Best Pundit Arena Podcasts (2024)

1
Season 2 Episode 11 - Live Show (Bonus Episode) 36:16

10M ago36:16

36:16

Prepare to be entertained, surprised, and thoroughly amused as James Haskell takes to the stage with his first full-length 35-minute comedy set. Stepping away from the rugby pitch and into the spotlight, James fearlessly delves into the intricacies of his personal life, sharing hilarious anecdotes and unfiltered observations. Drawing upon his exper…

1
Season 2 Episode 10 - Suzi Ruffell 41:11

11M ago41:11

41:11

It’s the last episode of Amuse Douche before James’ full length set. Luckily, he’s teamed up with the brilliant comedian Suzi Ruffell to explore the power of comedy in breaking down barriers. Together, they delve into the often unspoken challenges faced by comedians, particularly when confronting misogyny and homophobia. With her trademark wit and …

1
Season 2 Episode 9 - Desiree Burch 38:54

11M ago38:54

38:54

As the twenty minute live set draws closer, another comedian takes a look at Hask’s previous eight minutes. This time, it’s former dominatrix and American comic Desiree Burch who casts her eye over his material. A far cry from the prudish British stereotype, Desiree isn’t afraid to tackle provocative subjects and speak her mind - so what will she m…

1
Season 2 Episode 8 - Jordan Gray 43:00

11M ago43:00

43:00

Seven weeks in and the reality of having to do a 20-minute set is hitting James hard. So he decides to share his eight minute set with today’s guest Jordan Gray, to get some constructive criticism alongside her advice. After a career change no one saw coming, moving from singing to comedy, Jordan knows a thing or two about how to transfer skills. S…

1
Season 2 Episode 7 - Lloyd Griffith 43:59

11M ago43:59

43:59

For Hask, today’s episode feels like meeting an old mate at the pub. But what comedian, actor and classically trained singer Lloyd Griffith teaches him, is that in comedy, this could be a recipe for disaster. What’s funny in the pub with your mates isn’t always funny on stage, and vice versa. Lloyd takes James through his non-traditional route to c…

1
Season 2 Episode 6 - Rachel Parris 38:31

12M ago38:31

38:31

Rachel Parris wears many hats when it comes to comedy. You name it, she’s done it: musical, stand-up, sketch, improv. So it should come as no surprise that she’s also the first woman to front a topical TV comedy show in the UK. No subject is too left-field for a piano rendition, no topic is too serious to find the funny in. So what can she teach Ja…

1
Season 2 Episode 5 - Bobby Mair 40:09

12M ago40:09

40:09

In this episode James is joined by the husband Amuse Douche season one guest, Harriet Kemsley. Canadian comic Bobby Mair is used to being introduced alongside his wife, and therefore being paired with funny people - so James, the modest man that he is, thinks he’s in for an easy ride with today’s episode. But in discussing the value of knowing your…

1
Season 2 Episode 4 - Hal Cruttenden 38:30

12M ago38:30

38:30

You would think rugby podcasts and stand-up comedy would make for strange bedfellows but it turns out James isn’t the first person to dip his toe into these two worlds. Hal Cruttenden has appeared on some of the UK’s biggest comedy shows including Live At the Apollo, Would I Lie to You? and the Royal Variety Performance, alongside comedy he’s a mas…

1
Season 2 Episode 3 - Kae Kurd 40:40

1y ago40:40

40:40

In this episode James is joined by Kae Kurd, a comic taking the UK comedy scene by storm. Savvy to the changing nature of its landscape, Kae’s become a household name in the world of social media - amassing close to 2 million followers on TikTok and thousands more across other platforms. After making his big comedy debut in 2017, he’s quickly climb…

1
Season 2 Episode 2 - Simon Brodkin 47:16

1y ago47:16

47:16

Simon Brodkin AKA Lee Nelson AKA Jason Bent AKA Britain’s Greatest Hoaxer. Simon has pranked some of the world’s most powerful and famous people…Donald Trump, Theresa May, Phillip Green, Kanye West, Sepp Blatter…the list goes on. Despite being renowned for his characters and world-famous stunts, Brodkin is taking the brave decision to start all ove…

1
Season 2 Episode 1 - Russell Kane: The Review 41:31

1y ago41:31

41:31

It’s crunch time from James as he invites his mentor, Russell Kane, back into the studio to dissect James’ first ever stand-up set. Performed at the prestigious 99 Club in Central London, this is the first time James has played it to anyone. Has James got what it takes to be a stand-up comedian? Let’s find out… Follow James on Twitter @jameshaskell…

1
Episode 10 - Dom English 49:45

1+ y ago49:45

49:45

This is the last chance for advice before James takes to the stage for his first 5 minute set. To help him he’s enlisted comedy writer Dom English for a last counsel before road-testing his very first stand-up routine. Dom’s worked on a staggering number of British TV staples spanning across decades, from the '90s to the '20s, including hit shows '…

1
Episode 9 - Andrew Maxwell 38:23

1+ y ago38:23

38:23

James welcomes into the studio fellow ‘I’m a Celeb’ contestant Andrew Maxwell. The two reminisce about their time in the jungle. Andrew discusses his roots in a turbulent Ireland and how he was already establishing himself as a stand-up at the grand age of 16. With over 30 years as a stand-up comedian and comedy writer Andrew offers some invaluable…

1
Episode 8 - Larry Dean 37:35

1+ y ago37:35

37:35

This week James gets physical with Larry Dean. The Glaswegian comic has become well known for his high energy and physical style on stage. James wonders if that could work for him and how he would incorporate it into his set. Larry tells some saucy tales of his time as a pizza delivery boy and explains the value of being yourself onstage. James als…

1
Episode 7 - Shappi Khorsandi 45:37

1+ y ago45:37

45:37

A familiar face on nearly every British comedy show going, Shappi Khorsandi has a staggering list of achievements to her name. From stand-up comedian to accomplished writer, from Margaret Thatcher to nude life model, Shappi bares all in a touching interview with James. Shappi shines a light on the darker side of the entertainment industry, fleeing …

1
Episode 6 - Paul Sinha 48:18

1+ y ago48:18

48:18

If anyone knows about changing hats its Paul ‘The Sinnerman’ Sinha. James traverses Paul’s life from doctor to comedian to quizzer and surgically removes any tips and hints he has to offer. James quizzes Paul on his trajectory from snappy one-liner comedian to story teller and on how to find his uniqueness in the world of stand-up. The two reminisc…

1
Episode 5 - Ed Byrne 52:37

1+ y ago52:37

52:37

It’s important not to run before you can walk, so maybe it’s time for James to start thinking about taking his first steps into comedy. Who better to guide him than seasoned pro Ed Byrne, with over twenty years as a comedian, he offers James some words of wisdom that he’s learnt over his many years in the limelight. From MCing student karaoke night…

1
Episode 4: Harriet Kemsley 38:42

1+ y ago38:42

38:42

Four weeks in and James is finding comedy isn’t all laughs as he struggles to get to grips with his homework. Running out of excuses, he seeks the advice of comedian Harriet Kemsley. She discusses her own writer's block and how to overcome it. Harriet explores the importance of honesty and how using real life experience is the foundation of any gre…

1
Episode 3: Lou Sanders 44:30

1+ y ago44:30

44:30

The brilliant Lou Sanders is the latest comic to sit down with Hask to talk him through the tricks and the pitfalls of embarking on a stand up career. She recalls gigs that have gone wrong, emphasises the importance of being yourself and her secret to writing comedy. Lou also talks about her own path into stand up: why she was terrible at doing off…

1
Episode 2: Russell Kane 50:51

1+ y ago50:51

50:51

Every apprentice needs a master and James has found his for his comedy journey: Russell Kane. The two meet to make a plan of action for Hask: why size matters, his opening gags and which wild animal he should mimic when he first walks on. Along the way, Russell reveals lots about himself: why did he take short stories with him on nights out with hi…

1
Episode 1: Sindhu Vee 38:15

1+ y ago38:15

38:15

Strap yourselves in as James Haskell takes his first baby steps towards performing a live comedy set in his new podcast. In this episode he sits down with the brilliant Sindhu Vee. Why was a set in India her worst ever? Why did her mum compare her unfavourably to Oprah Winfrey after just eight gigs? And how did she not know James appears in the dic…

1
Amuse Douche: Trailer 1:52

1+ y ago1:52

1:52

James Haskell is facing an existential crisis. Since retiring as an international rugby star, he has become a ubiquitous personality, shape-shifting week-to-week from elite athlete to reality TV star, DJ, podcaster, author, MMA fighter, influencer and pundit. While James adapts to rapid-onset fatherhood, he is looking for his final form. In Haskell…

1
What A Flanker: Season 2 review 16:57

2+ y ago16:57

16:57

Season 2 review. James looks back at season 2 of the podcast picking out some of his favourite moments. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.By Folding Pocket

1
What A Flanker: Ed Jackson 1:27:00

2+ y ago1:27:00

1:27:00

James talks to ex-rugby player Ed Jackson about his incredible story. Sustaining life-changing spinal injuries, Ed fought back to defy the odds, setting his sight on a new challenge: mountaineering. His book LUCKY is a must-read and is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook, narrated by the man himself. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-o…

1
What A Flanker: James and Oliver Phelps 1:16:12

2+ y ago1:16:12

1:16:12

This week on the podcast Haskell talks to James and Oliver Phelps, best known for their roles as Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter films. They talk about their time on such a huge, high profile franchise, the cutthroat world of acting more broadly, and projects outside of their work as actors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out…

1
What A Flanker: Dodge Woodall 1:22:47

2+ y ago1:22:47

1:22:47

James Haskell speaks to Bournemouth 7s Festival Founder Dodge Woodall about his unique upbringing, his entrepreneur spirit starting from a very young age and his development from event promoter to brand builder to festival founder and podcast host. Dodge also talks about the keys to success: the importance of becoming an expert in your field, not t…

1
What A Flanker: Craig White 1:20:00

3y ago1:20:00

1:20:00

James Haskell speaks to Craig White about how he changed the face of strength and conditioning across the game of rugby around the world. Craig discusses his mentorships, being a good communicator, the importance of a good mindset, and the team benefits of looking after players individually and emotionally.James Haskell's book is available now in p…

1
What A Flanker: Paul Mort 1:08:49

3y ago1:08:49

1:08:49

2019 & 2020 UK Master Coach Of The Year and author of Paul Mort Will Save Your Life, Paul Mort, speaks to James Haskell about his difficulties with his mental health, his history with drugs and alcohol, and the link between the two. They discuss the issues of shame, responsibility, happiness, suicide and the media, the difficulties of having a sens…

1
What A Flanker: Alistair Brownlee 1:13:45

3y ago1:13:45

1:13:45

James Haskell speaks to Alistair Brownlee about his huge success as an athlete, where he gets his motivation, mental strength and determination from, and the very root meaning of what motivation means. They discuss the pros and cons of training independently versus training with partners, the need for routine in training, and Alistair's new book Re…

1
What A Flanker: BOSH! 1:04:08

3y ago1:04:08

1:04:08

James talks to Henry Firth and Ian Theasby aka BOSH! about the online vegan recipe channel taking the food world by storm. Changing the planet one plate a time, BOSH! are celebrating their 5th birthday this June! Check out BOSH!’s cookbooks, available online and in all good book shops. Henry & Ian's new cookbook BOSH! on a Budget is out on 9th Dece…

1
What A Flanker: Phil Learney 1:27:23

3y ago1:27:23

1:27:23

James Haskell talks to Phil Learney about personal training - from the general public through to athletes, including getting Haskell himself back to his very best after injury. They also discuss business management and the best ways to deal with peers.James Haskell's What a Flanker is out in paperback, ebook and audio now. His next book Ruck Me is …

1
What A Flanker: Alan Fitzpatrick 1:18:41

3y ago1:18:41

1:18:41

James Haskell speaks to Alan Fitzpatrick about his beginnings in DJing, golden handshakes with record store owners, nerves after a year off playing live, and getting his son to work on one of his tracks.James Haskell's What A Flanker is out in paperback, ebook and audio now! His next book, Ruck Me, is available to pre-order. See acast.com/privacy f…

1
What A Flanker: Michael Cheika 1:12:39

3y ago1:12:39

1:12:39

James Haskell talks to Michael Cheika about coaching all over the world from Australia to Leinsterto Argentina, and winning the World Rugby Coach of the Year Award along the way.James Haskell's new book Ruck Me is now available to pre-order in hardback, audiobook and ebook. Signed copies are available exclusively at Waterstones.com.What a Flanker i…

1
What A Flanker: Joe Marler 1:40:52

3y ago1:40:52

1:40:52

Joe Marler speaks to James about his own struggles with mental health, how he has combated that, and the support available in rugby and beyond. They also reflect on their time playing rugby together as well as the umpteen times Joe has 'retired' from the sport.James’s new book Ruck Me is now available to pre-order in hardback, audiobook and ebook. …

1
What A Flanker: Graeme Tomlinson 1:16:04

3y ago1:16:04

1:16:04

James Haskell talks to health coach and personal trainer Graeme Tomlinson about extreme diets, dangerous messaging in the media, body image and what it means to be truly healthy.What a Flanker is out now in print, ebook and audio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.By Folding Pocket

1
What A Flanker: Paul Olima 1:11:22

3y ago1:11:22

1:11:22

James talks to Paul about his upbringing in Ireland, body doubling for some of the biggest athletes in the world and misleading wellness advice on social media.James Haskell's book, What a Flanker, is out now in print, ebook and audio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.By Folding Pocket

1
What A Flanker: Jack Whitehall 1:08:01

3y ago1:08:01

1:08:01

James talks to comedian and actor Jack Whitehall about Jack's experience at private school, terrible stand-up gigs, writing comedy and Jack's relationship with his now famous parents.James Haskell's What a Flanker is out now in print, ebook and audio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.…

1
What A Flanker: Warren Gatland 1:19:00

3y ago1:19:00

1:19:00

James talks to Warren Gatland about where he draws his inspiration from, how he coaches and the mistakes he's made along the way. They look at the importance of leadership and their time at Wasps together.James Haskell's book What a Flanker is out now in print, ebook and audio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.…

1
What A Flanker: Natalie Pinkham 1:18:06

3y ago1:18:06

1:18:06

Sky Sports pitlane reporter Natalie Pinkham talks to James about life in the F1 paddock and being a woman in a male-dominated sport.Listen to Natalie's podcast In The Pink and follow her @natalie_pinkham on Instagram.James's book What A Flanker is out now! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.…

1
What A Flanker: Jimmy Carr 54:26

3y ago54:26

54:26

This week James talks to comedian Jimmy Carr about how he got into comedy, causing offense, and the joke that will end his career.James Haskell’s book What A Flanker is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.By Folding Pocket

1
What A Flanker: Carl Cox 1:35:27

3y ago1:35:27

1:35:27

What A Flanker: The Podcast is back! To kick things off, James speaks to legendary Carl Cox. Oh yes, oh yes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.By Folding Pocket

1
What A Flanker: Season 2 trailer 1:52

3y ago1:52

1:52

James Haskell's What a Flanker podcast, Series 2 - bigger and better and nearly upon us. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.By Folding Pocket

1
What A Flanker: Paul Doran Jones 59:22

3+ y ago59:22

59:22

James speaks to old school friend and fellow rugby player Paul Doran Jones about their friendship from a young age, what they got up to in their early years, and their questionable fashion sense (deep V-necks were a staple for a night out). Paul talks about his time in Ireland and training with Trinity, to being sent to New Zealand and living with …

1
What A Flanker: Eddie Jones 1:04:15

3+ y ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Eddie Jones speaks to James Haskell about his journey to becoming England's legendary Head Coach, what he's learnt along the way, and the current importance of focusing on players' cognitive health in today's sporting landscape, approaching players on an individual level to ensure the best results on and off the field. Eddie talks about his balance…

1
What A Flanker: Nic Fanciulli 1:15:33

3+ y ago1:15:33

1:15:33

Grammy-nominated producer and DJ, Nic Fanciulli, talks to James about growing up in an Italian household with a footballer dad, wanting to become a footballer himself, and then how he found himself pursuing and succeeding in a career in music instead. Nic speaks of his favourite places he's performed around the world, the nerves he still gets befor…

1
What A Flanker: Jamie Morton 57:38

3+ y ago57:38

57:38

James Haskell talks to podcast extraordinaire, Jamie Morton, about the success of My Dad Wrote A Porno. From reading porn in a church in their first live show (which James attended), to selling out the Sydney Opera House four times, selling out The Royal Albert Hall, and recording one of their episodes for HBO, Jamie and James discuss how it sky-ro…

1
What A Flanker: Chloe Madeley 54:47

3+ y ago54:47

54:47

James talks to wife Chloe Madeley about how they met, what it's like dating a rugby player, and the mentality of being a 'WAG' in today's sports culture. She also shares some hilarious insight into drinking with the team and what life was like for James (and her) under Eddie Jones' management.Chloe's new cook book, Eating For Results, is out on Dec…

1
What A Flanker: Ross Edgley 1:23:50

3+ y ago1:23:50

1:23:50

James talks to adventurer-athlete Ross Edgley about resilience, motivation and James's 'unique' swimming technique.Ross' bestselling new book The Art of Resilience is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook. Follow Ross on Instagram and Twitter: @rossedgley.James' book What A Flanker is also out now. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out i…

1
What A Flanker: Jay Morton 58:26

3+ y ago58:26

58:26

Jay Morton spent 10 years in the SAS and 4 years in the Parachute Regiment knows what it takes to be the best of the best. James talks to Jay about the art of soldiering.Jay's book Soldier: Respect Is Earned is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook. Follow Jay on Instagram here: @jay_morton.James Haskell's book What A Flanker is also out now onl…

1
What A Flanker: Roman Kemp 1:03:59

3+ y ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Capital Breakfast Show and Sunday Best host Roman Kemp talks about life in the public eye including broadcasting during a pandemic, relationships, dating and Spandau Ballet basslines.Follow Roman on Instagram and Twitter @romankemp.Check out James' bestselling book What A Flanker in hardback, audiobook and ebook. See acast.com/privacy for privacy a…

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