Here Lies Larry Dean

Here Lies Dan Snow

Jul 7, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of Where There's A Will, There's A Wake, host Kathy Burke welcomes television presenter and historian Dan Snow to plan his ideal final moments. Known for his enthusiastic approach to history and his popular podcast History Hit, Snow brings his trademark wit and curiosity to the conversation, treating his own hypothetical funeral with the same academic rigor and lighthearted spirit he applies to ancient empires. The discussion explores a variety of entertaining themes, including the logistics of a Viking-style burial at sea, the potential for a dramatic exit while exploring a historic castle, and his firm belief that he has lived a reasonably virtuous life. Snow shares his views on party hosting, arguing against the rigidity of long-planned events in favor of spontaneous, informal gatherings with good food and drink. The episode also touches on the humor found in historical figures' notoriously foolish deaths and the common misconceptions about Viking attire. Through this engaging and irreverent dialogue, Snow and Burke contemplate the afterlife, emphasizing the importance of keeping things simple, familial, and centered on shared, meaningful experiences rather than somber traditions.

Here Lies Adam Buxton

Jun 30, 202652 minSummary

In this episode of Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake, host Mel Giedroyc welcomes comedian, podcaster, and filmmaker Adam Buxton to discuss the unconventional details of his hypothetical final farewell. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as the two longtime industry veterans reminisce about their early days in the 1990s, the evolution of their careers, and the absurdity of working in entertainment. Buxton shares candid insights into his life, reflecting on his relationship with his late parents and how his perspective on death has shifted over time. The discussion moves from the sentimental to the hilariously practical as they contemplate the logistics of a funeral. Buxton envisions an upbeat send-off—complete with a bouncy castle—and explores the idea of dressing codes, specifically advocating for the comfort of wearing shorts regardless of the occasion. Throughout the episode, Buxton maintains his characteristic blend of warmth and self-deprecating humor. He describes his ideal death as a quick, poetic exit similar to his character’s demise in the film Hot Fuzz, and reveals his thoughts on what should be engraved on his headstone, poking fun at how artificial intelligence might summarize his life's work.

Here Lies Simon Brodkin

Jun 23, 202643 minSummary

In this episode of Where There's A Will, There's A Wake, the hosts welcome stand-up comedian and renowned prankster Simon Brodkin for a lively, chaotic discussion about life, death, and the afterlife. Known for his audacious public stunts—ranging from interrupting political figures to infiltrating high-profile events—Brodkin brings his signature mischief to the podcast as he plans his ultimate exit. The conversation explores Brodkin's unique perspective on mortality, with the comedian humorously questioning the logistics of heaven, such as whether it will be populated by historical figures or require him to adapt his comedy sets for a celestial audience. He shares amusing anecdotes from his life, including childhood memories of being locked in garden sheds and his experiences in police cells following his various "blags." Throughout the episode, the hosts and Brodkin engage in a lighthearted debate about what constitutes a "good person" and whether a lifetime of harmless, disruptive humor is enough to secure a spot through the pearly gates. It is a deeply funny and candid look at legacy, accountability, and the irreverent approach one might take toward their own funeral.

Here Lies Emma Barnett

Jun 16, 202639 minSummary

In this episode of Where There's A Will, There's A Wake, host Mel Giedroyc welcomes broadcasting powerhouse and journalist Emma Barnett to discuss the inevitable end of life with characteristic wit and curiosity. Known for her fearless interviewing style, Barnett transitions into the guest chair, engaging in an open and reflective conversation about her personal views on mortality, religious traditions, and the art of living well. The discussion traverses a variety of topics, including Barnett’s upbringing and her relationship with her Jewish heritage, particularly the practical and pared-back nature of Jewish funeral traditions. Barnett also shares humorous, mortifying anecdotes from her career in journalism—including an unforgettable mishap involving an award ceremony and her husband’s boss—that land her squarely in the show's metaphorical graveyard of shame. Throughout the episode, the two delve into the modern tendency to sanitize death and the societal pressure to endlessly optimize health and longevity. Barnett offers insights into her own experiences with chronic health conditions and how they have shaped her perspective on prioritizing joy and human connection. It is a thoughtful, candid, and often hilarious exploration of what it means to be human.

Here Lies Konnie Huq

Jun 2, 202626 minSummary

In this episode, television presenter and author Konnie Huq joins the host to plan her own funeral, balancing lighthearted banter with deeper reflections on mortality. Known for her long-standing role as a presenter on the iconic children’s program Blue Peter, Huq shares humorous anecdotes from her time on set, including the chaos of live broadcasting and the public’s enduring fascination with the show's famous pets. The conversation shifts from professional memories to personal philosophy as Huq discusses her outlook on death. She reveals a preference for a low-key, practical departure, noting that she dislikes unnecessary pomp and circumstance. The discussion explores the nature of human selfishness and the societal norms that influence how we live and contribute to the world. Beyond these existential themes, the pair bonds over a shared love for chocolate and indulge in a playful debate about the best methods for dessert consumption. Throughout the episode, Huq remains characteristically upbeat and articulate, offering a candid and charming perspective on how to face the inevitable, all while maintaining her signature wit and natural ease in front of the microphone.

Here Lies Ben Shephard

May 26, 202641 minSummary

In this episode of Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake, host Mel Giedroyc welcomes television presenter Ben Shephard to imagine his final moments. Known as the nation’s nicest man and a staple of daytime television, Shephard brings his characteristic charm and gentle humor to the mock-funeral proceedings. The conversation moves quickly from the surreal nature of the show to Shephard’s recent venture into the business world, where he and fellow presenter Joel Dommett have launched a male skincare brand. Shephard discusses the challenges of being a newcomer to the industry and his desire to break down stigmas surrounding men's skincare, emphasizing how openness across generations—including his own teenage sons—is changing the landscape. Beyond skincare, the two discuss the profound impact of Shephard’s long-running game show, Tipping Point, sharing touching anecdotes about how the program has provided comfort to viewers in their final years and even inspired major life events for contestants. The episode concludes with a heartwarming tribute from Joel Dommett and a discussion on friendship, longevity, and the joy of keeping a positive perspective, even when discussing the afterlife.

Here lies David O'Doherty

May 19, 202648 minSummary

In this episode of Where There's A Will, There's A Wake, host Mel Giedroyc welcomes Irish comedian and musician David O’Doherty to discuss the whimsical and chaotic logistics of his eventual departure. The conversation explores O'Doherty’s unique brand of humor, touching on his love for physical comedy, his oddly specific life experiences, and his inventive, theatrical plans for his own funeral. O’Doherty shares a vivid vision of his final moments, involving a dramatic, slapstick-filled exit from a music venue that leads directly into his funeral procession. He describes a grand, fiery departure down a cobblestone street in Dublin, complete with a bicycle, his signature novelty keyboard playing off-key hip-hop hits, and a final plunge into the River Liffey. Beyond the humor, the episode features a contemplative look at O’Doherty’s personal life, including his reflections on his childhood, his nostalgic attachment to old belongings, and the simple, bizarre joys he hopes to experience in the afterlife—most notably, a bathtub filled with creamy seafood chowder and a side of crusty brown bread. The episode offers an engaging, heartfelt, and hilariously imaginative exploration of legacy and mortality.