Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things

Jess Fostekew, comedian, actor and amateur weightlifter, chats about gyms, lifting rituals and why gloves are a no-go. She raves about beans and their recipes. She shares sideline football life as a proud parent and the highs and hazards of youth sport. She also explores the power of hugs, consent and the surprising science behind them.

Cody Dahler, comedian and comedy writer known for sharp online satire and BBC work, chats about his unlikely path from civil service to viral political comedy. He riffs on finding an audience via TikTok, balancing political voice with fame pressures, festival magic, a beloved pub in Cyprus, and the book that changed his life.

Dara O Briain, Irish comedian and TV presenter, reveals his love of dance music and clubbing. Mike Rice, Irish comic raised on a dairy farm, shares rural upbringing and family tales. Janine Harouni, comedian and actress, recounts performing while pregnant and a squeaky leather on-set moment. Jamie Hutchinson, Manchester comedian, celebrates homemade games and local rolls of honour.

Jamie Hutchinson, a high-energy Manchester stand-up and podcast co‑host, brings vivid stories and playful creativity. He recounts chaotic live mishaps and inventing homemade games. He celebrates pub quizzes, sitcom bonding and a passion for horse-racing commentary. He also shares a practical comedy-writing prompt and life on tour.

Janine Harouni, stand-up comedian and actor known for touring shows and award nods, picks five things that make her happy. She talks about digital clocks and dyscalculia, stage nerves and performance hacks. There are stories about pregnancy on tour, squeaky leather on a film set, nerdy attractions, and coping with online abuse.

Sean McLoughlin, a sharp-witted stand-up and host of The Sean McTalk Show, chats about Star Trek: TNG and its highs and hilariously bad lows. He dives into mosh pits as communal release and safety, confesses an obsession with ice hockey and its fighting culture, and reveals the comforting ritual of ordering the perfect pub burger.

Mike Rice, an Irish stand-up comic and podcaster known for viral clips and the 'Guide to Parenting' podcast. He recalls life on a dairy farm and the grind of milking sheds. He describes hypnotherapy and visualisation techniques for anxiety. He talks about meditation and Transcendental Practice that help him stay grounded on tour.

Andrew Mensah, South-East London comic who jokes about padel and celebrity run-ins. Ben Shephard, TV presenter with a fondness for fizzy drinks and drinking rituals. Pierre Novellie, internationally toured comic who recalls thunderstorms and growing up in Johannesburg. Shane Todd, Northern Irish comic who riffs on boy bands and early-career tales. They trade funny stories about sport, nostalgia, travel and drinks.

Dara O Briain, Irish stand-up comic and TV presenter known for Mock the Week, shares funny anecdotes and personal favourites. He talks touring tales and venue bragging. He explains his love of fountain pens and handwritten notes. He recalls debating leading to comedy and describes his night-time writing bursts, dancefloor cues and multilingual gig plans.

Andrew Mensah, comedian, podcaster and TV presenter known for sharp stand-up and the podcast We Saw That. He tells tales of playing padel with Wayne Rooney, the cultural pride of trainer collecting, and competitive Articulate nights. He reflects on leaving gang culture behind through curiosity, how class shifts tastes, and how football and community shaped his journey.