RHLSTP with Richard Herring

#448 Scrambled Egg Pan - Richard is at Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Totton - where? But at least he’s not in New Milton. His guest is ex-Fringe flat mate, actor and occasional woman, Colin Hoult. They talk about being the top guy for Kwik Fit training films, how a depressed Herring broke the dreams of a young double act, how to play Piers Morgan, acting alongside your heroes, addressing your own issues via a character and how Anna Mann came to life and then fused with Colin, the joy of working with Gervais and the perils of being recognised and the surprising insecurities of this ubiquitous and successful actorCome and see RHLSTP live - all dates and confirmed guests here http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RETRO RHLSTP #59 Lembit Opik Catfish - Richard meets a nuclear physicist impersonator and has a friend who will never be any more than that. This week’s guest is disgraceful self-toucher Joel Dommett. They chat about the gamble of going into the jungle, the pitfalls of the modern dating scene, running a super marathon with the runs, being defeated at Pointless by someone who doesn’t understand the rules, the perils of proposing with a Spotify play-list and how it’s possible for two comedians never to gig together in 11 years.Buy Joel’s book here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Its-Not-Them-Confessions-BESTSELLER/dp/1472251296/SUPPORT THE SHOW!Check out our website http://rhlstp.co.ukSee details of the RHLSTP tour dates http://richardherring.com/gigsBuy DVDs and Books at http://gofasterstripe.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 59 - Sex Bomb. Rich chats to comedian Sadia Azmat about her memoir about being a horny Muslim (though much more than that). How important is it that publishing and comedy are representative of the population? Why did Sadia identify with the ugly sisters in Cinderella? Does feminism risk excluding diverse voices and experience? Why wearing the hajib was an act of rebellion. The importance of discussing sex openly. And how writing honestly about your personal experience can resonate with others from very different backgrounds. Plus Rich mispronounces hajib despite practising for ages beforehand, because he is an idiot.Buy Sex Bomb here https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/sex-bomb-a-hilarious-raw-and-poignant-memoir-sadia-azmat/7402174SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#447 A Walking Hate Crime - Richard returns to Forest Arts Centre in New Milton, the scene of personal and professional disaster in an attempt to finally win over the citizens of this Hampshire town. His guest is pharmacist turned comedian, Ola Labib. They discuss self-medication, whether Portsmouth is better than Southampton, the work Ola has done to raise funds for and awareness of the situation in Sudan, living next door to her mum, how she stalked her husband (before he was her husband), why it’s important to be her authentic self in her stand up and when dealing with TV commissioners and how her new tour show got its name.Come and see RHLSTP live - all dates and confirmed guests here http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RETRO RHLSTP #58 Fist of Fun - Richard is still bugging last week’s audience about Lego Batman - it’s amazing they keep coming back. His guest is Gillian Pieface, or as she is sometimes known Julian Clary. They chat about how the Universe lets you know it’s time for a break, psychic teeth, burning pianos, perverted monks, the inability to escape innuendo, living next door to hyenas, having a head full of skin, the Tracey family and Aquamarina, Piers Morgan, cocaines, Brian Blessed, Jimmy Greaves, Mike Smith, acting, panto, the continent of the incontinent and disappointing ways to celebrate big birthdays.SUPPORT THE SHOW!Check out our website http://rhlstp.co.ukSee details of the RHLSTP tour dates http://richardherring.com/gigsBuy DVDs and Books at http://gofasterstripe.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 58 - Because I Don't Know What You Mean And What You Don't. Richard chats to comedian Josie Long about her book of short stories with the long title. They discuss the pros and cons (that might also be pros) about this format, how it’s fun not to have to be funny, whether it’s better for art to exist in the moment or be available for many years after creation, ADHD versus Aphantasia (and how we might both have both) and how middle age allows some perspective on the past and a taste of the future.Buy the book here https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/josie-long/because-i-don-t-know-what-you-mean-and-what-you-don-t/9781838856083SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#446 Hi di Hi - Richard is doing more topical jokes that will be slightly out of date at time of broadcast but a valuable resource for the people of the future. His guest is comedian, author and potato hat wearer Jenny Eclair. They chat about the Bay City Rollers, the portrait of Les Gray, how cystitis ruined the bingo, the sexual allure of Greg Davies, childish comedians coping with the devastation of middle age, whether Richard will survive to have any life after his children have left home, their various ear complaints and how Jenny met her husband under a car. Not quite the topics of discussion when they shared a flat at the Fringe in the 1990s.Listen to Older and Wider - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/older-and-wider-podcast/id1446310659Come and see RHLSTP live - all dates and confirmed guests here http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RETRO RHLSTP #57 Chicken Plucker - Rich’s diet continues to go well, but will he be in his 2015 suit by the end of the series? The anticipation is killing us all I know. His guest this week is the sweet-looking, foul-mouthed Rosie Jones. They chat about her meteoric rise to stand up success, how pacing affects comedic impact and can save you having to write too much stuff, what it’s like to be on shows she once worked behind the scenes on, how Jimmy Carr messed up her jokes, some extraordinary stuff about having sex with dead animals, disabled representation in the media and how inappropriate humour can help us through tricky situations and ultra-serious acting scenes. Plus the other Rosie Jones and a new take on Sliding Doors and how comedy can help people to understand disability. You’ll love her. She’s awesome.SUPPORT THE SHOW!Check out our website http://rhlstp.co.ukSee details of the RHLSTP tour dates http://richardherring.com/gigsBuy DVDs and Books at http://gofasterstripe.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 57 - The Magic Hour. Richard chats to screenwriter, author and Fist of Fun alumnus, David Wolstencroft about his first book for children The Magic Hour. They chat about how hidden Edinburgh inspired this book, what you would do with an extra hour a day, combining Scottish myth with Newtonian physics, creating a sense of dread but also funny footnotes, how female scientists have been written out of history, the fractured nature of time and how we realise too late how every second counts. Warning - Richard talks about aphantasia again!Buy the Magic Hour here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magic-Hour-Prepare-yourself-magic/dp/0702324264SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#445 The Drug Rats of Porthcawl - Richard is delighted to be back for series 27 of RHLSTP and to be within the short-lived window where he can do topical stand up material. It’s going to be the last time in a while, though there’s talk of a RHLSTP tour! Hie guest is dancer turned comedian turned actor and writer Thanyia Moore. They chat about the lost Tango ads, why she wrote a stand up show about being a bully, the mystery of how the unusual spelling of her name came about, what she did to upset some of the people of Wales (though some of them agreed with her), how appearing on Question Team led to her wing-walking and water-skiing, whether the skills on her Spotlight entry are genuine and could she could beat Richard over 100 metres? (Yes).Check out Thanyia’s latest gigs here https://www.thanyiamoore.co.uk/Come and see RHLSTP live - all dates and confirmed guests here http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 56 - Emotional Ignorance. Richard talks to Dr Dean Burnett about why his book about emotions turned out differently than he had initially planned, why emotions may have evolved, the ancient connection between smell and memory, the three different types of tears, what we would be without emotion, why writing about a traumatic experience can be therapeutic, the difference (if any) between male and female brains, how we are affected by the emotions of others and whether the film Inside Out has got it basically right about how emotions are created.Buy Dean’s excellent book here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emotional-Ignorance-Found-Science-Emotion/dp/B0BS197Z3P/SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#444 Sploshing - Richard has some stand up material topical to the week of 20th March 2023 and is cross about the Edinburgh Fringe again. His guest is Taskmaster and Mastermind Champion, Sophie Duker. They talk about the weird and wonderful chemistry between Alex Horne and Sophie, whether kids Taskmaster will crush the souls of the participants, Richard’s jealousy at pansexuality and a revelation about what else the young people are getting up to these days, French pickles, terrible tour accommodation, being on a cruise with 700 older lesbians, what the point of anything might be and why neither Sophie or Richard have been on QI.Come and see RHLSTP live - all dates and confirmed guests here http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RETRO RHLSTP #56 Not My Cup Of Tea - Fired up by his first TV recording in 23 years, Richard decides to work harder on his opening monologue, but is surprised to find how little he’s actually done, but at least there’s one in the eye for Kettle Crisps and luckily his guests are radio and podcast sensations John Robins and Elis James. They discuss pant retirement etiquette, being in a double act that actually like each other (for now), the curse of the Independent comedy couples photo shoot, the most money that’s ever changed hands for GCSE art coursework, the power of being a fan, Celebrity Mastermind humiliations and how not to respond to criticism. Plus who will survive the Josh Widdecombe/John Robins showdown?SUPPORT THE SHOW!Check out our website http://rhlstp.co.ukSee details of the RHLSTP tour dates http://richardherring.com/gigsBuy DVDs and Books at http://gofasterstripe.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 55 - Breath. Richard takes a break from the usual riff-raff to talk to the actual Mayor of London and one of the world’s funniest politicians (low bar) Sadiq Kahn. They discuss the talking points from his new book Breathe about the efforts he has made to improve the air quality of our capital city: his personal reasons for getting interested and the moving and tragic story that anchored his commitment. Can we overcome apathy and cynicism to fight climate change? This positive book hopes so. They also discuss London beavers, why old tunnels have a bend in them, the terrible congestion charge website, a faux pas with Leonardo di Caprio and Sadiq’s reaction to a serious health scare.Get the book here - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/breathe-tackling-the-climate-emergency-sadiq-khan/7024073SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#443 Blew Peter - Richard has not drunk alcohol for 27 months, but should he go back to his drunken (and more amusing ways). As is now traditional his final guest of the series is a member of the Ellis family, it’s the brilliant Janet Ellis. They discuss day time drinking with John Thaw and Dennis Waterman, the irritatingly slow speed of K9 from Doctor Who and the embarrassing googlewhack that happened when Richard searched for his favourite episode of Jigsaw. Plus the sinister presence of Noseybonk, the health and safety nightmare of 1980s Blue Peter, being a nepo mum and what prompted her to become a novelist and the potential awkwardness of reading the steamier bits for the audiobook.Come and see RHLSTP live - all dates and confirmed guests here http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 54 - Colditz. Richard talks to acclaimed historian Ben Macintyre about his fabulous book about the true story of Colditz - beyond the Boy’s Own stuff we grew up and incorporating boredom, propaganda spreading wasps and homosexuality. It’s Richard’s favourite book of 2022 (now out in paperback) telling the story of some of the more famous inhabitants of the castle like Pat Reid and Douglas Bader (who was both a hero and a monster), as well as some of the lesser known and unknown figures like Alex Ross and Birendranath Mazumdar. The pair also chat about the incredible last days of Colditz and the hell of the slave labour camp in the town. Plus a brief chat about some of Ben’s other fantastic books and how they read like novels, whilst still being entirely factual.Get the book here - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/colditz-prisoners-of-the-castle-ben-macintyre/7261673SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#442 Hungover Mastermind - Richard is basking in the possibly short-lived approval of one of his kids and is trying to make money off the ideas of the other one. His guest is Mock the Week favourite, Rhys James. They discuss the tallest building in Swindon, the worst place in Hertfordshire, writing right wing and left wing material on the same subject, what Richard said about Rhys when he saw him in a new act competition, the enduring problem of the last packet of crisps falling into a volcano, whether it’s better to have one ball or one kidney, wearing a tuxedo on Pointless, why people might think Rhys is deaf and more sad tales of romantic embarrassment.Come and see RHLSTP live - all dates and confirmed guests here http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 53 - The Debutante. It’s a transatlantic podcast this week as Richard chats to fantastic author and journalist Jon Ronson, in a typically unlikely location in New York. They are chatting about his new Audible audiobook/podcast Debutante, a deep dive into the extraordinary life of Carol Howe, the former debutante who became a Neo-Nazi and then an informant and then… well who can be sure? It’s a fascinating and often harrowing investigation into whether the Oklahoma bombing might have been prevented, who might have been involved and the often compelling conspiracy theories that have sprung up. Rich and Jon discuss how he copes with the dangers he puts himself in, the fight between rival strippers that provided a possible clue to whether Timothy Mcveigh was a lone wolf, the importance of keeping a sense of balance and not going down the rabbit hole, how Jon is the Simon Cowell of investigative journalism and whether, as middle aged men, Richard and Jon are in danger of getting obsessed with some mad theory and ruining their lives. It’s a lot of fun.Listen to Debutante on Audible https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Debutante-Audiobook/B0BV18S28C. It’s up to you whether you do that with your free book for joining or not!SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#441 Back of the Head With a Plastic Cup - Richard has been having weird dreams, but don’t try and interpret anything from them. His guest is singer, actor, presenter and legend Graham “Suggs” McPherson. They chat about how Madness might just be the defining band of the 80s, how their songs can make you travel in time, the brilliant social document of their book/documentary “Before We Was We”, the first appearance on Top of the Pops, pranking the clash, the Two Tone tour, plus the Madness sitcom that never was, appearing on the Young Ones, Suggs’ first attempt at stand up, the new album and tour in the works and his explosive acting career. Plus being caught up in a deadly riot and the best answer to the chrysalis question yet.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have You Ever Seen A Ghost? - It’s another compilation of some of our favourite answers to emergency questions and this time it’s possibly the most enduring and definitely spookiest question of all. Including genuine and pretend horrors from the League of Gentlemen, Richard’s theory on which guests will have seen ghosts and loads of ghosts that he, the supposed sceptic claims to have encountered. A cavalcade of stars answer the question and hilarity and chills and thrills transpire.SUPPORT THE SHOW!Come and see us live GIGSWatch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 52 - The God Desire. Richard talks to David Baddiel about his thought-provoking and shamefully sometimes funny book, The God Desire and why the author believes that the fact he so much wants there to be a god means that there can’t be one. Also why he moved away from writing novels, an illuminating car ride with Frank Skinner, why David has chosen the medium of the essay book, if Jesus knew he was the son of God, what prompted Richard to lose his religion and whether death is going to be like going under anaesthetic.Buy the book here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-The-God-Desire/dp/B0BV7HXSMLSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#440 Embracing Your Delicious Fate - Richard comes bearing great news for those who seek seduction via pizza. His guest is the hottest new act in comedy right now, the incredible Jordan Gray. They talk about the smell of elephant dung, why she wasn’t allowed to set herself on fire on TV, a visit from Magneto, a double-teaming Bros, the erudition of Paloma Faith, Twitter storms, political footballs and why she is first and foremost a comedian and the lengths that people will go to to get into a toilet. Plus another amazing story of ridiculousness emerging from love and a billion Richard Herring sex robots.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 51 - Ricky’s Hand. Richard talks to music critic, sitcom and movie writer and novelist David Quantick about his fun sci-fi novel about a man who wakes up with someone else’s hand, Ricky’s Hand. They chat about David’s career and his tentative steps towards becoming a novelist and how people expect you to stay in your lane. Plus the inspiration for this extraordinary story and whether you need to worry too much about logistics when writing about a high concept. Also having an unlikeable protagonist and whether the anonymity of a writer is a good or bad thing. Plus some good chat about Snodgrass versus Yesterday!Get the book here - https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/David-Quantick/Rickys-Hand/26548464SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#439 Cucumber Coward - Richard is hoping to replace himself with an AI host and has left the emergency questions and some of the stand up to the robots. His guest, returning after a hiatus of just 400 episodes is the wonderful Mark Gatiss. They discuss the unfair tale of Jacob Marley, the influence of Robin Askwith, playing to camera 3 as Larry Grayson, Mark’s many theatre projects, working with Anthony Hopkins after portraying him in TMWRNJ and directing Reece Shearsmith. But will we find out his favourite episode of Sherlock and will Rich be here next week?Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#3 Dancing Megasperm - This huge investigation into a load of bollocks - incorporating Richard Herring’s journey to streamline his own - continues. This time. Richard pretends he’s in Total Recall as he gets a full body scan and visits the garden of national hero and jockey, Bob Champion, who gives a hair-raising account of what testicular cancer treatment was like in the 20th Century. Plus we hear from some of our listeners who share their own stories of cancer, both serious and amusing. If you have a story that you think might be interesting for the podcast then email [email protected] and let us know if you'd want your name included in the broadcast or not!Back soon with more episodes after a short mid-season break now!Find out how to examine the testicles of yourself or a consenting friend here https://uk.movember.com/men-s-health/testicular-cancerFor even more bollock facts and funny stories from Richard’s own diagnosis, Buy the Can I Have My Ball Back? book here https://www.gofasterstripe.com/ballSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#438 Naked Beach - Richard reveals whether Great Yarmouth has given him a multi-million pound honour or not. His guest was having a bad time last time they were on, let’s see if they’re doing any better now, it’s the brilliant Catherine Bohart. The pair talk about their respective visits to Iceland and whether Rich’s depleted genitals might end up in a museum, appearing at the ghost Edinburgh Fringe of 2021, whether OCD had any influence over he choice of college, whether the point of life is to experience joy, cats in washing machines and the AI questions finally come good as they prompt an incredible story about a taxidermied squirrel.Look out for Catherine’s WIP gigs here https://www.catherinebohart.com/liveCome and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RETRO RHLSTP #55 Sir William Strawberry - Richard reveals the terrible secret that he was harbouring throughout the David Morrissey podcast before introducing the man who arrogantly claims to have invented the hypothetical question, James Acaster.They discuss teenage bands, how you find out if you are on Taskmaster, favourite meals, the hidden darkness at the heart of Lembit Opik, the missed opportunities in the film Passengers, skiving off to eat custard creams, the unnecessary cruelty of teachers and the influence of Torville and Dean and the influence of the Netflix special.Buy James’ brilliant book here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/James-Acasters-Classic-Scrapes-Bestseller/dp/1472247191/SUPPORT THE SHOW!Check out our website http://rhlstp.co.ukSee details of the RHLSTP tour dates http://richardherring.com/gigsBuy DVDs and Books at http://gofasterstripe.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#2 The Bagging Area with Dr Sara Kayat - Richard continues the story of his testicular cancer diagnosis and this week reveals how you maintain your dignity whilst having your balls scanned. He also talks to Dr Sara Kayat about why men are so reluctant to talk to their GP and the myriad of things that go wrong in a scrotum.If you have a ball story you’d like to share then email producer Ben at [email protected] - no pictures please.Find out how to examine the testicles of yourself or a consenting friend here https://uk.movember.com/men-s-health/testicular-cancerFor even more bollock facts and funny stories from Richard’s own diagnosis, Buy the Can I Have My Ball Back? book here https://www.gofasterstripe.com/ballSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#437 Adelaide Clowns - Richard has had a wonderful Saturday night without his wife doing what most men can only dream of. His guest is ubiquitous comedy actor and extremely good guy, Kiell Smith-Bynoe. They talk about the best acting job in the world, appearing on Death in Paradise, with some insights into what goes on off camera, getting intimate with an ex-Doctor Who assistant on the ace new series Dreamland, searching for real ghosts on the set of Ghosts, rating the catering on different TV shows, making too many omelettes and a rare career mis-step in Australian theatre. Plus the most considered answer to the human centipede question yet, a few hints about the new series of Taskmaster and find out who is the most objectionable cast member on Ghosts.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#1 Shelling Peas with Charley Boorman - A brand new podcast series that’s happy to admit that it’s a load of bollocks. Uniballer Richard Herring tells the story of how he came to lose one of his Chuckle Brothers, talks to other monoballs and teste experts (testperts) about these remarkable and vulnerable organs. In episode one Richard recounts what happened when he first became concerned about his weird big bollock and talks to Richard Herring lookalike and fellow motorcycle enthusiast and womble, Charley Boorman to find out how his dog helped him diagnose his own testicular cancer.And if you happen to have a testicular story or fact you want to share - really - you can email us on [email protected] (no pictures though - it is Producer Ben who will be manning this mailbox and he is of a sensitive disposition).To find out how best to check your balls or the balls of someone you love (or like enough) head here https://uk.movember.com/men-s-health/testicular-cancerFor even more bollock facts and funny stories from Richard’s own diagnosis, Buy the Can I Have My Ball Back? book here https://www.gofasterstripe.com/ballSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#436 Too Much Farage Piss - Rich is mourning the Veneziana pizzas that he bought and the terrible effects they have wrought and the loss of a man whose friend assumed he was joking. His guest is historian, comedian and puppeteer, Al Murray. They talk about the evolution of the new Spitting Image live show and, hosting a chat show with proper famous guests, the toll of touring in your 50s and Al’s first proper serious history book Command, including the impact that VD had on the British fighting forces. Plus why being a conformist in real life allows non-conformity on stageBuy Al’s book here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Command-Allies-Learned-Second-World/dp/B09V6HP2YR/Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EQ2 The Human Centipede - here’s a selection of the best answers to one of the most horrible emergency questions. If you were in the middle who would you choose to have in front and behind. Answers from some of our best loved comedians. Can’t believe I asked it to Dawn French. Shame on me.Come and see us liveSUPPORT THE SHOW!Come and see us live TOURWatch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 50 - Your Show. Richard chats to academic and expert on sex robots, Kate Devlin about her thoughtful and fascinating book on the subject, Turned On. Can Richard finally prove to his wife that having sex with a robot does not count as cheating? How far away are we from creating something that looks like Gemma Chan in Humans? Are robots more likely to be companions than full-time lovers? Will they rise up and kill us or fuck us to death? Should we be thinking of more interesting possibilities than humanoid sex robots and can Kate make Richard’s time travel virtual reality dreams come true?Get the book here - https://www.waterstones.com/book/turned-on/kate-devlin/9781472950901SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#435 Glisten With Mother - Richard has had to deal with a persistent heckler (aka his son) and surprised himself with the cliche that he responded with. His guest is banker turned comedian Eshaan Akbar. They discuss not knowing how to wear trousers or shake hands, his inappropriately named dance group, challenging your childhood religion through comedy and why that was potentially more perilous for Eshaan, than Richard, whether it was right that Eshaan ended up doing the brown voices on Spitting Image, not wanting to be the spokesperson for any community or being forced to challenge inequality, when you believe yourself to be everyone’s equal. The show included an erudite and interesting alternate point of view from an Asian member of the audience, which sadly was not picked up by the microphones, but which we hopefully discussed fairly nonetheless. Plus the story of a twisted testicle with a happy ending PS Eshaan and Richard successfully shook hands as they left the stage.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 49 - Your Show. Rich talks to exciting young novelist Ashley Hickson-Lovence about his extraordinary book Your Show, a novelised biography of the UK’s first and only black Premiership referee Uriah Rennie. They discuss writing a novel on an iPhone, what inspired this book and the joy of researching the subject, as well as meeting and corresponding with him, the representation of black people in football and publishing and the big stylistic choice that Ashley made, even though he’d have told his creative writing students not to use it!Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/your-show-ashley-hickson-lovence/6673469SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#434 Big Nick - Richard is back at the Leicester Comedy Festival for the second week in a row, concerned about the historical figures that they venerate here. His guest is Michael Sheen stand-in, Nish Kumar. They discuss the physical and mental health scares they’ve had since last they met and the secret that Richard was harbouring back then, plus whether therapy helps of hinders comedy, cowardly potholers, horny followers of the alien Jesus, getting to sit in Richard Osman’s chair, how little control we have over our lives and an hilariously angry and potentially lethal encounter with Boris Johnson.Thanks to the Leicester Comedy Festival for having us.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 48 - I'll Die After Bingo. Rich talks to comedian, ex-drug addict and quaker Pope Lonergan about his brilliant book about working in the care system. They discuss the place of humour in terrible circumstances, how TV portrayals of care homes do not match up to reality, the grim privatised system that isn’t good for any of us and why we should care more about the people who care.Buy the book here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ill-Die-After-Bingo-Assistant/dp/B09V35NNZP/SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#433 Piggy in the Middle - Richard is at the Leicester Comedy Festival and has still not forgiven the city for the king theft or the cheese rivalry, but he gives out his phone number for anyone who wants to call him in 1973. His guest is making his fourth appearance on the podcast, though still not had a whiff of the Leicester Square Theatre, it’s the multi award winning John Kearns. There’s a Top Coppers update and some amazing new news of how he got the part, plus they discuss the changes wrought by Covid, creating new quiz formats, the magic of Taskmaster, an exciting new twist on emergency questions and wild speculation about the earnings of other comedians.Thanks to the Leicester Comedy Festival for having us.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 47 - Mother's Day. A slightly poorly Rich talks to actor/script-writer turned novelist Abigail Burdess. They discuss how a Facebook post inspired the story, how the novel originated as a movie pitch, the freedom involved in moving from pitching for TV to working on a book, why this book is not a good mother’s day present, the liberation of writing a story full of twisted darkness and using real life experience in your stories.SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#432 Womblin’ Free - Richard has had a crisp and a field disappointment, but it won’t stop him interviewing the heck out of director, writer and omelette chef, Joe Cornish. They talk about offending Claudia Winkleman’s listeners, how Channel 4 messed up a sketch show with an incredible cast, (briefly) having the number one Netflix show (check out Lockwood and Co), whether being a director is all it’s cracked up to be, how losing a Fiat Punto led to Attack The Block, working with a Young One and whether ageing is something to fear. Plus the surprise of finding out that someone who has died was still alive and a bizarre synchronicity on the song with the best intro. And Rich lands himself another acting job, as long as he fulfils one condition.Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 46 - Garth Marenghi’s Terrortome. Richard talks to legendary comedian and film maker Matthew Holness about resurrecting his award winning creation, Garth Marenghi, the challenges of writing a deliberately bad book and the importance of making it good, the similarity between horror writers and serial killers, Garth Marenghi’s surprisingly good acting and how teenagers are the best comedy audienceBuy the brilliant book/audio book here  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Garth-Marenghis-TerrorTome/dp/B0BB2K6VFX/SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#431 Sleeping Bag Vulva - Richard’s Valentine’s promises have turned to chocolatey crumbs, but never mind, his guest is a woman who built a bathroom from the laughter generated by animals- it’s Zoe Lyons. Zoe takes us through the downs and ups of her last few years including a full on midlife crisis, the loss of her hair, how lockdown led her to delivering vegetables when she was meant to be on TV, writing material to impress her therapist and how badly she coped when she split from her wife and the possibly foolhardy decision to run 100km (in one go). But it’s a very positive story, which you can see told in full in her brilliant new stand up tour Bald Ambition https://www.impatientproductionsuk.com/zoe-lyons-bald-ambition-tour. Plus one of the best ghost stories yet and how getting older and giving less of a toss is a positive thing (though also explains Brexit)Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EQ1 Talcum Powder Tit v Time Travelling Finger - In an attempt to get a TV show on Channel 5, welcome to the new RHLSTP compilation spin off, where we gather together the funniest answers to RHLSTP Emergency Questions in one easy to digest podcast. What will this week’s question be? There’s no way to find out, apart from listening to the episode (apart from looking at the title of this blurb). Guests include Adam Buxton, Miranda Hart, Greg Davies, Rebecca Front, Simon Pegg and Harry Shearer! But which will they choose? Time travelling finger, obviously.Come and see us liveSUPPORT THE SHOW!Come and see us live TOURWatch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 45 - Ashes to Admin. Richard talks to Evie King (if that is her real name) about her new book about her council job of organising funerals for people who don’t have the means to pay for them. It’s a surprisingly affecting story about a woman doing a job you’ve never thought about, much more fastidiously and empathetically than is required and a celebration of life and a treatise on death, as well as being full of intrigue, mystery and humour. They discuss why murderers haven’t thought it through, how even those who have done bad things deserve a dignified send off, why you need a strong stomach for this job and how your life can be affected and changed by someone who you never met, who is no longer alive. It’s a strong recommend for this excellent book which hopefully will one day be a TV series. But who will play Evie? And who will play the dead suspected paedo? (Yeah, the second question is easier to answer than the first).https://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/9781915306302/isbn/Ashes-To-Admin-Tales-from-the-Caseload-of-a-Council-Funeral-Officer-by-Evie-King.htmlSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#430 The Imp from Impington - Rich has a problem with his daughter’s favourite song, and shows that he is up to date with all the music playing at the discos nowadays. His guest is the irrepressible timkey, back for a third time in 18 months!. They talk about Tim’s time as a white van man, a woman who survived eight days in a snow drift (for a bit), the places that Tim is and isn’t going for his (basically sold out) tour https://www.plosive.co.uk/events/tim-key-mulberry-tour-2023, where he gets his crazy ideas, the incredible baguette deal in Pret, which comedian would make the best Prime Minister, being the answer to a question of University Challenge and what it’s like to do a gig to a mainly Malaysian audience.There’s a new and exciting instalment of the adventures of timkey the monkey and the pair compare cancers and then Rich asks the occasionally dynamite question, “What’s it like being Tim Key?” Who can be sure. All I know is it’s always a rollercoaster of fun and danger to be in his company!Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 44 - Melt It! - Rich meets the legendary performance artist and comedian - the IceMan- to talk about the book “Melt It” which documents his career and the blocks oficehe melted in the name of art and comedy. Is the task pointless or has it something deeper to say about the human condition and metamorphosis and the various states of water? How does it compare to moving stones off a field? What did Chris Tarrant make of it all? Are theicepuns he included necessary or desirable? And how did it go down with the audiences at the notorious Tunnel Club? Anthony attempts to melt a block oficeduring this interview and theicemanages to bring down the whole broadcast. You won’t hear anything quite like this again.Buy Melt It at gofasterstripe https://www.gofasterstripe.com/icemanPurchase his art here https://www.saatchiart.com/irvineanthonySee Anthony’s art in person https://guggletonfarmarts.com/SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#429 Chlorine Allergy - Rich has some cold hard truths for any murderers out there and is also glad to see that his eventless zombie story idea has been so quickly embraced, with a twist. Today is a momentous meeting of Champions of Champions because his guest is Josh Widdicombe. They talk about the worst thing you can take to the hospital when your wife is giving birth, being related to Henry VIII and a man who wiped a king’s bum, what Josh’s disability is, the true motivations of role players, bumping into Beaumont, Josh’s inability to swim, whether we might see the return of the sitcom Josh, tiny women who live in burrows and whether some comedians work so hard that they never get a chance to spend their millions. Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 43 - You Are Not Alone - Richard talks to improviser, actor and host of Griefcast Cariad Lloyd about her fantastic new book You Are Not Alone. They chat about why people are reluctant to talk about death, how it’s not possible to “get over” a death and why we shouldn’t be afraid to talk to people who’ve lost someone or to think about your own death and passing on instructions about how to load the dishwasher.Get the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/you-are-not-alone-from-the-creator-and-host-of-griefcast-cariad-lloyd/5968127SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#428 Half a Melted KitKat - Richard reveals that he is (according to the press) boycotting the Edinburgh Fringe, but that doesn’t mean the end of podcasts from the Festival necessarily. His guest is Taskmaster songstress and sausage painter, Fern Brady. They mainly talk about her remarkable new book Strong Female Character, detailing her life, career and discovery that she is autistic, how the media is weighted against the working class, how TV fails to depict the truth about strip clubs, how comedy was a world where she suddenly fitted in, why Taskmaster was a TV show where she also fitted in, why would anyone get married, unsettling Alex Horn and are your relatives coming back in bird form?Buy Fern’s book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Strong-Female-Character/dp/B0BJ2SXTQF/Come and see us live http://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RHLSTP Book Club 42 - The New Life - Rich meets hot new author (and his brother-in-law’s partner, so he’s met him before) Tom Crewe to talk about the New Life, an amazing debut novel about homosexuality and homophobia (but also feminism and class) in the late 19th Century. They talk about semen, the responsibility of basing a novel on real people, the tragedy of people not being allowed to love the people they love, writing about thrilling and disappointing sex, why it’s better to be an invert rather than a pervert, the incredible story of the bidding war for the novel and Rich meeting Tom’s Aunty Jan at the book launch.SUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.