

No Such Thing As A Fish
No Such Thing As A Fish
Award-winning podcast from the QI offices in which the writers of the hit BBC show discuss the best things they've found out this week.
Hosted by Dan Schreiber (@schreiberland) with James Harkin (@jamesharkin), Andrew Hunter Murray (@andrewhunterm), and Anna Ptaszynski (#GetAnnaOnTwitter)
Hosted by Dan Schreiber (@schreiberland) with James Harkin (@jamesharkin), Andrew Hunter Murray (@andrewhunterm), and Anna Ptaszynski (#GetAnnaOnTwitter)
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
595: No Such Thing As The Treaty Of Velociraptors
Elf Lyons, a comedian known for her clowning style and award-winning shows, joins Andrew O'Neill, a stand-up comedian and author of 'The History of Heavy Metal'. They dive into the chaotic world of clown training, highlighting its quirky anecdotes and the ethics of clowning. The conversation shifts to the amusing rivalry between philosophers Hegel and Schopenhauer, emphasizing their contrasting views. They also explore Andrew Carnegie's whimsical idea of using dinosaurs for world peace, revealing the humorous contradictions in his optimism.

18 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 2min
594: No Such Thing As Laser Club
Ian Smith, a comedian known for his award-nominated show, and Nish Kumar, a prominent British panel show comic, join the banter as they delve into extraordinary topics. They hilariously discuss a 14th-century pig on trial for murder and the absurdity of animal court cases. The conversation shifts to crying, unpacking emotional reactions and the cultural significance behind tears. They also touch on Jimi Hendrix's legendary performances, merging music with humor in a delightful blend of history and comedy.

34 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 59min
593: No Such Thing As A Barney The Dinosaur In Westminster Abbey
Dive into absurd tales surrounding the life of poet Dylan Thomas, including a quirky story about his coffin being used for poker. Discover Canada's impressive lakes and the myths tied to them, alongside a humorous take on sunflower seed bans in football stadiums. The hosts also explore vibrant tailgating cultures and surprising whiskey consumption trends in different countries, while pondering historical and cultural significance behind culinary practices. Expect laughter inspired by the most outrageous solutions to a past urine crisis in high-rise lifts!

17 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 54min
592: No Such Thing As A Cat In A Muumuu
Join Dan, James, Anna, and Andy as they dive into the quirky world of foot ironing in Egypt and its amusing history. Discover the first-ever cat ad that charmed viewers and the playful statistics of feline screen presence in 1999. Explore the unconventional advertising strategies for cat products and the odd yet fascinating life of Dick Bacon, America's nudist champion. With humorous insights into sports branding and the quest for perfect tan lines, this discussion is packed with laughter and intriguing tidbits!

49 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 57min
591: No Such Thing As Anti-Schmetterling Schnibbles
Join a whimsical discussion about glittery water voles and their hilarious tracking methods! Delve into the accidental discovery of 'schnibbles' by a 1926 German immigrant. Laugh along with the funny tales of Tongan myths and their light-emitting heroes. Learn about the eccentricities of Tom Baker from 'Doctor Who,' including his curious gravestone choice. Plus, explore the unique Basque language and its quirky cultural stories. It's a delightful mix of science, mythology, and humor!

66 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 52min
590: No Such Thing As Workshopping The Alphabet
Join an engaging discussion about nature's quirks, featuring the kumaru tree's resilience to lightning strikes and the intriguing tales of survival. Dive into the flavorful world of tonka beans and explore the bizarre realm of airline sick bag collectors. Unpack the humorous history behind a 15th-century Korean king's method for addressing grievances and witness an artist’s struggle with an elusive squirrel in his painting. Plus, marvel at the phenomenon of pareidolia, where we find faces in the most unexpected places!

13 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 52min
589: No Such Thing As Dung Beetles In Madame Tussauds
Miles Jupp, a British comedian and actor known for his roles in 'Rev.' and 'The Thick of It,' joins the hosts for a hilarious discussion. They explore the oddities of getting lost even in familiar spaces, and share uproarious tales about cricket hijinks in Samoa, including a king's wild disguise scheme. The conversation takes a whimsical turn as they reflect on literary rivalries and the remarkable story of Mary Montague, the smallpox vaccine pioneer. Their engaging banter is packed with humor and intriguing trivia.

50 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 46min
588: No Such Thing As A Punk Monk
Join a hilarious discussion from the Nerdland Festival, where hosts reveal the surprising importance of dung beetles in science versus human extinction. Discover quirky graduation traditions in Finland and Sweden, alongside a wild metaphor comparing internet security to Serengeti wildlife. Dive into an entertaining exploration of the unique roles of donkeys and the unexpected similarities between punk culture and monastic life. With playful anecdotes and witty banter, this conversation keeps listeners laughing while learning.

28 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 57min
587: No Such Thing As Chris Nibble
Rhys Darby, a comedian and actor famous for his roles in Flight of the Conchords and Jumanji, takes the stage with Anna, Andy, and James. They share captivating tales of the 'Night Witches', an all-female squadron from WWII, and explore quirky cultural differences regarding lost property in Tokyo and New York. Listeners will also enjoy funny anecdotes about New Zealand's unique railway history and reflections on the evolution of robots, all wrapped in Rhys's signature humor.

55 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 56min
586: No Such Thing As A Levis Jury
Dive into a hilariously philosophical take on Socrates and his unusual last requests, alongside quirky tales of a footballer who fought for democracy. Discover the amusing story of a village named Ugly battling against Stansted Airport, just as the oddities of celebrity culture and Andy Warhol's quirks come to light. Plus, hear about the interesting connection between radio technology and home heating. This mix of humor and history keeps the conversation lively and engaging!