Best Gyles Brandreth / Keep It Light Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Dame Eileen Atkins 1:12:56

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1h ago1:12:56

1:12:56

To end our second year of Rosebud, we have one of our most charming, talented and brilliant theatrical dames: Dame Eileen Atkins. Dame Eileen is a uniquely talented writer and actor, both on stage and screen - from Cranford, to the RSC, to The Killing of Sister George on Broadway, to Upstairs, Downstairs and The House of Eliot (which she co-created…

1
S11 EP7: Zoe Ball 1:01:04

4m ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant broadcaster and presenter - Zoe Ball. 'Dig It' with Jo Whiley & Zoe Ball podcast: Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball lift the lid on the messy, everyday reality of trying to live well. Long-time friends and beloved broadcasters, they swap the studio for the sofa to …

51
Gyles's diary, episode 23 58:23

2d ago58:23

58:23

Gyles is back at Oxford after the summer... with a bang, of course. His long-awaited pantomime, Cinderella, opens at the Playhouse, with Sir Michael Redgrave reading the Prologue (and getting stage fright in the wings before the show). Plus Gyles sees James Robertson Justice naked, goes on TV again and forgets his lines for Twelfth Night. Yes, it's…

1
S11 EP6: My son had his tonsils taken out 54:31

2d ago54:31

54:31

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... it's the school summer holidays and there's some old school caravan park beef, and Josh's son has to have his tonsils operated on. Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available everywhere every Tuesday and Friday. Please subscribe and leave a rating and revie…

1
Melvyn Bragg 58:58

6d ago58:58

58:58

We have a broadcasting legend for you today on Rosebud, as Gyles interviews the creator and host of In Our Time and The South Bank Show, Melvyn Bragg, Lord Bragg of Wigton. Melvyn takes Gyles back to his roots in Wigton, a small town in Cumbria, in which his parents ran one of the local pubs, and the young Bragg played all day long in the streets, …

1
S11 EP5: Olly Murs 58:58

6d ago58:58

58:58

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant singer, songwriter and presenter - Olly Murs. Fresh off a sold-out Arena tour, including three massive dates in London (two at The O2 & one at Wembley Arena), Olly Murs is currently back on the road continuing his 15 Years Of Hits celebration across the U…

1
More Rosebud - Lord Ivar Mountbatten 1:17:30

9d ago1:17:30

1:17:30

Our guest today is Lord Ivar Mountbatten, a great-great-great grandson of Queen Victoria, cousin of Prince Phillip, descendant of Russian Tsars and of Pushkin, and the second son of David, the late Marquess of Milford Haven, who was Prince Philip's best man at his wedding to Princess Elizabeth in 1947. Lord Ivar tells Gyles about his complex and fa…

1
S11 EP4: I had a dream about Romesh 52:35

9d ago52:35

52:35

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available everywhere every Tuesday and Friday. Please subscribe and leave a rating and review you filthy street dogs... xx If you want to get in touch with the show with any correspondence, kids intro audio clips, small bus…

1
Su Pollard 59:00

14d ago59:00

59:00

The sun is out and our guest this week is a ray of sunshine. It's the unique British comic actress and fashion icon Su Pollard. In this brilliant conversation, Su tells Gyles about her childhood in Nottingham, how she got the bug for performing when she was still in the infants and used to go to school dressed in wild outfits that made her look lik…

1
S11 EP3: Ross Noble 1:01:15

13d ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant actor and comedian - Ross Noble. You can see Ross on his new UK tour 'Cranium of Curiosities' (Oct 2025 - Mar 2026) Tickets, dates and info can be found ⁠HERE⁠ Or at - www.rossnoble.com And he's currently on ITV's show 'Shark: Celebrity Infested Waters'. …

1
Gyles's diary, episode 22 1:00:03

17d ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Well, Gyles's diary continues to wow Harriet - and all our lovely listeners - and this week is no exception... Because at the height of the Cold War (it's 1968 and the USSR have just invaded Czechoslovakia), the young Mr Brandreth goes off on a research trip to Moscow. And it is truly fascinating - a snapshot of Soviet life with all its surveillanc…

1
S11 EP2: Mick Jagger's Birthday Party 54:25

17d ago54:25

54:25

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... Rob goes to see Oasis and ends up drunk at Mick Jaggers birthday party. Relatable? No Sexy? Maybe... A great anecdote? ABSOLUTELY! Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available everywhere every Tuesday and Friday. Please subscribe and leave a rating and revie…

1
Anthony Horowitz 1:03:58

21d ago1:03:58

1:03:58

A best-selling novellist with a life story that reads like a best-selling novel... our guest this week is Anthony Horowitz. In this absorbing and - at times - moving and shocking conversation, Anthony tells Gyles about his young life and upbringing, which is extraordinary. Born to wealthy parents into a very large home of extreme privilege, Horowit…

1
S11 EP1: Stephen Mangan (The Return) 56:25

21d ago56:25

56:25

We're back for Series 11!! Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant actor, writer, comedian, and presenter - Stephen Mangan. The Fortune Hotel continues Wednesday and Thursday nights throughout August on ITV1 and ITVX. You can catch up on the first two episodes on the series on ITVX now. Parenti…

1
More Rosebud Poetry Special: Roger McGough 1:08:44

24d ago1:08:44

1:08:44

A special episode of More Rosebud today with a great poet, and filled with great poetry. Roger McGough tells Gyles about his striking first memories, his childhood in Liverpool, and interweaves this with some readings of poems inspired by his life. Roger remembers his hardworking father, the long line of men who came to the house to pay their respe…

1
We're all going on a summer holiday... 50:00

24d ago50:00

50:00

While we're on a short break for the summer holiday here's a hand crafted selection of the finest tales and advice from the Parenting Hell podcast archives. Each one a guaranteed banger... See you next week for series 11!! TRACK LISTING: 1. Kerry Godliman (Series 1 Episode 5) 2. Jason Manford (Series 1 Episode 6) 3. Alison Hammond (Series 1 Episode…

1
Kemi Badenoch 1:02:07

28d ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Kemi Badenoch is the Leader of the Conservative Party and the current Leader of the Opposition, a job often described as the toughest in British politics. And in this interview with Gyles, Kemi talks about her upbringing and how it gave her the toughness she needs to survive in the ruthless environment of Westminster. Born in a hospital in Wimbledo…

1
Loose Neck vs. Stiff Neck 56:26

28d ago56:26

56:26

As we take a very short break during the summer holidays - here’s a selection of some of our favourite chats about (mostly) parenting misadventures with previous guests… We’ll see you in a week or so for the start of Series 11!! Episode Playlist: 1. Romesh Ranganathan (The 3rd) 2. Cush Jumbo 3. Richard Osman 4. Lily Allen 5. Frank Skinner If you wa…

1
S10 EP45: Is this sleep? 56:52

1M ago56:52

56:52

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... in this episode Josh has been unwell and the medicine may or may not have made him very manic. And Romesh gets back to the guys about going on holiday to the same place at the same time as Rob. This is the last episode of the current series. We'll be back soon…

1
Gyles's diary, episode 21 1:13:26

1M ago1:13:26

1:13:26

It's hard to believe how much Gyles packs into his summer term at Oxford: he's filming with the BBC, he's casting his first Oxford University Dramatic Society production, he's looking for a girlfriend, he's going to numerous balls and parties, he's in the newspapers... so this is a long and action-packed episode of the diaries. Harriet and Gyles di…

1
Hi-de-Hi Holiday Special from Broadstairs, with Jeffrey Holland 55:24

1M ago55:24

55:24

Rosebud is off to the seaside, to the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs in Kent, where we meet the much-loved star of Hi-de-Hi and You Rang, M'Lord, Jeffrey Holland. And we meet some Rosebud listeners! And we sing a song and Harriet dresses up as a yellow coat. Jeffrey tells Gyles about his days working with Croft and Perry, his early life in Wal…

1
S10 EP44: Tamzin Outhwaite 1:00:26

1M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the amazing actress and presenter - Tamzin Outhwaite. You can see Tamzin in the brilliant new adaptation of 'Entertaining Mr Sloane' at the Young Vic from 15th September - 8th November. Info and tickets can be found: HERE Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available …

1
Gyles's diary, episode 20 1:03:15

1M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

It's another cracking episode of Gyles's Oxford diaries... Gyles continues his illicit flirtation with his friend's wife, has a sad meeting with Sal, and goes to a party at Robert Maxwell's mansion. He writes a lot of articles, appears in the Sun and on a BBC documentary, and he struggles to find time to do any work. "Busy people are happy people".…

1
S10 EP43: Instagram vs. Reality 52:45

1M ago52:45

52:45

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... The guys accidentally bump into each other at Wimbledon, and also discuss Rob's upcoming holiday where he'll be staying in the same resort as Romesh! If you want to get in touch with the show with any correspondence, kids intro audio clips, small business shou…

1
Mel Giedroyc 1:13:59

1M ago1:13:59

1:13:59

Mel Giedroyc is Gyles's special guest on this episode; and she talks about her amazing family story. Her father and his family were taken from Eastern Poland to Siberia by the Russians in 1939 - Mel's grandfather was shot, but her grandmother, dad and aunts made an extraordinary journey and eventually reached London, where Mel's father settled and …

1
S10 EP42: Mel Giedroyc 1:08:10

1M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant comedian and presenter - Mel Giedroyc. You can listen to Mel's podcast 'Where There's a Will There's a Wake' on all the usual podcast platforms. INFO: Mel takes the reins of the gloriously dark comedy podcast where celebrity guests bring their deaths to l…

1
More Rosebud: Chris Patten, Lord Patten of Barnes 57:55

1M ago57:55

57:55

It's More Rosebud, and our guest today is a political heavyweight. He was a member of parliament and cabinet minister under Margaret Thatcher and John Major, was the UK's last governor in Hong Kong, and then Chancellor of Oxford University. It's Chris Patten, Lord Patten of Barnes. In this episode, Chris tells Gyles about his childhood, growing up …

1
S10 EP41: Sports Day Ends Badly 53:26

1M ago53:26

53:26

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... Rob is jet-lagged and a little aggy. Josh discusses a school sports day failure. If you want to get in touch with the show with any correspondence, kids intro audio clips, small business shout outs, and more.... here's how: EMAIL: [email protected]…

1
Richard Osman 1:10:52

2M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Richard Osman: writer, presenter, producer, creator and podcaster. From Pointless, to House of Games, to Thursday Murder Club and The Rest is Entertainment - the range, volume and success of Osman's work is impressive. So how did this shy boy who liked to stand outside things, observe and who has "weird brain gifts" become such an on and off-screen…

1
S10 EP40: Frank Warren 53:30

2M ago53:30

53:30

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the legendary boxing manager and promoter - Frank Warren. You can watch the upcoming Heavyweight world title fight between Dubois and Usyk on DAZN pay per view HERE Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available everywhere every Tuesday and Friday. Please subscribe and…

1
S10 EP39: Hold it... Touch it... Pop it... 41:51

2M ago41:51

41:51

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... today we go through some of your incredible correspondence including weird phobias, nightmare names, and most years as a parent to an under 18. Shout out to Robert De Niro... If you want to get in touch with the show with any correspondence, kids intro audio c…

1
Gyles's diary, episode 19 54:31

2M ago54:31

54:31

It's Gyles's first term at New College, Oxford, and in this episode we hear about what happens when the busiest man at Bedales takes on university life. And, needless to say, he hits the ground running. By the end of his first week he's had a few high-level meetings, met some influential and well-connected people, and had a tour of the Oxford Union…

1
Sir Gary Oldman 1:18:45

2M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

One of our most interesting, versatile and talented actors is Gyles's guest today: Sir Gary Oldman. In this very special, intimate and extensive conversation, Gary tells Gyles about his childhood in New Cross Gate in South London, growing up in a council flat with his sisters and his mum - his father left the family home when Gary was seven. He tel…

1
S10 EP38: Aisling Bea 1:08:00

2M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant comedian, actress and writer - Aisling Bea. You can find tickets, dates and any other info on Aisling's new show 'Older than Jesus' HERE Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available everywhere every Tuesday and Friday. Please subscribe and leave a ratin…

1
S10 EP37: Bottom Tickle Trauma 51:50

2M ago51:50

51:50

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... today we go through some of your incredible correspondence including weird phobias, sex in large indoor public places, insane school runs, and we might accidentally have started some low-key beef with the Swiss! Small business shout-outs: Katie's Classroom HER…

1
More Rosebud - Julia Baird 52:59

2M ago52:59

52:59

It's More Rosebud, and time for another guest with an unusual tale to tell. Julia Baird is the half-sister of John Lennon, and here she tells Gyles about her childhood, their mother (Julia Lennon, née Stanley) and what it was like to grow up alongside a future pop icon. John Lennon and Julia Baird's family was big, and complicated - their mother, J…

1
Jeffrey Archer 1:15:32

2M ago1:15:32

1:15:32

Jeffrey Archer is one of the best-selling writers in the world, and he is our guest today. He talks to Gyles about his childhood in Weston-Super-Mare, his indomitable mother, his wicked granny, and how he was fired from his job at the local cricket ground for his entrepreneurial afternoon tea scheme. He tells Gyles about his university days, about …

1
S10 EP36: Josh's Road Rage Incident 54:31

2M ago54:31

54:31

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... in this episode Josh gets involved in a road rage incident. We're in the middle of a heatwave. And there's some post fathers day discussions.... If you want to get in touch with the show with any correspondence, kids intro audio clips, small business shout out…

1
Gyles's diary, episode 18 1:11:04

2M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

A treat for fans of Gyles's diaries, as this week we've got another edition of the gap year diaries... so that's two in a row! In this episode, we start off with a visit from the writer/performer Tama Matheson, who brought Beethoven to life so brilliantly on an episode of More Rosebud a couple of weeks ago. Tama tells Gyles and Harriet about his fo…

1
S10 EP35: Knowing you, you'll need some buffer... 50:36

2M ago50:36

50:36

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... If you want to get in touch with the show with any correspondence, kids intro audio clips, small business shout outs, and more.... here's how: EMAIL: [email protected] INSTAGRAM: @parentinghell Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available free ev…

1
Piers Morgan 1:00:40

2M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

This is an exclusive, and more or less uncensored, interview with the journalist and media powerhouse Piers Morgan, who Gyles spoke to live at the Bridlington Business Day this year. Piers talks to Gyles about his childhood, growing up above a country pub in Sussex, about his schooldays being a "buffoon", and about how peach brandy helped to secure…

1
S10 EP34: Jack Skipper 58:28

2M ago58:28

58:28

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant comedian - Jack Skipper. You can find tickets, dates and any other info on Jack's fantastic new stand-up comedy tour 'Skint' HERE Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available everywhere every Tuesday and Friday. Please subscribe and leave a rating and r…

1
Gyles's diary, episode 17 1:06:13

2M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Another bumper episode of Gyles's diaries, featuring lots of chat, more diaries, and a gorgeous listener email and poem from Alex and Isabella Porter. Gyles continues his travels around the USA - he finishes his teaching job in Baltimore, and begins travelling around the US, going to Washington DC, New York City and Canada - where he visits Expo '6…

1
S10 EP33: The Post Holiday Blues Brothers 50:11

2M ago50:11

50:11

More misadventures in parenting, life, and beyond with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe... this episode Rob and Josh discuss the highs and lows of respective recent family holidays. If you want to get in touch with the show with any correspondence, kids intro audio clips, small business shout outs, and more.... here's how: EMAIL: Hello@lockdownparen…

1
S10 EP32: Tom Basden 1:05:46

3M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant actor, writer and comedian - Tom Basden. Tom is known for co-creating and starring in Plebs, which won the Royal Television Society award for Best Scripted Comedy in 2014. He was nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2007 Edinburgh Comedy Awards and is a mem…

1
Alison Steadman 52:37

3M ago52:37

52:37

The brilliant actress Alison Steadman tells Gyles about her life and career. There are some really enchanting stories in this episode from her childhood in Liverpool - from the romantic way her parents met, to her adventures looking for buried treasure in the local recreation ground and her love for her pet rabbit, Skipper - this is an evocative li…

1
S10 EP31: Jacinda Ardern 1:06:56

3M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the former Prime Minister of New Zealand - Jacinda Ardern. You can buy Jacinda's brilliant new book 'A Kind of Power' HERE About the book:From the former prime minister of New Zealand, the world’s youngest female head of government and just the second world leader to h…

1
More Rosebud - Rose Boyt 1:07:59

3M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Rose Boyt tells Gyles about her unconventional childhood, and about her experiences of being parented by - and painted by - her father Lucian Freud, the celebrated modern artist. This is an extraordinary story: even Gyles is bowled over by the twists and turns of Rose's childhood. Rose's parents were Lucian Freud and the artist Susie Boyt, with who…

1
JoJo Siwa 1:05:53

3M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

JoJo Siwa is Rosebud's youngest ever guest - she's only 22 years old. But she's been famous since she was 9, and a megastar since she was 12, when her first single "Boomerang" went viral. The video for that song was viewed over 1 billion times. Now JoJo is all grown up and, fresh from her appearance in Celebrity Big Brother, she has a new record ou…

1
S10 EP30: Suzi Ruffell (The Return) 1:01:35

3M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Joining us this episode to discuss the highs and lows of parenting (and life) is the brilliant comedian, writer and actress - ⁠Suzi Ruffell. You can order Suzi's brilliant new book 'Am I Having Fun Now? - Anxiety, Applause and Life’s Big Questions, Answered' HERE You can listen to Suzi's first appearance on Parenting Hell HERE Tour dates and ticket…