Book Shambles

Hugh Warwick is an ecologist and nature writer who is very much the 'The Hedgehog Guy'. He joins Robin and Josie on this episode to talk about everything to do with hedgehogs and his new book, The Hedgehog Book. They also talk about the perils of sniffing otter poo, why we should be feeding frozen peas to ducks and what to do with an injured glis glis. To hear an extended edition of this episode subscribe to Patreon on patreon.com/bookshambles

This week Robin is joined by psychologist Dr Stuart Ritchie to talk about his latest book Science Fictions: Exposing Fraud, Bias, Negligence and Hype in Science. They talk about how we can better communicate the process of science and be aware of any bias within it, what scientists themselves can do better when it comes to publicising their findings and how we need to be better and quickly calling out bad science. Extended conversation, and lots of other goodies, for Patreon supporters. Sign up at patreon.com/bookshambles

On so many previous episodes of Book Shambles guests have talked about how much they love the writing of Kit de Waal and so on this week’s episode Robin and Josie are joined by Kit herself to talk about her new book Supporting Cast. Well, that was the plan but they barely great round to it and spend most of the time talking about classic films, Trevor Howard, struggling at school and then, eventually, her wonderful new book. By the way, if you’re listening to this episode and wonder where Josie is at the start, she was running a bit late (it's explained) but joins Robin about 8 minutes in! To hear an extended edition of this episode subscribe to Patreon on patreon.com/bookshambles

On this episode Robin chats with the author of the 2020 Royal Society Science Book Prize shortlisted Explaining Humans - What Science Can Teach Us about Life, Love and Relationships, Dr Camilla Pang. They talk about how using a set of scientific principles can provide a useful way through life and interaction for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder like Camilla, reading Stephen Hawking as a child and how others with Autism Spectrum Disorders have found the book useful. Extended conversation, and lots of other goodies, for Patreon supporters. Sign up at patreon.com/bookshambles

Professor Alice Roberts returns to Book Shambles and she's brought along her co-author and editor of the new book, The Little Book of Humanism, Andrew Copson. They talk about what exactly humanism is, how they came to put together this new book and just how many Bertrand Russell quotes is too many... 15 bonus minutes of chat on the Patreon edition today including Robin dealing with a dog... Subscribe at patreon.com/bookshambles

On this week's Science Book Shambles Robin is joined by astronaut Tim Peake to chat about his new autobiography Limitless. They chat about Tim's career leading up to his astronaut training including answering an ad that was basically, 'Wanna Be An Astronaut', breaking things and aviation failures. Extended conversation, and lots of other goodies, for Patreon supporters. Sign up at patreon.com/bookshambles

Mark Watson joins Robin and Josie this week to talk about his new novel Contacts. They talk about the differences between writing a novel and a stand up show, trying to stay creative during a pandemic and how constantly being late for gigs means you end up being a lot fitter than you imagined. Also Robin makes Mark show off unread books from his shelf at random. This was a bumper episode so to hear a whole 20 extra minutes of chat, including what films are best to watch after emergency dental procedures, become a supporter at patreon.com/bookshambles

On this week's Science Book Shambles Robin chats with one of the founding members of The Trowelblazers, Rebecca Wragg Sykes. Her new book, Kindred, takes one of the fullest looks yet about what we know, and don't know, about Neanderthals. Robin also learns how Neanderthals have become clickbait... Hear an extended edition of chat by pledging your support at patreon.com/bookshambles

Laura Bates returns to Book Shambles to talk to Robin and Josie about her new book Men Who Hate Women. They chat about the dark misogyny on the internet uncovered when writing the book, what to say at parties when someone makes an offensive joke and point out the book is called Men Who Hate Women, not All Men Hate Women. It's important to note that due to the content of Laura's book this episode does contain discussion about topics of abuse, sexual assault and other subject matters that may upset or cause triggering responses for some listeners. To hear 15 extra minutes of chat, including why Josie struggles with a particular Netflix show, become a supporter at patreon.com/bookshambles

Robin chats with journalist and author Jo Marchant, author of the new book The Human Cosmos. They talk about our changing relationship with the night sky as light pollution and such things change what we see when we look up. And they wander through cave paintings, lunar cycles and how science can give us a different perspective of being human. To hear an extended version of this interview, subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/bookshambles

A Shambles regular, Natalie Haynes, joins Robin and Josie to chat about her brand new book Pandora’s Jar. They chat about the women of the classics, how Medusa is misrepresented, what’s right and wrong and The Clash of the Titans and writing an introduction after you’ve written the rest of the book. Robin, Josie and Natalie always embrace too many tangents and so to hear an extra 15 minutes of chat you can become a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/bookshambles

On this episode of Science Book Shambles Robin is joined by regular Book Shambles co-host Josie Long to chat with Dr Kat Arney about her new book Rebel Cell. They talk about cancer in dinosaurs, current cancer research and tales of Victorian chimney sweeps... To hear an extended version of this interview, subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/bookshambles

You may best know Ian for his live tweeting of the House of Commons or his podcast Remainiacs, but today he joins us to talk about his new book, How to Be A Liberal. He chats with Robin about the history of liberalism, where it's gone wrong and right and what the hell we do about the absolute chaos of the world right now. Be sure to support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles

Robin Ince chats to Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse about his thoughts on the UK's position on COVID-19, the possibility of life on Venus and his new book, What is Life? To hear an extended version of this interview, subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/bookshambles

It's been almost three years since we had Tim Harford (BBC's More or Less) on the show so we're delighted to have him back in the virtual studio to talk about his new book How to Make the World Add Up. They chat about that, what got Tim interested in economics and statistics, how facts can be misused and then Tim blows Josie's mind with the real rules of Monopoly. Over 15 mins of extra chat for Patreon subscribers this episode. Sign up at patreon.com/bookshambles

We've been trying to get Ruby Wax on Book Shambles for ages and it took a pandemic to get everyone's diaries to line up! Ruby joins Robin and Josie to talk about her new book, And Now for the Good News, as well as making positive change, why Robin is popular with turkeys, sniffing out companies BS when it comes to 'good deeds' and a whole lot more. Extended edition for Patreon subscribers as always. Enjoy around 15 percent more Ruby, Josie and Robin this week by subscribing at patreon.com/bookshambles

Matt Haig returns to Book Shambles as he sits atop the Sunday Times bestseller list with his new novel The Midnight Library. He chats to Robin about the book, favourite libraries, anxiety during a pandemic, David Cronenberg and much more. Extended edition for Patreon subscribers as always. Become one at patreon.com/bookshambles

This week Robin is joined by bestselling author, neuroscientist and broadcaster David Eagleman to talk about his latest book Livewired - The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain. They chat about brain plasticity, why we don’t look for the rearview mirror when walking, the criminal brain, the power of suggestion within fiction and how David broke his hand the day before we recorded... As always, extended edition for Patreon supporters. Sign up at patreon.com/bookshambles

On this episode Robin and Josie are joined by the poet Rachel Long whose debut book My Darling From the Lions has just been released. They chat about shifting from writing bad novels to good poetry, being expected to be an expert on your entire gender and race and discovering poetry on a park bench during a lunch break... Also Robin introduced Josie to some girl's ghost story annuals from the 70s. As always, extended edition for Patreon supporters. Sign up at patreon.com/bookshambles

Author of the New York Times bestseller The Vanishing Half joins Robin to talk about the book, the inspiration for its story and what it's like having a book crop up on countless 'anti-racist' reading lists. They also chat about James Baldwin, SE Hilton and mourn the loss of book talks and tours. Before Brit joins the show Robin and Josie catch up about current reading, old Marie Claire magazines and more. As always, extended edition for Patreon supporters. Sign up at patreon.com/bookshambles

The very last episode from the studio days back at the start of the year, Robin chats with Paul Tonkinson about his book 26.2 Miles to Happiness. That means they talk of Paul's love of running, Robin's hatred of running and favourite books about running... Support the show by pledging at patreon.com/bookshambles

Adam Kay's first book in 2017, This is Going to Hurt, was the bestselling non-fiction title of the decade in the UK and now he's edited an anthology of stories titled Dear NHS: 100 Stories to Say Thank You. He joins Robin and Josie to talk about the book, the incredible NHS compared to US healthcare, COVID, why children aren't learning enough about the body in education and the issues with having a famous patient. To hear a super extended edition of this week's episode, you can subscribe and support us at patreon.com/bookshambles Pledgers get an extra 30 mins of chat with Robin, Josie and Adam this week.

Robin and Josie are joined by the 2019 Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo on this week's episode. They chat about her incredible prize winning novel Girl, Woman, Other, sharing a car ride from Latitude, why people are scared of poetry and the power of an increased platform. To hear an extended edition of this, and every, episode of Book Shambles you can become a Patreon subscriber by visiting patreon.com/bookshambles

After a couple of years, Richard Holloway, award winning author and former Bishop of Edinburgh, returns to Book Shambles, albeit remotely. He chats to Robin and Josie about his new book, The Stories We Tell Ourselves which looks at the power, both good and bad, of stories. They look at today's political landscape, grappling with our past and Josie is shocked to learn Richard's never read a Kurt Vonnegut novel. Get an extended version of this, and every, episode of Book Shambles by becoming a Patreon subscriber at patreon.com/bookshambles

Today Josie and Robin are joined by two brilliant authors, Curdella Forbes and Clare Mackintosh. First up they chat to Curdella about her new book, A Tall History of Sugar, and the blending of fact and fiction in that latest, acclaimed novel. In the second interview they are joined by multiple Sunday Times bestseller Clare Mackintosh and chat about the real life tragedy behind her latest novel After the End. To hear the full version of both of these interviews, become a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/bookshambles. Subscribers get extended versions of each and every episode. This week there's a bonus 45 mins of content

Two guests on today's episode. Comedian and novelist Nick Revell joined Robin and Josie in the studio earlier this year to talk about how comedy has changed and reading for research for routines. Then in isolation Robin chats with Ian Stone about his new book To Be Someone about his relationship with The Jam and the violence of the 70s music scene. To hear the full version of both of these interviews, become a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/bookshambles. Subscribers get extended versions of each and every episode. This week there's a bonus 45 mins of content.

On today's episode we have two guests whose books look at two different angles of human evolution. Dave Coplin's Rise of the Humans looks at our evolving and changing relationship with technology while Gaia Vince's Transcendence looks at human evolution as it relates to culture and the objects we create. They both chat to Robin and Josie about their books, the state of humans right now, and why Robin is bad at video games... To hear the full version of both of these interviews, become a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/bookshambles. Subscribers get extended versions of each and every episode. This week there's a bonus 45 mins of content.

On this week's episode Robin and Josie chat with author Dina Nayeri about her new book The Ungrateful Refugee in which she looks back at her journey from leaving Iran as an 8 year old and arriving in the United States as a refugee with her family. They talk about the refugee experience, finding creativity during lockdown, the power of short stories and the challenges of teaching children about difficult subjects. As always Book Shambles Patreon supporters get an extended edition of this week's episode plus, those at the behind the scenes tier, this week also get to watch the episode! Support us at patreon.com/bookshambles

On our first 'remotely recorded' episode of Book Shambles, Robin and Josie are joined by music icon Tori Amos. They chat about Tori's new book, Resistance and playing piano for the Speaker of the House, the current protests in America, being visited by the 'muses' and how Carl Sagan helped her write a song. Sort of... Extended edition, and all sorts of other bonus shows and the like, available as always for our Patreon supporters at patreon.com/bookshambles

Previous winner of the Costa Book of the Year prize Nathan Filer joins Robin Ince in a hotel room back in January to chat about his new book, This Book Will Change Your Mind About Mental Health. They talk about the inspiration behind the book and Nathan's time working as a psychiatric nurse and in mental health research. To hear an extended version of this, and every, episode of Book Shambles, become a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/bookshambles

Brian Greene is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at Columbia University and one of the best selling science authors of all time. His latest book, Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe, is a personal look at some of the fundamental questions of existence through the lens of physics. He chats to Robin about the book, why he became a vegetarian, and then vegan, at age 9, and whether alien lifeforms care about maths... Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each episode exclusive to Patreon pledgers.

Geneticist, author and broadcaster Dr Adam Rutherford returned to the Book Shambles studio just weeks before lockdown to talk about his latest book How to Argue with a Racist with Robin Ince. They chat about the history of race and racism, the science of race and whether race should be viewed as biological or social construct. Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each episode exclusive to Patreon pledgers. There's bonus tales of bears and otters for you this week...

Oliver Double is a comedian, lecturer and comedy historian and his latest book Alternative Comedy: 1979 and the Reinvention of British Stand-Up is the definitive guide to the legacy of Alternative Comedy in Britain. Oliver interviewed Robin and Josie for the book so it seemed only right Robin and Josie interview Oliver about the book. Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each episode exclusive to Patreon pledgers.

Young Adult author Lisa Williamson joined Robin Ince in the studio (earlier this year) to talk about her new book Paper Avalanche, smuggling copies of her sister's Jackie Collins books, tackling difficult issues in YA fiction and whether Shane Meadows should make a Midlands version of Sweet Valley High... Support the podcast and get all sorts of goodies for doing so, like extended episodes, at patreon.com/bookshambles

Another episode we recorded in the studio when such things were possible, Robin chats with Matthew Cobb, Professor of Zoology at the University of Manchester and author of the acclaimed new book The Idea of the Brain. They chat about Matthew's new book, free will and what it was like working with David Attenborough. Support the podcast and get extended editions of each and every episode at patreon.com/bookshambles

Recorded in the studio in the before times, Robin chats to epidemiologist, podcaster and author Dr Suzi Gage about her book, Say Why to Drugs. They chat about what is and isn't deemed a drug, shifting political opinions about drugs and the difficulties involved with researching drug use. Also Robin talks about the time he once took ecstasy on a canal boat. Support the show to get extended editions of episodes and other goodies at patreon.com/bookshambles

Back at the end of January, we recorded a live special as part of the Slapstick Festival in Bristol to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Goodies, and countdown the Top 5 episodes as voted by the public. We had planned to put the episode out this week as a fun pick me up in the middle of this lockdown, but then on the weekend we learned of the sad passing of Tim Brooke-Taylor. We had a debate about whether it was still right to put the episode out this week but have decided to do so as a tribute to Tim, and to remember what a wonderful, talented and energetic man he was, even just a few months ago, before COVID-19. We hope it is the right decision. So please enjoy this conversation between Robin Ince, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Bill Odie and Graeme Garden; The Goodies. Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles

This episode of Book Shambles was recorded live as part of the Stay at Home Festival. Robin is joined by Dr Katie Mack to talk about her upcoming (albeit slightly pandemic delayed) book, The End of Everything. Then Lemn Sissay stops by to talk about creativity in a time of crisis as well as music from Laura Kidd. While The Stay at Home Festival is free to watch please do consider dropping a tip in the bucket at cosmicshambles.com/stayathome All profits will go to supporting acts, artists and venues who have lost all income during this pandemic. If you’d like to directly support what we do at the Cosmic Shambles Network visit patreon.com/bookshambles

Our guest this week is the author and activist Sophie Walker. This was meant to be an episode with two guests but we didn't get a chance to record the second guest before the world went mad so here's our chat with Sophie in the meantime! She chats to Robin and Josie about her new book, Five Rules for Rebellion, amongst many other things. Support the CSN at patreon.com/bookshambles and check out our daily shows as part of The Stay at Home Festival, running until we're all allowed to do real gigs again, at cosmicshambles.com/stayathome

Tracey Thorn started out as one half of the chart topping group Everything But the Girl but is now a top selling critically acclaimed author. Her latest book, Another Planet is an exploration of growing up in suburbia. She joins Josie and Robin to talk about that, discovering new art before the internet, trying to look cool by what books you like, generational divide, Jack Reacher and Robin’s just watched Horse Girl on Netflix. Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each and every episode. 10 bonus minutes await pledgers this week including an in depth discussion of The Stranger adaptation on Netflix.

Another returning favourite previous guest this week as singer and songwriter David McAlmont joins Robin in the studio. They chat about David's new project looking at some specific works of James Baldwin, the difficulty of separating the artist from the art and a whole bunch more. Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each and every episode. Over 10 extra minutes of chat with David and Robin this week.

Claudia Hammond was on Book Shambles back in 2016 and now the host of the BBC's All in the Mind returns to talk to Robin about her new book The Art of Rest. They chat about how one of the most restful things you can do is, of course, read! They also chat about the evolving public perception of mental health, particularly in old mental health books as well as Little Women, Laura Dodsworth, Sally Rooney and much more! Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each and every episode.

Konnie Huq was a much loved presenter of the children’s show Blue Peter for over a decade and now she’s written her first children’s book, Cookie. She joins Robin in studio to chat about that book, the books that got her hooked on reading as a kid, how we should be encouraging kids to read in school, fairy tales, National Geographic and much more. Support the show by pledging at patreon.com/bookshambles and get extended episodes each week. 10 bonus and exclusive minutes with Robin and Konnie this week.

Recorded live at the Bristol Old Vic as part of the Slapstick Festival, Robin chats with Prof Sophie Ratcliffe and Joanna Neary about the work, and slapstick credentials, of PG Wodehouse. They chat about his letters (collected and edited in a volume by Sophie), turns of phrase and favourite Jeeves and Wooster moments. There's also chat of Joanna's character Celia, Sophie's new book about about life, death, love and trains, Mills and Boons and much more. Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each and every episode. Around 15 bonus minutes await pledgers this week where you can find out why Raymond Chandler cost Robin a pub quiz victory...

At this year's Slapstick Festival in Bristol, the Cosmic Shambles Network team were there across the festival recording all sorts of events we were taking part in for a special series of podcasts. In this first episode Robin chats with Stephen Merchant about the enduring legacy of Laurel and Hardy, their favourite Laurel and Hardy films and some fun stories from a Laurel and Hardy book Stephen got second hand. In the second segment, as part of a celebration of At Last the 1948 Show, Robin chats with Tim Brooke-Taylor about the show, working with Cleese and Chapman and especially Marty Feldman as Robin regales stories from Marty's recently found autobiography. Support the Cosmic Shambles Network on Patreon and get extended editions of each episode, including this one. Go to patreon.com/bookshambles

In a Shambles Extra, Robin chats to comedian, poet and activist Chris McGlade. Robin became interested in Chris' work after reading about it online, specifically his new show Forgiveness in which he talks about his father's murder and so Robin and he caught up. Support the show at patreon.com/bookshambles

A Book Shambles / Film Shambles episode as author and film critic Mark Kermode joins Robin and Josie to talk his own books on films, great books about films and some of the best, and worst, film tie in novelisations. And Robin and Mark realise they are both huge fans of the same three obscure films. Patreon supporters get a very special bumper episode this week with almost an entire bonus half hour of film chat as Mark reveals regrettable reviews, Josie has it in for Raa Raa the Noisy Lion and lots more. You can become a Patreon supporter by going to patreon.com/bookshambles

Recorded live in Thirsk at the Podcast Social Festival, Robin is joined by Laura Kidd (who you might better know as She Makes War) and psychologist and author Charles Fernyhough. Using the book edited and by Charles, Others: Writers on the Power of Words To See Beyond Ourselves as a launching pad they chat about the nature of storytelling, the power of books and the importance of seeing the world through the eyes of 'others'. Support the podcast at patreon.com/bookshambles to get extended editions of each and every episode.

Recorded live at the British Library as part of the Chortle Comedy Book Festival Robin chat to actor, comedian and broadcasting icon Les Dennis. They talk about his autobiography, Must the Show Go On and share tales of Little and Large, Tommy Cooper and their like as well as discuss favourite showbiz memoirs before Les and Josie swap stories from when they were both of Celebrity Masterchef. Support the show by pledging at patreon.com/bookshambles. This week Patreon supporters get a bonus 15 minutes of conversation not on the public feed.

This week's in studio guest is a regular at our live events and joins Robin and guest co-host Helen Czerski to chat about his new book, The Crowd and the Cosmos. Prof Chris Lintott is probably best known as the co-host of The Sky and Night and he chats with us about the Zooniverse Project, why we probably won't find aliens, citizen science and what he's been reading lately. Also Helen lets us know her badminton coach would be a good scientist. Support the podcast and get extended episodes by pledging at patreon.com/bookshambles