The Following Through Podcast

The route to becoming a professional British Sign Language interpreter is a long one with many challenges on the way. It can take more than a decade to get enough experience to turn pro, making it an ideal topic for an episode of Following Through. Alex Love and Siobhan Dodd welcome Hayley Brown to the show. Hayley is a podcaster (her series is called Inadequate Mother) and creates video content that incorporates BSL. She tells her story and unconventional pathway into BSL, being a single mother at the time with no experience of sign language. Hayley and Siobhan (also a pro-BSL interpeter) share their experiences of the effort required to reach a professional standard of BSL. There will also be an accompanying video episode, signed by pro BSL interpreters, Paula Cox and Peter Abraham. Peter shares his story in Sh*t or Miss, involving an emergency in a bookshop.  Music is by Rich Shillitoe.  

Edinburgh Fringe is the ultimate challenge for any comedian, where agony and ecstasy are intertwined (and not just because of drugs). Once you’ve escaped the clutches of Edinburgh Fringe, why would you go back? Well, that is exactly what the guest in this episode is doing this year – and Alex did last year. Alex and Siobhan speak with comedian Catie Wilkins, who is returning with a show to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time in 12 years. Catie is co-creator of the successful podcast series, Drunk Women Solving Crime, and is also an award-winning children’s author. The discussion covers tales of Edinburgh past, the highs and lows, as well as the challenges of juggling parenting and doing a fringe show. And in Sh*t or Miss, Catie puts her solving crime skills to good use in a tale about the destroyed go-kart of a child in Thailand that goes from bad to worse – in the best possible way. Catie’s show is called We’ll See and is at Stand 2 every day from 1-10 August at 4.45pm. Tickets and more info are here: https://www.thestand.co.uk/fringe/2430/catie-wilkins-well-see Alex is less sensible and is doing a longer run. How To Win A Pub Quiz 2025 runs from 1-25 August (not 11th) at 11.45am. Tickets and more info are here: https://www.thestand.co.uk/fringe/2427/alex-love-how-to-win-a-pub-quiz-2025 Music is by Rich Shillitoe.

In this first episode of the anti-lifestyle lifestyle podcast, comedians Alex Love and Siobhan Dodd discuss New Year's Resolutions past and present, as well as a lot of talk about Lego and poo.  Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

In this Number Two Special of Following Through, comedians Alex Love and Siobhan Dodd explain how and why they got into stand-up comedy and what keeps them going after a bad gig. They talk about their first-ever gigs – why was Siobhan dressed as a bear? And what was the new act scene like in 2005 pre-Facebook? – along with their favourite comedy gigs and the best toilets on the circuit. Find out what it is like doing a show at Edinburgh Fringe when your bowels are chronically imploding.  Going back earlier, Alex recounts the surprise manifestation of Bruce Forsyth on stage at school that set him on the long path to stand-up.  They also finally set each other a challenge – Alex is not best pleased with his. And Siobhan makes another attempt to get into Alex’s flat. Although her house party poo story may have scuppered her chances.  Music is by Rich Shillitoe.  

In episode three, Alex Love and Siobhan Dodd discuss something that they both really struggled with and hated: learning to drive.  They discuss their instructors – many, in Siobhan's case – and all their quirks. Did they both see it through? And how many attempts did it take to pass their tests? Later, they discuss the car crashes they've been in – but just how does this transition to a chat about the difficulties of uploading pictures of yourself to the internet in the very early 2000s? Alex also recounts his nightmare of a car journey to do a gig in Newcastle.  After suffering horrendous delays on the motorway, a paying audience was sitting in the venue waiting to see his show. But did he ever make it to the stage? More importantly, did he have time for a pre-gig poo?  Plus, this episode marks the telling of the first poo story submitted by a reader. Was it a sh*t? Or was it a miss? There's only one way to find out. In the words of Alex's driving instructor: "Gas, gas, gas..." Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

The latest in this anti-lifestyle lifestyle series sees comedians Alex Love and Siobhan Dodd discuss the need to go on a diet for health reasons. Alex had never been on a diet before he was diagnosed with high blood pressure in January 2024. Despite living pretty healthily, family history provided an incentive to do something about it. To avoid going on permanent meds, he reluctantly had to make some lifestyle changes, alter his diet, and lose weight. What did he do? And did it work? They talk about their favourite snacks and biscuits. Just how many packets of Mini Cheddars could you eat while driving home from the supermarket?  Siobhan talks about how her diet had to change during pregnancy due to developing gestational diabetes, but continues to rebel against healthy eating.  Siobhan tries again to get an invite to Alex's flat. Another challenge is set. And just how many times can Siobhan say “boom” and “b*llocks” in one episode?  Plus there is a listener’s tale about what happened after they had the Rumbles of Doom on a date while walking through the gardens of a stately home.  Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Many comedians aspire to write sitcoms, but very few ever achieve it. Hatty Ashdown is one comedian who has succeeded in getting her work from page to screen and is the first guest in this series. Alex and Siobhan talk with Hatty about the making of her 2014 sitcom, Give Out Girls, based on her experience of working in the world of promo. They cover the long drawn out writing process, frustrations with development, the timelines, and how different ways of writing result in greater variations in the way material forms. The conversation also covers Hatty’s experience as a stand-up comedian and other forays into TV. Hatty comes in at 12 mins. Before that, Alex and Siobhan have a catch-up. Alex is starting an evening course, but what is it? And Siobhan is still recovering from a big night out with the mum lads. Plus there is a sh*tting story provided by Hatty. This one happened on a date during the Edinburgh Fringe. Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Paris has become home for the guest of this latest episode. Alex Love and Siobhan Dodd welcome Luke Thompson, a successful podcaster, comedian, and TEFL teacher.  He hosts Luke's English Podcast, which has many thousands of regular listeners worldwide. In 2012, Luke moved from London to Paris to live with his girlfriend.  More than 12 years later, Luke talks about his time living in France, the cultural differences, and what it is like to perform comedy in English to a non-English audience.  Plus there are two sh*tting stories. One is from Luke and features a rogue nappy. The second is from a listener about when a bike ride goes badly wrong.  Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Crohn’s disease or colitis affects an estimated one in 100 people. One of the consequences of the inflammatory bowel condition is the need to make multiple visits to the toilet to go for a poo, often with minimal warning. In this episode, Alex and Siobhan chat with comedian Kelly Ford, who has Crohn’s disease. They hear all about Kelly’s experiences of managing the condition and her overwhelming determination to not let it hold her back. Kelly is also a keen runner, which can be challenging with Crohn’s. *** Warning: This episode features by far the most poo stories and descriptions go into some detail. Consider yourself duly warned. *** Also, Siobhan tells Alex about her trip to a fancy restaurant with even fancier toilets. Plus, Alex shares one of his poo stories, which involves yet another dog walk gone wrong. Has he learned nothing? To learn more about Crohn’s and its symptoms, click this link or copy and paste it into your browser: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/crohns-disease Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Dr Nadia Kamil is the guest in this episode. In her 30s, Nadia decided to leave her successful comedy career behind to enrol in medical school and become a doctor with no scientific background. She speaks with Alex and Siobhan about the challenges of adjusting to a totally new culture and industry that was very different to anything she was used to. Nadia and Siobhan have known each other since they met as students aged 18, when Siobhan used to go around campus disguised as her twin sister. And if becoming a medical doctor wasn’t enough of a challenge to follow through with, Nadia also moved to Australia recently and has just started working shifts again after maternity leave. Expect discussions about the crisp packets being the wrong colours. Also, who is the best fictional doctor?  Plus, can you guess the surprise cameo? Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Ross Kemp: The Musical? Yes, it is a real thing that exists - at least partially. In this episode, Alex tells Siobhan how he developed this ridiculous project with his old musician mate from school, Rich Shillitoe, who is the guest of this episode. Alex had the idea for the musical in 2018 during the Edinburgh Fringe. But it wasn’t until lockdown that Rich got in touch with Alex to see if he wanted to develop it further. We learn about the storyline and the songs that were written, with some played in this episode. In 2024, the project did technically become part of a  sold-out run at Edinburgh Fringe and was played at a packed London theatre.  How does this all connect with Justin Hawkins becoming aware of the project? All will be revealed. Alex and Siobhan also talk with Rich about his experience as a professional musician and what got him started. The three also agree to collaborate on a future Christmas number one. Plus you'll never think about a Pringles tube the same way ever again.  Music is by Rich Shillitoe.

Social media is an integral aspect of daily life these days, but how do you manage your use of it properly? Be warned, this episode features some very strong language. Siobhan describes herself as a social media addict, whereas Alex tries to keep a healthy distance. But doing comedy increasingly requires a social media presence for admin and promo (hello there). How do you strike the right balance for mental health? And when did it stop being fun? They also discuss their history of social media, all the way back to MySpace (shout out to Tom from MySpace), then Facebook, and that former bird site that Alex used to really like before the dark times.  There is also the first Sh*t or Miss from the bedroom and the subsequent fallout. But was it literal?   Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Grief and screen addiction are two areas covered in this second part of Alex and Siobhan’s discussion about social media, as they delve a little deeper into this fascinating subject.  Warning: This episode features open discussions about death and giving CPR to a parent that some may find distressing. Although perhaps not as distressing who was actually there and administering it.  Siobhan tells how social media has helped her deal with grief, while reluctant-sharer Alex remembers how much nonsense he has in fact shared on his blog over the years as a coping mechanism for the harsh realities of comedy.  The discussion also covers managing screen time and gaming. Alex recalls some worrying changes to his bowel movements caused by gaming, and how Siobhan tries to manage her son’s time on games.  Both also have a related challenge set. Will they follow through with it this time? Finally, Sh*t or Miss is brought to you courtesy of some Kiwi ingenuity amid a morning bathroom battle with a housemate.

They say you never forget how to ride a bike, but what if you get to adulthood having never learned? Siobhan is one such adult, who never learned to ride a bike as a child and had to do so when she was in her 20s. Before they get to the cycling discussion, there are about 18 minutes of preamble chat where they discuss comedy gong shows, actual Shakespeare, and listener numbers. Later on, Alex tells a tale about a horrible holiday in Madeira that involved a 30km mountain bike trek that he thought would be easy when he signed up. How wrong he was. The terrible trip away was capped off with Alex getting a norovirus the day before he flew home. This then leads nicely into a Sh*t or Miss story on a plane. Although perhaps “nicely” doesn’t describe it very well. Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Dating is the theme for this season finale, and the experience doesn’t get any better in your 30s and 40s. Alex and Siobhan are joined by Irish rising comedy star, Aideen McQueen. They discuss awkward dating stories, the issues with apps, sober dates, and the more philosophical aspects of this necessary evil of modern life. Plus Siobhan sets Alex a speed-dating challenge. Will he accept? (I mean, probably). In Sh*t or Miss, Siobhan tells a submitted story that involves a rugby night out and a bed. That surely won't get messy.  Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

The podcast about poo and perseverance returns. Comedians Alex Love and Siobhan Dodd discuss travelling in this first episode of season number two. Siobhan is back from her holiday in Hong Kong and has stories to share, with a particularly disappointing flight that involved navigating the awkwardness of plane toilets. In fact, the subject of toilets comes up a few times – unsurprisingly. They also talk about other trips they’ve been on and countries they’ve visited, including Siobhan’s Inter-Railing trips throughout Europe, and Alex backpacking around most of New Zealand – eventually, after three separate visits. Plus in Sh*t or Miss, when a spa date goes horribly wrong thanks to low blood pressure. To learn more about the condition visit here: Low blood pressure (hypotension) - NHS Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

University is the theme of this episode, with Alex and Siobhan travelling back in time to reminisce about their student days.  Although anyone expecting a constructive discussion about academia will be sorely disappointed, as Alex and Siobhan talk at length about undergraduate bowel movements. They also cover their experiences of campus life, moving away from home for the first time, stupid diets, and too much drinking. They do talk a bit about their courses.  In Sh*t or Miss, we hear about what happens after a meal at a restaurant goes wrong and your housemate is in the shower when you desperately need to get in there.  Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Learning languages is the topic for this episode, and it certainly gets harder with age.  Alex and Siobhan discuss their experiences of learning languages at school and later as an adult. They cover learning Spanish, German, and French, as well as how Duolingo can give you a false sense of security with your language abilities.  Warning: This episode will feature very bad pronunciations of words and phrases in different languages.  Siobhan also speaks about her challenges with learning British Sign Language to qualify as an interpreter, and Alex recounts learning shorthand as a trainee reporter.  Plus in Sh*t or Miss, we hear about what happens when a French exchange experience with a family turns increasingly hostile and there is a locked door in the moment of need.  Music is by Rich Shillitoe.   

Homelessness affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK and many millions worldwide. And this is the subject of this episode. Alex Love and Siobhan Dodd speak with comedian David Ferguson from the Believe podcast. He tells the story of how he ended up homeless for more than seven months and shares his experiences. David also explains how, thanks to the support he received, he's turned his life around and gotten things back on track.  If you'd like to donate to one of the charities that really helped David in north-east London, visit: www.forestnightshelter.org.uk This episode also features two of the most different anecdotes involving Kate Moss you are ever likely to hear in quick succession.  Plus in Sh*t or Miss, there is a driving story with long delays and a twist.  Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Alex and Siobhan are back after taking August off for very different reasons. Alex was performing every day at Edinburgh Fringe, while Siobhan had to cope with the school holidays and two young children. Expect very strong language from the start.   Edinburgh Fringe was a tough one this year, with Oasis looming over the festival. Before the fringe began, Alex was concerned about his low ticket sales. But how did the run actually go? And does he have anything new to be smug about?   Meanwhile, Siobhan talks about the family holiday she went on to Greece. She also discusses the challenges of keeping her kids occupied for six whole weeks and marital disputes around tidying the house.   In Sh*t or Miss, we hear about what happened when a fast food meal from a service station caused a potentially disastrous dash through a village during the festive season when everything was closed.    Music is by Rich Shillitoe.