RHLSTP with Richard Herring

Richard Herring dives deep into the hilarious chaos of fatherhood. He contrasts the magical expectations of childbirth with the reality of a traumatic delivery. With candid humor, he explores parental anxiety, imagining all sorts of worst-case scenarios. There’s a funny reflection on the bittersweet nature of pure infant happiness and how it can be painful for parents. Richard also discusses the balance between career ambitions and personal contentment, all while navigating the challenges of being an older dad. It's a wild ride filled with laughter and introspection!

Dive into a festive world where no question is too inappropriate! Richard hilariously imagines the perfect gifts for baby Jesus, discusses the disturbing ingenuity of the Brighton bombing, and shares what he’d do if he had a dinosaur egg. Hear about his thoughts on politics, from refusing to vote Conservative to tactical strategies. Plus, laugh along as he debates which tall celebrity would win in a fight and answers a hilariously awkward question about bodily functions. It's a wild and thought-provoking ride!

Get ready for a whimsical exploration of transformation and identity! From wanting to become a majestic bird to dreaming of extra eyelids for protection, guests share their unique chrysalis wishes. Humor flows as James Acaster jokes about morphing into The Rock, while Fern Brady whimsically connects being a robin to ancestral visits. The discussions range from wanting wings like Maleficent to the idea of being water, reflecting on life's transience. Laughter and insightful musings abound in this entertaining journey through imagination!

Rob Reiner, the iconic actor and director behind classics like This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride, dives deep with insights on storytelling and improvisation. He shares his excitement about a Spinal Tap sequel and reflects on the emotional journey of remaking The Princess Bride with his father. Most riveting is his new podcast, 'Who Killed JFK?', where he challenges the official narrative of the assassination, critiquing the conspiracy theories and emphasizing the need to uncover the truth for democracy's sake.

Celebrate the season with a whimsical dive into Christmas curiosities! Richard and his puppet pal, Ali, explore the bizarre logistics of the star that guided the wise men and reflect on drunken holiday memories. They share nostalgic tales of childhood advent calendars, critique festive treats, and ponder the mysteries of extraterrestrial life. Expect laughter over anagrams and musings about historical accuracy in the Gospels. This holiday special is a delightful blend of humor, reflection, and festive spirit!

Andy Webb, a journalist and documentary maker, dives deep into his book *Dianarama*, which explores Martin Bashir's infamous interview with Princess Diana. He discusses how Bashir manipulated her fears and the subsequent cover-up within the BBC. Webb outlines the questionable tactics of BBC executives, their lack of accountability, and the obstacles he faced in his investigation. He also touches on the historical significance of the scandal and the potential interest of Prince William in uncovering the truth.

Join the hilarious Paul F. Tompkins, a multifaceted comedian known for his voice work as Mr. Peanutbutter and his hit show, The Thrilling Adventure Hour. He chats about the quirks of dressing up for stage, starting stand-up at just 17 with bravado, and the dedicated fandom behind his shows. Paul reflects on the joy of podcasting, the nuances of performing in the UK, and the challenges of voice acting. Plus, he showcases his improvisational talent with quick-witted responses to unexpected 'emergency questions'—a true delight!

Victoria Coren Mitchell, a talented writer, presenter, and professional poker player known for hosting Only Connect, shares her captivating journey through fame and poker. She recounts hilarious anecdotes from her teenage years and experiences with celebrity poker players. Victoria opens up about her family background, personal insecurities, and her relationship dynamics with David Mitchell. She also reflects on the challenges of media portrayal and the emotional impact of art, revealing the unexpected tears brought on by Michelangelo's David.

Steve Punt, a versatile comedian and writer known for his work on The Now Show, joins Richard Herring to discuss his innovative multi-media project, Lost On Infinity. They dive into Steve's 'Benjamin Button' career and the challenges of translating radio comedy to TV. The duo explores the project's unique premise about extinction and its scientific roots, debating the ethical dilemmas of losing dogs versus humans. With insights on music quality for kids and aspirations for family entertainment, Steve's passion for storytelling shines throughout the conversation.

Richard Ayoade, the multi-talented actor, director, author, and comedian, shares insights on his eclectic career and creative choices. He reflects on his cult classic, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, and the challenges he faced as the only UK cast member for The IT Crowd's US pilot. Ayoade discusses his book, Afterthoughts, filled with quirky aphorisms, and his preference for directing shorter films. They dive into the emotional intensity of reality TV and Ayoade's upcoming projects, including children's books and new films.