Best Black Nerd Problems Podcasts (2025)

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#477 - Oasising, The Sero Clan and Trapped in Neasden 50:45

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10m ago50:45

50:45

It’s 3 croaky voices in the studio today because Elis and Dave have Oasised once again, and poor old John is unwell. Luckily that means a general vibe alignment is struck, but, crucially, the standards do not slip. For Elis and Dave both have tales of struggling to get out of Wembley, and John wonders which of his awards would be best suited to bea…

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#476 - Explicit Cakes, Sewer Coffee and A Sexual Holiday to Cardigan 59:27

7m ago59:27

59:27

Having conquered the earthly plane, Elis and John are taking to the skies. Can they become the first podcast to be recorded entirely in space? Or will the anecdote well run dry too quickly? Back down on Earth there’s a debut trip to Birch Services for Johnny JR, Elis is positively giddy after the pair run round the natural sights of Llandudno, and …

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Marvel Zombies- A Very Infectious Comic 1:06:43

1d ago1:06:43

1:06:43

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2005 limited series, Marvel Zombies (and the prequel Dead Days). Written by Robert Kirkman, art by Sean Phillips, and colour by June Chung. They also discuss how weird it is to read "Colonel America" in a comic, the rise and fall of Hank Pym as Ant-Man, and how this particular zombie infection works…

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#475 - Two Pint Problems, Yaris Rats and Carry On Loving Britain 1:12:14

4d ago1:12:14

1:12:14

It’s a huge episode for loving Britain, but more importantly it’s a huge episode for cagoules. This is the UK’s number 1 cagoule podcast, and a very special guest has got Elis barking like a waterproof dog in heat. If you’re anti-outer layers then this is not the place to be. It’s slightly lighter ground on the anecdote front as John has just writt…

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#474 - The Shusher, Donning Donnington and Content: The Movie 58:00

7d ago58:00

58:00

In a life full of achievements John may have finally topped the lot. In his 5 year battle with the word game that most people stopped playing a few years ago, John has finally come out victorious. Yes, he’s Wordled in one. It’s a big day. But the main question is, did it make him happy? There’s another chapter of Elis and John’s Road To Nowhere, in…

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Deadpool/Batman- The First Marvel/DC Crossover In Decades! 53:52

8d ago53:52

53:52

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2025 Marvel/DC crossover, Deadpool/Batman #1. Written by Zeb Wells, art by Greg Capullo, and ink by Tim Townsend. They also look at the other crossovers including Captain America and Wonder Woman, Krypto the dog and Jeff the Shark, Daredevil and Green Arrow, and more. They also discuss the time Gree…

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#473 - James Acaster, The Sad Van and Anne Tuna 56:40

11d ago56:40

56:40

473 episodes in and there is still room to excavate the vast intricacies that make up the Pompeii dig of John Robins’ mind. Grab your JCB because there’s a dump truck’s worth to uncover off the back of the latest adventures from the Sad Van. And it all boils down to one thing, as the hotels John’s willing to stay in simply say so much about the man…

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#472 - 47 Kisses, #NoPowerUps and The More Money than Sense Boys 1:01:58

16d ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Move over Oxford Union, debating has a new home! As Elis and John towers has turned into a hotbed of discourse and deliberation. The big topics are given the respect they deserve and the order of service for today is as follows: What’s the saddest song ever written? Hotels: budget or bespoke? And finally, are baths rubbish? Aside from heated argume…

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Supergirl 2025- Supergirl Fights Supergirl? 51:31

15d ago51:31

51:31

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2025 ongoing series, Supergirl. Written and drawn by Sophie Campbell with colour by Tamra Bonvillain. They also discuss (at length) who this comic might be written for? As well as tangents about music biopics and animated characters that awoke something in today's millennials. Timecodes 00:00 - Intr…

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#471 - John’s Critical Path, Elis’s 0.0% Curry and Dave’s Not So Silent Alarm 1:05:18

18d ago1:05:18

1:05:18

What starts off as a huge day for John (book deadline day) turns into a massive (massive it is) day for poor old Dave. As the saying goes: ‘The best laid plans of podcast producers often go awry’, and Dave’s idea for the team to record remotely gets derailed quite spectacularly by a faulty alarm system. Brace yourselves for the most stressed you wi…

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#470 - Old Man Bum, A Dream A Dream of Beef and Lust: 12 Bodies That Changed My Life 1:16:28

21d ago1:16:28

1:16:28

The boys have been busy bees recently and the show’s in danger of turning into a Michael Palin travelogue. Elis has returned from France and regales us with stories of visits to ex-military factories, intense chats with German families and Isy’s attempts at speaking French. Then it’s time for the first instalment of Elis and John’s Road to Nowhere,…

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Daredevil:Cold Day In Hell- Old Man Matt Murdock 1:15:09

22d ago1:15:09

1:15:09

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2025 Marvel limited series, Daredevil:Cold Day In Hell. Written by Charles Soule and art by Steve Mcniven, They also go on tangents about whether this is the Old Man Logan universe or not, Daredevil's Catholicism, and the bad Daredevil film from 2003. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 01:38 - Comic Talk Start…

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#469 - The New Beans, In John’s Time and Eating Margaret Mountford’s Hair 48:53

25d ago48:53

48:53

The boys are fresh from driving around the country for charity with Ian Botham, which of course means Elis is exhausted and tour newbie Dave is absolutely fine. And there’s more bad news for Mr James as the Elis vote is being split in the Listeners’ Choice vote at the British Podcast Awards. He’s going to get pilloried by one co-host or maybe both.…

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#468 - Noble John, Sugar Me Twice and Good Old Gent 54:50

28d ago54:50

54:50

The ripples of last week’s Elis James mega-rant are still being felt right across the BBC, and despite vowing to ignore the call to pen John’s obituary, Elis has rowed back and done just that. Brace yourself for some emotional heft and candid commentary on John’s propensity for darts at university. But John’s made of sterner stuff these days and re…

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Absolute Batman Part 2- Meeting Joker, Mr Freeze, and Bane (and Killer Croc) 1:02:59

1M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jame read issues 6-10 of the currently ongoing series, Absolute Batman. Written by Scott Snyder, art by Nick Dragotta, and colour by Frank Martin. Though they are mainly looking at the introductions of the the DC Absolute Universe's versions of the Joker (who doesn't laugh), Mr Freeze (who is kind of frozen), and …

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#467 - Chiles Miltree, Toddler Watson and King of the Nerds 59:36

1M ago59:36

59:36

There’s a surprise in the offing for John. Not that that’s a surprise to him. Nothing gets past old Sherlock Robins. Especially Producer Dave positioning a phone on a table at a very slight angle. But said surprise leads to some incredible finds about Johnny JR which leave Elis and Dave’s jaws on the floor. This was not what had been intended. Else…

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#466 - The UK’s Dumb Plums, The McFlurry Route and The Menutality Monster 1:11:08

1M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Today’s episode is filled with the big questions of our age. These are the things that government top brass are pouring over day in, day out: Is Martin Lewis up there with Galileo and Mozart? Can you put goodwill on your shelf? And most divisively, is wee ever fine in a paddling pool? It’s a show that asks questions rather than answers them, and yo…

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Peacemaker Presents: The Vigilante/Eagly Double-Feature (Needs More Eagly) 1:04:12

1M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the limited series, Peacemaker Presents: The Vigilante/Eagly Double-Feature. Written by Tim Seeley and Rex Ogle with art by Mitch Gerads, Matteo Lolli, and John Kalisz. They also talk about the history of Peacemaker, Vigilante as a representation of autism, and the Valiant/Bloodshot comic controversy. T…

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#465 - Mr Headinhands, Kirsty’s USP and The Stomach Microbiome of My Instagram 50:24

1M ago50:24

50:24

Elis made a bad decision the other day. And if you had a million guesses as to what that decision was then you won’t even get close, even when given the clue "Welsh culture". He's insistent it isn’t the outcome he wanted but John and Dave aren’t sure they believe him. Quite frankly it’s one of the most baffling conversations ever had on this show. …

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#464 - Aloof Disinterest, Raised By Rats and A Sixth Form State of Mind 1:02:19

1M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Memory lane is today's destination of choice, as John dons his rose-tinted glasses to reminisce about the time 'an arrangement was made' for him to return to his secondary school to assist in its production of Guys and Dolls. Was he officially invited back? Did John simply turn up because he had nothing else on? We're still not entirely sure, but t…

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Absolute Martian Manhunter- The Psychedelic Side of this DC Comics Universe 1:19:42

2M ago1:19:42

1:19:42

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read issues 1-5 of the currently ongoing series Absolute Martian Manhunter. Written by Deniz Camp, and art by Javier Rodriguez. They also go on wild tangents about the original Martian Manhunter, eccentric English Professors, global economic terms, and tipping culture in America. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 02:4…

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#463 - The Trifecta of Value, Celya AB and A Bin Bag of Marmite 1:02:17

2M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

There’s huge news in the rural Bucks area as the Trifecta of Value begins to take shape - pending planning application rulings. It’s one of many wins for John, but the spectre of the biggest loss in many a year hangs over him. But he is unwilling to reveal it in his losses column. Someone should have cottoned on to this sly behaviour by now. Away f…

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#462 - Burger, Sell Me Your Suitcase and Topless Dave In Front of An Olive 1:12:29

2M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

John’s been chained to a typewriter diarising his life experiences, and he's so confident about his memoir that he’s written “this is a good book” in Bic on its cover. Something all the great authors do, and he clearly has confidence in his witty emotionally hefty prose. But anyway, in this chapter of the Elis James and John Robins show we’re whisk…

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Ultimate Spider Man (Part 3!)- Introducing Ultimate Mysterio, Sandman, and Venom! 56:28

2M ago56:28

56:28

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read issues 13-19 of the ongoing series, Ultimate Spider-Man. Written by Jonathan Hickman and art by Marco Checchetto and David Messina. They also discuss the Ultimate Universe versions of Kraven the Hunter, Mysterio, Sandman, and Venom, as well as the future of this title and the whole Marvel Ultimate Unive…

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#461 - Elis, Man City’s Back Four and Will The Drummer From Coldplay 1:01:42

2M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

We start in the anecdote Wild West. Specifically it was wild [north] west London for Elis as he’s been to Oasis in credibility damaging seats. The best seats in the house, surrounded by some of the most famous people in the country. He *could* have asked for General Admission. But he didn’t and that suggestion is shoved up the tunnel of anguish. Ci…

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#460 - John’s 50 Kids, Nish Kumar and The Cobbles Sing Their Plaintive Lament 1:01:03

2M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

It’s a lament time of year. It’s an Edinburgh time of year. A time when John yearns for the crippling comedic examination which is the Edinburgh Festival. For he cannot experience that emotional rollercoaster this year. He can’t sit on a stage and call himself a C*** after someone shouts “have you had a ploughman’s” during the most emotionally heft…

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The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review- Is The MCU Back? (Again) 1:34:26

2M ago1:34:26

1:34:26

In this week's episode, Ryan made Jame watch 2025's The Fantastic Four: First Steps so we're reviewing a comic book film instead of a comic this week. They also discuss the possible new directions of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, what the post credits scene means, the real meaning of the word fantastic, and which Avengers do they want the Fantasti…

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#459 - Josie Long , Verge Christ and Mammary Glands In The Runner Beans 53:47

2M ago53:47

53:47

Elis has secured a last minute Oasis ticket, but the big question is… what *does* he wear??? Will Liam stop during Champagne Supernova and pick him out specifically? Meanwhile, John has had two prawn vindaloos and there’s been ‘interest’ down below. This is all amidst the great wildflower debate which continues apace, and Elis is on the end of a lo…

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#458 - Simon Davies’ Uncle, #CigsNotPigs and The Protective Wall of Human Community 59:53

2M ago59:53

59:53

It’s a big show for Elis’s confidence. After failing to clinch the first quint-connection last week, he was already on the ropes. But throw in a Made Up Game question harking back to school maths, and another tense outing of the Cymru Connection, and he may (does) turn into a man on the edge. And for said Made Up Game we have a very special guest i…

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Fantastic Four: The Trial of Reed Richards- And The Birth of Galactus! 1:05:32

2M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read Fantastic Four issue 262, "The Trial of Reed Richards". Written and art by John Byrne with colours by Glynis Wein. They also discuss the legal system of the Marvel Intergalactic Universe, does The Watcher ever actually just watch, and how did Galactus produce a daughter? Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 05:00 - C…

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#457 - Becoming Compost, Squire Dave and #SenseTheSoil 1:03:20

2M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Elis and John vibes in the areoh! Producer Dave has been to see Oasis and talks the boys through the various ‘ingredients’ that made it a night to remember. He also recounts a living nightmare he’s just experienced including missing equipment, an excitable crowd in Oxford, and a cat that can’t stop weeing. Elsewhere there’s all the accoutrements th…

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#456 - Mad Foxes, Papa Podium and 40 Rhodris 57:52

2M ago57:52

57:52

Elis is on the precipice of glory. Just two things stand between him and immortality. First up is the chance to be crowned the fastest dad in all of key stage 1 at his son’s sports day. We know he plays football a lot and we know he cycles to Brighton sometimes, but can Elis do it on an overcast Thursday in South London? Secondly, our very own son …

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The Weirdest Superman Stories- Rainbow Finger Beams, Boxing Ali, And Almost Making A Sex Tape 51:53

3M ago51:53

51:53

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read some of the weirdest Superman Stories from the 60's and 70's. They also talk about the power creep problem with Superman, some of the history of Muhammad Ali, the new James Gunn Superman film, and whether or not Superman did blackface. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 01:49 - Superman's New Power 15:22 - Superman…

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#455 - Badly Well, Warm Panic and A Defence of Yodelling 43:26

2M ago43:26

43:26

It's a very smell heavy show today but the aromas aren't good as listeners inform Elis and John of a quite literal VW barrel of eggs and a queasy French exchange tale. Meanwhile Maisie Adam is very very hungover after England’s dramatic quarter final win, and Dave gets sacked twice in the first 10 minutes after his lads trip to Mallorca. Of course …

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#454 - Swiss Arrogance, All Cars are the Same and One of the UK’s SUVs 52:05

3M ago52:05

52:05

Elis needs a new car. But how can John advise him on his next whip when shackled by the understandable constraints of undue product prominence? Well John has been on a special course, the Balance BBc (Hons) at a local uni, in order to undertake this difficult task and be What Car?* for the impartial content generation. Can he navigate such tricky w…

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Superman: Up In The Sky- Tom King's Take On The Man Of Steel 56:46

3M ago56:46

56:46

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2020 comic series, Superman: Up In The Sky. Written by Tom King with art by Andy Kubert. They also go on tangents the origins of the comic from Walmart, Aquaman's "trident", British Prime Ministers fighting crime, and the confirmation of the age old question "Does Captain America cry during sex?" Ti…

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#453 - Decking or Necking, Dad of the Year and Too Handsome to Focus 50:44

3M ago50:44

50:44

Elis is back from Euros Trip No. 1 and he’s Dad of the Year. A far more prestigious award than the 2008 accolade of the same name won by Peter Andre and sponsored by “Daddies Sauce”. Yes, his daughter not only experienced an unforgettable time watching the Welsh women, but she also saw her two favourite artists in eight days. Could Elis now become …

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#452 - Here Lies The Volkswagen Barrel of Eggs 58:09

3M ago58:09

58:09

After many moons of service the mobile terrarium / paint dump / dodgem, the VW Barrel of Eggs, is no more. And today’s show is in tribute to that trusty steed. Currently lying in state, when it makes its final journey on the back of a low loader to the scrapheap make sure to line the streets of South London and doff your cap. Yes this is the only p…

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Animal Pound- Comic Book Podcast Gets POLITICAL!? 1:22:14

3M ago1:22:14

1:22:14

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2025 limited series, Animal Pound. Written by Tom King, illustrated by Peter Gross, colour by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettering by Clayton Cowles. They also go on big tangents about comparing this to the original Animal Farm by George Orwell, the political events that inspired this adaptation, and a l…

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#451 - OG Guffer, Rodders (A) and The Man Is Your Husband 1:18:52

3M ago1:18:52

1:18:52

John’s annoyed because Elis and Dave have used all their material before the mics came on. Chin wagging like old ladies at the salon. But as is often the case we are saved by delving into the depths of insignificance. Some people think that the mines of inconsequentiality had run dry on this show. That the pick axes couldn’t uncover anything more m…

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#450 - Backing Framed Content, Backing the Compliance Form and Backing the Riff 1:12:16

3M ago1:12:16

1:12:16

The time has come to pick a side: are you pro-riff or anti-riff? Do you think that caution kills the riff? Would you wilfully step into the riff matrix and do your damnedest to see it through to the bitter end? In short, do you back the riff? This is what Producer Dave must decide. But he’s not the only one facing tough questions this week. Elis is…

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Batman/Elmer Fudd- The Titans Of DC Comics And Looney Tunes Finally Meet 59:28

3M ago59:28

59:28

In this weeks episode, Ryan makes Jamie read the 2017 two part special, Batman/Elmer Fudd, Written by Tom King and art by Lee Weeks and Byron Vaughns. They also discuss the DC/Looney Tunes crossover, whether speech impediments exist in internal thoughts, the complex moral alignments of the Looney Tunes characters, and Jamie's geese story. Timecodes…

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#449 - Rodmas Day, Magnificent Lions and Every. Journey. Counts. 1:05:55

3M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

It’s a strange old time for Elis James. On the one hand he’s being called a thirst trap on the carra (the Instagram carousel, for those not in the know); people can’t seem to get enough of his floppy hair, his jawline, and his interesting t-shirts. On the other hand, he’s getting hammered for slagging off Belgium, and having some harsh words direct…

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Fantastic Four- Examining Jonathan Hickman's ICONIC run 1:07:57

3M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie read issues 583-587 of 2010's Fantastic Four series. Written by Jonathan Hickman, pencils by Steve Epting, and colours by Paul Mounts. They also go on tangents about why Doctor Doom is has always been such a multi-dimensional character, is Namor just a big ol' simp, how Robert Downey Jr will portray Doom in …

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#447 - Davie vs Horse, Bin Gear and The Gulag of Truth 56:02

3M ago56:02

56:02

There’s some good upstanding British gear flying around today. Bin chat. Which bins? What goes in what? What blooming colours have you got? Show us your bins on [email protected] or WhatsApp on 07974 293 022. In less disposable content, there’s a right to reply from one of Colin’s holiday companions and he may have to be sent to prison for tell…

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#446 - Bowie Crocs, Knee Length Utility Socks and Courteeners of Comedy 1:17:05

3M ago1:17:05

1:17:05

Elis James has become the story, and not for the right reasons. No matter how much he talks about ‘Zoe on the train’, there’s no doubt that our Cymru Connecting prodigy has lost his way. He’s in the Bobby Gould years. Today we attempt to correct his woeful form with some expert help. Colin makes a welcome return to proceedings as John shares more i…

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Ultimate X-Men 2024- The Wolverine Character Finally Revealed 1:08:36

4M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie continue reading the currently ongoing series, Ultimate X-Men. Written and art by Peach Momoko. They also go on tangents about general Wolverine stuff, what happened in the Shadow Realm, and the effects that the success of Manga have had on the western comic book industry. Timecodes 00:00 - Intro 03:53 - Com…

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#445 - Colin, Carras and A Big Frozen Bag of Mince 57:42

4M ago57:42

57:42

You can tell John’s been on holiday because he starts the show by giving a promotion to someone who doesn’t even work on the show. The mood is high. And he’s come back a new man. He’s Colin now. An even more chill and organised version of Johnny JR. He’s the opposite of pura vida - i.e. not the same as his travel companions, who included someone wh…

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#444 - Tim Key, He Needs A Cup Run and Bit Early For A Pint So I Have An Easter Egg 1:04:26

4M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

William Wordsworth, Carol Ann Duffy… Tim Key. Just a few of the great poets this fair nation has produced. But there are two more names to add to the pantheon, two new kids on the block: Elis James and John Robins. Our heroes have picked up their pens (opened their laptops), unfurled their manuscripts (opened Word), and trawled their creative depth…

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The Ultimates 2024- Meeting This Universe's Luke Cage, Nick Fury and Red Skull 1:16:20

4M ago1:16:20

1:16:20

In this week's episode, Ryan makes Jamie continue to read the currently ongoing series, The Ultimates, as well as the One Year In one-shot. Written by Deniz Camp, art by Juan Frigeri, and guest art by Chris Allen and Jonas Scharf. The also go on tangents about the 616 and Netflix versions of Luke Cage, the lesser known Human Torch, the references t…