Elis James and John Robins

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Elis James and John Robins with big laughs and top quality #content. Email: elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk #elisandjohn

BBC Radio 5 live


    • Jan 16, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 18m AVG DURATION
    • 513 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Elis James and John Robins podcast is a comedic gem that has kept listeners entertained for years. As a 59-year-old from California, I may not be their main demographic, but I have been a devoted fan of UK comedy for over 40 years, and I can confidently say that these two are among the best in the business. Their witty banter and humorous insights have been a much-needed source of joy, especially during the last four years that included the pandemic. The addition of producer Dave only adds to the hilarity of the show. The range of laughs on this podcast is impressive, from gentle smiles to raucous belly laughs – there's something for everyone. If you're looking for a podcast that will brighten your day and bring a smile to your face, give The Elis James and John Robins podcast a go.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the undeniable chemistry between Elis James and John Robins. These two comedians play off each other effortlessly, creating comedic gold with their witty repartee. Their unique perspectives on life and hilarious observations make for an entertaining listen every time. Additionally, their ability to find humor in mundane situations and personal experiences sets them apart from other comedy podcasts. They have a knack for uncovering the oddities of human consciousness and turning them into comedic gold.

    While it's difficult to find any major flaws in this podcast, one potential drawback could be its specific appeal to a certain demographic. Some listeners might feel that the content caters more towards younger audiences or those familiar with UK culture references. However, as evidenced by my own experience as an older listener from California, age and location do not limit enjoyment of this podcast. The humor found in The Elis James and John Robins podcast transcends demographics, making it accessible to all who appreciate clever comedy.

    In conclusion, The Elis James and John Robins podcast is a must-listen for comedy fans seeking laughter and joy in their lives. These hilarious comedians have a unique ability to find humor in the mundane, the personal, and the humiliating aspects of life. Their witty banter and relatable insights keep audiences entertained from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of UK comedy or simply looking for a podcast that will make you laugh, The Elis James and John Robins podcast is well worth a listen. Give it a go and let yourself be immersed in the comedic genius of these two talented individuals.



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    Latest episodes from Elis James and John Robins

    #506 - Well Well Well Well Well

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2026 63:04


    Who's that unrecognisable figure sat across from John!? He looks full of beans, he looks young and vibrant. Why, it's Circuit Elis! And he's so back.After playing the country's most bafflingly playable gig, Elis's mood and confidence are at an all time high. He's perfected his opening gambit, he's got the country's best bullet-pointed set. That is until John bursts his bubble…John on the other hand talks us through his miracle morning that comes complete with its own (and very on brand) acronym. He also describes how he's recently boarded the porridge train, before sending a listener to the sin bin for challenging the autonomy of the UK plug.You know what they say; if you come for Dame Caroline Harriet Haslett DBE's Type G UK plug, you best not miss.Send in your plug eulogies to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp them to 07974 293 022 (preferable using a plugged in appliance).

    #505 - Head House, The Malzeard Option and Deep Blue John

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 63:10


    Today's show is one of peaks and troughs as everyone experiences their ups and downs. John puts forward a very questionable defence against a hypothetical crime, and Elis rails at scoring badly on an intelligence test.On the flip side, the state of John's brain receives numerous plaudits, and Elis tells an Oscar-worthy joke. It's classic light and shade.Elsewhere, Dave takes the team down memory lane by invoking Project Spice, as the boys taste a variety of hot chili sauces that are guaranteed to blow their heads off. Elis attempts to kick-start the Cymru Connection, we learn about JohnTech (‘mainly tech stuff'), and Elis gets blindsided by a historical meeting with a bloke on holiday who kept saying that Sheffield was massive.Emails and WhatsApps to elisandjohn@bb.co.uk and 07974 293022 respectively please.

    #504 - Re: Hell, Quezzies and The Cancellation Tapes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 55:20


    2026 is a big year for Johnny JR as he sets his sights on winning the London Marathon. And with Dave lacing up his cheating shoes to pound the P of London's streets as well, the team have quezzies.Luckily today's episode features a man who is more than capable of answering said quezzies: friend of the show and running guru Ben Parkes. It's his job to help John hack the London Marathon. Godspeed Ben.But fear not, it's not all running chat. Elis has been on the TV, John is (like Meatloaf) out of hell, and there's a cornucopia of call centre celeb stories to read.Keep your ears peeled for some fine Mad Daddery featuring ancient ONS maps, and the team imagine how John would fare on I'm A Celebrity.Reader of this description, send us an email! The address is elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk and the WhatsApp is 07974 293 022.

    #503 - Succulent PBs, Bless Warwick and 8 Billion Johns

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 67:28


    Could 2026 be the year that Elis and John change beyond recognition? And we're not talking spiritually or even emotionally; we're talking physically. Because Elis aims to bolster his handsomeness across the calendar year, and John toys with the prospect of going bagless under the old peepers.Cosmetic surgery aside, John has written up a 28 point plan for if he became World King. Luckily he lost confidence in delivering all 28 points, but do watch this space.And we kick off Elis's Annus Connectus by delving back into the nation's favourite pastime: the Cymru Connection. It all ends with Elis asking a random Welsh person whether they know a tech guy from a random theatre who once said he liked the Beatles. Normal Cymru Connecting resumed then.Send in your wonderful correspondence to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.

    #502 - Cheating Shoes, A 46% Complaint Ratio and New Year Old John

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 75:02


    It may be a new year, but it's an old John we find on today's podcast. An attempted new year's resolution meant the odd tear was shed, and now he's in hell. But it's not all bad, because he does have the cleanest crotch in show business thanks to a hand sanitiser mishap.Spirits get lifted by a visit from our in-house statistician, our very own Andy Zaltzman, Statman Ross. He reveals that John's Made Up Game stats are akin to those of Roger Federer, and there's confirmation that Elis can certainly go down as one of the big 4 MUG winners of his generation. An aural heat map is drawn up of Elis's connecting hotspots, and some geographical blind spots present themselves.Elsewhere there are celeb call centre tales, and Dave sheds light on his brief stint as a professional Mario Kart racer.Do you have some correspondence to lift John out of hell? Send them to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 07974 293 022.

    #501 - The Best of 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 63:48


    The year 2025 will forever be remembered as the year of Elis and John. It will be remembered for John's wins and losses, for Elis's car antics. It will be remembered for Tim Key's John snub, for Elis cementing the Cymru Connection into the Welsh psyche. It will be remembered for James Acaster's searing takedowns, for Dave's alarm disaster, and for the four words: 'it was oil again'. As Elis and John set sail into the new year, it's time to look back at the wake of good content they've left behind. Expect paint in car footwells, a surprise appearance from Lou and a chaotic Made Up Game for the ages. Please continue to send in your fantastic correspondence to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.

    #500 - Elis and John's Christmas Cracker

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 81:39


    Put the wrapping paper down, turn off Home Alone and stop stressing about a glorified Sunday roast… the true meaning of Christmas has finally been revealed to us, and would you believe it, it's Elis and John! Yes, everything in this festive period has been leading up to Elis and John's Christmas Cracker, and boy does it deliver on festive cheer. Because what's more Christmassy than a debate about TVs in hotel rooms, or a 45-year-old man getting lost in pictures of the 1950s footballer Tom Finney, (aka The Preston Plumber)?Unwrapping this podcast with your ears will also reveal a not-so-secret secret Santa, some yuletide Mad Daddery, and a chat with a very busy Mother Christmas. But festive cheer is not the only thing on today's agenda because we're also celebrating 500 episodes of the BBC era! Elis and John relive some moments from their very first show and the ghosts of Christmas Past Simon Mayo and Mark Kermode stop by to play a Made Up Game and chat Christmas flicks. Thanks for all your tip-top correspondence this year, and may 2026 bring even better emails and WhatsApps about oils, guffs and inappropriate school trips. Send everything into elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 07974 293 022.

    #499 - Digital Oil, Peak Christmas and Love Shakes Piles

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 52:28


    John's eaten two helpings of pancakes and we're in a race against time. Can this bantercast cram in enough badinage before one of its hosts succumbs to a sugar crash? It's a question that's been asked many times before, and one that will no doubt be asked again, but it's a critical question nonetheless.Elis has spent the week telling his wife Isy that he ‘must be alone' in order to finish John's book. He successfully wrangled enough solo time to do so and delivers his verdict. It's praise all round, but Dave appears to come out of it badly.Elsewhere it's peak Christmas. Listener gifts are opened, Elis is dreading his drive to Cardiff, and John doesn't want to talk about his Christmas lest the show turn into another mental health podcast.And we end on the question: how do you inject digital oil into a podcast to make it rise to the top? Answers on a postcard.All Elis and John want for Christmas is your correspondence, so send it to: elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.

    #498 - Chilli Rice, Grieving Upside Down and Thames!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 69:01


    You might detect a slight difference in Elis's demeanour this week; a bolstered confidence, an increased self-worth, a man with a purpose. Elis has tasted power, and he ain't looking back. This is the new Elis, Elis 2.0, Elis ‘You'll Do What I Say' James. Because Elis has looked after 4 children on a school trip to The Monument. This feels significant.Meanwhile John thinks we're molly-coddling the next generation and has gone rogue. He's chucking things into the Thames left, right and centre. Step on the wrong side of Robins in this mood and you'll be swimming with the London fishes before you know it. Oh, and he's suffered the consequences of chilli rice…There's also a Cymru Connection which leaves Elis with mixed feelings, a festive Made Up Game classic, and some advice for young would-be stand up comedians.Send in your festive missives, Shames, and Mad Dads to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.

    #497 - Badiography, Gunge Limitations and Snippy WhatsApps From The 1pm Bath

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 62:41


    Today we ask the question: what would a world without Dave look like? A Daveless world. Imagine a sliding doors moment where a sterner producer was given the reins in 2014. Fast forward to late 2025 and in the studio, almost certainly, Elis would still be eating or have forgotten to come in. John would have vape hot boxed himself into a coma. Do not underestimate his impact.No Dave and no wise words of “Be careful Elis” after one presenter has deployed a “Is that it?!” to John's detailing his once every six months busy day.Around such questioning, John also unveils Craig Bellamy's autobiography (inc. typos) and a senior writer at Rolling Stone gets in touch. Elsewhere, there's news of more Noel Edmonds hysteria, quite significant gunge chat and a dead silly mad dad. Oh what are those dads like!Points of contact: elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk (Electronic mail) 07974 293 022 (WhatsApp)

    #496 - Cloud 7, 40 Guffs and Elements of Edmonds

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 79:01


    What does an already packed show need to make it feel complete? That's right, it's an 8 minute intro (or just under a 5th of an Edinburgh show...) and an 8 minute Noel Edmonds apologia. This show is nothing if not disciplined.Once we're all intro'ed and up-to-date on the elements of Edmonds, it's content content content. John does some winning and losing, Elis does some Cymru Connecting, and everyone plays a great Made Up Game that has John declaring God is real.Send in your knick-knacks to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.

    #495 - Oil Gangs, Fiddler of the Roof and Bags In The Sex Shop

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2025 56:15


    Oil rises to the top of the content liquid again, primarily because of its lower density. It's hard to remove as we know, so there's a slick across the episode clogging our feathers.So what are your oils? More importantly, what are Adrian's oils? And will John insist on going through all the smoke points of all the oils? Questions that are all answered within.Plus, Elis has got deep into a karaoke hell cubicle, Producer Dave's left his bags at a sex shop and John once again stays in touch with the cultural zeitgeist.“Unless they set cryptic crosswords for The Times, are in Geese or are Brian Eno I don't know who they are.”The Bureau is of course available on Saturday only on the universe-leading BBC Sounds.Got something of note? Then elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk and 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp are your primary nodes of correspondence.

    #494 - Classic 6 7, The Best Brazil and Will Punk Tomorrow

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 78:10


    With something being filmed just outside the studio we're lucky Elis and John made it in for today's episode. John was very nearly accosted to fill the leading role, and Elis was just about able to peel his eyes away from potential live blunders. Thank goodness for the boys' dedication to #content.Away from the glitz and glamour of a film set, Elis and Dave have both been battling with bed bugs, one with a more incendiary technique than the other...The Cymru Connections is back, a great Made Up Game is played, and there's even some live crosswording.Send in your thoughts, feelings and reflections to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.

    #493 - Yeovil Creatives, Scared of My Mate and What Are Your Oils?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 59:56


    John has had enough of apologies. He wants action and results. Combine that with John being notified about every business expense, and you get a very scared Elis and Dave.But sometimes it's fear that instils results - or more importantly top quality content. This is how Sir Alex would want it.Meanwhile the more be-thighed of the two has had enough of clouds. He doesn't ever want to look down at them again - something which would undoubtedly baffle the forward thinking Victorians.And what oils have you got? Let us know via elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk and 07974 293 044 on WhatsApp.

    #492 - Transit Guffs, Ania Magliano and Mr Big Boggle

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 84:33


    As John returns from yet another triumphant, nay groundbreaking eye-climbing tour of the Alps, there are a few questions on everybody's lips: What records did he break this time? Was he able to stick to the confusing speed limits of Swiss roads? And more importantly, what would the future of the BBC look like under the tutelage of the great eye-climber himself, Johnny JR? Wins are totted up, losses are struck off, and a new future for the BBC is hammered out. Watch out prime-time TV, Wordle is coming for you. A major player in the new BBC will be Ania Magliano, who stops by to get pelters about her boggle gameplay. In the vein of all good guests she comes bearing gifts; a cracking Made Up Game that gets the boys' brains and feet working. Send in your suggestions for a BBC backed by its youngest broadcaster John Robins to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp 07974 293 022.

    #491 - The PM, 10 Downing Street and A Big Chinese

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2025 65:13


    It's a big big week. No phoning it in this time. No no, as this is the most politically significant balanced podcast in the UK.Finally, the call of the nation has been answered. John Robins has been in the corridors of power. If you notice general efficiency being raised by 0.12% in UK PLC this week then you have one man to thank - external factors notwithstanding.He brought up the economy. He brought up the welfare state. He brought up international affairs. And Elis was there. And John did all of this whilst having a prawn tempura in his pocket.It's a visit to the PM one minute, the next it's the most expensive Chinese John has ever had surrounded by horrible people. The duality of life.And yet somehow despite all these matters of import we get to Geese chat within the first 2 minutes.Want to join John's cabinet? elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk and 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp are where you can send your applications.

    #490 - Tom Rosenthal, Thrown by Doves and Adjust or Leave

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 73:23


    Elis and John are joined by the UK's ‘most confusing prospect', aka Tom Rosenthal, to talk affairs, internet fads and conspiracy theories. We also learn what their respective approaches to golf can teach us about John (The James Milner of golf) and Tom (The Diego Maradona of golf).Elsewhere there are revelations and tears in the Cymru Connection, and a Made Up Game that tests just how much Elis and John know each other. Oh, and Elis is in a pantomime.If this show were a steam ship chugging through the oceans of chat, then your emails would be the steam powering us on. So send us your steam on elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 07974 293 022.

    #489 - Robins' Nest, Introducing Doubt and The Zeitgeest

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 60:34


    Are Elis and John's stars in the ascendant? Are we on the edge of James and Robins becoming household names? Can you imagine John staring down the camera and gleefully shouting ‘Keep Dancing'?These questions and more are explored as Elis and John put forward their cases to be the next presenters of the BBC's flagship entertainment show, Strictly Come Dancing.Elsewhere it's pure Zeitgeist chat (or should we say Zeitgeest thanks to John's recent music obsession), including: train etiquette, the previous nine Prime Ministers as foods, and what the hell does 6 7 mean?Do you want to back project Elis and John on Strictly? Do you want to share your thoughts on modern-day train etiquette? In short, do you want to contribute to the Zeitgeist? Then get in touch via elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.

    #488 - The Tregib Vibe, Discounting Pabs and Greg James

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 62:13


    After a frantic morning of plucking and preening, Elis and John are confronted with the beautiful sight of Greg James. Eyelashes are fluttered, beauty tips are garnered, and in a wonderful showing of modern masculinity, four men chat about their hair care routines. And before he can go, Greg's radio credentials are put to the test in a classic Made Up Game from the vault.Swooning fanfares aside, John introduces Elis to the world of slam poetry and a potential new hobby, and the Cymru Connector-in-Chief tries to connect with a caller from Carmarthen.If you have something of value to contribute send it to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp 07974 293 022.

    #487 - Ghoul (General), Ian the Liar and Having 10 Kids & Turning To Sludge

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 49:10


    Strap in folks, it's time for some more Wordle chat! You thought we were done with it? No sir, we, well John, has only just got started. But luckily this is X-rated Wordle chat. Sexy content which really spices up the barrel-scraping etymological discussions.In other happenings, can you explain the Richter scale to a child when at the football? There's also a week of many wins and losses involving sobriety, aniseed and free coats. Plus, a listener nails this show like no one has before: self-hatred, mouse catching and brand avoidance.Can you contribute to that powerful triumvirate of topics? Well get it over to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp.And remember, for you BBC Sounds consumers, there's brand new Bureau available on Saturday morning.

    #486 - Panicdoting, CMs for the DB and The Birthday Boy's Low

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 75:10


    Today we celebrate one of Wales's finest exports; the Cymru Connector himself, Mr ‘Where-Did-You-Go-To-School', the one and only Elis James! Yes it's Elis's birthday, and he kicks off the show by doing what all 45 year olds do: rapping. After receiving a gift from John that is so thoughtful it almost derails the recording, Elis takes part in an eventful birthday Cymru Connection. Tempers flare, passions erupt, and objects go flying.Then it's time to meet one of his sporting heroes. Will Elis be able to stay cool when faced with one of the great pillars of Welsh sport? And crucially, will he be able to Cymru Connect with them?If you want to celebrate Carmarthen's greatest export since the invention of the ball bearing in 1794, then write to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 07974 293 022.

    #485 - Promoting Crispin, 1% Cats and We've Got Enough Sports

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 65:59


    It's the annual spooky episode and that means it's as spooky as any other podcast episode we ever release. In a nice chatty ep shooting the breeze Elis and John uncover the layers of a man who continues to fascinate them: Bell Tower Crispin. But is Dave flouting BBC balance regulations in order to get more great Halloween activities and free car charging?Meanwhile in mouse towers Elis is being inundated with rodents from his super intelligent cats and is John to be put in place regarding his statistical skepticism?Do you have any statistics dissertations to send in? Well elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk and 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp are the destinations for it.

    #484 - Juicy Forearms, DBW and Zone 3 in the Bedroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 56:36


    What's it like to share a bank account with John Robins? Austerity Robins: a notification to his device every single time you make a purchase, no matter how small. Well we find out because nothing can get past him, with, in his own words “notifications echoing through his empty life.”Extraordinary scenes today as Dave got chatted up on the way in to the studio. Was it a student prank? Elis's experiences suggest otherwise...Elsewhere there's a backwards all-timer of a Made Up Game and John decides to pull apart a listener email which relies on more assumptions than economic growth models.For Shames, Games and everything in between it's elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk and 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp.

    #483 - Freezer Cupboards, Adrian's Chipper and Not Feeling Like I'm On Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 55:22


    The UK's motorways are now one tour bus quieter. Which perversely probably makes the roads noisier given John's silent approach whilst inhabiting the Sad Van.And what celebrations happened at the post-tour party at The Palladium? Debauchery and several kilos of Producer Dave's favourite over the counter pharmaceuticals? Not quite. Rather it was a media bigwig zone and John now has regrets about talking extensively about red tape to a BBC higher up. It was that sort of vibe.So we are now firmly back on terra firma. And what better way to turn our attention back to the studio than Adrian's gadgets and a Mad Dad constructing some of the finest anti-burglary technology ever conceived.Has your father ever made an unwise drill-centric decision? Well get it over to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk and 07974 293 022 on the WhatsApp.

    #482 - Zzamph, #VanMems and Potential Curry Gone Mad

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 66:31


    Confidence is the word of the day, with differing meanings for both of our heroes. Does John have enough of the stuff to go through with his edgy scripted intro? Is Elis sufficiently supplied to make his 5th Cymru Connection in a row? It's all to play for, and play we must.The other word on everyone's lips is farewell, as the boys bid adieu to the Sad Van. She's taken out for one last outing as Elis and John's Road to Nowhere finally reaches its destination. It's also a goodbye to the oft-mentioned and celebrated Tour Manager Giles, who receives his flowers and answers your questions.There's also a rollercoaster of a Made Up Game in which the very visual medium of drawing is brought to life in the very aural medium of podcasting.Think you're confident enough to send us an email? Well you can, just send it to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.

    #481 - The Mega Bond, £14.67 Savings and Dressed As A Big Kefir

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 56:46


    We're at a crossroads. A vape crossroads. For the dual forces of quicker marathon times and health effects are coming together to fight against the temptations of fruity mist. And John must make a choice.Elsewhere it's a show of rare beasts: Elis takes it upon himself to get in the grill of a listener and do the sacking, and we dole out a good radio bell for a listener. Is that a first?Plus, John's decided he can't keep working with the other two. As such, Dave's got him really down. Thanks Dave, Elis will have to inject a lot of cake and energy into the Tuesday record now.Want to make an attempt at earning your own good radio bell ding? elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk and 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp are your primary routes.

    #480 - Hot Trees, Exhaustion Tears and Let It Be Birds

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 63:34


    What's the best way to round off 39 hours of no sleep? Invite 7 young girls round for your daughter's birthday sleepover, that's how! Were there tears? Of course! Did said tears belong to Elis or the kids? Listen to find out.Elsewhere we're answering the question, ‘is mid-October too early to be talking about Christmas?' Not in these parts it ain't, as Elis makes a startling claim about Irish wishlists and John questions the role Santa played in his childhood festivities.All this, plus what comes to mind when you think of Brian May, a rollercoaster of a Road to Nowhere, and huge developments in the Cymru Connection's role in forging Wales's national identity.We're fast becoming the world's first email-powered, self sustaining podcast. But we need more of your emails to keep things moving. Send them to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or write them in WhatsApp form and send them to 07974 293 022.

    #479 - Going Cockleless, Lamb In Bed and The Elis James Clerical Universe

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 45:12


    This show has been many things, but right now this a cockles podcast. Elis's homecoming show in Swansea was very much tied to whether he could get cockles at breakfast which sets us off on a cockle rollercoaster. But will Dave like them?There's also a very intense Ask Us Anything, and a 1.5 times playing of the jingle. Plus, what meat would you eat betwixt the sheets?elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp to tell us your preferred meat.And do remember tomorrow's Bureau de Change of the Mind is *only* on the world beating BBC Sounds. So get blooming subscribed on there.

    #478 - Zones, Curry Pyjamas and Pre-Time Speeches

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 67:38


    If there was an award given out for the ‘Most Tense Moment in the Final Round of a Game Made Up by a Listener', then this show would win it. Fresh from their triumph at the British Podcast Awards, Elis and John look to add another trophy to the cabinet by creating a moment so contentious and dramatic that it requires the use of VAR; Voice Assisted Referee. Away from the Made Up Game hijinks there's week-late-Ryder Cup chat, a revelatory story about the lengths a young Dave Masterman went (literally) for love, and a mystery caller in The Cymru Connection unearths some troubling memories for Elis.There's nothing better than receiving your correspondence, so send it to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.

    #477 - Oasising, The Sero Clan and Trapped in Neasden

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 50:45


    It's 3 croaky voices in the studio today because Elis and Dave have Oasised once again, and poor old John is unwell. Luckily that means a general vibe alignment is struck, but, crucially, the standards do not slip. For Elis and Dave both have tales of struggling to get out of Wembley, and John wonders which of his awards would be best suited to beating off an intruder.The other overriding question of the day is would you rather visit historical moments as a person or as a ghost? If that doesn't provide hours of conversation for you and yours this weekend, we're not sure what will.All this plus sexy flags (have we finally found THE sexiest flag?), John makes it into an actual cryptic crossword, and Dave faces accusations of spreading false information.If you want to offer up your own person or ghost scenarios (Elis and John recording their first ever podcast: person. John eating his first ever 100 chili fish dish: ghost), send them to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.And remember to check out tomorrow's Bureau de Change of the Mind, where John challenges Elis and Dave to enter the symposium and back the riff, with mixed results. Only on your friend and ours, BBC Sounds.

    #476 - Explicit Cakes, Sewer Coffee and A Sexual Holiday to Cardigan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 59:27


    Having conquered the earthly plane, Elis and John are taking to the skies. Can they become the first podcast to be recorded entirely in space? Or will the anecdote well run dry too quickly?Back down on Earth there's a debut trip to Birch Services for Johnny JR, Elis is positively giddy after the pair run round the natural sights of Llandudno, and we hear one of the greatest shame-inducing lines in a cracking Shame Well entry.Oh, and this week's Made Up Game throws up a result rarely spotted in these parts…You the you the listener can get involved with the show, just email elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 07974 293 022.

    #475 - Two Pint Problems, Yaris Rats and Carry On Loving Britain

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 72:14


    It's a huge episode for loving Britain, but more importantly it's a huge episode for cagoules. This is the UK's number 1 cagoule podcast, and a very special guest has got Elis barking like a waterproof dog in heat.If you're anti-outer layers then this is not the place to be.It's slightly lighter ground on the anecdote front as John has just written down ‘Autumn' and Elis can't even handle drinking two pints. A loss for James but there's more wins for Robins in a week where he smells different for the first time since 1998.Plus we ask, "what would happen if you gave a sherbet dip dab to a pagan?"Bonus Bureau content is available on Saturday morning, only on BBC Sounds, and if you want to get on everything from parkas to perfumes it's elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp.

    #474 - The Shusher, Donning Donnington and Content: The Movie

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 58:00


    In a life full of achievements John may have finally topped the lot. In his 5 year battle with the word game that most people stopped playing a few years ago, John has finally come out victorious. Yes, he's Wordled in one. It's a big day. But the main question is, did it make him happy?There's another chapter of Elis and John's Road To Nowhere, in which the boys are forced to think on their feet and attempt to avert disaster. The quick thinking of one of them saves the day, while Dave goes on his phone.Then it's a classic case of a haiku-based Made Up Game and the potential unearthing of an exciting new voice in the haiku arena; watch this space!Do you have bits to send in to the show? Well get sending them in! It's elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk on email, and 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp.

    #473 - James Acaster, The Sad Van and Anne Tuna

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 56:40


    473 episodes in and there is still room to excavate the vast intricacies that make up the Pompeii dig of John Robins' mind. Grab your JCB because there's a dump truck's worth to uncover off the back of the latest adventures from the Sad Van. And it all boils down to one thing, as the hotels John's willing to stay in simply say so much about the man.A generic hotel brand is the vessel through which we can get to know him.Does John actually like the things that he likes? Is he a star player who performs badly if he's pampered? Is it all about fantasy, reality, expectation and fulfillment? Is he a “lunatic” for positing made up things that could go wrong for more money? Does John want character in his life? Is shampoo being separated from shower gel too much of a luxury?And to answer all these questions we need the assistance of James Acaster, one of the More Money Than Sense Boys.Plus there's romantic tests and more evisceration of Dave's Parachutes vinyl. Got stuff? Then wang it over to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp.

    #472 - 47 Kisses, #NoPowerUps and The More Money than Sense Boys

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 61:58


    Move over Oxford Union, debating has a new home! As Elis and John towers has turned into a hotbed of discourse and deliberation. The big topics are given the respect they deserve and the order of service for today is as follows: What's the saddest song ever written? Hotels: budget or bespoke? And finally, are baths rubbish?Aside from heated arguments about the temperature of bath water, Elis and John continue their travels around the UK, this time attempting to spot some rare geese.John tells a tale of coming perilously close to soiling one of the nation's royal parks, there's a self referential game to test the boys' knowledge of themselves, and a Shame Well-er gets overly friendly with her boyfriend's colleagues.Do you have a hot take you want to share? Email elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp the show on 07974 293 022.

    #471 - John's Critical Path, Elis's 0.0% Curry and Dave's Not So Silent Alarm

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 65:18


    What starts off as a huge day for John (book deadline day) turns into a massive (massive it is) day for poor old Dave.As the saying goes: ‘The best laid plans of podcast producers often go awry', and Dave's idea for the team to record remotely gets derailed quite spectacularly by a faulty alarm system. Brace yourselves for the most stressed you will probably ever hear one of the UK's most unflappable men.Back to John, and he tells us early on that he's feeling ‘absolutely dreadful'. Book deadline day is taking its toll, but luckily a text from Elis's brother-in-law lifts his spirits, as does the arrival of a record in the post for poor old stressed Dave.There's the start of a podcast feud with No Such Thing As A Fish, chat about successfully bartering with a supermarket, and the introduction of a new jingle that wouldn't be out of place on Lou Reed's Transformer.Get in touch via the usual channels: it's elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk on the email, and 07974 293 022 on the WhatsApp.

    #470 - Old Man Bum, A Dream A Dream of Beef and Lust: 12 Bodies That Changed My Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 76:28


    The boys have been busy bees recently and the show's in danger of turning into a Michael Palin travelogue. Elis has returned from France and regales us with stories of visits to ex-military factories, intense chats with German families and Isy's attempts at speaking French.Then it's time for the first instalment of Elis and John's Road to Nowhere, where your favourite podcast hosts drive around the country for no apparent reason other than to visit their valued family members. They've clipped on their mics (much to Elis's embarrassment) and invited us onto the tour bus. Expect travel-based badinage and a whole lot of service station chat. Radio 4, are you listening?Back in the studio and on bum-based terra firma, Elis has gone up a pant size because of his ever-growing behind, whereas John's seems to be ageing beyond his years.Why not spend your free time penning a witty missive to your favourite podcast? Send emails to elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or it's 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp.

    #469 - The New Beans, In John's Time and Eating Margaret Mountford's Hair

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 48:53


    The boys are fresh from driving around the country for charity with Ian Botham, which of course means Elis is exhausted and tour newbie Dave is absolutely fine.And there's more bad news for Mr James as the Elis vote is being split in the Listeners' Choice vote at the British Podcast Awards. He's going to get pilloried by one co-host or maybe both. But given that John is more likely to lacerate Elis than Bubbins, place your vote in this stable. Find it online somewhere.And there's also some Mad Dads to dig into and could John step into a Bragg-shaped hole to front Radio 4's most influential discussion show?Remember, there's bonus Saturday content *only* on your friend and mine BBC Sounds.Got something to say? Well head this way… WhatsApp - 07974 293 022 Email - elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk

    #468 - Noble John, Sugar Me Twice and Good Old Gent

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 54:50


    The ripples of last week's Elis James mega-rant are still being felt right across the BBC, and despite vowing to ignore the call to pen John's obituary, Elis has rowed back and done just that. Brace yourself for some emotional heft and candid commentary on John's propensity for darts at university.But John's made of sterner stuff these days and recovered to reveal the sighting of a certain car has left him shocked to his very core. Elis and Dave, on the other hand, don't seem that bothered…Elsewhere there's some classic ‘what would you do with loads of money' chat that somehow leads to a conversation about Liam Gallagher's coat collection, and a geography-based Made Up Game hits the mark with very little knowledge needed of the Falkland / Faroe Islands.We love receiving your emails and WhatsApps and wholeheartedly encourage you to send them in. The email is elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk and the WhatsApp is 07974 293 022.

    #467 - Chiles Miltree, Toddler Watson and King of the Nerds

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 59:36


    There's a surprise in the offing for John. Not that that's a surprise to him. Nothing gets past old Sherlock Robins. Especially Producer Dave positioning a phone on a table at a very slight angle.But said surprise leads to some incredible finds about Johnny JR which leave Elis and Dave's jaws on the floor. This was not what had been intended. Elsewhere John has an out of body experience reflecting on the fact that there's an entire segment on the show dedicated to his personal wins.Plus, John enjoys an email that could not have been more in his wheelhouse if it tried. For anyone else it would have been useless and just tossed on the Wasteland.The email: elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk The WhatsApp: 07974 293 022 The bonus content: The Bureau de Change of the Mind. Only on Bee Bee Cee Sounds every Saturday morning.

    #466 - The UK's Dumb Plums, The McFlurry Route and The Menutality Monster

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 71:08


    Today's episode is filled with the big questions of our age. These are the things that government top brass are pouring over day in, day out: Is Martin Lewis up there with Galileo and Mozart? Can you put goodwill on your shelf? And most divisively, is wee ever fine in a paddling pool?It's a show that asks questions rather than answers them, and you the you the listener are left to make up your own minds on these contentious issues.What we can guarantee, however, is wall-to-wall Elis and John certified bangers: top-tier anecdotes, a classic Cymru Connection, a wonderfully chaotic Made Up Game, and a toe-curling Oasis-based shame to round things off. Sit back and enjoy the Elis and John vibes in your area.You can get involved with this crazy old thing we call the Elis and John show by emailing elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApping 07974 293 022.

    #465 - Mr Headinhands, Kirsty's USP and The Stomach Microbiome of My Instagram

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 50:24


    Elis made a bad decision the other day. And if you had a million guesses as to what that decision was then you won't even get close, even when given the clue "Welsh culture". He's insistent it isn't the outcome he wanted but John and Dave aren't sure they believe him.Quite frankly it's one of the most baffling conversations ever had on this show.Aside from regrettable choices there's a potassium-rich Mad Dad that breaks new money making ground, Scatman John gets an unexpected amount of airtime, and Elis does a surprisingly good impression of a history teacher.Remember to seek out some bonus content in the form of Saturday's Bureau de Change of the Mind. That's only available on your friend and mine BBC Sounds.And if you want to get in contact with thoughts on anything other than the first ten minutes of this episode then it's elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk or 07974 293 022 on WhatsApp.

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