GOSPEL ACCORDING TO…

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO… Drunk Women Solving Crime

Published on September 23, 2021

Slightly sozzled super sleuths Catie, Hannah & Taylor discuss Drunk Women Solving Crime, the freedom podcasting affords, and the danger of post-recording pizzas. From Issue #008 of this magazine, this is the Gospel According To… Drunk Women Solving Crime.

Why podcasting? What is it about podcasts that appeals to you?

Taylor: I mean…Drunk Women is the most fun I’ve ever had at work. Only a podcast could allow for this kind of format, and we are in charge of our content completely. That’s what’s exhilarating about podcasts vs other mediums. I love that with so many pods there is also the live show element.

Catie: It’s virtually gatekeeper free, so all your energy goes on making your show as great as you can, rather than trying to convince someone you’ve had a great idea.

If you could go back to before you started your show and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Taylor: I was so nervous hosting the first episode with Katherine Ryan, and for some reason I told Catie and Hannah we shouldn’t laugh too much or it’d be annoying for listeners! It’s still a great episode but I should have relaxed and had more fun rather than trying to get it “right.”

Hannah: Don’t get too smashed at live shows. Haha. The mix of adrenaline and just having a great time means there’s been some pretty breath-taking hangovers.

What makes a great podcast host?

Hannah: I like hosts who are just completely themselves. I think it was Seinfeld who said the closer you are to yourself on stage the funnier
you’ll be.

Taylor: They should be American. Joking. Or am I?

What about a great podcast guest?

Hannah: Someone who’s up for joining in, but who is also good at sharing the space. Whenever we talk over each other on the podcast we always apologise profusely followed by us all singing ‘Female workplace!’ Which still makes me laugh no matter how many times we do it.

Catie: Comedy chops. People who have honed their craft and have brilliant instincts elevate everything.

Taylor: Enthusiasm and willingness to go with the flow of the format. And being themselves.

What’s been your worst podcast moment so far?

Taylor: Felicity Montagu walked in on me while I was on the toilet after we recorded our episode and, how shall I put this, I was in a delicate female situation at the time? She really got an eyeful.

Hannah: Aside from the aforementioned hangovers, when we recorded our first episode at Taylor’s house I put a pizza on after the recording and worried all night that I hadn’t turned the oven off and had burnt her house down. Reader, I hadn’t.

Is there anything your found frustrating as a podcast listener but understand now you make your own?

Catie: Too many references to previous episodes that I haven’t listened to, with assumed knowledge I don’t have. I always try and give quick extra info to explain, if ever this happens on ours. It can be tricky when there’s listeners who will already know, mixed with those who won’t.

Taylor: I’m not a fan of hosts going way off piste topic wise, I think we rein ourselves in but it’s so tempting to veer into side convos especially when you’re tipsy.

Which episode of your podcast means the most to you?

Taylor: Probably our first live recording with Jenny Eclair. We were so fortunate to land her as a first live guest and despite the nerves about whether it would work, Jenny was an absolute gem and kicked off our live shows in the best possible way. Wow I’m quite the name dropper aren’t I? Amanda Abbington loved that about me.

Catie: I was a bit star struck when we had Louise Wener from Sleeper as a guest. My 15-year-old self would have exploded at this information (once I’d explained about podcasts and the internet etc). She was so nice and a fantastic guest.

Hannah: We recorded one episode where about an hour before the recording I received some news that was of huge personal relief to
me. I can hear it in my voice when I listen back. It was a weird moment of podcast life and real life colliding, and a lovely moment to spend
drinking and laughing with my friends.

Which podcasts, or podcast hosts do you take inspiration from??

Taylor: Ah my current fave is Jonathan Goldstein of Heavyweight and This American Life. He’s got a great balance of humour balanced with compassion and empathy.

Catie: I love the hosts of The Irish Passport Naomi O’Leary and Tim McInerney because they are so well informed and clever, but also quite patiently explain everything so that everyone listening can be up to speed. They have a brilliant mix of humour and insight, and I like how they are friends having fun, as well as being serious.

Hannah: I love Samira Ahmed on her podcast How I Found My Voice. I also recently met her and she complimented my dress so I guess we’re best friends now.

Finally, what are your current favourite podcasts?

Hannah: I love Helen Bauer & Rosie Jones’ pod Daddy Look at Me they have a great rapport and great guests! I also love Hatty Ashdown’s Funny Mummies and I’m not even a parent.

Catie: I love Girl Chaat by Uma Nayer, which is all about celebrating life from a British South Asian female perspective. She’s had some fascinating guests on, and covered topics from Christmas to politics, in such a funny, interesting and informative way.

Taylor: Heavyweight, I Don’t Even Own a Television, Dear Joan & Jericha, Dumb People Town, and Scriptnotes. Gosh those are overwhelmingly American AND male, I need to have a serious word with myself. Sorry.