Crushed by Margaret Cabourn-Smith

Another lovely episode this week with writer, actor (and former Nuala - if this means nothing to you, look it up) TARA FLYNN! Tara is an all round brilliant egg, and I love her very much. Also, the latest live episode of HER new podcast, 'Now You're Asking' (which she presents alongside Marian Keyes) has just dropped, and it's fab. So when you're done here you can pop across and listen to that. But please come back in a fortnight. I need you. I'd miss you. Thanks so much for listening, and if you like the show please like, subscribe and tell your friends (even the ones you're in a parasocial relationship with. Might not come to anything, but worth a go, eh?). Want to suggest someone for a future episode? Got a Crush story you'd like to share with me to make my own pale in comparison? We love to hear from you! You can find and support the show (with love or with money) on Substack (https://crushedbymcs.substack.com/) or email crushedbymcs@gmail.com MCS xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brilliant comedian and writer Holly Walsh (you'll have seen her on QI, or heard her on Just a Minute, or watched Motherland, which she co-writes) joins me to talk about crushes and unrequited love. As you know, I love talking about crushes. Can't stop me. But what I love about this conversation is how hard Holly finds it to talk about, even years on. I think we can all relate to that. Also, good coverage of Gladiators in this episode, for all you sports fans. If you're not on Substack already, maybe come on over and join us? It's a great way to support the show if you love the show, and also a great place to read funny writing from good people (John Finnemore, Sali Hughes and Richard Herring are all there, give it a try!) That's the hard sell done. Does that count as a hard sell? It's been a long week. See you next time! MCS x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am OBSESSED with Rivals, which is just the perfect mix of camp nostalgia and (occasionally inappropriate) 80s style romance. David Tennant as a ludicrous villain? Sure, why not. And Danny Dyer in a moustache? Win. Win. Win. So, I'm delighted that Katherine Parkinson is my guest today, as she's playing one of my favourite characters in the show. She's so funny, and relatable, and bonkers - and of course so is Katherine. We talk about all sorts in this episode - from the fan letter, of which we are both fans; to navigating on-screen and off-screen romance. Classic Crushed. You're going to love it. Thanks to everyone who came to the live recordings - they are so much fun to do. We'll try to do some more next year. lots of love MCS x Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week my guest is the amazing ALICE LOWE! Alice is an incredible comic actor who you'll know from her films Prevenge and Sightseers, as well as tons of other comedy including Garth Marenghi's Darkplace. We chatted in advance of her new film TIMESTALKER (out in all good cinemas NOW) and covered all manner of crushes from Peter Pan, to Jareth the Goblin King. I absolutely loved chatting to her and sort of wish we'd done it after I'd seen the film (I have, it's great) as there are so many Crushed themes to explore within it. We'll have to come back for Part 2... And just a reminder that I'm going to be interviewing KERRY GODLIMAN at the Cheerful Earful festival on Saturday 19th October - tickets available here: https://cheerfulearful.podlifeevents.com/festival/crushed-by-margaret-cabourn-smith-live-from-cheerful-earful-podcast-festival-19th-oct-tickets Love and kisses, MCS xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hurrah! The hiatus is over. Welcome back friends and fellow crushers. Crushed is back with the live episode recorded at the London Podcast Festival just a couple of weeks ago. If you were there, you might hear yourself chuckling. My guest is of course the inimitable (and yes, I have tried) Miles Jupp! Former News Quiz host, erstwhile portrayer of Archie the Inventor in Balamory (in a very dashing Tam O'Shanter, honestly, google it), and the lucky, lucky man who got to be in Hugh Laurie's "Why Didn't They Ask Evans?" Guess which one we talked about most? He is an utter joy, and a very funny man. I think you'll enjoy an hour of him deflecting my probing into his inner emotional life, while I try to prise him open like a reluctant clam. Do we leave with a deeper understanding of the early loves and lusts of Miles Jupp? Arguably, no. But we do learn the new-to-me term "raging bonk-on", and get hints of a secret hankering for an older stateswoman. I hope it's not the Queen. Lots of lovely new episodes dropping over the next couple of months so do subscribe if you haven't already. love and crushes, MCS xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the last hiatus episode! In case you missed the memo, we are taking a short break from uploading new episodes over the summer. I'm away, you're away... seems like a good time for it. But the podcast will be back with a bang on the 26th of September with new guests for your ears. In the meantime, I wanted to dip into the back catalogue and share an episode that you might not have heard if you only joined us recently. This one is the lovely Jess Fostekew of Sturdy Girl Club on Radio 4, and the fabulous podcast Hoovering (it's not about hoovering). I love many things about this episode, but it has one of the best examples of the classic teacher crush - in this case, Mr Ray... I just love it when a guest really commits to a crush, and what Jess did to get his attention is really very funny. Hope you like it! Lots of summery love, Margaret xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Come and join me and guests Miles Jupp and Kerry Godliman for two live Crusheds in London over the next couple of months. Handy links here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/comedy/crushed-by-margaret-cabourn-smith-2/ https://cheerfulearful.podlifeevents.com/festival/crushed-by-margaret-cabourn-smith-live-from-cheerful-earful-podcast-festival-19th-oct-tickets See you there? MCS xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The hiatus continues... In case you missed the memo, we are taking a short break from uploading new episodes over the summer. I'm away, you're away... seems like a good time for it. But the podcast will be back with a bang on the 26th of September with new guests for your ears. In the meantime, I wanted to dip into the back catalogue and share an episode that you might not have heard if you only joined us recently. This one is the lovely Chris Neill, and it's one of my absolute favourites. I think most people may not know Chris as he mainly works as a producer, but he's also a brilliant comic and his Radio 4 series about meeting his husband is just joyous. This conversation is just a brilliant rollercoaster of emotion - from growing up gay in the 80s, to the lure of accountants, oboists and pen and ink drawings. Hope you like it! Lots of summery love, Margaret xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the hiatus! We are taking a short break from uploading new episodes over the summer, and we've had a lovely scattering of new subscribers, so it feels like a good time to dip into the back catalogue to share a couple of favourites that you might not have heard if you've joined us recently. First up, it's the first EVER episode, with one of my absolute favourite people, Dolly Alderton. I have known Dolly since she was 16, so have really been there for the full range of crush madness. And she's an absolute champion crusher. I'm not just going to put the first three episodes out, by the way, some thought has gone into this. But it's such a good episode, I couldn't resist. Hope you like! lots of love Margaret! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the last episode before the hiatus! In this episode, I'm talking to American comedian Chloe Radcliffe about her experiences with unrequited love. In many ways my favourite kind of love. We talk about her first crush, and the power of being looked at with adoration. Interestingly, Chloe is not a fan of the celebrity crush, and we had a really interesting discussion about how we differ there. I loved talking to her - hope you'll enjoy it too. She's currently in the UK at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival so do check her out there, or give her a follow on instagram or Twitter (is anyone still on Twitter??!) https://www.instagram.com/chloebadcliffe/ https://x.com/chloebadcliffe https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/chloe-radcliffe-proud-raccoon https://www.youtube.com/@chloebadcliffe Love you all - have an amazing summer, and see you back at your podcast apps for the new Podcast Year in September, yeah? Margaret xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello! My guest this week is writer, comedian, actor and all round marvel Katy Brand. Katy is a true crusher, so I know you're going to love the conversation. Apologies in advance though - the sound is a little rougher than the producer likes to let past, but the chat is so good, I thought it was worth it. We talk about so many things - from saving yourself for Jesus, to long lasting devotion to Dirty Dancing, with far, far too many uses of the phrase "god shaped hole". I apologise in advance for that. We have one more brand new episode of the show in 2 weeks time before we take a short hiatus over the summer. I hope you enjoy it! Both the show, and the summer. See you in two weeks! Margaret xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week my guest is the incredible comedian/impressionist/actor/writer JESS ROBINSON. This recording was so much fun - I love her. We cover a lot of important ground in the episode, including the hot button topic of developing a massive crush on someone while you're in a panto together and what to do if you fall in love with a fictional detective. And some DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES: We will be doing a show in September at the London Podcast Festival (tbc) and on the 19th October (8.30p.m) at the Cheerful Earful Podcast Festival in Clapham. Very exciting guests TBA (they're really very exciting, promise). And as always – I would really love to hear your crush stories, so if you’ve got a cracker you’d like to share, you can email me at crushedbymcs@gmail.com. LOVEYOUBYE! MCS xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We cover some absolute classic crushes in this episode. Not just the horror that is the made up boyfriend (we've all done it, right? Just me?) but the strange allure of a good, albeit dead and murderous, vampire. I think that one is more widespread than people let on. And I know that one definitely isn't just me, as today's guest Beth Morrey shares it. Aside - completely blown away to discover that the actor who played Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (aka James Marsters) isn't actually British. That has blown my mind. Excellent accent work, Mr Marsters. Beth is a novelist and her third novel, Lucky Day, is out now. We had so much fun chatting, so I hope you enjoy the ep. As ever, if you hate ads and love supporting podcasts, Substack is the place to go. We are about to announce a new live date in the Autumn, so keep your eyes on our socials if that's the sort of thing you might be into. (Spoiler: it's in London). And finally - I would really love to hear your crush stories, so if you've got a cracker you'd like to share, you can email me at crushedbymcs@gmail.com. Or, send us a voice note. That's very podcasty isn't it. That's it for this week. Lots of love, Margaret xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another episode from Machynlleth and A SECOND MAN ON THE TROT as I talk to the lovely Jonny Donahoe (Jonny and the Baptists) about unresolved friend-crushes and abandoning your team (or not). Plus you get the immersive audio experience of a Sunday morning in central Machynlleth - church bells, the lot. If you want to get in touch - email us: crushedbymcs@gmail.com. Or for exclusive access to ad-free episodes, come and visit our home from home at crushedbymcs.substack.com. Or leave a review if you can – I drink a shot whenever a new one pops up. Love as always, MCS xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're Live from MachFest this week with comedian, writer, illustrator and Bean: Henry Paker! (Three Bean Salad, Kay's Anatomy) Henry tells me all about his psychosexual awakening, matrons with sturdy calves (quite a lot about sturdy calves, actually) and a publican's response to his first snog in a booth in a pub near the National Gallery. It's a brilliant fun episode with a fab audience and I hope you love it. Love and thanks - as always - for your continued and valued support. MCS xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the depths of youthful infatuation with this week's episode featuring the incomparable Nikita Lalwani! Nikita is a Booker nominated novelist and screenwriter, but we talk about all sorts of nonsense despite that. From trying to win the heart of the chess geeks with brain power, to psychically revisiting crushes years later to mine stories for her books, we dive deep into the murky waters of teenage longing. It's a fab episode. Hope you enjoy it. For exclusive access to ad-free episodes, come and visit our home from home at crushedbymcs.substack.com. Or leave a review if you can - it puts a real spring in the step whenever a new one pops up. We had a fantastic recording at Machynlleth comedy festival on Sunday with Henry Paker and his - and I quote - "psychosexual awakenings". I can't wait to share that one with you - it'll be hot on the heels of this one. Well, in about two weeks, you know the schedule. Thank you for being a part of this mad, mad thing. Your support means the world to me. With love and gratitude, Margaret xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I really feel like I met my twin in today's episode. Lucia Keskin (aka, @ChiwithaC wherever you find your social medias) of the brilliant sitcom Things You Should Have Done, chats with me about her formative crushes, including Roni Mitchell and Kristin Chenowith. And who doesn't love a Broadway chanteuse-y. As always, if you want to find the show online, it is crushedbymcs.substack.com - you can sign up there for an ad free version of the show if that's your thing, or just come and hang out, and revel in my occasional wittering. And if you're going to be in Machynlleth for the Comedy Festival in May, get your tickets for our live show with Henry Paker. I literally can't wait. It's so soon! thanks for listening. Love ya! Margaret xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I get to interview someone I have been a fan of for years and years today - the brilliant and iconic Helen Lederer (Ledgenderer more like. It's going to catch on). I found the clip of her on Wogan that I mention in the intro. To make it even more enthralling, it's a real pleasure to see how confused Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan are by the whole thing. Forgot they were on the sofa too! Watch that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIvbOA8XLgw We talk about trying to phone Mickey Dolenz from the payphone at school; crushing on George Harrison; and dating artists. We also talk about Helen's new book "Not That I'm Bitter", which lifts the lid behind the scenes of the comedy world of the 1980s and 90s. It's been described as frank and funny and a bit mad - which I'm pleased to say was exactly how she was in person too. Have I said that I'm interviewing Three Bean Salad's own Henry Paker for the live show at Mach? If I haven't, I'm saying it now. I think there are a couple of tickets still left, so if you'll be at Mach, please come and join us. And come and say hi! https://machcomedyfest.co.uk/show/2024/margaret-cabourn-smith-crushed/ I think that's all the admin for this week. You can find Crushed at Substack, and if you want to follow us there we'd love to have you. You can also sign up for an ad free version of the show if that's your bag. Til next time, Margaret xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A brilliant episode this week with the hilarious BAFTA-winning actress Kimberley Nixon (Fresh Meat, Cranford, Agatha Christie's Marple) The automatically AI-generated show notes for this ep included the phrase '(Kim) discusses her rich fantasy life and how she can play out multiple scenarios in her head', but let's be honest: that barely scratches the surface here. From her suave encounter with J Smith Cameron, to sliding in to Megan Ganz's DMs, to her lifelong crush on her husband (d'aww..), you're in for a real treat. As always, if you want to come and hang out at crushedbymcs.substack.com then please do - you can sign up there for an ad free version of the show if that's your bag or just show your love by subscribing for free. A few tickets are still available for our upcoming live show at Machynlleth Comedy Festival with the brilliant HENRY PAKER Love you lots, MCS xxx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's guest is the amazing Elizabeth Day (How To Fail podcast and author of Friendaholic) who joins me in poring over her many and varied crushes - from a teenage Peter Phillips to Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables - as well as the time she brought a dead bat into school. It was such a funny chat - I loved spending an hour in her company and know that you will too! As always, if you want to find out more, we are crushedbymcs.substack.com – you can join as a member for an ad free version of the show if that’s your bag, or, just come and hang out. thanks for listening! MCS xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices