Episode 54 - Songs That Rhyme With Radiohead, Email & John's Dark Crystal Look

A message from Elis - The Socially Distant Sports Bar

Feb 23, 20211h 45mSummary

In this episode of The Socially Distant Sports Bar, Elis James introduces his new podcast venture alongside friends Mike Bubbins and Steff Garrero. While the show is nominally about sports, the hosts explain that they frequently spend the first forty minutes engaged in candid, pub-style conversations before addressing any sporting topics. The conversation quickly pivots to a hilarious deconstruction of a documentary featuring former footballer Peter Reid. The hosts share their disbelief and amusement over a clip where Reid recalls an anecdote about the late footballer Laurie Cunningham, specifically focusing on his polished demeanor and, most notably, a surprising story about peeling garlic prawns. This leads to a wider, lighthearted discussion about documentary editing techniques and the hosts' penchant for sharing absurd personal stories. The episode is filled with humorous digressions, including recollections of past travel mishaps, reflections on school teachers, and the eccentric life of the "Tartan Flash," an elderly sprinting enthusiast. Throughout the discussion, the trio maintains their signature irreverent tone, balancing nostalgic storytelling with witty commentary on pop culture, historical figures, and the art of modern conversation.

Episode 263 - Painful Thighs, F Off & The Dark Side of Nature

Mar 23, 20191h 14mSummary

In this episode of the podcast, Elis James and John Robins engage in a characteristically wide-ranging and humorous conversation covering everything from emotional television to the minor annoyances of daily life. The hosts reflect on the emotional impact of the series Queer Eye, discussing how stories about stoic fathers and people overcoming small-town adversity resonate deeply with them. This leads to a debate about light entertainment, specifically the singing competition All Together Now, and the impressive, albeit sometimes baffling, scale of its production. The conversation naturally shifts to the struggles of middle age, with John sharing his recent experiences with sleep deprivation, the constant urge to check sports statistics, and the irritation caused by nature—specifically noisy owls and the persistent threat of dog mess. The duo also touches on their personal styles, debating whether their penchant for band t-shirts remains appropriate as they approach their forties. Finally, the episode features the regular segment Humble Brag of the Week, where the hosts playfully dismantle pretentious social media posts, followed by a lighthearted review of a Times article regarding the controversial editing of the Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody.

Episode 55 - Pointless Superpowers, John's Deadly Dream & Mark Watson

Feb 28, 201542 minSummary

In this episode of the Elis James and John Robbins podcast, the hosts engage in a characteristically frenetic show covering an eclectic mix of topics. The conversation begins with a humorous recounting of a vivid, harrowing dream John had about the untimely death of his co-host. This leads into an engaging discussion about "pointless superpowers," inspired by listener contributions, ranging from the ability to catch a kettle just before it clicks off to having never experienced a headache. The duo also tackles their personal habits and professional lives, with John sharing his recent weight loss success and his newfound approach to diet and fitness. The segment on their weekly competitive feature, Winner Plays On, sees the hosts battle it out with topics as varied as the Mod movement and the history of email. Between the banter, they check in with comedian Mark Watson, who is mid-way through a 27-hour charity marathon. The episode maintains the hosts' signature blend of dry wit, philosophical musings on minor life grievances, and self-deprecating humor, culminating in a lively debate over future topics for their ongoing radio rivalry.

Episode 53 - Tips for Banksy, Patron Saints & A Valentine's Day Problem

Feb 13, 201544 minSummary

In this episode of the Ellis James and John Robins podcast, the hosts dive into an eclectic mix of topics centered around the arrival of Valentine’s Day. Rejecting the commercial nature of the holiday, the duo spends much of the show engaging in their signature riffing, including a hypothetical concept for a Banksy-inspired Valentine’s card and a lively debate about why they prefer to celebrate other, more obscure national days instead. Beyond the seasonal banter, the episode features a variety of listener correspondence. The hosts read through amusing stories from listeners, including one particularly awkward tale involving a football betting group and an accidental romantic text message sent to the wrong recipients. Additionally, they discuss their recent comedic collaboration for an online short, reflecting on the experience of acting together and their brief venture into the world of professional networking. The show also includes a comedic installment of John’s autobiography and a surreal installment of Textual Healing, where a listener calls in to share a bizarre annual romantic tradition involving a stranger and an Iron Age cottage.