RHLSTP with Richard Herring

#547 Armadillo - Richard is lonely enough to consider taking up cycling, but is he prepared to cycle 47 miles to end up where he started? His guest is posho stand up Ivo Graham. They discuss the biscuity temptations of writers’ rooms, a dangerously unfocused attitude towards Wordle, disastrous appearances on the Weakest Link, how you can’t really dine out forever on a 15 year old competition win, coming last in Taskmaster, whether we should have sympathy for someone who boarded at Eton and why it’s admirable to embrace rather than hide your privilege as a comedian. Check out Ivo’s gigs here https://www.ivograham.com/Watch his special here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2E4eQ6_bvESUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/rhlstp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book Club #126 - Munichs - Richard dials up Japan to talk to one of his favourite writers David Peace about his book about the Munich Air Disaster, Munichs. They talk about how David’s father made him want to cover this harrowing story, after his funnier books about Brian Clough and Bill Shankly, the delicate balance of combining history and imagination to create this relentless and mesmerising novel, the brilliance of Christopher Ecclestone as an audiobook reader, the magical boots of Tommy Taylor, the surprising rapidity of opposing supporters turning against United, giving a voice to ordinary people, the lottery of survival and the inevitable what ifs and David’s plans to take the story further.Buy the book here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Munichs-Novel-David-Peace/dp/0571381154Come to a RHLSTP live! - https://richardherring.com/rhlstp Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/rhlstp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#546 Smash or Pass? Richard is considering becoming a sex worker, but there’s a line he will not cross. His guest is hilarious newcomer Chelsea Birkby. They chat about what it's like to do support in big theatres (and in your home town), making a gimmick of unusual physical features, the blurred area between objectification and flattery, being made to dress up as a baby by a Frenchman, whether Chelsea is bipolar or not, if the Cheeky Girls know more about philosophy than Plato and attempting to send the lottery results psychically to yourself in the past.Chelsea’s gig details can be found here https://www.chelseabirkby.com/See a live recording of RHLSTP - https://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/rhlstp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book Club #125 - The Peepshow - Dip My Brain In Joy - Richard chats to Yvonne Innes about her fabulous and moving book about her fabulous husband, Neil Innes, Dip My Brain In Joy. They talk about Neil’s amazing and wide-ranging career, his freewheeling personality which may not have made him the greatest businessman, but probably meant he had a lot more fun and joy in his life, the wide range of his work from the Bonzos to Raggy Dolls to the Idiot Bastard Band, the various disputes and fallings out that scuppered some of his projects, getting paid by Oasis and Rich failing to say hello when they got in and out of the same taxi in Melbourne.Buy the book here - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/dip-my-brain-in-joy-my-life-with-neil-innes-the-official-biography-yvonne-innes/7695395?ean=9781785121692Come to a RHLSTP live! - https://richardherring.com/rhlstp Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/rhlstp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#545 Who Chooses The Sperm? Richard is back in Birmingham, after having iodine squirted through his veins (for some reason). His guest is Twitter sensation and fine stand up comedian Josh Pugh. They talk about how lockdown led to his hilarious videos on social media, his many caps for England, the Atherstone Purge, the disappointment of hosting the coverage of the Paris Paralympics, being a bicycle version of a pantomime horse, wanking in a hospital during lockdown, getting stuck in a puffer jacket for over a day, performing on Live at the Apollo and the lack of realism within Paw Patrol.See Josh’s special for free here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgLxdII5msgSee a live recording of RHLSTP - https://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/rhlstp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Slattery, a celebrated British comedian and actor, shares candid insights into his career highs and the factors behind its struggles, including his past with substance use. Isma Almas, a vibrant comedian, discusses navigating identity in comedy, and they both joke about the absurdities of their profession. The duo also hatches a playful plan for dealing with critics, while Slattery reflects on the industry's harsh realities and the lessons learned from his journey. It's a blend of humor, vulnerability, and rich storytelling.

In this discussion with Kate Summerscale, a renowned true crime author and former obituary writer, listeners dive into the haunting narrative of her book about a chilling murder case in post-war London. She explores the ethical challenges of writing about gruesome topics, the overlooked misogyny and racism of the 1950s, and the perplexing confession of Timothy Evans. Kate also reflects on why we’re drawn to such dark stories and the importance of honoring victims. Her insights into the human psyche and societal complexities are both captivating and thought-provoking.

Ruth Husko, a comedian and Twitter sensation, shares her humorous experiences navigating the treacherous waters of social media, including her memorable ban from Twitter. The discussion dives into quirky topics like cockfighting in Wednesbury and the absurdity of time-traveling fingers that could send lottery numbers to the past. Ruth also reflects on her failed attempts to marry Stewart Lee and weighs the possibility of pursuing comedy full-time, all while mixing in plenty of laughter and witty anecdotes.

Dr. Benji Waterhouse, a psychiatrist and former stand-up comedian, dives into the complexities of mental health in his memoir, 'You Don’t Have To Be Mad To Work Here.' He shares insights on balancing humor with sensitivity while navigating the challenges of the NHS. Topics include the ongoing mental health crisis, compassion fatigue among professionals, and the creative journey from book to potential screenplay. Benji also reflects on personal struggles and the importance of empathy in understanding mental health.

Count Binface, a comedic alien and political activist, shares his whimsical journey from outer space to the UK elections. He hilariously recounts his quirky campaign adventures and discusses the challenges of standing out in politics. The conversation dives into the absurdities of local politics, critiques of pub amenities like hand dryers, and the nostalgic charm of CFAX. Count Binface muses on improving political accountability and engages in playful banter about snooker and oddball policies. Will he become the Mayor of Croydon? Tune in for a laugh!