Best Dee Atkins Podcasts (2025)

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 24 - Jack Dee 44:59

Play Pause

18d ago44:59

44:59

Our guest in this episode has a face like stand-up comic, actor, writer, podcaster and Shooting Stars team captain.. it's the one and only Jack Dee, who talks us through his career in comedy from the 1980s to the present day. Jack describes how he found his role in the Shooting Stars set up, and how each week he managed to survive a barrage of insu…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 23 - Rhys Thomas 55:20

2M ago55:20

55:20

In this episode we chat with actor, writer & director, Rhys Thomas, who has worked on numerous television shows over the years including creating the sublime 'Brian Pern' mockumentaries and the delightful CBBC series 'Dodger'. He started his television career in a schoolboy work experience placement as a runner on Shooting Stars where he rubbed sho…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 22 - Matt Lipsey 1:10:46

3M ago1:10:46

1:10:46

In this episode we are joined by director Matt Lipsey, who has directed some of the best comedy shows of our time, including; Little Britain, Human Remains, Upstart Crow, Psychoville, Inside No.9 and Ted Lasso. He was also behind the camera for some classic Reeves & Mortimer moments.. hear how he coped with a corpsing Mark Benton whilst filming Cat…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 21 - James Atkin & Ian Dench from EMF 33:33

4M ago33:33

33:33

In this episode we chat with James Atkin & Ian Dench from the Forest of Dean’s finest beat combo, EMF. We discuss their 1995 hit single with Vic & Bob, ‘I’m A Believer’ and also discuss how the collaboration came about. We hear stories about it’s recording and promotion and learn of their pride of being immortalised on The Man With The Stick’s helm…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 20 - Iain Coyle 59:48

5M ago59:48

59:48

In this episode we talk to Iain Coyle, who went from being a Runner for Jonathan Ross to a top TV Commissioner. Along the way he has had numerous adventures in television including writing questions for Vic & Bob on Shooting Stars and being a ‘naughty boy’ on Families At War. Hear how Mark Lamarr could start a fight in an empty room and how Leo Say…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 19 - Les Dennis 43:25

6M ago43:25

43:25

In this episode we speak to the legendary Les Dennis, who has been a permanent fixture on our TV screens for over 50 years; from his work with Russ Abbott, to Family Fortunes, to his role in Ricky Gervais' Extras. He has also survived the trauma of appearing at Baron’s Nightclub on Bang Bang It’s Reeves & Mortimer, partaking in the final challenge …

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 18 - Bruce Dessau 1:13:46

7M ago1:13:46

1:13:46

In this episode we speak to journalist, reviewer and author, Bruce Dessau. Bruce is the founder of the 'Beyond The Joke' website and writer of several books including the ‘Reeves & Mortimer’ biography. Bruce tells us about when he first chanced upon the pre-TV Vic Reeves Big Night Out in the late 80s and we discuss Jim & Bob’s career progression th…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 17 - Nancy Sorrell Moir 40:24

8M ago40:24

40:24

In this episode we have a lovely chat with Nancy Sorrell Moir, who regales us with stories of her many years working alongside her husband, Jim (& Bob of course). From their first meeting during the filming of 'I Love 1991', to the joys of travelling around Britain & Ireland for the 'Painting Birds' tv series, we hear Nancy talk about her Catterick…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 16 - John Thomson 50:02

9M ago50:02

50:02

In this episode we chat with the legendary John Thomson; star of numerous TV shows from The Fast Show to Cold Feet, to Coronation Street to a stunt riding policeman in The Weekenders to Britain's sweariest chef in Monkey Trousers. Be aware that this episode may include a number of celebrity impressions …Great.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 15 - The Vic Reeves Big Night Out Orchestra 36:09

11M ago36:09

36:09

Oh Mr Songwriter! In this episode we speak to Sean Lyons, Kevin Powell & Morris Windsor, who once donned their racing silks as ¾ of the Vic Reeves Orchestra on the Big Night Out series. Between them, they have played alongside a number of acts; from Robyn Hitchcock to STEPs, from Alan Partridge to Brian Pern, and also contributed to Vic’s album I W…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 14 - Simon Day 40:58

12M ago40:58

40:58

In this episode we chat with comedian, actor and Fast Show legend, Simon Day. We hear of how Vic & Bob were in attendance for Simon's first ever gig, which lead to a nationwide tour with the Big Night Out. We also hear of Katie Price's words of wisdom backstage at Shooting Stars and Simon chats about the day Gary 'Cheesy' Cheeseman fought back, "Yo…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 13 - Mark Benton 55:03

1y ago55:03

55:03

In this episode we chat with actor Mark Benton; star of numerous TV and stage productions.. from Early Doors to Hairspray, Booze Cruise to Glengarry Glen Ross, he also appeared as Kev the Geordie Astronaut in Monkey Trousers and as the majestically mulleted Mark in Catterick. Hear how he made a career out of dressing up, putting on a wig and and ha…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 12 - Jack Dent 55:20

1y ago55:20

55:20

In this episode we chat with Jack Dent. One of Jim Moir's oldest friends and one fifth of the legendary Fashionable Five, he tells stories that range from drinking with the 'hairies' in the pubs of Darlington to running the Vic & Bob fan club to travelling the country with the 'Big Night Out' tour. Discover how the Fashionable Five freaked out Bill…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 11 - Jonathan Ross 1:05:31

1y ago1:05:31

1:05:31

In this episode we are joined by television legend Jonathan Ross, who tells us how Vic Reeves Big Night Out moved from the pubs & clubs of North London to the nation's TV screens. We'll hear tales of dancing round a joint of meat with Gilbert & George, receiving a doctor's note fax from Morrissey and also discover what to wear for a forest fire... …

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 10 - Mike Wattam 42:56

1y ago42:56

42:56

In this episode we chat with actor Mike Wattam, the man who once posed the question "got any booze fort baby?" Learn how Mike and John Thomson narrowly diced with death whilst filming 'The Weekenders', find out about the brief and tumultuous career of boyband, Mandate and discover which award winning film director Mike was nearly on first name term…

1
Navigating a Good Divorce: Insights and Wisdom from Sarah Armstrong 44:42

1+ y ago44:42

44:42

My guest is the fabulous second curver Sarah Armstrong, a trailblazing businesswoman and author of the book "The Mom's Guide to a Good Divorce: What to Think Through When There Are Children Involved". Like many couples, Sarah and her husband faced challenges that led to her considering divorce. They both knew it was not an easy decision, but they w…

1
Embracing Reinvention: The power of micro steps and taking the leap with Sahar Hashemi 44:00

1+ y ago44:00

44:00

Sahar Hashemi is just the greatest! You will want to hear every piece of wisdom from ultimate second curver Sahar Hashemi OBE. A hugely inspiring serial entrepreneur, author and speaker, she is known for her remarkable journey and contributions to the world of business and entrepreneurship. In her best-selling book, Anyone Can Do It, she advocates …

1
Frances Atkins, legendary chef on resilience building at any age, never looking back and trusting your instincts 35:28

1+ y ago35:28

35:28

You will love my guest, Frances Atkins, mega chef and Second Curver. She shares her incredible journey to becoming to a renowned British chef. We discuss her early passion for cooking and her determination to follow her culinary calling despite societal expectations. From starting as a dishwasher in a male-dominated kitchen at the Box Tree restaura…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 9 - Ulrika Jonsson 1:02:10

1+ y ago1:02:10

1:02:10

In this episode we chat with Ulrika Jonsson, who rose to fame via a number of TV shows; TV-AM, Gladiators and as a team captain on all 8 series of Shooting Stars. We hear how she held her own opposite '50s throw back' Mark Lamarr, Will Self & Jack Dee, Vic & Bob's approach to recording sketches and what her Swedish father made of Shooting Stars. La…

1
How to unleash the Power of Transformation at Any Age 35:25

1+ y ago35:25

35:25

My guest is the fabuIous Second Curver Bobbi Parker Hall, fitness entrepreneur and wellness coach who shares her inspiring journey and how she motivates individuals of all ages to become the best version of themselves. Bobbi shares some of her second curving secrets which I hope will also motivate you. We cover all bases on challenging times from t…

1
Pivoting to Climate Tech for Greater Impact with Eliot Brooks 45:25

1+ y ago45:25

45:25

I had the best time talking to Eliot Brooks, an amazing human being and serial entrepreneur. Eliot and I met a long time ago when he joined our programme at Centre for Entrepreneurs. Eliot began his career in finance and technology before co-founding Thriva, looking for a solution to his own health problem. Today Thriva is a prominent UK home diagn…

1
Unpacking the Journey of Self-Transformation with Tracy Woodward 36:20

1+ y ago36:20

36:20

I am so excited for you to hear in direct from my incredible and inspiring guest, major Second Curver Tracy Woodward, a trailblazer of the beauty and wellness industry. Get ready for some practical learning on self-talk, the importance of telling yourself you can and why self-care is truly healthcare. Tracey is a highly respected titan in the world…

1
How Not Knowing Can Be A Superpower? - with Sian Sutherland 58:29

1+ y ago58:29

58:29

I absolutely love Sian Sutherland! In this episode I have the absolute pleasure of sitting down with serial Second Curver, the incredible Sian Sutherland, co-mastermind behind A Plastic Planet and PlasticFree. You are going to get some vital types for embracing what you don’t know and how this can be your new superpower. Sian has been second curvin…

1
How Animals Asia Became a Force for Change and the power of not giving up 50:12

1+ y ago50:12

50:12

I am so delighted to welcome Second Curver Jill Robinson and share her inspiring journey to end the bear bile industry in Asia. Her life changed in 1993 after a harrowing visit to a South China bear bile farm. Jill took a stand and launched Animals Asia, an organization committed to raising global awareness about bear bile farming and to ending it …

1
An Entrepreneurial Journey: Exploring New Second Curves with Tom Arden 57:18

1+ y ago57:18

57:18

Tom’s entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of inspiring. His transformation from a biology student to a thriving entrepreneur who co-founded PENGARNA has been a tale of determination and sheer hard work. Yet, what strikes me most about our conversation is his decision to step back and take a much-needed break from the business. Tom shares…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 8 - Matt Lucas 52:02

1+ y ago52:02

52:02

PEANUTS! In this episode we find out how comedy legend Matt Lucas went from being an incensed teenager complaining to Channel 4 about 'Vic Reeves Big Night Out' to occupying the drummer's stool on Shooting Stars as George Dawes. We also discover how a baked potato saved lockdown, how he nearly died on the set of Catterick and which Vic & Bob sketch…

1
Unlocking the Power of Everyday Creativity with Accidental Icon Lyn Slater 1:12:18

1+ y ago1:12:18

1:12:18

I love Lyn Slater. That is it! She is the ultimate second curver. An academic, an author, a model, a stylist and Accidental Icon, Lyn has appeared on the cover of world-renowned magazines and modelled for some of the biggest names in fashion and luxury including Valentino, Dior and Uniglo. Lyn speaks about her journey from being an academic to beco…

1
Second Curvers Trailer 1:46

1+ y ago1:46

1:46

It is never too late or too early to be who you want to be. Second Curvers are a growing community of people who see life as a flow, embracing new roles, new jobs, new challenges and being themselves, rather than standing in line and comparing themselves to the person in front. To second curve is to embrace a radical reinvention. The only thing it …

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 7 - Vaun Earl Norman 1:01:56

1+ y ago1:01:56

1:01:56

In this episode we mess about, make jokes and have a daft laugh with Vaun Earl Norman; whose encounters with Bob on the Iain Lee Radio Show lead to him becoming a regular performer on Vic & Bob's Big Night Out. Vaun explains how a serious life changing event caused him to reevaluate his life and enter the world of comedy. He also tells of his close…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 6 - Dan McGrath 1:20:29

1+ y ago1:20:29

1:20:29

In this episode we chat with a man who went from Channel 4's 'The Big Breakfast' and the 'Radio 1 Breakfast Show' to become one of our leading TV theme composers and a frequent R&M musical collaborator. Hear stories featuring members of The Beatles and Peter Sellers to Chris Evans and Gone Fishing's Ted the dog. Also find out why the theme to 'Stri…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 5 - Fred Aylward 1:07:48

2y ago1:07:48

1:07:48

LES SPEAKS! In this episode we have a fascinating conversation with artist, Fred Aylward about the highs and lows of life as 'Les'. Hear many stories including how he witnessed the debut live performance of Vic Reeves, how he possibly influenced one of the UK's greatest contemporary artists and the bizarre reason for the online popularity of Les Ge…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 4 - Charlie Higson 1:26:09

2y ago1:26:09

1:26:09

In this episode we talk to actor, author and comedy legend Charlie Higson. We discuss his 30+ years of working with Reeves & Mortimer. From the Big Night Out shows in the Goldsmiths Tavern to Catterick, hear the Swiss Toni origin story, the joys of directing Tom Baker and what it was like being The Man With The Stick's body double. Hosted on Acast.…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 3 - Dan Renton Skinner 48:33

2y ago48:33

48:33

In this episode we chat with stand-up comedian and actor, Dan Renton Skinner. A longtime friend and cohort of Reeves and Mortimer, Dan tells us about his initial meeting with Bob and his work on various projects over the years. He tells stories of his time on Shooting Stars and we also find out a bit more about the beginnings of his comedy persona,…

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 2 - Dorian Crook 56:45

2y ago56:45

56:45

In this episode we chat with stand-up comedian, actor and air traffic controller, Dorian Crook. Dorian became friends with Jim Moir at art school and went on to appear onstage with Jim & Bob from the pubs & clubs of southeast London to nationwide tours at the height of their fame. He went on to be come a very funny comedian in his own right and is …

1
Quite A Boast - Episode 1 - Tony Way 1:03:57

2y ago1:03:57

1:03:57

In this episode we are joined by the actor Tony Way, who has appeared in numerous TV shows & films including Game of Thrones, After Life, Giri/Haji, Edge of Tomorrow, The Fast Show and Ali G Indahouse. Tony is also one of the Reeves & Mortimer repertory company and has featured in several of their shows from Bang, Bang to House of Fools - He's the …

1
Life After Prison: Ex-Inmates Deserve Redemption 2:57

2+ y ago2:57

2:57

Today we will look back to our interview with Coss Marte, an ex-inmate who is now a successful entrepreneur and founder of ConBody.Speaking to Coss has been so incredible. His raw honesty, incredible journey, and desire to make something good out of something so bad has been very moving. During our interview, we touched upon a wide variety of issue…

1
How to Navigate through Radical Life Change | Emma Slade 10:40

3y ago10:40

10:40

In this 10 minute short, we discuss change, how to accept it, embrace it, and flow with it as part of life and part of growth. My guest today has known and navigated radical change. The Incredible Emma Slade was a high flying financial analyst when her life took a massive turn. She was held at gunpoint in Jakarta. Emma survived, and coming out on t…

1
How To Fail Forward and Be Proactive with Sian Sutherland 10:48

3y ago10:48

10:48

One of the subjects that comes up time, and again is failure. In this short, I discuss failure with the epic and spectacular Sian Sutherland. She is a serial entrepreneur, having launched a branding agency, set up a restaurant that in short order had a Michelin star and built an innovative global skincare business, which was subsequently sold to th…

1
The Truth About Taking Risks In Life | Gerad Kite 13:38

3y ago13:38

13:38

Many of my guests have talked about the importance of taking risks to show yourself what you're made of and grow in every aspect of your life. All of them believe that if you play it too safe, you will miss out on the many adventures and opportunities that life brings. I always say, give it a go take the leap. What is the worst that can happen? My …

1
Healing Journey After Childhood Trauma | Pirie Jones Grossman 46:32

3+ y ago46:32

46:32

My guest today is the incredible Pirie Jones Grossman. Pirie started working in L.A. and over the following 20 years became a well-known actor and then a very high profile presenter and TV host for E! Entertainment, Fox, NBC, CBS and ABC. She was famous, fabulous, and part of an L.A. power couple. But privately, she struggled deeply after hitting r…

1
How Mental - Inspiring Story of Social Entrepreneur George Taktak 36:00

3+ y ago36:00

36:00

George Taktak and I had a fabulous high-speed conversation about the highs, the lows, and the challenges of humanizing and scaling mental health support. We also discussed how George's creative talents, he is both an artist and a poet, contributing vitally to his high growth business and his wellbeing.George is an entrepreneur, mental health activi…

1
Underwater Epiphany - A Story of How Eddeene Became a High Jeweller 30:14

3+ y ago30:14

30:14

It’s a special joy to interview your friends, and I feel so lucky to have talked to Édéenne today. She has such an incredible vision and the real grit to keep going, no matter what. Édéenne is a high jeweller having founded her jewellery house in Paris in 2003 after a major life-changing epiphany.We talked about her life-changing experience and tra…

1
How Genocide Survivor Taban Shoresh Rebuilt Her Life and Became an Aid Worker 44:34

3+ y ago44:34

44:34

My guest today is the incredible Taban Shoresh, a former child genocide survivor who suffered imprisonment as a four-year-old with her family, during the Saddam Hussein regime. Over time Taban adjusted to life here, but the trauma of her experiences never fully left her. She married at a young age and settled into her university studies and subsequ…

1
Powered by Plants: Vegan Campaigner and Ultramarathon Runner Fiona Oakes 35:30

3+ y ago35:30

35:30

Fiona Oakes is renowned as a British endurance runner and vegan athlete. She is the fastest woman in the world to run a marathon on all seven continents and the north pole. She has competed in over 100 marathons and set five marathon course records around the globe, including the Antarctic Ice Marathon. Fiona has been vegan since the age of six. Sh…

1
Extraordinary Journey from Inmate to Fitness Entrepreneur | Coss Marte 35:30

3+ y ago35:30

35:30

My guest today is Coss Marte born and raised on the lower east side in New York, the son of Dominican immigrants and raised by a single mother who struggled to support her family.By Dee Stirling

1
There Is Absolutely Nothing Wrong with You | Gerad Kite 32:59

3+ y ago32:59

32:59

My guest today is Gerad Kite, internationally recognized as an acupuncture master and a fertility expert. Gerad trained in five element acupuncture of which he is now a master and teacher based in London. He started the first-ever NHS acupuncture service in the UK in 1993, based at King's college hospital, predominantly working with patients with A…

1
Reflections on inspiring stories of change and personal growth 10:42

3+ y ago10:42

10:42

As I’ve discovered in the last couple of months, from speaking to all of my extraordinary guests, sometimes it takes a week to decide our destiny. Sometimes it happens in a moment. And sometimes it’s an ongoing journey of discovery. As we come to the close of another year, this is such a valuable message for us to remember. There is so much possibi…

1
How a near-death experience shifted my path | Cassius Rayner 43:09

3+ y ago43:09

43:09

Cassius Rayner is a multi-award winning filmmaker, writer and lecturer. His passion is producing film content using iPhones, capturing stories globally on a variety of social issues. He embraces new technology and runs workshops in smartphone video. He is the founder of the Go Film It, a video production company and also He is also a lecturer at Sc…

1
Surviving cancer was a life changing experience | Annee De Mamiel 36:12

3+ y ago36:12

36:12

Today, my guest is Annee de Mamiel, world-renowned skin health specialist, and founder of natural skincare range De Mamiel - activated by science and designed to treat the impact of stress on the skin. Annee de Mamiel grew up in rural Australia. And after an early career in the pharmaceuticals industry, she pivoted into finance and excelled as a tr…

1
Change Requires Courage |How Emma Slade became Buddhist nun 45:02

3+ y ago45:02

45:02

I welcomed Emma Slade, who after studies in Fine Art went into banking, becoming a successful financial analyst. Some years ago, she was in Jakarta on a business trip when she was held at gunpoint. After this profound trauma, she went on a journey which led her to make some fundamental changes in her life. Emma shared the story of how the moment of…