Congratulations on reaching 500 episodes! How does it feel to hit this milestone?

Chris: It’s absolutely mental! When we started, we never thought we’d get to 50, let alone 500! We just loved chatting nonsense and making lists, and here we are, still going strong.

Stu: Yeah, it’s surreal. We started this as a bit of fun, but the support we’ve had from listeners has been incredible. We owe it all to the amazing community that’s grown around the show.

Hardcore Listing hosts Stu and Chris

For those who might not be familiar, tell us how Hardcore Listing came to be.

Stu: Chris and I always had these ridiculous, in-depth discussions about random topics, and we thought, why not make a show out of it? We love a good list, and before we knew it, Hardcore Listing was born.

Chris: The idea was simple: each episode, a guest brings a top five list on any subject they fancy, and we dive into it. It’s led to some of the funniest, weirdest, and most insightful chats we’ve ever had.

Speaking of guests, you’ve had some cracking ones. Any standout moments?

Chris: Too many to mention! We’ve had everyone from comedians to musicians, actors, and even our mates. The best part is, you never know where an episode will go. One minute you’re discussing top five crisps, the next it’s the most life-changing moments.

Stu: A definite highlight was Brett Goldstein talking about his top five weird moments doing stand-up – absolute gold! And then having the lads from Dirty Sanchez in our studio to chat about their top five hellraising moments… well, let’s just say that was absolute chaos in the best possible way!

The show is known for its mix of humour and genuine conversation. How do you strike that balance?

Chris: I think it’s just who we are. We love to take the piss, but we also love a deep chat. The guests set the tone – sometimes it’s pure comedy, sometimes it’s really personal. That’s what makes it work.

Stu: Yeah, we never force anything. We just let the conversations flow naturally. If it’s funny, great. If it’s heartfelt, that’s great too. The most important thing is that it’s real.

After 500 episodes, what keeps you motivated?

Stu: The listeners, 100%. The messages we get from people saying the show has helped them through tough times or just given them a laugh – that’s what keeps us going.

Chris: And the fact that we’re still having fun. If it ever stopped being fun, we’d call it a day. But right now, we’re still loving every minute.

What’s next for Hardcore Listing?

Stu: More of the same madness! We’ve got some brilliant guests lined up, more live shows, and we’re always thinking about new ways to shake things up.

Chris: And who knows? Maybe another 500 episodes! We’ll see how long our livers hold out.

Thanks for chatting with us! Here’s to the next 500!

Chris & Stu: Cheers! And massive thanks to everyone who’s supported us along the way. We couldn’t do it without you!

Listen to Hardcore Listing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

The post Exclusive interview with Hardcore Listing hosts Chris & Stu appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m a comedian and actor – you might recognise me from my Victoria Beckham Vogue’s 73 Questions Spoof or ITV’s Bad Bridesmaid – or perhaps not! Lately I’ve starred opposite Harry Hill in his new film The Last Caveman, and just filmed Tim Vine’s new feature film.

My podcast is Holly Burn’s Dream House. Each episode I take a guided tour of our guests’ fantasy home. If money and logic were no object, what house would they build? Where would it be and have they got absolutely disgusting taste?

Guests like Harry Hill, Lou Sanders, Paul Foot, Nick Helm, Luke Macqueen, Rosie Holt, Phil Dunning, Rachel Paris, and Sunil Patel take me round their fantasy home from outside to in…Think Off Menu crossed with the Omaze prize draw via Through The Keyhole!

In its first week it was picked as Podcast of the week in The Guardian: “like listening to Grand Designs episodes too weird to air”.

Episode 11 with guest Harry Hill

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

Something like Serial S1.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

I’ve always been interested in hosting and interacting with guests. Always loved the idea of doing a chat show of some sort. My comedy works best when it’s interactive and I engage with my audience. A podcast is the perfect answer to that.

I like the fact you can just start a pod off your own back, without anyone commissioning it or telling you what it should be. There’s no middleman – you can be your own boss, do it yourself, and not spend any (much) money. It’s satisfying to put yourself out there each week and have a tangible finished product you’ve created.

I come from a property background – growing up on building sites I’ve always loved anything property, building, design, and housing related – (shout out to heavy plant machinery!) so this was my obvious go to topic.

Episode 4 with guest Lou Sanders

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

Diary of a CEO, nnnnaahhh not really ha ha ha.

I guess really, though not technically a pod, the OG – Desert Island Discs.

You’ve had some great guests on the show so far – who has been your favourite or most memorable guest, and why?

Phil Dunning (whose incredible sitcom Smoggie Queens starts this week on BBC) because he is a hilarious comedian. I love chatting to him and he loves property too – so he was a perfect match for a guest!

Episode 13 with guest Phil Dunning

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

Victoria Beckham – she RTweeted my spoof of her Vogue 73 Questions vid and I think she’s got a great sense of humour and obvs is into design etc.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Probably Luke MacQueen or Matthew Crosby – both very funny guys…

If you could go back to just before you recorded the first episode of your podcast and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Buy a new MacBook with some big old horsepower to make editing less painful.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

From the podcast Linktree, my Linktree or my website!

Listen to Holly Burn’s Dream House on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

The post Holly Burn’s Dream House: Let your architectural imagination run wild! appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

My name’s Poppy Hillstead and I’ve got a brand new podcast coming out called Brainwash Me with Poppy Hillstead…obviously.

Guests have 40 minutes to natter to me about their niche interests, odd passion, fetish or full-on obsession, to see if they can brainwash me into joining their way of life. How do we know if the guests are successful? Well, I’m hooked up to a brain scanner. If they manage to peak my brainwaves then I’m officially into it…whether I like it or not.

Nudists, wrestlers, Dungeon and Dragon enthusiasts, Dominatrix trainers…I could go on.

How did you decide on the concept for the podcast? Were you just keen to find extra hobbies?

I have no idea really. I just think how many times I’ve been brainwashed in the past. I think it’s something that happens to everyone. You just wake up one day and go “I don’t think I actually like cake, it’s too dry,” or “Why have I pretended so many times I like ice skating?” or “I’m not really aroused by someone trying to lactate me.” I went out with a bloke once who was always trying to like…get them tiddies going. I’m just not bothered, it does nowt for me. So, I think it’s kind of nice to just sit back and let the brainscanner tell me what I like and don’t like, takes the pressure off me. I’m tired.

In the parallel universe where someone else is hosting this podcast and you’re a guest, what niche interest of yours would you try to sell them on?

I’m a very obsessive person. I went to Japan about 15 years ago and got this plastic peach toy with a buggered up human face. I’ve just decided now I want to collect them all. I asked my Japanese friend about it and he said it’s an old toy called ‘Kobito Dukan’ – proper popular apparently. I asked him why Japanese people liked it. He couldn’t really explain why. I don’t know why I like it. I mean, its hideous. I think I’d try and get the host into that. Fucked up peach toys.

It feels like a spoiler to ask about the interests you may have been converted by, but could you give an idea of how many people were able to sway you? Without giving too much away, were you surprised by your response to any of the niche interests?

Let’s just say, I was surprised at how often the brainscanner tells me I’m “incoherent”. I mean dangerous, record levels of incoherency. That’s probably the reason why I never passed my driving test. That’s surprised me. I think I’m quite open minded, but yeah there’s some things where they’ve passed and I’ve been like “oh for fuck’s sake”…cause we’re probably going to do a few follow up episodes where I try out the niche interests out and about. Quite worried about the follow up to the alien dick episode.

Was it easy to get guests to come on the podcast to talk about their passions or did you have to do some convincing?

Yeah, it’s been quite easy! I suppose when it’s something they genuinely love, then they just like talking about it. Also I want people from everywhere, I asked a girl on the tube the other day who was covered head to toe in dolls heads. My dream would be like… an old farmer who was super into cesspits or something, like knew all the models, the history. Convince me to be into cesspits, go on.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

My absolute dream would be to get 5 or 6 different Elvis impersonators of all different levels and have them try and convince me to join them. Can someone please sort this out for me. PLEASE.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

If you’re going to vomit have a receptacle nearby. By the way, that’s the first time I’ve ever used the word ‘receptacle’ and I’m proper proud of myself.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

First episode I have an amazing social nudist as a guest called Rupert the Bare. Obviously he’s completely nude the entire episode. Genuinely one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

You can follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or if you can bear the constant bumholes that are all over Twitter at the moment…follow me on there. Can’t say there’ll be any less bumholes on my account though to be honest. And you can follow the Brainwash Me podcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter too.

Listen to the trailer for Brainwash Me with Poppy Hillstead on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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Have you ever laid in bed, and just before drifting off to sleep, found yourself imagining how you would break out of prison or pull off the greatest diamond heist in history? Well, Harry Clark and Paul Gorton have.

The two biggest breakout stars of The Traitors 2024, Harry and Paul are back to plot even more dastardly schemes in their new show Harry & Paul Are…Devious. From the creators of Football Ramble and Abroad in Japan, this new podcast series sees the duo poring over some of the most infamous botched crimes in history and plotting their own play to help them get away with it.

From penguin theft to someone revealing their hiding location on Snapchat Maps, the boys have to decide whose new Devious plan is better. Sending heads into hands and the pair into hysterics, this show brings an entertaining and lighthearted warmth to the True Crime genre.

Now, Harry and Paul have decided to become the agony uncles you didn’t know you needed in an extra episode called ‘Devious Dilemmas’. Each week, listeners will send in their dilemmas for Harry and Paul to decipher on the show. Combating crazy friendship stories or finding hidden meanings in inexplicable dreams, Harry and Paul are balancing out their mischievous ways by bringing solutions to the listeners’ daily dramas.

So, as a sneak peek into the outrageous, wicked, but wholly hilarious minds of Harry and Paul, we asked them to interview each other, diving a little bit deeper into their devious dreams.

HC: Hi Paul. We’ll start strong…We mentioned this in the first episode: do you think you would rather carry out loads of little heists or one big one?

PG: I’d do lots of smaller ones, I know full well that if I did one I’d get addicted and have to do another. Lots of small ones keep me entertained and wealthy, possibly less likely to be caught too as I can plan multiple attempts rather than hope that just one goes off without a hitch.

PG:⁠ What about…⁠⁠If you could get away with one crime what would it be?

HC: It’s got to be robbing a bank – the biggest in history so then I can live the rest of my life sitting on a beach sipping cocktails!

PG: That is the dream. What do you think is the best time to commit a crime?

HC: ⁠Definitely dependent on the crime, for example under the cover of darkness, carrying out a bank heist would be a perfect opportunity as everyone is in bed. However, sometimes committing crimes in the daytime to fit in with the general public is a great idea, like nicking an apple from a fruit stand! Actually, bit harsh, maybe not.

HC:⁠ Yeah, agreed. ⁠⁠If you had to choose a team of 5 celebrities to help you carry out a heist who would it be and why?

PG:

1. ⁠Margot Robbie – ultimate distraction
⁠⁠2. Harry Winkle (AKA Harry Clark) – criminal mastermind, charm an insider
3. Beyoncé – sing us a song whilst heisting
4. Stephen Fry – genius, trustworthy, no one will suspect
⁠⁠5. Lewis Hamilton – getaway driver

HC: A solid heist squad there. And what would be your go-to disguise to use when carrying out a heist?

PG: Shave hair and beard off, wear a prosthetic mask and blue contact lenses. And a Scottish accent, of course.

Listen and subscribe to Harry And Paul Are…Devious with new episodes released twice a week, and make sure to DM your Devious Dilemmas to the show’s Instagram account @Harryandpaulpod.

Listen and subscribe to Harry & Paul Are…Devious wherever you get your podcasts.

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This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

–

This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com

The post Are You A Faithful? Or Are You…Devious? appeared first on POD BIBLE.

We spoke to Jacob Hawley last week on the website about his thoughts on the evolving world of podcasting and now we’ve caught up with him on Pod Bible TV!

Pod Bible co-founder Stu Whiffen chats to Jacob about his new show The Screen Rot Podcast, as well as what it was like being around in the beginning days of BBC Sounds.

The Screen Rot Podcast is a show where Jacob and his best mate Jake Farrell discuss the weirdest and worst content that’s been rotting our screens, and indeed our minds. It’s Monday Night Football for internet rubbish.

Listen to The Screen Rot Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and other popular podcast apps >>

The post Jacob Hawley on The Screen Rot Podcast and growing a community appeared first on POD BIBLE.

WHY DO YOU LOVE PODCASTS?

There’s a freedom to podcasting, it’s pretty close to stand up in that respect. You can just create something and put it out, you aren’t waiting for a green light from a production company. You have control that you don’t have in other types of media, you can decide what makes the edit and what content you want to focus on. Creatively it’s quite liberating. It’s also a brilliant way to connect with an audience.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST POD YOU EVER LISTENED TO?

I think it was Cariad Lloyds brilliant podcast Griefcast. It’s a really great podcast where people chat about grief, which sounds like it might be really depressing but it’s actually quite uplifting and hopeful.

WHICH PODCASTER MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

I am very lucky that I get to do two podcasts with two brilliant comedians Tom Allen on Like Minded Friends and Maisie Adam on Big Kick Energy and they both make me laugh a lot but its probably deeply cringe to use your own podcast as an answer. I really enjoy Kathy Burke’s podcast Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wake, she always makes me laugh. I also love French and Saunders Titting About, there’s an episode where they’re chat about things that have gone wrong while touring and I was laughing so hard I was crying while driving on a
motorway. Probably not that safe to be honest.

WHICH PODCAST HAS EDUCATED YOU THE MOST?

I love Elizabeth Day’s How to Fail. She’s such a great interviewer and manages to ask quite direct and exposing questions without feeling like she’s overstepping a line. She always has such brilliant guests, every week whether you’ve heard of them or not, I always come away feeling like I have learnt something and a little bit more comfortable with my own failures.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SHOW OUR READERS MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF YET?

Safe Space is a brilliant podcast hosted by friends Emma and Hester, it is a show about queer history confirming the fact that the queer community has always been around. My favourite episodes include ‘How Roman’s made the Yuletide Gay’, ‘Berlins Queer History’ and a recent episode on the Ballroom scene from its beginnings in the 1870’s. Fascinating stuff!

Listen to Big Kick Energy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

Listen to Like Minded Friends on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

The post Suzi Ruffle: “Podcasting is pretty close to stand-up” appeared first on POD BIBLE.

WHY DO YOU LOVE PODCASTS?

I love podcasts for the autonomy they offer both consumers and creators. As a podcaster I appreciate the freedom to discuss what I want to, how I want to. My opinion isn’t being held back by a board of trustees or behind walls of compliance. My creativity isn’t held back by prescribed structure, or what people are used to listening to at 10 am. I’m not saying people should go around saying and doing what they want without consequences. There’s an old saying in the Black American community: f*ck around and find out. I just think the world is more fun when folks have the freedom to f*ck around.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST POD YOU EVER LISTENED TO?

The first podcast I had ever heard was WTF with Marc Maron. This was back in the day before I was a comedian, before I ever aspired to be a guest (pretty please Mr. Maron with a microphone on top). What delighted me about it was its simplicity and spirit. It was just a hilarious man talking to his guests about life, which often led to Marc using humour to navigate quite tender things. Not to be a wimp, but that’s quite an important life skill.

WHICH PODCASTER MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

Oh, this is definitely a tie between Helen Bauer and Josh Jones. Listening to Helen and Josh makes me wonder if I’ve lived a life – because if I have then why don’t I have a zillion incredible stories on tap? Listening to them makes me both concerned that childhood trauma has robbed me of my memory, and concerned for their safety. Maniacs. Helen can be heard on her pod Trusty Hogs and her old pod Daddy Look at Me, Josh can be heard on his new pod Hard Sell and his old new pod Chatting with Cherubs.

WHICH PODCAST HAS EDUCATED YOU THE MOST?

Hands down, The Guilty Feminist podcast. I don’t think I truly understood what being a feminist meant before I encountered it. I knew how I felt, what I believed. I knew that something was wrong with Texas. I knew that there were forces working to hold women back and weigh us down, but I didn’t have the language to express it.

I have had the privilege of co-hosting The Guilty Feminist, and sitting next to Deborah Francis-White over the past 4 years while we meet activists has taught me so much about myself and the world.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SHOW OUR READERS MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF YET?

The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema. Before I go on, I want you to know I do realize that none of these answers have been funny. This one won’t be either – it’s gunna be sincere and earnest. For that I’m sorry. The show’s purpose is to “facilitate your journey home to yourself” using psychology, spirituality and artistic practice. I’m an incredibly spiritual person but you don’t have to be to connect to this offering. You just need to be curious about yourself, your needs, your healing and living your (wait for it…) best life.

Over the past few years, when I’ve found myself feeling hurt, lost or far from myself, this podcast has been a beautiful resource. It features 30 minute episodes on topics ranging from addressing self abandonment, overcoming perfectionism, even dealing with racial trauma. It’s an incredibly important resource and I’m honoured to recommend it.

Listen to FOC It Up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

Want more from Issue #024? Check out interviews with Marc Maron, Dick & Dom and podcast recommendations galore! Read the magazine here >> 

The post Kemah Bob: “My opinion isn’t being held back” appeared first on POD BIBLE.

PB: WHY DO YOU LOVE PODCASTS?

AL: I love podcasts for so many reasons. I love the feeling of really clicking with a show, learning the in-jokes and the idiosyncrasies of the hosts, the verbal foibles and when the rhythm of the format becomes familiar and hypnotic and you feel one of the gang. I love learning things through audio too, I’m such a slow reader and I just feel like podcasts are a format my brain can digest.

I listen to podcasts for a big part of the day, every day – so they soundtrack everything. So in a weird way they also offer companionship – a constant presence of someone smarter, funnier, cooler in my ears, improving me a little, osmotically!

WHAT WAS THE FIRST PODCAST YOU EVER LISTENED TO?

The Ricky Gervais Show with Karl Pilkington and Stephen Merchant. I must have listened dozens and dozens of times now. I can quote large chunks of it still. Subconsciously (and maybe a bit consciously!) I think I was channelling a bit of that dynamic when we started My Dad Wrote A Porno.

WHICH PODCASTER MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

I’ve been a huge fan of Julia Davis for a long time now and it was through her that I discovered Vicki Pepperdine. Dear Joan & Jericha is so perfect, I love hearing podcasters genuinely making each other corpse.

WHICH PODCAST HAS EDUCATED YOU THE MOST?

Recently I really loved Nice White Parents – great journalism and just so gripping even though on the surface the public education system in a specific neighbourhood in the US doesn’t necessarily sound like it would be. It was informative and educational without being preachy or inaccessible. You can really hear that it was a labour of love. Newscast is always clarifying and helpful so I never miss that, that’s one of only a few long standing regulars in my library.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SHOW OUR READERS MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF?

I’m always surprised when people say they haven’t heard The Mystery Show. Starlee Kine investigates mysteries ”you can’t solve with the internet” like ‘How tall is Jake Gyllenhaal?’ – why do we care? Because this is a prime example of the ordinary made extraordinary in story telling. It is a logistical feat, with the yarns sometimes unravelling over weeks or even months, and yet the production strikes a perfect balance between slick and DIY. The fact that it only ran for one season is a tragedy.

Want more from Alice Levine? Check out the Gospel According To… My Dad Wrote A Porno, where we hear form her and her podcast partners in crime…

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Three Bean Salad is a phenomenon. At last year’s London Podcast Festival, they put on three live shows over two days, all of which sold out the huge Hall One. Their other live shows sell out to their Patreons before the non-paying public even get a chance. Fans line up to have their photos taken with them. There’s a very active subreddit, and (paying the podcast one of the highest compliments the internet can offer) there’s a full-on Wiki – not just a page, but a whole network of sites trying to capture every detail of this comedy podcast. There’s even a TVTropes page, somehow, and at the top, it features an exchange that really sums up the pod:

Ben (reading an email from listener Ross): Your podcast primarily relies on in-jokes, previously established jingles, and meandering lukewarm banter about an email you received several episodes ago.

Henry: Okay, I think there’s a little bit more than that going on.

— Slippers

If you’re not a part of that community yet, you might need an introduction to the heroes of the show. The Three Beans are: Mike Wozniak (you probably recognise him from Taskmaster), Benjamin Partridge (who makes the very funny podcast The Beef & Dairy Network) and Henry Paker (how to begin describing him? Also, he’s an illustrator who does the cute artwork for each episode). Mike is The Dad, Benjamin is The Son (and has an evil alter-ego / doppelganger, Bonjamin), while Henry is The Wildcard. Each episode, they chat generally, then attempt to talk about a subject thrown up at random by the Bean Machine.

Episode subjects have included Disguises, Purple and Going To Disney World And Not Wanting To Be Dressed Up As A Ruffian. There are lots of jingles / full-on songs breaking the episodes up into segments, including Provincial Dad Chat, where Mike embraces his own non-London Dadness; Digestive Tract Talk, which is exactly what it sounds like; and the America jingle (“burgers!”).

If you’re a new listener, where do you even start? The Beans have just finished their 11th season, so there are plenty to choose from. It is a podcast dense with running jokes, call-backs and invented characters. However, Three Bean Salad isn’t a narrative podcast; it’s improvised, not scripted, so you don’t have to start at Season 1 Episode 1. In fact, the first episode, ‘Posters’, has few of the ongoing, in-jokey features that make the pod so enjoyable. it definitely has the feel of a pilot and it’s not really representative of what the podcast has become.

I’m going to suggest that you don’t start there and give you four of my favourite alternatives.

Season 1 Episode 2: Lizards

It’s only the second episode, but the podcast already feels much more lived-in here, compared to the first one. The Beans invent a film (one of their favourite kinds of chat), in this instance for the BBC’s Emily Maitlis as an assassin. This is the origin of some of Ben’s best jingles: there’s a lot of Royal talk, which later becomes The Regal Zone jingle; it’s the first time we hear that all creatures are on an evolutionary arc towards becoming crabs – the foundations for a Crab Bell introduced later on.

Of course, this is the episode that legendary podcast enemy and all-round passive-aggressive supervillain Sperbs makes his first appearance via listener email, thus setting up the Three Bean Salad Extended Universe. Reading out his missive also shows how devoted the Beans are to interacting with listener correspondence from the start, even when that listener powerfully manipulates them psychologically…

Season 1 Episode 3: Rome

Okay, okay, so far I’ve basically recommended skipping the first episode but the third episode, ‘Rome’ is a great follow-on. It’s a very meta episode, and if there’s one thing the Beans care about, it’s being endearingly transparent about how the podcast sausage is made. From opening with a discussion of “should we have an opening chat vs the fade in?” to Henry’s suggestion of a jingle whenever they discuss the workings of the podcast on the actual pod.

Part of the pod’s charm is how much the Beans think/worry about the listener’s experience and we see this when a listener asks for the ending of Henry’s beans story from Episode 1: Posters (giving you a good reason to return to that at some point). Episode 3 is a fun behind-the-scenes look at how the Beans make the pod.

Season 1 Episode 7: Sleep

There’s an ongoing thread that people keep telling the Beans that it’s a very easy podcast to fall asleep to, thanks to their soothing voices (yes it is true, and no, it’s not that much of an insult). Their chat about sleep definitely helps us to learn some oddly personal things about them, but this episode is mostly notable for an absolutely corking listener emails section. Their archenemy Sperbs resurfaces to suggest that the pod could become “an hour of contextless jingles,” before suggesting the topics of “yams, dog racing, staplers, barns, dog fighting, paganism, assassination of William McKinley, concept of self, dogs, Falklands, Scientology, animal testing, and dogs,”. Plus there is the horrifying suggestion that Sperbs could actually be one of the Beans.

This episode’s email segment is rich in origin story for the episodes to come. Also, if you have a dog – just quickly check on it?

Season 3 Episode 1: Exercise

Yes, this is a big leap forward, but it’s where the Patreon begins, so it’s actually a Bean-approved starting point. They start by talking about how the pod would work as Two Bean Salad in the three different pairings: a great intro to their personalities and relationship dynamics. They outline the kinds of bollockings they will take from listeners, no longer willing to crumble under any old criticism. There’s also the first appearance of the episode editor (in this case Ben) interrupting the episode with a phone call to another Bean to comment on what we’re listening to: meta upon meta, but in the service of being as correct as possible.

This is also the episode where the pod really goes professional: there’s now the Patreon and a website and the Bean Machine has gone fully digital. What more could you ask for when trying out a new podcast?

The music is a big part of Three Bean Salad. In fact, the podcast’s enemy Sperbs once suggested that the pod was in danger of becoming “​​an hour of contextless jingles” – a comment that cut the Beans deep. For you, the new listener, this might seem fair though, so in an attempt to provide some context for you, we asked Benjamin Partridge – maker of the jingles – to talk us through his Top 5 Jingles, and why.

Benjamin Partridge’s Top 5 Three Bean Salad jingles

5. Flightless Bird Zone

This plays every time flightless birds are mentioned. An important jingle for any podcast. Most of the big podcasts have one, but they usually haven’t had occasion to use it yet. For this one I was challenged to blend bossa nova and Bob Dylan style folk, and I think I pulled it off.

4. Provincial Dad Chat

This one mixes hard rock, Def Leppard style backing vocals and accordion folk. It really makes me laugh when Mike, in full provincial dad mode, says “who’s hidden my bloody walking boots?”

3. Neil

This came about because we were chatting about a very minor character called Neil who I played in the BBC Three sitcom Josh and we imagined what a spinoff sitcom would be like. So I made it as a proposed theme tune for the imagined sitcom. But now it plays every time someone called Neil is mentioned. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does it’s a special moment.

2. The Regal Zone

This is played any time the royal family is mentioned. Which is more than you might imagine. Usually Prince, now King, Charles. He seems to come up a lot. This jingle makes good use of a horse sound effect. A horse sound effect can really bring a jingle together and make it something quite cohesive. I think if you were a dancing person you could actually dance to this one. I would love to play it over a huge sound system in front of 500,000 at a huge outdoor gig in São Paulo.

1. Bluebell

This plays every time Henry’s cat Bluebell is mentioned. I don’t think it can truly be described as a jingle. It’s too long. It’s a song. Featuring Henry describing his cat as having “sturdy paws and silky thighs”. Usually I fade it out after 30 seconds or so but sometimes I hold my nerve and play the whole thing, completely torpedoing the flow of the podcast.

Listen to Three Bean Salad on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other popular podcast apps >>

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In Ghastly Women, Esther and her good friend Lily Philips bring to light the ‘other’ side of the so called “weaker sex”. They put some truly horrible women up with the big bad boys, because until we have women who are just as horrifying as some men, we will never get the respect/fear we deserve.

We sent over a few questions to learn more about the podcast…

Esther Manito at the Independent Podcast Awards

Can you tell us about your show – what is your elevator pitch?

There are so many podcasts about men who do horrible things and we wanted to show that women too can be ghastly. From killers, to stalkers and online trolls we cover all the things heinous committed by the fairer sex.

How did the show come about?

It came about from lockdown where myself and Lily would play interactive Pictionary online with an audience and each week we had a theme. The theme of female criminals hooked us.

Why podcasting? What is it about the format that appeals to you?

It’s allows us to be completely transparent and let the listeners get to us in a really honest way. The podcast is incredibly dark and humour is maniacal. It’s such chaos but we have developed such a brilliant fan base who share our sense of humour and it’s such a joy to reach out to them.

Were you influenced by any podcasts or podcasters before you started the show?

I love a podcast called Watch What Crappens. It’s two friends discussing the world of bravo reality TV. It honestly feels like you’re sat with two friends listening to them bantering and I think we have been influenced by this dynamic, drawing our listeners into our world and being ourselves completely.

What have you learnt about women from making your podcast?

That there is still a long way to go when it comes to women’s voices being given a platform. Our podcast is based on mocking the boundaries enforced on female performers and how we still are expected to follow mainstream narratives that want women as affable and as non threatening as possible. This podcast has given us the space to show us as piss-takers who are more than happy to mock the language and ideologies that are often used to repress women.

What do you think the secret is to a good ‘buddy’ podcast?

Chemistry. We both really enjoy each other’s company and I think that’s evident on the podcast. We know each other really well, we are part of each others lives both in and outside of work.

Finally, what is your current favourite podcast you would recommend to readers?

Watch What Crappens- if you like bravo tv
British Scandal – for a gripping story
Casefile – for true crime
Carrie Jade Does Not Exist – brilliant analysis of a con woman

Listen to Ghastly Women now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

Follow Lily Phillips on Twitter @lily_comedy and Esther Manito @esther_manito

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Lou Sanders chats to Pod Bible co-founders Scroobius Pip and Adam Richardson about podcasts and being the cover star for Issue #030 of Pod Bible magazine, illustrated by Dan Evans 

Read the magazine featuring a full interview with Lou here!

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We ask Katie Mc to tell us more about the indie podcast that came runner up in the ‘moment of comedy gold’ category…

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

Hello, I am Katie Mc the creator and host of Single Sounds. I am 27, live in London, single and like the majority of people overwhelmed, frustrated and uninspired by the modern dating landscape. This is where my idea for Single Sounds stemmed from, I have been on too many bad dates from dating apps and put this down to knowing nothing about the individual I was matching with. I started Single Sounds to create a new fun and authentic method of dating. I interview anonymous singles and the listeners of the show can write in to date my guests if they like the sound of them. As I like to say this podcast is for people who have too much personality for a dating app.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

A friend introduced me to Girls Gotta Eat, a US-based dating and relationships podcast and this is still my favourite show today.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

I absolutely love podcasts and believe in the strong sense of self you can get from them, so I thought it was perfect for a dating medium. I was convinced that bringing dating profiles to life in an interview format would be a much better way of communicating someone’s needs and wants when it comes to finding a partner.

Did you take inspiration from any podcasts before starting?

Truthfully – no. The structure of my early episodes came from popular dating app prompts and the current episode structure comes from my dad’s advice that for a long-term happy relationship, you need the 3 A’s “acceptance, adventure and affection”. However, I was inspired and continue to be inspired by many female UK-based podcast hosts to be creatively brave and just start such as Emily Clarkson, Alex Light, Deborah Frances-White, Rubina Pabani and Poppy Jay.

You recently came Runner-up at the IWPA – which episode can we listen to your award-winning comedy gold?

My submission for the award was taken from Episode 48 ‘The one with the porn date at the Tate’ released 10th January 2023.

What’s the secret to good podcast comedy?

Something I didn’t anticipate when starting my podcasting journey was how much humour and entertainment would be in each episode of Single Sounds. The dating stories shared are always truly unique and often hilarious as well as learning about people’s quirks and unusual interests, hobbies, turn-ons, and turn-offs. I laugh constantly throughout each episode, and I think what makes good podcast comedy is how honest, raw, authentic, and ultimately relatable each guest is and the stories they share.

Listen to Single Sounds now on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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My Seven Wonders with Clive Anderson is back and better than ever! Clive, the renowned host of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Loose Ends, and a BBC Radio legend, is bringing his hilarious podcast to the stage for a series of entertaining live shows. But don’t worry if you can’t attend in person because each show will be recorded and released as a special live podcast for everyone to enjoy on their favourite audio platforms.

Known for his quick wit and engaging conversations, Clive has mastered the art of entertaining an audience. After years of broadcasting, there was no doubt that his podcast would be exactly the same delightful patter, welcoming a whole host of eccentric guests. However, last year started a new era of My Seven Wonders, bringing together Clive’s much-loved podcast format to the live stage, combining Clive’s masterful wit with the infectious reaction of a theatre audience. Previous guests have included John Bishop, Stephen Fry, and Dara Ó Briain amongst others!

This year, Clive, along with his award-winning producing partner Stak, is determined to give an even better live show experience through the podcast. They plan to introduce even more interesting celebrity guests and delve into their chosen weirdest and wildest wonders of the world.

The journey began at the Leicester Square Theatre back in May, where exclusive episodes from Clive’s spring shows were recorded. Clive was joined by special guests, satirical comedian and actor Rosie Holt, and British comedian Terry Alderton, to delve into their outlandish seven wonders of the world as well as their current career conquests. These shows originated from the success of Clive’s 2022 Edinburgh Fringe run, with audiences in London eager to witness the magic of Clive’s podcast on the live stage.

Then the show went all the way up to the bustling Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where Clive hosted 13 greatly anticipated live shows filled with a fascinating guest every night. However, Clive is no stranger to the Edinburgh Fringe stage. Not only did he bring his My Seven Wonders podcast there last year, but he first started performing there in 1981 whilst he was still practising criminal law! Who knew he would still be performing there 23 years later.

Previous episodes of the podcast have featured captivating guests like German comedian Henning Wehn, who revealed his past life in marketing a professional football club. The infamous pub landlord Al Murray joined Clive to share why France is one of his wonders of the world. Additionally, the brilliant Scottish comedian Larry Dean provided a hilarious take on his seven wonders, recounting his decision to step away from a life of crime and pursue a career in comedy.

The shows have received rave reviews from critics. The Scotsman describes it as “a pleasure to be in an audience as relaxed and entertained as this… a perfectly judged show,” while The Telegraph hails it as “a complete delight!” Now, with new live podcast episodes released every week, no one has to miss out on the action.

So, whether you’re sitting in the audience, listening on your favourite audio platform, or catching up on the live podcasts, My Seven Wonders with Clive Anderson promises an evening of laughter and fascinating conversations with some of the biggest celebrity names. Prepare to be entertained as Clive’s quick-witted banter and his guests’ peculiar wonders of the world take centre stage.

My Seven Wonders LIVE! was first released on Thursday 3rd August with new shows coming in every week. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. 

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This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

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BROKEN RECORD w/ RICK RUBIN AND MALCOLM GLADWELL

A pod about musicians by musicians. I dip in and out of this one as well due to my varying interest in the guests. I particularly enjoyed hearing Rick Rubin interview Andre 3000. Listen on your podcast app >>

POPCAST

A weekly discussion on the headlines of pop culture by a group of journalists at the New York Times headed up by Jon Caramonica. Listen on your podcast app >>

NICE WHITE PARENTS

An exploration of segregation in New York public schools. There are so many echoes of this process in London where I live that I was interested in listening to this. Have greatly enjoyed for it’s top level production and research and it’s totally immersive quality. You are in the PTA meetings! I also learnt so much about the history of segregation in American public schools. Listen on your podcast app >>

GROUNDED WITH LOUIS THEROUX

I enjoy the mix of guests on Louis podcast – and how much the conversation is allowed to meander to different places. You really get all of the guest as they are on so long that they really relax into themselves. I loved Helena Bonham Carter and Sia. Listen on your podcast app >>

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

I loved this whole series from Jon Ronson. A real life thriller, where we meet all the main characters and while being brought down this ‘whodunnit’ road, also learn so much of what it is like to work in the porn industry today. Listen on Audible >>

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On Changes, DJ Annie Macmanus chats to artists, writers, musicians and a host of fascinating people about change. Each guest talks through the biggest changes they have overcome in childhood and adulthood, and how they effect change. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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We hope you enjoy these podcasts recommended by Annie Macmanus. Read more For The Love of Pod articles in the Pod Bible magazine, which you can read online or buy in our shop.

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Since swapping a career in investment banking for one in comedy, Sindhu has fast become one of the most exciting and sought-after talents on the UK circuit. While co-hosting the Child Labour podcast with Stuart Goldsmith and featuring regularly on The Guilty Feminist, Sindhu has guested on a number of other podcasts, covering a diverse range of subjects. Here are some of our favourites….

OFF MENU
Ep 15 // Sindhu Vee // Mar 2019

Often cited as one of Ed Gamble’s and James caster’s favourite episodes, Sindhu is in inspired form as she visits the dream restaurant to select her dream starter, main, side dish, dessert and drink. The choices themselves will have you salivating throughout but it’s the stories behind them that make this such a great listen. Listen on your podcast player >>

OLDER AND WIDER
The one with Craft Carriage, a jumpsuit fail and Sindhu Vee // Aug 2019

In recent years, podcasting has been taking steps to address the imbalance of certain unrepresented demographics and, as self-described “women of a certain age”,  Jenny and Judith are leading the charge. Sindhu provides excellent company here as the three enjoy a deep dive into the realities of hair removal and so much more. Listen on your podcast player >>

WORD OF MOUTH
Sindhu Vee // Feb 2020

Hosted by children’s author and poet Michael Rosen, Word of Mouth is about words and language and the weird and wonderful ways they’re used. Sindhu’s background (her Mother spoke Hindi, her father spoke Tamil, her childminder spoke Nepalese and her husband is Danish) leads to a fascinating conversation about intertwining dialects and influences. Listen on your podcast player >>

YOU’RE DEAD TO ME
Mughal Empire // Apr 2020

In You’re Dead To Me, Greg Jenner invites the ‘best names in comedy and history to learn and laugh about the past’, this time focusing on the Mughal Empire that controlled much of South Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. The examination of the empire’s legacy in art and architecture is fascinating and Sindhu’s humour is the cherry on the cake. Listen on your podcast player >>

WHEEL OF MISFORTUNE
Piss with Sindhu Vee // Oct 2020

Within months of Wheel of Misfortune launching, their lewd subject matters were frowned upon in the Daily Mail with a Tory MP being asked whether, as a BBC Sounds production, this was appropriate use of license fees. This episode maintains that reputation as Sindhu joins hosts Alison and Fern for 30 minutes of wee chat… and it’s an absolute joy. Listen on your podcast player >>

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