RHLSTP with Richard Herring

#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 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!

Best of 2024 - Part 6 - And there we have it, the final Best of 2024 compilation episode. This time, guests include Tommy Cannon talking about his partnership with Bobby Ball, and Peter Serafinowicz on his optimism about technology fusing with art. If you're getting tired of all this looking back, don't worry - new episodes start up again next Wednesday! If you prefer this to the normal podcasts, also don't worry - there will be a new compilation in approximately 50 weeks. In fact, just try not to worry in general.See a live recording of RHLSTP - https://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Tiernan, a comedian with roots as a child magician, shares his journey through comedy's highs and lows. He humorously reflects on the art of mooning and its role in his acts, sparking a discussion about societal views on nudity. The conversation also dives into the struggles and comedic nuances of performing under stress, as well as the oddities of doing comedy at Everest Base Camp. Tiernan's unique perspective highlights the importance of authenticity and adaptability in the unpredictable world of stand-up.

Best of 2024 - Part 4 - It's not Christmas any more. But here's another RHLSTP compilation! This time, guests include Jon Ronson on the time he stayed up all night with real-life superhero Phoenix Jones, and Neil Hannon talking about his cricket album The Duckworth Lewis Method - plus, the Edinburgh Fringe run begins!See a live recording of RHLSTP - https://richardherring.com/rhlstpSUPPORT THE SHOW!Watch our TWITCH CHANNELSee extra content at our WEBSITE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob Brydon, a beloved comedian and actor known for his sharp wit and engaging presence, shares delightful stories in this lively discussion. He recounts his amusing encounter with Paul McCartney, filled with awkward yet heartwarming moments. The conversation also touches on the magic of Christmas and maintaining Santa's charm for kids. Brydon delves into the challenges of the entertainment industry, contrasting scripted performances with the spontaneity of live shows, all wrapped in his signature humor and charm.