Giles Coren Has No Idea

The final ever episode of 'Giles Coren Has No Idea.' A mix of podcast quiz, listeners good wishes and a star turn from the next generation of podcasters. It has been a joy and a pleasure. Thank you for listening, emailing and subscribing, we are very grateful to every one of you. From Giles, Esther and producer Neil a big thank you and a very Merry Christmas. God Bless us, every one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some sad news – the podcast is coming to an end. Giles and Esther, after over two hundred episodes will be ending the podcast next week. The penultimate episode has echoes of the first as masks are making a comeback. With a particularly virulent strain of flu spreading across the nation is it time to bring back masks…opinion is divided. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch is also making something of a comeback, after her leadership was questioned she is now receiving rave reviews - her latest policy target is getting young people back to work. Would Giles or Esther do manual labour? As social media is banned for under sixteens in Australia, could there be any unforeseen consequences….? Lastly, why on earth has RFK Jnr has been given a billion dollars to install gyms in airports? And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is advent which means calendars, Christmas preparation and church services. Esther is making up for her childhood austerity by buying big gaudy chocolate calendars; Giles is curbing his instinct to over buy and both of them are pondering the true meaning of Christmas. According to recent research couples that drink together stay together…as mismatched drinking habits can be the death knell of a relationship. Are Esther and Giles’ drinking patterns in sync? For those eschewing Christianity, what are the popular alternatives, and are they worth a look? Finally, what’s the difference between children and cats…? And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles and Esther are trying to work out how best to teach their children to think better about energy - how and when to use it wisely. But who should teach valuable lessons about the economics of the home - the school or themselves, the parents? And how much do they really understand? So in this bonus edition made in partnership with Smart Energy GB Giles and Esther discuss bathtime, underfloor heating and whether something that makes a whirring noise in the kitchen at night is really going to reduce them to penury! And how the smart meter might make it easier to pass on some important wisdom. Made in partnership with Smart Energy GB. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles and Esther have delayed the recording of the podcast so they can respond to Rachel Reeves much anticipated budget. Turns out they didn’t need to as the whole thing was leaked! With the mansion tax potentially looming large should people consider devaluing their houses? If so, how might one go about doing that…? And if the Chancellor is taxing milk shakes and lattes Giles thinks she should go a step further. Is fame bad for your health? With some experience of the matter both Esther and Giles think so. But wonder if there is an element of chicken and egg about fame – does it attract a more fragile sort, or does it cause the fragility? Finally, the case of Nigel Farage and the accusations of schoolboy racism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A quick but very loud update on Giles’ snoring. He has recorded himself and it’s been quite a shock. But he has found a new gadget that is aiding him in his quest to return to the marital bed. This week is better than Christmas for Giles as the Ashes begin, he plans on adjusting his body clock and not missing a second…and he’ll be dragging a bleary eyed twelve-year-old along for the ride. Are you rich? Would you admit it if you were? Weary with seemingly well-off people pleading poverty Giles has developed a very simple check list to establish – rich or not rich? Lastly, the Cambridge Dictionary word of the year is… And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles has been to see a Bob Vylan gig. Bob Vylan are a punk rap duo who hit the headlines when the BBC broadcast their set live from Glastonbury, during which they led a chant of ‘death death to the IDF.’ Performing round the corner at the forum in Kentish Town Giles went to see the gig, the various protest and counter protest groups and to talk to some strangers. If PM Sir Keir Starmer really is under threat who else could fill his shoes – Davina McCall, the artist formerly known as Prince Andrew? There is upheaval at the BBC as the DG and head of news resign on the same day…will Giles be sending in his CV for either of the roles? Finally, ‘Flesh’ by David Szalay wins the booker prize, what’s it about? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles is still sleeping apart from Esther because of his snoring. But he is not fully reconciled to the new arrangement. The subject hit a nerve as many listeners have been in touch with ideas to improve the situation – from wired jaws, wedge pillows or intriguingly a trip to Newcastle. After Giles composes himself, he considers a few of the options. In more upbeat new Parisians are being offered the chance to win a burial spot next to the likes of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison or Edith Piaf in the famous cemeteries of the Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse and Montmartre. So where would Giles and Esther like to be buried? Lastly, a new charge has started to appear on some restaurant bills – an admin charge. What is it, why is it there and does it mark the end of fine dining…? And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sixteen percent of UK couples sleep in separate bedrooms. (Giles knows because he asked Grok.) Esther and Giles have now joined that group as Giles’ snoring has finally got too much for Esther. Is this a problem that listeners are familiar with…are their other causes for sleeping separately besides snoring? Government ministers have announced they will investigate the brightness of modern car headlights, about time to seems to be the response. But can these ministers be relied upon to do such research, given they don’t appear capable of much else? A quick question – is it fair to dress dogs up on Halloween? And lastly, having used Grok Giles wonders what a Grok rival to Wikipedia might look and sound like. And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Giles and Esther record the pod in front of a live audience at the Cheltenham Literary festival. Giles regales the crowd with tales of his prostate cancer diagnosis, taps up an off-duty doctor for some opinions and wonders what would get Jane Austin cancelled. Esther demonstrates her grasps of veganism, her unwillingness to read out loud and knows what would get her cancelled. Special thanks to ‘The Nook on Five’ for hosting us. And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a listeners special Esther is delighted to have not read the papers as her and Giles dip into the post bag. They get some book recommendations, test opinion on central heating and to reply to some marvellous listeners. In amongst all that if you’ve ever wondered how many people it takes to publish a book and what do they all do Esther can fill you in. And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles and Esther had a lovely night out at the theatre, but they’re suffering for it now. As the hang overs clear and King Charles requests Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson not to take part in Royal Christmas engagements they wonder which of your relatives would you like to disinvite to Christmas lunch? Perhaps the King should utter “Riddikulus!” a spell cast in Harry Potter when faced with a lurking pest. JK Rowling may be doing likewise as her public spat with Emma Watson has resurfaced. Do either deserve our sympathy? Stop the press! The British Museum is hosting its own version of The Met Ball…sort of. But who on earth would want to be first name on the guest list? And last but by no means least Esther tests Giles’ fitness…but while he has a hangover. And as always please do get in touch especially if you wish to divulge which of your relatives, you’d like to not attend Christmas: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With more people employed in the parking industry then as full time soldiers are they up to the job of giving Putin a ticket? Giles turns to some great war films for inspiration: “Did you issue the parking ticket!?” “Goddam right I did!” The Booker Prize announced its short list this week, with one notable omission and one baffling inclusion – Giles is not happy. After the break is it too early in the year to put on the central heating – over to you dear listener. Recent research suggests that bravery is a more attractive trait than brawn. But what if your date is a psychopath who just likes starting fights...? Lastly, yet another use for Bamboo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Donald Trump has been honoured with a second state visit to the UK. He had a stay at Windsor castle, met Esther’s sister and took a trip to Chequers. But what would have given him a more realistic reflection of Great Britain? Join a queue, attend A&E, get stuck in a traffic jam…? In his column last week, Giles incurred the wrath of Times readers…again. He wrote about the inflated guesstimates of the numbers attending the Tommy Robinson march. Confused as to why readers are so annoyed, he wonders if he is still in tune with the average reader? After the break, a tribute to Hollywood great Robert Redford and who will win this year’s booker prize? Please send your book recommendations or favourite Robert Redford films to: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Swings and roundabouts as Giles and Esther return from their summer break. Giles has had an awkward week, but Esther is ready for the release of her debut novel. In the news; why are Beyonce and Jay-Z moving to the Cotswolds, do they want to go shooting and pay ten pounds for a sausage roll? Sticking with Z, Gen Z are embracing the crowded tea rooms of the National Trust with membership for the 18-25’s on the rise. What could possibly be the reason for the increase? After the break Giles enlists the help of AI and Greg Wallace to interview Esther about her new book – “Well, This Is Awkward”. And as always please do get in touch with any comments or questions: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the last episode before a summer break. Giles and Esther open the post bag to answer some of your questions. There are love stories, restaurant reviews, far flung listeners, potters, dating advice, film recommendations and more. As always please do get in touch with any comments or questions: noidea@thetimes.com Have a lovely summer – see you in September Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England’s female football team – the Lionesses - have reached the final of Euro 2025. Giles is intrigued to know who is following their progress. A government initiative to limit public services to UK billionaires prompts an idea…what other mundane day to day activities should billionaires be prohibited from doing? Riding the top deck of a bus? If there is an art to holiday packing, Esther has mastered it – one pillow, one can of WD40 and a knife. Job done! What would a resourceful Girl Guide do with such a collection of items…fashion a 'think positive' badge perhaps? Lastly, dear old King Charles has launched a range beard grooming products. No comedy in that…none whatsoever. Anyone for a jar of royal goolie washer? Please do get in touch with any comments or questions: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles has been triggered. The BBC/Banijay investigation into allegations surrounding former Master Chef presenter Greg Wallace has published its findings. The results are enough to sack not only Greg Wallace, but also former co-host John Torode. Rather than sack Mr Torode perhaps the BBC could kindly draft a resignation statement for him, sighting the stress of recent events and challenges to his mental health…not so fast! Giles is furious about the whole matter. The BBC isn’t all bad, this week President Trump gave an interview to their reporter Gary O'Donoghue. In the interview President Trump revealed that he doesn’t really trust anyone. Which poses the question, how important is trust? This week we were given the first glimpse of the actor who will play Harry Potter in the new HBO series. Have they sprung a surprise? Lastly, as a new iteration of Barbie is unveiled - diabetic Barbie, what others could there be...? Please do get in touch with any comments or questions: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Salt Path is a worldwide, multimillion bestselling novel which was later turned into a Hollywood film. It was based on a true story…or so everyone thought. Revelations this week cast considerable doubt on the veracity of the first-person tale. Does it change how Esther and Giles feel about the book? Greg Wallace has finally been fired by the BBC but the question is did he take a leaf out of the Giles Coren school of defence in his parting statement? Esther has another question too, has Giles ever had the slightest inclination to show his peculiars in the office? After more listeners emails some tips to get young people ready for the workplace: Step one - cast aside all self-respect. Please do get in touch with any comments or questions: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Giles wants to recount his plumbing woes…the Smurfs give him a helping hand to hurry things along. After sifting through the first weeks post from the new podcast email address Giles and Esther assess a very difficult week for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. A week since rap duo 'Bob Vylan' hit the headlines at Glastonbury Giles shares some of the responses to his notebook piece on the subject, not all are positive. Then a whistle stop tour of faces on bank notes, the cool club and Eau De Politician. Please do get in touch with any comments or questions: noidea@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.