Best MONKEY TENNIS Podcasts (2025)

1
163 • Big Beacon: Chapters 30 to 33 + Wrap Up 1:27:09

18d ago1:27:09

1:27:09

We enter our mind palaces as we conclude our Big Beacon coverage, debating whether it's Alan's 'Parklife' or his 'Be Here Now'. Also covered: Bread's theme tune, Seldom's patriotism and Clarkson's farm. Plus, Lynn gets the full name treatment, we play 'Sequels in Sequence' and someone we won't name gets a Paddy Mc-kicking. To help support the show …

1
#439 - Inverting The Pilaumid, Winning 18 Apples and The Mayor of Thornbury 54:56

3h ago54:56

54:56

There’ve been contrasting weeks for our two heroes. It’s a non-stop all anecdote premiere for Elis. For he has as follows… met Hugh Grant, attended Ken Clarke’s curry house, been to film screenings and had his greatest ever stag - apart from the one organised by John he stresses. *And* Mo Salah thinks he matters. John meanwhile has been asleep for …

1
#438 - The Human Clock, Threads Be Cloves and Thanks For Jumping on That Call 1:10:46

2d ago1:10:46

1:10:46

It’s official. Elis and John are the most listened to on demand radio programme amongst the Under 35s on BBC Sounds. This is huge. Finally the boys are appealing to a demographic that extends upwards to those could well be married with two children. Bringing 5 Live’s average age down from 57 to 55 was the aim. But they’ve overshot so far that it’s …

1
BONUS: 7 simple ways walking can improve your mental health and well-being (From the Savvy Psychologist podcast) 10:26

4d ago10:26

10:26

Missing new episodes of Get-Fit Guy already? The team at Quick and Dirty Tips has you covered with a series of special episode presentations from across our network of shows and beyond. This week, we bring you a recent episode of the Savvy Psychologist podcast. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson shares how walking can boost mental health by reduci…

1
#437 - The Great Geordification, Cloud Storage Afterlife and Narrative! Narrative! Narrative! 53:40

6d ago53:40

53:40

He’s only gone and done it again. The serial winner himself, John Robins, the narrative bender, has won yet again. Despite not even really liking football, John just can’t help being John, and he's done something on the football pitch worthy of an end-of-tournament emotional BBC sports montage that makes Elis cry. If anything feels significant, thi…

1
#436 - I Attract The Mums, 200,000 Items and John Robins Ltd. 1:11:14

9d ago1:11:14

1:11:14

This show isn’t often one for big announcements. But today we park the trivialities. There’s not a mention of word games or credit scores in sight. For another obsession is about to take over the life of Johnny JR. It’s big. And it could complete his transformation from movement cynic to the Haile Gebrselassie of rural Bucks*. And Producer Dave is …

1
BONUS: What's the best protein powder? (From the Nutrition Diva podcast) 15:21

11d ago15:21

15:21

Missing new episodes of Get-Fit Guy already? The team at Quick and Dirty Tips has you covered with the first in our series of special episode presentations from across our network of shows and beyond. This week, we bring you a recent episode of the Nutrition Diva podcast. In this episode, Dr. Monica Reinegal walks listeners through the best methods…

1
#435 - Orcs & All, Cannellini Alley and ‘Wisdom, Bit of Sadness, Go Home’ 1:10:36

13d ago1:10:36

1:10:36

Young John Robins goes under the microscope as we learn some revealing things about his burgeoning adulthood; whilst other holidaymakers were making art around turtles and sunsets, what was a youthful Johnny JR focusing his attention on? When students were showing off their favourite books in their dorm rooms, what tomes was Robins proudly showcasi…

1
#434 - TwistMcGist, Spikey Mike and Oh You’re A Catholic 1:09:31

18d ago1:09:31

1:09:31

It’s been a fallow period for Mr Elis James. The one time leading light of Cymru Connecting has faltered. Boy wonder no more. With 5 failures in his past 6 outings, everyone is asking "has his star fallen?" Will he become like Adel Taraabt, a mere “the streets won’t forget” connector of unfulfilled promise? Today he tries to arrest the descent and …

1
Fitness, longevity, and letting go: Kevin says farewell to Get-Fit Guy 14:27

18d ago14:27

14:27

After nearly 3 years as host of Get-Fit Guy, Kevin distills everything he’s learned into one powerful message—and opens up about what’s next in his journey. Get-Fit Guy is hosted by Kevin Don. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a fitness question? Email Kevin at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at (510) 353-3014. F…

1
#433 - Pasta Disaster, Child Of The FTSE and The BACS Is Safe 1:07:39

22d ago1:07:39

1:07:39

Who built John? We find out that it takes more than just a village/borough/nation to raise such a superhunk. He has an entire team behind him, like all of the top athletes of his generation. And not just any top athlete superhunk, but one on the verge of yet another birthday. With this year's birthday, Elis has pushed the present boat out even furt…

1
#432 - Roast Goose, Intro Sequels and The Volkswagen Barrel of Paint 1:07:02

25d ago1:07:02

1:07:02

“This question will have enormous ramifications for my mental health for the rest of my life.” It’s that sort of episode. Today is MASSIVE for Robins, as Producer Dave surprises him with a humdinger of a special guest. It's John's time to enjoy the fruits of 14 months worth of Made Up Games labour. But it’s not all about fruit - which, yes, could b…

1
How your senses (and the fitness industry) might be lying to you 12:44

25d ago12:44

12:44

This week, Kevin goes off the fitness path and dives deep into philosophy, exploring how our senses—and even industries like fitness—can deceive us. From Plato and Descartes to The Matrix and Baudrillard, he explains why what you think is real might just be a well-crafted illusion. Plus, hear how you can keep connecting with Kevin after his final e…

1
162 • Big Beacon: Chapters 26 to 29 1:01:50

25d ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Listen, Love! We deep dive on Seldom and Jennie this week, while also giving Happy Ferguson a nibble. Plus: Oasthouse origins, Avatar unravelled, and we play a quiz you can't (every which way but) lose. To help support the show you can leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, tell a friend about us, share an episode, or buy us a hand…

1
#431 - Corner Energy, Non-Playable John and Tubing The Room 1:00:59

29d ago1:00:59

1:00:59

John and Producer Dave are back from a high after John turned 2,000 revellers up to eleven with his problematic walk in music. Elis has questions but Robins simply adds so much value to live events. And he’s been adding his own energy to another live event - that of the singles night variety. And he sure did set the vibe by diving straight in with …

1
#430 - Grief Granola, Psephologist Wildfowl and How is Scratching Free? 1:22:10

1M ago1:22:10

1:22:10

You’ve probably heard it whispered on the train on your way into work. You’ve likely heard mutterings about it on the concourse at the football. And you’ve almost certainly heard your grandma claim it at Sunday dinner. Well, this episode confirms the rumours; no one else is doing this. Especially if by ‘this’ you mean an extensive chat about spare …

1
161 • Big Beacon: Chapters 22 to 25 46:30

1M ago46:30

46:30

Jennie-bashing and speculation on Coogan's PR policy loom large this week. Speaking from personal experience, we also cover scuppered book deals, the faff involved in entering Broadcasting House, and our own 'faecal Dresden'. And that's before we lose it over A Turkey's Journey. And then Greg Dyke's texts. And then Alan's DIY skills. Could listenin…

1
#429 - Czecholate, 11 Years of Silence, and No One Else is Doing This 58:22

1M ago58:22

58:22

We join our heroes during a telling off session, because someone is being a naughty boy. Has John eaten too much chocolate on the way in and he’s about to experience the mother of all choco crashes? Has Elis insisted that we scrap the proposed running order to talk instead about every conceivable permutation of the Nations League? Or could Producer…

1
#428 - Hunting Aled, Gen Sea and Harriet Kemsley 1:13:22

1M ago1:13:22

1:13:22

Acceptance is the word on everybody’s lips today, but it has different meanings for Elis and John. For John it’s a meaningful form of accepting things as they are in life. For Elis it’s about accepting that his wife Isy will never be interested in the Nations League. Both are valid, I'm sure you'll agree. Also getting in on the acceptance game is t…

1
Listener Mailbag: App reviews, overtraining after 50, and smarter strength plans 16:15

1M ago16:15

16:15

In this listener Q&A episode, Kevin tackles your questions on a range of topics: his take on the Jefit workout app, whether there’s ever a right time to slow down your training, and how to adapt your workouts as you age. He breaks down what “functional training” really means and explains why strength may matter more than cardio as you get older. Ge…

1
160 • Big Beacon: Chapters 17 to 21 59:40

1M ago59:40

59:40

Sh*thousery meets lighthousery this week as we talk passive aggressive emails, Weinstein's eggs, and do deep dives on scampi fries. We ask 'How well has Partridge aged?' and 'Is Alan's "cancer' the worst thing he's ever done?'. We hope the episode makes you weak at the knees (and not leak at the wees). To help support the show you can leave us a 5-…

1
#427 - OALPs, Scared To Stand and Career Progression In Feudal Britain 49:20

1M ago49:20

49:20

Elis and Producer Dave are fresh from taking breaths of the night DJ’ing. The only two people on planet Earth to become hipper as they age. But Mixmag has it that Elis spent most of it seated. Because that’s what the top DJs do. Harris, Tong, Guetta, all from a seated position whilst sucking on Werther’s Originals. Yes Elis got a little bit tired b…

1
#426 - Writing Sid, UNESCO Accents and Condemned to a Life of Seeing Clearly 1:00:29

2M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

John’s managed to pick himself up after last Friday’s show. Well to a certain degree at least - thank the lord. But the collective vibe scale is nudged handsomely towards ‘winning’ as Elis has had one of his all time great days. Cycling? Check. Wales? Check. All time hero who laughs at every single one of his jokes? Check. So it’s all the fun of th…

1
A personal update on fitness, burnout, and what’s next for "Get-Fit Guy" 13:42

2M ago13:42

13:42

This week’s episode is a little different. Kevin shares some personal reflections, a bit of unexpected news, and what’s been on his mind lately. Get-Fit Guy is hosted by Kevin Don. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a fitness question? Email Kevin at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at (510) 353-3014. Find Get-Fit …

1
159 • Big Beacon: Chapters 13 to 16 1:15:08

2M ago1:15:08

1:15:08

ITV gets kicked, Chiles gets evaluated and 'chav' gets revisited this week. We also tread carefully through Alan's big sex scene and peek into Lynn's therapy sessions, before Keys and Gray enter the fray. Will it be chips? To help support the show you can leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, tell a friend about us, share an episo…

1
#425 - The Credit Score Special 59:57

2M ago59:57

59:57

We’ve hit a low ebb. The show which won Best Entertainment Podcast at the British Podcast Awards just a few years ago is dredging the bottom of the barrel. That new low being production staff researching their credit scores ‘live’ on the show. Throw in a chat with an expert on credit ratings and it’s a wall to wall credit ball. And at such an ebb o…

1
#424 - Zanecdotes, Fab Pensions and Mallett’s Depths 1:02:33

2M ago1:02:33

1:02:33

Huge news in Elis and John towers today, for Producer Dave bumped into the man, the myth, the Solero supper himself, Mr Tim Davie. Could he use this opportunity to pitch a brand new true crime podcast about dupes from Stockport who get sold fake shoes? Well that commission’s ripe for the taking if there’s a Magnum that goes the other way. Alongside…

1
Why do so many people have back pain? Do monkeys have the answer? 13:56

2M ago13:56

13:56

This week, Kevin explores how our evolution from quadrupeds to bipeds may be the root cause of chronic back pain. He shares his own injury experience and examines how our spine’s design, combined with modern habits like prolonged sitting, contributes to discomfort, plus tips to keep your back healthy. Get-Fit Guy is hosted by Kevin Don. A transcrip…

1
158 • Big Beacon: Chapters 9 to 12 1:11:55

2M ago1:11:55

1:11:55

Alan's 50 grand rebrand, Lynn's bigotry and Adam's egg matrix all come under scrutiny this week. Also discussed: Bash Street Kids, bunny ears, and Benfield: Attorney at Law. We're SURE that the way we MITCHUM the LYNX between Scissored Isle and Big Beacon will NIVEA be bested. Bonus content fun: Nick's Mega Friends Themed Playlist To help support t…

1
#423 - Gareth Guffer, Dune July and Planet Credit Score 47:09

2M ago47:09

47:09

The sun is shining, blossom is blooming and death and divorce are on the lips. Oh the joys of spring. For how is John going to bid farewell when he and his wheels go off to the great scrapheap in the sky? And how does the statistical likelihood of marriage breakup impact the need to draw cold hard financial lines in the sand? It’s all cheery stuff …

1
#422 - Jimmy Bond, £35.17 and Tudur Owen’s Dad’s Monkey 1:05:04

2M ago1:05:04

1:05:04

Palin, Chalmers, Livingstone… Robins(?!). Yes, gliding into the show today is one of Britain’s greatest travellers. An adventurer unequalled in the 21st century. Because John has been on his once per 9 months short haul trip. Naples has experienced Robins, and he it. With such pizza consumption and the undoubted oscillation between ‘hungry’ and ‘fu…

1
Should older adults train more? The truth about fitness & aging 11:18

2M ago11:18

11:18

As we age, should we really be training less... or is that just a myth? In this episode, Kevin explores the science behind anabolic resistance, the age-related loss of muscle mass, and how older trainees can combat it through smart nutrition and resistance training. Get-Fit Guy is hosted by Kevin Don. A transcript is available at Simplecast. Have a…

1
157 • Big Beacon: Chapters 5 to 8 55:38

2M ago55:38

55:38

In todays episode you join us at Esther McVey's BBQ: we're discussing how Alan's famous pals are chosen, the identity of "Lady A", bad regional telly, and asking what similes are (meta)phor... To help support the show you can leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, tell a friend about us, share an episode, or buy us a big marker pen…

1
#421 - Yakat, Clentin Coins and Is It A Long Forest?! 51:08

2M ago51:08

51:08

Tech problems aplenty behind the scenes, but none of you will notice until the boys bring immediate attention to it. No matter though because the mood is high, for John has not yet had his two squares of chocolate. And there’s a lot flying about today. Adrian gets intense about the length of forests and some of the finest fancy dress in the region …

1
#420 - Cheek Not Filth, World Beaker People Day and Apple Crumble Designed For Three 1:07:05

2M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

You join today’s show mid-crash. Mid-comedown. John Robins is 30 minutes post-butterscotch. How is he meant to broadcast at the top of his game on such a slippery downhill blood sugar slide? Do Elis and Dave need to have an intervention to get him back on the straight and narrow? Amidst such a rut however there’s time to dig into offering business …

1
Could you survive "The Last of Us"? Strength and training tips for a post-apocalyptic world 9:34

2M ago9:34

9:34

In advance of the new season, Kevin breaks down a crucial character's workout routine from The Last of Us Part 2 and explores what it takes to build real apocalypse-ready strength. From weight training to combat skills, he analyzes how a survivor would need to train to fight off zombies and endure the harsh world of The Last of Us. Plus, a look at …

1
156 • Big Beacon: Chapters 1 to 4 58:55

2M ago58:55

58:55

From the lofty highs of poetry to the greasy lows of fatbergs, join us for a scout about the opening chapters of Big Beacon. We wave goodbye to Seldom, enjoy an HR ambush and question Alan's product placement and corporate work. To help support the show you can leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, tell a friend about us, share an…

1
#419 - BQWND, The Bailiff of Content and Watching Mince Defrost in Real Time 1:09:18

2M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

If content were a wrist, chat were the blood flowing through the veins of that wrist, and today’s episode of Elis and John were the finger, then all 3 would be in perfect harmony. For this is an episode with its finger firmly on the nation’s pulse. What else is the nation talking about than mullets, Van Morrison, dressing up your kids, and a pile o…

1
#418 - Pasta Joke, Quarry Stuff and Black as Sackcloth 1:07:22

2M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

The Cymru Connection is officially newsworthy: we said it could be significant, and boy was it. Sadly we didn’t get a 2000 word thinkpiece on whether opening with the question ‘where did you go to school?’ is actually harmful for Elis’s xC (expected connections), but we did get a 3 minute package on the nation’s favourite feature that will no doubt…

1
The strength training debate: Powerlifting vs. weightlifting vs. weight training 12:38

2M ago12:38

12:38

Struggling with motivation after time away from training, Kevin found his way back through powerlifting. In this episode, he breaks down the key differences between powerlifting, weightlifting, and weight training, explaining how each impacts strength, fitness, and overall health. Get-Fit Guy is hosted by Kevin Don. A transcript is available at Sim…

1
155 • Big In The Back Time: Part 2 (Your Feedback) 33:10

2M ago33:10

33:10

From Kaplinsky to Oddie and Stewart to Strangelove, we're covering the big names as we tackle your feedback (and invoices) in today's episode. PLUS: Alan's neighbours, guilty pleasure sitcoms, and we invite AI to steal your jobs. Our Big Beacon deep-dive begins next week! To help support the show you can leave us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts a…

1
#417 - Sun on the Cheeks, The Nadir of the Mullet and Squatting in a Poltergeist’s World 1:00:03

3M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Is John having a Pep Guardiola moment? For a man who wins a lot, he’s chalked up a lot of losses this week. Firstly there’s an unprecedented Wordle catastrophe that only the language of the great Bard can summarise. And secondly, there’s a barren month on the old PB’s (premium bonds). But worry not, for John has “lit a fire in today”. What kind of …

1
#416 - That’s Massive For Me, The English Enigma and Wales Today 1:09:50

3M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

“Wales might be a country of 3.1 million people, but it seems like we all know each other. Well one broadcaster on BBC Radio 5 Live is putting that to the test.” [Roll VT] It’s a big day for Elis. This could be significant. BBC Wales are in the house to cover the local / national news stories on everyone’s lips: The Cymru Connection. The eyes of a …

1
Are you overtraining? Understanding pain, injury & gym fatigue (Reissue) 11:33

3M ago11:33

11:33

Is pain really a necessary part of progress in fitness? Kevin dives into the origins of the "no pain, no gain" mantra, explores the difference between DOMS and chronic injuries, and discusses why normalizing pain in training can be a dangerous mindset. He also answers a listener's question about staying motivated in the gym as we age.…

1
154 • Big In The Back Time: Part 1 (Your Feedback) 33:10

3M ago33:10

33:10

We're back and eager to discuss new Partridge, driving bans, and of course, your feedback. Whether you have thoughts on Oasthouse, are asking "How much Michael is too much Michael", or you’re simply a Farmer horrified by Sting and Shaggy collaborating and want your concerns heard, we’re here to offer an APU POV. Our analysis of Big Beacon is coming…

1
#415 - This Is Your Stand Up Life: John Robins 1:00:04

3M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

“I just feel ashamed and sad now.” John’s in a bad mood. He has made this patently clear he wants nothing to catch him off guard. That’s great news for Elis when he’s got a big fun surprise for John that he’s put a load of work into. Wish him luck. Because it’s a huge milestone week for Mr Johnny JR Robins. Two decades on the circuit. And in that t…

1
#414 - Yesterday’s Bone, Book Humour and The Coalface We Call Prose 1:06:40

3M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

John’s currently penning something which will change global culture. But what if we lift the bonnet of his genius? That is what we find out on today’s show. For in that bonce is a V8 plucking words from the ether with such vim and vigour, and combining those words to make phrases, clauses and sentences. Word constructs which then combine to make re…

1
Mind vs. body: Can you change who you are through fitness? (Reissue) 11:09

3M ago11:09

11:09

Can you truly become a completely different person through fitness, or do transformations only alter your qualities while your core identity remains the same? Kevin dives into the philosophy of personal identity, the science of body transformations, and answer a listener’s question on fixing strength imbalances. Get-Fit Guy is hosted by Kevin Don. …

1
#413 - Generation Graze, A Chunk Funk and Rustle Click Munch Ting Ting 54:45

3M ago54:45

54:45

John has eaten some chocolate just before recording and now he’s all glum. So it’s up to Elis and Dave to get him out of his funk. Their options: 1. Take his trousers off. 2. Give him a wedgie. 3. Let him tell his anecdote about going to a folk gig and sitting in front of an annoying couple. One wonders which they’ll pick? After the chunk funk (cho…

1
#412 - John’s Pensionversary, Riffing on Togetherness and There Will Always Be More Steves 1:05:35

3M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Brace yourselves, because John is about to discover something massive LIVE on the podcast. This could be significant. This could change the game. This could mean that Project 2032(TM) has come early. It’s a potentially life-changing day for Robins, and somewhat like an episode of 24, it all plays out in real time. Strap yourselves in, folks. And wi…

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