
Mildly Informed
The show formerly known as Richie Firth: Travel Hacker
Mildly Informed
Show overview
Mildly Informed has been publishing since 2019, and across the 7 years since has built a catalogue of 132 episodes, alongside 10 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 70 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a monthly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 26 min and 38 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language Comedy show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 days ago, with 16 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 37 episodes published.
From the publisher
Join Richie Firth and Chris Skinner as they dive headfirst into the art of decision-making—whether it’s rating the latest TV shows, dissecting bizarre life choices, or tackling the dilemmas their listeners throw their way. No topic is too big, too small, or too ridiculous. Armed with personal experiences, the news of the week, and an inbox full of questionable queries, Richie and Chris promise to leave you ever-so-slightly wiser… or at least Mildly InformedHelp the show to continue to rewrite history via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/mildlyinformedA Bugle Podcasts Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest Episodes
View all 132 episodesDrone Deliveries & Democracy: 50th episode special
Parent's Evening and The Tiling Industry: Reviewed!
Strikes, outdoor drinking and finger nails
Why does Lidl have a pub, and what are the best kids jokes?
We Just Invented British Tapas - Brapas!

S1 Ep 45Space Flight & Male Compliments, reviewed!
🎙️ Mildly Informed returns, with Absolute Radio’s Richie Firth and The Bugle’s Chris Skinner once again bouncing between big topics, great TV and oddly specific social observations.It’s one of those episodes where the conversation starts in space and ends in a very British emotional cul-de-sac.This week, the chat includes:🌕 The Moon LandingsA small step for man, a giant leap for podcast chat. Still impressive? Still unbelievable? Still worth discussing. And where do they poop?📺 The PittHigh praise where it’s due — finally, something everyone can agree is actually good.🚓 The Return of a Classic British Cop ShowComfort viewing, familiar faces and the joy of a proper case-of-the-week format.🤝 The Science of Men Praising Each OtherWhy is it so hard? Why does it sound sarcastic? And why does everyone feel slightly uncomfortable?It’s space, screen time and social awkwardness — all loosely connected and confidently analysed.PLUS — over on Patreon, Chris shares his hangover cure. Is it science? Is it nonsense? There’s only one way to find out.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 44Campaign: Let's Knight Duncan Goodhew!
🎙️ Mildly Informed goes on the road (sort of), as Absolute Radio’s Richie Firth and The Bugle’s Chris Skinner record this episode from a hotel room at a wedding - and launch our first ever campaign!On this week’s agenda:🏨 Podcasting from a Hotel RoomSee how elite podcasters do a weekend away🏊 Duncan GoodhewA genuine legend gets the Mildly Informed treatment. LET'S MAKE THIS MAN SIR DUNC!🎀 Bow TiesStylish statement or formalwear panic button?It’s loose, it’s slightly sleep-deprived, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from two people recording a podcast instead of fully committing to a wedding.PLUS — the episode continues on Patreon, where Richie has some serious backtracking to do. No spoilers, but it’s worth it.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 43We Review Listed Buildings, Press Releases and Dolly Mixture
🎙️ Mildly Informed is back: This week’s episode takes in architecture, PR nonsense and attempts at self-improvement…Absolute Radio’s Richie Firth and The Bugle’s Chris Skinner once again chatting their way through culture, chaos and confectionery — with absolutely no plan and just enough opinion.On the conversational menu:🎬 A Listed Cinema in Milton KeynesA cultural landmark? A horrible relic? Either way, it gets reviewed.📰 Bad Press ReleasesWho are they for? Who is writing them? And why do they all sound slightly unhinged?🍬 Dolly MixtureA chaotic sweet selection that raises more questions than answers.🏃 New Fitness GoalsAmbition is high. Execution… pending.It’s a free-flowing episode full of mild confusion, strong snack opinions and the usual level of completely unqualified analysis.PLUS — over on Patreon, Chris recounts being attacked on his bike (again). At this point, it’s becoming a series.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 42We review the latest Noir TV, dog treadmills and prison sentences
🎙️ Mildly Informed returns with Absolute Radio’s Richie Firth and The Bugle’s Chris Skinner, once again drifting through the week’s cultural discoveries, strange internet finds and the sort of conversations that start serious and end somewhere completely different.This episode takes an unexpectedly dark turn — before quickly becoming ridiculous again.On the agenda this week:📺 Northern Irish TV NoirThe lads dive into the growing wave of brilliant Northern Irish drama, including Say Nothing, Blue Lights, and Trespasses. Gritty storytelling, serious themes… and two mildly informed reviewers.⚖️ Prison SentencesHow long is too long? And how do people actually wrap their heads around huge sentences?🐕 Dog TreadmillsYes, they exist. And yes, Richie and Chris have thoughts.It’s a classic Mildly Informed episode: big topics, strange detours and plenty of enthusiastic but entirely unqualified analysis.PLUS — over on Patreon, the tone softens dramatically as the lads discuss spring and seedlings. Gardening advice may or may not occur.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 41Hot Cross Buns: Adults Only?!
🎙️ Mildly Informed returns with Absolute Radio’s Richie Firth and The Bugle’s Chris Skinner, once again solving life’s smaller mysteries through loosely structured conversation and questionable personal anecdotes.This week the chat wanders through dogs, seasonal food politics and one deeply questionable evening out. As ever, strong opinions are formed quickly and supported by almost no research.In this episode:🐕 CruftsThe world’s most prestigious dog show… and possibly the most intense dog-related event ever broadcast on television.🍞 Hot Cross BunsAre they an adult-only food? The lads investigate the strange cultural status of Britain’s most seasonal baked good.🍷 A Weird Date NightA story that starts weird and becomes increasingly uncomfortable.🛒 Chris’ Terrible Food ShopAn all-time bad supermarket run that raises serious questions about planning, hunger and impulse purchasing.It’s another wandering, snack-adjacent conversation packed with everyday observations, mild outrage and the usual level of highly questionable expertise.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 40We review A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and Cookies
🎙️ Mildly Informed returns, with Absolute Radio’s Richie Firth and The Bugle’s Chris Skinner settling in for another episode of enthusiastic chat, snack analysis and completely unqualified television criticism.This week’s conversation swings comfortably between food nostalgia and prestige TV — exactly the sort of topics that deserve strong opinions formed almost instantly.On the agenda (loosely):🍪 Cookies & Cola CaoA surprisingly passionate discussion about chocolate milk, international snacks and the drinks that defined childhood holidays.⚔️ A Knight of the Seven KingdomsHope, hype and cautious optimism as the Game of Thrones universe expands again.🌊 Under Salt MarshDark drama, coastal mystery and the eternal question: are we actually paying attention or just vibing with good television?It’s relaxed, snack-heavy, and occasionally insightful — the classic Mildly Informed blend.PLUS — over on Patreon, Richie and Chris dive into the lost art of IRL comments books. Public feedback, passive aggression and handwritten complaints make an unexpected comeback.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 39We review solo dining and American Chocolate
🎙️ This week on Mildly Informed, Absolute Radio star Richie Firth and The Bugle’s Chris Skinner are back doing what they do best — chatting absolute nonsense and accidentally forming opinions along the way.The conversation drifts (as it always does) from mildly awkward social situations to full cultural breakdowns, with several unexpected snack-based diversions.Expect chat about:🍽️ Solo DiningIs it peaceful self-care or does it feel like you’ve been stood up by society?🍫 American ChocolateWhy does it taste… like that? Scientific? Emotional? Slightly alarming?🍗 Deep Fried FoodA culinary triumph or a cry for help? Possibly both.📱 Richie’s Ongoing Pluribus ReviewIs it useful? Is it confusing? Has anyone fully explained it? Not today.This episode is loose, silly and packed with the kind of chat that feels like overhearing two mates loudly debating snacks in a pub.PLUS — over on Patreon, things escalate dramatically as Chris enters Richie into The Hunger Games. Strategy, betrayal and surprisingly detailed survival planning all included.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 38Mini Eggs, Museum Trips & Mild Chaos
🎙️ Welcome to Mildly Informed – the podcast that won’t train your dog, reduce the price of chocolate, or curate a museum… but will absolutely review all threeJoin Richie Firth and Chris Skinner as they stumble through another week of domestic drama, cultural excursions and confectionery outrage. From canine chaos to Easter economics, nothing is safe from mild scrutinyThis week’s episode features:🐕 More Dog Trouble – lessons not learned, mistakes repeated🚨 Blue Lights – reviewed, discussed, and gently overanalysed🥚 The Cost of Mini Eggs – who’s paying these prices?🏛️ The Hunterian Museum – culture, cabinets and mild awe👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 37Autograph hunters, embarrassing moments and the meaning of life
🎙️ Welcome to Mildly Informed – the podcast that won’t get you an autograph, save you from gym class humiliation, or explain the meaning of life… but will absolutely talk about all three.Join Richie Firth and Chris Skinner as they move seamlessly from low-stakes cringe to genuinely big questions. It’s an episode that starts with professional idiots and ends somewhere uncomfortably reflective. John O'Leary 1955-2025. RIP.This week’s episode features:✍️ Autograph Hunters – harmless fans or exploiters?🏃 Gym Class Embarrassment – memories that refuse to fade🌌 The Meaning of Life – lightly discussed, conclusively unansweredPLUS – over on Patreon, Chris unloads about supporting bad sports teams. Loyalty, suffering and the long-term emotional damage.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 36White Gladys & Glory Days
🎙️ Welcome to Mildly Informed – the podcast that won’t get you into a lido, identify an orca, or bring back proper football… but will happily reminisce about all three.Join Richie Firth and Chris Skinner as they wade through another week of nostalgia, niche wildlife knowledge and the creeping sense that things were somehow better “back then”. Mild insight only, as ever.This week’s episode features:🏊 Lidos – bracing, brilliant, or completely unhinged?🐋 White Gladys the Orca – internet icon or misunderstood menace?⚽ Old Football – slower, muddier, and allegedly superiorPLUS – over on Patreon, the lads take on a true classic: Pickled Onion Monster Munch. A flavour, a feeling, a very strong opinion.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 35The Puppy Episode
🎙️ Welcome to Mildly Informed – the podcast that won’t train your puppy, shut down dodgy pranks, or rename a storm… but will absolutely have opinions on all three.Join Richie Firth and Chris Skinner as they tackle another week of modern nonsense, canine temptation and meteorological branding. Expect mild insights, strong feelings, and no practical advice.This week’s episode features:🐶 New Puppies – unbearably cute, wildly disruptive🏪 Pet Shops – helpful or hellscape?😈 Pranks – poor Thomas Frank🌪️ Storm Goretti – a name, a mood, and a nationwide controversyPLUS – over on Patreon, the lads moan about Christmas sales. Too early, too loud, and somehow unavoidable.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 34The Complete, very sensible review of 2025
🎙️ Welcome to Mildly Informed – the podcast that can’t predict the future, fix modern technology, or improve the sporting calendar… but will happily review the year anyway.In this episode, Richie Firth and Chris Skinner take stock of 2025 so far, casting their mildly informed eye over the things that have defined the year — from what we’re eating at lunchtime to the gadgets we’re apparently meant to care about.This week’s episode features:🥪 Lunch in 2025 – what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what we’re weirdly proud of🌡️ Meat Probes – still essential, still slightly unsettling🚗 Electric Cars – progress, prices, or pure pleasure?🏟️ Sport in 2025 – what’s working, what’s broken, and what everyone’s arguing aboutIt’s a reflective episode packed with strong opinions, weak evidence, and just enough insight to leave you Mildly Informed.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 33The Loft Discovery
🎙️ Welcome to Mildly Informed – the podcast that won’t fix your loft, improve your tram network, or hit the right note at karaoke… but will absolutely overanalyse all of them.Join Richie Firth and Chris Skinner as they tumble through another week of questionable decisions, domestic chaos and surprisingly strong feelings about dried fruit. Mild insight only. Let’s not pretend otherwise.This week’s episode features:🥭 Top 5 Dried Fruits – raisins? apricots? a place for a prune?🪜 Richie’s Loft Discovery – genuinely unbelievable🚊 Trams – do we love them? do we trust them? do they exist everywhere?🎤 Karaoke – the songs, the shame, the power ballads that should never remain privatePLUS – on Patreon, the boys delve into school concerts. Chaos, camcorders and kids singing wildly out of key.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 32Pluribus, Peepholes & Period Drama
🎙️ Welcome to Mildly Informed – the podcast that won’t secure your home, restore Victorian Christmas traditions, or finish your loft conversion… but will absolutely talk about all of them.Join Richie Firth and Chris Skinner for another week of vague investigations into modern life, festive nostalgia and one man’s ongoing battle with his roof space. Expect mild confusion, gentle opinions and no real answers.This week’s episode features:📱 Pluribus – the best new TV show?🔔 Ring Doorbells – surveillance for your postman and your soul🎄 Dickensian Christmas – charming tradition or cold, muddy nightmare?🏠 Richie’s Loft – now includes train setsPLUS – on Patreon, Chris reviews his work-from-home lunches. Expect limp sandwiches, rogue leftovers and one surprisingly elite discovery.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1 Ep 31Our Official, detailed review of Quality Street
🎙️ Welcome to Mildly Informed – the podcast that won’t cure a hangover, shorten an inset day or tell you which Quality Street is best… but will absolutely debate it at length.This week, Chris Skinner arrives noticeably hungover and Richie Firth does what any good co-host would do — prods him with questions and refuses to let him off the hook. From school schedules to seasonal chocolate, it’s a week of highs, lows and mild regret.This week’s episode features:📅 School Inset Days – educational for teachers, chaos for parents🍾 Free Booze – delightful on the way in, devastating on the way out🍬 Quality Street – what’s elite, what’s filler, what must go📆 Advent Calendars – chocolate, cheese, Lego, whisky… has it gone too far?PLUS – on Patreon, Chris opens up about getting his kit off for the doctor. A story equally vulnerable and very funny.👉 Support Richie & Chris here: patreon.com/mildlyinformed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.