIAL 2026 of Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where I grill funny people about unrequited love.
Today's episode features gloriously hilarious stand-up and Taskmaster alum Fatiha El-Ghorri.
Fatiha is a sharp, fearless, wise human and I felt honoured to be in her presence - I kept wanting to make notes, even though the whole thing was literally b
100. Dolly Interviews MCS
Welcome to the 100th BLOODY EPISODE of Crushed by Margaret
Cabourn-Smith; the number one* podcast about unrequited love.
Today's episode features the glorious Crushed first guest, legendary writer and reformed podcaster DOLLY ALDERTON interviewing me about crushes. It was a dream come true.
Thanks for downloading and supporting us. You're my people. I hope you'll allow me to feel pretty c
99. Thom Tuck
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith - the podcast about unrequited love.
This episode is an extremely funny chat with the supremely talented actor, writer, impresario THOM TUCK. It’s a delightful sprawling chat about Thom’s deeply strange upbringing and the crushes therein.
Thom’s excellent stand up show, ‘Thom Tuck Goes Straight to DVD’ - which delves into some of these crushes – i
98. Amy Annette
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith - the podcast about unrequited love.
Happy New Year, lovely ones! We are kicking off 2026 with the wonderfully funny stand-up and all-round absolute sweetheart, it’s AMY ANNETTE! She overthinks and overshares with us in that way that we just adore here on Crushed – She Hearts HP, We Heart AA.
Amy is performing her show BUSY BODY at London’s Soho T
97. Arabella Weir
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith - the podcast about unrequited love.
As a festive treat, we present to you a brilliantly honest episode of Crushed with the magnificent comedy legend that is ARABELLA WEIR.
This conversation is as funny as it is wise – and it is really funny. And so therefore it is really wise.
Arabella can be seen the Two Doors Down Christmas Special on BBC iP
96. Joe Tracini
Hello here's your FIVE STAR Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where I grill funny people about unrequited love.
Today's episode features hilarious actor and writer JOE TRACINI.
This was a super funny, honest chat and you're all going to fall in love with him. Do seek out his fantastic book Ten Things I Hate About Me. It’s a brilliant account of his history with BPD - a gut punch
95. Bec Hill
It is our pleasure to welcome you to Crushed by Margaret
Cabourn-Smith - the podcast about unrequited love.
We're joined here by the wonderful and brilliantly talented comedian, presenter, artist and podcaster BEC HILL. She’s so funny and wise and also the proud owner of a life-sized cardboard cutout so she is very much our people.
If you want more Bec, you can also listen to the excellent pod
94. Jon Holmes
This episode involves a proper funny and deeply unfiltered chat with radio comedy ledge JON HOLMES. Highly recommend you check out his work, especially The Skewer, Naked Week and Jon Holmes Says The C-Word, all available on BBC Sounds. I love Jon, he brings the vibes, even at a funeral.
Thanks for downloading and supporting us (me). You're the absolute best.
Come and find us...
On Substack at
93. Desiree Burch
Oh hello there, welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith - the podcast about unrequited love.
We're lucky enough to have comedy dynamo DESIREE BURCH as our guest today. She's wonderful and SHE'S ON TOUR - you can buy tickets here https://www.desireeburch.com/the-golden-wrath-tour/
Thanks for downloading and supporting us (me). You're the absolute best.
Come and find us...
On Subst
92. Hollie McNish
Oh look, it's Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
Today's episode features the brilliantly talented Hollie McNish. BUY HOLLIE'S BOOK VIRGIN!!! It's just so good. Beautiful and moving and angry and funny. We totally lucked out getting Hollie. She's an awesome poet just oozing empathy and warmth and has a totally unique take on crushes. So there.
Thanks for dow
91. Josh Jones
You've found Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
Today's episode features utterly charming, delightfully hilarious Josh Jones. As Producer Laura says "What a joyful f**king mess his list of crushes is." Though I will say, Josh's reason for going off Henry Cavill is highly relatable.
Josh is currently touring the UK and you can find out where he's going and h
90. Amy Hoggart
Ahoy there, it's Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
This episode features awesome writer-performer and podcaster AMY HOGGART who has a hugely varied CV and currently hosts TWO excellent podcasts - What's Left? and FeMANism. Check her out on instagram at @amyhoggart.
Absolutely loved chatting to Amy and felt at home discussing her many disasters. My favou
89. Emma Kennedy
Oh hello there, welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
This episode features the marvellous actor, writer, and excellent-showbiz-anecdote-provider EMMA KENNEDY. What a gossipy joy this episode is, Emma is just so much fun. You're gonna have a great time. And if you want more from Emma, she's @emmak67 on Instagram.Thanks for downloading and supporting
88. Laura Bates
Hey you - it's Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
This episode I interview brilliant writer, speaker and activist LAURA BATES.
Laura is a ludicrously impressive and articulate human and SO FUN despite the fact that her work is generally super serious. Do check out her books, especially the most recent THE NEW AGE OF SEXISM which is a terrifying account of
87. Hayley Morris
Hey there it's Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
This episode I talk to awesome comic Hayley Morris.
I can't wait for you to discover her if you haven't yet. She's properly fabulous. Hilarious and open and a really gifted communicator. Highly recommend you binge all her previous content on https://www.youtube.com/@hayleymorris/videos
Thanks for download
86. Poorna Bell
Welcome along to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
This episode I talk to awesome writer and speaker POORNA BELL.
I'm a big fan of hers and have been trying to track her down for a couple of years since I was too shy (I know) to approach her at Crushed alumnus Dolly Alderton's book launch. My persistence paid off and I loved talking to her and getting an
85. Jessica Curry
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where funny people talk about unrequited love.
Today's episode features excellent BAFTA winning composer JESSICA CURRY. Her album Shielding Songs is available now from jessicacurry.bandcamp.com.
She's on insta @jessica_curry_ She's an extraordinary woman and I loved going through some of her mad crushes. I looked up the quote she me
84. Jordan Gray
Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where I grill funny people about unrequited love.
Today's episode features wonderful stand-up dynamo Jordan Gray - she's @talldarkfriend on Instagram and her sitcom Transaction starts on ITV2 the 24th June 2025.
This was a really funny, fun episode and I apologise for getting emotional at the end. I was about to apologise for asking for money t
83. Lou Conran
Here's Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where I grill funny people about their unrequited love history.
Today's episode features hilarious comedian and podcaster Lou Conran. She is ON TOUR in the UK in September so check out her dates at louconran.com. This was a jaw-droppingly funny episode with many unexpected, utterly filthy twists.
Do check out her raucous podcast with Sa
82. Stevie Martin
Congratulations! You have just won a new episode of Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
We didn't win a Golden Lobe - but we did get highly commended which is coincidentally the best I ever did in a ballet exam too.
Today's episode features iconic ball of charisma that is comic, writer and actor STEVIE MARTIN.
Some gems revealed in this episode - it's p
81. Katherine Ryan
This is Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where I grill funny people about unrequited love.
SO excited to tell you that this episode features all round comedy legend KATHERINE RYAN.
Big reco for her all round, especially her podcast Telling Everyone Everything - she's also currently on tour in the UK and Ireland until the end of June 2025. If you've seen the clips of her solvin
80. Suzi Ruffell
Good morning (it's always morning when there's a new podcast episode). Here's Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where I grill funny people about unrequited love.
Today's episode features awesome and delightful stand-up writer-performer-podcaster-dancer SUZI RUFFELL.
Suzi is the perfect guest for Crushed - naturally funny and articulate and thoughtful while happy to be vulnerable. A
79. Esyllt Sears
Hello here's the FIVE STAR Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast where I grill funny people about unrequited love.
Today's episode features hilarious Welsh writer-performer, podcaster and bloody bombshell ESYLLT SEARS - she's @esyllt.mair on Instagram.
This was a super funny, chat and you're all going to fall in love with her. Do seek out her podcast with the brilliant Gareth Gwynn: I'
78. Stephen Bailey
Yes! It's Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
This episode features brilliant stand-up starlet Stephen Bailey telling stories of intense classroom crushes, shoe shop flirting and misguided international dating adventures.
Stephen is on a UK tour in the autumn - best to go to his insta, he's @stephencomedy, a lot of the dates are already sold out so hotfoot it (
77. Margaret and Her Sisters
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
This SPECIAL THIRD ANNIVERSARY episode features my inimitable sisters, Carol Cabourn-Smith and Beth Sines (nee Cabourn-Smith).
Not to be too sentimental but the truth is they are incredibly important to me and I think this episode illustrates our closeness. It's funny talking to people I know so well, neither of wh
76. Jenny Ryan
Ooh look it's Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
Today's episode features glorious Chasers Vixen JENNY RYAN. She knows everything (except how to keep numbers in her head). You can catch her with Crushed alum Lucy Porter on her Fingers On Buzzers podcast.
Jenny has excellent taste in crushes and is stealth seducing Michael Sheen from a distance if you want tip
75. Julia Raeside - Valentine's Comedy Special
Look! It's Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
Today's episode features friend of the show, incredible writer and broadcaster Julia Raeside.
Julia has come back to the podcast to talk about her brilliant new novel Don't Make Me Laugh (working title Sausage Factory). We discuss the science and horrors of fancying funny people, as we're both suckers for it. They'
74. Gemma Whelan
Welcome to Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
Today's episode features wonderful actor, writer and reformed stand-up GEMMA WHELAN.
Gemma is a top tier guest - as she says, she over-talks. My kind of human. Absolutely eye-watering tales of penis-worrying on Game of Thrones, and fawning over Kevin McCloud on The One Show, as well as the sweetness of sending ove
73. John-Luke Roberts
You've found Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith; the podcast about unrequited love.
Brrrr, cold innit. I'm ashamed to say I'm wearing a heated gilet. Height of glamour.
Today's episode features glorious comic, writer and ABSURDIST (get it right) sensation JOHN-LUKE ROBERTS. You can hear us mucking about on his excellent and hilarious podcast Soundheap (available wherever blah blah blah).
Love
72. Gráinne Maguire
Happy New Year, Crushed-Os! My first guest for 2025 is the wonderful writer, comedian (and former awkward teenager) GRÁINNE MAGUIRE.
We discussed loving strongly (but not wisely), how men who wear glasses are definitely more intelligent and sensitive than those who don't, and how everyone loves a bit of will-they-won't-they.
As always, we're over on Substack for all your additional MCS needs. A
71. Caroline O'Donoghue
This week I'm honoured to be joined by the multitalented powerhouse that is Caroline O'Donoghue!
Host of wonder-podcast Sentimental Garbage and author of The Rachel Incident and Promising Young Women, I loved chatting all things crush with her, and look out for the bit that our recording platform's autogenerated programme notes referred to as 'using Wayne's World as a model for healthy relationshi
70. Kerry Godliman LIVE at the Cheerful Earful Festival
Another superfun LIVE episode this week, recorded at the Cheerful Earful podcast festival with actual comedy legend KERRY GODLIMAN, who chats - amongst other things - about her time trailing boys from buses…
As always, if you want to find out more, we are over at crushedbymcs.substack.com – you can join as a member for an ad-free version of the show if that’s your bag, or, just come and hang out f
69. Tara Flynn
Another lovely episode this week with writer, actor (and former Nuala - if this means nothing to you, look it up) TARA FLYNN!
Tara is an all round brilliant egg, and I love her very much. Also, the latest live episode of HER new podcast, 'Now You're Asking' (which she presents alongside Marian Keyes) has just dropped, and it's fab. So when you're done here you can pop across and listen to that. Bu
68. Holly Walsh
Brilliant comedian and writer Holly Walsh (you'll have seen her on QI, or heard her on Just a Minute, or watched Motherland, which she co-writes) joins me to talk about crushes and unrequited love. As you know, I love talking about crushes. Can't stop me. But what I love about this conversation is how hard Holly finds it to talk about, even years on. I think we can all relate to that. Also, good c
67. Katherine Parkinson
I am OBSESSED with Rivals, which is just the perfect mix of camp nostalgia and (occasionally inappropriate) 80s style romance. David Tennant as a ludicrous villain? Sure, why not. And Danny Dyer in a moustache? Win. Win. Win.
So, I'm delighted that Katherine Parkinson is my guest today, as she's playing one of my favourite characters in the show. She's so funny, and relatable, and bonkers -
66. Alice Lowe
This week my guest is the amazing ALICE LOWE!
Alice is an incredible comic actor who you'll know from her films Prevenge and Sightseers, as well as tons of other comedy including Garth Marenghi's Darkplace.
We chatted in advance of her new film TIMESTALKER (out in all good cinemas NOW) and covered all manner of crushes from Peter Pan, to Jareth the Goblin King. I absolutely loved chatting to her a
65. Miles Jupp LIVE at the London Podcast Festival
Hurrah! The hiatus is over. Welcome back friends and fellow crushers.
Crushed is back with the live episode recorded at the London Podcast Festival just a couple of weeks ago. If you were there, you might hear yourself chuckling.
My guest is of course the inimitable (and yes, I have tried) Miles Jupp! Former News Quiz host, erstwhile portrayer of Archie the Inventor in Balamory (in a very da
CRUSHED CLASSICS - Jessica Fostekew
It's the last hiatus episode!
In case you missed the memo, we are taking a short break from uploading new episodes over the summer. I'm away, you're away... seems like a good time for it. But the podcast will be back with a bang on the 26th of September with new guests for your ears.
In the meantime, I wanted to dip into the back catalogue and share an episode that you might not have heard if you
Live Show News!
Come and join me and guests Miles Jupp and Kerry Godliman for two live Crusheds in London over the next couple of months.
Handy links here:
https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/crushed-by-margaret-cabourn-smith-2/
https://cheerfulearful.podlifeevents.com/festival/crushed-by-margaret-cabourn-smith-live-from-cheerful-earful-podcast-festival-19th-oct-tickets
See you there?
MCS xx
Learn more a
CRUSHED CLASSICS - Chris Neill
The hiatus continues...
In case you missed the memo, we are taking a short break from uploading new episodes over the summer. I'm away, you're away... seems like a good time for it. But the podcast will be back with a bang on the 26th of September with new guests for your ears.
In the meantime, I wanted to dip into the back catalogue and share an episode that you might not have heard if you only j
CRUSHED CLASSICS - Dolly Alderton
Welcome to the hiatus!
We are taking a short break from uploading new episodes over the summer, and we've had a lovely scattering of new subscribers, so it feels like a good time to dip into the back catalogue to share a couple of favourites that you might not have heard if you've joined us recently.
First up, it's the first EVER episode, with one of my absolute favourite people, Dolly Alderton. I
64. Chloe Radcliffe
It's the last episode before the hiatus!
In this episode, I'm talking to American comedian Chloe Radcliffe about her experiences with unrequited love. In many ways my favourite kind of love. We talk about her first crush, and the power of being looked at with adoration. Interestingly, Chloe is not a fan of the celebrity crush, and we had a really interesting discussion about how we differ there.
I
63. Katy Brand
Hello!
My guest this week is writer, comedian, actor and all round marvel Katy Brand. Katy is a true crusher, so I know you're going to love the conversation. Apologies in advance though - the sound is a little rougher than the producer likes to let past, but the chat is so good, I thought it was worth it.
We talk about so many things - from saving yourself for Jesus, to long lasting devotion to D
62. Jess Robinson
This week my guest is the incredible comedian/impressionist/actor/writer JESS ROBINSON. This recording was so much fun - I love her. We cover a lot of important ground in the episode, including the hot button topic of developing a massive crush on someone while you're in a panto together and what to do if you fall in love with a fictional detective.
And some DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES: We will be doin
61. Beth Morrey
We cover some absolute classic crushes in this episode. Not just the horror that is the made up boyfriend (we've all done it, right? Just me?) but the strange allure of a good, albeit dead and murderous, vampire. I think that one is more widespread than people let on. And I know that one definitely isn't just me, as today's guest Beth Morrey shares it. Aside - completely blown away to discover tha
60. Jonny Donahoe
Another episode from Machynlleth and A SECOND MAN ON THE TROT as I talk to the lovely Jonny Donahoe (Jonny and the Baptists) about unresolved friend-crushes and abandoning your team (or not).
Plus you get the immersive audio experience of a Sunday morning in central Machynlleth - church bells, the lot.
If you want to get in touch - email us: crushedbymcs@gmail.com. Or for exclusive access to ad-fr
59. Henry Paker (Live at Mach)
We're Live from MachFest this week with comedian, writer, illustrator and Bean: Henry Paker! (Three Bean Salad, Kay's Anatomy)
Henry tells me all about his psychosexual awakening, matrons with sturdy calves (quite a lot about sturdy calves, actually) and a publican's response to his first snog in a booth in a pub near the National Gallery.
It's a brilliant fun episode with a fab audience and I hop
58. Nikita Lalwani
Dive into the depths of youthful infatuation with this week's episode featuring the incomparable Nikita Lalwani!
Nikita is a Booker nominated novelist and screenwriter, but we talk about all sorts of nonsense despite that. From trying to win the heart of the chess geeks with brain power, to psychically revisiting crushes years later to mine stories for her books, we dive deep into the murky waters
57. Lucia Keskin
I really feel like I met my twin in today's episode. Lucia Keskin (aka, @ChiwithaC wherever you find your social medias) of the brilliant sitcom Things You Should Have Done, chats with me about her formative crushes, including Roni Mitchell and Kristin Chenowith. And who doesn't love a Broadway chanteuse-y.
As always, if you want to find the show online, it is crushedbymcs.substack.com - you ca
56. Helen Lederer
I get to interview someone I have been a fan of for years and years today - the brilliant and iconic Helen Lederer (Ledgenderer more like. It's going to catch on).
I found the clip of her on Wogan that I mention in the intro. To make it even more enthralling, it's a real pleasure to see how confused Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan are by the whole thing. Forgot they were on the sofa too! Watch tha
55. Kimberley Nixon
A brilliant episode this week with the hilarious BAFTA-winning actress Kimberley Nixon (Fresh Meat, Cranford, Agatha Christie's Marple)
The automatically AI-generated show notes for this ep included the phrase '(Kim) discusses her rich fantasy life and how she can play out multiple scenarios in her head', but let's be honest: that barely scratches the surface here. From her suave encounter with J
54. Elizabeth Day
This week's guest is the amazing Elizabeth Day (How To Fail podcast and author of Friendaholic) who joins me in poring over her many and varied crushes - from a teenage Peter Phillips to Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables - as well as the time she brought a dead bat into school. It was such a funny chat - I loved spending an hour in her company and know that you will too!
As always, if you w
53. Lou Sanders
It's a glorious one this week from Cuddle Club's own Lou Sanders! Pin back your ears for tales of chasing boys down in parks, hosting parties to impress boys, and why she'd give it all up for the romantic allure of a cosy retirement with Keanu Reeves.
One. Not. To. Miss.
As always, if you want to find us, we are crushedbymcs.substack.com - you can sign up there for an ad free version of the show
52. Valentine's Special with Isy Suttie
Now, I'm not a fan of the most romantic day of the year TM. In fact I like it so little that I banned celebrating it when I got together with my now husband and 21 years later, we have yet to eat an overpriced meal in mid-February.
So, for a treat this week Isy Suttie and I sat down to discuss V-Day - the highs, the lows, and why it might have been most enjoyable in our primary school years.
Hope
51. Sarah Hadland
I think you are going to enjoy this episode. My guest is the wonderful Sarah Hadland (who you'll probably know from Miranda, and The Job Lot and Quantum of Solace). She is wonderfully indiscreet about her early crushes/kidnapping attempts (depending on what side of the curtain you were on); and about briefly meeting some of her more famous crushes through work. Her Brandon Flowers story really tic
50. Best of 2023
Just squeezing in to January, it's our Best Bits 2023. It was such a blast listening back to the interviews we've had over the last year. It honestly made me want to go back and revisit all of these conversations again in full. So, I hope you enjoy this short dip back into the past.
From Alison Spittle, explaining the huge part Morrissey played in her early Crush-life (before he let us all down),
49. Athena Kugblenu
My guest this week is the easily embarrassed Athena Kugblenu, talking about her teen crushes. We dredge our memories for long forgotten 90s boy bands, ponder when an older man is too old and decide whether our allegiance was to George Clooney or Goran Višnjić in the great E.R. Crush Wars of 1999.
It's a fantastic episode - not least because Athena seems genuinely embarrassed, and that's always ver
48. Kerry Howard
Happy New Year Crushos!
This episode is a great one to kick us off - in fact it might be my favourite ever episode. Is that disloyal to all the other episodes? I don't know. It's how I feel now. It features the glorious Kerry Howard on starting slow, and ending up a female incel - taking in scenic stops at how best an 8 year old can compliment a girl in his class, and when Jimmy Carr lost his virg
47. Barunka O'Shaughnessy
Hi all,
this week's show features someone I have known for more than 20 years - writer and performer Barunka O'Shaughnessy, as I think you'll be able to tell from the level of giggling. Barunka has a list of credits as long as your arm, including Motherland, Up the Women and Hunderby. But by the end of this episode you'll know her best as a woman with a fine set of childhood crushes - including in
46. David Reed
My guest this week is actor and Penny Dreadful - David Reed. I love his attitude to crushes - and indeed, his attitude to this conversation. He said afterwards "sorry if I didn't answer all your questions, I had a lot of things I wanted to get off my chest", and I think this is one of those episodes that really digs in to the the loneliness and longing of early unrequited crushes.
It's still a fun
45. Holly Burn
Holly Burn is my wonderful guest this week, and it's one of my giggliest episodes. You may not know Holly - but she's one of my favourite people. Really open and honest, and this conversation is honestly incredible. We mainly talk about one of her earliest crushes on her friend's brother, and it all gets a bit deep and therapeutic. And very, very funny. Thank you Holly for sharing your inner turmo
44. Megan Ganz
Megan Ganz, the amazing writer whose work includes Community and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia (and co-host of The Always Sunny Podcast) is my guest this week, as we swap stories about crushes real and fictional, and politely mark our territory with regards to Hugh Laurie. He's mine, back off buster.
Expect teenage angst aplenty, alongside 90s nostalgia for the now-traditional animated crush o
43. Sarah Millican
I'm so excited to share this episode. I've been looking forward to putting it out since we recorded it with lovely, lovely Sarah Millican at the Leicester Square Theatre in July. In a cupboard, in case you thought podcasting was always glamorous.
Sarah was in town recording RHLSTP with Richard Herring, so I managed to catch up with her backstage to chat about her crushes - pure and not so pure. It
42. Anna Richardson
This week, Margaret Cabourn-Smith steps into the world of unrequited infatuation with the delightfully frank Anna Richardson, host of Channel 4's "Naked Attraction." Anna reveals her formative crushes and the candid tales behind them, from memorable encounters with Tom Cruise to playful - if unsuccessful - flirtations with Mick Hucknall and the alluring mystique of a certain hot priest. It'll have
41. Caitlin Moran & Sali Hughes
It's a bumper episode today - true tales of lust and heartbreak from the fabulous Caitlin Moran and Sali Hughes, sharing anecdotes as only best mates can.
This episode is a romp through their lives in crush form, from Hip Hop Dads, to toilet graffiti.
Thanks for listening!
love you!
Margaret xx
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