Best Rhod Podcasts (2026)

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When Jazz Came to Europe 24:27

Play Pause

12m ago24:27

24:27

In When Jazz Came to Europe, Tony Staveacre and Rhod Sharp uncover the story of a musical innovator who has never had the recognition he deserves in his own country. Philadelphia’s Sam Wooding not only brought his band to Europe, but a whole new sound.By Rhod Sharp

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Best of 2025: Part 2 3:44:50

33m ago3:44:50

3:44:50

Welcome to part two of the Best Of episodes, we’ve been expecting you for some time… This half contains the 'toilet humour' section. Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on the show. Off Menu is a co…

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How Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" Was Really Made — Co-writer Walter Afanasieff 1:01:44

5d ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Jess is joined by WALTER AFANASIEFF, the Grammy-winning songwriter and producer behind MARIAH CAREY's biggest '90s hits — including "Hero," "My All," "One Sweet Day," and "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Topics — how the modern Christmas classic was written, his professional fallout with Mariah Carey, and how the songwriting biz has radically cha…

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Best of 2025: Part 1 3:35:31

8m ago3:35:31

3:35:31

We’re at the tail end of 2025, and it’s time for the first half of our most delicious clips of the year. Remember when we had Robert De Niro on the podcast? Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Menu on Instagram and TikTok: @offmenuofficial. And go to our website www.offmenupodcast.co.uk for a list of restaurants recommended on th…

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Kate Winslet (Christmas Special) 1:11:34

15d ago1:11:34

1:11:34

Oscar-winning acting royalty Kate Winslet joins us for a Christmas Special in the Dream Restaurant. But can James keep his Eternal Sunshine questions to himself? Kate Winslet’s directorial debut ‘Goodbye, June’ is in cinemas now and on Netflix from 24 December. Watch it here. Watch the video version of this episode on the Off Menu YouTube on Thu 18…

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Inside Celebrity Home Tours: Bethenny, Andy Cohen, Madonna, Amy Sedaris & more (w/ Dale Saylor) 56:56

19d ago56:56

56:56

Jess is joined by interior designer Dale Saylor (Hollymount Design) to react to some of our favorite Architectural Digest home tours. Topics — BETHENNY FRANKEL's Florida move, ANDY COHEN's West Village duplex, AMY SEDARIS' Greenwich Village funhouse, SARAH PAULSON's Malibu studio, RUPAUL in LA, NEIL PATRICK HARRIS' Harlem brownstone & KELLY RIPA's …

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Chris McCausland (Christmas Special) 1:12:14

15d ago1:12:14

1:12:14

Yuletide is here, and joining us for our first festive special is stand-up superstar and ‘Strictly’ champ Chris McCausland. ChrisMcCausland. ChristmasCausland… Chris McCausland’s autobiography ‘Keep Laughing!’ is out now in hardback and audiobook, published by Michael Joseph. Buy it here. Chris is on tour in 2026 with his show ‘Yonks!’. For dates a…

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Culture Debate: 2025 Theater, Film, Concert Revue (w/ Mark Snyder) 1:01:09

23d ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Jess is joined by All I Want to Do Is Talk About Madonna co-host Mark Snyder for a 2025 revue of our favorite theater, films, and concerts. Topics— Wicked ambivalence, Kristin Chenoweth's rough year, a Chess revival, Oh Mary predictions, the Plainclothes film, the Lilith Fair documentary, Mike Albo's Hologram Boyfriends, Julio Torres' Color Theorie…

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John Early 1:24:00

29d ago1:24:00

1:24:00

It’s the last episode of series 15, and who better to round off the series than US comedy superstar and actor – star of ‘Search Party’, ‘30 Rock’ and new film ‘Eternity’ – John Early. See you soon for some Christmas specials… John Early stars in ‘Eternity’ which is in UK cinemas on 5 December. Follow John on Instagram @bejohnce Watch the video vers…

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Producing Jeff Lewis Flipping Out, MTV Diary, Selling Sunset (w/ EP Billy Taylor) 53:42

1M ago53:42

53:42

Jess sits down with powerhouse docu-series Executive Producer Billy Taylor! Topics — Billy's jump from MTV News to producing MTV Diary, then showrunning the Bravo glory days of Jeff Lewis Flipping Out, Work Out w/ Jackie Warner, and Kell on Earth w/ Kelly Cutrone. Plus — trailing Kanye West with a camera, Britney: In the Zone & Out All Night, direc…

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Kunal Nayyar 59:58

1M ago59:58

59:58

Kunal Nayyar – star of ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and new movie ‘Christmas Karma’ – has a table booked this week. But is he drinking water or vodka? Kunal Nayyar stars in ‘Christmas Karma’ which is in cinemas now. Follow Kunal on Instagram @kunalkarmanayyar Watch the video version of this episode on the Off Menu YouTube on Thu 20 Nov Off Menu is now on …

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Joy Crookes 1:18:19

1M ago1:18:19

1:18:19

Mercury Prize and Brit Award-nominated singer-songwriter Joy Crookes is in the Dream Restaurant this week. But can she make Ed and James understand the concept of a performative male? Joy Crookes’s new album ‘Juniper’ is out now. Buy it and listen to it here. Joy Crookes is on tour now. For dates and tickets go to joycrookes.com Follow Joy Crookes …

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Guinevere Turner on Writing The L Word & American Psycho, Taxicab Confessions & more! 1:01:33

2M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

Jess is joined by indie cinema queen GUINEVERE TURNER (@guinevereturner)! Topics — writing & appearing in THE L WORD, being caught on HBO's TAXICAB CONFESSIONS in 1994 right as her debut film (GO FISH) was in theaters, inspiring Kevin Smith's CHASING AMY, the iconic East Village lesbian / rock bar Meow Mix and co-writing the Christian Bale film AME…

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Elle Fanning 1:21:30

2M ago1:21:30

1:21:30

Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Elle Fanning – star of ‘The Great’, ‘Super 8’ and the new ‘Predator: Badlands’ movie – is this week’s dining guest. But is her new film better than ‘The Nutcracker in 3D’? ‘Predator: Badlands’ is in cinemas from Fri 7 Nov. Follow Elle Fanning on Instagram @ellefanning Watch the video version of this episode on …

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Lucia Keskin (Chi With A C) 1:17:29

2M ago1:17:29

1:17:29

Bafta-winning comedian, actor and internet sensation Lucia Keskin – aka Chi with a C – is this week’s dream diner. And is this the quietest guest we’ve ever had? Series 2 of Lucia’s sitcom ‘Things You Should Have Done’ is coming soon to BBC Three and iPlayer. Watch Series 1 here. Follow Lucia on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok @chiwithac Watch the vi…

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Stories from a 73-Year-Old Queer Collector (w/ Mike Balaban) 51:25

2M ago51:25

51:25

Jess is joined by "the accidental gay historian" Mike Balaban (@bammer47) — a man who's photographed faces, places & ephemera that defined gay life in the early 1970s-1990s. Topics — gay life in the '50s & '60, Mike's 44 years in NYC, the use of personal ads, hanky codes, 1-900 phone lines, and why he thinks younger guys are drawn to older men. ⭐ I…

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Ian Smith 1:29:32

2M ago1:29:32

1:29:32

Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated stand-up, Northern News podcaster and lead in 2010 sitcom ‘Popatron’, Ian Smith has a table booked this week. But has he thought through his starter? Ian Smith is on tour now with his new show ‘Foot Spa Half Empty’. For dates and tickets go to iansmithcomedian.co.uk Listen to Ian’s podcast ‘Northern News’ wherever y…

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Jen Brister (Tasting Menu) 1:02:32

3M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

It’s another Tasting Menu episode, and this time stand-up, activist and original cheeseboard-picker Jen Brister returns for a hellish menu. Jen Brister is on tour now with ‘Reactive’. For dates and tickets go to jenbrister.co.uk Donate to All Our Relations at allourrelations.co.uk Follow Jen on Instagram and TikTok @jenbristercomedy Watch the video…

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Zach Noe Towers on Cruising, 12 Step, Horror Screenplays 51:10

3M ago51:10

51:10

Jess is joined by comedian ZACH NOE TOWERS (@zachnoetowers)! Topics — roommates with Bob the Drag Queen, friendship with Leslie Jordan, 10 years of sobriety, AOL chat rooms, Jeff Lewis Live, 'movies' vs. 'films,' his TWO horror movie screenplays, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Jennifer Lopez & more! ⭐ IG: @jessxnyc ⭐ Jess' docu-series on the rise & fall …

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Gillian Anderson 1:20:46

3M ago1:20:46

1:20:46

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Bob the Drag Queen on Swearing Off Watch What Happens Live, Barracuda Nights 37:52

3M ago37:52

37:52

Jess is joined by comedian & Drag Race winner BOB THE DRAG QUEEN! Topics — RuPaul discovering Bob at The Monster in the West Village (via Kathy Najimy), a weekend with Whoopi Goldberg, getting lost in Brooklyn & Long Island, ruling Barracuda after Candis Cayne & Peppermint, his first drag name, "Kitten with a Whip," and his love for To Wong Foo. Pl…

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Greg James 1:23:45

3M ago1:23:45

1:23:45

Radio 1 DJ Greg James is this week’s dream guest in the Dream Restaurant. And James calls in to the radio… Greg James’s book ‘All the Best for the Future: Growing Up Without Growing Old’ is out now. Buy it here. See Greg James on his book tour. For dates and tickets go here. Follow Greg on on Instagram @greg_james and TikTok @gregjames Watch the vi…

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How The Saint Defined NYC's '80s DJ Scene (w/ Susan Morabito) 34:56

3M ago34:56

34:56

Jess welcomes legendary Manhattan and Fire Island DJ Susan Morabito (aka Morabito). Topics — her dream of spinning at The Saint and working at Vinylmania, why The Saint remains the greatest NYC nightclub, and how she cemented her legacy at The Pavilion in The Fire Island Pines. Plus — why she prefers gay boy nightlife to girl parties, Roseland Ball…

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Rhys James 1:23:19

3M ago1:23:19

1:23:19

Top stand-up, ‘Mock the Week’ regular and Ed’s unofficial little brother, Rhys James is this week’s guest diner. And he’s invented a dessert. Rhys James’s book ‘You’ll Like It When You Get There: A Life Lived Reluctantly’ is out now. Buy it here. Watch Rhys’s special, ‘Spilt Milk’ on YouTube here. Follow Rhys on on Instagram @rhysjamesy Watch the v…

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Natalie Joy Johnson on Patti LuPone, Atlantis Cruises, Craigslist Sl*ts 1:12:54

3M ago1:12:54

1:12:54

Jess is joined by Broadway & cabaret star NATALIE JOY JOHNSON (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Lempicka)! Topics — performing on an Atlantis Cruise to Tahiti with Patti LuPone, her many, MANY lesbian theater roles, winning the Tony for playing Jackie Warner in Work Out: The Musical, being a Craiglist internet wh*re, selling weed & sex toys in between …

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Nina Conti 1:11:20

3M ago1:11:20

1:11:20

Award-winning comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti is in the Dream Restaurant this week. And Ed and James do their usual monkeying around. Nina Conti is on tour now with ‘Whose Face Is It Anyway?’. For dates are tickets go to ninaontour.com Nina’s directorial debut film ‘Sunlight’ will have a UK theatrical release from 18th October 2025 (screening…

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Will & Grace Writer & Producer — Jon Kinnally on ACT UP, The Cut Gay Sex / Drugs Exposé & more 47:21

4M ago47:21

47:21

Jess is joined by TV writer & producer (Will & Grace, Ugly Betty) — JON KINNALLY! Topics — living in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn in 1988, working in ACT UP, The Cut article "We've Reached Peak Gay Sluttiness," his writing partner Tracy Poust was one of the original NYC spinning instructors, Barbra Streisand DVD commentary on A Star Is Born & more! ⭐ IG:…

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Mawaan Rizwan 1:08:51

4M ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Mawaan Rizwan – ‘Taskmaster’ runner-runner-up and Bafta-winning star and creator of BBC Three’s ‘Juice’ – is this week’s diner, and he has an easy-to-follow recipe for English food. Trigger warning: this episode contains talk about calories. Series 2 of ‘Juice’ is on BBC Three and iPlayer from 18 September. Watch it (and catch up with series 1) her…

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Ryan Raftery on Barbra Streisand, Glenn Close, Patricia Field, JonBenét Ramsey & more! 47:30

4M ago47:30

47:30

Jess is joined by "The Shakespeare of Pop Culture" (per NYT), writer-performer Ryan Raftery (@ryanraftery), to debut his new show exploring society's obsession with true crime. Topics — Stephen Sondheim summoning Ryan to his townhouse, a Kabbalah circle with Madonna & Christopher Ciccone, possibly writing the Patricia Field musical with Hedwig's St…

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Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy) 1:04:28

4M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

The Divine Comedy frontman Neil Hannon has a table booked at the Dream Restaurant this week. Something for the weekend. The Divine Comedy’s new album ‘Rainy Sunday Afternoon’ is released on Fri 19 Sep. Pre-order is here. Follow The Divine Comedy on Instagram @divinecomedyhq Donated to My Lovely Horse Rescue at www.mylovelyhorserescue.com Watch the …

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Provincetown Deep Dive (w/ Dominick Pupa) 53:28

4M ago53:28

53:28

Jess is joined by TV producer, comedian & co-host of Fixing Famous People, Dominick Pupa to wax poetic about why and how we adore Provincetown. Topics — John Waters, Divine & Cape Cod Vampire lore, Aubrey Plaza at Ryan Landry's Showgirls, the season of American Horror Story set in Provincetown winter, July 4th, Bear Week and Carnival, Dominick losi…

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Tony's Taste of Comedy 27:04

4M ago27:04

27:04

In Tony’s Taste of Comedy, Tony Staveacre takes Rhod Sharp on a lightning tour of some of the best standup comedians of the twentieth century - from the forgotten to the unforgettable. Thus Sid Field (bottom right) one of the first standups to make a living doing impressions, and Billy Bennett (top right) a war hero who nevertheless portrayed himse…

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Marian Keyes 1:09:31

4M ago1:09:31

1:09:31

Internationally bestselling Irish author Marian Keyes – co-host of Radio 4’s ‘Now You’re Asking’ – is this week’s dream diner. And she’s got some supportive words for Ed and James. Trigger warning: this episode contains talk about alcohol addiction, and mentions of grooming. Marian Keyes’s latest novel ‘My Favourite Mistake’ is out now, published b…

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History of Gay Restaurants (Florent, Julius, Diners) (w/ Erik Piepenburg) 50:22

4M ago50:22

50:22

Jess is joined by DINING OUT author & NYT writer Erik Piepenburg to explore the role of gay restaurants & diners in America. Topics — first restaurant to welcome trans patrons in 1950s Green Bay, WI, The Melrose (Chicago), NYC's Florent, Cafeteria, Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Julius'. Plus — Bloodroot (Bridgeport, CT), The Torch Club (Ohio), Gallus (A…

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Jillian Michaels Through the Eyes of Jackie Warner (Bravo's Work Out) 28:44

4M ago28:44

28:44

As "The Biggest Loser" Netflix documentary dominates the cultural conversation, Jess has compiled her many interviews with Jillian Michaels' ex-girlfriend of 7 years, Jackie Warner, known for Bravo's reality show Work Out. Topics -- Jackie's first date with Jillian in 1997, Jillian stealing $$ from her pre-fame bartending job, how she set Jillian u…

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Will Sharpe 1:19:41

4M ago1:19:41

1:19:41

Bafta-award winning actor and writer Will Sharpe – star of ‘The White Lotus’, ‘A Real Pain’ and Lena Dunham’s new show ‘Too Much’ – is our guest diner this week. But Ed’s annoyed Will didn’t give him a warning… Will Sharpe stars in ‘Too Much’ which is streaming on Netflix now. Watch it here. Off Menu is now on YouTube: @offmenupodcast Follow Off Me…

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Jonny Pelham 1:11:09

4M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

Superb stand-up and ‘Live at the Apollo’ star Jonny Pelham is this week’s guest diner. And, of course, we ask him about his gang-member past… Jonny Pelham is currently performing at the Edinburgh Fringe with his new show ‘Is It Me?’ at Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive), 21.00, until 25 August. For tickets go to edfringe.com Follow Jonny on Instagram …

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Stevie Martin 55:29

5M ago55:29

55:29

‘Taskmaster’ alumnus, Nobody Panic podcaster and multimedia stand-up Stevie Martin has a reservation this week. But can she pick a side dish? Stevie Martin is on tour with her show ‘Clout’. For dates and tickets go to steviemartin.com Listen to Stevie’s podcast ‘Nobody Panic’ where you listen to podcasts. Follow Stevie on Instagram @5tevieM and Tik…

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Sharon Wanjohi 1:06:49

5M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Fast-rising stand-up Sharon Wanjohi joins us in the Dream Restaurant this week. But, uh oh, she’s scraped her knee! Sharon Wanjohi is at the Edinburgh Fringe until the 24th August with her debut show ‘In The House’. For dates and tickets go to edfringe.com. Follow Sharon on Instagram @sharonwanjohi_ and TikTok @sharonsforehead Off Menu is now on Yo…

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Behind the Scenes of And Just Like That - Filming Insider Tells All 53:51

5M ago53:51

53:51

Jess is joined by MLVC Madonna podcast co-host Stefan (@mlvcpodcast) to SPILL on his summer filming season 1 of AND JUST LIKE THAT as a background actor! Topics: Che Diaz in the wild, Cynthia Nixon's wig, erasure of Chris Noth/Big's flashback scenes, 14-hour days, being directed by Michael Patrick King, how much background actors are paid, producti…

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Ben Schwartz 1:12:30

5M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Actor-comedian – star of ‘Parks and Rec’, ‘The Afterparty’ and voice of Sonic the Hedgehog – Ben Schwartz has a table booked this week. Plus we have a few guest callers. Ben Schwartz soon stars in ‘DNA’ and ‘Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice’. Ben’s improv show ‘Ben Schwartz and Friends’ is currently touring the US. For dates and tickets go to rejectedjok…

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Ep 300: Ed Gamble and James Acaster (with special guest genie AJ Odudu) 1:49:35

5M ago1:49:35

1:49:35

We’re 300! What a way to start the new series than with a special milestone episode where, once again, the (dining) tables are turned and Ed and James are the guests in the dream restaurant. Have their tastebuds changed over the last 100 episodes? And, this time, we’re thrilled to welcome back AJ Odudu as the special guest genie. A massive thanks t…

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Jenifer Lewis on Bette Midler, Whitney Houston & Mother of Black Hollywood 34:26

5M ago34:26

34:26

Jess is joined by the powerhouse Mother of Black Hollywood — JENIFER LEWIS! Topics: working with BETTE MIDLER as a Harlette, becoming "the entertainer" to Barbra Streisand and Madonna, her one-woman show "The Diva is Dismissed" and putting a con artist behind bars. Plus — appearing as the first Black person on "Friends", living with Shangela (Drag …

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Series 14 Trailer – Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster 1:57

5M ago1:57

1:57

The Dream Restaurant re-opens for bookings on Wednesday 16th July. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ep 299: Katherine Parkinson (Live in London) 1:03:41

6M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

It’s our final b-b-b-b-bonus live episode from the London Palladium, with special guest Katherine Parkinson – star of ‘Rivals’, ‘The IT Crowd’ and ‘Inside No 9’. Want to experience Off Menu: Live for yourself? There are a few tickets left for our live shows at the Royal Albert Hall next year. Visit royalalberthall.com for tickets. We’ll be back wit…

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Sex and the City Exec. Producer & Writer — Jenny Bicks 1:02:19

6M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Jess is joined by Emmy-winning exec. producer & writer on ALL SIX SEASONS of SEX AND THE CITY — JENNY BICKS! Topics: Samantha's cancer storyline based on her life, Steve is based on her husband, specific episodes written by Jenny — "Splat," "A Woman's Right to Shoes," "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda" (Miranda discovers she is pregnant) + key episodes arou…

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Liz Glazer — Quitting Law to Become a Comedian & Marry a Gay Rabbi 53:11

6M ago53:11

53:11

Jess is joined by standup comedian LIZ GLAZER, days after making her Tonight Show debut! Topics — Liz quitting her law career to pursue comedy, her failed SoulCycle instructor audition, being married to a (lesbian) rabbi, the ghost of Joan Rivers uniting her with Judy Gold, transcendental meditation, 12 step programs & more! Cult of Body & Soul on …

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Ep 298: James Norton (in partnership with Dexcom) 1:24:06

7M ago1:24:06

1:24:06

In a special bonus episode in partnership with Dexcom, we welcome BAFTA-nominated actor, ‘Happy Valley’ star and Dexcom ambassador James Norton to the Dream Restaurant. And, no, he didn’t get type 1 diabetes from falling in the Thames. If you, or someone you know is living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and you like the sound of Dexcom, we highly r…

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Ep 297: Joanne McNally 1:18:23

7M ago1:18:23

1:18:23

In our last episode of the series, stand-up, podcaster, Taskmaster star and self-proclaimed Pinotphile – Joanne McNally – joins us in the Dream Restaurant. Please listen responsibly. We’ll be back very soon with a new series of Off Menu. Joanne McNally is on tour now with ‘Pinotphile’. For dates and tickets go to joannemcnally.com Follow Joanne on …

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And Just Like That (w/ Every Outfit's Chelsea Fairless & Lauren Garroni) 41:53

7M ago41:53

41:53

Jess is joined by the queens of "Every Outfit on Sex and the City" (@everyoutfitonSATC)— Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni. We discuss which show has more severely tarnished its legacy: SATC via AJLT OR The L Word via Gen Q. Plus -- The Writer's Room podcast, Sara Ramirez's response to the hilarious/scathing The Cut profile, the SJP-ification of …