RHLSTP Book Club 175 - Chris Evans (not that one)

RAACN week 11

Apr 11, 20261h 9mSummary

In this episode of RHLSTP with Richard Herring, titled RAACN week 11, the host presents a surreal and improvisational installment of his comedic news segment, Richard Alley’s Craven Newsround. Accompanied by his long-time puppet collaborator, Ali Sloper, Herring adopts a disheveled persona, famously recording in his dressing gown while playfully grappling with the anxieties of his career and the reception of his experimental comedy. The duo engages in a rambling, humorous discussion that veers from the absurd to the satirical. They touch upon the nuances of marriage and long-term relationships, punctuated by the puppet’s cheeky interruptions and singing. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a deadpan, mock-serious breakdown of a scientific study regarding flatulence, which leads to a playful debate about gender differences and the absurd lengths of scientific research. The conversation eventually shifts to a satirical take on current global politics, including a bizarre analysis of international relations and the potential for a nuclear apocalypse. It is a chaotic, meta-commentary on the nature of podcasting and the relentless pursuit of relevance in the digital age.

RHLSTP 606 - Wendy Wason

Apr 8, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of RHLSTP, Richard Herring welcomes actress and comedian Wendy Wason for an engaging and wide-ranging conversation. Reflecting on her career, Wason discusses her role in the sitcom After You’ve Gone, sharing anecdotes about working with Nicholas Lyndhurst and the unexpected perks of the job. The pair also reminisce about their shared history in the Edinburgh comedy scene, recounting wild stories from the 1990s and the surreal atmosphere of those early, booze-fueled festival nights. The discussion shifts toward the professional realities of acting, with Wason offering insights into the unpredictable nature of fame and the importance of professional persistence. She recounts memorable behind-the-scenes moments involving high-profile actors like Johnny Depp and Benedict Cumberbatch. Wason also reveals her latest creative endeavor: a play rooted in the dark history of Scottish witch trials. Drawing parallels between historical persecution and modern political climate, she explores the themes of systemic injustice and societal division. The episode offers a blend of humor, historical reflection, and candid professional advice, highlighting the resilience required to thrive in the entertainment industry.

RAACN week 10

Apr 4, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode of RHLSTP, host Richard Herring and his regular collaborator, Al Murray, present another installment of their satirical Craven News Round. Much of the discussion focuses on Herring’s recent appearance on a celebrity baking competition, where he humorously laments his lack of mainstream success while poking fun at the exaggerated tabloid headlines surrounding a minor kitchen injury he sustained during filming. The hosts adopt a mock-serious tone to critique the sensationalism of the modern media landscape. They shift from recounting Herring’s baking mishap to analyzing recent headlines, including a bizarre scientific study regarding male anatomy and a segment on American politics. Specifically, they discuss Vice President JD Vance’s public comments on extraterrestrials, using his unusual theories to fuel their satirical take on political discourse and religious interpretations of "otherworldly" phenomena. Throughout the episode, the duo leans into absurd humor, frequently interrupting their own "news" reporting with improvised songs and playful banter. They conclude with a reflection on the nature of their comedy, ultimately questioning the necessity of traditional media coverage while continuing their long-running, improvisational style.

RHLSTP 605 - Stephen Bailey

Apr 1, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of RHLSTP, Richard Herring sits down with comedian and presenter Stephen Bailey to explore his unique career path and his candid approach to the entertainment industry. Known for his background in light entertainment and television hosting, Bailey provides a humorous and self-deprecating look at his professional life, starting from his unconventional origin story of writing to television executives to land work as a production secretary. The conversation covers the challenges of transitioning into stand-up comedy, a profession Bailey admits he once had little interest in despite his fifteen-year tenure. The pair discuss the difficulties of developing a comedic voice, the necessity of navigating the fine line between being "bitchy" and likeable, and the art of audience interaction. They also reflect on the changing landscape of television, touching on the merits of reality-based entertainment and the desire to break into established panel shows. Throughout the discussion, Bailey maintains his trademark humor, sharing anecdotes about his aspirations to join the cast of Coronation Street and his philosophy on staying true to his authentic self, even while rebranding his image to appeal to different audiences.

RHLSTP 602 - Stevie Martin

Mar 11, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode of RHLSTP with Richard Herring, recorded live at the Essex Podcast Festival in Chelmsford, Herring is joined by comedian and writer Stevie Martin. The conversation begins with a lighthearted look at local news and quirks before transitioning into a deep dive into Martin’s recent career highlights and creative evolution. The pair discusses Martin’s memorable appearance in a well-known mobile phone advertisement that frequently confused viewers into thinking it was for paint, leading to a discussion about the realities of working in commercial acting. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Martin’s experience as a contestant on Taskmaster. They reflect on the unique camaraderie of the series, the challenges of the tasks, and the surprising success she found on the show, which ultimately helped reshape her confidence as a live performer. Martin shares how the experience shifted her perspective on her career, transitioning from a focus on scripted sketches to a newfound love for solo stand-up touring with her show, Clout. The episode balances these professional reflections with characteristically candid and humorous exchanges, including some of Herring's signature emergency questions.

RHLSTP 601 - Rob Auton

Mar 4, 202657 minSummary

In this episode of RHLSTP, host Richard Herring welcomes comedian, poet, and writer Rob Auton to the stage at the Y Theatre. The conversation begins with a characteristically humorous and slightly chaotic discussion about public toilets and the psychological quirks of their design, before moving into a deeper exploration of Auton’s creative process and career. The two discuss the challenges of being a dedicated, long-form performer in the comedy circuit, touching on their shared experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They delve into Auton’s unique approach to comedy, which often blends poignant philosophy with surreal imagery and poetic observations, rather than relying on traditional punchlines. Auton shares insights into his creative output, including his daily podcast project and his love for simple yet profound writing. A significant portion of the interview covers Auton’s latest work, a narrative show titled Can, which explores the life of a motivational speaker. Throughout the episode, the pair reflects on the nature of existence, the importance of finding beauty in the everyday, and the enduring, sometimes mysterious, drive to keep creating despite the inherent challenges of the industry.

Retro RHLSTP 135 - Sophie Ellis-Bextor

RAACN week 5

Feb 28, 202656 minSummary

In this installment of the RHLSTP podcast, Richard Herring steps away from his usual interview format to present a satirical segment titled Rich and Ali’s Craven Newsround. Alongside his ventriloquist dummy, Ali Sloper, Herring adopts a mocking tone to address current events and political figures, positioning his show as an alternative to what he terms the mainstream media. The episode features two primary comedic sketches centered on the public controversies surrounding Prince Andrew and Donald Trump. In the first segment, a character portraying the Duke of York attempts to deflect allegations regarding his associations with Jeffrey Epstein, complaining about the timing of his legal troubles and justifying his actions with absurd claims about royal privilege. The second segment focuses on a caricature of a world leader, styled as the King of the World, who offers an inflated, contradictory account of global achievements, including the supposed resolution of poverty and disease. Through these performances, Herring utilizes satire to highlight political hypocrisy and the absurdity of media coverage, maintaining a loose, improvisational dynamic with his puppet counterpart throughout the broadcast.

RHLSTP Book Club 171 - Ian Leslie

Feb 27, 202645 minSummary

In this episode of RHLSTP Book Club, Richard Herring welcomes author Ian Leslie to discuss his latest work, John and Paul: The Love Story and Songs. Leslie, known for his writing on psychology and curiosity, explains how a viral online post about Paul McCartney’s musical genius evolved into an in-depth exploration of the Beatles’ core songwriting partnership. The conversation centers on the complex, often misunderstood chemistry between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Rather than a standard biography, Leslie’s book analyzes their creative collaboration through a series of key songs, highlighting how their competitive yet symbiotic relationship fueled the group’s rapid artistic evolution. The pair discusses the "penis principle" of creative project management, the surprising maturity the Beatles exhibited despite their youthful "childlike" tendencies, and the tragic circumstances that haunted their personal lives. Herring and Leslie also touch upon the difficulty of writing about an over-documented subject, arguing that focusing on the "why" behind the music rather than just the timeline offers a fresh perspective. The episode provides a fascinating look at the Beatles' journey from a local band to a global phenomenon in a remarkably short seven-year period.

RHLSTP 600 - Fatiha El-Ghorri

Feb 25, 20261h 1mSummary

In this episode of RHLSTP, Richard Herring welcomes comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri for a wide-ranging and candid conversation. The two discuss the intensity of working on high-pressure television sets, reflecting on their shared experiences bonding behind the scenes of a recent, yet-to-be-disclosed project. Fatiha reflects on her career trajectory, noting that while her appearance on Taskmaster significantly raised her profile, she had already spent a decade honing her craft through years of relentless live performance. She emphasizes her working-class ethos, explaining that she views comedy as a craft earned through resilience rather than luck. The discussion turns to the "fierce" persona she presents to the world—a protective layer she describes as essential for navigating the industry. However, Herring highlights the vulnerability that lies beneath this exterior, a duality she intends to explore further in her upcoming tour, Cockney Stacking Doll. Throughout the episode, the pair share anecdotes about the challenges of balancing professional intensity with personal life, the realities of being a comedian, and their mutual respect as performers. It is an engaging look at a rising comedic talent balancing authenticity, ambition, and a protective public image.