Fortunately... with Fi and Jane

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane are joined by garden writer broadcaster Monty Don. Monty speaks to Fi and Jane about making a difference with small things, his penchant for scarves, how we're affected by the seasons and his favourite spade. Before they headed onto the virtual grass to meet Monty, Jane and Fi's topics include pets, self obsession and pin ups.Get in touch: [email protected]

This week on the podcast, Fi and Jane chat to actor, writer and Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones. Ruth reminisces about her days as Head Girl, discusses Nessa's ovulation and talks us through her new book Us Three, which is all about female friendship. Before Ruth's arrival...Fi quizzed Jane on her recent bit of big news and the two of them head back to Freshers' Week.Get in touch: [email protected]

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane speak to singer Will Young. Joining them live from his parked car, Will discusses his experiences of life as a gay man, his feelings of shame, his dream guest appearance on The Archers and his growing canine family. Before Will turns up in his motor, there's an appraisal of chess grandmasters as dinner party guests and a Sunday morning TV face off.Get in touch: [email protected]

Fi Glover and Jane Garvey are back at it again with the Fortunately podcast. Their guest this week is columnist Nesrine Malik. Nesrine talks to Fi and Jane about current narratives on political and social issues, how they come about and how they can change. In addition there's surf schools, salads and thoughts on the coming season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.Get in touch: [email protected]

This week on Fortunately there's another chance to hear actress and national treasure Miriam Margolyes with Fi and Jane.Miriam joined Fi and Jane in the pizza back in July 2018, bringing an old school friend with her. They discuss Miriam’s recent TV presenting in America, Cuba and India, her advice to young actors and her lifelong love of Dickens. Plus, Garvey and Glover dream up a plan to co-present a news programme, and top tips for a heatwave.Get in touch: [email protected]

For this week's podcast, Fi and Jane beam around the world on a global live stream.Recently Fi and Jane appeared via video link for a live edition of the podcast, answering listener questions. Topics the ladies were quizzed on include animals, theatre snacks and Jane Austen. They also managed to find time for some questions for each other and a fruity challenge.Get in touch: [email protected]

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane are joined by comedian Sofie Hagen.Sofie talks to Fi and Jane about her home country of Denmark, attitudes toward fatness, discount tattoos, leaky ceilings and her slightly unusual method of moving to the UK.Before Sofie logged in... Jane has a niche public service announcement, Fi weighs up a quiz show appearance and there's some impromptu stair excercise.Get in touch: [email protected]

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane are joined by Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy.Krishnan checks in with Fi and Jane after an early morning hosting 5live Breakfast. He talks them through a morning news meeting, confesses why he wouldn't make a good doctor and is subject to a bit of Glover-Tracing.After chatting to Krishnan, Fi and Jane head out to take in the city. They learn about Swedish laundry and there's even a chance encounter with the head of the global 'Up Yours, Corona!' campaign, Greg James.Get in touch: [email protected]

After a long time apart, Fi and Jane are finally reunited for this week's edition of the Fortunately podcast.Together once again, they use opportunity to go through some of their favourite emails from listeners. Missives cover topics including creaky bra syndrome, solo clappers, mediocrity and orchestras in Austria. There's also something for those of us that have missed the usual action from SW19 this summer.Before they dive into the postbag, Fi and Jane have the chance to do some good old fashioned celeb-catching on the Piazza. They manage to snare Fortunately favourite Amol Rajan, who shares some details about his sock pile.Get in touch: [email protected]

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane chat with comedian and podcast host Jacob Hawley.The presenter of Jacob Hawley's Job Centre checks in with the ladies and breaks the news of his impending fatherhood. This gives them a chance to offer some sage parenting advice. He also takes them on a journey through his youth, including rap groups in the Stevenage area and lost loves in Faliraki.In addition, there is a look back to Tomorrow's World, an insight into young Fi's work ethic and Jane has something else to say about ears.Get in touch: [email protected]

Fi and Jane are joined by Ashley 'Dotty' Charles the 1Xtra DJ now turned author who has already managed to change Jane's life. They talk social media rage, outrage and the perils and dangers of en suite bathrooms. The ladies also catch up on the avalanche of interest in earwax and how best to remove it and Jane drops another thunderous name as they discuss the fitness of former PMs.

This week on Fortunately, former England Rugby International James Haskell lines up with Fi and Jane.James joins the podcast from his conservatory to spill the beans on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, discuss his alternative career ambitions and champion the merits of elevenses.Before James ran through the Fortunately tunnel, Fi and Jane received an update on ball pool cleaning and there's a historical press up challenge.Get in touch: [email protected]

This week on podcast, Fi and Jane chat to author, podcaster and blogger Emma Gannon.Fortunately fan Emma joins Garvey and Glover and tells them her move into the world of fiction with a new novel, Olive. Their discussion also includes generational approaches to lockdown, expectations for women as they go through life, caterpillars and getting your ears syringed.At the beginning of the podcast listeners offer their insights. Jane admires postie attire and Fi is dreaming of haircuts.Get in touch: [email protected]

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane welcome along BBC Radio 5Live's Elis James and John Robins.The Friday afternoon presenters and hosts of the How Do You Cope? podcast chat to Fi and Jane. The four of them discuss the changes to supermarket shopping, football behind closed doors, former TS Eliot Prize winners and the best way to dry your towels.Before Elis and John arrive Fi and Jane consider ways to cheer up the nation and ruminate on the possibility of alien life forms.Get in touch: [email protected]

This week on the podcast Fi and Jane are joined by writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsch.The former barrister, journalist, podcast host and author of Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging discusses how conversations have changed in the wake of the recent protests against racial injustice across the world. Afua also talks about what she might do next if she were in Number 10, Fi goes through her CV and the three of them mull over charms of services stations.Before Afua joined the video call Fi and Jane go through some missives from around the world, there's an appraisal of a future boss and a glimpse inside Jane's wardrobe.Email us: [email protected]

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane have a reservation with restaurant critic Jay Rayner.The Observer writer and Kitchen Cabinet presenter joins them to discuss foreign A&E trips, mixing baked beans with cold lettuce and his podcast Out To Lunch, in which Jay orders his interesting guests a meal delivered right to their door.Before Jay joins the table, Garvey and Glover have differing opinions about monarchs riding horses, Jane takes ownership of spilled coffee and there's an attempt to understand macroeconomic policy.GET IN TOUCH: [email protected]

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane turn their attentions to the past with historian Greg Jenner.Host of You're Dead To Me and consultant to Horrible Histories, Greg tells us what we can learn (and not learn!) about our current circumstances from bygone eras. He also takes Fi and Jane inside the history of celebrity, the subject of his new book, revealing why we we're interested in the lives of the rich and the famous.Despite feeling the heat, Fi and Jane keep it together to officially cut the ribbon on the new Fortunately email address. You can now 'get in touch' via: [email protected]

It's a new series of Fortunately and Fi and Jane kick things off with Great British Bake Off Judge Prue Leith. Prue graces the podcast to offer her insight on restaurants, fashion, trainers, leftovers and much more.There's then a bit of catching up to do for Fi and Jane, as they swap telly choices, admire their new photo and discover what happened to a missing bag of Revels.

Fi and Jane continue their short break but offer up a vintage episode of the podcast for your delectation. This time with the host of Radio 2’s Drivetime show, Sara Cox. As well as brainstorming some feature ideas for Sara’s gig, they discuss the risks of out of date food, the problems of having a soft ‘r’ and what it’s like to live a life in broadcasting.Fortunately will be back with a new episode next week.

As Fortunately takes a brief hiatus, Fi and Jane introduce a favourite episode of theirs from podcasts gone by.This week it’s episode features Vicki Pepperdine - actor and co-creator of the satirical podcast ‘Dear Joan and Jericha’. Vicki gives advice on how to combat winter vagina and frosty balls. Plus, an update on Nancy News, vintage public service announcements and Jane’s grandmother’s bellwether bowels.

Writer and journalist Sali Hughes links up with Fi and Jane for this week's episode of Fortunately.In this edition, Sali uses her expertise as a beauty columnist to advise Fi and Jane on the best approach to looking after yourself in lockdown. They also go a bit more zoological to analyse the animal kingdom's approach to beauty, find out the impact of the internet of the cosmetic world and discuss the weirdest samples Sali has ever received.In the first half of the podcast Jane's lyrics have been set to music by singer songwriter Jo Elise. Fi has flashbacks to the maternity ward and Jane's memories involve a private dancer and a jockstrap.

This week, TV and Radio Presenter Angela Scanlon beams through to Fi and Jane to join them for a chat.Known for hosting on The One Show, and Radio 2, Angela talks the ladies through her architectural TV series Your Home Made Perfect. She and Jane also share their love of veiny cheeses, some beans are spilled about hair dye adverts and the three of them discuss Thanks A Million, Angela's new podcast all about gratitude.Prior to Angela entering the chat, the quest to name Fi's exercise bike continues...with interesting results. Jane has had an emotional encounter with a washing line and there is some reminiscing about red Volvos.

This week on Fortunately Catherine Bohart and Sarah Keyworth dial in to see Fi and Jane.A couple together and comedians separately, they discuss their new podcast You'll Do, which explores what makes modern relationships work. As well as offering their romantic insight, Fi gives the guests a tour of her somewhat eclectic bookshelf and Jane quizzes them on 'gateway vegetables'.Before Catherine and Sarah entered the virtual meeting room: Jane unearths some work from her never-before-seen songwriting collection, there's a game with chocolate eggs and Fi has a wonky saddle.

The week Fi and Jane are joined by historian, presenter and Chief Curator to Historic Royal Palaces, Lucy Worsley.Jane regales them with the story of the time Henry VIII had a chat with her on his wedding day and Fi finds out which Hollywood A-Lister Lucy's television thinks she is obsessed with. Plus the downsides to fixed plumbing, a new angle on Queen Victoria and we're going looking for a sizzle.Before that we reveal the challenge Fi has set herself for the lockdown, Jane's off on an all-inclusive holiday with her housemates and there's an investigation of the impact of Covid-19 on bras.

Fi and Jane are both at home, but that doesn't stop them or their guest. This week it's the author and journalist Jonathan Freedland.The ladies manage to link up via videoconferencing and despite a few technical glitches they came together on Wednesday 25th March 2020. They compare their approaches to adjusting to life in a pandemic, there are missives from overseas and a dip into Jane's diary from this week in 1979.It's not long before a notification lights up and Jonathan Freedland joins the chat. The author and journalist gives his insight on the times, including the philosophy of home schooling (or the lack of) and takes Fi and Jane into the world of his new thriller... written by Jonathan's combat-pant wearing alter ego Sam Bourne

Fi and Jane are back with Fortunately and taking the necessary health precautions. Their guest this week is the writer Helen Lewis.Fi and Jane met up at a safe social distance Monday 16th March to debrief on last week's episode, daydream about a certain MI6 agent with a landline and find out just what's getting Fi's goat about our new global situation.They were then joined by writer and Radio 4 host Helen Lewis, whose new book explores feminist figures through history and how they deserve to be revisited as the Difficult Women they were. You can also expect forays into marital matters, Spanish pop stars and water contaminations in the Worcester area during the 90s.

5Live Breakfast Host Rachel Burden joins Fi, Jane and an audience of Fortunately fans for special live show at the Lowry Theatre in Salford.Fi and Jane battle trains, delays and automobiles in an attempt to get to the Lowry on time, tune in to find out if they make it! Waiting for them on stage is star of 5 Live and BBC Breakfast Rachel Burden, who shares tales of grooming, mouldy pesto jars and comparing offspring with Nicky Campbell.Before the interval Fi and Jane exchange burning questions such as 'when did you realise you're short?' and 'are there any men in the audience?'

Fi and Jane catch up with broadcaster and scientist Adam Rutherford, presenter of Radio 4's Inside Science and the Curious Case of Rutherford and Fry.He finds the ladies on the 4th floor of BBC NBH, fresh from reminiscing about Kevin Keegan. Adam tells them about his very special cricket team what its like to share a studio with Woman's Hour. Big issues out of the way they then delve into the light matter of genetics...Adam's new book explores the relationship between science and ideas of race and genealogy. He reveals some interest truths for Fi and Jane about their own ancestry and also about dating in Iceland.Before Adam drops in: Jane continues her computer course, courtesy of generous listeners and Fi reveals what it's like to get your eyelashes permed.

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane are joined by the comedian Phil Wang.Phil and Fi share their love of Portugal and the three of them then dive into the best way to store girders, what its like to be on a panel show, the importance of optimism, the merits of Las Vegas and much more. There's a test of Jane's incredible time guessing psychic abilities.Before Phil turns up it's gifts galore as Fi brings some goodies back from her holiday and Jane has got her a little something for her upcoming birthday. There's also a loving tribute to a recently deceased icon of computing, leading to a big confession on Jane's part.

This week on Fortunately, fashion guru Susannah Constantine provides some wardrobe advice to Fi and Jane.The What Not To Wear star talks to the ladies about overcoming shyness, the issue of skirts and what clothes can tell us about ourselves. She sizes up Fi and Jane and the three of them play godchildren top trumps.Before Susannah arrives there's a sweet special delivery and an accusation about Fi's mother.

Strictly host Claudia Winkleman and psychologist Tanya Byron join Fortunately this week.They sit down with Fi and Jane to talk about being a parent, being a child, curling, reptiles and what Jane gets up to on the top of the number 94 bus. All of which relates to their new podcast How Did We Get Here?When not getting the lowdown from Claudia and Tanya, Fi and Jane discuss emoji use, landline voices and an interesting discovery Fi has made off the back of last week's episode.

Fi and Jane welcome the novelist Marian Keyes around the Fortunately table to share a bag of chocolates.The bestselling author has some confessions about her bowling prowess (or lack of it). Marian also talks to Fi and Jane about appreciating the small things, generational change in Ireland and why a bad waxwork is better than a good one.In addition, the ladies have some consumer confessions, there's a bad smell in Jane's Kitchen and Fi gets dumped.

Radio 1's Clara Amfo comes to see Fi and Jane for this week's episode of Fortunately.The presenter of the mid-morning show joins the ladies to discuss her new podcast, This City. Clara talks about semi-attempting to go vegan, teaches Fi and Jane a new way to show appreciation, goes inside the world of the uber famous and talks through the representation of African countries in the media....before Clara's arrival - there's a bit film reviewing, an insight into how Jane listens to disco and Fi tries on a new look.

Fi and Jane crack on with another episode of Fortunately and with them this time is Love Island star Dani Dyer.Dani gives two of them a guide to living their best lives, including how to look after your eyelashes and being less harsh on yourself. They chat about the opportunities and problems of appearing on reality TV and what it was like to grow up with an East End acting icon as a Dad.Before Dani arrives Fi and Jane assess their chances of becoming Director General and/or Bake Off presenter. There's also two games to play: Create Your Own Royal Expert and What's the Earliest Time You've Had a Bath?

Mid January blues setting in? Those New Year's exercise routines starting to waiver? Fear not, Fi and Jane have just the person to help you out.This week, Fortunately has an appointment with Dr Rangan Chatterjee. Jane is ready in her sweatpants, fresh from hitting her step target. Fear not though fitness sceptics - Fi is on hand to ask if the buzz about getting fit at this time of year really is all that.Once Rangan arrives, they discuss how to break bad health habits all year round, Jane probes the doctor about sheds and Rangan estimates how many roast potatoes he eats in one sitting.And before he arrives... Dominic Cummings' builder's bottom, what to do with old panettones and a bit of a ding dong about the word 'hero'.

It's the first episode of a new series and star DJ Scott Mills pops down to the BBC Media Cafe to see Fi and Jane.Ready to jump into 2020 Fi and Jane return to for a new series of the Fortunately Podcast. Jane is armed with bagels and kale. They catch up on the festive season, sharing their highlights (and lowlights). There's also a mention of some peculiar driving habits and the ladies form a new business idea.Once Scott arrives the two of them quiz him on his career, including his stint as the UK's youngest commercial radio DJ. There's discussion of motorway services on the M3, insights on how to DJ across the networks and expert Eurovision predictions.

Fi and Jane meet Night Czar Amy Lamé for the final episode before Christmas.The ladies head down to London's City Hall to meet Amy to chat about her role as London's Night Czar. Faced with the tricky challenge of two home birds, Amy tries to tailor the perfect night out for Jane and reminisces about Fi the party animal. There's also a dip related revelation from Jane and requests are put in for Amy's 6Music Breakfast Show over Christmas.Before they're called up to the Czar's Office, Fi and Jane imagine an intergalactic Radio 4, compare Strictly contestants with stars of Little Women...and Fi discloses what made her watch the same episode of Masterchef three times in a row.

This week, Fi and Jane are joined by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené, authors of the Slay In Your Lane, the bestselling guide to life for Black British women.First up: Fi and Jane's conversation ranges from Jane's shockingly relaxed approach to the festive season to an big question about ladders. The ladies also reveal a very big interview they have coming up with a real radio legend.In the second half, over a cup of tea Elizabeth and Yomi talk education, the working world, friendship and approaching being inclusive.

Presenter of ITV News and novellist Tom Bradby pays a visit to the BBC to see Fi and Jane.They chat about his most recent book Secret Service, election night and the Royal Family after Tom's recent documentary with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He also discusses experiencing insomnia and taking care of his mental health.Before Tom's arrival: Fi talks about a singing career in the family and Jane's smoke alarm needs changing.

This week on Fortunately our guest is food writer, broadcaster and full on national treasure Nigel Slater. The author of Toast, Tender and Greenfeast joins Fi and Jane for a chat around the kitchen table. The only question is whether Jane will make it Fi's house on time.Once they're all settled in with cake and coffee, the three of them discuss writing about your own life, who does the washing up, sugar cravings and 'the M4 test'.

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane get to know the comedian, author and podcast host Russell Kane.He joins Fi and Jane at a BBC breakfast bar to tell them about his hit podcast Evil Genius. He also engages the ladies in interesting discussions on potty training, Dads, pugs and Thatcherism.In the run up to his arrival there are stories of crime, punishment and nicotine. Plus Fi and Jane analyse the reaction to a particular Royal interview.

In this episode of Fortunately, Fi and Jane play host to Nick Bright. You can find him talking football on 5Live's The Squad, or DJ-ing in the 1Xtra saturday morning slot.The ladies take Nick on a tour of their childhood beverages, get their heads around Jurgen Klopp's diary and seek out the inside goss on BBC Sports Personality.And before that, in the first half: used cars, underpants and Jane's dodgy blinds.

This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane sit down with all round broadcasting sensation Gemma Cairney, star across the networks from 1Xtra to 6Music and presenter of Radio 4's Sound Odyssey.There's a sense of adventure in the air as Fi returns from the Fjords and Jane's signed up to a new online service for lonely hearts.Over a hefty flapjack and pineapple chunks, they get the lowdown from Gemma on growing up, ancient medicine, an interesting quote from Trevor Nelson and romance...both old and new.

Dawn O'Porter drops by in this week's episode of Fortunately, giving Fi and Jane an insight on life in Los Angeles.The writer and presenter finds Fi and Jane in an oddly named Broadcasting House meeting room. Together they discuss the Royals, setting up a charity, fringes, names and last suppers.But before that: addressing the elephant in the meeting room and an update from a certain retired greyhound.

Fi and Jane get a special visit from acclaimed crime-writer Ann Cleeves.The creator of Vera and Shetland tells them about her new book The Long Call, set in North Devon. Ann also takes them through her many different vocations, offers reading recommendations and fields the ladies' questions on everyone's favourite Northumberland DCI.In addition to that, Fi goes in on make-up language and Jane tells all about an incident she swore would never make it to the airways.

Fi and Jane venture back out to the BBC Pizza and their guest this week is the journalist and broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer.They talk Brexit, Feminism, dreamy Greek Finance Ministers, whether sausage rolls are worth it and they go head to head in a running-order off.Plus there's a new way to wear your cardigan and a recommendation of which church to visit if you are in Herefordshire.

This week on the podcast, Fi and Jane welcome Emma Barnett. Emma talks about her 5Live show, being a fellow presenter on Woman's Hour and her new book aimed at busting the taboos around periods. All that and there's also time for living off-grid, etymology chat and some interesting listener correspondence.

Fi and Jane are joined by writer Jamie Bartlett to get the lowdown on The Missing Cryptoqueen, the new podcast uncovering a multibillion-dollar mystery.Jamie is joined by Producer Georgia, a familiar face to many as a former member of the Fortunately team. Jamie and Georgia reveal the twists and turns of investigating a worldwide scandal, and Fi and Jane demonstrate their knowledge of crypto-currency. Plus it's time for a duvet change, there's Masterchef impressions and Jamie reveals his jealousy of a certain Supermarket Sweep presenter.

Fi and Jane have made it through the rain this week for a meet up with Maeve McClenaghan, investigative journalist and host of The Tip Off podcast.Maeve's podcast interviews leading journalists about the breaking the world's biggest stories. Fi and Jane find out about some the most shocking discoveries and also get Maeve's insight on a bruised banana. Plus there's masculine hygiene, a revelation from Fi and a networking event with a twist.

Fortunately goes ecclesiastical this week as Fi and Jane's guest is The Reverend Kate Bottley.The star of BBC Radio 2's Good Morning Sunday and Gogglebox alumni fills the ladies in on the theology of I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Kate recalls tales of parishes past, shows off her dance moves and reveals that, like Fi and Jane, she prefers Easter to Christmas. Plus there's re-upholstery encounters and Jane attempts an Archers related Damascene conversion.