We Can Be Weirdos

Nick Helm first took to the stand-up comedy stage in 2007 and quickly became a circuit legend with his tour de force of one-liners, stories, poems and jokes. Since then, he’s become one of Britain’s most loved comedians for his multiple, memorable and moving television appearances, his critically acclaimed writing and his legendary rollercoaster live shows.Across the years, Nick has taken multiple mega hit shows to the Edinburgh Fringe including the must-see Keep Hold of the Gold, the Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated Dare to Dream and the completely sold out This Means War. In 2017, he embarked on his first full tour, hitting 25 dates across the UK with his hilarious show There Is Nothing You Can Do To Me That I Haven’t Already Done To Myself. He also released two successful albums Nick Helm is F*cking Amazing and Hot ‘n’ Heavy, which feature hit songs from his solo shows and are available on iTunes and Bandcamp.Nick has become a firm TV favourite having appeared on multiple shows both acting and as himself. He was nominated for a Royal Television Society Award for his starring role in critically acclaimed BBC Three sitcom, Uncle, and also played the adorable Watto is Channel 4’s Loaded which was later broadcast on AMC in America. He’s also fronted his own food travelogue show Eat Your Heart Out with Nick Helm on Dave and his own high-octane variety show Nick Helm’s Heavy Entertainment on BBC Three. This is all in addition to his other unforgettable TV appearances such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, Russell Howard’s Good News and Celebrity Mastermind.Go and see Nick: https://www.nick-helm.co.uk/#live

India Rakusen is an award-winning journalist who crafts immersive stories that explore the human experience in our rapidly changing world, challenging what we think and why we think it.From witches and tarot card readings, ghosts to fertilisation and atoms, this fascinating episode of We Can Be Weirdos takes a look at the supernatural, but with its science hat on. Some of India's weirdness really is bat shit, but that's what we love. You can follow India on Instagram

Milton Jones, a comedy virtuoso known for his unique blend of one-liners, absurdity, and surreal humor, has carved a niche for himself in the world of comedy with his unmistakable style. With his iconic wild hair, loud shirts, and a mind brimming with witty puns, Milton has captivated audiences far and wide, solidifying his status as a comedic legend.Go see Milton Jones: https://www.miltonjones.co.uk/

"What's the criteria for being 'real'?"Nina Conti is an internationally acclaimed ventriloquist, comedian and actress. Among many credits, she starred in Her Master's Voice, where she takes the bereaved puppets of her mentor Ken Campbell on a pilgrimage to the resting place for puppets of dead ventriloquists.Nina Conti's new show 'Whose Face Is It Anyway?' will be at the Duke of York's Theatre in the West End for five nights, from 29th April - 3rd May 2025, before touring the UK in the autumn. Tickets for all dates at ninaontour.com. Her directorial debut film 'Sunlight' is set for release later this year.

Tom Phillips is a British author, journalist, and humorist known for his witty and insightful takes on history and human folly. A former editorial director at Full Fact, the UK’s independent fact-checking charity, Phillips has written books such as Humans: A Brief History of How We Fcked It All Up* and Truth: A Brief History of Total Bullsht*. His works blend humor with historical analysis, exploring humanity’s mistakes and misconceptions in an engaging and accessible way.

Marc Burrows is a British writer, musician, and comedian. He is best known for his work as a journalist and author, particularly for The Magic of Terry Pratchett (2020), an award-winning biography of the beloved fantasy author. Burrows has also written for publications like The Guardian and New Statesman. In addition to his writing, he has been involved in music and comedy, performing stand-up and playing bass in bands. His work often blends humor, pop culture, and deep-dive research.More Marc stuff: https://www.marcburrows.co.uk/

" But I kind of loved the power of that, the power of weirdness""The Secret Painter" is a memoir by Joe Tucker that delves into the concealed artistic life of his uncle, Eric Tucker. Eric, a laborer from Warrington, Cheshire, led a double life, secretly creating over 500 paintings and approximately 1,000 sketches depicting mid-20th-century working-class northern life. His works, often compared to those of LS Lowry, capture scenes of pubs, theaters, and street life with authenticity and depth.Despite his sociable nature, Eric was reserved about his art, seldom sharing his creations publicly. His family discovered his extensive collection only after his death in 2018, leading to posthumous exhibitions that garnered significant public and media attention. Joe Tucker's memoir offers a touching and thoughtful exploration of his uncle's life, reflecting on themes of class, ambition, loneliness, and community. The book provides insight into Eric's personal history, his dedication to art, and the broader disconnect between working-class culture and the art establishment."The Secret Painter" serves as a poignant tribute to Eric Tucker's unwavering artistic commitment, bringing his life's work into the public eye and celebrating the extraordinary found in unexpected places.

Peter Singer, born on July 6, 1946, in Melbourne, Australia, is a prominent moral philosopher renowned for his work in applied ethics and animal rights. Educated at the University of Melbourne and the University of Oxford, he has taught at institutions worldwide, including Princeton University, where he serves as the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics. Singer's seminal 1975 book, "Animal Liberation," is often credited with initiating the modern animal rights movement. He has authored over 50 books, addressing topics such as global poverty, bioethics, and effective altruism. In 2023, he published "Animal Liberation Now," updating his original work to reflect contemporary issues. Singer is also the founder of the non-profit organisation The Life You Can Save, which advocates for effective philanthropy to combat global poverty. For more information about Peter Singer and his work, you can visit his official website: petersinger.info

As its half term we wanted to provide some SFC (safe for car) content to all the families driving back from half term trips. This is an excerpt from Dan's young friendly book IMPOSSIBLE THINGS.It's the perfect book for young curious minds who love to ask WEIRD and WONDERFUL questions.Want to impress your friends and family with some BANANAS but TRUE facts? Then discover the world of impossible things with Dan Schreiber. This book will give you the answers to all of your big questions, no matter how silly! From discovering if monsters are real to seeking out haunted sausage rolls, exploring the world's strangest curses to finding the truth about time travel, this book has everything!With hilarious illustrations and comic strips in every chapter, you won't want to put this book down!Available from all good book shops, and online. Check it out on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/04XKIkuf

Leah Renee is a stand-up comedian based in Philadelphia and New York City. A mother of three, she describes her comedic style as "like a budget version of Brian Regan if he was a Mormon housewife." Leah has been open about her journey from being a Mormon to embracing comedy, discussing challenges such as religious OCD (scrupulosity) and cultural pressures. She has shared her experiences in various interviews and podcasts, highlighting how humor has been a pathway to healing and self-discovery. In 2024, Leah performed her solo hour show, "Ten Pound Baby," at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, receiving praise for its humor and poignancy.leahrenee.co