Best ian spector Podcasts (2025)

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One man’s breakdown is another man’s breakthrough (with Lyse Doucet) 55:52

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1h ago55:52

55:52

It's a “welcome to autumn” type of day, and the vibes are good! Jane and Fi discuss bike theft, pet obituaries, and the moment you knew it was time to retire - now known as a 'Denise moment'. Plus, foreign correspondent Lyse Doucet reflects on her career and discusses her new book ‘The Finest Hotel in Kabul’. We've announced our next book club pick…

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I like mine when it goes boi-oi-oi-oing! 39:32

19h ago39:32

39:32

Happy Ken Follett week to all those who celebrate! Jane and Fi cover Swiss humour, Kamala's narrator skills, lady moon landings, and the male form. We've announced our next book club pick! 'Just Kids' is by Patti Smith. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sprg864IXC96he?si=uOzz4UYZRc2nFOP8FV_1jg&pi=BGoacnt…

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OFF AIR... EXTRA 10:22

4d ago10:22

10:22

Welcome back to another Friday special! This week's bonus episode features an interview with Nicholas Pearson, editor and friend to Hilary Mantel. It's been three years since the Wolf Hall author and two time Booker prize winner Hilary Mantel died. Now, her friends and colleagues are honouring her memory with a literary prize. The Hilary Mantel pri…

1
The Twilight Years (with Tim Spector) 54:46

5d ago54:46

54:46

Down your tools and give this podcast your FULL ATTENTION! Jane and Fi chat real tennis, Bruce Forsyth's ghost, house husbands, and gravestones for pets. Plus, co-founder of ZOE and gut health guru Tim Spector discusses his new book 'Ferment'. We've announced our next book club pick! 'Just Kids' is by Patti Smith. You can listen to the playlist her…

1
Mile-high moussaka 59:40

6d ago59:40

59:40

Jane and Fi are back together, but they've returned to some confusion about who’s who… Once they helpfully clear that up, they ponder minced-sheep airlines, the naming of naval ships, and the countdown to Christmas. Plus, they're joined by Joan Higginbotham, former NASA astronaut, as she reflects on her career and discusses the future of space. We'…

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OFF AIR...EXTRA (with Cancer Research UK) 19:33

11d ago19:33

19:33

In this special bonus episode brought to you by Cancer Research UK, Jane and Fi speak to Clara, who was diagnosed with blood cancer as a child. Clara tells us how her experiences in hospital inspired her to become a children's nurse. Get more information at: Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/children-a…

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Moving on from your beef-cheese (with Nigella Lawson) 39:35

12d ago39:35

39:35

Happy Thursday from the past... Jamal and Fi travel through time to bring you their musings on vacuum packed sausages, beef-cheese and Be-Ro flapjacks. Plus, Jane M chats to Nigella Lawson, queen of the kitchen, about her partnership with Tourism Australia and the best that Aussie food and wine has to offer. We've announced our next book club pick!…

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A pant of safety (with Tiggy Walker) 45:59

13d ago45:59

45:59

BIG NEWS. Trump has landed and Jamal and Fi are getting a bit sidetracked... They also chat Bananarama, period pants, and over-sized bath robes. Plus, Tiggy Walker, wife of DJ Johnnie Walker, discusses caring for him before his death and her new book 'Both Sides Now'. We've announced our next book club pick! 'Just Kids' is by Patti Smith. You can l…

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Thinking about the Roman Empire every three minutes (with Ian McEwan) 56:11

14d ago56:11

56:11

Calling all Davids! This one’s for you. Jane M and Fi dive into everything from beard-growing and cycling to hormones and being triggered in East London. Later, Roya Nikkhah, royal editor of The Sunday Times, speaks with best-selling author Ian McEwan about his new novel 'What We Can Know', set a hundred years in the future in a UK partially submer…

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Exotic and Mundane (with Lady Hale) 1:04:47

15d ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Jane M keeps Jane Garvey's seat warm this week, but she only just made it in by the skin of her teeth. Fi also had a slightly treacherous journey in. Once they're both settled, they chat tuna-mushroom-soup casserole, driving on both sides, and nookie. Plus, Lady Hale, former President of the Supreme Court, discusses her new book 'With the Law on Ou…

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On winking terms with the butcher (with Clare Balding) 57:56

20d ago57:56

57:56

Stories of jugged hare, absolute monarchs and applicator tampons have carried Jane and Fi to the end of another week at Times Towers. And they are joined by broadcaster, Clare Balding, to discuss her debut novel 'Pastures New'. We've announced our next book club pick! 'Just Kids' is by Patti Smith. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.…

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The great cattery in the sky (with Rick Astley) 53:28

20d ago53:28

53:28

Jane and Fi recount their visit to Downing Street last night and it sounds like the Champagne was well and truly flowing. Larry the cat was did not make an appearance, but Hugh Grant was there - not that Jane remembers. Plus, they speak to singer and songwriter, Rick Astley, about his 2026 UK and Ireland Tour. We've announced our next book club pic…

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Chunky and perfectly formed, like me (with Miriam Margolyes) 1:00:06

21d ago1:00:06

1:00:06

The Mayoress of Liverpool (aka Jane) has denounced Fi for her attempt at a northern accent, and has further decreed that the next Deputy Leader of the Labour Party must actively keep ferrets. Thoughts? Plus, Fi speaks to Miriam Margolyes about her new book, 'The Little Book of Miriam'. We've announced our next book club pick! 'Just Kids' is by Patt…

1
Never confuse a gorge with a hole! 48:35

22d ago48:35

48:35

Should the teacher related to Cheddar Man become the King? Why did the Queen ride side saddle? And what wisdom will Jane and Fi dish out during their trip to Downing Street? Many questions are answered in today's email special. We've announced our next book club pick! 'Just Kids' is by Patti Smith. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.…

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The Whirligig We Carry (with Henry Marsh) 1:04:12

26d ago1:04:12

1:04:12

It’s Double Tash Thursday! Welcome! Jane picks her pope of the week (no prizes for guessing who), they also cover UFO sightings, riding side saddle, and not getting Charlie Chaplin. Haveagoodone. Plus, pioneering brain surgeon and writer Henry Marsh reflects on his career and discusses the new documentary about his life 'Confessions of a Brain Surg…

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Please God, don't act it out (with Nick Clegg) 1:06:50

27d ago1:06:50

1:06:50

Please bear with Jane - she's feeling rather 'liverish' after a raucous Tuesday night. There's more discussion of hot tuna, parking scams, and the true meaning of a Brucey Bonus... Plus, Nick Clegg - former deputy prime minister and former president of global affairs at Meta - discusses his new book 'How to Save the Internet: The Threat to Global C…

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Boosting bosoms from the comfort of your armchair 1:00:37

28d ago1:00:37

1:00:37

The sheltered housing for the more commercially viable is under construction, and we expect it to open its doors to Jane and Fi soon… While they wait, they discuss Gremlins, more funeral songs, brine ideas, and blancmange. Plus, novelist and historian Mary Chamberlain discusses her book 'Fenwomen', a fascinating insight into 20th-century rural life…

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Ladies of the night... 50:20

29d ago50:20

50:20

Pinch, punch, first day of the month! Jane and Fi muse over significant events associated with the 1st of September. They also discuss Julia Roberts’ voice, infused marmalades, storing feta, and the eternal question: Lego brick or cat sick? You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sprg864IXC96he?si=uOzz4UYZRc2n…

1
Top of the Popes (with James Fox) 56:06

1M ago56:06

56:06

Is anyone thinking about Johnny's sister? And what about Johnny's sister's husband?! Well, we are! Jane and Fi also think about dog DNA, cockneys, and AI unions. Plus, academic and writer James Fox joins us to discuss his book 'Craftland'. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sprg864IXC96he?si=uOzz4UYZRc2nF…

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See You Next Thursday! (with Ray Mears) 59:12

1M ago59:12

59:12

If you've seen an appallingly large sea monster with frightening eyes and a seaweed-like mane, and it's not your husband - please get in touch! Jane and Fi also cover pearly kings and queens, Robert Dyas cards, and eclectic funeral playlists. Plus, woodsman, instructor, and broadcaster Ray Mears discusses his latest book 'Outdoor Tracking Handbook:…

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Headfirst into a bowl of unnecessary royal pasta 1:03:17

1M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Happy Tuesday! Fi’s over summer, but it’s still hanging in there - a bit like us… Jane and Fi also get into bilingual pets, Guildford, and a cheese smuggling escapade. Plus, criminal barrister Alex McBride discusses the new upcoming series of 'The Jury: Murder Trial'. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sp…

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OFF AIR... EXTRA 21:11

1M ago21:11

21:11

Welcome back to another Friday special! This week's bonus episode features an interview with Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner for England, speaking about how we can protect children online. If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: [email protected] Follow us on Inst…

1
You'll remember my flatulence with fondness 50:14

1M ago50:14

50:14

Happy Thursday! Jane is kicking off about what she deems to be an inappropriate funeral song, whilst Fi expresses her biggest fear: eating jellyfish cereal in a lighthouse. Plus, Fi speaks to Professor Sophie Watson, Head of Sociology at The Open University, about the importance of water to our cities. You can listen to the playlist here: https://o…

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I could drive you places, you could drive me mad! 56:27

1M ago56:27

56:27

In today's episode it emerges that Fi forgot to compliment Jane on her flecks of grey, so now the whole 'au naturale' plan has gone out the window... more on the big cat man in a moment. Plus, Jane speaks to Health Editor of The Sunday Times, Shaun Lintern, about his coverage of The Sodium Valproate scandal. You can listen to the playlist here: htt…

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On the cusp of a grain of truth... 44:15

1M ago44:15

44:15

Fi returns from her holiday of doom and reunites with Jane, or should we say Mystic Garv. They discuss previously predicted big cat sightings which are cropping up across the country. But why are they never seen in December? You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sprg864IXC96he?si=uOzz4UYZRc2nFOP8FV_1jg&pi=BG…

1
Squirrels aren't known for their road sense! 52:34

1M ago52:34

52:34

Come in Brighton? This is Garvey calling. It's Mulkerrins' last day on the pod before Fi returns tomorrow and the two Janes discuss Pride and Prejudice alternate endings and inappropriate reading material. Plus, Jane G speaks to Deesha Dyer, Former White House Social Secretary Under Obama about her memoir 'Undiplomatic'. You can listen to the playl…

1
Assuming the middle-aged woman’s pose, clutching a litre of milk and a bag of rocket (with Val McDermid) 50:44

2M ago50:44

50:44

Taylor Swift, if you’re reading this (and you probably are), watch out - Jane is coming for your man! Jane and Jamal also discuss A-Level results, airport security, and p*cky b*ts. Plus, Scottish crime writer Val McDermid discusses her upcoming Karen Pirie novel Silent Bones and shares her thoughts on the addition of that bum bag... You can listen …

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Living for an airport frisk (with Nicola Sturgeon) 52:44

2M ago52:44

52:44

Jamal isn't interested in Jane’s cacao nibs - sparking wistful thoughts of Fi’s return (although there's no guarantee Fi would care either...) Jamal and Jane also chat 23-vehicle convoys, bad shoe relief, and allotments in Guildford. Plus, Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s former First Minister, reflects on her premiership and opens up about her memoir '…

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Fridge full of pcky bts (with Celia Imrie) 53:29

2M ago53:29

53:29

It’s Tuesday - we’re two days out from Fruity Thursdays. Buckle in… Jamal and Jane chat the Worcestershire wildcat, nature documentaries, career advisors, and porn. Plus, Olivier award–winning actress Celia Imrie discusses her latest novel 'Meet Me at Rainbow Corner'. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sp…

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I actually enjoyed that more than I thought I would... 50:22

2M ago50:22

50:22

Thank you to everyone who came to see us in North Berwick — especially those who attended reluctantly and ended up enjoying it more than they expected. Fi’s off this week, so Jamal is back for some Jane² action! They chat allotments, northern parenting, and Bonnie Blue. Plus, journalist and writer Abigail Leonard joins to discuss her book 'Four Mot…

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OFF AIR... EXTRA 18:20

2M ago18:20

18:20

Welcome back to another Friday special! This week's bonus episode is all about HRT. It features an interview with endocrinologist Professor Annice Mukherjee, one of the UK's leading hormone specialists. She answers your questions about HRT and hormones. If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then plea…

1
Book Club - Leonard and Hungry Paul 44:00

2M ago44:00

44:00

Jane and Fi are back with their ninth book club pick - and this one was our most unanimous yet! 'Leonard and Hungry Paul' is by Rónán Hession. Rónán joins us to talk all about it. There's also mention of scouse wigs and waffle... Thank you so much for your engagement and interaction. We hope you'll join us for the next one. Get your suggestions in …

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A partridge in a placenta pear tree (with Adrian Dunbar) 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

The balance between cock-ups and funny bits is a delicate one - we hope we've got it right... In this episode, Jane and Fi chat Mariah Carey's denial of time, Paxo and Paxos, the future of allotments, and Blue Tits. Plus, actor Adrian Dunbar, famous for Line of Duty, discusses the new season of 'Ridley'. The bag scheme Fi was talking about is here:…

1
Releasing your southern-ness at Peterborough 55:49

2M ago55:49

55:49

The animals may have gone onto the ark two by two, but Jane Garvey will be boarding solo! More on that... plus cruise ship balconies, the many ailments of Karin Slaughter's cat, and booby dispensers. Mental health nurse Bella Jackson also discusses her book 'Fragile Minds: Stories from an NHS Mental Health Ward'. You can listen to the playlist here…

1
Is there a sex kitten in your cul-de-sac? 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

Happy Monday! It's another week and Jane and Fi are here to tackle the big questions... Are frozen shoulders contagious? Is there a sex kitten in your cul-de-sac? Can you trust a weather forecast in Scotland? You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sprg864IXC96he?si=uOzz4UYZRc2nFOP8FV_1jg&pi=BGoacntaS_uki If y…

1
I'm the Shirley Temple of radio! (with Daisy Goodwin) 56:06

2M ago56:06

56:06

Jane and Fi grapple with the big questions on this rainy Thursday. How do you make the sound of snogging? What kind of audio book would Fi read? Should men have more right to football pitches if they build them? (Spoiler alert: no.) They're also joined by screenwriter Daisy Goodwin to discuss her new play 'By Royal Appointment' You can listen to th…

1
Take me back to the path of righteousness PLEASE (with Gary Numan) 1:01:23

2M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

It's day three of our Lionesses Euros Hangover™ and Jane is wondering whether Cliff Richard should have joined the celebrations. Fi's got some thoughts. Plus, how to reply to scam texts? Hint: it involves swear words. They're joined by musician Gary Numan to chat about his new album and lots more. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.s…

1
Nothing sexy about helping Santa (with Caspar Lee) 1:06:47

2M ago1:06:47

1:06:47

In today’s episode, Jane and Fi mull over Mariah Carey's eccentricities, whether Michael Binyon would do us a favour with a new jingle and the state of Donald Trump's ankles. Plus YouTuber and entrepreneur Caspar Lee joins for a chat. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sprg864IXC96he?si=uOzz4UYZRc2nFOP8FV…

1
Mystic Garv is officially UNRELIABLE! 27:48

2M ago27:48

27:48

It’s a new week at Times Towers. In today’s episode, Jane reflects on giving grow-your-own mushrooms to former partners, while Fi shares creative ways to prevent baby foxes from wandering into the house. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sprg864IXC96he?si=uOzz4UYZRc2nFOP8FV_1jg&pi=BGoacntaS_uki If you wa…

1
I want to be Lonnie when I grow up! (in paid partnership with Washington D.C, featuring Lonnie G. Bunch III) 15:50

2M ago15:50

15:50

In this special bonus episode brought to you by Washington, DC, Jane and Fi learn about the many experiences waiting in the U.S. capital. They chat with Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, which brings powerful stories, rich history and cultural gems to life across its 17 free museums and the National Zoo throughout the c…

1
Scrunch, fold or flatten? (with Janet Street-Porter) 54:12

2M ago54:12

54:12

There’s no judgement to be had on a deserted beach, but there’s plenty to be had on this podcast… Jane and Fi chat about topless men, 'Fifty Shades of Grey', gilets, and loo roll formation. Plus, journalist and broadcaster Janet Street-Porter reflects on her career ahead of her upcoming tour 'Off the Leash'. You can listen to the playlist here: htt…

1
Greatest Tits Radio (with Max Hastings) 1:01:40

2M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Off the back of that dramatic Lionesses game, Jane and Fi muse over why they never went pro... They also consider scary airplane toilet noises, midges in Scotland, and crap on your kitchen island. Plus, bear with us as we make a screeching gear change from all that to geopolitics with journalist and historian Sir Max Hastings. Jane and Fi speak to …

1
Late-in-life moustache experimentation 1:00:14

2M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

This podcast episode boasts bespoke emails, quality insights (sometimes), high-spec royal musings, excellent conversation links, and editing to a very high standard (not really). Plus, journalist and writer Alison Phillips talks about helping to write 'Remember When', the memoir of her friend and former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips, who is living …

1
Getting a smear test in a Toyota Yaris? 51:26

2M ago51:26

51:26

Jane and Fi are back together after two weeks apart and there's much to discuss! They cover bullsh*t merchants, Coldplay concerts, and toilet paper. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sprg864IXC96he?si=uOzz4UYZRc2nFOP8FV_1jg&pi=BGoacntaS_uki If you want to come and see us at Fringe by the Sea, you can buy…

1
OFF AIR... EXTRA 14:33

3M ago14:33

14:33

Welcome back to another Friday special. This week's bonus episode features an interview with James Coney, news projects editor at The Sunday Times. The interview was originally broadcast on our Times Radio afternoon show (2–4 pm, Monday to Thursday). Earlier this week, Keir Starmer faced a rebellion from his backbenchers over support for children w…

1
A thunderous bra strap with three clasps and a padlock 43:31

3M ago43:31

43:31

It's the final Off Air episode before we take a week's hiatus. Jane and Fi will return on July 21st. Today, Jamal and Fi chat the ugly shoe phenomenon, more banned words, and pet subscriptions. Plus, Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, sits in for Jane Garvey on the Times Radio live show. She speaks to Susannah Fiennes, an artist who h…

1
A small boat with a flat bottom... (with Vassos Alexander) 53:37

3M ago53:37

53:37

Boom! A knowledge chunk of joy is coming your way in this episode! Keep an eye out for that… Jamal and Fi also chat retirement, capes, murals, and banned words. Plus, Virgin Radio’s Vassos Alexander discusses his new book 'Swimmingly'. If you want to come and see us at Fringe by the Sea, you can buy tickets here: www.fringebythesea.com/fi-jane-and-…

1
Embracing the corned beef leg look (with Christina Lamb) 48:50

3M ago48:50

48:50

Jamal's cosplaying continues and today she's bringing Parisian chic... Jane and Fi also chat fake tanning, neglected inflatables and emojis. Plus, Christina Lamb, Sunday Times chief foreign correspondent and bestselling author, discusses the Imperial War Museum exhibition ‘Unsilenced: Sexual Violence in Conflict’. You can check out The Squiz here: …

1
Off to North Berwick with my trusty travel glockenspiel 40:30

3M ago40:30

40:30

Fi and Jamal Kerrins find common ground in their (40-)love for tennis in this Wimbledon-mad email-only episode (Jamal even brings her visor). They also cover neck pillows, emoji growth, and banned words. If you want to come and see us at Fringe by the Sea, you can buy tickets here: www.fringebythesea.com/fi-jane-and-judy-murray/ And if you fancy se…

1
Watching Strictly via Wollongong (with Jack Mosley) 52:43

3M ago52:43

52:43

In Jane and Fi's last episode together for two weeks, they bounce from the Cotswolds to Wollongong to Crete. They also peruse Fi's last six Google searches and ponder estate agent jargon. Please note: this episode also comes with an accent warning—proceed with caution! Plus, Dr. Jack Mosley, son of the late Michael Mosley, discusses his book Food N…

Ian Spector Podcasts