Best Charlie Higson Podcasts (2025)

1
Cecily Neville 56:32

5h ago56:32

56:32

In this episode, Charlie Higson delves into the life of a fascinating woman, Cecily Neville, daughter of Ralph Neville, wife of Richard, Duke Of York. As a Neville, she was a member of one of the most powerful families in the Kingdom and she had an extraordinary life. The youngest of her father's 22 children, she went on to have 12 children of her …

1
Re-Write: Kathleen Wyatt from Series Two 1:00:27

1d ago1:00:27

1:00:27

As our literary season continues, in this classic episode, Cally talks to journalist, writer & author Kathleen Wyatt about lying, dying, drugs, love, neuroplasticity, linguistics, spies, double agents, travel, journalism, coming out, growing up, getting uncomfortable, Al Qaeda and puppies. Kathleen's book ⁠The Social Superpower - thebig truth about…

1
Margaret Of Anjou 54:16

7d ago54:16

54:16

As Charlie Higson continues his canter through history, he lands on Margaret Of Anjou, the powerful French woman who fought so hard for her husband, Henry VI when his rule was challenged in the Wars of the roses, and was called by Shakespeare "The She Wolf of France", in Henry VI part III. As ever though, historical research tells a different story…

1
Re-Write: Helen Russell from Series One 1:05:53

8d ago1:05:53

1:05:53

As our literary season continues to the publication of Cally's book, we bring you this classic episode from the Namaste archive where Cally talks to journalist, speaker and best-selling author Helen Russell about happiness,sadness, life, death, parenthood, fertility, arrival fallacy, being ginger,crying on planes, crying off planes, telephone phobi…

1
William Caxton 54:28

14d ago54:28

54:28

Whan that aprill with his shoures soote The droghte of march hath perced to the roote, And bathed every veyne in swich licour Of which vertu engendred is the flour; These lines, although difficult to understand, are from a key work in English literature. They have endured today, in part, thanks to a man called William Caxton, who chose a book calle…

1
Take Me to the River with Robert Macfarlane 1:14:35

15d ago1:14:35

1:14:35

In this episode, Cally talks to Robert Macfarlane about rivers, Radiohead, droughts, chalk streams, climate change, mountains, punk, pastoral, daylighting, gaslighting, politics, philosophy and hope. @robgmacfarlane on Instagram @robgmacfarlane.bsky.social on BlueSky Stanley Donwood Johnny Flynn River, Mountain and Love Jackie Morris on Namaste Mot…

1
Mayflower Monarchists 46:31

21d ago46:31

46:31

In this brand new episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson takes in the historical view from across the pond. What do Americans think of English history and how much do they know about it? Are they really obsessed with the Royal Family? And Henry VIII? is the UK's thirst for history echoed over the Atlantic? To help Charlie get some insigh…

1
And the Winner Is: Matt Forde from Series Seven 1:08:06

22d ago1:08:06

1:08:06

To celebrate our nomination at this year's Golden Lobe Awards for Best Guest (Spoiler: we may have one by the time you hear this) we dig out this (potentially) award winning episode feature Matt Forde talking about his cancer diagnosis, treatment, recovery, hope, rehabilitation, luck, comedy, friendship, politics, love and poo. Matt’s ⁠website⁠ ⁠Ch…

1
John of Lancaster 50:03

28d ago50:03

50:03

Henry V wasn't on the throne that long, BUT his big military gains in the Hundred Years War against France helped England position itself as one of the strongest military powers in Europe. So why would we be interested in his little brother, John? Well, quite simply, Henry V couldn't have achieved all he did without him! Supremely loyal, a great ad…

1
Re-Write: Susie Dent from Series Five 1:05:29

29d ago1:05:29

1:05:29

As our literary season in the run up to Cally’s book’s arrival, we raid the Namaste archive for this this episode Cally where talks to Countdown Dictionary Corner's Susie Dent about etymology, phrases, feelings, love, writing, happiness, Japanese, French, hygge, memory, Maths, fame, Finland and her Twitter Words of the Day. Instagram: ⁠@susiedent⁠ …

1
Saint Scholastica’s Day Riots 33:04

1M ago33:04

33:04

When you think of Oxford University, what springs to mind. A serious yet peaceful seat of learning, full of people in robes with nothing more on their minds than the study of Latin or Theology. Certainly not a place of murder, of people being thrown into wells or drowned in privies!??!? Well, that’s just what Charlie Higson thought of it too, until…

1
Re-Write: Mark Billingham from Series One 55:21

1M ago55:21

55:21

As our literary season continues, we bring you this classic episode from the Namaste archive where Cally talks to crime writer Mark Billingham, about writing, fans, zoom life, reviews, crowd-pleasing, Elvis Costello, showing off, personality types, writing, reading, poker, luck vs hard work, midlife crises and John Irving. Find out more about Mark …

1
The Shameless Plug! 16:35

1M ago16:35

16:35

Happy Easter! Right, that's enough of that, it's time to think about Christmas. It's a tricky time of year, knowing what to buy for friends and family. BUT, Good News, Charlie Higson has solved all your problems by writing Willy Willy Harry Stee - An Epically Short History Of Our Kings & Queens Yes, it's the book of the podcast and even better, you…

1
Re-Write: Charlie Higson from Series Six 1:15:33

1M ago1:15:33

1:15:33

In this classic episode from the Namaste Archvie, Cally talks to Charlie Higson about: James Bond, The Fast Show, hustles, university, Paul Whitehouse, Harry Enfield, Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, punk, Thatcher, creativity, Dad’s Army, sons, brothers and writing. Instagram: @higsonmonstroso Charlie's books and more Get tickets for Cally’s Tour Order C…

1
The Legacy Of Edward III 1:01:05

2M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

We're still in the 14th century and in this episode, Charlie Higson is looking at the confusion that ensued after Edward III basically had too many sons. His success in the bedroom created a tangled web of family intrigue, thwarted ambition and bitter rivalry that led to Richard II's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, kicking him off the throne and taking …

1
Beautiful Thing with Kit de Waal 1:03:54

2M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

In this episode, Cally talks to best-selling author Kit de Waal about rejection, getting published, reading, writing, social mobility, religion, racism, self-esteem, identity, adoption, motherhood and relationships. Instagram: @kitdewaal Kit’s books and more Get tickets for Cally’s Tour More about Cally Order Cally's Book Produced by Mike Hanson fo…

1
John Wycliffe 1:02:01

2M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

As Charlie Higson guides us through some of the fascinating folk who litter English history, he lands upon John Wycliffe, an academic, a philosopher, a priest, a preacher and a religious reformer who lived during the reigns of Edward III and Richard II. A passionate reformer, he was behind the first translation of the bible to into English – creati…

1
Play It Again: Edith Bowman from Series Six 1:07:34

2M ago1:07:34

1:07:34

In this episode Cally talks to Edith Bowman about films, dreams, imposter syndrome, loneliness, MTV, the moon, manifestations, fame, radio, finding your voice, knock-backs, soundtracks, Clooney, Spielberg, Sorcese and Mariah Carey. Get tickets for Cally’s Tour More about Cally Order Cally's Book Produced by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Mu…

1
Geoffrey Chaucer 1:16:55

2M ago1:16:55

1:16:55

As he continues his romp through English history, in this episode Charlie Higson looks at the life and work of Geoffrey Chaucer. A key figure in English social history and the history of English writing, Chaucer's greatest work is The Canterbury Tales, considered to be one of the pillars of English literature. Charlie and his guest help us understa…

1
Fortysomething with Lauren Mishcon and Nicole Goodman 1:00:28

2M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

In this episode, Cally talks to Nicole Goodman and Lauren Mishcon about self-care, womanhood, wellness, dogs, kids, doulas, sex therapists, friendship, confidence and snail snot. Self Care Club podcast 40ish Podcast Instagram: @selfcareclubpod and @40ish.podcast TikTok: @selfcareclubpodcast and @40ish.podcast The book Have You Tried This? Get ticke…

1
Early English Music 1:08:49

2M ago1:08:49

1:08:49

In this episode, Charlie Higson looks at the development of English music - what we know about its early history and the way the sound and styles developed from the kind of monastic chanting in unison you get in Monty Python through the introduction of polyphony and harmony, to the wonders of Thomas Tallis, the first great English composer Assistin…

1
The Price is Right with Tom Price 1:05:47

2M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

In this episode, Cally talks to actor, presenter and comedian Tom Price about acting, podcasting, therapy, trauma, the Hoffman Process, family, dogs, private school, vulnerability, life and death. Instagram: @thetomprice and @toasterpod My Mate Bought a Toaster podcast Chatabix podcast Adam Buxton podcast Cariad Lloyd’s Griefcast podcast with Tom G…

1
Isabella Of France 50:53

3M ago50:53

50:53

In this episode, Charlie Higson delves into the life of a 12 year old girl bride, who went on to rule England. Isabella of France led an invasion that ultimately resulted in the deposition of her King and husband, Edward II, in January 1327. Isabella is a fascinating character and assisting Charlie to understand her motivation and drive, we welcome…

1
Fit Bitch with Victoria Emes 1:13:14

3M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

In this episode, Cally talks to Victoria Emes about parenting, influencing, womanhood, comedy, fitness, social media, algorithms, celebrity, minges, mansplaining, anxiety, sobriety and MTV. Victoria on Instagram: @victoriaemes Victoria on TikTok: @victoriaemes Get your FitBitch Get tickets for Cally’s Tour More about Cally Order Cally's Book Produc…

1
Piers Gaveston & Hugh Despencer 45:48

3M ago45:48

45:48

In this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers a bromance. In fact he uncovers TWO bromances, both involving King Edward II. If the names Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despencer don't mean anything to you now, listen on, for it is a tale of male bonding that ultimately ends in the death of two of the Kings best friends, people to whom he'd given way too much p…

1
Women Aren't Funny: An International Women's Day Special 39:29

3M ago39:29

39:29

In this episode Cally celebrates International Women's Day by busting the myth that 'women aren't funny' by revisiting conversations we've had with some of the funniest, most successful comedians in the UK including Jenny Eclair, Zoe Lyons, Angela Barnes, Sally Phillips, Shazia Mirza, and Kerry Godliman. Listen to Jenny's full episode Listen to Zoe…

1
A Short History of Scotland 57:12

3M ago57:12

57:12

In this episode, Charlie Higson heads north of the border. Joined by eminent Scottish historian Alistair Moffat, Charlie discovers the truth behind Macbeth and tracks a path from him, (don't believe anything Shakespeare told you!), through to the decisive victory for Robert The Bruce at The Battle Of Bannockburn. As well as the excellent stories he…

1
Everyone’s Favourite TikTok Auntie with Ann Russell 1:08:26

3M ago1:08:26

1:08:26

In this episode, Cally talks to author and TikTok sensation Ann Russell about cleaning, cancer, clutter, community, kids, role models, boarding school, trad wives, grandmothers, alcoholism, sustainability, empathy and DIY. Ann on TikTok Ann’s books For more about Cally see her new website and pre-order her book here Produced by Mike Hanson for Pod …

1
Simon De Montfort 1:17:20

3M ago1:17:20

1:17:20

In this episode, Charlie Higson gets properly acquainted with the great knight and statesman, Simon De Montfort, who started out originally as one of Henry III's chief supporters but became increasingly enraged by how badly he thought Henry was running the country. Inevitably this led to wars and power struggles as de Montfort ended up leading the …

1
Postcards from Midlife with Lorraine Candy and Trish Halpin 1:07:06

3M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

In this episode, Cally talks to hosts of hit podcast ‘Postcards from Midlife’ Trish Halpin and Lorraine Candy about: friendship, fashion, midlife, gender, journalism, allyship, glass ceilings, broken rungs, misogyny, social mobility, impostor syndrome, ambition, vulnerability, Oprah, asking for help and cheese. Postcards from Midlife podcast Lorrai…

1
The Birth of the Birth of the British Empire 53:26

4M ago53:26

53:26

So when did The British Empire begin? Well, the idea of it was probably much earlier than you think and in this episode Charlie Higson is going to be asking questions about a time in English history when English monarchs seriously started looking at colonising other nations. And to assist Charlie in his quest, he's invited James Hawes back on the s…

1
A Namaste Valentine's Day Special 48:02

4M ago48:02

48:02

This week we swipe right on the Namaste Motherfucking archive and bring you some of our favourite couples who were guests in previous episodes to celebrate loved-up relationships including comedian Sara Barron and her broadcasting husband, Geoff Lloyd, Roxanne and Rich Pink aka the ADHD Love Couple and psychotherapist Phillipa Perry and artist husb…

1
Eustace The Monk 42:10

4M ago42:10

42:10

In this third series of Willy Willy Harry Stee, Charlie Higson is looking at the interesting characters who pop up alongside the monarchs and there are few more interesting than Eustace The Black Monk. Don't be fooled by the 'Monk' part of his moniker. Eustace was a Pirate, a Mercenary and other very un-Monk-like things. To help Charlie tell his fa…

1
A Perfect Contradiction with Paloma Faith 1:02:13

4M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

In this episode, Cally talks to Paloma Faith about music, mumming, authenticity, age, ageism, kids, body image, fringes, writing, Trump, Thatcher, feminism, fame, fear and packing for holidays. Instagram: @palomafaith Paloma’s book MILF Paloma’s podcast Mad, Sad and Bad More about Cally Order Cally's Book Produced by Mike Hanson for Pod People Prod…

1
King Louis 56:11

4M ago56:11

56:11

In this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers the rather amazing story of King Louis Of England. "Who's that", you say? Well, just over 800 years ago Louis, son and heir of the king of France, rode through the streets of London and was acclaimed king of England by cheering crowds. And yet you've probably not heard of him. Well, lucky for us, Cath Hanley…

1
Live and Kicking with Gail Porter 1:07:09

4M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

In this episode, Cally talks to Gail Porter about lad mags, the nineties, celebrity, paparazzi, misogyny, mental health, Dads, Mums, alopecia, homelessness and hope. Instagram: @iamgailporter Gail’s book BBC documentary ‘Loaded: Lads, Mags and Mayhem’ Dr Benji Waterhouse guesting on NMF Gail’s charities: Centrepoint Homewards Mind Samaritans Scotti…

1
Empress Matilda 1:07:05

4M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

Imagine the scene. You're the king but through tragic circumstances you have no legitimate male heirs. To maintain the lineage, you agree with those in power that your daughter would become Queen on your death. They all agree. Jobs a good 'un. That is until you die and your daughter's pesky cousin, a bloke, nips in and steals the crown. Farfetched?…

1
Life Lessons From a Former Head Girl with Chloe Petts 1:04:33

4M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

In this episode, Cally talks to Chloe Petts about identity, anxiety, extroverts, performance, generations, therapy, mindfulness, life phases, football, Karen’s, misogyny and pissing about. Instagram: @chloepetts Chloe’s tour Pre Order Cally's book More about Cally here Produced by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Music by Jake Yapp Cover Art …

1
William Marshall 1:18:34

4M ago1:18:34

1:18:34

In this episode, Charlie Higson turns his attention to an incredible figure, William Marshall, dubbed The Greatest Knight In Christendom and it's easy to see why. Not only did he live into his 70's, amazing considering he was born in 1146, but he served 5 kings at a time when life expectancy in a royal court was, well, limited. Joining Charlie is S…

1
My Kind of Women with guests Womenkind Collective hosts Jinty Sheerin and Lou Hockings-Thompson 1:00:52

4M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

In this episode, Cally talks to hosts of Womenkind Collective, Lou Hockings-Thompson and Jinty Sheerin, about female friendship, writing, medical misogyny, menopause, the 90s, the sandwich generation, confidence, age, impostor syndrome, disordered eating, Devon, prison and being women of a certain age. Womenkind Collective on Instagram Women of a c…

1
LIVE EVENT - How To Depose A Medieval Ruler 1:08:23

5M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

In this special Medieval guest-fest, Charlie Higson welcomes not one but THREE fabulous historians to the show, recorded live in front of an audience at the British Library, as part of Medieval Fest! which took place in December 2024. The discussion was 'How To Depose A Medieval Ruler', and Charlie was joined by a star-studded team of experts – Nat…

1
Cally's Life Advice from the Vault 22:02

5M ago22:02

22:02

In this episode Cally looks at the top ten pearls of wisdom of 2022 when she asked her guest to bestow some life advice for the Namaste Motherfucking family, including Esther Manito, Shaun Keaveny, and Tom Read Wilson.If you haven’t already, why not follow Namaste Motherf**kers at https://auddy.co/shows/entertainment/namaste - that way you’ll never…

1
Medieval Women: In Their Own Words 36:14

5M ago36:14

36:14

In this special episode, Charlie Higson gets the inside story of an extraordinary exhibition that runs at The British Library until March 2nd 2025, Medieval Women: In Their Own Words The exhibition includes some rare and wonderful documents, manuscripts and even music, so to explain its creation, Charlie chats with Ellie Jackson, one of the curator…

1
Cally's Life Advice 3 21:57

5M ago21:57

21:57

To kick off 2025 Namaste Motherfuckers brings you the Top Ten of Life Advice as given by just some of our guests this year including Jason Byrne, Greyson Perry, The Reverend Kate Bottley, Ellie Robinson and more If you haven’t already, why not follow Namaste Motherf**kers at https://auddy.co/shows/entertainment/namaste - that way you’ll never miss …

1
Extraordinary Lives of Medieval Women 50:58

5M ago50:58

50:58

What was life really like for women in the medieval period? How did they think about sex, death and God? Could they live independent lives? And how can we hear their stories? Lucky for us, Hetta Howes has asked all these questions and come up with some pretty compelling answers, all neatly told in her new book Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife. In this spe…

1
Cally's Christmas Cracker 2024 48:22

5M ago48:22

48:22

This week we bring you our fourth annual Christmas Cracker featuring some of the jokes as told by our guests this year including Miriam Margoyles, Esther Rantzen, Greyson Perry, and Robin Ince. More about Cally PRE-ORDER Cally's Namate Motherf**king book here Instagram: @callybeatoncomedian Twitter: @callybeaton Produced by Mike Hanson for Pod Peop…

1
Thomas Becket 48:49

5M ago48:49

48:49

Thomas Becket. Lord High Chancellor, Archbishop Of Canterbury and close friend of Henry II. What could possibly go wrong?? Well, enough to get him chopped up by four of Henry's knights, that's what! The question Charlie Higson wants to know the answer to though is 'how'? What precipitated his spectacular fall from grace? Why was he killed? And who …

1
Cally's Christmas Cracker from the Vault 41:37

5M ago41:37

41:37

As Producer Mike sorts his laptop (Santa, you know what to do!) we bring you our Christmas Cracker from 2022. More about Cally PRE-ORDER Cally's Namate Motherf**king book here Instagram: @callybeatoncomedian Twitter: @callybeaton Produced by Mike Hanson for Pod People Productions Instagram: @podpeopleuk Music by Jake Yapp Cover art by Jaijo Part of…

1
The Crusades 55:03

6M ago55:03

55:03

In this second episode of Willy Willy Harry Stee - Series 3, Charlie Higson takes a deep dive into the religious wars of the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. Helping Charlie to navigate this complex period is Professor Jonathan Phillips, Professor Of Crusading History at the Royal Holloway University Of London and author of many books on this subject…

1
People in Glasshouses… with guests Kali Hamerton-Stove and Netti from The Glasshouse 1:01:03

6M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

In this episode, Cally talks to Glasshouse project co-founder Kali Hamerton-Stove and Netti, one of the first female prisoners to successfully come through the programme, about justice, prison, women, children, nature, nurture, stereotyping, mental health, reoffending, hope, love and second chances. Instagram: @theglasshousebotanics The Glasshouse …

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