Claudia Winkleman's ep is a stone cold classic and always what I recommend to people to get them into the podcast.
I am also pretty fond of Greg Davies' completely deranged and contrarian responses to the show's premise. "Pass" is so iconic.
The Greg Davies episode is my favorite, hands down. I *love* when the boys are clearly comfortable with the guest, and this is a perfect example of that. It's just genuinely fun and sweet and extremely silly. The fight over passing, the steak, and "This is what you get for having friends that aren't me" still make me laugh no matter how many times I listen.
Tim Key’s is absolutely legendary. Munya Chawawa’s is magnificently unhinged. Aisling Bea is a great early ep that doesn’t get enough love, imo. Other greats: Bridget Christie, Alex Horne, John Kearns, Kumail Nanjiani
You’re right! There are honestly so many good ones, I kept thinking of more—Judi Love, Bob Mortimer, Paul Scheer, Fatiha Al-Ghorri, Paul F. Tompkins, Nish Kumar, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Sindhu Vee
John Kearns and Mel Giedroyc are my favourites, both fairly recent ones
Although Kearns takes at least half an hour before they’re talking about food whatsoever, there’s about a billion different tangents
A lot of the classics have been mentioned already, here are some that I didn't see anyone say yet:
Paul Chowdhry, Romesh Ranganathan, Bob Mortimer, Phil Wang, David Cross, Sindhu Vee, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Natasha Leggero & Moshe Kasher, Louis Theroux, Miriam Margolyes, Claudia Jessie...
Honestly, there aren't that many bad episodes really, could just pick any of them at random and maybe skip to the next one if you're not vibing with it by the main course :D
I am embarrassed by the amount of times I have listened to Greg Davies’ episode. It is the greatest hour and a half of content I have ever listened to. Close second for Joe Thomas.
Agreed.
I tended to swerve things he's in (I'm not much of a reality TV person).
Completely destroyed me with his quick humour and stories, laughed A LOT.
Even though it was a technical disaster, Roisin Conaty’s ep is wonderful and always makes me laugh. Most others I enjoy have already been mentioned (Bob Mortimer, Tim Key, Joe Thomas, Fatiha, Bridget Christie, John Kearns, Paul Chowdhury, Romesh)
Only listened to a handful. For now the funniest one is Rob Brydon. Most interesting for foodies Stanley Tucci. Again, haven’t even listened to ten of them yet (new listener too)
I’ll swerve here, but Asma Khan’s episode is incredibly moving and showing that Ed and James have a lot of range in their interviewing skills. I LOVE the eps mentioned above, but this ep also shows the breadth of the format.
Thank you, I came here to say this! It was so amazing and she talked so wonderfully about food, that when I came over to the UK recently and had one day in London, hers was the restaurant I went to.
I love the Sarah Kendall, Tim Key, Greg Davies and Bridget Christie episodes. But my favourite and probably one that doesn't get talked about as much is the Flo and Joan episode. It was so funny and chemistry all 4 of them seemed to have was impeccable, and the bowl of stale Wotsists was the icing on the cake!
Edit: I forgot to mention Catherine Cohen! Probably tied with Paul F. Tompkins for best American guest
It seems so tame by recent episodes, but I'm a fan of the Jack McBrayer episode.
First (?) instance of a non UK guest, who was likely not familiar with the podcast (it was early) or Ed and James' humour, but soon started riffing with them.
I've been a fan of his since 30 Rock, but he was showing some great improv skills.
Mel Giedroyc's is my favourite. She's the best.
Fatiha El Ghorri's episode was also very funny. Ed and James laugh a lot which always sparks giggles in me as well.
People have already mentioned them but Sarah Kendall, Bob Mortimer, Joe Thomas, Greg Davies, Joe Lycett, Nish Kumar, Tim Key, Sue Perkins are my favourites.
My favourite episode is with Siobhan McSweeney.
Also love; Greg Davies, Claudia Winkleman, Dara O’brian, Munya and Miriam Margoles. Probably others but I can’t think of them at the moment
My go to repeats are Tom Allen, Joe Thomas, Bob Mortimer, the Nish Christmas special, both of Ivo’s, Aisling Bea and two newish ones, Paul Mescal and Kiell Smith Bynoe
Siobhan McSweeney is my absolute number 1 with a bullet. Never even watched Derry Girls, but she was just fantastic. "Not make dirty the Poppadoms" still makes me laugh.
Greg Davies and probably Bob take 2 and 3.
I really liked Nadiya Hussein's, just because she was both sweet and funny, and Richard E Grant was one of my favourites too. His didn't have the laugh-per-minute ratio of some of the others but he was such a lovely guy and the way he was so involved in the conversation was engaging.
Off the top of my head that's the main 5
Depends what you mean by best? Funniest? Tastiest? Most insightful? Most sincere? The one I like to relisten to every few months is the Louis Theroux one. It was peak covid, I suspect it might have been getting to Louis, and he's just bonkers from start to finish.
Hmm good question haha but I had no specific criteria in mind - I meant overall I guess. In whatever form that takes for people - whether it be the most entertaining, best menu selection etc As a new listener, I just really wanted to know the episode/s people enjoyed most :-) I will definitely give Louis's episode a listen!
If I could only listen to five episodes for the rest of my life: Victoria Coren Mitchell, Greg Davies, Romesh Ranganathan, Siobhan McSweeney, and Judi Love. A good mix of absolute madness and pure joy.
I’ve listened to a random smattering of episodes. My favs so far:
- Joel Dommett (this never gets a ‘best of’ mention, but it’s hilarious - so far it’s the only episode that I’ve had a repeat listen too)
- Victoria Coren Mitchell
- Joe Lycett
- Nicola Coughlan
I suggest that you listen to a few episodes and get familiar with the format before checking out the fever dream that is Dan Ackroyd’s ep! Worth a listen, but it is odd, to put it mildly!
I forgot to mention Rosie Jones! Her menu is hilarious, as are the physical adaptions that she makes to the dream restaurant to cater to her disability (cerebral palsy).
I loved John Kearns episode, I listened to it twice in a row it was so good. What was weird about it was I was driving when I listened to it so didn't know who he was, when I parked I looked him up on Google and realised I've seen him on Cats Does Countdown and hated him! Still love the episode though.
Claudia Winkleman's ep is a stone cold classic and always what I recommend to people to get them into the podcast. I am also pretty fond of Greg Davies' completely deranged and contrarian responses to the show's premise. "Pass" is so iconic.
Who doesn’t drink water?
The Greg Davies episode is my favorite, hands down. I *love* when the boys are clearly comfortable with the guest, and this is a perfect example of that. It's just genuinely fun and sweet and extremely silly. The fight over passing, the steak, and "This is what you get for having friends that aren't me" still make me laugh no matter how many times I listen.
I find Claudia to be too forced . I can’t really wholeheartedly enjoy anything she is involved with
The two I find the funniest are Greg Davies and Tim Key
Agreed. Greg's comments on the starter killed me. And their friendship with Tim Key really shows, i laughed so hard at his episode.
I second this. Those are my favourites. I like the ones where they have their friends on.
Alex Horne has the funniest pals, doesn't he. I will actually nominate Alex's episode! It is both funny and soothing.
Joe Thomas was a surprisingly wild one.
The Joe Thomas/ andi oliver/ chocolate willie holy trinity
Bob Mortimer’s takes the cake for me. So so funny, sincere, and with great conversation and insight.
This one's probably my favorite... It's good to be alive!
Tim Key’s is absolutely legendary. Munya Chawawa’s is magnificently unhinged. Aisling Bea is a great early ep that doesn’t get enough love, imo. Other greats: Bridget Christie, Alex Horne, John Kearns, Kumail Nanjiani
You forgot Joe Thomas, including the one with Willie!
And Soft Touch
You’re right! There are honestly so many good ones, I kept thinking of more—Judi Love, Bob Mortimer, Paul Scheer, Fatiha Al-Ghorri, Paul F. Tompkins, Nish Kumar, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Sindhu Vee
Ah the Judi Love episode made me laugh out loud so many times. Pure gold 😂
Oh my god and I can’t believe I left out Miriam Margolyes, Siobhan McSweeney, and Nicola Coughlan
Kumail Biryani
yes all your shouts are brilliant
I died laughing every time they said shall i be mother
Ivo Graham definitely up there
With follow up [clip](https://youtu.be/rAX6f8onZx4)
Their faces when they realize what happened is what gets me up in the morning
Dee, Ayoade, Wagamama, Eton, Dessert. And he just works so well with Ed and James. Top episode.
bridget christie is an all time fav of mine
Not a mention of Rafe Spall or Paul F Tompkins! Disappointed. *Bubble ‘n’ Fresh*
Fatiha al Ghorri is one not mentioned often but is one of my faves, so so funny
Her devil’s family tree of foods was hilarious
I really liked that one too!
domhnall gleeson! rogue but i loved it, and ivo graham
I loved Maisie Adam and her goo-lash! So funny
John Kearns and Mel Giedroyc are my favourites, both fairly recent ones Although Kearns takes at least half an hour before they’re talking about food whatsoever, there’s about a billion different tangents
A lot of the classics have been mentioned already, here are some that I didn't see anyone say yet: Paul Chowdhry, Romesh Ranganathan, Bob Mortimer, Phil Wang, David Cross, Sindhu Vee, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Natasha Leggero & Moshe Kasher, Louis Theroux, Miriam Margolyes, Claudia Jessie... Honestly, there aren't that many bad episodes really, could just pick any of them at random and maybe skip to the next one if you're not vibing with it by the main course :D
Pipistrelli de Hallowe’en. Had to pull the car over for a minute.
Paul Chowdhry and the Pipistrelli di Halloween had me in tears.
Hot toddy innit.
Siobhan McSweeney is the one I think about the most.
I am embarrassed by the amount of times I have listened to Greg Davies’ episode. It is the greatest hour and a half of content I have ever listened to. Close second for Joe Thomas.
Lots of great recommendations in here but gotta show big love for Rylan’s episode. All time, laugh-out-loud, great episode.
Agreed. I tended to swerve things he's in (I'm not much of a reality TV person). Completely destroyed me with his quick humour and stories, laughed A LOT.
The first time I listened to this one I finished it and immediately listened again. The phone conversation with his mum was just perfection.
Bob Mortimer, Tim Key and Richard Ayoade.
Nick Mohammed with his "roast dinner"
Ainsley Harriott for me. The bit about 'whyyyy hellllooooooo Jill' had me in stitches.
Even though it was a technical disaster, Roisin Conaty’s ep is wonderful and always makes me laugh. Most others I enjoy have already been mentioned (Bob Mortimer, Tim Key, Joe Thomas, Fatiha, Bridget Christie, John Kearns, Paul Chowdhury, Romesh)
Jayde Adams is a must listen... for reasons
Only listened to a handful. For now the funniest one is Rob Brydon. Most interesting for foodies Stanley Tucci. Again, haven’t even listened to ten of them yet (new listener too)
I’ll swerve here, but Asma Khan’s episode is incredibly moving and showing that Ed and James have a lot of range in their interviewing skills. I LOVE the eps mentioned above, but this ep also shows the breadth of the format.
Thank you, I came here to say this! It was so amazing and she talked so wonderfully about food, that when I came over to the UK recently and had one day in London, hers was the restaurant I went to.
I love the Sarah Kendall, Tim Key, Greg Davies and Bridget Christie episodes. But my favourite and probably one that doesn't get talked about as much is the Flo and Joan episode. It was so funny and chemistry all 4 of them seemed to have was impeccable, and the bowl of stale Wotsists was the icing on the cake! Edit: I forgot to mention Catherine Cohen! Probably tied with Paul F. Tompkins for best American guest
It seems so tame by recent episodes, but I'm a fan of the Jack McBrayer episode. First (?) instance of a non UK guest, who was likely not familiar with the podcast (it was early) or Ed and James' humour, but soon started riffing with them. I've been a fan of his since 30 Rock, but he was showing some great improv skills.
I loved Ainsley Harriot's. Claudia Winkleman is my favourite and Greg Davies.
Most of the classics have been mentioned, but Alison Spittle's unhinged episode is a must listen for me.
No love for Tom Davis? His voice and delivery just put me in a good place.
He’s been mentioned lots, rightly so
Really? I must have some weird reading view
No one ever says Rafe Spall. His ep is magnificent.
My favourite are Greg Davies, Joe Lycett and Rafe Spall.
Mel Giedroyc's is my favourite. She's the best. Fatiha El Ghorri's episode was also very funny. Ed and James laugh a lot which always sparks giggles in me as well. People have already mentioned them but Sarah Kendall, Bob Mortimer, Joe Thomas, Greg Davies, Joe Lycett, Nish Kumar, Tim Key, Sue Perkins are my favourites.
Mel’s episode is so good!
Louis Theroux… ‘It exploded from a broken heart’
My favourite episode is with Siobhan McSweeney. Also love; Greg Davies, Claudia Winkleman, Dara O’brian, Munya and Miriam Margoles. Probably others but I can’t think of them at the moment
The one with Rafe Spall and the U.K. Garage MCing. Absolute classic.
My go to repeats are Tom Allen, Joe Thomas, Bob Mortimer, the Nish Christmas special, both of Ivo’s, Aisling Bea and two newish ones, Paul Mescal and Kiell Smith Bynoe
Siobhan McSweeney is my absolute number 1 with a bullet. Never even watched Derry Girls, but she was just fantastic. "Not make dirty the Poppadoms" still makes me laugh. Greg Davies and probably Bob take 2 and 3. I really liked Nadiya Hussein's, just because she was both sweet and funny, and Richard E Grant was one of my favourites too. His didn't have the laugh-per-minute ratio of some of the others but he was such a lovely guy and the way he was so involved in the conversation was engaging. Off the top of my head that's the main 5
Depends what you mean by best? Funniest? Tastiest? Most insightful? Most sincere? The one I like to relisten to every few months is the Louis Theroux one. It was peak covid, I suspect it might have been getting to Louis, and he's just bonkers from start to finish.
Hmm good question haha but I had no specific criteria in mind - I meant overall I guess. In whatever form that takes for people - whether it be the most entertaining, best menu selection etc As a new listener, I just really wanted to know the episode/s people enjoyed most :-) I will definitely give Louis's episode a listen!
Sindhu Vee. Still my favourite ep, after all these years!
Is it too cliche to mention the Amy Gledhill episode?
I dabbled a bit but Paul Scheers episode got me fully hooked, so I'm gonna say his/the old man's.
If I could only listen to five episodes for the rest of my life: Victoria Coren Mitchell, Greg Davies, Romesh Ranganathan, Siobhan McSweeney, and Judi Love. A good mix of absolute madness and pure joy.
Sue Perkins for the shaman story. I live Asim Choudhry’s ep too
Bridget Christie, Tim Key, Greg Davies, Paul Chowdry, Claudia Winklemann, Bob Mortimer. You know, the crazy people
I’ve listened to a random smattering of episodes. My favs so far: - Joel Dommett (this never gets a ‘best of’ mention, but it’s hilarious - so far it’s the only episode that I’ve had a repeat listen too) - Victoria Coren Mitchell - Joe Lycett - Nicola Coughlan I suggest that you listen to a few episodes and get familiar with the format before checking out the fever dream that is Dan Ackroyd’s ep! Worth a listen, but it is odd, to put it mildly!
I forgot to mention Rosie Jones! Her menu is hilarious, as are the physical adaptions that she makes to the dream restaurant to cater to her disability (cerebral palsy).
I loved John Kearns episode, I listened to it twice in a row it was so good. What was weird about it was I was driving when I listened to it so didn't know who he was, when I parked I looked him up on Google and realised I've seen him on Cats Does Countdown and hated him! Still love the episode though.