Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things

Dan Snow, historian and broadcaster, reflects on democracy’s fragility and lessons from history. Tom Rosenthal, comedian and actor, celebrates odd internet delights and warns about online harms. Daniel Foxx, stand-up and social media star, relishes stories of rude waiters as theatre. Bridget Christie, comedian and writer, shares quirky water anxieties and comedic craft anecdotes.

Charlie Higson, comedian, actor and author known for The Fast Show and Young James Bond, chats about a wildly varied life. Conversations jump from punk stages to sketch tours. He explores the Voyager Golden Record, flag histories, opera’s power and his new darkly comic history of Britain’s monarchs.

Dan Snow, historian, broadcaster and founder of History Hit, brings historical perspective to modern life. He talks about how context calms panic, the fragility of democracy, tall ships and their youthful impact, sunrises as daily miracles, history walks with family, music as memory anchors, and a fond, humorous case for gherkins.

Tom Rosenthal, a stand-up comedian and actor known for his roles in 'Friday Night Dinner' and 'Plebs', shares his passion for diverse topics. He rhapsodizes about the artistry of Dennis Bergkamp's iconic goal and relates it to discipline in sports under Arsène Wenger. Tom dives into the transformative effects of physiotherapy on his scoliosis and the importance of good posture. He explores his fascination with heavy-metal chess openings and the thrilling world of psychedelic trip reports, while also discussing the connection between math, beauty, and creativity.

Join stand-up comedian Daniel Foxx, known for his sharp observational humor, as he shares his quirky takes on life. Discover why rude waiters excite him and hear his hilarious celebrity encounter with Louis Theroux. Daniel dives into bizarre wellness fads like perineum sunning and explains his love for scented candles that evoke seasonal moods. They even discuss the misunderstood world of ASMR and its calming effects. Prepare for unexpected laughter and whimsical fantasies as Daniel paints wild yet funny images!

Bridget Christie, a celebrated comedian and writer known for her acclaimed shows and Channel 4 series The Change, joins to share her brilliant insights. She hilariously delves into the disappearance of empathy in urban life, recounts her unique views on water and public pools post-lockdown, and reflects on the joys and perils of riding a motorbike through London. Bridget also champions curiosity in conversations and discusses the primal importance of fire in fostering community connections.

Adam Kay, a former doctor turned writer and comedian, delves into the ins and outs of IVF and surrogacy, sharing heartfelt insights and humorous anecdotes from his parenting journey. Stand-up comedian Ania Magliano discusses the art of gossip and how it fuels creativity, alongside her love for quirky drinks. Ross Noble, known for his surreal comedy, explores the joy of self-amusement and his fascination with absurdities in everyday life. Lastly, behavioral scientist Rory Sutherland champions consumerism's surprising benefits, emphasizing the importance of optimism and pleasant surprises.

In this engaging discussion, Rory Sutherland, a marketing expert and advocate for unconventional thinking, shares his unique insights. He explores how consumerism drives progress, defends the benefits of cars in decentralizing opportunities, and uncovers the paradoxes within modern beliefs. Rory also highlights YouTube as a vital educational tool, examines the cultural implications of travel, and whimsically rants about food trends like the dominance of sourdough. His thoughts are a stimulating blend of creativity and practical solutions for contemporary challenges.

Happy Christmas! This week Russell looks back over all of the shows from 2025 and picks his favourite moments from 52 x 5 Brilliant Things (So…quick bit of maths…that’s…260 Brilliant Things). We’ll be back in a week with a brand new show and loads of super-exciting guests in the new year.  On our Patreon show something a bit special this week - Russell and Dan sit down and talk about how they made the TV show Good News. For anyone who enjoyed that show, it’s a real treat and an insight into what went on behind the scenes… ⁠patreon.com/RussellHoward⁠   Also there are still a handful of tickets left for Russell’s brand new tour show ‘Don’t Tell The Algorithm’. There are shows across the whole UK in 2026: You can book tickets at https://www.russell-howard.co.uk Thank you for listening, you lovely lot. X Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ross Noble, a British stand-up comedian celebrated for his improvisational and surreal humor, shares tales from his eclectic life. He delves into his cuttlefish obsession, describing their captivating mating displays and his plans to free dive with them in Australia. The conversation shifts to his comic inspirations, including amusing anecdotes about Bond novels and the flow state of performing live. Noble also reflects on the evolution of his career from street performer to one of Britain's finest stand-ups.