Best Jo El Podcasts (2025)

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Hungary: Béla Kiss and the Lonely Hearts Murders 23:18

Play Pause

3h ago23:18

23:18

Episode 14 of 15 | Season 36: Serial Killers in History In a locked storage chamber in rural Hungary, seven sealed metal drums waited to reveal their terrible secrets—each containing the perfectly preserved body of a woman who had answered a marriage advertisement. The investigation into Hungary's most prolific lonely hearts killer reaches its chil…

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Marrakesh: The Shoemaker Who Buried 36 Women 26:23

7d ago26:23

26:23

Season 36, Episode 13 of our Serial Killers in History series. This episode examines one of North Africa's most notorious crimes and the execution that shocked the world. In the spring of 1906, authorities in Marrakesh make a discovery that will reverberate across continents. Beneath the packed-earth floor of a modest shoemaker's workshop, they unc…

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Netherlands: The Angel of Death's 27 Victims 32:32

9d ago32:32

32:32

In the fog-shrouded streets of 1880s Leiden, a woman everyone called "Good Mary" brought food to the sick, consoled the grieving, and prepared the dead for burial. For three years, she was the angel of her neighborhood—the trusted caregiver who helped when no one else would. No one suspected that the porridge she served was laced with arsenic. No o…

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El Chalequero - Francisco Guerrero Pérez 44:13

15d ago44:13

44:13

The shepherd saw everything—watched as El Chalequero dragged an elderly woman toward the Consulado River, pulled a knife from his Episode 11 of 15 | Season 36: Serial Killers in History Mexico City's first documented serial killer hunted working-class women for nearly three decades. This episode examines the systemic failures that allowed Francisco…

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Finland: Matti Haapoja and the Great Famine Murders 31:19

23d ago31:19

31:19

Episode 10 of 15 | Series 36: Serial Killers in History Finland's first documented serial killer terrorized two continents across three decades. This episode traces Matti Haapoja's brutal journey from famine-ravaged Finland to Siberian exile and back—a life defined by escape, violence, and ultimately, one final act of defiance. Victim Humanization …

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Geneva: The Nurse Who Poisoned Her Patients 30:30

1M ago30:30

30:30

On a warm June afternoon in 1868, a 24-year-old woman accepted a glass of lemonade from her nurse at a Geneva boarding house. Within moments, her pupils dilated grotesquely, her heart pounded violently, and reality dissolved into nightmare. That glass of lemonade broke open one of Switzerland's most disturbing criminal cases. SEASON & EPISODE CONTE…

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From the archive (season 4): Graham Norton 44:28

1M ago44:28

44:28

Grace is serving up some of her old favourites to curl up to as autumn turns to winter. In this episode, it’s Grace’s couch that gets the star treatment as Graham Norton comes round to chat all things Comfort Eating. We all know Graham from his work interviewing megastars on his chatshow, as well as his much loved radio show, but there’s lots to Gr…

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Philippines: The Priest Who Murdered 57 Parishioners 35:28

1M ago35:28

35:28

In 1826, fellow priests caring for an ailing Father Juan Severino Mallari made a horrifying discovery in his residence: bloodstained clothing belonging to dozens of missing parishioners. Over the next ten years, investigators would uncover fifty-seven murders committed by the parish priest of Magalang, Pampanga—a man who believed killing his congre…

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From the archive (season 6): Katie Price 43:51

2M ago43:51

43:51

Grace is serving up some of her old favourites to curl up to as autumn turns to winter. Legendary glamour model turned reality TV star, Katie Price joins Grace. One of the most photographed and filmed women of our times, splashed across page 3 and lads mags as Jordan 30 years ago, then in six of her own TV series, multiple documentaries and reality…

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Australia: The Berrima Axe Murderer of 1842 36:35

2M ago36:35

36:35

In February 1842, a dingo unearthed a shallow grave near Ironstone Bridge, revealing the decomposing body of an Irish immi Kearns Landregan was twenty-seven years old when he died on a dusty colonial road seven miles from Berrima. An Irish immigrant who'd traveled halfway around the world seeking opportunity in Australia, Landregan worked as a carr…

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From the archive (season 1): Russell T Davies 38:59

2M ago38:59

38:59

Grace is serving up some of her old favourites to curl up to as autumn turns to winter. Award-winning Doctor Who and It’s A Sin screenwriter Russell T Davies tells Grace about some of the most important moments in his life – and the comfort food that has seen him through them. The pair discuss love at first sight, recent loss, and how Woolworth’s p…

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India: Thug Behram and the Thuggee Stranglers 13:56

2M ago13:56

13:56

In colonial India, travelers befriend strangers on the road, sharing meals and stories, unaware these companions will be. Episode 5 of 15 | Season 36: Serial Killers in History Thug Behram's 40-year reign of terror across colonial India reveals the most prolific serial killer ever documented, whose ritualistic methods would help shape modern crimin…

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From the archive (season 5): Nadiya Hussain 35:25

2M ago35:25

35:25

Grace is serving up some of her old favourites to curl up to as autumn turns to winter. Cosying up with Grace is none other than the queen of baking and all our hearts – Nadiya Hussain. The Bake Off star, whose triumph in the tent launched a TV, writing and culinary career of which dreams are made, is dropping by Grace’s home to share her loves, he…

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From the archive (season 2): Stephen Fry 48:46

2M ago48:46

48:46

Grace is serving up some of her old favourites to curl up to as the darker days of autumn arrive. In this episode, Grace is joined by none other than Stephen Fry. They talk about his childhood, memories of prison, cooking for his husband – and the comfort foods that have seen him through it allBy The Guardian

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S10, Ep12: Fatiha El-Ghorri, comedian 47:36

2M ago47:36

47:36

Comedian and writer Fatiha El-Ghorri pops round to Grace’s for a snack and a chat. Hackney born and bred, Fatiha is an east London girl through and through, but with her Muslim faith being a huge pillar of her life, and her parent’s Moroccan heritage, Fatiha’s standup covers everything from identity and culture, to the horrors of modern dating. But…

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S10, Ep11: Sally Wainwright, TV writer 39:37

3M ago39:37

39:37

By The Guardian

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S10, Ep10: Mary Portas, broadcaster 41:43

3M ago41:43

41:43

This week, broadcaster, businesswoman and retail consultant, Mary Portas OBE pulls up a chair at Grace’s dining table. Mary initially set her sights on acting and was awarded a place at Rada, but then had to give it up after both her parents died. She was left homeless and she had to look after her younger brother, but she went on to blaze a trail …

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S10, Ep9: Miriam Margolyes, actor 45:55

3M ago45:55

45:55

Sound the klaxon … we’re in National Treasure territory today as Miriam Margolyes joins Grace to discuss the joys of Jewish food, breaking wind and, of course, being naughty on national TV. Miriam is one of Britain’s most beloved actors, with her career spanning seven decades. But life hasn’t always been easy for Miriam, from her early years in war…

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S10, Ep8: Mariella Frostrup, journalist 45:01

3M ago45:01

45:01

This week on Comfort Eating, Grace is joined by one of Britain’s most beloved broadcasters – Irish-Norwegian journalist and presenter Mariella Frostrup. Speaking to Grace, Mariella opens up about her early food memories growing up between Norway and Ireland with a Scottish mother, shares a cringe-worthy dinner faux pas involving Prince Charles and …

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S10, Ep7: Alan Davies, comedian 41:41

4M ago41:41

41:41

Today, Alan Davies pays Grace a visit, a dish of his favourite comfort food in hand. The Essex-born comedian has spent more than 30 years making us laugh and his third memoir, which shares the highs and lows of his comedy career, is out soon. But what food does he turn to for energy? • The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac)…

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S10, Ep6: CMAT, singer songwriter 51:19

4M ago51:19

51:19

This week, Grace is joined by a woman who has described herself as the unwashed ITV version of Taylor Swift – CMAT. With her third album, Euro-Country, out now, a summer calendar packed full of festivals and a tour on the horizon, what is this stunning, Irish superstar eating to fuel the ride? Warning: this episode contains descriptions of drug use…

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S10, Ep5: Nicola Sturgeon, former politician 41:50

4M ago41:50

41:50

This week, Grace is buzzing to meet former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. Over the past few years, Nicola has weathered an independence referendum, Brexit, a pandemic, countless press briefings and parliamentary spats, an arrest and a divorce. So what food does she turn to when she needs some comfort?…

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From the archive (season 6): David Baddiel, comedian 44:11

4M ago44:11

44:11

As Grace Dent takes a short summer break, the team is delving into the archives to bring you some of their favourite episodes. This week, we rewind to February 2024, when legendary comedian and author David Baddiel rocked up to Grace’s house. With a career spanning 40 years on TV, stage and radio, not to mention coining anthemic football songs and …

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From the archive (season 4): Jayde Adams, comedian 37:45

5M ago37:45

37:45

As Grace Dent takes a short summer break, the team is delving into the archives to bring you some of their favourite episodes. This week, we rewind to November 2022, when Grace welcomed one of that year’s stars of Strictly Come Dancing, Jayde Adams. Jayde and Grace discuss Jayde’s Bristolian beginnings, what it takes to become a fishmonger, and wha…

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From the archive (season 4): James Norton, actor 44:53

5M ago44:53

44:53

As Grace Dent takes a short summer break, the team is delving into the archives to bring you some of their favourite episodes. This week, we rewind to January 2023, when Grace welcomed actor James Norton into her home. Grace realised there’s a lot more to learn about James, from his idyllic early years in Yorkshire, to a stint at a very religious b…

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S10, Ep4: Irvine Welsh, writer 35:45

5M ago35:45

35:45

Scottish writer Irvine Welsh joins Grace to share his ultimate comfort food. Irvine has been a towering figure in our cultural galaxy for 30 years. His bestselling novels include Porno, The Acid House, Filth and, of course, Trainspotting. Trainspotting – famously autobiographical – follows a group of heroin addicts in a deprived area of Edinburgh. …

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S10, Ep3: Samson Kayo, actor 43:34

5M ago43:34

43:34

This week on Comfort Eating, Grace is joined by Bafta-nominated actor, writer and producer Samson Kayo. Samson has been gracing our screens for more than a decade, starring in shows such as Channel 4’s Youngers, Sky’s sitcom Bloods and HBO’s Our Flag Means Death. Now, he’s currently celebrating the release of two blockbusters, Voltron and F1, in wh…

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Portugal: The Foundling Wheel Killer (1772) 37:28

5M ago37:28

37:28

In the olive groves of 18th-century Portugal, a caretaker discovered a shallow grave containing an infant's body with Episode 4 of 15 | Season 36: Serial Killers in History The investigation into Luísa de Jesus begins, revealing a systematic pattern of infant murders that would expose fatal flaws in Portugal's child welfare system and lead to her e…

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S10, Ep2: Lulu, musician 38:25

5M ago38:25

38:25

Joining Grace on this week’s episode of Comfort Eating is Lulu. Lulu was belting out songs to crowds before most of her classmates had mastered their times tables. By 15, she’d swapped school for showbiz and kicked off a six decade career with a bang – her first single Shout landed her in the charts and on the path to global stardom. She’s duetted …

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S10, Ep1: Joy Crookes, musician 43:49

6M ago43:49

43:49

Musician Joy Crookes joins Grace to kick off a brand new season of Comfort Eating. Born and raised in south London, Joy’s rich, punchy and intimate songs means her music is everywhere. With Bangladeshi and Irish heritage, Joy writes music that’s rich in politics, identity and a lot of raw feeling. Her debut album, Skin, was an intimate patchwork of…

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Comfort Eating with Grace Dent is back 0:43

6M ago0:43

0:43

Season 10 of Comfort Eating with Grace Dent will kick off on Tuesday 8 July. Join Grace and her celebrity guests, including CMAT, Irvine Welsh, Lulu and Nicola Sturgeon, as they delve into their ultimate comfort foodBy The Guardian

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Jamaica: The Mad Master of Edinburgh Castle 21:41

6M ago21:41

21:41

What drives a man from Scottish grace to Caribbean bloodshed, turning sun-drenched hills into a killing field, cloaking murdero Episode 3 of 6 | Season 36: Serial Killers in History Lewis Hutchinson's reign of terror from Edinburgh Castle in colonial Jamaica reveals how one man's twisted hospitality became a death trap for unsuspecting travelers in…

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France: La Voisin and the Affair of the Poisons 21:43

7M ago21:43

21:43

In the glittering court of Louis XIV's France, where opulence and intrigue walked hand in hand, one woman built a criminal empire that would Episode 2 of 6 | Season 36: Serial Killers in History Catherine Monvoisin's poisoning network spreads through the French aristocracy as her connections to the royal court deepen, implicating some of the most p…

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Roman Empire: History's First Serial Killer 21:52

7M ago21:52

21:52

In the shadowy corners of the Roman Empire, a woman named Locusta perfected the art of murder, becoming history's first documented Season & Episode Context: Episode 1 of 15 | Season 36: Serial Killers in History Journey back to the 1st century AD, where we meet Locusta of Gaul—the poisoner who terrorized Rome's elite and changed criminal history fo…

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S35 Ep4: The Chia Children - Evidence 22:02

9M ago22:02

22:02

In the final episode of our series on Charles and Jennifer Chia, we examine the known evidence and unanswered questions that continue to surround their tragic case. With insight from retired detectives Allan Fox and Ron Dreher, we revisit the timeline, key suspects, and overlooked details from the original 1989 investigation. From a mysterious rans…

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S9, Ep6: Suzi Ruffell, comedian 44:29

9M ago44:29

44:29

Comedian, broadcaster and podcaster Suzi Ruffell joins Grace in her east London home. Suzi’s comedy CV boasts an impressive five sellout runs at the Edinburgh festival fringe, appearances on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and The Last Leg. She talks to Grace about family life with her wife, Alice, in Brighton; her struggles with anxiety; her mum…

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S9, Ep5: Babatunde Aléshé, comedian 46:14

9M ago46:14

46:14

Joining Grace on Comfort Eating this week is actor and comedian Babatunde Aléshé. Babatunde stole the nation’s hearts with appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox, and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. He talks to Grace about how his mum is every bit the Nigerian matriarchal stereotype, the age old debate of who makes the best jollof rice, and how a …

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S9, Ep4: Dave Gorman, comedian 46:01

10M ago46:01

46:01

British comedian Dave Gorman joins Grace for another scrumptious helping of Comfort Eating. Across the noughties, Dave took the British comedy scene by storm, and is known for taking the mundane, adding some sparkle and creating an Edinburgh festival fringe show, a UK tour and a book. Now he is back with a reboot of Dave Gorman: Modern Life is Good…

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S35 Ep3: The Chia Children - Remains 21:23

10M ago21:23

21:23

In this third installment of our series on Charles and Jennifer Chia, we delve into the discovery of their remains nine months after they vanished on October 18, 1989. Retired Detective Allan Fox and Retired Detective Ron Dreher share their firsthand experiences of this tragic case, describing the remote location where the children’s bodies were fo…

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S9, Ep3: Pete Tong, DJ 47:43

10M ago47:43

47:43

This week on Comfort Eating, Grace is joined by superstar DJ, King of Ibiza, and namesake of his own rhyming slang: it’s Pete Tong MBE. Pete is one of the most influential figures in dance music; without him, house music and club culture would not be what they are today. He is about to go back on the road in the UK with his 10th year of Ibiza Class…

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S9, Ep2: Ellie Simmonds, Paralympian 47:54

10M ago47:54

47:54

This week on Comfort Eating, Grace is joined by five-time Paralympic gold medalist Ellie Simmonds. At 30, Ellie has hung up her goggles and retired from swimming, but instead of claiming an early pension, she has turned her hand to disability activism and documentary making – in 2024 she won a Bafta for her documentary Finding My Secret Family. She…

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S35 Ep2: The Chia Children - Circumstances 17:49

10M ago17:49

17:49

In this episode, we continue our investigation into the heartbreaking case of Charles and Jennifer Chia, two young children who vanished in 1989. Retired Detectives Allan Fox and Ron Dreher help piece together the circumstances surrounding their disappearance, shedding light on key locations and witness accounts. As Shane retraces their last known …

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S9, Ep1: Gary Kemp, musician 49:04

10M ago49:04

49:04

Songwriter, musician and actor, best known as a heartthrob in one of the biggest bands of the 1980s, Gary Kemp joins Grace for a brand new helping of Comfort Eating. Longtime Spandau Ballet fan Grace hears about the good old days: how Gary poured a tin of golden syrup over baby brother Martin Kemp’s head; how there were eels for dinner kept alive i…

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S35 Ep1: The Chia Children: Missing 17:51

11M ago17:51

17:51

In this episode of Foul Play, we delve into the heartbreaking and chilling unsolved case of the Chia children from Reno, Nevada. On October 18, 1989, Charles, 8, and his younger sister Jennifer, 6, vanished after a seemingly ordinary day, only for their tragic fate to unfold amid the media frenzy following a devastating earthquake. With firsthand a…

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S2 Ep94: Lies, Truth, and The Keepers 1:16:54

11M ago1:16:54

1:16:54

In this episode of Foul Play, Shane and Gemma are joined by Mike, an expert in detecting deception through body language, as they dive deep into the perplexing case of Sister Cathy. The trio scrutinizes the most promising suspects and unpacks intriguing visuals from The Keepers, shedding new light on evidence that has long baffled investigators. Co…

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S34 Ep10: Casey Anthony, Truth or Lies: The Verdict 22:22

11M ago22:22

22:22

In the final episode of Foul Play: Casey Anthony - Truth or Lies, we unravel the shocking verdict delivered after Casey Anthony's high-profile trial. The jury's decision to acquit Casey of murder, manslaughter, and child neglect leaves lingering questions about what truly happened to Caylee Anthony. Rob Dick shares his firsthand insights, highlight…

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S34 Ep9: Casey Anthony, Truth or Lies: The Trial Continues 58:10

11M ago58:10

58:10

In this episode of Foul Play: Casey Anthony - Truth or Lies, we delve deeper into the six-week trial that captivated the nation. Witness testimony reveals insights from Casey's friends, housemates, and her mother, Cindy, painting a chilling portrait of events leading up to Caylee's disappearance. Emotional moments in court highlight Cindy Anthony’s…

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S34 Ep8: Casey Anthony, Truth or Lies: The Trial Begins 39:38

12M ago39:38

39:38

In this episode, we jump to May 24, 2011—the opening day of Casey Anthony’s trial—and hear the prosecution and defense lay out two very different narratives about Caylee’s fate. We explore Rob Dick’s firsthand recollections, including his time living with Casey and her family while she was out on bail. The episode also features key trial audio clip…

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Sadiq Khan, mayor of London 44:53

12M ago44:53

44:53

To welcome in the New Year, Grace is joined by politician Sadiq Khan. Born in south London, to British Pakistani parents, he is one of eight children and was MP for Tooting before becoming London’s mayor in 2016. Now in his third term, Sadiq and Grace talk about how doughnuts fuel him during elections, the art of screwing up a tuna pasta bake, and …

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S34 Ep7: Casey Anthony, Truth or Lies: Remains 30:39

12M ago30:39

30:39

In this gripping episode of Casey Anthony: Truth or Lies, we delve into the harrowing discovery of Caylee Anthony's remains and the subsequent fallout. From the persistence of Ron Kronk, the utility worker who first raised alarms, to the controversial courtroom interrogations he faced, we explore the pivotal moments that shifted the case. Hear abou…