

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

47 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 57min
600: No Such Thing As The Doughnut Ambassador
Dive into the quirky world of donuts and the eccentric man who set their standards. Discover the delightful history of donuts during wartime and the unusual culinary terms that pop up, like 'nun's fart.' Laugh along as the podcast uncovers the police-doughnut stereotype and links it to modern streaming woes. Marvel at the surprising connection between ancient poetry and porpoises. From unique mating rituals of harbour porpoises to the innovative use of beet juice in tractors, this discussion weaves humor with fascinating insights!

24 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 3min
599: No Such Thing As Julius Caesar's Plan B
In this lively chat, Mary Beard, a renowned classicist and Cambridge professor, joins the crew to dive into the wild world of ancient Rome. They unravel the eccentricities of charioteers like Diocles, who was as famous as modern sports stars, and share the quirky beliefs of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. The discussion humorously contrasts military legends with their odd habits, while exploring the challenges of Latin poetry and the rich tapestry of historical anecdotes. Get ready for a blend of wit and wisdom!

106 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 53min
598: No Such Thing As Quantum Baseball
Dive into a whirlwind of quirky facts like flaming baptisms and statue defacement. The hosts tackle absurd topics, from alien theories to linguistic jokes about astronaut names. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about Karl Marx and falling hiccups proposed by Andy Murray. They explore fascinating geographical trivia about French Guiana and reflect on historical oddities, weaving in personal tales and playful banter. Get ready for a jovial mix of history, culture, and laughter!

30 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 56min
597: No Such Thing As Love Spaghetti
Join a lively discussion on the quirks of early computer dating and its amusing outcomes, like sibling pairings. Discover the Love Getty gadget and its link to quirky dating signals, including the upside-down pineapple craze. The conversation dives into the controversial Ashley Madison scandal and ethical dilemmas of online relationships. Explore the peculiar world of scouting badges and the historical significance behind them. Lastly, get insights into Jack Kerouac's innovative writing process and his lasting impact on literature.

31 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 52min
596: No Such Thing As Dance Floor Book Club
Live from a vibrant festival, the hosts dive into the cultural significance of robust mustaches, revealing their ties to masculinity and honor in history. They share hilarious anecdotes about disguises, the failure of fake mustaches, and the oddities of rave culture. A discussion on music shifts to a bizarre collaboration for love-making soundtracks, alongside quirky insights into podcasting and dating red flags. The conversation hilariously connects urban parking evolution post-WWII with societal quirks, making for an entertaining mix of history and humor.

20 snips
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.

26 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.

54 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 57min
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 • 53min
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!