Best Paul Atkins Podcasts (2024)

1
Ep 184 Lou Beckett & 'A Rose By Any Other Name' 1:03:44

1d ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Jo's special guest in episode 184 is Gloucestershire based playwright Lou Beckett. She discusses her latest play 'A Rose By Any Other Name' and how it was inspired by Shakespeare. Plus she talks about the charity she co-founded called Theatre Works. Jo also visits the Museum in the Park in Stroud to find out the story behind a medieval tile featuri…

1
David Wild’s 30 Year Party With Music’s Biggest Names & Why Jay’s Not Invited 46:23

2d ago46:23

46:23

David, fresh off of a weekend with Donny Osmond talks about a lifetime of celebrities. Idolizing them, meeting them, interviewing them, befriending them and eventually making them stars once again on his grammy specials. We also talk Neil Diamond, Joni Mitchell, Frank Sinatra, and Phil Rosenthal plus a special surprise call from Brad Paisley! Bio: …

1
Ep 183 Joe Hackett 1:06:51

9d ago1:06:51

1:06:51

In episode 183 Jo's special guest is Joe Hackett, who is the MD of IKP, a Gloucestershire based theatre company. Joe talks about his passion for theatre, making is accessible to everyone and his latest production 'You're Bard' which presents Shakespeare in a unique way. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also chats to one of the team from Wakefield…

1
Writer Eugene Garcia-Cross Explains Why Jay Isn’t Happy Enough 59:12

10d ago59:12

59:12

Eugene Garcia-Cross talks about growing up in Pennsylvania, losing his dad early, and becoming a literature professeur only to give it all up to be a Hollywood comedy writer. Only to wind up writing books on the side. He also talks about struggling as a 35-year-old assistant, how to be patient for the next job. making the most out of the writers ro…

1
Ep 182 Gareth E Rees 1:11:39

16d ago1:11:39

1:11:39

Jo's special guest in episode 182 is author Gareth E Rees, who talks about his love of storytelling and how he's combined science with folk tales in his latest book 'Sunken Lands', which explores issues like climate change. Plus he answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Grant Museum in London, which is part of UCL, and has recently reopened aft…

1
Singer Nicole Atkins Tells Jay He’s Been Squandering His Creativity 1:07:28

17d ago1:07:28

1:07:28

Nicole talks about the difference between creation and nervous activity and how hard it is to distinguish between the two. We also talk about procrastination, Elvis Costello, the need to let ideas simmer, collaborating on a show, making an album, the meaning of music, the tricks to productivity, and the joy of baby steps. Bio: For two decades, Nico…

1
Ep 181 Honor Harger 1:08:43

23d ago1:08:43

1:08:43

In episode 181 Jo's special guest is Honor Harger who is Vice President of ArtScience Museum in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands. Honor talks about her passion for the intersection of arts & science, her decade at the museum where she is Artistic and Executive Lead and exhibitions including the recent 'Mars: The Red Mirror' and the permanent 'Future W…

1
John Ross Bowie Explains Why He Can Meet His Heroes and Jay Can’t 44:50

24d ago44:50

44:50

We talk about how to pronounce Bowie, the love of Monty Python, Elvis Costello, growing up in New York, the Ramones. John’s new play, Brushstroke, my love of John’s wife, Jamie Denbo, John’s possible love of Jay’s wife if he ever meets her, John Cleese, John’s dad who wanted to be an actor but never did it but then turned John on to great movies, t…

1
Ep 180 Paul Franklin 1:28:24

30d ago1:28:24

1:28:24

Jo's special guest in a milestone episode 180 is filmmaker and visual effects designer Paul Franklin. Paul talks about his career including work in the feature film industry, and in particular his involvement in the films 'Inception' and 'Interstellar', which he won Academy Awards for. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the Gravity Disco…

1
Director Paul Feig Encourages Jay To Completely Remake Himself ASAP! 46:24

1M ago46:24

46:24

Paul and Jay discuss looking like losers and feeling like winners, and wearing clothes to match your goals and garner respect, being authentic, Mt. Clemens, Michigan, directing, collaborations, why Paul prefers dinners with girls, why I’ll have to fly to London to see him again, his next movie, his wife Laurie, drinking Artingstall Gin, Paul’s “Coc…

1
Ep 179 Dr Kathryn Harkup & 'The Secret Lives of Molecules' 1:10:45

1M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

In episode 179 Jo welcomes back Dr Kathryn Harkup, who trained as a chemist and now writes about and communicates science stories. She talks to Jo about her recent book 'The Secret Lives of Molecules', including coffee, tea, naps and how to avoid zombies! Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science communicator, public engagement tra…

1
Millennials Tell Jay Why The Youngs Will Never Love Him. 49:57

1M ago49:57

49:57

We talk about trying to stay positive in a down comedy market, how Jay did or didn’t fit in writing a pilot with much younger people, what started the desire to perform, inspirations, Boy Meets World, and the trick to showbiz is just never leaving. Bios: Lucy Blehar is an actor, writer, and musician from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (home of Heinz Ketc…

1
Writing Legend Rob Edwards Exhorts Jay To Avoid Showbiz Disaster 1:02:23

1M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

We discuss our friendship since 1985, teaching at USC, the graphic novel “Defiant” about slave Robert Smalls who stole a southern ship and gave it to the north, Rob’s analytical brain, being teamed with a monster, being fooled by a first meeting, insane show runners with guns on the table, being a black writer, the sunk cost fallacy, making The Pri…

1
Ep 178 Dee Atkins-Greig 1:21:31

1M ago1:21:31

1:21:31

Jo's special guest in episode 178 is Dee Atkins-Greig who is a maths and meteorology tutor. Dee talks about her career as a weather forecaster, first in the Royal Navy and later on television. She talks about her passion for her subject, including why clouds have certain names, and she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also visits the Grant Museum in Lond…

1
Ep 177 Dr Helen Fry & 'Women In Intelligence' 1:12:54

2M ago1:12:54

1:12:54

In episode 177 Jo welcomes back Dr Helen Fry, who is a historian and the author of a number of books that focus on intelligence and espionage, in particular during the First and Second World Wars. Helen joins Jo during Women's History Month to talk about her latest book 'Women In Intelligence', in which she has uncovered some incredible stories and…

1
Kevin Nealon Explains Why Jay’s Son Will Never Respect Jay 1:08:08

2M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

Comedian Kevin Nealon talks about being an older dad, and the butt of all jokes, bad impressions, secret to stand-up comedy, stumbling into SNL and making Weekend Update and how good Germany smells. Bio:Emmy and SAG-nominated actor, comedian, and author Kevin Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC's Saturday Night Live…

1
Ep 176 Dr Suzy Lishman 1:20:43

2M ago1:20:43

1:20:43

It's the start of Women's History Month and Jo's special guest in episode 176 is Dr Suzy Lishman CBE. Suzy is a consultant histopathologist and a medical examiner and talks to Jo about her passion for this area. She also discusses her public engagement work, including her 'Living Autopsy' demonstration. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visit…

1
Actress Suzy Nakamura Explains Why Jay’s A Hack 1:16:02

2M ago1:16:02

1:16:02

On this episode we talk about making art for artsake. Suzy convinces Jay to start a second career as an actor and demands I put myself in my own show. We also talk about Chicago, Crate and Barrel, reliving one year, old people holding tissues all the time, and the greatest show about masturbation ever created. Bio: Born and raised in Chicago, Suzy …

1
'Mars: The Red Mirror' at ArtScience Museum 16:57

2M ago16:57

16:57

In a special bonus mini edition of the podcast, Jo visits ArtScience Museum in Singapore to see the exhibition 'Mars: The Red Mirror'. She talks to Honor Harger who is Vice President and Artistic & Executive Lead for ArtScience Museum. She is also Vice President for Attractions at Marina Bay Sands, which is where the museum is based. The exhibition…

1
Ep 175 Science Fiction Prequels 1:18:56

2M ago1:18:56

1:18:56

In episode 175 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. This time they shine the spotlight on prequels, including discussions on the prequels to Alien, Planet of the Apes, X-Men and Star Wars. Plus science journalist and writer Sue Nelson, and video game and graphic novel writer and editor…

1
Gary Gulman Explains Why Jay’s Latchkey Childhood Ruined Him 1:15:07

2M ago1:15:07

1:15:07

Comedian/Author Gary Gulman and Jay compare their latchkey childhoods with memories of being alone, watching endless TV and worrying about whether the real world would have more channels. We also talk about needing to be funny, the excitement of being on a soundstage for the first time, how one of us was built to play basketball, and how we owe our…

1
Ep 174 Prof Barry Smith Sound and Food 59:06

2M ago59:06

59:06

Jo welcomes back philosopher and sensory scientist Professor Barry Smith in episode 174. He is from the Centre for the Study of the Senses at the University of London and talks about his latest research, how sound plays a part in our enjoyment of food and he has some tips for super tasters like Jo. Jo also chats to one of the team from Wakefield Mu…

1
Bryan Cranston Details Why His Life Is So Much Better Than Jay's 1:07:38

2M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

Bryan talks about commiting to craft and giving up on whether you get the gig. We compare notes about growing up in the valley without adult supervision, writing, why celebrities feel better with other celebrities, the difference between Tequila and Mezcal, having kids in the arts, getting your heart broken in 5th grade, the lessons of struggling, …

1
Ep 173 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Love 55:00

3M ago55:00

55:00

In episode 173 Dr Emma Yhnell returns to myth bust stories and topics relating to neuroscience. Emma is a senior lecturer at Cardiff University and a science communicator. Jo and Emma discuss how motion capture is being used in medicine, the impact of handwriting on the brain, and the subject of love, hormones and neurotransmitters. Jo also visits …

1
Rizwan Manji tells Jay to not box himself in already! 52:14

3M ago52:14

52:14

Rizwan how he got from Calgary to Hollywood, how he stopped playing terrorists and started playing himself, how serious actors who have the knack for funny can make it, and how Jay needs to reconsider acting as a profession. Bio: Rizwan Manji is one of Hollywood’s most respected TV and screen actors. He received a Best Guest Actor nomination for hi…

1
Ep 172 John Gilbey 1:05:56

3M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Jo's special guest in episode 172 is writer and photographer John Gilbey. He talks about his background in environmental research, writing for the Country Diary column in the Guardian newspaper and about his own book 'Country Diary Wales'. Plus he answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to find out the story behind…

1
Comedy Legend Lew Schnieder Scolds Jay for Crossing The Comedy Line 1:03:51

3M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

Writer/comic Lew Schnieder and Jay talk about the jokes they aren’t allowed to tell and how important being “funny” is to them both. Bio: Lew Schneider is a youthful 62 year old man. From Straw Hut MediaBy Straw Hut Media

1
Kevin Nealon Shames Jay for Not Being A True Artist 37:04

3M ago37:04

37:04

The talented Kevin Nealon comes in for a quick visit in between painting, writing, stand up, acting and being a renaissance man, while Jay… isn’t. They discuss what’s normal and why Jay can’t be. Bio: Emmy and SAG-nominated actor, comedian, and author Kevin Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC's Saturday Night Live, …

1
Ep 171 Dhara Patel 1:04:29

3M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

In episode 171 Jo is joined by Dhara Patel, Space Expert at the National Space Centre in Leicester. She talks about her career and passion for space, as well as the 20th anniversary of the Beagle 2 Mars Lander and why it's so significant for the UK. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Dhara also puts an item into Jo's virtual museum, which is a scale m…

1
Stephen Root Tells Jay Why He’ll Never Fit In 1:02:28

3M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Stephen Root is a genius actor who brought humanity to the character of the outsider. Jay and Stephen share the feeling of being on the outside and how that makes being an artist more insightful but being a guy at a party more of a drag. Stephen talks about the art of acting and auditioning and what it’s like to finally be able to tell the producer…

1
Ep 170 Dr Tracy Borman 1:10:25

3M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

Jo's special guest in a milestone episode 170 is Dr Tracy Borman, who is an author, historian and joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces. She talks to Jo about her career, passion for history and her books including 'Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I'. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also visits the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury to find out the…

1
Andy Richter Explains Why It’s Great Jay Has No Chance At Being Famous 1:28:40

3M ago1:28:40

1:28:40

Comedian/Actor Andy Richter shares stories of fame, fans, and family and being a regular guy in an irregular world. Bio: Andy Richter has been working in television comedy for over 30 years as an actor, writer, host and producer. He’s best known as Conan O’Brien’s sidekick, but has been in numerous movies and tv series. He hosts the podcast The Thr…

1
Ep 169 Emma Pears 1:17:44

4M ago1:17:44

1:17:44

In episode 169 Jo is joined by Emma Pears, who is an author, songwriter and entrepreneur, and has written the book 'What Does It Matter?'. Emma talks to Jo about her career and explains her philosophy of how we can all live with less stress and more joy. Plus she answers the Quick Six. Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gallagher, who is a science comm…

1
Jamie Denbo tells Jay Why He’ll Never Get What He Wants 54:24

4M ago54:24

54:24

Funny Actress/Writer/Improviser Jamie Denbo talks about jumping in the water of acting and writing while also trying to have a decent relationship with your kids. As expected, none of it is easy but Jamie somehow makes it work. Bio: Jamie Denbo currently serves as CO-EP on the 20th season of ABC’s smash hit, Grey’s Anatomy. She was the creator, EP …

1
Ep 168 Paul Rincon Space Stories Including Sub-Neptunes 1:10:40

4M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

Jo welcomes back science writer Paul Rincon in episode 168. Paul is commissioning editor for science and technology at The Conversation, and returns to discuss space stories that have been in the news recently. Topics include the latest on the Osiris-Rex mission that returned from asteroid Bennu, Starship, sub-Neptunes and space debris. Jo also vis…

1
Singer/Songwriter, Charlie Kogen, Explains Why Jay’s A Terrible Dad 1:12:54

4M ago1:12:54

1:12:54

Jay challenges his son, college senior, Charlie Kogen, to list the top 5 things Jay did wrong (and right) as a father. Along the way they talk about pushing your kid too hard, the pain of spending time apart, fear of the future, and the tyranny of expectations. Jay explores the dichotomy between loving fatherhood and wishing he could trade it for p…

1
Ep 167 Science Fiction Films 2023 1:10:38

4M ago1:10:38

1:10:38

In the first episode of 2024 (167), Jo is joined once more by Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. In this edition they review sci-fi films and TV shows from 2023, including some prequels, sequels and movies that focus on artificial intelligence. They also look ahead to what we can enjoy in the next 12…

1
Lisa Kudrow Explains Jay’s Marriage To Writer, Brown Kogen 1:18:28

4M ago1:18:28

1:18:28

Lisa Kudrow helped introduce Jay to his wife Brown Mandell, and now 27 year later they are all trying to make sense of it. Brown has issues with Jay. Jay has issues with Brown and Lisa understands them both even when neither is making sense. Tune in to marriage miscommunication on this week’s DBAWJK! Bio: Lisa Kudrow. She was on Friends. Full bio o…

1
Ep 166 Multiverse Movies 1:13:01

4M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

In episode 166 Jo welcomes back Jeff Downes & Graham O'Dwyer from At The Flicks, to explore science fiction cinema. They focus on films that have the themes of alternate realities and parallel universes, including Back To The Future 1 & 2, Source Code, Groundhog Day, Sliding Doors and Everything Everywhere All At Once. Plus science journalist Paul …

1
Phil Rosenthal Tells Why Jay Doesn’t Deserve Good Things 1:03:59

4M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

The great writer/actor/food & travel show host, Phil Rosenthal talks Jay down from feeling bad about undeserved success. Phil claims dumb luck is part of the game. They also talk about good times, Jack Benny, spoiled kids, great show-running, enjoying life, being able to connect with people no matter what. Bio:Phil Rosenthal is the award-winning cr…

1
Ep 165 Winter Special With Faith Douglas 1:18:48

5M ago1:18:48

1:18:48

For the Christmas Special 2023 Jo welcomes back Faith Douglas, who is the author of The Nature Remedy and the curator of Thorp Perrow Arboretum. They conclude their series celebrating each season, and focus on Winter. They talk about folklore associated with the Winter Solstice, what we can be doing in the garden, how to embrace this time of year, …

1
Greg Grunberg Rescues Jay From The Loneliness of Modern Life 58:23

5M ago58:23

58:23

In one of our first recordings, Actor, writer, director, and all around mensh, Greg Grunberg helps Jay settle in on what podcasting is and how it might help get people (and especially kids) more connected in their ever increasingly isolated life. And if we can’t fix that, then maybe, just maybe, we can sell them stuff. Bio: Actor/Producer and epile…

1
Ep 164 Dr Emma Yhnell Myth Busting Rewiring Your Brain 54:41

5M ago54:41

54:41

In episode 164 Dr Emma Yhnell returns to myth bust stories and topics relating to neuroscience. Emma is a senior lecturer at Cardiff University and a science communicator. Jo and Emma discuss the possibility of the use of AI in brain surgery, whether you can rewire your brain and how to reduce stress at Christmas. Jo also welcomes back Dr Jamie Gal…

1
Richard Kind Explains Why He’s Allowed To Say Anything He Wants and Jay Isn’t 1:29:12

5M ago1:29:12

1:29:12

Character actor extraordinaire, Richard Kind, talks about having the authenticity and self confidence to speak his mind and get away with it. He says having a healthy ego and approaching the world with joy give him permission to say just about anything. And how that confidence goes into his landing acting jobs and parenting his children. We also ta…

1
Ep 163 Mark Thompson Sleep & Stargazing 1:02:32

5M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Jo welcomes back Mark Thompson in episode 163. Mark is an astronomy, science & sleep broadcaster and author. He tells Jo how a challenge over two years ago has led to a passion for communicating why sleep is so important for our health. Mark also talks about his new podcast and theatre show, tells us what we can enjoy looking at in the night sky th…

1
Dave Foley Tells Jay About UFO’s, Friendship, Comedy and Other Mysteries 1:10:54

5M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Comedy hero and one of Jay’s best friends helps Jay work though the deep mysteries of friendship, UFO’s, their failed hit movie “The Wrong Guy” and how to stay pals for 30 years. Bio: Dave Foley rose to fame as “the cute” member of the revered sketch group, “Kids In The Hall”. He went on to star in “News Radio” and dozens of movies and TV shows, He…

1
Ep 162 Lyndsey Fineran 1:15:07

5M ago1:15:07

1:15:07

In episode 162 Jo's special guest is Lyndsey Fineran, who is the Artistic Director of the Auckland Writers Festival | Waituhi O Tāmaki. She talks about her love of books and travel, the ten plus years she worked at Cheltenham Literature Festival and why she recently moved to New Zealand for her new role. Plus she answers Jo's Quick Six. Jo also fin…

1
Dana Gould Talks About Jay’s Newfound Irrelevance 1:04:19

5M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Dana talks to Jay about the ego death of change. You think you’re something and then you’re not. He talks about aging, dadding, growing comfortable with being who is and being damn lucky to be that. Bio: Dana Gould began his professional comedy career at the age of seventeen with six solo stand-up comedy specials and done all talk shows from LETTER…

1
Ep 161 Dr Katerina Kaouri 53:04

5M ago53:04

53:04

Jo's special guest in episode 161 is Dr Katerina Kaouri, who is Associate Professor at the School of Mathematics at Cardiff University and also Director for Impact & Engagement at the department. She talks about mathematical modelling and how it can be applied to real life challenges, like sonic booms and biology. She also shares her passion for sc…

1
Actor Kevin Pollak Explains to Jay Why Irresponsible Gambling Makes Sense 1:27:29

5M ago1:27:29

1:27:29

The brilliant Kevin Pollak forgives Jay for being late, talks about poker, growing up in San Francisco, becoming Don Rickles’ buddy, the loss of Matthew Perry, inventing podcasts and only does one Shatner impression on this week’s “Don’t Be Alone with Jay Kogen.” Bio:Kevin Pollak is an world class actor, respected comedian, delightful impressionist…

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