View From My Sofa

Episodes

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  Matt Damon and Casey Affleck on growing up together, handling fame and The Instigators 12.02.2025 28m

  For this very special, bonus episode of the Radio Times Podcast, I, Kelly-Anne Taylor am joined by Oscar-winning Hollywood A listers, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. They both grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts and have been friends since childhood. Their teenage years were spent travelling to New York to auditions – and both eventually dropped out of university (Matt from Harvard, and Casey from Columbia) to pursue acting full-time. And – it paid off. Matt rose to fame, writing and starring in Good Will Hunting – and went on to carve out a rich and brilliant career, with movies like The Martian, The Talented Mr Ripley, and Jason Bourne. Similarly, Casey Affleck, the younger brother of Ben Affleck, has also made his mark – winning an Oscar for his turn in Manchester by the Sea. Now, the pair have teamed up for Apple TV’s action-packed heist drama, The Instigators. They play two strangers from different walks of life, thrown together to rob a corrupt politician. In this episode, we talk about how they met, handling fame and press intrusion – and, how being behind the screens has given them greater autonomy over their careers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Matt Damon and Casey Affleck on growing up together, handling fame and The Instigators 12.02.2025 28m

  For this very special, bonus episode of the Radio Times Podcast, I, Kelly-Anne Taylor am joined by Oscar-winning Hollywood A listers, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. They both grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts and have been friends since childhood. Their teenage years were spent travelling to New York to auditions – and both eventually dropped out of university (Matt from Harvard, and Casey from Columbia) to pursue acting full-time. And – it paid off. Matt rose to fame, writing and starring in Good Will Hunting – and went on to carve out a rich and brilliant career, with movies like The Martian, The Talented Mr Ripley, and Jason Bourne. Similarly, Casey Affleck, the younger brother of Ben Affleck, has also made his mark – winning an Oscar for his turn in Manchester by the Sea. Now, the pair have teamed up for Apple TV’s action-packed heist drama, The Instigators. They play two strangers from different walks of life, thrown together to rob a corrupt politician. In this episode, we talk about how they met, handling fame and press intrusion – and, how being behind the screens has given them greater autonomy over their careers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Max Whitlock on the Olympics, life as a gymnast and retirement 12.02.2025 39m

  This week, for our series finale, I, Kelly-Anne Taylor, bring to you our Olympics special – it is an interview with the most successful British gymnast of all time – the six-time Olympic medallist, and the most successful pommel horse worker in the Games’ history – it’s Max Whitlock. In this episode, we reflect on his career – how he started gymnastics, his training regime during his teenage years (which hit highs of 35 hours a week – alongside school!) and competing in London in 2012. We also talk about a period of low mental health that he experienced after the Tokyo Olympics – and how having his daughter Willow, altered his approach to the sport. Plus, he talks about preparing for the Paris games and reveals why he has chosen to retire now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Emma Gannon on writing, the joys of slowing down and Ctrl-Alt-Delete 12.02.2025 37m

  This week I, Kelly-Anne Taylor, am joined by the best-selling author, Emma Gannon. She began her career working in magazines – she’s written columns for The Telegraph and The Sunday Times and was the Social Media Editor at Glamour. She created the hit podcast, Ctrl, Alt, Delete which racked up over 13 million downloads and saw her sit down with the likes of Elizabeth Gilbert, Lena Dunham and Gillian Anderson to talk about their work, wellbeing and creativity. She is also the writer behind The Hyphen on Substack, a six-figure business – which is described as ‘a cosy, online space for curious readers’. On top of that – she has written six best-selling books to date including The Success Myth, and, her debut novel Olive. Now, she is releasing A Year of Nothingness – a memoir, focusing on her time spent doing nothing following a period of burn-out. In this episode, we talk about the joys of slowing down, the beauty of cold water swimming, the power of slow news – and learning to say ‘no’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Diane von Furstenberg on the secret to her success, marrying royalty and turning down Bowie and Mick Jagger 12.02.2025 27m

  Whilst I, Kelly-Anne Taylor, was away, reporting from the field at Glastonbury – RT had the incredible opportunity to interview Diane Von Furstenberg for the podcast. Despite my absence, I didn’t think it was fair – that our lovely listeners should miss out on an incredible episode with an incredible guest and so I recruited, my Smart TV co-host, the wonderful Caroline Frost, to take-over for this episode! Diane Von Furstenberg – you’ll know as the iconic fashion designer who created the wrap-dress. But, she is also a lady who has lived and a new documentary, Woman in Charge on Disney+, gives us a glimpse into her fascinating life story. She was born and raised in Brussels in 1946. Her mother, only 18 months before Diane was born, had been imprisoned at Auschwitz. Diane’s mother left a lasting impact and influence over Diane – which she talks about with Caroline in the episode. Diane entered high-society when she married a German Prince, Egon von Furstenberg. They moved to New York and this is when Diane kickstarted her fashion career. It was the 70s and life was governed by hedonism – in this episode, she talks about turning down a threesome with Bowie and Mick Jagger and rubbing shoulders with the greats. She also reflects on the highs and lows of her life, her sensuality and how it defined her brand and breaking glass ceilings as a woman in business. I hope you enjoy this episode and I’ll be back next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Emma Myers on Wednesday, British accents and not going out 12.02.2025 20m

  Joining me, Kelly-Anne Taylor, for this very special bonus episode of the Radio Times Podcast is the phenomenal actress, Emma Myers. Born and raised in Orlando in America, Emma had an eclectic childhood – she was one of four and was homeschooled, often spending her days roaming the Disney theme park local to her house. Dance was her initial passion – but, after her family moved to Atlanta, she began to pursue acting. Her life changed forever, when she was cast as Enid Sinclair in Tim Burton’s Wednesday – Netflix’s second most watched show of all time. In this episode, we talk about starring in Wednesday – and how she went from having 900 followers on Instagram to just under 12 million in a matter of weeks – and how she dealt with that explosion in popularity. Plus, we talk about A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – in which she stars as Pip, a precocious teenager who decides to investigate the unsolved murder of a young schoolgirl. It’s a delightful bonus episode – I really hope you enjoy it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  David Tennant on Doctor Who, his religious upbringing and Good Omens 11.02.2025 32m

  This week’s guest is a hallmark of British TV – it’s national treasure, David Tennant. He sits down with Kelly-Anne Taylor to talk about his first TV memory – watching Doctor Who, and witnessing Jon Pertwee turn into Tom Baker – and how he can’t wrap his head around how things ultimately panned out. Plus, we talk about Good Omens, Christianity and why Michael Sheen isn’t the ying to David’s yang. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Sophie Rundle on Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack and the #MeToo Movement 11.02.2025 45m

  This week’s guest is the actress, Sophie Rundle. Her career began with a bang – when she landed the role of Ada Shelby in the hit-drama Peaky Blinders, straight out of drama school. Since then, she’s gone on to star in Sally Wainwright’s Gentleman Jack, Alibi’s The Diplomat and most recently ITV’s, After the Flood. In this episode, she talks to Kelly-Anne Taylor about how revolutionary Gentleman Jack was in depicting LGBTQ+ love stories and how it has been heralded for its portrayal of sex scenes. Rundle discusses her own experience filming intimate scenes – and how they have changed over the course of her career. Plus, she reveals how Peaky Blinders changed her life – and, the pressure she faces to look a certain way on screen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Theo James on The Gentleman, Hollywood and Divergent 11.02.2025 32m

  This week Kelly-Anne Taylor is joined by the actor, Theo James. He grew up in Buckinghamshire, the youngest of five siblings, and dreamed of a career as a musician. After reading Philosophy at the University of Nottingham, he segued into acting, enrolling as a student at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre. He catapulted to fame when he landed the leading role of Four in the YA Hollywood hit-series, Divergent. Since then, he has starred in The White Lotus, Sanditon, The Time Traveller’s Wife – and, most recently, Guy Ritchie’s The Gentleman. In this episode, he talks about the harsh realities of overnight fame, how the Me Too movement has shaped films sets and how his latest role exposes Britain’s class system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Mae Martin Christmas Special: Roast Potatoes, Terrible Presents and New Year Resolutions 11.02.2025 43m

  For our Radio Times Podcast Christmas special, host Kelly-Anne Taylor is joined by the comedian, actor and screenwriter, Mae Martin. Their first foray into stand-up came aged 13 – and by 15 Mae had dropped out of school to pursue comedy full-time. They relocated to London in their early 20s and made a name for themselves on the British comedy circuit. With two Netflix comedy specials under their belt, they’ve also conquered the world of television with the Netflix series Feel Good – which Mae stars in alongside Charlotte Richie. In this festive episode, Mae talks about how they spend the big day, what the best part of a Christmas dinner is, what part to avoid – and the worst Christmas present they have ever received. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Karen Gillan on Doctor Who, the Marvel Universe and working with Steven Moffatt 11.02.2025 35m

  Joining me, Kelly-Anne Taylor, for the first episode of this brand-new series of the Radio Times Podcast, is the Scottish actress who took Hollywood by storm, Karen Gillan. Born and raised in Inverness, she moved to London aged 18 to pursue acting – after two weeks at drama school, she dropped out and worked in a pub until she was cast in a role that would change her life – the brilliant Amy Pond in Dr Who. Since then, she’s conquered Hollywood with her role as Nebula in the Marvel film franchise. In this episode, we discuss losing your anonymity, the pressures placed on women’s bodies and her brand new show Douglas is Cancelled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Caroline O'Donoghue on Sex in the City, phone calls that don't change your life and why Irish writers are everywhere right now 11.02.2025 1h 4m

  Joining Kelly-Anne Taylor in the studio this week, is the author and journalist, Caroline O’Donoghue. In 2018, Caroline launched the podcast Sentimental Garbage – with the tagline, Justice for dumb women. What started out as a chick-lit podcast – grew into a podcast that celebrated guilty pleasures – deep-diving, unpicking, examining everything from Gilmore Girls to Little Women to Taylor Swift. In this episode, Caroline discusses how she’s got a lot of mileage out of her comfort TV Sex in the City and how she reacted when she had the rug pulled out from under her feet. Plus, we talk about her latest novel, The Rachel Incident. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Rylan on trolls, reality TV and Celebrity Traitors 11.02.2025 38m

  This week’s guest is the TV presenter and reality TV star, Rylan. He grew up on a council estate in East London – with his mum, Linda, his nan and older brother. It was the era of reality TV – and Rylan decided that was the way to make his fame and fortune. In 2012, aged 23, he appeared as a contestant on X Factor – and his emotional reaction at the judges houses and his live show performances made him an X Factor icon. He turned his moment in the limelight, into a longstanding career – pivoting into the world of presenting. In this episode, he reflects about his time on X Factor, receiving death threats and handling overnight fame. Please note that this episode contains strong language. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Joanna Lumley on the secrets of a long marriage, the Swinging Sixties and beauty 11.02.2025 41m

  This week joining Kelly-Anne Taylor, in the studio, is the British actress, presenter and author, Joanna Lumley. Born in India, in Kashmir, Srinagar – she was brought up in the Far East, coming to the UK, aged 8, to attend boarding school. She went on to work as a model and actress, living in London in the Swinging Sixties – and made her name starring as Purdy in The New Avengers. She boasts a successful career – spanning over 6 decades – she had audiences in hysterics as Patsy in hit sit-com Absolutely Fabulous, has presented wonderful travel programmes – and, of course, captured the nation in Jan Etherington’s radio show, Conversations From A Long Marriage – in which she stars alongside Roger Allum. In this episode, she talks about why she doesn’t have a mobile phone and how difficult she found it to shed the ‘pretty girl’ stereotype when she moved from modelling to acting. Plus, she talks about raising a child as a single mother, how playing Purdy in The New Avengers changed things financially for her and why she wishes sex scenes would be cut from TV and film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Dan Schreiber on weirdos, a letter from Richard Curtis and Indiana Jones 11.02.2025 1h 14m

  This week’s guest is one of the QI Elves behind the hit podcast, No Such Thing As A Fish – it is Dan Schreiber! In this episode Dan sits down with Kelly-Anne Taylor to discuss how he broke into the TV industry and why he moved to London at 19 after receiving a letter from Richard Curtis. Plus, they speak about being starstruck, encouraging your inner weirdo and why it’s good to be in the wrong place at the right time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Chris Packham and Megan Mccubbin take over for Earth Day! 11.02.2025 39m

  For this special episode of the Radio Times Podcast, Kelly-Anne Taylor is joined by the conservationists Chris Packham and Megan Mccubbin. Packham was born in Southampton in 1961 and spent much of his childhood exploring the nature he found at his doorstep. As a teenager with autism, he was picked on at school – his solace was the outside world. After studying Zoology at the University of Southampton, Packham found himself in the world of television and film, taking still photographs – but it was his audition for The Really Wild Show which kickstarted his career. Today, he is recognised as one of Britain’s most prominent wildlife TV presenters. He joins the podcast, alongside his step-daughter the conservationist and TV presenter, Megan McCubbin. In this episode, we discuss the perils of activism, the everyday changes everyone can make to fight climate change – and, the beauty of watching telly together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ed Gamble on The Traitors, weight-loss and dieting fads 11.02.2025 44m

  Happy New Year! Welcome to the first episode of The Radio Times Podcast in 2024! Joining host Kelly-Anne Taylor, this week, is the comedian – Ed Gamble! He first ventured into comedy whilst studying at the University of Durham and quickly made a name for himself on the London comedy scene – juggling part-time jobs with late-night gigs. A regular on panel shows, Ed Gamble has also found success talking about food – he is a judge on the BBC’s Great British Menu and host of the chart-topping food podcast, Off Menu – alongside James Acaster. In this episode, he talks about how losing 7 stone in his early 20s impacted how people treated him and why, as a type 1 diabetic, he hates dieting brands using medication intended for diabetics to promote weight-loss. Plus, he talks about the return of The Traitors and unpicks why everyone is obsessed with the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Hairy Bikers on good grub, celebrating life and having ideas above your station 11.02.2025 45m

  In this week’s episode, host Kelly-Anne Taylor is joined by TV chefs, Si King and Dave Myers – aka The Hairy Bikers. Dave was born and raised in Barrow-in-Furness, and Si in Kibblesworth County Durham and both brought up in working-class families. They met on the TV set on Catherine Cookson’s The Gambling Man – Si was the second assistant director and Dave, head of make-up. It was their united love of motorbikes and good grub that helped launch The Hairy Bikers – but it’s not always been an easy ride. In this episode, they discuss low-ratings and the Christmas special that was supposed to be their swan-song, Dave’s on-going battle with cancer and why Christmas means so much to them this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Andi and Miquita Oliver on dreaming big, turning trauma into your superpower and knowing your worth 11.02.2025 1h 1m

  This week’s guests are the mother-daughter duo dominating the broadcast world, Andi and Miquita Oliver. We discuss their broadcast careers, why both of them needed to take a step away from the industry, why if your dreams don’t scare you they are not big enough – and how despite having a challenging relationship with food in the past, it has become the backbone of their success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Tamsin Greig on being a working mother, playing baddies and hysterical laughing on set 11.02.2025 50m

  This week’s guest is the actress, Tamsin Greig. She grew up in London with her parents, two sisters – 5 lodgers and a handful of cats. Her mother had been in amateur dramatics – and Tamsin, absorbed by osmosis, the yearning to perform at a young age. She graduated from the University of Birmingham with a first-class BA in Drama and Theatre – and then, worked at the Family Planning Association – before getting her foot in the door with her role as Debbie Aldridge in The Archers. Since then – she has had a glittering career on both the stage and on television. She has starred in some of Britain’s most loved sitcoms – from Black Books to Green Wing – and most recently, Friday Night Dinner. In this episode, she discusses what it’s like to juggle parenthood with working life, her love of trampolining and playing a baddie in Paramount’s new drama, Sexy Beast, based on the cult-classic gangster film of the 00s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices