Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things
Society & Culture
About
Each week Russell sits down with fantastic guests to chat about their Brilliant Things; the items, places and people that make life worth living.
Episodes
- Cody Dahler
Comedian and writer Cody Dahler discusses his career, his debut book "The State of This!: A Thicky Thicky Dumb Dumb's Guide to British Politics", and his journey through various experiences. He also touches on political topics such as Brex…
- April's Moments of the Month
This episode of Russell Howard's Five Brilliant Things compiles the best moments from April's shows, featuring segments with comedians like Dara O Briain, Mike Rice, Janine Harouni, Sean McLoughlin, and Jamie Hutchinson. Topics include nig…
- Jamie Hutchinson
Jamie Hutchinson joins Russell Howard to discuss a range of topics including invented games, horse-racing commentary, and answering general knowledge questions. The episode also features advice on comedy writing.
- Janine Harouni
Janine Harouni joins the podcast to share things that make her happy, such as nerds and digital clocks. She also tells a story about her thighs squeaking in front of Robert Pattinson.
- Sean McLoughlin
Comedian Sean McLoughlin is featured on "Russell Howard's Five Brilliant Things." He shares a diverse collection of brilliant things, including moshing, ice hockey, and Star Trek. McLoughlin also hosts his own online talk show, "The Sean M…
- Mike Rice
Irish stand-up comedian Mike Rice talks about his career journey and his 'Five Brilliant Things' on this episode. He also discusses his current comedy tour.
- March's Moments of the Month
This episode is a compilation of guests from March, including stand-up comedians Shane Todd, Pierre Novellie, and Andrew Mensah, as well as TV presenter Ben Shephard. It offers a taste of each guest's appearance on Russell Howard’s Five Br…
- Dara O Briain
In this episode of Russell Howard's Five Brilliant Things, comedian Dara O Briain shares anecdotes about debating tours, astral photography, and his trick for finding a dance floor. He also mentions his show 'Re:Creation' and upcoming tour…
- Andrew Mensah
Comedian Andrew Mensah is featured on Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things, where he discusses various topics including personal experiences and observations on British society and comedy. He also talks about his comedy podcast and upcom…
- Ben Shephard
Ben Shephard, a popular British TV personality, joins Russell Howard to discuss his love for life, various experiences including a motorbike trip through London and a Men's Health cover-shoot, and his new skincare brand. He and Joel Dommet…
- Pierre Novellie
In this episode, comedian Pierre Novellie joins Russell Howard to discuss five brilliant things, ranging from the majesty of beef to the mystery of thunder. The episode also provides information on Pierre Novellie's 2026 tour, "You Sit The…
- February's Moments of the Month
This episode presents highlights from February's shows, featuring discussions with Charlie Higson, Amy Gledhill, Harry Enfield, and Stevie Martin. Topics include the Voyager Space Probe, Northern sandwiches, wigs, and coveting sofas.
- Shane Todd
Shane Todd is a guest on Russell Howard's Five Brilliant Things podcast. He shares his "Five Brilliant Things," which include his strong opinions on bananas, pottering around, keeping sock drawers in check, and Irish boy bands.
- Stevie Martin
Stevie Martin joins Russell Howard to talk about her favorite things. The conversation leads to introspective discussions about various topics.
- Harry Enfield
In this episode, Harry Enfield joins Russell Howard to discuss his career, the creation of his iconic comedy characters and sketches, and his upcoming UK tour. The conversation covers 40 years of comedy.
- Amy Gledhill
Amy Gledhill, winner of the 2024 Edinburgh Best Show, is featured on Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things. She talks about her upcoming tour, "Thanks for Having Me," and her podcasts, "Northern News" and "Single Ladies in your Area." The…
- January's Moments of the Month
This episode features a recap of January's shows from Russell Howard's Five Brilliant Things. It includes highlights from episodes with guests Bridget Christie, Daniel Foxx, Tom Rosenthal, and Dan Snow.
- Charlie Higson
Charlie Higson joins Russell Howard to discuss five things that make life interesting, his career transition from musician to author, and his latest book on the history of Britain's monarchs. The conversation covers topics ranging from Jam…
- Dan Snow
Historian Dan Snow joins Russell Howard to discuss his career, his interest in sailing and democracy, and his passion for gherkins. The episode also highlights Snow's History Hit project and information about Russell Howard's tour.
- Tom Rosenthal
Comedian Tom Rosenthal joins host Russell Howard to discuss his "brilliant things," including the Danish Gambit, the Golden Ratio, and trip reports. The conversation also features an improvised story about an acid trip and information rega…
- Daniel Foxx
Comedian Daniel Foxx discusses the appeal of surly restaurant service, the calming influence of scented candles, and attempts ASMR. Additionally, host Russell Howard recounts an encounter with Louis Theroux.
- Bridget Christie
Comedian Bridget Christie discusses her five brilliant things, including topics like the importance of empathy, water, and riding a motorbike in London. She also shares insights on her Channel 4 show, The Change, and mentions her upcoming…
- December's Moments of the Month
This episode features highlights and moments from the December episodes of Russell Howard's Five Brilliant Things, featuring guests Adam Kay, Ania Magliano, Ross Noble, and Rory Sutherland.
- Rory Sutherland
Marketing expert Rory Sutherland joins Russell Howard to discuss a variety of topics, including consumerism, contradictions, and commuter towns. The wide-ranging conversation explores unconventional thinking and creative problem-solving.
- Russell's Best Bits of 2025
In this year-end episode, Russell Howard compiles his favorite moments from 52 episodes of Russell Howard's Five Brilliant Things. The episode also features a look at the production of the TV show Good News and information on Russell's upc…
- Ross Noble
Stand-up comedian Ross Noble joins Russell Howard to discuss his career, circus skills, and his latest tour, 'Cranium of Curiosities'. They also touch upon topics including cuttlefish, alongside updates on Russell Howard's tour and Patreon…
- Ania Magliano
Comedian Ania Magliano joins Russell Howard to discuss her comedy writing process, hair choices, and indulgent birthday parties. The episode also covers details regarding Magliano's 'Peach Fuzz' tour and Howard's 'Don’t Tell The Algorithm'…
- Adam Kay
Doctor, author, and comedian Adam Kay joins Russell Howard to discuss things he finds brilliant. The conversation covers a variety of topics and highlights Kay's latest books and upcoming tour dates.
- November's Moments of the Month
This episode features highlights from the previous month of Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things, including guests Kerry Godliman, Tom Gilbey, Susie Dent, and Mo Amer.
- Mo Amer
Stand-up comedian Mo Amer joins the show to discuss his Five Brilliant Things. The episode also highlights his stand-up career, his Netflix series 'Mo', and provides information on upcoming tour dates for Russell Howard.
- Susie Dent
Susie Dent joins Russell Howard to share her Five Brilliant Things, including a discussion on vocabulary and her unique connection to a rock. They also explore language origins and highlight Susie's books, 'The Roots We Share' and 'Words f…
- Tom Gilbey
Russell Howard is joined by wine expert Tom Gilbey to discuss wine, his book 'THIRSTY', and his experience running a marathon while drinking wine. The episode also includes supermarket wine-buying tips and a live wine-tasting session.
- Kerry Godliman
Comedian and actor Kerry Godliman discusses life's pleasures with host Russell Howard, covering topics from Portobello Market to off-grid living in India and parenting. The episode also touches on their respective upcoming comedy tours.
- October's Moments of the Month
This episode features highlights and best moments from the shows broadcast throughout October. The compilation includes clips featuring guests Dom Joly, Sally Lindsay, Nick Mohammed, Horatio Gould, and Pete Firman.
- Pete Firman
Comedy magician Pete Firman joins Russell Howard to discuss his Five Brilliant Things, ranging from chip sauces to the tradition of conkers. They also discuss his current career, including his latest tour, Tricks and Giggles.
- Horatio Gould
Comedian Horatio Gould joins Russell Howard for a wide-ranging conversation covering his tour, business in saunas, and eating habits. The pair also discuss tour updates and additional content available on Patreon.
- Nick Mohammed
Actor and comedian Nick Mohammed joins Russell Howard to discuss five things that make him happy. The episode covers his experiences performing for Andrew Lloyd Webber, the inspiration behind his character Mr Swallow, and advice from Paul…
- Sally Lindsay
Actor and writer Sally Lindsay joins Russell Howard to discuss her Five Brilliant Things, covering topics ranging from the music of Chas and Dave to travel memories and pet peeves.
- Dom Joly
Dom Joly discusses the five things that make his life exciting, his past experiences, and his upcoming Trigger Happy TV live tour. The conversation also covers questions from Patreon listeners regarding his career and personal anecdotes.
- September's Moments of the Month
This compilation episode highlights segments from September, featuring Ardal O'Hanlon, Georgia Tennant, Taylor Tomlinson, Phil Ellis, and Joanna Page. The episode also includes a discussion about Beef Rendang.
- Joanna Page
Joanna Page discusses stories from her career, including her audition for Gavin & Stacey and working with Kenneth Branagh. She also shares personal highlights such as her dog, her father's cooking, and her caravan.
- Phil Ellis
Comedian Phil Ellis joins Russell Howard to discuss his career, share stories about Rik Mayall, and recount a harrowing bad gig. Phil also discusses his appearance on Taskmaster and his upcoming 2026 tour.
- Taylor Tomlinson
Comedian Taylor Tomlinson joins Russell Howard to discuss her comedy career, starting with the US church circuit at 16, her experiences with her comedy notebooks, and personal interests. The episode also highlights her 'Save Me' world tour.
- Georgia Tennant
Georgia Tennant joins Russell Howard to discuss her views on potatoes, glue guns, MoonCups, and netball strategies. The episode also highlights her work in The Horne Section.
- August's Moments of the Month
This episode features highlights from August 2025, including Michael Dapaah discussing Bernie Mac, Tiff Stevenson’s accent skills, Jake Lambert’s hunt for a cat shooter, and a story about Howie Mandell from Red Richardson.
- Ardal O'Hanlon
Actor and comedian Ardal O'Hanlon joins Russell Howard to discuss his career, stand-up comedy, and various life experiences. O'Hanlon also discusses his upcoming tour, 'Not Himself', which begins in September.
- Red Richardson
Guest Red Richardson joins Russell Howard to discuss tales from Devon, anecdotes about Keith Floyd, and an unusual story involving a US celebrity and AI holograms.
- Jake Lambert
Comedian Jake Lambert joins Russell Howard to share stories, including an experience with food poisoning in Kyrgyzstan involving Jack Dee and a quest to find the person who shot his cat. The episode also highlights Lambert's social media p…
- Tiff Stevenson
Comedian Tiff Stevenson joins host Russell Howard to discuss five things she finds brilliant, including accents, weddings, and childhood sweets. The episode also explores the meaning behind the term Umarell.
- July's Moments of the Month
This episode features a compilation of highlights from July's podcast episodes. Guests include Felicity Ward, Ashley Cain, Sophie McCartney, and What Willy Cook.