Nostalgia and Humor: A humorous conversation unfolds about sports, TV nostalgia, and personal anecdotes, illustrating the blend of lightheartedness and serious themes like healthcare and cultural shifts.
There's a lighthearted exchange about various topics such as radio shows, past TV programs, and the popularity of moustaches. The speakers reminisce about the engaging presence of sports hosts like Dickie Davis, reflect on the unique concept of a 'Celebrity Sleepover' show, and share personal anecdotes of experiences like getting dental work while watching cooking shows. They also touch on the changing attitudes towards healthcare in France, including the nostalgia for easily accessible antibiotics. Their conversation highlights a mix of humor and serious thoughts, particularly when addressing challenges and cultural differences, all while maintaining a sense of camaraderie and connection amidst the light banter.
Human Experiences: Everyday experiences, from health struggles abroad to fond memories of local newspapers, reveal the resilience and commonality of human life. Through personal anecdotes, the conversation underscores the importance of connection and shared stories in understanding society and ourselves.
The conversation highlights a range of everyday experiences, from dealing with health issues while traveling to reflecting on societal themes like groupthink and misogyny. Personal stories, like Paula's adventure in France to find a prescription, showcase resilience and human connection. Discussions about local newspapers and memories emphasize the importance of community and shared experiences. These anecdotes and reflections weave together humor and insight, illustrating the human condition and the shared textures of life, such as traveling, health care, and the cherished memories tied to local culture and history. Overall, it captures the complexity of human experiences and the value of connection and storytelling in understanding one another.
Unexpected Humanity: Life is full of unexpected lessons about trust and empathy, showing us that people can surprise us for better or worse, and we should keep an open heart.
Life is full of unexpected stories that reveal the complexities of human behavior and community. From a pensioner's struggle with his smelly slippers to a young man's unexpected honesty after borrowing money, these anecdotes highlight the balance of skepticism and empathy. Our experiences in neighborhoods often shape our views, making us wary yet hopeful. In the case of the pensioner, what seemed trivial was a serious concern for him, showing how local news can genuinely reflect personal issues. Meanwhile, the story of the young man demonstrates how social interactions can challenge our assumptions, reminding us that people are not always what they first appear to be. It emphasizes the importance of second chances and the humanity that can exist beneath the surface, encouraging us to keep an open mind and heart. Understanding these narratives deepens our connection with each other.
Navigating Ethics: Helping others involves moral questions about whether our assistance is truly helpful or could harm them. Conversations about shared experiences help navigate ethical dilemmas and challenge exploitation in charitable acts.
Life is filled with moral dilemmas, especially when it comes to helping others. We often face choices where we must consider if our assistance is genuinely beneficial or potentially harmful, like whether giving money to someone struggling might fuel harmful habits. People share similar experiences, sparking conversations about the ethics of supporting others in need. In the realm of charity, some individuals may exploit narratives of recovery for personal gain, making it challenging to discern genuine intentions. Humorously, stories from the past remind us of the lighthearted moments in journalism, showcasing the quirks of writing and editing. All in all, discussing our experiences can help unpack these complex situations and navigate through the gray areas where right and wrong can blur. Every story shared reveals more about our collective human experiences, sparking interest in addressing behaviors that drain our compassion while we seek to do good.
Creating Unique Paths: Michael Palin emphasizes success through creating unique paths and enjoying diverse projects. He values genuine work over celebrity culture, sharing humorous insights and anecdotes about his experiences in showbiz.
Michael Palin reflects on his successful career, highlighting the importance of creating his own path rather than competing aggressively in showbiz. He enjoys being engaged in diverse projects, from Monty Python to travel shows, maintaining his passion at 81. His humorous observations in his diaries reveal a thoughtful and unique perspective on fame and social interactions with fellow entertainers. He appreciates the value of genuine work over celebrity culture and shares delightful anecdotes about his experiences with iconic figures like John Cleese. Through his writing, he offers readers a glimpse into his life, emphasizing the joy of storytelling and creativity.
Diary Reflections: The author values authenticity in his diaries, choosing not to alter his reflections. His 9/11 experience highlights a stark contrast to those at home, emphasizing genuine emotions and the impact of events on moral perspective.
In this sharing of thoughts, the author reflects on his decision to write diaries without consulting those he wrote about. This approach was driven by a desire for authenticity, as legal concerns were mitigated through professional review. He recounts his experience of learning about 9/11 while in Niger, illustrating the stark contrast to how people in the West experienced the event. The gradual updates and shocking eventual images left a lasting impression on him. His writings capture raw emotions and thoughts, particularly about the consequences of war, while emphasizing the importance of honesty in his records. By not altering his entries, he aims to preserve the genuine feelings of the moments as they were felt, rather than adjusting them for public perception.
Diary Reflections: Writing diaries helps individuals navigate their contradictions and self-doubts, reflecting on life's complexities, while social media has reshaped how voices are heard publicly.
Keeping diaries reveals personal contradictions, such as love for home vs. the urge to travel, and highlights both achievements and self-doubts. This process can help one reflect on life’s complexities and struggles. Michael Palin notes that life isn't straightforward, sharing that writing helps navigate these feelings, despite the reluctance to publish intimate thoughts. Social media’s rise has changed public discourse, as self-expression now often leads to loud, uncensored commentary, contrasting with a previously more cautious approach. Ultimately, writing can be a therapeutic tool, though sharing those private reflections publicly raises questions about the boundary between personal and shared experiences.
Pain Perspectives: The conversation humorously touches on the differences in pain experienced by genders regarding body parts, while also reflecting on the anatomical design of testicles, encouraging a lighthearted approach to sensitive topics in their live radio show discussions.
There was a lighthearted conversation about the sensitivity and pain associated with different body parts, specifically testicles and breasts. While both men and women can experience significant pain, comparing the two experiences can be tricky. The anatomy of male reproductive organs, like the testicles hanging outside the body, is noted as possibly being a design flaw. This unique characteristic is acknowledged to provoke some humor. The talk also highlights the importance of understanding pain without needing personal anecdotes, as they can often be subjective and hard to measure across genders. Finally, the hosts encourage listeners to join them live on their radio show, where they promise a mix of fun and unpredictability in their discussions.
Icicles gave her a thrill (with Michael Palin)
Recent Episodes from Off Air... with Jane and Fi
Up comes the phallic mast (with Alison Moyet)
Jane's back in good dental health but she's not yet back on the apples (to Fi's delight). They cover Smooth Radio at the dentist, Jane's dislike for Toto and the importance of having an Olympics in common.
Also, singer and songwriter Alison Moyet discusses her latest album ‘Key’ and her upcoming tour with Jane.
Our next book club pick has been announced! 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon.
If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio
Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi
Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury
Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Envy knickers and a jealous bra (with Adam Peaty)
In today's episode, Jane considers renewing her Shetland pony travel card whilst Fi realises someone has stolen her genius invention: 'Fi's She Wee'.
Also, Fi chats to six time Olympic medal winner, Adam Peaty, about swimming, religion and whether we might see him at LA 2028. Adam Peaty is sponsored by Bridgestone, the world’s largest manufacturer of tires.
Our next book club pick has been announced! 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon.
If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio
Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi
Assistant Producer: Hannah Quinn
Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury
Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Icicles gave her a thrill (with Michael Palin)
Jane's having some revelations about the podcast (2 years in) - not much gets past her! They also cover footballers protecting their genitalia, more local news and antibiotics abroad.
Plus, national treasure Sir Michael Palin discusses the latest instalment of his diaries 'There and Back'.
Our next book club pick has been announced! 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon.
If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio
Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi
Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury
Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness... and Dora's sh*ts (with Liane Moriarty)
It's Wednesday, let's slam a door and take a tooth! Jane and Fi are back in the room together to create this podcast magic... they cover unreliable Instagram purchases, dogs at uni and feeling randy.
Plus, best selling author Liane Moriarty discusses her latest book ‘Here One Moment’.
Our next book club pick has been announced! 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon.
If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio
Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi
Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury
Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Only one of us is heavily medicated...
Jane joins us from home as she's still suffering from adult teething issues. Fi updates her on everything she's missed, which is... not much. They cover holiday weather, pickleball and double-yolk eggs.
Plus, Saad Mohseni, chief executive of Moby Group, Afghanistan’s largest media company, discusses his book ‘Radio Free Afghanistan’.
Our next book club pick has been announced! 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon.
If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio
Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi
Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury
Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Eating like he's got free healthcare (with Ian Rankin)
Fi's flying solo on this one as Jane is sadly off with adult teething issues (well wishes are welcomed)... Fi covers local newspapers, pickleball and there's more on duvet togs.
Plus, crime writer Ian Rankin stops by to discuss his latest Rebus instalment 'Midnight and Blue'.
Our next book club pick has been announced! 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon.
If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio
Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi
Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury
Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's rubbish, but it's varied rubbish (with James Comey)
The Hot Priest Challenge is being put to bed, due to some fundamental holes in the business plan... Jane and Fi also cover Facebook for OAPs, the importance of local newspapers, clothing alterations and swimmer's ear.
Plus, former director of the FBI James Comey joins Jane and Fi to discuss the US election and his latest novel 'Newport'.
Our next book club pick has been announced! 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon.
If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio
Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi
Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury
Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Asking a lot of a Shetland pony (with Iain Dale)
Jane and Fi are considering making changes to their contract to include a stables, naturally. There's more from The Hot Priest Challenge, Fi has some harsh words against carrot batons and Jane paints a picture of her younger self, scavenging on Crosby Beach...
Plus, broadcaster and writer Iain Dale discusses his latest book ‘The Dictators: 64 Dictators, 64 Authors, 64 Warnings from History'.
Our next book club pick has been announced! 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon.
If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio
Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi
Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury
Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Givin’ on a Prayer
In this email special, Jane and Fi get themselves in a muddle trying to sue Eve, The Hot Priest Challenge is in full swing, a precious piece of pop memorabilia meets a sad end and Jane has another idea for a book...
Our next book club pick has been announced! 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon.
If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio
Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi
Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury
Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You do sound a complete dilberry (with Clare Chambers)
Jane's had a filling, excuse the drool. To Fi's delight, this also means there will be no apple-eating at the desk today! They also chat alpaca adoption, novelty knickers, fruit fly lagoons of death and hot priests.
Plus, Fi speaks to the novelist Clare Chambers about her latest book 'Shy Creatures'.
Our next book club pick has been announced! 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' by Joanna Cannon.
If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radio
Follow us on Instagram! @janeandfi
Podcast Producer: Eve Salusbury
Executive Producer: Rosie Cutler
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.