Best Emily Astley Podcasts (2025)

1
Sharon Wanjohi 1:06:49

6d ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Fast-rising stand-up Sharon Wanjohi joins us in the Dream Restaurant this week. But, uh oh, she’s scraped her knee! Sharon Wanjohi is at the Edinburgh Fringe until the 24th August with her debut show ‘In The House’. For dates and tickets go to edfringe.com. Follow Sharon on Instagram @sharonwanjohi_ and TikTok @sharonsforehead Off Menu is now on Yo…

1
Ben Schwartz 1:12:30

13d ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Actor-comedian – star of ‘Parks and Rec’, ‘The Afterparty’ and voice of Sonic the Hedgehog – Ben Schwartz has a table booked this week. Plus we have a few guest callers. Ben Schwartz soon stars in ‘DNA’ and ‘Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice’. Ben’s improv show ‘Ben Schwartz and Friends’ is currently touring the US. For dates and tickets go to rejectedjok…

1
The 4 Personality Types Everyone Should Know Before 30 19:39

13d ago19:39

19:39

Send us a text Ever wonder why some people thrive under pressure while others shut down? Or why your laid-back friend drives your Type A brain insane? In this episode, we break down the four classic personality types: Type A, B, C, and D, and how they show up in real life. From friendships to the workplace, knowing these patterns can help you commu…

1
Ep 300: Ed Gamble and James Acaster (with special guest genie AJ Odudu) 1:49:35

20d ago1:49:35

1:49:35

We’re 300! What a way to start the new series than with a special milestone episode where, once again, the (dining) tables are turned and Ed and James are the guests in the dream restaurant. Have their tastebuds changed over the last 100 episodes? And, this time, we’re thrilled to welcome back AJ Odudu as the special guest genie. A massive thanks t…

1
The Power Of Saying No - And Meaning It 19:49

20d ago19:49

19:49

Send us a text That simple two-letter word, 'no', might be the most powerful tool you're not using enough in your twenties. But what's the real cost of saying yes to everything? This episode unpacks how to reframe "no" as an act of self-respect rather than rejection, and provides practical approaches to declining requests confidently: the direct no…

1
Series 14 Trailer – Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster 1:57

22d ago1:57

1:57

The Dream Restaurant re-opens for bookings on Wednesday 16th July. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
The struggle of job searching in your 20s 26:05

27d ago26:05

26:05

Send us a text Job hunting in your twenties is an emotional rollercoaster filled with rejection fatigue, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to compete in an oversaturated job market. And somehow we're all supposed to do it with a smile on our face? In a stage of your life where uncertainty is the norm, it's hard to figure out if you should pursue …

1
Ep 299: Katherine Parkinson (Live in London) 1:03:41

29d ago1:03:41

1:03:41

It’s our final b-b-b-b-bonus live episode from the London Palladium, with special guest Katherine Parkinson – star of ‘Rivals’, ‘The IT Crowd’ and ‘Inside No 9’. Want to experience Off Menu: Live for yourself? There are a few tickets left for our live shows at the Royal Albert Hall next year. Visit royalalberthall.com for tickets. We’ll be back wit…

1
Summer FOMO: How to Not Stress About Missing Out 18:15

1M ago18:15

18:15

Send us a text Summer FOMO hits particularly hard as everyone seems to be living their best life while you may be stuck at work or feeling left out. There's an unspoken pressure to maximise every sunlit moment and this stigma that if you're not going on at least one 'girls trip', you're not making the most of your summer. In this week's episode, we…

1
What Would You Tell Your Teen Self If You Could Go Back? 24:23

1M ago24:23

24:23

Send us a text What would you tell your younger self if you could go back in time? This episode is a letter to my younger self, what I would tell her if I could go back in time with the life experience I have now. And if it applies to me, it may very well have applied to you too. This episode also serves as a reminder that wherever you are in your …

1
Being The Single Friend And Learning To Love It 29:20

2M ago29:20

29:20

Send us a text Have you watched your social media fill with couples photos on Valentine's Day and felt like you wanted to chuck your phone out the window? I get it. But being single can provide you with some of the best years of your life. From learning what you truly want in relationships to having the freedom to pursue career goals without compro…

1
The Role You Didn't Know You Were Playing In Your Friendship Group 16:37

2M ago16:37

16:37

Send us a text Friendships in your twenties is a whole different beast than it was in school. We’re growing, healing, working, moving, dating and so much more. And our friendships either stretch with us… or snap. We’re talking about those invisible roles we all end up playing in our friendships, the ones we didn’t exactly sign up for. Are you the t…

1
Ep 298: James Norton (in partnership with Dexcom) 1:24:06

2M ago1:24:06

1:24:06

In a special bonus episode in partnership with Dexcom, we welcome BAFTA-nominated actor, ‘Happy Valley’ star and Dexcom ambassador James Norton to the Dream Restaurant. And, no, he didn’t get type 1 diabetes from falling in the Thames. If you, or someone you know is living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and you like the sound of Dexcom, we highly r…

1
Ep 297: Joanne McNally 1:18:23

2M ago1:18:23

1:18:23

In our last episode of the series, stand-up, podcaster, Taskmaster star and self-proclaimed Pinotphile – Joanne McNally – joins us in the Dream Restaurant. Please listen responsibly. We’ll be back very soon with a new series of Off Menu. Joanne McNally is on tour now with ‘Pinotphile’. For dates and tickets go to joannemcnally.com Follow Joanne on …

1
How to Deal With Body Image Anxiety Whilst Heading into Summer 23:39

2M ago23:39

23:39

Send us a text Summer is on our doorstep and I can't be the only one who couldn't be happier! But with summer, comes bikinis and shorts and sometimes even body image anxiety. The good news is this is really common! But it is something we shouldn't have to experience or allow it to ruin our precious summer memories. In this week's episode, we are di…

1
Ep 296: Self Esteem (Live in London) 1:07:32

2M ago1:07:32

1:07:32

It’s b-b-b-b-bonus time, with a live episode from our London Palladium run, with very special guest, pop royalty Self Esteem – aka Rebecca Lucy Taylor. (Plus a cameo appearance from Corbarian, Kelly.) Self Esteem’s new album ‘A Complicated Woman’ is out now. Buy and listen to it here. Self Esteem is out tour from September. For dates and tickets vi…

1
Ep 295: George Egg 1:16:49

2M ago1:16:49

1:16:49

Comedian, chef and the Snack Hacker himself, George Egg, joins us in the Dream Restaurant this week. And James has an announcement. George Egg’s book, ‘The Snack Hacker: Rule-Breaking Recipes for Cooks and Non-Cooks’, is published on 5th June by Blink Publishing. Pre-order it here. Follow George on Instagram @georgeegg And watch The Snack Hacker vi…

1
How to Actually Find Your Passion in Your 20's 20:21

2M ago20:21

20:21

Send us a text Finding your passion is a gradual process that happens through curiosity, exploration, and trial and error. Not a sudden lightbulb moment that defines your identity overnight. Most people don't wake up knowing exactly what they're meant to do, and that's completely normal as your twenties are meant to be a decade of figuring it out r…

1
Ep 294: Carey Mulligan 1:11:20

3M ago1:11:20

1:11:20

Three-time Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan – star of Tim Key and Tom Basden’s ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ – is this week’s dream guest. But can James name those nominated roles? Carey Mulligan stars in ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’ which is in cinemas from 30 May. Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded…

1
10 Things You're Supposed to be Confused About in You're 20's 26:48

3M ago26:48

26:48

Send us a text Your 20s can feel like a chaotic mix of ambition, uncertainty, and the constant pressure to "have it all figured out." Sometimes you might feel confused whilst everybody around you looks like they know what they're doing. In this episode, we're breaking down 10 things that are totally normal to be confused about. From careers and rel…

1
Ep 293: Stacey Dooley 1:04:30

3M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Presenter, author and actor Stacey Dooley has a booking this week, and she’s expecting fuss, fuss, fuss. Stacey Dooley’s new book ‘Dear Minnie’ published by BBC Books. Buy it here. Stacey is also starring in the touring production of ‘2:22: A Ghost Story’. For dates and tickets go to 222aghoststory.com Follow Stacey on Instagram @sjdooley Off Menu …

1
The Ultimate Summer Bucket List: Things Every 20-Something Should Do 19:43

3M ago19:43

19:43

Send us a text Are you ready to make this summer the best one yet? You might have work, or other commitments, but that doesn't have to stop you, it just means you have to be more intentional about your plans. In this week's episode, I have created the ULTIMATE summer bucket list with 8 top ways you can make the most of your 2025 summer. And don't w…

1
Ep 292: Dermot O'Leary 1:06:45

3M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

World’s Greatest Hugger, Dermot O'Leary, joins us in the Dream Restaurant this week and reveals Nicole Scherzinger’s after-dinner tipple. Dermot O'Leary hosts ‘Silence is Golden’ which starts Monday 5th May on U&Dave and airs weekly. All episodes are available to stream free on U from Monday 5th May. Follow Dermot on Instagram @dermotoleary Off Men…

1
12 Signs You’re Doing BETTER Than You Think in Your 20s 26:22

3M ago26:22

26:22

Send us a text Do you ever catch yourself feeling behind, or guilty that you aren't at your best version of yourself yet? The good news is that this is so normal, and sometimes you need a reminder that you are actually doing much better than you think. In this episode, we discuss and go into detail of 12 signs that show you you are doing much bette…

1
Ep 291: Julian Clary (Live in London) 53:19

3M ago53:19

53:19

We’re back with another b-b-b-b-bonus episode from our West End run in March this year. And our special guest is Palladium royalty and ‘Taskmaster’ star Julian Clary. Julian Clary is on tour now with ‘A Fistful of Clary’ including a date at the London Palladium on 17th May. For full dates and tickets go to julianclary.co.uk Follow Julian on Instagr…

1
Why Is This App Making Me Feel Unlovable? (Navigating Dating Apps In Your 20's) 20:07

3M ago20:07

20:07

Send us a text Are you frustrated with dating apps and just want to meet someone face-to-face? In this week's episode, we are diving into the burnout of swiping, ghosting, and why finding a genuine connection on dating apps is harder than ever. Have you wondered whether dating apps are helping or actually hurting your chances of finding someone? Th…

1
Ep 290: Daisy Ridley 1:12:51

3M ago1:12:51

1:12:51

The force is strong with this week’s guest, as ‘Star Wars’ actor and star of James’s favourite film ‘Cleaner’ Daisy Ridley joins us in the Dream Restaurant. (And that restaurant in Liverpool Daisy couldn't remember the name of was called Buyers Club.) Daisy Ridley stars in ‘Cleaner’, a Sky Cinema release on 2nd May. Watch it here. Follow Daisy on I…

1
Ep 289: Jeff Goldblum 1:08:03

3M ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Global treasure and Hollywood icon Jeff Goldblum joins us in the Dream Restaurant this week. But the food will need to be served quickly… Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra’s new album ‘Still Blooming’ is out on 25th April on Decca Records. Buy it here. Follow Jeff on Instagram @jeffgoldblum Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamb…

1
De-influencing Your Productivity Guilt - (Time Management Hacks That Actually Work) 25:50

3M ago25:50

25:50

Send us a text Are you tired of all the wellness and productivity bait on social media at the moment? It feels like we are constantly made to feel badly for never being productive enough. But some days, all we can do is the bare minimum and that's ok! In this week's episode, I am de-influencing you on the need to feel productive all the time. We di…

1
Ep 288: Bridget Christie (Tasting Menu) 1:01:39

4M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

In our second Tasting Menu episode, ‘Taskmaster’ star and writer/star of ‘The Change’, Bridget Christie, returns for a surprise set of dream dishes. But she’s got bigger problems to deal with… All episodes of series two of Bridget’s sitcom ‘The Change’ are available now on Channel 4. Watch it here. Follow Bridget on Instagram @bridget.christie.14 O…

1
How to Stay on Track for Your 2025 Goals (Quaterly Check In) 24:29

4M ago24:29

24:29

Send us a text We are just over a quater way in to 2025 and that only means one thing... Last year I released an episode on how to plan your goals for 2025, ensuring they are realistic and achievable. In order to make them acheivable, its essential we have quaterly check-ins to make sure we are still on track for what we want to achieve this year. …

1
Ep 287: Santiago Lastra 1:10:38

4M ago1:10:38

1:10:38

Mexican-born Michelin-starred chef Santiago Lastra – whose restaurants include KOL and Fonda – orders his dream meal this week. Now, where did we put the sea buckthorn juice? Santiago Lastra’s new London restaurant Fonda is now open – go to fondalondon.com. And for details about KOL go to kolrestaurant.com. Follow Santiago on Instagram @santiagolas…

1
How to Handle Career Rejection 20:28

4M ago20:28

20:28

Send us a text This week we are diving into career rejection! This episode includes why we struggle with rejection, how to overcome the feeling of disappointment, and how to use your rejection as an opportunity for growth. Enjoy! Support the showBy Emily Astley

1
Ep 286: Rhod Gilbert (Live in London) 1:24:57

4M ago1:24:57

1:24:57

It’s our first b-b-b-b-bonus episode from our live residency at the London Palladium. And first up in the Dream Restaurant is superb stand-up and James’s ‘Taskmaster’ pal Rhod Gilbert. Rhod Gilbert is on tour now with ‘Rhod Gilbert and the Giant Grapefruit’ including a date at London’s Eventim Apollo on 12 June. For dates and tickets go to rhodgilb…

1
Ep 285: Sally Phillips 1:02:44

4M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

‘Smack the Pony’, ‘I’m Alan Partridge’ and ‘Taskmaster’ star Sally Phillips is this week’s diner, and she’s going foraging. Sally Phillips stars in ‘Austin’ which is on BBC One at 9.30pm from Friday 4th April with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer. Follow Sally on Instagram @sallysmack Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James …

1
Single vs. Committed: Navigating Relationships in Your 20s 28:13

4M ago28:13

28:13

Send us a text This week's episode is about the age old long debate - what is is better? Being single, or being in a relationship in your 20's? In this episode we are weighing up the pros and cons of both to help you decide what option is best for you in your current lifestyle. Later, we talk about tips on how to find someone, why it is important t…

1
Ep 284: Meera Sodha 1:14:33

4M ago1:14:33

1:14:33

Superb chef, food writer and author (including one of Off Menu’s favourite cookbooks, ‘East’) Meera Sodha joins us for a Dream Restaurant booking this week. If anyone says ‘ship’ they have to put 50p in the Naan Jar. Meera Sodha’s new cookbook ‘Dinner’ is out now, published by Penguin. Buy it here. For more of her books visit Meera’s website, meera…

1
How to Manage Hangovers, Energy, and Sleep: Teens vs. Twenties 27:50

4M ago27:50

27:50

Send us a text Remember when you could party all night, sleep for two hours, and still make it to your 9 AM lecture? Yeah… not so much anymore. But we’re not done going out, we just have to be a little smarter about it. This episode’s all about how to keep the fun going without wrecking yourself. We are discussing how to use naps, hydration, drink …

1
Ep 283: Antoni Porowski 1:03:28

5M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

‘Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski joins us at the Dream Restaurant this week. We hope there’s enough room on the table… ‘No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski’ is available now on National Geographic Channel and Disney+. Follow Antoni on Instagram @antoni Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Produced, recorded and edited…

1
Ep 282: Ellie Taylor 1:13:34

5M ago1:13:34

1:13:34

Ellie Taylor – ‘Ted Lasso’ star, ‘Strictly’ contestant and superb stand-up – has a booking this week. Shout out to Theresa’s broccoli pasta. Ellie Taylor is on tour with ‘Palavering!’. For dates and tickets head to ellietaylorcomedy.com Follow Ellie on Instagram @elliejanetaylor Off Menu is a comedy podcast hosted by Ed Gamble and James Acaster. Pr…

1
How to Know If You Have ADHD: Myths, Symptoms, and Coping Tips for Your 20s 24:24

5M ago24:24

24:24

Send us a text Do you ever wonder if you might have ADHD? The topic of ADHD is spoken about now more than ever, and it is important we chat about what it means for you! As someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD from a young age,I’m here to share my personal insights, including lesser-known symptoms to watch for and my top strategies for managing …

1
Ep 281: David Tennant 1:11:30

5M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

David Tennant Does a Podcast With… Ed and James! The ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Rivals’ star has a table booked in the Dream Restaurant this week, and James starts thinking about a career change. ‘David Tennant Does a Podcast With…’ series 3 is out now with guests including Stanley Tucci, Russell T Davies, Ben Schwartz and Jameela Jamil. Listen here. Follow…

1
How The 'Good Girl Trap' Effects Your Self Worth 29:28

5M ago29:28

29:28

Send us a text Do you ever struggle with your self worth? Or maybe you struggle with defining what self worth even is to you? Do not fear, this is so normal and this episode is absolutely made for you! In this episode we go into depth on 5 reasons why women struggle with their self worth and what we are told to define ourselves as. But don't worry,…

1
Ep 280: Robert De Niro 57:50

5M ago57:50

57:50

We can’t quite believe this either. Acting royalty Robert De Niro visits the Dream Restaurant this week. Or, more accurately, the Dream Restaurant visits him. Trigger warning: this episode contains talk about losing and gaining weight for acting roles. Robert De Niro stars in ‘Zero Day’ which is out now on Netflix. Watch it here. Off Menu is a come…

1
How to Make Exercise a Habit in Your 20's (and Stick With It) 23:59

5M ago23:59

23:59

Send us a text In this week's episode we are discussing why it is so important to get into a habit of exercising in our 20's! With so much information on social media telling us how to move our bodies, it can be a bit overwhelming, so today we are talking about how to make exercise part of your routine in the easiest way possible. We also dive into…

1
Ep 279: Stephen Graham 1:11:16

6M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

Finally, one of our most requested guests – multi-Bafta-nominated actor Stephen Graham – visits the Dream Restaurant. Will James put his money where his mouth is? Will he avenge Romesh? Let’s get ready to rumble… Trigger warning: this episode contains talk about losing and gaining weight for acting roles. Stephen Graham stars in ‘A Thousand Blows’ …

1
How to Protect Your Peace from Negative People 21:12

6M ago21:12

21:12

Send us a text We have all been around negative people who without realising it, rub off on us. In this weeks episode, we are diving into how to deal with negative people. We discuss how to notice negative energy in people, how being around this can consistently effect us, and tips on how we can protect our energy from negative influence. We also d…

1
Ep 278: John Kearns (Tasting Menu) 1:26:59

6M ago1:26:59

1:26:59

In an Off Menu first, we invite a previous guest back to the Dream Restaurant. But they’re not choosing their meal – they’re being served another guest’s choices. This is the first Tasting Menu episode with fan favourite, John Kearns. John Kearns’s special ‘The Varnishing Days’ is available to watch now on NOW. Watch it here. John stars in Adam Ric…

1
How to Break the People-Pleasing Cycle and Start Living for Yourself 22:52

6M ago22:52

22:52

Send us a text Have you ever caught yourself saying yes to plans with friends when you really don't want to go out? We have all been there.... In this episode, I am talking about why we are so used to people pleasing, how we can stop doing it and why living more intentionally will benefit our lives incrementally in the long term. From one people pl…

1
How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others (A 5 Step Guide) 15:28

6M ago15:28

15:28

Send us a text Do you find yourself comparing your life or career to the people around you and those on social media? The good news is that this is totally normal! But that doesn't make it any easier. In this week's solo episode, we are discussing why we are all so susceptible to comparison and 5 tips that you can use to help you shift your mindset…

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Emily Astley Podcasts

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