Podcasts by Giles Coren Has No Idea

The sniff test from 2023-06-08T17:00:52

If I say ‘the Queen’ who do you think of? Camilla or Elizabeth? Esther makes the same mistake, but Giles is too busy thinking about ex girlfriends.  

Is the Bible compatible with...

Herr Plopenshtein from 2023-05-26T03:00:22

Many subjects try, but many fail to pique Giles’ interest this week. Seagulls, sex lives and holidays are dismissed before German ablutions come close. Next, a motion by the always eager to plea...

The Birds from 2023-05-19T03:00:28

Coming up on this morning’s show…. Esther and Giles make their long-awaited pitch to replace Holly and Phil on daytime TV. They prove their worth by tackling serious subjects such as long-term s...

Hags, babs, rads and grads from 2023-05-12T03:00:15

Esther is shocked by a new book she is reading; Giles is shocked to hear that botox is ultimately a manifestation of a fear of death. They discuss the truth about getting old as a woman, and as ...

“Like twitter, but worse…” from 2023-05-05T03:00:41

Killed, plucked, and wrapped in plastic…not Esther’s Christmas present to Giles but the life of a farmed chicken. That is one of the subjects addressed in this week’s eclectic episode. Diets, sa...

Republicans and Jaffa Cake lovers - move along, nothing to see here from 2023-04-28T08:46:16

With the coronation around the corner Giles considers the merits of republicanism…but not for long. In a stark example of modern day classism King Charles decides what he would like named after ...

“When I began my sexual career….” from 2023-03-31T03:00:46

If you wanna know if he loves you so its in his…laugh. Giles listens very carefully to Esthers giggles to see if she is still madly in love with him. Will a three year cruise restore the romance...

Mrs Meaniepants and Mrs Sexybottom... from 2023-03-24T04:00:40

Giles talks about cricket...but stick with it, he is soon diverted on to rudeness and demonstrates his 'gift' for accents; Esther displays a mean Bostonian - American not Lincolnshire. They then gi...

A little bit of wee on my pyjamas from 2023-03-17T04:00:22

With Ben departed Giles and Esther engage in some existential podcast reflection before tackling their new producer, the social scene at Cheltenham races and Prime Minister Sunak’s dog walking. ...

Powered by parsley from 2022-11-25T00:01:59

Giles and Esther are back in the kitchen to pursue the papers; from planing for retirement and architect nightmares, to acts of love and the word of the year. Giles creates a new game whilst Est...

You Have No Authority Here from 2022-04-01T10:01:52

Giles and Esther dig through the week's news for a column idea; from the Jackie Weaver inquest to the London Resort spider, to Prince Phillips memorial service and Will Smith's slap at the Oscar...

President Pussycat's Putsch from 2022-02-25T00:01:50

Giles and Esther return to find another column idea from the week's papers; from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a 5 year-old novelist, to holiday parks and culture wars. Giles is trying to lea...

Series 7 - COMING SOON... from 2022-02-23T14:54:12

Covid restrictions are lifting and so we've given Giles and Esther freedom to roam once more the through the podcast world.

Join them every Friday for a fly on the wall insight into th...

Series 7 - COMING SOON... from 2022-02-23T14:54:12

Covid restrictions are lifting and so we've given Giles and Esther freedom to roam once more the through the podcast world.

Join them every Friday for a fly on the wall insight into th...

The Times and Sunday Times Christmas Appeal 2021 from 2021-12-08T00:01

The Times and The Sunday Times are joining forces again for this year’s Christmas appeal, asking readers to support three charities working to address urgent issues affecting vuln...

"Christmas time, Terry's Mayo and Wine..." from 2021-12-03T00:01

Giles and Esther try and find their final column idea of the year from the week's papers; from chocolate mayonnaise and England Women's Football to online car sales and the nuances of the Greek ...

A Columnists Christmas from 2021-11-26T00:01:13

Giles and Esther try to find another column idea from this week's papers; from public speaking and Peppa Pig to TV vicars and public speaking. Giles is finding great joy in organising the office...

The Sins of the Father from 2021-11-19T00:01

Giles, Esther and Kitty Coren try and find a column idea from this week's papers; from bad holiday destinations and the Mosely family name to posh vegetarian meals and racism in cricket. Giles i...

Call Me Mr No Jags from 2021-11-12T00:01

Giles and Esther sweat there way through the papers to find another column idea; from to over-50's style icons and John Prescott's car to bucket lists and Eva Longoria's gastronomic discovery. G...

Butlers, Big Words and Backlash from 2021-11-05T00:01

Giles and Esther turn the pages of this week's papers with their silver tongs to find a column topic; from cancelling big words and cancelling big art, to cancelling exams and cancelling columns...

Two Mics, One Adapter, Zero Internet from 2021-10-28T23:01

Giles and Esther spend half term looking through the papers; from holiday home rules and rural wi-fi to goat yoga and the death of male authors. Giles frets over the idea of having to change his...

Grant Coren Has No Idea from 2021-10-21T23:01

Giles and Esther thumb their way through the week's papers for another column idea; from popular baby names and common mannerisms to Shakespeare on TikTok and ageing. Giles is suffering from a V...

Cheltenham Literature Festival - LIVE(ish) from 2021-10-14T23:01

In this special bonus edition of the podcast - journalist Alex Clark sits down with Giles and Esther in front of a live audience at the Cheltenham Literature Festival to discuss the highs and th...

Stop Talking! from 2021-10-08T03:00

Giles and Esther complete their weekly trawl through the papers to find ideas for Giles’ Column in The Times. 

Today they find Radio 4 interviewers infuriating; talking dogs ...

Scum as you are from 2021-09-30T23:01

Giles and Esther have returned for another run at the papers; from petrol shortages and Netflix hit-list, to the Labour Party Conference and the Young V&A. Giles is on a hunt for some paper ...

Series 6 - COMING SOON... from 2021-09-30T16:00:21

There may be shortages left right and centre, but Giles and Esther are back to overwhelm the husband and wife podcast ranks, with new ideas for his weekend column.

Get The Times free f...

It's Coming Home! from 2021-07-08T23:01

Giles and Esther pass through this week's papers to take a shot at another column idea; from lost Edward Lear poems and freeing elephants from zoos to Gareth Southgate's mansion and getting read...

New Balls for Mr Coren from 2021-07-01T23:01

Giles and Esther serve up the best news stories of the week; from the return of Wimbledon and Love Island to England beating Germany and...that kiss! Giles is desperate to write his annual "I ha...

Should I Get a Foden? from 2021-06-24T23:01

Giles and Esther look for another column idea from this week's papers; from school trips and Euro 2020, to statement haircuts and restaraunts post lockdown. Giles recalls a traumatic (hilariousl...

Love in the Time of Corona from 2021-06-17T23:01

Giles and Esther are back around the kitchen table with another the week's best stories in the of papers; from Noah's Ark and marriage restrictions, to Big Brother and lockdown mental health. Gi...

Desert Island Crisps: Grace Dent from 2021-06-10T23:01

This week, Giles welcomes a freshly shipwrecked celebrity to Desert Island Crisps for a well earned half-term break. For those of you who haven't heard Giles's Times Radio show, this is the port...

Desert Island Crisps: Jamie Theakston from 2021-06-03T23:01

This week, Giles welcomes a freshly shipwrecked celebrity to Desert Island Crisps for a well earned half-term break. For those of you who haven't heard Giles's Times Radio show, this is the port...

It's a New Car, I Don't Understand! from 2021-05-28T03:00

Giles and Esther scour the papers for inspiration. Today: PBC provides food for thought, Boris’ take on the Bard, and Noises Off irritate. Giles’ poker night is interrupted by a feline emergency...

It's a New Car, I Don't Understand! from 2021-05-28T03:00

Giles and Esther scour the papers for inspiration. Today: PBC provides food for thought, Boris’ take on the Bard, and Noises Off irritate. Giles’ poker night is interrupted by a feline emergency...

Harry Just Doesn't Get Therapy from 2021-05-21T03:00

Giles and Esther dissect the papers again: from Harry's misunderstanding of how mental health works, Sir Kier's chance to become a Hollywood star and what links Bill Gates to Marilyn Monroe. Oh,...

I Think We're Alone Now from 2021-05-13T23:01

Giles and Esther make their way through this week's papers; from Tiffany's and snooker to covid statistics and fat police. Esther gives Giles a grammar lesson schooling him in one of her favouri...

O Sister, Where Art Thou? from 2021-05-06T23:01

Giles and Esther have returned to look through the week's papers; from Meghan's poetry and lost sounds, to vegan cooking and Line of Duty. Esther wants to show off her lyrical side to Giles, but...

Series 5 - COMING SOON... from 2021-05-06T09:00:12

Seeing as though they still can't go away to their tropical retreat, Giles and Esther have returned sooner than ever before to their kitchen table to find new ideas for his weekend column.

Narcissists Anonymous from 2021-04-01T23:01

Giles and Esther read the papers for the final time this series to find another column idea; from lockdown exercise and BBQ’s to narcissism and 'shop out to help out'. Giles is enjoying his new ...

Fancy a Deliveroodle Tonight? from 2021-03-26T00:01

Giles and Esther paw through this week's news in the hope of digging up a column; from talking dogs and dog attacks, to dog trainers and dog obesity. Giles returns from the dog house, has a good...

Fill me up with Oxford from 2021-03-19T00:01

Giles and Esther tear through the papers to find a column idea; from the vaccine roll out and road closures, to cycle safety and lockdown induced twitches. Their back from last week's podcast ca...

Desert Island Crisps: Sue Perkins from 2021-03-12T00:01

This week, Giles welcomes a freshly shipwrecked celebrity to Desert Island Crisps. For those of you who haven't heard Giles's Times Radio show, this is the portion of the programme where a diffe...

Amazing Hotels - Space from 2021-03-05T00:01

Giles and Esther take a look at the news of the week; from Rishi's latest budget and hotels in space, to Carrie's Westminster make-over and the UK's top earner. Giles interrogates Esther on what...

A Pint of Your Finest Horse from 2021-02-26T00:01

Giles and Esther return to find a column idea; from Boris's roadmap to recovery and Barak Obama and Bruce Springsteen's podcast, to Charles Darwin's heirloom chest and Gwyneth Paltrow's covid cu...

Desert Island Crisps: Alexander Armstrong from 2021-02-19T00:01

Ben has dismissed Giles and Esther for their half term break, with reading assignments and a holiday diary to be completed before they return. But, as a treat we thought we'd bring you a very sp...

Capital of Fin-Land? from 2021-02-12T00:01

Giles and Esther swim their way through the papers for a column idea; from Princess Anne's living room and cornish fisherman to capital cities and the secret of a good lie. Giles decides that th...

It's Just Not Cricket from 2021-02-05T00:01

Giles and Esther return to scour this week's papers for a column idea; from a patriotic Labour Party and drinking at home, to the rules of cricket and life after lockdown. Esther is blamed for y...

Warming the Dingleberries from 2021-01-29T00:01

Giles and Esther take a deep dive through this week's papers; from Bonnie Tyler learning to swim and binging watching Netflix, to talking toilets and the French cultural renaissance. Giles has p...

What's the Time Mr Coren from 2021-01-22T00:01

Giles and Esther discuss the news from this week's papers; from Matt Hancock playing rugby and a smart backpack to making lockdown leftovers and class. Giles has taken down all the clocks in the...

Bananas for Batman from 2021-01-15T00:01

Giles and Esther haul themselves through the first papers of the year to find a story for this week's column; from gorillas with covid and vintage comics, to Sex and the City and a royal Mills &...

Series 4 - COMING SOON... from 2021-01-13T16:21:31

Giles and Esther return...home I guess? Series 4 starts, socially distanced and covid-secure, from Friday 15th January 2021.

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This is Ones Show from 2020-09-25T03:00

Giles and Esther mine for stories from this week's papers for the last time this series; from electric cars and Prince Charles tv station to the school run and a second lockdown. Giles is waitin...

Don't Forget the Beigels from 2020-09-18T03:00

Giles and Esther flick through the papers for ideas for this week's column; from baking Royals and killer kittens to covid-face and the Swire diaries. Giles is being driven to madness by the bui...

Hair of the Dog from 2020-09-11T03:00

Giles and Esther tentatively make their way through this week's papers; from the Festival of Brexit and spelling to England footballers and new lockdown rules. Giles is suffering from a particul...

Kentucky Fried Coren from 2020-08-28T03:00

Giles and Esther return from their staycation full of ideas for this week's column; from KFC to champagne and online shopping to the Queen going on Airbnb. Giles is over the moon that his belove...

Desert Island Crisps: Judge Rinder from 2020-08-21T03:00

Giles and Esther are still away. One having a well-earned rest...the other is topping up his tan. So, we thought we'd bring you another special edition of the podcast. Welcome back to Desert Isl...

Desert Island Crisps: Claudia Winkleman from 2020-08-14T03:00

Seeing as though Giles and Esther are on holiday, relaxing with a cocktail in one hand and a copy of The Times in the other, we thought we'd bring you a very special editon of the podcast. Welco...

Any Ideas Pooh Bear? from 2020-08-07T03:00

Giles and Esther trawl through the week's papers to find an idea for his column; from Scotland's exam results and Old English language to cancelling poetry and Winnie-the-Pooh. Giles shows off h...

Happy Birthday Giles! from 2020-07-31T03:00

Giles and Esther thumb their way through this week's news to find a story for his column; from the Government obesity plan to getting fit and silver-surfers to staycations. Giles celebrates his ...

An Ode to Dave from 2020-07-24T03:00

Giles and Esther dig through the papers to find a story for this week's column; from the new shopping rules on the high street to how we've interacted with our neighbours during lockdown. Giles ...

The Actor's Tale from 2020-07-10T03:00

Giles and Esther work their way through this week's papers; from Jonny Depp and cancel culture and Anglo-Saxon food and The Canterbury Tales. Giles pines for the cricket being delayed and Esther...

If That Doorbell Rings Again!!! from 2020-07-03T03:00:11

Giles and Esther ponder over the stories of the week; from deep cleaning trains and Tony Blair to the opening of restaraunts and obesity levels in Malta. The doorbell doesn't stop ringing with m...

The Great British Food Museum from 2020-06-26T03:00

Giles and Esther return to the papers for ideas for this week's column; from museums, cinemas and other cultural spaces re-opening to what a socially distanced holiday in space would look like. ...

Cream or Jam? from 2020-06-19T03:00

Giles and Esther are back in their lockdown writers room, formerly known as their kitchen, trying to find an idea for his column. This week; from how to holiday in a pandemic to a survivors guid...

Season 3 - COMING SOON... from 2020-06-11T15:04:33

Giles and Esther return with a new season, but an old problem...he still has no idea what to write in his column.

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Is This It? from 2020-04-10T00:00

Alright, already... What now?  Esther has a wealth of ideas to inspire Giles. They have columns to write. They have children to feed. The floor is gritty. Giles is trying. &n...

Touching Me, Touching You from 2020-04-03T02:00

Still at home, obviously.  Giles has been awake since dawn.  He has read and annotated the week's papers in search of stories to inspire his Times’ column. For Esther, the joys of home...

Sociable Isolation from 2020-03-27T03:00

Giles and Esther are at home, so are their children. No one has had time to read the papers, but inspiration is flowing, like Asterix’s magic potion. Or wine. The cats are nowhere to be see...

Introducing Stories of our times; Splendid isolation with Jon Ronson from 2020-03-24T04:00

Introducing our new free daily news podcast, Stories of our times. It takes you to the heart of the stories that matter, with exclusive access and reporting.

Published for the start of...

Cat Worries from 2020-03-20T10:54:34

Breathless from the school run, as usual, Giles and Esther scour the pages for ideas for his weekly Times’ column. No surprises, it’s all the virus. Mo Tenzing provides light relief. Esther contemp...

I’m In Love With My Car from 2020-03-13T03:00

Giles and Esther scour the papers to find inspiration for his Times’ column. James Blunt’s tuna fixation, cam shafts and

pre-historic social networking peak some interest. Giles proposes a...

It Goes Viral from 2020-03-06T03:00

Giles Coren and Esther Walker scan the pages of the week’s papers for inspiration for his column in the Times. International Women’s Day, parrots and strip cartoons create pause for thought, as ...

Giles Dumbs Down from 2020-02-28T03:00

Giles and Esther sift through the papers to find morsels to inspire Giles’ weekly column. Radio 4’s Justin Webb, fashion model theme parks and Sat Navs grab Esther’s attention. Giles is int...

Home and Away from 2020-02-14T03:00

Giles and Esther scour the British and German newspapers for stories to inspire Giles's column this week; student digs, archaeological digs and millionaires digging controversial basements. Gile...

Snowflakes from 2020-02-07T03:00

Giles and Esther sift through the national papers to find stories for his column this week; the pressures facing modern MPs, suggestions of historical snowflakery, public school plumbers and the...

His and Hers from 2020-01-31T04:00

Giles and Esther comb an unusual selection of newspapers to choose the big stories for his weekly column; prenatal parental contracts, locker room talk in the office and Brian Cox. Gender dispar...

Steak and Bake from 2020-01-17T03:00

Giles and Esther pick through this week's papers; from podcasts for dogs and Love Island, to the Greggs vegan steak bake and how 47 is the worst age to be. Giles is distraught to learn that Esth...

Size Matters from 2020-01-10T03:00

Giles and Esther return to their kitchen table for the first round-up of the papers this year; from the Golden Globes and eco-clothing to Harry Potter at the National History Museum. Giles is he...

Series 2 - COMING SOON... from 2020-01-08T16:45

That's right, series two is right around the corner, and Giles and Esther are waiting at their kitchen table for you to pull up a chair and get the kettle on. Join them each week as they work ou...

Series 2 - COMING SOON... from 2020-01-08T16:45

That's right, series two is right around the corner, and Giles and Esther are waiting at their kitchen table for you to pull up a chair and get the kettle on. Join them each week as they work ou...

The Caveman Café from 2019-10-04T02:00

Giles and Esther peruse the week's top stories for the final time this series; from disposable cups at the Tory party conference to the world's oldest restaurant in Rome. Despite mentioning sex ...

You Can Stand Under My Chum-brella from 2019-09-27T02:00

Giles and Esther run through the week’s top stories; from Dame Cressida Dick’s hatred of police procedural dramas to the continued rise of the sharing economy and a new series of The Apprentice....

David Baddiel: Cat Whisperer from 2019-09-20T02:00

Giles, Esther and the new family kittens purr their way through this week’s news; from London Fashion Week in Southwark Cathedral to removing derogatory terms for women from the Oxford English D...

Ooorrrder! from 2019-09-13T02:00

Giles and Esther traverse the week’s top news stories; from John Bercow stepping down as Speaker of the House of Commons to James Bond increasing rural Italian tourism. Esther enforces a new Cor...

Come Fly With Me from 2019-09-06T02:00

Giles and Esther sift through this week’s top stories; from the looming potential general election to a change in rules for alcohol in airports. Giles blames Esther for how long the bathroom ref...

The Great Catsby from 2019-08-30T02:00

Giles and Esther return from their holiday to masses of articles on their kitchen table; from Boris Johnson proroguing parliament to sheep returning to Hamsptead Heath. Esther looks forward to g...

Netflix and Chill Out from 2019-08-09T02:00

Giles and Esther make their way through the week's top stories; from French hoverboards to Peaky Blinders and alternative school holiday activities. Giles berates Esther's dishwashing etiquette and...

The Thing from 2019-08-02T02:00

Giles and Esther rummage through this week’s top stories; from Meghan Markle editing Vogue to climate change and the Fortnite World Cup. Esther wants to befriend Carrie Symonds and Giles reenact...

The Rt Hon Miss Piggy MP from 2019-07-26T02:00

Giles and Esther sweat their way through the week's top stories; from the record breaking heatwave to the cabinet reshuffle and dad jokes. Giles discusses the importance of beach etiquette and E...

Giley's Sleep Diaries from 2019-07-19T02:00

Giles and Esther return to the kitchen table to flick through the paper's top stories of the week; from Kate Winslet's ancestry to how much sleep we should get and a postcard from DH Lawrence.&n...

Pride and Prejudice and Pamplona from 2019-07-12T02:00

Giles and Esther gather round the kitchen table to sift through this week’s top stories; from Wimbledon to private schools and running with the bulls in Pamplona. Giles relives his short-lived t...

The Secret Diary of the Queen Aged 93 ½ from 2019-07-05T02:00

Giles and Esther comb through the papers at their kitchen table to find an idea for this week’s column; from the Women’s World Cup to robot bees and the Queen’s secret diary. Esther reveals disr...

Giles Coren Has No Idea - coming soon from 2019-06-28T11:27:47

Introducing the new podcast from The Times columnist Giles Coren. How does a newspaper columnist come up with ideas for their weekly newspaper column? Join Giles (and his wife Esther Walker) as the...