Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things

From Countdown's Dictionary Corner it’s Susie Dent!  Susie is here with her Five Brilliant Things and they are as fascinating and vocabulary-expanding as you might hope; but it’s not all words, Susie also tells us about her special relationship with a rock. Is it Dwayne Johnson? You’ll have to listen to the show to find out! Alongside these revelations Russell and Susie luxuriate in some of the far corners of words and meanings; if you’re even remotely interested in finding out some new language-based tidbits then you won’t be disappointed in here. And with Christmas fast approaching, here’s some gift ideas for friends and relatives of any age: Susie’s brand new books!  For the younger members of the family Susie’s book ‘The Roots We Share’: Susie has searched far and wide to unearth words and phrases - old, new, and long-forgotten - that celebrate harmony, unity, and the universal languages that connect people across the world. That book can be found HERE. And for older readers, Susie’s just released ‘Words for Life’. From wabbit to dust bunnies, and from the strange history of arse to the best ways to describe moonlight, Words for Life offers a full year’s supply of verbal vitamins guaranteed to brighten and boost every day. Here you will learn of the Mother-in-Law’s Dream as well as the Yuleshard, and discover expressions that can fix (or at least nail) the problems of modern life, whether dealing with unrequited love or unsatisfactory politicians, eating a whole packet of biscuits or forgetting someone’s name. Grab yours from HERE.  And Russell has just released a whole load of extra dates for his brand new tour show ‘Don’t Tell The Algorithm’. There are shows across the whole UK in 2026: You can book tickets at https://www.russell-howard.co.uk  We also recorded a second show with Susie for our Patreon listeners; there’s a clip at the end of the episode and for fans of the podcast so please have a listen. If you’ve already had a listen and you’re here to find out more…click the link here for ad-free shows, early access and a special extra show just for you every week - have a look! patreon.com/RussellHoward   Please enjoy the multitudinous gratifications contained within this audio chronicle of lexicography. I fly!  Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wine Wine Wine! Tom Gilbey is one of the UK’s top wine experts and he also talks about it like a normal person! This podcast takes us through the things that makes a wine buff happy (some of them are, and I don’t want to spoil things, wine-related). Russell does a live wine-tasting of some rock and roll wine.  Tom takes us through his marathon that he ran while drinking wine every mile (!), the beauty of a good pen and there are some really good tips for buying wine in a supermarket.   Tom has a book and it’s just come out now! It’s called THIRSTY and it’s about wine (of course)! It’s full of the same no-nonsense advice and tips that you got in this podcast: how to read the label, how to choose in a restaurant and how to talk about it without sounding like a twat.  It’s available now from this link or pop into a lovely independent bookshop.  Might I suggest it could make an excellent Christmas present for that relative you don’t know very well but enjoys a glass of wine? Also you should follow Tom on Instagram where he’s @tomgilbeywine. And Russell has just released a whole load of extra dates brand new show ‘Don’t Tell The Algorithm’. You can book tickets at https://www.russell-howard.co.uk  We also recorded a second show with Tom for our Patreon listeners; there’s a clip at the end of the episode and for fans of the podcast it’s genuinely an excellent extra to get involved with.  Honestly if you like the show it’s a super-good deal giving you ad-free shows, early access and a special extra show just for you every week - have a look! patreon.com/RussellHoward   Thank you so much for joining us in this giant snifter of podcastery. Hope you’ve enjoyed the nose, legs and body on this beast.  x Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She’s the star of Whitstable Pearl, AfterLife and Taskmaster. She’s a phenomenal stand-up comedian and she’s Kerry Godliman, here to tell Russell about the things that make life worth living and it’s a nostalgic romp through Portobello Market, living off-grid in India and how to parent without being a beg.  Loads of fun, really great funny episode; this is a big ‘recommended’ sticker.  Kerry is touring her latest show right now! It’s called Bandwidth and you can find out when she’s near you and buy tickets by going to https://kerrygodliman.com. She’s a superb live comic and it will be an excellent night out.  Let’s not forget Russell! Russell is also touring in 2026 with his brand new show ‘Don’t Tell The Algorithm’. You can book tickets at https://www.russell-howard.co.uk  We also recorded a second show with Kerry for our Patreon listeners; there’s a clip at the end of the episode and for fans of the podcast it’s genuinely an excellent extra to get involved with.  Honestly if you like the show it’s a super-good deal giving you ad-free shows, early access and a special extra show just for you every week - have a look! patreon.com/RussellHoward   And that’s the end of all that. Hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it although I doubt that very much because I’m on a cocktail of highly illegal and incredibly strong drugs.  Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all the best bits from October's shows! A tasting plate of the shows we've already broadcast this month and if you've been too busy to listen to the whole shows this is a way to get a morsel and who knows... maybe head back and listen to the whole thing if you like the sound of it. Featuring Dom Joly, Sally Lindsay, Nick Mohammed, Horatio Gould and Pete Firman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You know Pete Firman. He’s charming. He’s northern and he pops up on your Instagram or TikTok with fantastic magic tricks, illusions and comedy. Pete is one of Britain’s most accomplished comedy magicians and he’s here with his Five Brilliant Things which take him from Chip Sauces, through Old Theatres and the whole thing wraps up with a love-letter to the very particular British art of CONKERS! Lots of fun and he’s got (as Russell will shortly point out) a lovely voice.  Pete Firman is also on tour! His latest tour show is called ‘Tricks and Giggles’ and it’s coming to a beautiful old theatre near you very soon. It’s a brilliant night out full of the best illusions delivered with Pete’s trademark comedy… to book tickets go to https://www.petefirman.co.uk/live/ You can also follow Pete on Instagram or TikTok where he’s @PeteFirman.  Let’s not forget Russell! Russell is also touring in 2026 with his brand new show ‘Don’t Tell The Algorithm’. You can book tickets at https://www.russell-howard.co.uk And Pete stayed with us in the studio for a special extra show where he answered your questions about the inner workings of the magic world. It was a fascinating and revealing chat and it’s available as part of our Patreon offering. Honestly if you like the show it’s a super-good deal giving you ad-free shows, early access and a special extra show just for you every week - have a look! patreon.com/RussellHoward   Thank you for all your attention, it was more than enough. Hope to see you here deep in the blurbs next week. X Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the hit podcast Fin vs History, it’s the nascent comedy superstar Horatio Gould!  He’s here to explain why Men need to start doing more Business in saunas. He tells us just how violent and disgusting it should be to eat chicken. And everyone gets sidetracked in a discussion about a man who went into a cave and made sweet love to a chicken. Horatio is performing the last extended run of his solo tour show ‘Return of the Space Cowboy’ throughout November, ending with some special shows in London. Check out the dates and book tickets here. Russell is also touring in 2026 with his brand new show ‘Don’t Tell The Algorithm’. You can book tickets at https://www.russell-howard.co.uk There’s a whole second show’s worth of Horatio on our Patreon which also means you get the main show without adverts and everything a day early; Check out our Patreon offering at this link: patreon.com/RussellHoward   That concludes today’s AGM, thank you for being present and so well turned out. See you same place next year (well - next week really but I couldn’t carry off the AGM thing and not pretend it was Annual. It’s in the bloody title). Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Star of Celebrity Traitors, and Ted Lasso, and Slow Horses…Nick Mohammed is here revealing the five things that make him happiest. What happened when he was asked to perform one-on-one for his hero Andrew Lloyd Webber (awkward!)? Who was the inspiration for his hit character Mr Swallow? And what invaluable tips did he get from Paul Daniels? That’s all in here and so much more. It’s a Nick Mohammed fan’s dream hour. Oh, and if you’re here after listening to the podcast, this is the link to the final scene of Star Wars with the music taken off it. Why not go to see Nick performing LIVE?! He’s touring his show ’Show Pony’ right now across the UK. There are dates in all different corners of the UK so he’s bound to be near you soon. Find out everything and book tickets by going to https://www.nickmohammedlive.com Russell is also touring in 2026 with his brand new show ‘Don’t Tell The Algorithm’. You can book tickets at https://www.russell-howard.co.uk We also recorded a second show with Nick that’s available exclusively to our Patreon listeners, where Nick gives the inside scoop on his time on Taskmaster and we find out everyone’s most accurate animal impressions. Check out our Patreon offering at this link: patreon.com/RussellHoward   Thank you very much for being a dedicated blurb reader. A rare beast indeed. Your commitment has not gone unnoticed and if you keep up this behaviour you’ll be in line for a promotion. All you need to do is another five or six years of hard blurb reading and the carriage clock will be yours. Good work old thing. Pip pip! Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Corrie, Phoenix Nights and the Madame Blanc Mysteries, Sally Lindsay is here with her Five Brilliant Things and they are belters. It’s a romp through the majesty of Chas and Dave, some strong opinions about loudspeakers on public transport and taking wild train trips from England to Italy in the early 1980s.  As we talked about on the show, Sally stars in and wrote the Madame Blanc Mysteries and you can find that paragon of cosy crime on Netflix or Channel Five.  And if you want to know Russell’s wrestler name and walk-on music, then it’s all in this week’s extra show available on our Patreon offering. If you listen to this podcast regularly then you get a lot of bang for your buck. Check out our Patreon offering at this link: patreon.com/RussellHoward   And that’s the end for today, please let tomorrow be all your yesterdays or some shit. I don’t know, it was meant to be profound.  Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Which famous author does Dom Joly feel he may have to kill in order to get his perfect job? And why is he compelled to jump off every high perch that he comes across?  And why was he caught in the bathroom of a High Court Judge  semi-clothed? The answers are all in this fabulous podcast, where Dom Joly selects the Five Things that make his life most exciting - and it is an exciting life. The show takes us across the globe, through dangers and back out the other side to silliness and nonsense.  To celebrate 25 years since Trigger Happy TV hit our screens, Dom Joly is bringing his most iconic characters and sketches to the stage in the Trigger Happy TV – Live! 25th-anniversary tour. Fans will experience beloved moments from the show, including The Giant Snail, The Traffic Warden, The Morris Dancer, The Scout, A Gang of Squirrels, and THAT Big Mobile Phone.  There are dates across Britain in different cities across October so get your tickets now and find out more by clicking HERE.  As always we recorded a whole second show with Dom where he answered some marvellous questions from our Patreon listeners. You can get that show and the whole catalogue of back-episodes (there’s hours and hours of listening for you in there!) check out our Patreon offering at this link: patreon.com/RussellHoward   Lovely to have you here, you’ve been an impeccable guest, please come around any time. That bit where you spat on the dog was a bit weird but I assume it was some private grievance between the two of you.  Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bumper month of truly excellent shows! This podcast contains the best bits of each of our September shows so there's no new content (unless you include some links and a little bit of chat about Beef Rendang). But here you can enjoy a brief bit of: Irish stand-up powerhouse Ardal O'Hanlon! Podcaster and actor Georgia Tennant! US comedy megastar Taylor Tomlinson! From Taskmaster - the brilliant comedian Phil Ellis! And Stacey from Gavin and Stacey - Joanna Page! Please enjoy responsibly. See you on Wednesday for more brand new episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did Joanna Page nearly cock up her Gavin and Stacey audition? How did she end up following Kenneth Branagh around in secret?  The stories, the stories! This delightful episode with Gavin and Stacey’s Joanna Page is a delight from cover to cover (yeah yeah, podcast/book/bad analogy get lost).  Her Brilliant Things include her unhinged dog Daisy (the stories!), her Dad’s Prawn Salad and her refuge, a wonderful caravan. It’s a marvellous listen.  Joanna’s written a book about her extraordinary life, and  it’s called ‘Lush! From Swansea to Stacey and everything in between’. It’s full of Joanna’s brilliant stories told with wit and flair. Incredibly enjoyable and as we head to the winter months, maybe it would make a good present? Get one by following this link here.  We recorded a second show with Joanna and if you’re even a little bit of a Dr Who fan, you cannot miss the extraordinary story Joanna tells about playing Queen Elizabeth in the special episode. The whole thing is just so traumatic. Check it out by following this link.  patreon.com/RussellHoward   Thanks for being with us in this nest of delights, hope you’ve had a nice snuggly warm time in here being all protected by the mother bird’s big comfy ass. But it’s now time for you to become the hero of your own story. Get out. Go on. Be free. FLY!  Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He’s in Taskmaster, he’s had his own Radio series and for years he’s been one of the downright funniest stand-ups in Britain. Welcome to the Five Brilliant Things of Phil Ellis! Expect incredible stories about Rik Mayall, an awful kid’s game where you either get mauled by a dog or soaked in your friends urine. Expect the most harrowing ‘bad gig’ story you’ll ever hear in your life. Hedgehog NO! Watch Phil on Taskmaster on Channel 4 right now.  Then go to watch him live on tour because he’s so great - he’s out all across 2026 so get your tush over to philelliscomedy.com and book tickets, alright? You’ll thank me.  And if you enjoy this podcast, you can get it with the brakes off by joining our Patreon where you get the whole thing without adverts, you get an extra exclusive show every week and you get it all a day before everyone else.  We recorded an extra show with Phil and it was dead funny! Click this link to join or just have a sniff around: patreon.com/RussellHoward   Alright, so we have successfully navigated the choppy waters of another podcast blurb without hitting an iceb…hand me those binoculars…. Goddammit. TELL THE BAND TO KEEP PLAYING! Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedy megastar Taylor Tomlinson has dropped into the studio in the middle of her world tour! And as you might imagine it’s an absolute belter of an episode. Her favourite things include siblings (where she talks about starting comedy as a 16 year old on the US Church circuit 😮)  Taylor tells a chilling tale about leaving her comedy notebook lying around, and the significance to her of the ‘umble walnut.  An hour in the company of Taylor and Russell talking about all the things that make them tick. It’s a big yes please.  Taylor’s got plenty of dates left on her current ‘Save Me’ world tour so if you’re in the US or Canada then get involved - find out where and when by going to https://taylortomlinsoncomedy.com The rest of you can use that website to find Taylor’s incredible specials online or watch episodes of her TV show.  ✨ And hey, why not consider joining our Patreon Crew? You’re already the kind of freak who reads the show notes - why not take the next step? You will get hours and hours of exclusive extra shows with all our guests, including Taylor! Find out how great it is by clicking here. ✨  Kaboom! That explosion is a sign that it’s very nearly the end of the blurb. Very nearly indeed. Ver.. Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Warning: This podcast starts with Very Strong Opinions about potatoes.  It continues in a similarly esoteric vein as star of The Horne Section and Dr Who Georgia Tennant gives her opinions on the versatility of the humble glue-gun, some pretty straight-talking on MoonCups and how to psyche out opponents as an older netball team. It’s a cracking good fun episode. You’re going to enjoy this one. Even if Georgia has unusual opinions about potatoes.  Georgia stars as Ash in The Horne Section that is on Channel 4; You can watch that on 4 On Demand. You can also keep up with all her projects by following her on Instagram where she’s @GeorgiaTennantofficial.  We also recorded our extra show with Georgia where she grappled with questions from you lot, including a fantastic bit about AI and dolphins as well as some rather frank discussions about the birds and the bees.  It’s all on our Patreon show here, as well as so much more… patreon.com/RussellHoward   There! Do you hear it? The gentle chug of the steam engine as the train starts to pull away down the platform. I put my ham-fist up against the glass, and you put your trotter up to join it. Your little stupid legs start going faster and faster as you try to keep up with the train, refusing to let physics tear us apart but, as many before us have found out, you can’t fuck with physics. You tumble into a messy, broken heap off the end of the platform and I settle to the crossword and a lovely cup of tea.  Adieu. Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a taster of all the shows broadcast through August 2025, including Michael Dapaah talking about why Bernie Mac was such an influential comic, Tiff Stevenson running through some of her astonishing accent skills, Jake Lambert on the hunt for the person who shot his cat and a story about Howie Mandell from Red Richardson that you simply won't believe. Tuck in if you haven't heard any of them and if you hear something you like why not circle back and chow down on the whole episode? Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the best comedians to ever come out of Ireland, Ardal O’Hanlon is a complete treat. He is brimming with excellent stories from his extraordinary life of stand-up comedy, acting and amateur tennis; illicit late-night oysters, holidays in Ireland back in the day, footballing heroics on exotic islands. This episode that is like a hot bath of delights. Get those clothes off and get on in. As mentioned in the show Ardal is about to embark upon a major tour of the UK and Ireland, beginning this September. He’s going to be appearing all over the place. The show is called ‘Not Himself’ and it’s a brand-new stand-up show from Ardal, who is seriously one of the best in the game.  Visit Ardal’s webpage HERE to find out when he’s going to be in your area, then follow the links to book tickets for a fantastic night out.  That concludes this day’s play. We’ll be back next week with more action from centre court, but until then please stay dry and enjoy the strawberries. Best to eat them today or they’ll go mushy.  Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Which mega-famous US celebrity has a room full of AI holograms that he talks to? It’s all in this podcast with ‘Stay Toxic’ Instagram star and brilliant comedian, Red Richardson.  Aside from this extraordinary anecdote about being taken through rooms of madness, there’s also wonderful tales about Keith Floyd, some great stories about living wild in Devon and the whole podcast is packed full of laughs from start to finish. A treat.  Red is not touring at the moment but he surely will be in the future, and he’s always making new comedy videos - you can keep up with all his stuff on Instagram @redrichardsoncomedy And if you enjoy this podcast, you can get it with the brakes off by joining our Patreon where you get the whole thing without adverts, you get an extra exclusive show every week and you get it all a day before everyone else. It’s super easy to join and it costs less than one cup of fancy coffee every month.  Click this link to join or just have a sniff around: patreon.com/RussellHoward   That’s your full diagnosis for this week, I hope you’re not too disappointed; it’s a severe case of Podcastitis. The good news is you’re going to live, and the rest of it I’m sure you can learn to live with. It’s better that we caught it early to be honest. Let’s keep an eye on it and make sure that it doesn’t mutate into something worse like a fondness for Vodcasts. NEXT PLEASE! Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Food poisoning in Kyrgyzstan with Jack Dee? It's just one of the fantastic stories told by comedian Jake Lambert on today's fantastic episode of Five Brilliant Things. Other highlights include a vigilante mission to discover the man (or woman) who shot his cat and much much more. 🙀 Jake is huuuuge on Instagram where his reels do some serious numbers - you can see him on Instagram where he's @jakelambertcomedy 🌞 Jake is also out on tour, so if you want to see his latest live show 'The Sunshine Kid' then you can grab tickets at www.jakelambertcomedy.com 🌞 Would you prefer to get this podcast without adverts? And get a free extra show every week? And get it all a day before everyone else?  And join a bunch of like-minded happy people? Well you’re in luck. You can do this and much more by clicking this here:  patreon.com/RussellHoward   And that's the end for this week! Hope you've enjoyed the podcast and while we are here hope you've also enjoyed the blurb. There will be more podcast and blurb next week for all you blurb fans. Stay tuned! Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you an Umarell? Or will you become one? What is an Umarell? It’s all in Tiff Stevenson’s Five Brilliant Things. Tiff is a fantastic UK-based comic who has joined us in the studio to talk about the majesty of accents, the beauty of weddings, the taste of childhood sweets and the mysterious Umarell.  It’s worth listening just for Tiff’s wonderful way with accents. Come for the accents, stay for the brilliant things. And of course to discover what this blasted Umarell could be.  Tiff is at the Edinburgh Fringe right now with her latest solo show! It’s called Post Coital, and it’s on at 2:50pm every day at the Monkey Barrel, so if you are in Edinburgh please check it out, you will enjoy.  You can buy an advance ticket here. As always we recorded a second whole show with our guest and that is available exclusively to our Patreon members. Basically you get a whole second show, and you are free from adverts and there will be priority tickets live shows when they happen too. Just have a look, I think it might be something you would like? ⁠patreon.com/RussellHoward⁠   That brings today’s sermon to a close. As I snap shut the Holy Book (and whimper because I left a finger in it) you can think on these wise words to live by and take them out into the wider world and spread our word and get more people to join our CREEPY CUUULLTTT! Mwahahahahaha! That took a turn didn’t it?! Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Four short clips from this month's episodes for the indecisive or time-poor podcast listener. This gives you a taster of what we did this month and if you like the sound of any of them you can go back and devour the whole thing. July's guests were Australian comic Felicity Ward, Ironman competitor and TV presenter Ashley Cain, comedian Sophie McCartney and Internet Food Sensation, What Willy Cook. Please enjoy responsibly. Thanks. Producer: Dan Atkinson Line Producer: Daisy Knight Exec Producer: James Taylor Composer: Fat Lady Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices