Answer Me This!
Helen and Olly
SummarySince 2007, Helen Zaltzman and Olly Mann have been the internet’s ultimate port of call for the questions you never knew you needed answered. Answer Me This! is a masterclass in curiosity, where no topic is too obscure, too mundane, or too delightfully bizarre to escape the hosts' scrutiny. Whether they are dissecting the secret history of condom vending machines, debating the proper etiquette for disposing of engagement rings, or investigating why Tom Cruise gifts bundt cakes to his inner circle, the show operates at the perfect intersection of intellectual inquiry and laugh-out-loud banter. The podcast thrives on its eclectic structure, alternating between deep dives into historical oddities and empathetic, practical advice for the messy dilemmas of modern life. You might find yourself learning about the physics of Zambonis one minute and hearing a philosophical take on the Clown Egg Registry the next. The recurring "Answer Us Back" episodes add a wonderful layer of community, featuring listener updates and reflective tangents that make the show feel like a long-running, evolving conversation with old friends. With a signature blend of dry wit, rigorous fact-finding, and an infectious love for life's eccentricities, this is essential listening for anyone who finds the world a fascinatingly strange place. It is a warm, witty, and uniquely British guide to the questions that populate our day-to-day lives.
Updated Jul 6, 2026
Episodes
AMT419: Living Statues, Mangelwurzels, and Tom Cruise’s Cakes
Discover the story behind Tom Cruise's exclusive cake list, the etiquette of mushroom gardening, and obscure crops.
Answer Us Back: scab library
From a tooth-collecting library to a toenail fairy, explore the bizarre items people keep and fairy lore logic.
AMT418: Prop Cigarettes, Charlie Chaplin’s Moustache, and Condom Machines
Explore the history of toothbrush moustaches, the practicality of home decanters, and the fate of condom machines.
Answer Us Back: silky finish
Discussing Swiss fondue etiquette, the history of the ploughman’s lunch, and listener feedback on awkward boundaries.
AMT417: Shotgun Weddings, Oldest Ballet Dancers, and a Collection of Baby Teeth
Investigate the history of soy sauce fish, the secrets of long-term ballet careers, and creative baby photo display.
Answer Us Back: something has to go in that hole
Explore the granular details of meat fondu traditions, giant board games, historical musicals, and button organization.
AMT416: LEGO Titanic, Curried Whale and World Book Day
Discussing the ethics of LEGO disaster sets, the cleaning of Nelson's Column, and what to do with your wedding suit.
Answer Us Back: 'nduja-smeared rubber glove
Explore whether Marks and Spencer products are authentic or if you could smear nduja on a rubber glove and win.
AMT415: BLTs, Zambonis and the Wingdings Conspiracy
Discover the truth about the clown egg registry, the origins of Cluedo, ice-resurfacing Zambonis, and Wingdings lore.
Answer Us Back: Tobermory Carvermory
From sauerkraut spaghetti to a Toby Carvery gold card, explore unusual food habits and strange influencer gifting.
AMT414: Wax Seals, Y2K Songs, and the Butler Doing It
Explore the history of wax seals, the oddity of raw vegetable eating, and how to balance stage personas with work life.
AMT413: Secret marriage, wet Mr Darcy and transparent pie
A couple debates whether to reveal they are already married while exploring the origins of transparent pie.
Answer Us Back: Naughty Elves and Same-names
Listeners share stories on naughty elf traditions, confusing email mix-ups with namesakes, and donor-conceived roots.
AMT412: Widow’s Peaks, Mixtapes and Garlic
Explore the mystery of Innocent smoothie hats, the history of German Christmas markets, and the art of the mixtape.
Answer Us Back: Tiaras and Cadavers
Listeners share feedback on anatomy lab experiences, the history of naval tiaras, and the omnipresence of Sweet Caroline.
AMT 411: Sperm Donation, Snake Charming, and Open Top Bus Parades
Discover the ethical fallout of a prolific sperm donor scandal, sleep hygiene myths, and post office etiquette.
AMT410: Unwanted Tattoos, Cherry Wine and Sexy Old Men
Explore why people collect sexy old men, the history of piggyback rides, and the curious allure of cherry wine.
AMT409: Nude Furniture, Cheesecake Factory, and Eating Slugs
Discover the merits of eating slugs, the lore behind the Cheesecake Factory menu, and managing adult home decor.
AMT408: Tiaras, Private Investigators, and the King’s Mucky Gloves
How to handle workplace awkwardness with spouses, professional boundaries with clients, and guest hosting etiquette.
AMT407: Cartoon Anvils, Dating Semi-Celebs, and Lobster Piss
Debunking lobster soulmates, the physics of cartoon anvils, and how to navigate gender norms with nail polish.
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