#550 - By The Heart, CBDTea and Laughing in the Yurt with Charlize

#555 - Consent Cushions, A Cuddle Bath and Sitting Quietly in Ghent

Jul 7, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode of Elis James and John Robins, the hosts lean into their characteristic blend of comedic banter and anecdotal storytelling. The conversation kicks off with a humorous recount of an imaginary Five Live away day, featuring absurdist team-building activities like a trust ladder and the elusive cuddle bath, sparking a discussion about the balance between professional broadcasting and lighthearted, off-script moments. John shares updates on his recent venture into acting, filming a new television project, while Elis seeks professional advice on navigating the shift from radio to screen. The two reflect on the permanence of their past work in the digital age, musing on the perils of old footage surfacing on platforms like YouTube. Later, Elis dives into the practical frustrations of modern life, detailing an epic, hours-long firmware update for his car’s navigation system. The episode also features another installment of the Cymru Connection, where Elis attempts to find a shared link with a caller. This week, he secures a successful connection with a listener named Gareth, moving beyond surface-level small talk to uncover a series of surprising mutual experiences.

#554  - A Cream Spiral, Nude Dave and Dignity then Dignitas

Jul 3, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode of Elis James and John Robins, the hosts record during an unusual evening session, leading to a relaxed, late-night atmosphere. The conversation kicks off with a humorous recount of John’s train journey, which was delayed by a herd of cows, prompting a lighthearted debate about whether a train driver could—or should—gently nudge livestock to keep things moving. The duo moves on to the perils of "fancy" dining after John shares his experience at a modern Mexican restaurant. Overwhelmed by too many complex flavors and an ill-advised post-meal brownie, John reflects on his current skin troubles, describing himself as being in a "cream spiral" while trying to soothe a persistent rash. This leads to a broader discussion about aging, dignity, and the unexpected joys of receiving compliments on one’s appearance. They also dive into listener mail, including a fascinating—and alarming—account from a professional glass blower who deals with extreme heat and workplace hazards, as well as a thoughtful reflection on mortality, composting, and the unconventional ways to handle a body after death.

#553 - The Orbit of Peel, Potentials & Tangentials and WD-Phwoarty

Jun 30, 20261h 9mSummary

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Elis James and John Robins welcome a wave of new American listeners following a global profile piece in the New York Times. The hosts humorously break down their reaction to the article, discussing the merits of the newspaper’s focus on their long-running feature, the Cumry Connection. This segment, which challenges Elis to find a mutual acquaintance with Welsh callers in under sixty seconds, has gained unexpected attention, even being referenced by UK political figures and statistical programs. Beyond the meta-commentary on their newfound stateside exposure, the hosts engage in their characteristic lighthearted banter. They discuss the unexpected fascination with public recycling bins, the rising popularity of stout—specifically Murphy’s—among Gen Z, and the logistical challenges of balancing a busy social schedule. As the conversation shifts, the hosts introduce a new creative endeavor titled Station to Station, a two-part special featuring their journey to every service station on the M25. The episode captures the duo’s blend of self-deprecating humor and genuine camaraderie as they navigate their growing platform and attempt to refine the art of the connection.

#552 - Gloop, Love Bees and It’s Me Or The Lathe

Jun 26, 20261h 3mSummary

In episode #552 of Elis James and John Robins, the hosts navigate a week defined by an intense heatwave, sharing their personal strategies and struggles with coping in extreme temperatures. The conversation spans from the practical—such as the merits of portable air conditioning units and the importance of hydration—to the absurd, including reflections on the hosts' own attempts at creative expression and the unexpected perils of the summer weather. The episode features a lively selection of listener emails that ground the banter in relatable human experiences. Highlights include a humorous look back at the "cringe-inducing" nature of amateur love songs, a discussion on the quirks of hobbyist obsession, and an iconic anecdote involving a man forced to choose between his marriage and his beloved lathe. The hosts also pivot to a surprisingly educational segment regarding sexual health and the importance of destigmatizing medical testing, prompted by a listener who is a specialist in the field. Throughout the episode, the duo maintains their trademark blend of self-deprecation, observational comedy, and genuine curiosity, offering a comforting and engaging listen for their audience.

#551 - Bumsyl, A Mind STD and Switchblade and Porky in Space

Jun 23, 20261h 6mSummary

In this episode of the podcast, the hosts embark on a cinematic adventure, premiering the trailer for a new space-themed production titled Jupiter Rising. The sketch features John as an elite space cop and Ellis as his sidekick, Porky, setting a tone of absurd, high-stakes science fiction. The discussion transitions into a humorous examination of the hosts' potential as film directors, with John outlining demanding rules for his hypothetical film set. The conversation then shifts to a candid and comedic account of Ellis’s recent personal ordeal, which he dubs a "mind STD." After experiencing physical discomfort and succumbing to an internet-fueled spiral of health anxiety and catastrophizing, he eventually learns the cause was merely a change in body wash, prompting a discussion about the importance of sexual health awareness versus the pitfalls of hypochondria. Finally, the show concludes with another installment of the "Cymru Connection" game. Despite Ellis attempting to link his life experiences to a caller named Lucy from Wales through their shared history and local geography, he is unable to secure a connection, maintaining his ongoing quest to find a link with every listener.

#549 - Creativitine, Daily Life Stings and Ossification & Death

Jun 16, 20261h 9mSummary

In this episode, the hosts embark on their usual creative journey at Significant Productions, grappling with defining the term symposium and experimenting with unconventional methods to boost their productivity, including adding Himalayan salt to coffee and discussing the merits of microdosing. The conversation shifts toward a lighthearted review of Ellis’s recent experiences, specifically attending an interview with Paul McCartney at the Camden Roundhouse, which prompts a humorous roleplay scenario where Ellis imagines his performance career resting on a successful Ronnie Corbett impression in front of the music legend. The hosts also dive into the mundanity of daily life, with John detailing a rigorous sock audit to eliminate sub-par footwear and exploring the absurdity of using artificial intelligence to hunt for discount codes. Other topics include Dave’s curious, painful nose injury potentially caused by his collection of retro cyberpunk sunglasses and a return to the Cymru Connection. The episode concludes with a statistical analysis from a listener that humorously compares Ellis’s podcast performance to football league standings, ultimately placing him in a respectable spot for the Europa League.

#548 - Two Mice,  Scrabble With Dixon and Leeds Train Baguette

Jun 12, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of the Elis James and John Robins show, the hosts navigate a lively mix of personal anecdotes and professional updates. The conversation kicks off with a humorous, albeit mock-serious, discussion about being told off, which leads to a reflection on the different versions of themselves at various ages. Elis shares his genuine reaction to the surprise news that he will be headlining a show at the Royal Albert Hall, clarifying his excitement while dismissing the idea of reviving old, niche comedy bits from his early career. The hosts also highlight significant developments for their production company, announcing the acquisition of two new podcasts: Don’t Think So Somehow, featuring Alistair Green and Rachel Stubbings, and the viral hit Skinwigs. They express enthusiasm for these creative partnerships and the unique comedic voices they bring to the network. The episode rounds out with a lighthearted segment involving a taste test of Japanese sweets, which prompts a nostalgic debate about childhood memories and food. The hosts also touch upon listener correspondence, debating the merits of World Cup sticker books and the evolving reach of their own catchphrases.

#547 - Pressure is a Privilege

Jun 9, 20261h 14mSummary

In this episode, the hosts Elis James and John Robins engage in a lively and characteristically meandering conversation as they travel to Manchester. The pair share anecdotes about the realities of modern travel, including the frustrations of unreliable onboard Wi-Fi and their humorous musings on the geography of the West Midlands. Their discussion eventually transitions into a significant announcement regarding the future of their live performances. The core of the episode centers on the reveal that Elis James will be headlining a solo show titled Pressure is a Privilege at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2027. Joined by guest Josh Widdicombe, the hosts discuss the logistics of the event, the eccentricities of the venue's ticketing system, and the humorous tension regarding the show's financial split. The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning from intimate comedy gigs to such a massive stage, with the trio balancing genuine excitement with their signature self-deprecating wit. Throughout the episode, the chemistry between the hosts remains the focal point, blending personal stories with the evolution of their podcasting journey and their ambitions for future live projects.

#546 - Jimmy Corkhill, €57 of Tapenade and Remembering John’s Misdeeds

Jun 5, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of Elis James and John Robins, the hosts embark on a sprawling and characteristically chaotic conversation. The dialogue kicks off with a humorous examination of modern digital habits, specifically the algorithmic traps of social media, leading to a debate about the merits of trending videos and the accidental curation of bizarre internet content. The conversation shifts toward a series of ambitious business pitches. John proposes a nostalgic project involving the re-release of vintage Panini sticker albums for World Cup tournaments in which teams failed to qualify, sparking a debate about the morality of adult collectors encroaching on childhood pastimes. Elis also shares his latest experiment in sartorial self-improvement, documenting his attempts to pull off a denim jacket, which leads to a comedic analysis of whether his look resembles a character from the soap opera Brookside. Finally, the hosts address some unresolved tension regarding social plans, specifically John’s solo attendance at a recording of Later... with Jools Holland. The episode blends these observational musings with lighthearted personal friction, showcasing the hosts' unique chemistry as they navigate the absurdities of their daily lives and their ongoing creative projects.

#545 - AudioDog, Jibber Jabber Media and Rubadubdub Productions

Jun 2, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode, Elis and John reflect on their recent experience speaking at a major podcast industry event in London. They humorously recount navigating a room filled with delegates wearing confusing lanyards and representing companies with bizarre, made-up sounding names. John shares his characteristic disdain for event lanyards and his firm stance against data farming, while Elis jokes about his own struggle to appear engaged in professional settings, leading to a recurring bit where he repeatedly interrupts John to push back on his points. Following their industry insights, the pair dives into the latest round of the "Cymru Connection," where a caller from Wales successfully manages to find a mutual link with Elis, much to the hosts' delight. The conversation then shifts to casual banter regarding Elis’s recent attempts at DIY home improvements involving superglue and a new toilet roll holder, as well as a brief, lighthearted discussion about solo dining and their love for a good curry. The episode concludes with the start of a new made-up game sent in by a listener, centered on a crisp-tasting challenge.