The Scummy Mummies Podcast
The Scummy Mummies Podcast is a comedy chat show for less-than-perfect parents, hosted by comedians Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn. Each episode features guest parenting experts, comedians and authors discussing the big issues affecting modern parents, from fish fingers and farting to play-dates and pelvic floors. The tone is frank, funny and irreverent, with plenty of wine, laughter and deliberately unsophisticated boob jokes. The show also ties into the hosts' blog and their live comedy gigs across the UK.
Episodes
347: Thanyia Moore on comedy, confidence, and neurodiversity
What's the best thing about being in your forties? What are the benefits of getting an AuDHD diagnosis? And what's the worst thing Helen's ever done to Ellie on stage? Helping us to answer all these questions is the hilarious comedian Thanyia Moore! We reminisce about the first night we all met, and worry about what's happened to local Catford legend Fritz. Thanyia tells us why she
346: Em Clarkson LIVE at Big Feastival
Which phase of raising a child is the hardest? Are any of us the kind of mum we thought we'd be? And are there any lessons women can learn from men when it comes to saying sorry? Helping us answer all these questions is the amazing Em Clarkson! This episode was recorded at Big Feastival in August, in front of a live tent-based audience. We discuss Em's political activism and how she's
345: Books, being busy and Britain vs Denmark with Helen Russell
She's back! We are joined for this episode by Helen Russell, the brilliant author of The Year of Living Danishly and now a fantastic new novel. Helen tells us why she's decided to return to her native Britain after more than a decade of living in glorious Denmark. We compare and contrast life in the two countries, plus English village life versus trying to survive in Catford. We discuss
344: Just the Two of Us: Catchup & Confessions
In this episode, we celebrate the kids going back to school. Join us as we sit down for a nice cup of tea and a catchup for the first time in six weeks. We talk about what we did on our holidays, our differing laundry strategies, and a show on Netflix that Ellie hates yet watches compulsively. It's more fun than it sounds. (This episode, not the show.)It's a bumper crop of confessions this ep
343: Ella Risbridger on food and writing.
What are the four things you need to be a writer? Why are we so fascinated by other people's sad stories? And what is the best way to get seeds out of a pomegranate? Answering all these questions is the wonderful Ella Risbridger! She tells us all about her latest book, The Kitchen Book. We find out how she came up with brilliant recipes like No-Knife Potato and Prawn Curry, and learn why Hein
342: Dick and Dom - LIVE at Camp Bestival!
It's a spectacular summer special as we hang out with the legendary and hilarious Dick and Dom! Not in da bungalow, but live on stage at the brilliant Camp Bestival! Having been together for 30 years, they know a thing or two about being in a double act, so we talk about that. Which Scummy Mummy is most like Dom, and who is a Dick? How does neurodiversity affect the dynamic, and what are the
341: Food special: George Egg on cheese, family and festivals
Our guest for this episode is the hilarious comedian, cook and author George Egg! He shares some of his best recipes, including the chicken dish Ellie makes every week. We discuss George's favourite comfort food and argue about the best way to make cheese on toast.As usual we go off on a variety of tangents, including grandparenthood, skiffle, chutney, and being locked in the freezer at McDonald's
340: Debt, sex and shame with Andrea McLean
On this episode we have a rollercoaster of a conversation with TV legend Andrea McLean. We cover everything from the menopause to money problems, losing your home to losing your libido and more. Andrea tells us about her latest book, Shameless, which is out now. She discusses leaving her job as a presenter on Loose Women to build her own business, and what happened when it all went wrong. We
339: Just the Two of Us: From Cape Town to the Arctic
It's a travel special! We sit down for a good old chinwag about our latest jaunts to the opposite ends of the world. Helen talks about her trip to South Africa with Sports Tours International, and what it's like to run the Cape Town marathon when you're suffering from gastroenteritis. Listen in to find out what got her through, and the biggest lessons she's learned over the course of running
Ep 338: Sheyi Martins-Allen on agony aunting and Austen adaptations
Our guest for this episode is the brilliant Sheyi Martins-Allen. You might know her for her political rants on Instagram, her hilarious agony aunting, or her strong views on adapting Pride and Prejudice for the small screen. She is also a fantastic singer - she tells us how her recent show went, and about her plans for the future. We find out how she became friendly with Dolly Alderton, how s
337: Rachel Bright on writing, air hostessing, verrucas and hats
Why does it take a whole year to make a kids' book? What's it like to visit Richard Branson's private island? And who doesn't love a Nissan Micra? Answering all these questions is bestselling children's author Rachel Bright! She tells us how she went from losing hope after an early rejection to landing a three-book publishing deal, and enjoying huge success with The Lion Inside. We talk about
336: Raising siblings and coping with estrangement, with Catherine Carr
How common is sibling estrangement? Does birth order really determine your destiny? And is there anything we can do to make our kids get along? Helping us to answer all these questions is the awesome author Catherine Carr. It's a big episode for Ellie, as she talks publicly for the first time about being estranged from her brother - why it's happened, and how she's learned to make peace with
335: Dame Mama G on panto, BGT and Bungle from Rainbow
She's Britain's favourite pantomime dame (oh no she isn't, etc) - it's Mama G! Join us for a hilarious chat covering everything from panto and children's books to lesbian grandmas and Irene from Home and Away. We delve deep into Mama G's origin story, and find out how she got started in the panto game. What was it like to play Bungle in the Rainbow stage show, and what happened when she met t
334: People pleasing, sex, and Giles Brandreth, with Bryony Gordon
How do you stop being a people pleaser? Is it wrong to pee in the shower? And how do you end up having a fight with Giles Brandreth? Helping us to answer all these questions is the brilliant Bryony Gordon.Bryony tells us all about her new novel, People Pleaser, which is out on Thursday. Helen reveals how she learned to ask for what she wants, and Ellie explains how it has made their relations
333: How to sleep better with Lorna MacDonald
What's going on in our brains when we can't sleep? What if you find it easy to drop off, but wake up a few hours later? How does the perimenopause play a part? Joining us to answer all these questions is the brilliant Lorna MacDonald. Lorna is a neuroscience-based hypnotherapist and coach who's been helping Ellie get a bit more shut-eye. She explains why so many middle-aged women struggle wit
332: Just the Two of Us - Helen's New Book!
IT'S HERE! Well, almost. Helen's brand new book, How to Face Big Change and Come Back Stronger, is out on 2nd April! So we sat down for a chat about it. Listen in to find out why Helen wanted to write the book, and what she learned during the writing process. Ellie discusses what it's like to support a friend through hard times, and there's some chat about healthy and not-so-healthy ways
331: Cariad Lloyd on grief, writing, and problematic face painting
Our guest for this episode is the brilliant comedian Cariad Lloyd! We talk about her award-winning podcast, Griefcast, and why she decided to stop making it after seven years. We discuss helping a friend through grief - is it ever too late to offer support? What's the best way to handle tricky times like Mother's Day? And why is death sometimes so bloody funny? Cariad shares what it
330: Confessions special: cats, gynaecologists, and Sky broadband engineers
It's just the two of us as we sit down with some of the funniest and filthiest audience confessions from our live show. This is the stuff you just couldn't make up... Tune in to hear all sorts of tales about badly behaved teachers, a wrongfully accused cat, a hoovering accident and more... Huge thanks to everyone who has shared their hilarious stories with us, and to everyone who has been to
329: How to stop feeling so bloody old with Kate Rowe-Ham
What are the top three things we should be doing for our health as we get older? How can we help ourselves through the menopause? And is it OK to eat Minstrels for breakfast? Helping us to answer all these questions is fitness expert Kate Rowe-Ham! She tells us all about her new book, The Longevity Solution: 21 Days to Health, Strength, and Vitality. We discuss why we might need to chang
328: Fay Reid on the menopause, not having kids, and getting strong
Our guest for this episode is the brilliant and hilarious Fay Reid, known on Instagram as @9to5menopause.We talk about her experience of entering perimenopause at 45. She discusses the stigma that she feels exists within the Black community around the topic, how she built up the courage to speak out, and what happened when she did. Fay also tells us about her attempts to have a child, an
327: Tim Dowling on marriage, ageing, WhatsApp and goose barnacles
How do you stay married for 33 years? What's it like to live with your kids when they're adults? And what's the best thing about being over 60? Answering all these questions is hilarious Guardian columnist Tim Dowling! It's been a decade since Tim was last on the podcast, so we have a bit of a catchup, and are pleased to learn both his marriage and tortoise are still thriving. We discuss
326: Steph Douglas on business, anxiety, and ferry sex
She's back! The star of our most downloaded podcast ep returns for a big old chat about all sorts of things. We talk about how far she's come since starting her business, Don't Buy Her Flowers, and what it's like to sell a company you started from scratch. There's some debate about what's harder - the toddler years or the teenage phase? Steph discusses coping with anxiety, Ellie tal
325: Xmas Special - When the Ham Man Brings the Ham
Oh God. Time for some loud swearing, heavy drinking, and ludicrous conversations about nothing of any note - it's the Scummy Mummies Christmas Special! This year we have an argument about bodily fluids, and Steve shares his novel alternative to having a vasectomy. We talk about our favourite and least favourite shows of the year. There's a world exclusive book announcement, and Ellie reveals
324: How to have a vasectomy with Sam Pamphilon
Vasectomies, pornography, dick jokes and poo logistics - we cover it all with the help of hilarious comedian and actor, Sam Pamphilon! Sam tells us all about what it was like to have the snip, in graphic detail. We hear about the brilliant short film he recently starred in - The Man That I Wave At. And we discuss the sketch we tried out that was so filthy it never made it into the main S
323: Cheating Special with psychotherapist Juliet Rosenfeld
Why do people have affairs? What effect does it have on kids? How do you learn to love again after your partner has cheated? Answering all these questions is the brilliant psychotherapist Juliet Rosenfeld! She tells us all about her fascinating book, Affairs: True Stories of Love, Lies, Hope and Desire. We discuss what is going on in the minds of cheaters and what it's got to d
322: Athletics, book writing and a disappointing pole vaulter with Emily Murray (aka @pinkhouseliving)
Imagine taking up athletics in your forties, discovering you're great at the triple jump, and going on to set a brand new record. That's what Emily Murray (aka @pinkhouseliving) did - and she's here to tell us all about it. We learn about the Masters Athletics Federation, and how they offer people of all ages the chance to compete for actual medals. We discuss the pros and
321: Life hacks for the teenage years with Nicole Howes
How do you get teens to talk to you? Why do they need to sleep so much? And where the hell are they putting all that food? Helping us to answer all these questions is author Nicole Howes! She tells us all about her new book, Not a Survival Guide. We talk about the highs and lows of having teenage kids, and share our top tips for getting through. Nicole reveals why it's important to manag
320: Just the Two of Us - Helen's marathon, Ellie's knee, and Daniel Bedingfield
Time for a cup of tea and a catch up as we share all the big stuff that's been happening lately. Helen talks about what it was like to run the Sydney marathon, and shares an unimpressive celebrity anecdote. Ellie discusses her partial knee replacement, and the thing she did in the hospital that made a nurse go "Oh my God." We round off with some fantastic Scummy Mummy Confessions, harvested f
319: LIVE from Big Feastival with Zoe de Pass, aka Dress Like a Mum
Is leopard print the new Breton top? What should you wear if you want to avoid "Mum Bum"? And what is the one thing you should always bring to a festival? Answering these questions is the amazing Zoe de Pass, aka Dress Like a Mum! We interviewed Zoe live on stage at this year's Big Feastival. As she's a style icon we chatted about fashion, of course, and invited her to pass judgment on s
318: Comedy, feminism and novel writing with Julia Raeside
Our guest for this episode is the awesome author Julia Raeside. She tells us about her brilliant and very funny book about women taking on toxic men in comedy, Don't Make Me Laugh.We discuss why so many comedians turn out to be dreadful, and how working together is the key to effecting change. Julia talks about the reactions her book has had so far and why it seems to be resonating with so ma
317: On the road with Miserable Steve Hill
This episode comes to you live from a Premier Inn room in Stevenage. That's showbusiness! Our guest is Steve Hill, sports writer, roadie, and miserable but funny man. We talk about his last decade driving for the Scummy Mummies, and how he's managed to finagle his way onto the stage. Listen in to discover what we fight about in the van, which curry Steve always orders, and how Ellie
316: Just the Two of Us - Confessions Special
What's the best way to dispose of a sex toy? Do cats have nails? And is it wrong to take a piss in your cheating husband's bathwater? Nobody is asking these questions, but we attempt to answer them anyway in this special episode! As we take a break from gigging for the summer, we reflect on the opening leg of our Hot Mess tour, and share some of our favourite confessions from those first 43 s
315: Michelle Griffith-Robinson's rules for life
She's an Olympic athlete, a brilliant life coach, and a busy mum of three - it's the awesome Michelle Griffith-Robinson! We hear all about how she became a medal-winning triple jumper, choice versus sacrifice, and whether it's true that all the athletes are having it off behind the scenes. We talk about Michelle's life now and she shares her top tip if you're planning a home re
314: Clara Batten on comedy, wine and vaginal vapes.
Our guest for this episode is the hilarious actor and social media star Clara Batten! We talk about everything from writing books and kickstarting your career to what it's like to have dinner with Boris Johnson. Clara tells us how she makes her brilliant reaction videos, and what the people she's reacting to make of them. We discuss how she got banned and then unbanned from Instagram, and how
313: Ellie's Dad - life lessons, a quiz, and some "jokes"
313: Ellie's Dad - life lessons, a quiz, and some "jokes" What are the lyrics to Happy Birthday? What is the correct term for male swimwear? Who is Jennifer Lopez? Ellie's Dad knows the answer to none of these questions, and we are here to mock him for it. Yes, it's a Father's Day Special as Jim returns to the podcast. We discuss Crystal Palace's FA cup win, aka the best day of his life.
312: Homelessness, filmmaking and friendship with Daisy-May Hudson
Our guest for this episode is the awesome Daisy-May Hudson. She tells us about her experience of homelessness, and her journey from documentary maker to film director. We discuss Daisy-May's latest movie, Lollipop, which tells the story of a woman fighting to get her children back, and a friendship that's rekindled along the way. It's out on the 13 June and it's absolutely brilliant
311: Jimi Famurewa on fussy eating, food criticism, and fairy bread
Is being a restaurant reviewer the best job in the world? Where's the best place to book a table right now? And how did a picky eater become an award-winning food critic? Answering all these questions is Jimi Famurewa! He tells us all about his brilliant new book, Picky. We discuss Jimi's time as a connoisseur of all-day breakfast in a can, and share some strong opinions o
310: Riona O'Connor and Olga Thompson on bloody everything
An Englishwoman, an Irishwoman, a Greek and an Australian walk into a DJ booth... No, it's not the start of a joke, it's the latest episode of the Scummy Mummies Podcast! Our guests are the hilarious comedians Riona O'Connor and Olga Thompson. Due to an administrative error, we find ourselves crammed into an unpleasantly warm enclosed space. We get up close and personal about pretty much ever
309: MASHUP! Drunk Women Solving Crime X Scummy Mummies
Ooh, look at us, sifting through evidence and sipping on fizz with the excellent Drunk Women Solving Crime! Listen in as we join Taylor and Hannah to discuss parenting fails, suppository etiquette, and what happens when nuns go wrong. If you enjoyed this episode you can find many more DWS bangers wherever you get your podcasts! And why not go and see them live?Also, WE ARE
308: DJ Nikki Beatnik on raving, sexism, and telling Kanye to F off
What's it like to headline a stage at Glastonbury? Who is more fun to hang out with, Mickey Rourke or Alan Titchmarsh? What item you could buy from a Robert Dyas does Mariah Carey insist on having at her parties? Answering all these questions is DJ Nikki Beatnik! She tells us about Mums That Rave and how her amazing daytime parties are taking over the world. There's a bit of serious chat as w
307: Bobby Seagull on maths, panini stickers, and nominative determinism
Is there such a thing as a "maths brain"? How do you help a child who's struggling with numbers? And why should you never tell a kid they're clever? Here to answer all these questions is the legendary Bobby Seagull!He tells us how he gave up a career in the city to become a teacher, and ended up going viral after an appearance on University Challenge. We discuss Bobby's dating life, and how he exp
306: Tasha Thompson on running, chafing, and whatever happened to the Reebok Step
Our guest for this episode is the awesome Tasha Thompson, founder of Black Girls Do Run! She tells us what inspired to set up the organisation, why she started running, and what keeps her going more than 25 years later. We discuss the challenges women face when it comes to getting involved in sport. Tasha talks about why we need to get out there, and how to do it. There's a lot
305: Surviving cancer, separation, and teenage triplets with Em Campbell
Our guest for this episode is the amazing Emma Campbell, aka Limitless Em - author, marathon runner, cancer survivor, and single mum of four. She tells us about her experience of being diagnosed with cancer when her triplets were just six months old. We discuss the best way to talk to kids about cancer, and Em's top tip for getting through a crisis. Follow Em on Instagram @limitless
304: Are phones really that bad for our kids? With Dr Dean Burnett
What's the right age to give a child a mobile phone? How long should kids spend on screens each day? Why don't we need to feel as guilty about our children's phone use as we might think? Answering all these questions is the awesome neuroscientist Dean Burnett. He explains the difference between compulsion and addiction, and why he doesn't think Australia's plan to ban social media for under 1
303: Just the Two of Us LIVE! Galentine's Day Special with Sweaty Betty
For this special live episode we took a trip to lovely Liverpool, and had a fabulous time. We discussed how our feelings about exercise have changed over the years, and what we've learned about the different ways we can motivate ourselves. We also showed off about the time we went to Everest, and told the story of how we visited the wrong Brookside. This episode is brought to you in partnersh
302: Self-love, second chances and dick pics with Lou Featherstone
302: Self-love, second chances and dick pics with Lou FeatherstoneEver dreamed of leaving your husband, buying a leopard print bus, and touring America's Bible belt while throwing vibrators out of the window? That's what Lou Featherstone did, and she tells us all about it in this episode. We hear how a dick pic inspired her to leave her marriage after 20 years. We find out what it's
301: Just the Two of Us LIVE! Fitness Special with Sweaty Betty
We've got a live one! This special episode was recorded in front of a lovely audience at the Soho Hotel. We talk about our relationships with fitness - everything from Helen's epic running to Ellie's dodgy knees. We discuss how we both hated exercise at school, and why that changed as we got older. Helen explains how getting out of her marriage led to a change in mindset, and Ellie confu
300: It's the 300th episode! With Rob Deering
What's the secret to a happy marriage? Which one of us didn't know what a reacharound is until today? Are bouquet garnis worth it? We answer all these questions, along with the most important one of all: why are people still listening to this nonsense, 300 episodes in? Joining us is the brilliant Rob Deering. He tells us about his 25 year career in comedy, and what he believes has k
BONUS: Pants and peeing yourself with NIXI Body
There's some full-on honest chat in this episode as we talk about all things downstairs with Kelly Newton and Coni Jefferson-Longden, the founders of NIXI Body. Kelly tells us how pissing herself inspired her to become a pioneering inventor and engineer. We also hear about her experience of fostering 28 children over a period of 19 years. Coni shares some fascinating facts about cervical
299: Creative writing, steak bakes and turkey basters, with Charlotte Mendelson
What mistake do all would-be novelists make? What's it like to be nominated for the Booker prize? And what's the best drink to pair with a Greggs Steak Bake? Helping us answer all these questions is the brilliant novelist Charlotte Mendelson! We discuss Charlotte's latest book, Wife, plus her work as a creative writing teacher. She tells us what all her students have in common, reveals h
298: Merry Cystmas
Time for the filthiest, silliest and sweariest episode of the year - it's the Scummy Mummies Christmas Podcast! We are joined by our old friends Miserable Steve, Nurse Jessie and Sam Pamphilon. We discuss our highs and lows of 2024, and find out what Steve means when he talks about getting his balls drained. Of course, our festive Scummy traditions return - join us as we wish Linda
297: Uncomfortable Truths with Anna Mathur
Are modern mums more stressed than their predecessors, and if so, why? What's the best way to deal with anger, and what should you do if you've shouted at your children? How do you accept that you're just not good enough? Answering all these questions is the amazing psychotherapist Anna Mathur! She tells us all about her brilliant new book, The Uncomfortable Truth: Change Your Life
296: Just the Two of Us - Ellie's Rings
In this episode, we answer all the burning questions we've had recently about the theft of Ellie's wedding rings. How did they get nicked in the first place? What was the piece of advice that helped her get them back? Is the vow renewal still going ahead??? Listen in to find out! It's just the two of us for this one, live from the glamorous setting of a Premier Inn hotel room i
BONUS: Fortnite Explained, with Keith Stuart
How do we keep children safe when they're playing games online? What's the best way to manage screentime? What is Fortnite, why is it so popular, and what age should kids be allowed to start playing it? Helping us answer all these questions is the awesome author and video games journalist, Keith Stuart!This special episode is sponsored by Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. We talk abo
295: This Morning's Juliet Sear on air fryers, baking, and cooking catastrophes
What's the best brand of air fryer? How can bad bakers get better? And why does the This Morning baking expert hate making wedding cakes? Answering all these questions is the fabulous Juliet Sear! She tells us all about her amazing career, from making the world's first edible Christmas jumper to becoming a daytime TV star and ending up with eight air fryers in her house. We share some of
294: Lliana Bird on kids' books, breastfeeding, and being disappeared
How is having ADHD like being a butterfly? Why are women still being defined by what their husbands do? And do sharks really love heavy metal? Helping us to answer all these questions is the awesome Lliana Bird! She tells us about her children's book, Baboo the Unusual Bee, which she wrote while breastfeeding. We share our memories of being new mums, and reveal the advice we wish we'd ha
293: LIVE - Cat Sims aka notsosmugnow on sobriety, the mental load, and nits
This is a special LIVE podcast, recorded at the awesome Big Feastival this summer. Our guest is Cat Sims, known on the socials as @notsosmugnow. We cover a host of topics in this podcast, from starting school to managing teens, coping with WhatsApp groups and dealing with nits. We chat about the three things you should never talk about with other parents, and have a heated
292: Comedy, medicine and potty training with Michael Akadiri
Our guest for this episode is the hilarious Michael Akadiri! He tells us why he switched from junior doctor to comedian, but always wanted to be a footballer. We find out how he's enjoying being a new dad, and laugh at the ludicrous extravagance of his son's first birthday party. There's some advice for anyone about to start medical school, and Michael shares how work
291: Joel Morris on comedy, Cunk and comfort blankets
How come different people find different things funny? Why is When Harry Met Sally a better film than Love Actually? And can dogs laugh? Helping us to answer all these questions is award-winning comedy writer Joel Morris! He tells us about his new book, Be Funny or Die: How Comedy Works and Why It Matters. We find out what it's like to write jokes for Charlie Brooker
290: Fashion Special with Sophia Lorimer
Do you really need to follow fashion when you've just had a baby? What's the best way to work on self-esteem? Is it still OK to wear skinny jeans? And why is Ellie in trouble with her Dad even though she's 46? Helping us to answer all these questions is stylist extraordinaire Sophia Lorimer!Known on the socials as @finedtunedwardrobe, Sophia is a fashionista with a difference. She's all about
289: Ed Byrne on comedy and grief
What's it like to perform a hilarious comedy show about death? Here to tell us all about it is stand-up legend Ed Byrne.We discuss his 30 year career in comedy and how he got started. Then there's some chat about his latest show, Tragedy Plus Time. We talk about the loss of Ed's brother, Paul, and Ellie explains why his was the funniest funeral she's ever been to. We also discuss the difference be
288: Comedy legend Helen Lederer
Our guest for this episode is the hilarious comedian Helen Lederer! We talk about how she helped pave the way for slags trying to be funny like us. She tells us what it was like to do stand-up in the eighties, alongside the likes of Ben Elton and Ellie's Dad, and we discuss what's changed since. Lederer tells us all about her brilliant book, Not That I'm Bitter, which is out now. Sh
287: Grief, sex and Ronan Keating with Stacey Heale
What's the best thing to say to someone who's in mourning? Is the second year of grief really the hardest? And who was the lead singer of Westlife? Helping us answer all these questions is the amazing Stacey Heale! She tells us what it was like to lose her husband, Greg, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer on their daughter's first birthday. Stacey explains what life is like now, near
286: Post-election special with Jess Phillips MP
This special bonus episode was recorded on Saturday 6 July, just two days after the general election. We got to interview Jess Phillips MP in front of a live audience at the Birmingham MAC, and she was brilliant. We covered loads of topics including Jess's work in the areas of women's rights and domestic violence, what she wants the new Labour government to prioritise, and what she think
285: Wine and writing with Saturday Kitchen's Helen McGinn
Our guest for this episode is best-selling author, dear friend and Saturday Kitchen wine expert Helen McGinn! She tells us what wine we should be looking for in the shops this summer. We discuss whether Whispering Angel is worth the money, and McGinn gives us some suggestions for budget rosés, cheap fizz, picnic wines, and what to stick in the fridge if you fancy a nice chilled red. We f
284: Beth Morrey on writing novels, loving Christmas, and Billie Piper bumsex
How do you get a book deal? Is Michael Buble's music for life, or just for Christmas? What's it like to watch your husband simulate anal sex with one of Britain's leading actors? Answering all these questions is the brilliant Beth Morrey! She tells us how her first novel ended up in a bidding war after facing loads of rejections, and how her writing process works now. We hear her to
283: Premature birth, neurodiversity, and meeting Oprah, with Caro Tasker
Our guest for this episode is the amazing Caro Tasker. We cover a huge range of topics, including baby loss, raising autistic kids, and how trauma can help you discover who you are. There's also some much less serious nonsense. Why doesn't anyone use the word git any more? Is being married to a famous rugby player like being in Footballers Wives, only with different shaped balls? Wh
282: Rom coms, politics and peeing with comedians KK and Kerry
It's a transatlantic party in this episode as we meet KK and Kerry, the world's second best female comedy double act! We hear about their fab show, Six Chick Flicks, and they tell us the best meet cute stories they've heard from audience members. We discuss how they're enjoying their UK tour, including what they think of Scunthorpe and why they love M&S. Kerry tells us abou
281: Is Ozempic really a magic pill for weight loss? With Johann Hari
This episode is all about the new weight loss drug Ozempic - what are the risks? What are the benefits? How does it actually work? Joining us is author Johann Hari, who has written a book all about it. Just to be clear: this is a full and frank discussion about the issues around weight loss, the body positivity movement, and the health risks of obesity. We hear some tough stats about the
280: Lisa Jewell on writing books, watching MAFS, and raising teens
Yes, it really has been 25 years since Ralph's Party was released! You are that old! Here to talk about that book, and all the brilliant ones she's written since, is best-selling author Lisa Jewell. She tells us about her writing process, and how she cured herself of imposter syndrome. Lisa shares her top tips for budding authors, and introduces us to our new favourite web
Just the Two of Us - Remembering Lee Thorn
We sit down for a serious chat in this episode as we celebrate the life of Lee, Helen's Mum, who passed away recently. And of course, we manage to have a few laughs along the way. We talk about the kind of person Lee was, and how lucky Helen was to have her as a parent. We discuss what it's like to prepare for the death of someone you love, and strategies for managing grief. Pl
278: Monogamy, bonobos and breakups with Rosie Wilby
Why do lesbians have the highest divorce rate? How do you navigate an open relationship? What goes on in a sex lab? Answering all these questions is the amazing Rosie Wilby! The comedian and author tells us all about her brilliant books, Is Monogamy Dead? and The Breakup Monologues. We discuss some of the fascinating things she's discovered through her research, and learn
277: How to raise a viking with Helen Russell
What makes the Danish some of the happiest people on earth? How can we steal their ideas, and what's stopping us? Why are Norwegian women like oil rigs? Answering all these questions is the amazing Helen Russell! We talk about her brilliant new book,How to Raise a Viking. Join us as we go on a wonderful journey to a land where the streets are paved with trampolines, children are given knives
276: Sikisa on law, comedy, dyslexia, and nachos vs dicks
Comedian, immigration lawyer, burlesque dancer, trainee wrestler, and absolute legend - it's Sikisa!She tells us how she went from being a barmaid to being on stage, and some of the weirder things she's seen while MCing one of London's most famous open mic comedy nights. We learn what it's like to go on Live at the Apollo with a concussion. There's a bit of serious chat as Sikisa discuss
275: Man vs Baby aka Matt Coyne on writing, fighting, and farting
What's the best way to write a bestselling book? Who would win in a fight between a shark and a gorilla? And what's it like to be bitten on the penis by a piranha? Answering all these questions is Matt Coyne, aka Man vs Baby! He tells us all about his brilliant new novel, Frank and Red, which is out now. We discuss our different writing processes, and the best way to deal with procrastin
274: Antarctica Special with Ellie's Dad
HELLO READERS! What's it like to go to Antarctica with your 76 year-old Dad? What is Ellie's problem with penguins? Why did she get taken away by Buenos Aires airport security, and why was it Jim's fault? Answering all these questions are Ellie and Ellie's Dad! Helen quizzes them to find out all about the fortnight they've just spent on the frozen Continent. We hear all about the w
273: Quiz special with Lucy Porter and Jenny Ryan
Why are PTA quizzes the worst? Is Croydon really the Manhattan of London? And which star of The Chase has the most erotic fan fiction written about them? Here to play for a four-berth caravan and a fortnight in Tenerife are Lucy Porter and Jenny Ryan! Lucy tells us how she went from comedian to quizzing legend, and Jenny reveals the origin story behind her Chase nickname, The Vixen. We discus
272: Teens, toasters and Kiefer Sutherland's driving school with Tom Price
What's it like to embrace Hugh Jackman? Which celebrity does Tom Price still dream of interviewing? And why does he want us to eat prawns off his wife's back? Answering all these questions is the actual Tom Price! The Magic FM drive time DJ takes a break from his busy three hours of work a day schedule to spend some quality time with us. We have a good old moan about
271: Dick the halls: it's the 2023 Christmas Special!
What is the collective noun for a group of Lindas? How is anal sex like relationship bitcoin? And which Hollywood action star would Sam Pamphilon pleasure orally for £50,000? Yes, it's the Scummy Mummies Christmas Special!As usual, we get too drunk and talk absolute nonsense for too long. The same old Christmas podcast traditions are back, but Ham Review gets a new twist this year, and Nurse
270: Christmas food special with Sarah Rossi (aka Taming Twins)
Christmas eating is great, but Christmas cooking can be stressful. Joining us with her top tips for creating calm in the kitchen is Sarah Rossi, aka @TamingTwins! She shares easy make-ahead recipes for starters and desserts, and a great idea for what to feed picky eaters on the big day. We talk about how we should all be getting into dump bags, which are nicer than they so
