Best Stuart McLean Podcasts (2024)

1
The Department: How a Violent Government Bureaucracy Killed Hundreds and Hid the Evidence 50:39

6h ago50:39

50:39

In the early 2010s, reports began to emerge of deaths linked to a government department. Suicide notes, coroners' reports, and research by disabled activists pointed to failings within the Department for Work and Pensions – the DWP – the government body responsible for the disability benefits system. As years passed, and austerity tightened its gri…

1
Edinburgh Fringe Goss 30:17

7h ago30:17

30:17

Connor and Stu tackle comedy Tea, Club Comics VS Fringe Comics. Stu goes on a diet but the damage is already done. Connor speaks openly about the exploitation of identity in comedy and his willingness to openly explore his own sexuality in real time on stage. Call him Miss authentic!By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Bonus Episode: The Boy Who Went Over the Falls 48:09

26m ago48:09

48:09

In this bonus episode you’ll hear my conversation with Roger Woodward, the boy who went over the falls. You loved hearing his remarkable story in our Niagara Falls episode (back in October 2023) and wanted to hear more. Roger and I had a great time catching up and I learned so much more about that momentous day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva…

1
Loose Lips Sink Ships 34:01

15d ago34:01

34:01

The Funny Nobodies return with their weekly podcasts updating you on what it's like being a new comedian. Afters months off the podcast radar, there is lots to catch up on from bereavements, dating app, fringe festivals and much more.By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Bonus Episode: Bloopers II 21:54

1M ago21:54

21:54

By popular request, for our first bonus episode of season 3, this is part II of Stuart and I in studio, back in 2011, talking - and laughing - about some of his most hilarious bloopers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Summertime - Mexican Climbing Mint & Summer of Stars 48:40

2M ago48:40

48:40

“There is nothing like a neighbour throwing money about their garden to make you feel bad about yours.” It's summer all the way on this week’s episode. In our first story, Mary Turlington unwittingly trips off a chain of events that get heated under the summer sun. And in the second, Sam and Murphy have the summer of a lifetime in Big Narrows, Cape…

1
Sam - Boy Wanted 41:54

2M ago41:54

41:54

“It was Sam’s first year in high school. And it was not going well.” Sam’s turn this week: We have a story about Sam’s first job and about finding his passion. Plus, an essay from Stuart McLean about his first jobs. Including his life-changing experience at summer camp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Talking Shit 30:35

3M ago30:35

30:35

By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Stephanie - Steph’s Statistics Exam & In the Weeds 56:06

3M ago56:06

56:06

“How bad could it be? Statistics. That’s how bad it could be.” This week, two stories about Dave and Morley’s daughter, Stephanie – Stephanie at school and at work. Jess talks about Stuart’s goals in writing those stories and what they show us about success … and failure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Road Trip! - Cat in the Car 43:29

3M ago43:29

43:29

“Whenever the cat is around, things seem to go wrong.” This week, Dave discovers a stowaway on the family road trip, with hilarious consequences. And Jess shares two more of Stuart McLean’s Postcards from Canada: from St John’s, NFLD in the east and Powell River, B.C. in the west. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Labour Movement Solidarity with Palestine 54:39

3M ago54:39

54:39

At the time of recording, Israel’s relentless bombardment of Rafah continues. Around 1 million people have been forced to flee the city. Condemning the assault on Rafah, Spain, Ireland and Norway have joined 140 other countries in officially recognising a Palestinian state. It is a symbolic action that has undoubtedly damaged diplomatic relations b…

1
Nicki Minaj 30:49

3M ago30:49

30:49

Nicki Minaj gets arrested before Manchester! and Stuart has something to say about it... Connor and Stu revamp the box room with a lick of paint as they bother reflect on their weeks as Stand up Comedians.By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Kindness - Wally 50:28

3M ago50:28

50:28

“Not everyone in the world is cut out to be a school janitor.” We’re full of the milk of human kindness on this week’s podcast. We play Stuart’s heartwarming interview with one of our favourite Arthur Award winners and Jess awards an Arthur of her own – to a Vinyl Cafe character! Plus, a Dave and Morley story that you may not have heard before. Hos…

1
Let's get Spiritual! Spiritual! 28:27

3M ago28:27

28:27

Connor and Stu get spiritual! Talking about their spooky experiences. From bad gigs to busy schedules, the two Funny Nobodies keep plodding along.By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
The Promise of Summer - The Man Who Punched Trees & Rosemary Honey 54:08

3M ago54:08

54:08

“A hive of bees is like a harvest kitchen. They gather up the summer: the heat of the sun, the warmth of the rain…” This week on the podcast, two Stuart McLean stories to whet your appetite for summer. In the first, Dave remembers an incredible woodland encounter from his youth in Cape Breton; in the second, Eugene puts Sam and Murphy on the trail …

1
Constellations of Care: Anarcha-Feminism in Practice 1:04:32

3M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

'Whether one is an anarchist or not, the contemporary turn of geopolitical events—from the global phenomena of pandemics, fascistic regimes, and collapsing infrastructure for any sort of social well-being, to capitalist-fueled climate catastrophes and displacement, to occupations spiraling into genocides—has compelled a shift toward prioritizing do…

1
Welcome Back 27:31

4M ago27:31

27:31

Welcome back to Season 2! We've opened our own Funny Nobodies Comedy Club after a SOLD OUT success. Stuart has recovered from his medical hiatus... And Connor has treaded the board in acting... Come see what season two is all about!By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Bucking Bronco (aka Mother’s Day) - Sam’s Underwear & Harrison Ford’s Toes 59:51

4M ago59:51

59:51

“It started like a sprint. One moment you were standing still, and the next you were running as fast as you could.” Hold on tight! On today’s show, in time for Mother’s Day, two Vinyl Cafe stories about motherhood. And Jess shares a backstory about her own experiences – cue the bucking bronco! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa…

1
Food Glorious Food - No Tax on Truffles 43:09

3M ago43:09

43:09

“It says it’s one of the most wonderful tastes in the world.” It’s a gastronomical episode of the podcast today. Stuart loved writing about his favourite foods – both in fiction and non-fiction – and Jess has gathered some great examples of both for today’s show. Plus a hilariously endearing story about Sam’s first passion. Hosted on Acast. See aca…

1
The Cricket - The Cricket & I Need to Pee 29:35

4M ago29:35

29:35

“He’s not well, Stuart.” We’re going way back today with two pieces from pre-Vinyl Cafe days! One is a favourite you’ve been requesting, back from Stuart McLean’s regular appearances on Peter Gzowski’s Morningside. (Spoiler alert: You’ll see what happens when two presenters get the giggles on live radio.) Excerpt from Morningside reproduced by perm…

1
The Alchemy of Audience - Dad is Dying & Odd Jobs 57:23

4M ago57:23

57:23

“There are only so many holes a man can cut in his own house before he is told to stop.” Today on the show, two classic Stuart McLean stories, including Odd Jobs. That’s the one where Dave tries his hand at some home renovations, with hilarious consequences. And Jess has a backstory about the magic of Vinyl Cafe audiences. Hosted on Acast. See acas…

1
Spring – The Fish Head 46:16

4M ago46:16

46:16

“I guess I figured having a fish head could come in handy.” On this week’s episode Stuart celebrates the joys of birding and the Spring bird migration. And we have two springy stories, including a favourite from the Vinyl Cafe story exchange. To submit your short, true story to the Story Exchange, send it to vinylcafe@vinylcafe.com. Hosted on Acast…

1
Enough: Why It's Time to Abolish the Super-Rich 52:15

4M ago52:15

52:15

Forbes' annual rich list reveals that 2,781 people in the world have fortunes in excess of $1 billion. 141 people joined the list in 2023, with a combined wealth of around $14 trillion - a $2 trillion collective increase on the previous year. There are now more billionaires than ever before. It is a grotesque state of affairs, when we reflect on th…

1
Marriage - Dave and the Duck & Margaret Gets Married 55:34

4M ago55:34

55:34

“There is nothing like a wedding to addle people’s minds.” Today on the pod we have two hilarious stories about marriage and proposal. In the first, Dave loses his wedding ring and fears it may have been swallowed by a duck! In the second, Dave’s mom Margaret surprises everyone by agreeing to marry again. And Jess shares her own experience of weddi…

1
Seeds of Hope - The Fig Tree & Morley’s Garden 40:41

5M ago40:41

40:41

“Eugene’s fig tree is the best-known tree in the neighbourhood.” We’re all about gardening on the podcast this week, with two Dave and Morley stories about the act of faith and hope that goes into creating a garden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
What’s in a Name? - Skunks 43:23

5M ago43:23

43:23

“It was 4:30 in the morning and Dave was having a nightmare about something that smelled bad.” On today’s episode we have a fragrant story from way back. And Jess chats in studio with Stuart’s old friends David and Elizabeth, who share how Morley got her name—and surprise Jess with some entertaining backstories of their own! Hosted on Acast. See ac…

1
That Frog Gong! 32:23

5M ago32:23

32:23

The Funny Nobodies talk Gong shows! Connor got far but did he win...? Stu has a Health Scare! But on the bright side there's multiple announcements! Stay tune of what is quite a Frosty Chat!By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Sap’s Running! - Dave Makes Maple Syrup 35:43

5M ago35:43

35:43

“It is the best maple syrup I have ever had, said Sam.” We’re celebrating one of the wonders of spring on the pod this week: Stuart waxes lyrical about his favourite tipple, maple syrup, then tells a story about the time Dave tried to make his own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Posh People in our Heads 33:26

6M ago33:26

33:26

By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
The Wisdom of Children - Annie’s Turn & Dave and the Roller Coaster 55:38

6M ago55:38

55:38

“The kids were always up to something in the Narrows.” This week’s episode is all about kids and what we can learn from them. The first story relates an adventure from when Dave was a boy. In the second, Dave’s adventures continue, with a little help from his son Sam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Jack Mclean - On the Rise 50:43

6M ago50:43

50:43

The Funny Nobodies invite guest comedian Jack Mclean to talk about the truths of Tour Support as a new comic, as well as BBC Comedy Awards Competition. Plus last nights Gig (March 2nd 2024) with Benidorm's Crissy Rock and the Star of the Inbetweener's, Joe Thomas organised by Tall and Small Comedy.By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Literary Structures - Dave’s Inferno & Labour Pains 55:23

6M ago55:23

55:23

“By the end of the first trimester, Dave had put on 12lbs.” A surprising theme links our two stories this week. In the first, Dave has a hellish trip to the grocery store—and Jess has a backstory about what shopping with Stuart was really like. Our second story takes us back to the early days of Dave and Morley’s relationship, when Morley is pregna…

1
Funny Nobodies Comedy Club 31:12

6M ago31:12

31:12

The Funny Nobodies announce they have their own BRAND NEW Comedy Night! Connor praises a local gig and Stu discovers he has a website ... and business is coming!By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Trapped - Rat-a-tat-tat & Dave Buys a Coffin 53:32

6M ago53:32

53:32

"He was about to climb in—just for a second, just to see…" Poor Dave gets himself into some tight situations in both this week’s stories. And Jess explores the snapshots of detail that enrich them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Teasers 30:26

6M ago30:26

30:26

The Funny Nobodies share some upcoming good news while damped down with this weeks gig (It was TOUGH!).By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
The Glide - The Greatest Hockey Game Ever Played 55:03

6M ago55:03

55:03

“'They tried to stop us,' says the old man. 'But we kept playing.'” More about the joy of winter sports on this week’s pod. Including Stuart’s ode to skating from Jasper, Alberta. And a beautiful Big Narrows story about a memorable game of hockey from long ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Valentine’s Day - Holland 32:41

7M ago32:41

32:41

“It was the greatest skate of her life.” Love is in the air today on the pod, with a Dave and Morley origin story—the one about how they first met. For our second story, we’re bringing back the Vinyl Cafe Story Exchange, with one of our favourite listener love stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
On Abolition Feminism with H.L.T. Quan 50:43

6M ago50:43

50:43

We’re excited to have H.L.T. Quan on the pod this month, as we publish her new book Become Ungovernable: An Abolition Feminist Ethic for Democratic Living. Joined by Professors Barbara Ransby and Tiffany Willoughby-Herard, the conversation circles the themes of the book, exploring topics such as radical love, transformative justice, and ungovernabi…

1
Lauren Pattison - The Box Room 1:13:57

7M ago1:13:57

1:13:57

Connor and Stu have their first Pro Comedian in the Box Room. Welcoming Lauren Pattison!By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Middlesbrough 30:21

7M ago30:21

30:21

Connor and Stu stop by in Middlesbrough for a Local Open Mic night. Stu debuts as himself for the very first time! Connor also starts a rivalry with another New Act comic... and this Episode includes a name drop!By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Occupational Hazards - Kenny Wong and the Tank of Tranquility & Tree Planting 43:54

7M ago43:54

43:54

“The secret to planting more trees, is to plant more trees.” We have two hilarious Vinyl Cafe stories for you on today’s pod. Stories of things that happen at work. In the first, Kenny helps Dave out with something at the store. In our second story, Steph experiences a summer job like no other. And Jess digs into the research process behind the sto…

1
Nobodies Talk to Nobodies 57:00

7M ago57:00

57:00

Connor And Stu Talk to Competition Winners Kelly Edgar, Kelly Richard and Shay Raper. All three are Felt Nowt New Act Of The Year Winners Sharing their Experiences along the way.By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Stories Ahead of Their Time - Toilet Training the Cat & Dave Versus the Flu 55:07

7M ago55:07

55:07

"Galway began flushing the toilet again in the autumn…" This week, two Dave and Morley stories that, in hindsight, seem strangely prescient. In the first, a fan favourite, Dave decides to teach Galway the cat a new skill. The second is a story that we haven’t felt comfortable playing in a long time. Jess explains why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com…

1
Connor gone Pro? 34:22

7M ago34:22

34:22

Connor and Stu Stike again! Connor leave his full time job to become a comic! Stu spends most of his time at a corporate gig in the toilets... and we finish off with a question from the emails ... "which comedian would you go dogging with?" ... or something like that...By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Analog Dave - The Phone Message & The Razor’s Edge 59:40

7M ago59:40

59:40

"It began simply enough. It began with a phone call." On today’s episode, two stories about technical difficulties. In our first story, Dave attempts an inventive solution to an ill-considered phone message left for the Turlingtons. In our second, an electric razor causes him problems at the airport. And Jess shares some stories about Stuart’s habi…

1
Happy Anniversary 32:42

8M ago32:42

32:42

Conner & Psychic Stu, have an anniversary on this very day !By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
I Resolve To… 45:13

8M ago45:13

45:13

I resolve to organize upstairs. Welcome back for Season 3 of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe! We’re embracing the spirit of the New Year with a show all about resolutions and lists and getting things done. We start with an essay about Stuart’s fraught relationship with his to do list. And Jess has a backstory about her own relationship to lists and res…

1
Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism 55:57

7M ago55:57

55:57

In our first episode of 2024 we speak to Robert Chapman, author of Empire of Normality: Neurodiversity and Capitalism. Awareness around and diagnoses of neurodiversity have exploded in recent years, but as Robert argues, we are still missing a wider understanding of how we got here and why. In today's episode we discuss the rich histories of the ne…

1
Paranormal Phenomena Live !!!! 31:37

8M ago31:37

31:37

On todays episode of Funny Nobodies Connor Read and Psychic Stu discuss a nightmare stand up gig, unemployment and experience a LIVE Ghost interaction!By Stuart Harle & Connor Read

1
Season 3 - Starting January 12th 0:56

8M ago0:56

0:56

A New Year = A New Season of Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe! So join us next week for Episode 1. Hilarious stories by Stuart McLean. Entertaining backstories and more by host Jess Milton. Here's a sneak peek... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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