This week it's the first semi-final - another battle of the Joes and the best Powerball we've ever seen.

They’re joined by author, improviser and comedian Cariad Lloyd, aka ALLERGY.

See Cariad live in improvised Jane Austen show Austentatious. For dates and tickets head to https://www.austentatiousimpro.com.

Her children's picture book Where Did She Go? is out 8 May 2025. Available to pre-order now.

And listen to her podcast Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club wherever you get your podcasts.

We want to hear from you! What would YOUR Gladiator name be, and why? Send us a voice note or video to contenderreadypodcast@gmail.com.

Follow Contender Ready on Instagram @contenderreadypodcast

Recorded and edited by Aniya Das for Plosive.

Design by Welcome Studio.

Music by Huge Davies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.