Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we wander through London’s haunted past, uncover the humanity behind history’s ghost stories, and rediscover how kindness, comedy, and curiosity connect us all. From spectral legends to small acts of light in the dark, this episode celebrates the strange and the sincere in equal measure. First, Kevin is joined by historian and author Dr Maddy Pelling — host of After Dark — for a walk through the strange, true story of the Hammersmith Ghost. Together they unearth the 1800s case that blurred the line between myth and murder, ask why ghosts so often reveal the living more than the dead, and explore how our fears have always found form in flickering candlelight. Then, on our Parish Noticeboard, we turn from frights to generosity with the story of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF — the Halloween tradition that began with a few milk cartons and became a global movement.  After that, we open the Audio Archives to dust off a peculiar relic from the 1990s: the first ever bum dial. Part séance, part sitcom, it’s proof that even ghosts can appreciate good signal. Finally, the Victorian Parlour Games return with Ring My Gourd! — glowing rings, good humour, and just the right amount of Halloween mischief. So pour yourself something warm, get comfortable, and join us for a night of hauntings, humour and history in The Big Smoke. 🎟️ The Big Smoke Christmas Special is coming to The Phoenix Arts Club, Soho – 14th December. Expect ghost stories, lively games, seasonal music and festive mischief.  💬 Follow, review, and share the show with a friend — and remember: may your ghosts be friendly, and your gourds well-ringed. — Chapters (00:00) Intro (1:42) Pub Quiz: Trick-or-Trivia! (2:43) Maddy Pelling Interview (58:45) Live Christmas Show  (1:00:04) Parish Notices: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF (1:08:02) Audio Archives: Bum Dial (1:22:43) Victorian Parlour Games (1:24:57) Pub Quiz Answers (1:27:11) Outro — Links 🎓 Learn more about Dr Maddy Pelling 📚 Pre-order Maddy’s upcoming book Hoax 🎃 75 Years of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF 🇬🇧 UNICEF UK 🌍 UNICEF International — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Audio Archives written by Aidan Parker and performed by Aidan Parker, Cait Roddam Jones and Kevin Bennett

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we walk through the fog of fear, meet courage on the street corners of London, and follow the rivers that carry us home. First up, Kevin sits down with historian and author Robert Peckham to ask what it really means to live with fear. From the “dizziness of freedom” to the way algorithms mirror our anxieties, Robert explores how fear shapes everything from politics to art—and why it might be the key to understanding hope itself. On the Parish Noticeboard, we pick up a copy of The Big Issue and uncover the story behind one of Britain’s most remarkable social enterprises—where every magazine sold is a step toward dignity and independence. In doing so, we meet André Rostant, a vendor whose voice reminds us that courage isn’t found in headlines, but in the quiet persistence of those rebuilding their lives one sale at a time. Then, we cross the ocean from the Thames to the Bulkley River, where our new Canadian Correspondent Taninli Wright introduces us to the Wet’suwet’en Nation. Her retelling of an ancestral story, How the Daylight and Lakes Had Come, reminds us that light and belonging are always worth reclaiming. Finally, as the fire crackles and the tea steeps, comedian and philosopher Alex Farrow joins us with his musings on fear, humour, and the rituals that help us laugh in the dark. So settle down as the nights draw in, courage flickers in the lamplight, and the stories of The Big Smoke come alive. Don’t forget to follow the show, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend. Until next time—keep the kettle warm and the lights low. We’ll see you soon in The Big Smoke. — Links ✨ Become a Patron and unlock your Backstage Pass – Support the show and access exclusive perks, behind-the-scenes updates, and early live show tickets. 📝 Take our quick listener survey – Share your thoughts for a chance to win a prize! 📚 Learn more about Robert Peckham – Explore his work and book ‘Fear: An Alternative History of the World.’ 📰 Discover The Big Issue – Find out how the magazine is changing lives across the UK. 📖 Read André Rostant’s book – The Muffin Man – A moving collection of reflections from a Big Issue vendor. 🎭 Visit Stand-Up Philosophy – The show where comedians and philosophers meet on stage. 😂 Follow Alex Farrow – Explore his latest shows, writing, and tour dates. 🍁 Maple Leaf or Make Believe – The Real Headline – Read the true Canadian story behind this week’s Pub Quiz! — Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:36) Pub Quiz: Maple Leaf or Make Believe (02:35) Robert Peckham Interview (45:04) Parish Notices: The Big Issue (52:38) Canadian Correspondent Taninli Wright (1:01:46) Standup Philosopher Alex Farrow (1:09:35) Maple Leaf or Make Believe answers (1:10:41) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we roll the dice under the Harvest Moon, sail the seven seas with wacky shipmates, and curl up with stories that feel like home. First up, Kevin sits down with author Caroline Taggart to explore the timeless pastime of board games. From Monopoly meltdowns to horse-racing favourites lost to history, Caroline reveals why games aren’t just entertainment—they’re anthropology, philosophy, and sometimes even a mirror of society itself. On the Parish Notice Board, we turn our eyes skyward to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, celebrating 350 years of stargazing. From the Harvest Moon to the birth of Greenwich Mean Time, discover how the mysteries of the cosmos have guided farmers, explorers, and dreamers for centuries. Then we venture out to sea with our resident GP Doctor Quack, who returns with another round of jaw-dropping (and occasionally stomach-turning) medical “breakthroughs”. From goat’s testicle transplants to jars of bottled wind, they’re history’s strangest cures brought vividly (and hilariously) back to life. Finally, Archie’s Neuro Nuggets makes a cosy return to remind us why rewatching our favourite sitcoms isn’t procrastination at all—it’s a spa day for your neurons. Oh! And don’t miss our Victorian Parlour Game of the week – Checkers Go Bang! Don’t forget to follow the show, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend who loves a quirky story. Until next time—roll the dice, reap the harvest, and don't sniff anything in a jar! We'll see you soon in The Big Smoke. — Links ✍🏼 Fill out our short survey for a chance to win a copy of The Philosophy of Board Games! Take the survey ✨ Become a patron and unlock your Backstage Pass: https://patreon.com/TheBigSmokeVarietyShow 📗Caroline Taggart’s book - The Philosophy of Board Games 🌙 Royal Observatory Greenwich 📘Louise Devoy’s book - Royal Observatory Greenwich: A History in Objects 🧠Archie McAlpine Associates 🩺Dr. Quack’s Medical Treatments: 🐐Goat Testicle Transplant 💨 Farts in a Jar 🐋Whale Carcass Treatment — Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:40) Pub Quiz: Board Games Trivia (02:25) Caroline Taggart Interview (45:54) Parish Notices: Harvest Moon (53:47) Dr. Quack (1:02:25) Archie's Neuro Nuggets (1:08:42) Victorian Parlour Games: Checkers Go Bang (1:10:09) Pub Quiz Answers (1:11:58) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin BennettProduced & Edited by Alex GrahamAssistant Produced by Adam WrightOriginal music by Giles TereraMusic arranged and played by Joseph AtkinsDr. Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we move between silence and sound, ruins and renewal, stars in the sky and treasures in the mud. First up, our Pub Quiz heads to the true north strong and free for “Maple Leaf or Make Believe: Pizza Edition”. From syrup-soaked slices to bears with strong topping opinions, can you spot the real Canadian headline? Then Kevin sits down with legendary theatre-maker Wendy Gorling to explore the true meaning of mime. From training in Paris at École Jacques Lecoq, to co-creating groundbreaking productions like The Overcoat, to a surprise appearance as the very first infected human in HBO’s The Last of Us, Wendy’s story reveals how physical presence and imagination can transform both stage and screen. On the Parish Notice Board, we visit St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. Destroyed by an IRA bomb in 1993, this 800-year-old London church has been rebuilt as a hub for community, connection, and healing—an extraordinary symbol of resilience and hope in the heart of the city. Next, Kevin takes us to his childhood summer haunt Shawnigan Lake in British Columbia, where the clarity of the night sky inspires both awe and humility. What does it mean to feel small in the face of the cosmos—and why might awe be the most human emotion of all? Finally, we return to the Thames foreshore with Sean Clark the Mudlark, whose latest discovery—a pristine Elizabeth I silver shilling—offers a window into Tudor life before potatoes, tobacco, or the Spanish Armada. Don’t forget to follow the show, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend who loves a good story. Until next time—stand tall, speak true, and we’ll see you soon in The Big Smoke. — Links 🎙️ Fill out our short survey for a chance to win a copy of The Philosophy of Board Games! Take the survey ✨ Become a patron and unlock your Backstage Pass: patreon.com/TheBigSmokeVarietyShow 🕊️ Learn more about St Ethelburga’s Centre 🍁 Maple Leaf or Make Believe Article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:54) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (03:56) Wendy Gorling Interview (54:21) Parish Notices (1:01:04) Shawnigan Lake (1:08:56) Sean Clark the Mudlark's Latest Find (1:13:23) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:15:07) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Parish Notices research by Ahmad Wonly  

Are you ready to break free from your algorithmic prison and join us for some enlightening — and silly — entertainment? Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! A podcast filled with comedy, conversation and community. Join us every fortnight for pub quizzes, mini radio plays, and stories from all corners of London and beyond.   So, take a seat, join the crowd, and celebrate all that is The Big Smoke Variety Show.

This week’s Silly Season episode is bold, rich, and possibly a bit risky. Back in the Comedy Café Mark Silcox takes the spotlight with tales of his latest obsession: gold trading. Kate Sharp and Alex Farrow join in as we debate financial wisdom, summer side-hustles, and whether pursuing security is ever truly secure. It’s a silly, spirited, and slightly speculative conversation about where your mind goes when your sunhat’s on and your common sense takes a holiday. In Parish Notices, our Summer Correspondent Morgan sends us out with a final creative mission: grab some sidewalk chalk and turn your neighbourhood into an open-air gallery. Then, we meet Lydia Wood, profiled in The New York Times, who set out to draw every single pub in London. What started during lockdown has become a full-time tribute to the emotional architecture of the city — turning beer-soaked buildings into sketched love letters. Explore with your imagination, and you might just map out meaning where you least expect it. — Links sketching pubs article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) Comedy Café (19:30) Parish Notices (23:36) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins  

Welcome to another Big Smoke Silly Season! This week in our Comedy Café, we stroll into deeper waters. Alex Farrow takes centre stage in a thoughtful chat about the meaning of summer, the philosopher’s mindset, and the timeless role of the fool in society. Joined by Kate Sharp and Mark Silcox, we riff on Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and how some people can make anything a fish! In Parish Notices, our Summer Correspondent Morgan encourages you to try a new path, find a muddy puddle and see what wildlife you can discover. And we head outside London to join the rising tide of Gen Z hiking groups, like Overground and Dykes Who Hike, highlighted in The Financial Times. These aren’t just walks — they’re joyful, sober, social movements reclaiming nature as a place for community, healing, and new friendships. So put down your phone — and pick up your walking shoes. — Links walking groups article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) Comedy Café (20:36) Parish Notices (25:07) Outro  — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins

This week’s Big Smoke mini-episode is like a perfectly pulled cortado for your ears — short, sharp, and slightly sweaty. Stand-up comedians Kate Sharp, Alex Farrow, and Mark Silcox return for a slightly damp but deeply funny session at the Comedy Café, focused around Kate’s caffeine habits, medication mishaps, and the sweaty truths of summer. From towelling methodology to microphone hygiene, it’s a gloriously soggy ode to showing up, sweating it out, and having a laugh in the mess of it all. In Parish Notices, our Summer Correspondent Morgan gives us another top tip: don’t just sit there — join in! From spontaneous bandstand performances to silly summer classes, connection begins with saying yes. We also meet the Yarn Bombers of Hertford, featured in The Times, a group of mostly retired rebels who sneak out at 4am to dress their towns in colourful knitted toppers. What started as a festive prank has grown into a nationwide act of joyful resistance — and a powerful reminder that mischief and community go hand in hand. — Links Yarn Bombers article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) Comedy Café (17:55) Parish Notices (21:54) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show — and to our Summer Silly Season! While the team takes a well-earned break until September, we’re serving up mini-episodes to help you make the most of summer, starting with Jump In! This bite-sized audio macchiato features some of London’s funniest stand-up comedians — Kate Sharp, Alex Farrow, and Mark Silcox — who pop into the Comedy Café for iced coffees, heatwave hacks, and a guessing game about the true price of staying cool in the capital. In Parish Notices, our Summer Correspondent Morgan shares her top summer tip: don’t wait for perfect timing — jump in now! And we spotlight Stephen Peel, whose mission to taste-test over 120 fish and chip shops across Britain became a national headline in the BBC. From deep-fried Mars bars to vinegar-splashed stories, his journey led him home to Green Lane Chippy in Leigh, Greater Manchester — proof that sometimes the best treasure is just around the corner. — Links fish and chip tasting tour article — Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:50) Comedy Café (17:08) Parish Notices (21:48) Outro — Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re taking to the skies — and far beyond — with a celebration of whimsical, surprising, and deeply human modes of travel. First up, we pop to our local, where the ceiling’s low but our questions are sky-high. This week’s Pub Quiz? A History of Basket Cases. Then, Kevin meets legendary hot air balloon pilot Robin Batchelor to explore the history, his daring exploits, and the sheer joy of ballooning. From flying presidents and movie stars, to championing the heritage of flight in all its glory, Robin offers a delightful conversation packed with storytelling, adventure, and just the right amount of hot air. After all those airborne antics, it’s time for our Parish Notices. This week, we explore modes of travel that don’t just move you — they connect you. From float planes to rickshaw rides, penny-farthings to tall ships, Kevin shares some of the most unique ways people around the world move with meaning — and what they reveal about our need for each other. Feeling queasy from all that movement? Better book in with our resident GP… Dr. Quack returns with another historical deep-dive into medical madness. This week’s treatments include urine mouthwash, mouse-based wart remedies, and the slightly overzealous use of a hot poker. You’ll laugh, you’ll wince, and you’ll be glad you live in the modern age. And don’t miss our Victorian Parlour Game of the week — Catch the Sausage — a competitive meat-based spectacle that’s perfect for your next summer BBQ. Want more? Visit thebigsmokevariety.com to sign up for our free newsletter. Don’t forget to follow the show, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little lift. Until next time — float free, travel weird, and we’ll see you soon in The Big Smoke. -- Links British Balloon Museum and Library British Balloon and Airship Club Harbour Air seaplanes Rickshaw article Penny Farthing article Cutty Sark the historic tea clipper  Clipper Stad Amsterdam Dr. Quack’s historical medical procedures -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:30) Pub Quiz: A History of Basket Cases (02:30) Interview with Robin Batchelor (45:02) Parish Notices (53:28) Dr. Quack (1:02:46) Victorian Parlour Game: Catch the Sausage (1:05:06) Pub Quiz Answers (1:07:13) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Dr. Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy The British Balloon Museum and Library is generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re celebrating Pride from every angle—through folklore, resistance, and the hidden treasures history leaves behind. First, Kevin sits down with Sunday Times bestselling author Sacha Coward to explore Queer as Folklore—a book that traces the hidden queer history in myths, monsters, and stories we’ve told for centuries. From the otherworldly deep sea in The Little Mermaid, to the far away aliens in Star Trek, Sacha reveals how folklore has always been a home for the in-between, the beautiful, and the feared. In our Parish Notices, we look beyond our borders at the state of LGBTQ+ rights around the world—where Pride is both celebration and defiance. From Malawi to Thailand, East Timor to Washington DC, we spotlight the brave acts of visibility that remind us: connection can outshine ignorance. Kevin also shares a personal reflection on The Laramie Project and the true story of Matthew Shepard—an example of how stories, spoken aloud and repeated, can echo outward to help create a better world. Then, fan favourite Sean Clark the Mudlark returns with a treasure plucked from the River Thames just in time for Pride: a gleaming copper farthing from the reign of King James I—Britain’s first openly queer monarch. Four hundred years later, his story re-surfaces. Sign up for our free newsletter at thebigsmokevariety.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, share the show with a friend, or leave a quick review—it really helps us grow. Until next time—stay proud, stay curious, and we’ll see you soon in The Big Smoke. -- Links Queer as Folklore Book  Thailand Marriage Equality Article Budapest Pride Article Australians Cancel Travel to USA Article -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (1:30) Sacha Coward Interview (1:03:15) Parish Notices (1:06:56) Reflections on The Laramie Project  (1:15:52) Sean Clark the Mudlark’s Latest Find (1:20:08) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re tracing lines—political, personal, and poetic—as we examine how borders, behaviours, and the body shape our place in the world. First, Kevin speaks with political journalist and bestselling author Jonn Elledge, whose book A History of the World in 47 Borders explores how the lines drawn through history continue to define our present. From colonial maps to the Canada–US border, Jonn unpacks the strange power of straight lines—and what they reveal about war, power, and human invention.  Then, in our Parish Notices, we unplug from the algorithm and ask: how are people breaking digital habits to reconnect with the real world? From phone-free hikes to London’s rapidly growing Offline Club, we share ideas—and stories—from those reclaiming their attention, one notification at a time. Next up, it’s a new Neuro Nugget from our in-house brain-whisperer Archie. This week, he explores interoception—the science of feeling your own body—and how tuning into your heartbeat, breath, or muscle tension might be the key to emotional wellbeing. And finally, poet Nehassaiu deGannes returns with three mesmerising pieces. Through memory and the rhythm of water, she draws us into deeper stillness—rooted in history, and the ground we stand on. For a peek behind the scenes and more info on our fantastic guests, sign up for our free Periodical at thebigsmokevariety.com. Thanks for listening. We’ll see you soon—in The Big Smoke! -- Links Jonn Elledge in The New Statesman Jonn Elledge's Substack Newsletter ‘A History of the World in 47 Borders’ Guardian - Phone Detox Article Business Insider - Phone Free Trek Article Economic Times - London ‘Offline’ Nights Article The Offline Club Learn more about Archie's work Nehassaiu's Book of Poetry Maple Leaf Answer -- Chapters (00:00) A note from Kevin (1:29) Intro – Today’s Episode (2:57) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (4:16) Jonn Elledge Interview (49:26) Parish Notices (54:32) Archie’s Neuro Nugget (56:29) Nehassaiu deGannes Poetry (1:06:29) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:07:39) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Thank you to Kieron, Maddie & Andy for their contributions

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week’s episode is a little different. We’re turning inward and asking—as King Lear put it—“Who is it that can tell me who I am?” It’s time for a bit of productive navel-gazing. So today, the mic turns around. Our assistant producer, Adam Wright, puts host Kevin Bennett in the hot seat as we explore the origins of this delightful circus we call The Big Smoke. From childhood curiosities to theatrical obsessions, it’s a revealing conversation about the twists and turns of a life in showbiz, and what makes this variety show tick. Then, after all that introspection, we felt it fitting to book a check-up. So it’s off to visit our resident GP in this week’s comedy sketch… Dr. Quack.  Only problem? Dr. Quack is currently on trial for medical malpractice. This historical parody sees him defend his treatment of the Earl of Kent. Let’s just say: you may want to reschedule any future appointments you have with this particular medical professional. And finally — we introduce you to the very first Victorian Parlour Game Kevin ever played. It’s called Poor Pussy and it’s every bit as silly as it sounds.  Thanks for joining us — whether you’re curled up on the sofa or crawling on all fours. We’ll see you next time… in The Big Smoke! -- Links The Earl of Kent’s Story -- Chapters (00:00) What is a Podcast? (05:01) Intro – Today’s Episode  (06:30) Kevin Bennett Interview (52:20) Dr. Quack (59:25) Victorian Parlour Games (1:02:16) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Dr. Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re packing our bags and setting off on a whirlwind journey — from London to Malawi to Canada… and then… a mystery location?! First up, we’re joined by travel writer, photographer and community chronicler Helena Smith, whose work with Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and Bradt Guides has taken her from London’s lesser-known footpaths to the sun-drenched hills of rural Malawi. With Helena, we explore how walking with purpose and travelling with care can open new ways of seeing — even in places we thought we knew. Then, in this week’s Parish Notices, Ahmad Wonly catches up with Martin Cosarinsky Campos, Director of Breadwinners — a social enterprise that’s baking change with every sourdough loaf. Martin brings a wealth of experience from both the charity and private sectors, and his ethos is simple but powerful: “Get to know the people you fear”. Together, they explore how community is built not just through what we do, but who we do it with — one loaf at a time. Next, we dust off another entry from our Audio Archives — this time, a peculiar Museum Audio Guide. But where (or what) is it? A riddle for your ears awaits… And finally, Archie’s Neuro Nuggets returns with a quick, science-backed tip to bring more art into your life — and more calm to your mind. This week: how doodling could help you process emotions and reduce stress in just a few minutes a day. Want more behind-the-scenes content, guest links, and a full breakdown of Archie’s latest nugget? Sign up at thebigsmokevariety.com for our fortnightly Periodical. Thanks for joining us in The Big Smoke. We’ll see you in a fortnight!  -- Links  Helena Smith Parish Notices: Breadwinners Archie’s Neuro Nuggets Maple Leaf or Make Believe answer -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (1:24) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (2:25) Helena Smith Interview (44:08) Parish Notices: Breadwinners (56:06) Audio Archives: Museum Audio Guide  (1:09:01) Archie’s Neuro Nuggets (1:11:10) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:12:44) Outro  --  Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Audio Archives: Museum Audio Guide written by Aidan Parker Museum Guide played by Terry Bamberger Dr. V Chisling played by Scott Brooksbank

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re digging through the layers of history, ritual, and relics to uncover the surprising ways we make meaning and find home. First up, we’re joined by Dr. Andrew Irving, Director of the Groningen Centre for Religion and Heritage, who takes us on a journey through the sacred and the forgotten. From medieval manuscripts to the relics we toss aside, he shares how ancient rituals shape our sense of connection and community. Andrew also spent time studying ancient codices in the Vatican Library, where he witnessed firsthand how sacred texts have shaped centuries of ritual. Then, it’s the return of Sean Clark the Mudlark, who takes us to the banks of the River Thames, where a curious find links modern-day London to medieval Spain. This week’s artefact? A Pilgrim Badge Mount dating back to the 1400s, its scallop shell design bearing the mark of Saint James. But the real twist? Sean sent it back to Santiago for a blessing —over 600 years after it last made the pilgrimage! Next, Assistant Producer Adam Wright hits the streets to catch up with our Roving Correspondent Ahmad Wonly, whose journey from Burundi to London is a story of resilience and reinvention. Whether he’s on the football pitch or in the lecture hall, Ahmad shows how to stay deeply connected to community, no matter where life takes you. And finally, Rishi Rian brings us a Poetic Parish Notice titled ‘My Kitchen Mirror’—a haunting meditation on self-image, memory, and the strange ways we see ourselves in the everyday. Want more behind-the-scenes content, guest links, and a chance to read Rishi’s poem in full? Sign up at thebigsmokevariety.com for our fortnightly Periodical. Thanks for joining us in The Big Smoke. We’ll see you in a fortnight!  -- Chapters (00:00) Religion? (04:54) Intro (06:00) Andrew Irving Interview (52:38) Sean Clark the Mudlark's Latest Find (59:26) Parish Notices (1:06:27) My Kitchen Mirror by Rishi Rian (1:15:08) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Roving Correspondent Ahmad Wonly 'Religion?' featuring Jolyon Coy Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This episode tips its hat to the dramatic and the delightfully ridiculous—from lost boys and duels at dawn to Shakespearean skulls and Victorian umbrella stands. We kick things off with Stump the Room, where we dare you to unravel a set of stage-worthy questions spanning Hook, Hamilton, and Hamlet. From blink-and-you-miss-it cameos to the real-life rulebook behind duels, this quiz blends pop culture with classical flair. Play along and see if you can outsmart your friends. Then it’s curtain up on a very special guest: Giles Terera—Olivier Award-winning star of ‘Hamilton’ and soon-to-be ‘Hamlet’ at Chichester Festival Theatre. From Neverland to revolutionary New York to the haunted halls of Elsinore, Giles shares the unexpected turns, profound challenges, and artistic awakenings that have shaped his extraordinary journey on stage. Next, our Parish Notices take a literary turn as assistant producer Adam hits the streets to ask: “what’s your favourite book?” The responses lead us into a sneak peek of our brand-new Big Smoke Book Club. First pick? ‘Queer as Folklore’ by the endlessly insightful Sacha Coward. Fancy reading along with us? You can find out more info and join the club here! Feeling a little under the weather? Good news—it’s time to meet our new resident doctor. Dr. Quack is in the house (or perhaps a 16th-century plague ward), offering historically accurate medical advice for your minor ailments. And finally, it’s game time, Victorian Parlour Games returns! The Elephant’s Foot Umbrella Stand. It’s part memory game, part logic puzzle, and part descent into chaos. Bring your wits—and maybe an umbrella? It’s thoughtful. It’s theatrical. It’s just a little bit unhinged. Want more delightful oddities? Sign up at thebigsmokevariety.com for our fortnightly Periodical. -- Links Read Giles’s book, ‘Hamilton and Me: An Actor's Journal’ Here! See Giles as Hamlet at Chichester Festival Theatre “You’re Blowing Smoke!”: Dr. Quack’s historical insights More delightfully disturbing historical Quack-y medical facts -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:21) Stump The Room (02:17) Giles Terera Interview (53:12) Parish Notices (59:14) Dr. Quack (1:06:11) Victorian Parlour Games (1:08:39) Stump The Room Answers (1:11:02) Outro -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Dr. Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins   (6a898d0e275182faae272f15b2c2c66a5161c971)

Today’s episode really leans into the “variety” part of our podcast's name. From Canadian headlines to ancient Roman bone dice, it’s a buffet of the bizarre, the beautiful, and the quietly profound. First up, it’s back to the Great White North for another round of Maple Leaf, or Make Believe?—the quiz that challenges you to separate true Canadian news stories from sweet, syrupy fakes. One of these headlines is legit. The rest? Pure, unfiltered nonsense. Can you spot the truth? Then, we slow things down with our first guest: yoga and meditation teacher Sue Cheung, who shares accessible, practical tools for managing anxiety in a noisy world. With strategies drawn from her Anti-Anxiety Toolkit, Sue shows us that finding calm in chaos isn’t just possible—it might be the most powerful thing we can do. After that, we crack open the Audio Archives, a brand new segment uncovering strange audio relics of the past. This week, a preserved recording from the final shift of a switchboard operator named Katherine Ellington. What call sealed her fate? Who was on the other end of the line—and what exactly did they say? And finally, it’s time to put on your wellies and head down to the River Thames with returning guest Sean Clark the Mudlark. In his first regular report, Sean introduces us to the ancient artefacts “finding him” on the foreshore—including a tiny, lopsided Roman bone die that opens a portal to 2,000 years of gambling, games, and forgotten Londoners. Our Parish Notices this week come from the endlessly inspiring Ahmad—sharing a glimpse into the world of The Running Charity and the coach who’s changing lives. You’ll laugh, you’ll breathe, you’ll say “Wait—what did I just listen to?” Step inside The Big Smoke. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s waiting. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter at thebigsmokevariety.com for a peek behind the curtain of our guests and more! -- Links Sue Cheung Website Claude Umuhire and The Running Charity Sean Clark Instagram Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:25) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (02:24) Sue Cheung Interview (41:58) Parish Notices (47:22) Audio Archives: Switchboard Operator (58:21) Sean Clark the Mudlark’s Latest Find (01:04:22) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (01:06:19) Outro -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright A big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent Audio Archives was written by Aidan Parker and stars Olivia Mace  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In today’s episode, we step into the ring… or rather, the opera house. And trust us, by the end, you’ll see they might just be the same thing. First up, we kick things off with a Looney Tunes twist in Stump the Room: Bugs Bunny Meets Opera Edition. Can you tell your Wagnerian heroines from your Saturday morning demons? Then, our host Kevin Bennett is joined by Thomas Guthrie - opera director, writer, composer, and founder of the charity Music and Theatre for All. Kevin challenges Tom to convince him that opera isn’t just about powdered wigs and posh intervals but is something raw, real, and resonant. Then, we visit the vibrant heart of Lewisham with our Parish Notices, where guest correspondent Vicky Annand brings us stories of connection and creativity from the local community.  Later in the show, Kevin shares a personal piece titled ‘The Weird Sister’, a true story from his time running a Shakespeare collective in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. It’s about trust, transformation, and how one woman, through the words of the Porter in Macbeth, found her voice in an unexpected place. And finally, it’s time to hang upside down - literally. Archie McAlpine returns with Neuro Nuggets, offering a curious brain hack about blood flow and perspective that’s part gym trick, part neuroscience. You can learn more about Archie’s work here. -- Links: Find out more about Thomas Guthrie Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review on your podcast app of choice!  -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:27) Stump the Room (02:44) Tom Guthrie Interview (45:13) Parish Notices (51:11) The Weird Sister (59:30) Archie’s Neuro Nugget (1:00:51) Stump The Room Answers (1:04:41) Outro -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright And a big thanks to Vicky Annand, our guest correspondent  

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In today’s episode, ‘The CNN of the Ghetto’, we explore the rhythms that shape our lives, both natural and self-made. First up, we welcome MoYah - Afro-fusion rapper, activist, and educator, who blends music with advocacy, using hip-hop as a tool for storytelling, community, and change. From his roots in Mozambique to his career-defining role as Portugal’s first refugee semi-finalist in Festival da Canção, MoYah shares how rap became his language of resistance, identity, and empowerment.  Then, it’s the return of Rishi Rian with his poetic Parish Notice: ‘Make That Five’ - a meditation on breaking free from the astronomical hamster wheel and redefining the seasons of our lives. We’ve also got more Maple Leaf or Make Believe! Three strange Canadian headlines, only one is real. Can you guess which? And finally, a fan favourite returns! Victorian Parlour Games is back, with a rap-inspired twist - Word Ladders. Will you outwit your opponents one letter at a time, or will you be stuck with a forfeit worthy of the 19th century? And before we wrap up, we’ve got a treat for your ears - ‘Too Much Sauce’ by MoYah closes out the show. Tune in and step inside The Big Smoke! -- Links: Refugee Week Info Answer to Maple Leaf or Make Believe Find out more about MoYah  Sign up to our fortnightly newsletter Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review on your podcast app of choice!  -- Chapters (00:00) Intro (1:08) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (2:06) MoYah Interview (49:04) Parish Notices (51:42) Make That Five by Rishi Rian (1:00:18) Victorian Parlour Games (1:02:13) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:03:53) Outro (1:04:25) Too Much Sauce by MoYah -- Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright And a big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! In today's episode, ‘The Shoe in the Wall: Patrick Grant on why 'Less' is more’, we’re unpicking the threads of fashion, identity, and the objects we bring into our lives, starting with the clothes on our backs. Joining us is none other than Patrick Grant - clothier, sustainability advocate, and judge on The Great British Sewing Bee. Patrick takes us on a journey through the history of clothing, the fight for quality over fast fashion, and why what we wear matters more than we think. He also reignited the legacy of Kevin’s great-great-great-great grandfather, Edward Tautz, by relaunching his clothing brand! Then, it’s storytime with Granny’s Costume Trunk, where Kevin rediscovers the magic of childhood dress-up - becoming anyone with just a wig, a dress, or a pair of glasses. We also debut an exciting new segment: Archie’s Neuro Nuggets! This week’s bite-sized insight? Fractals in Nature - what they are, why they’re everywhere, and how they might just make your life better.  A fan favourite, it’s the return of Stump the Room! Test your trivia skills with some fashion-themed facts. And before we wrap up, our correspondent Ahmad hits the streets to find out how YOU are fostering connection and community when the bells ring out across The Big Smoke.  Links Join Patrick Grant’s Newsletter: Community Clothing Read ‘Less’ by Patrick Grant: William Collins Books Learn more about Archie McAlpine’s work: Archie McAlpine Associates Follow us on Instagram @thebigsmokevariety and leave us a 5-star review on your podcast app of choice!  Chapters (0:00) Intro (1:23) Stump The Room (2:20) Patrick Grant Interview (1:01:35) Parish Notices (1:05:07) Granny’s Costume Trunk (1:09:56) Archie’s Neuro Nuggets (1:11:44) Stump The Room Answers (1:13:05) Outro Hosted & Exec Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham And a big thanks to Ahmad Wonly, our on-street correspondent