Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

Ep 278: John Kearns (Tasting Menu)

Feb 12, 2025

Comedian John Kearns returns with his unique charm, sharing whimsical anecdotes and hilarious insights from his previous appearances. The trio dives into the absurdity of childhood bathroom experiences and discusses an eccentric café where customers spit out what they dislike. A lively debate unfolds over cucumber water amidst playful courtroom scenarios. Kearns also brings nostalgia into the mix with cherished desserts, while they explore the comedic layers of Jewish food and theatrical quirks, serving laughter as the main course!

01:26:59

Creator website

Episode guests

John Kearns

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The new 'tasting menu' format introduces a fun exchange of meals chosen by previous guests, enhancing listener engagement.

John Kearns' humorous anecdotes about his childhood and upbringing interweave personal stories with food, creating relatable content.

The episode explores cultural dishes like chicken soup and fried place fish, highlighting their nostalgic significance and familial connections.

Deep dives

New Podcast Format Introduction

A new episode format has been introduced, allowing guests to return and enjoy a 'tasting menu' comprised of meals chosen by previous guests. This fresh approach aims to provide listeners with more insights and entertainment by giving guests a chance to engage with another individual's dream meal. The hosts are excited about this change, likening the experience to trading packed lunches from childhood—a playful exchange of culinary preferences. This unique format, while different from traditional episodes, promises to enhance the podcast's appeal by mixing familiar guests with varied meal choices.

Intro

2min

Off Menu Switcheroo and Childhood Quirks

20min

Whimsical Café Antics

8min

The Mechanical Gorilla of Surprising Entertainment

3min

Cucumber Courtroom Capers

19min

Seasoning Shenanigans

5min

Culinary Chronicles and Comedic Connections

22min

Theatrical Beginnings and Drink Preferences

4min

Savoring Sweet Memories

6min

10.

Nostalgia and Spontaneity in Conversations

3min

In an Off Menu first, we invite a previous guest back to the Dream Restaurant. But they’re not choosing their meal – they’re being served another guest’s choices. This is the first Tasting Menu episode with fan favourite, John Kearns.

John Kearns’s special ‘The Varnishing Days’ is available to watch now on NOW. Watch it here.

John stars in Adam Riches and John Kearns ARE ‘Ball & Boe’ at Soho Theatre in London. Get tickets here.

Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster.

Recorded and edited by Ben Williams for Plosive.

Artwork by Paul Gilbey (photography and design).

Follow Off Menu on Twitter and Instagram: @offmenuofficial.

And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show.

Watch Ed and James's YouTube series 'Just Puddings'. Watch here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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