Episode 116
Tidbits, Harmonies & Project Spice
Show broadcast on 7 May 2016
This podcast will no doubt become known as the John's Birthday Special - find out if Elis remembered, and if John received any gifts. Plus it's the culmination of Project Spice - the boys eat a vindaloo live on air! Tick Off A Taste! Unbelievable! All this plus Textual Healing, Winner Plays On, Humble Brag Of The Week, Gig Diaries, Email Of The Species and the Keep It Session Sessions.
John's introduction of Elis
"To my left is a man who I refer to from here on as 'diffoddwr pen-blwydd' ('birthday refuser')."
Conversations and riffs
It was John's birthday this week so Elis is under pressure to remember to bring him a present. This year's presents are bush craft based. He has a ""band of booze brothers"" (friends) waiting to go drinking after the show. Will Producer Dave allow Queen to be played on John's birthday?
John displays his harmonies on a Simon and Garfunkel track: John: ""I've got a degree in harmonising from the University of Great Singing."" Prod D: ""You didn't get a first though, did you?""
John is handed a piece of paper by Producer Dave to read out on air but John doesn't want to read out Dave's extreme political views so opts to tell the listeners about a Radio X competition.
There's a riff about the changeable nature of British weather.
Textual Healing
A listener calls the show with a problem.
Freya's neighbour's cat has seasonal affective disorder and the neighbour wants to swap back doors as Freya's has a cat flap.
Elis' Gig Diaries
Elis reads aloud from diaries he kept during his early stand-up days.
August 2007 - The 'So You Think You're Funny' semi-final Part 1. Is 'Leeds Station Baguette Rant' a strong enough bit to rely on? At the Edinburgh Fringe Festival three open-mic comedians are performing to no-one until a drunk man walks in.
Humblebrag
More examples of that scourge of social media, the humblebrag.
When you and your mates are so wacky and hilarious, you have to post a public warning message on Facebook. When your friend outbids you on a hundred-year-old circus wagon.
Winner Plays On
Elis and John face off in the weekly quiz on topics of their choice.
Frank Zappa (John) v the band Pavement (Elis). Elis wins 4-0.
Tick Off a Taste
The gang try a new taste sensation sent in by a listener.
Project Spice culminates with Elis tackling a vindaloo curry on air. Once upon a time Elis couldn't eat cracked peppercorn crisps because they were too hot for his tastebuds. Elis: "Dave, I need a thrill. Quick, kiss me then tell me you hate me."
Email of the Species
Listeners' emails into the show.
Two pairs of PCDs are getting married.
The 'Keep It Session' Sessions
A special section at the end of the podcast for music recommendations.
Tom Waits (John)
Podcast outro
Unusual places that people listen to the podcast: The podcast was played while someone gave birth.