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The High Low

ByPandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton
152 episodes

Podcast Summary

Dive into "The High Low," a captivating weekly podcast where writers Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes navigate the vibrant intersection of highbrow and lowbrow culture. This dynamic duo brings listeners a refreshing blend of humor and insight as they explore everything from the latest literary sensations to viral pop culture phenomena. With a diverse lineup of guests, including the charming Graham Norton, who shares his experiences in the entertainment industry, and acclaimed author Elizabeth Day discussing the intricacies of storytelling, each episode is a treasure trove of engaging conversation. Listeners can expect heartfelt discussions reflecting on nostalgia, emotional letters from fans, and a candid look at contemporary issues, all while maintaining a playful tone. Whether you're a culture aficionado or simply looking for a delightful auditory escape, "The High Low" offers a unique perspective that resonates with both the intellectual and the everyday. Tune in for an experience that’s as enlightening as it is entertaining!

#1

THE HIGH LOW FINALE

It’s here! Expect many tears, intense nostalgia, beautiful letters from our listeners and a big ole dose of DJ CJ to celebrate the last four glorious years of The High Low. Book tickets to the last ever High Low live show, streaming next week and raising money for Blood Cancer UK Coel on Grounded with Louis Theroux Billy Crystal on Awards Chatter Pandemic at the disco playlist by School of Life Ideas for Curious Minds, by School of Life Promised Land by Barack Obama Tiny Lungs - 28 poems by Joanna Bennett Small Axe by Steve McQueen, on BBC iPlayerMangrove, on BBC iPlayer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-12-02•2hr 14mins
#2

An Author Special with Graham Norton - And Some News

We are so thrilled to have the one and only Graham Norton on today's episode, talking all about his new novel, Home Stretch, his favourite celebrities to interview on his chat show, and the weird wonderfulness that is Eurovision. Graham is The High Low's last ever author special - because the High Low will be coming to a close next week, after 4 joyous, life-changing years for us both. But before we go, we have one last LIVE show for you: the High Low Christmas LIVE will be live streamed on Vimeo at 7pm on December 8th, with all proceeds going to Blood Cancer UK, a charity that is very close to both of our hearts, in memory of Florence Kleiner and Enzo Saunt. We promise a festive extravaganza featuring a VERY special musical performance. Tickets start at £10, please book yourself a ticket at: special thanks to Fane Productions, and our sponsor, the eco-friendly brand Method (and their delicious pink grapefruit cleaning spray) for making this live show possibleWe will see you next week for our last ever podcast!E-mail (while the inbox is still open!) [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com where 100% profits go to Fare ShareLinksHome Stretch, by Graham NortonWintering, by Katherine MayLaurence Llewelyn-Bowen inteview by Chris Godfrey for The Guardian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-11-24•1hr 19mins
#3

Maggi's Mary Wollstonecraft, Princess Diana and A Plunge Into The Christmas Ads

Brace yourself: Emily in Paris is back for a second series. More importantly: the Christmas ads have dropped! We discuss some of them, and why a great Christmas ad doesn't actually.... have to have anything to do with Christmas.Also today, we discuss Maggi Hambling's controversial nude statue of founding feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, Rupert Everett's new autobiography, a documentary about Vivienne Westwood and the punk movement, and we deep dive into the Princess Diana content of the last week: the two-parter on ITV, with staggering allegations made against Martin Bashir, and the new series of The Crown, starring the magnificent Emma Corrin as Diana. E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits for November go to Fare Share LinksTo The End Of The World, by Rupert EverettThe Crown series 4 now on NetflixThe Diana Interview: Revenge of a Princess, on ITV PlayerWhat I've learned from 7 years of being single, by Camille Charriere for Harper's Bazaar long Covid forced me to confront my past and my identity, by Kathryn Bromwich for The Guardian Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist Candice Carty-Williams on The Adam Buxton Podcast, Glenn Close on WTF, Keir Starmer on Desert Island Discs and What Trump Might Do In His Remaining Weeks in Office on Fresh Air Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-11-17•1hr 11mins
#4

Election Gaffes, Celebrity Truth-Tellers & The Undoing

What a week to be alive! We discuss some of the many ridiculous things that have happened, mainly on the television, during this last monumental week, plus the riveting revelating that Dr Fauci of the Coronavirus task force in the US, had a celebrity zoom to help stop the spread of misinformation during the pandemic. Plus, swans in love and what we'd call our pet tortoise. And we talk telly: The Undoing, The Queen's Gambit, Emily in Paris (again) and Been So Long, an ambitious, upifting musical rom-com starring Michaela Coel.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com, 100% of profits for November go to Fare ShareLinksYou're Wrong About podcastBeen So Long on NetflixThe Queens Gambit on NetflixThe Undoing, on SkyMaking Love With The Paint, on BBC iPlayer Octavia Bright on her father being in a care home during lockdown, for The Sunday Times: Love in The New York Times Buy There's Something About Wallace: Lockdown Love on Hampstead Heath by Louisa Green: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-11-10•1hr 4mins
#5

No Nut November, National Sandwich Day, and an Author Special with Otegha Uwagba on Whites

Are you familiar with No Nut November? Move over Movember, there's a slightly queasy new internet challenge in town. Also today, we discuss whether a burger is a sandwich, the concerning omission from the Sean Connery obituaries, and the new YouTube record-breaker. And we have an author special today with Otegha Uwagba, who came on to discuss her new long-form essay, Whites.E-mail [email protected]@thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com where 100% of profits go to Fare ShareLinksWhites, by Otegha Uwagba, out 12th NovemberSacha Baron Cohen on Fresh Air: Undoing, on SkyYou're Wrong About, on all podcast platformsGhosting stories at hardtoforget.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-11-03•1hr 5mins
#6

The Southern Charm of Matthew McConaughey; Free School Meals; & The Web Server That Slows Down Information Overload

From a naturally green puppy called Pistachio, to a charming and surprising memoir by Matthew McConaughey, this week is your usual mixed bag -- including discussion of the government's abhorrent decision to stop funding free school meals for vulnerable children outside of term time (see a petition you can sign and charities you can donate to, below) and some television that has moved us. Also! A book that made Dolly's week, and Pandora's new favourite podcast.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% profits go to charity, 50% to Black Minds Matter and 50% to The Freedom Charity. For November, all profits will be going to Fare ShareLinks ReadingElle Hunt on Matthew McConaughey's memoir, Greenlights, for The Guardian happened when me and Kim Kardashian both turned 40? By Eva Wiseman, for The Observer Yourself, by Curtis Sittenfeld Quite, by Claudia WinklemanWatchingEnslaved on BBC iPlayerMaggi Hambling on BBC iPlayerOut Of Her Mind, on BBC iPlayerListeningYou're Wrong About podcastDawn French on Table Manners podcastElvis Costello on The New Yorker Radio Hour podcastTimothy Leary on Fresh Air podcastSign and donate for free school mealsSign Marcus Rashford's petition for free school meals for vulnerable children, here: to donate to:Fare Share fareshare.org Feeding Britain feedingbritain.orgKitchen Social mayorsfundforlondon.org.uk/kitchen-social/The Trussell Trust trusselltrust.orgMagic Breakfast magicbreakfast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-10-28•1hr 5mins
#7

Cow Hugging, Daddy by Emma Cline & An Exclusive Clip from Joan & Jericha

Today we discuss a love story in Venice, the new "wellness" trend of cow hugging, Matt Hancock's personal app (???) and listeners tell us what they think makes "a good deed". And some things we've been loving, including the feel good Love Life on Netflix. Plus! An exclusive, filthy extract from Joan and Jericha's new book, out on the 29th October.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity, 50% to Black Minds Matter and 50% to Freedom CharityLinksMax Woosey's fundraising page for North Devon hospice by Emma Cline, out nowLuster, by Raven Leilani, out in January 2021 and available for pre-order nowLove Life, on BBC iPlayerNigella Lawson on the fallacy of guilty pleasures for The Guardian: role of food in Jewish celebration for Radio 4’s The Food Programme: My Mother and I Became Chinese Propaganda, by Jiayang Fan for The New Yorker (listen to the audio on the same link) Joan and Jericha: Why He Turns Away, Do’s and Don’ts from Dating to Death, out on the 29th October Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-10-20•57mins
#8

Progressive Penguins, Emily in Paris, & What Makes A Good Deed?

We continue our conversation about sharing grief in the aftermath of a still birth or miscarriage, with a special contribution from the grief psychotherapist Julia Samuel MBE. We also discuss penguin and seahorse reproduction, a delicious piece of Hollywood gossip involving Cary Grant and Clark Gable, and - mais bien sûr - we plunge into Emily and Paris aka 2020's answer to Sex And The City and all its associated controversy.E-mail [email protected]@thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshow.com - 100% profits go to charity, 50% Black Minds Matter and 50% to Freedom CharityLinks10 Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now, by Jaron Lanier summarised on BlinkistWhat to say to women going through miscarriage and baby loss, by Alexandra King for CNN find myself apologising for the complex nature of my motherhood, by Sophie Beresiner for The Sunday Times Style Sophie @motherprojectofficial and pre-order her book here About, an Audible podcast series by French and SaundersEmily in Paris, on NetflixEverything that's wrong with Emily in Paris by an actual French person, by Marie Telling for Buzzfeed Emily's Bot actually go viral? By Rachel Handler for Vulture The Rocks, at cinemas nowSamantha Morton on Desert Island Discs, Radio 4Floella Benjamin on Desert Island Discs, Radio 4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-10-13•52mins

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#9

Grief Around Miscarriage, The Social Dilemma & The Phrases Dying Out With Gen Z

We discuss Chrissy Teigen's social media posts about the death of her baby Jack, and the judgement around public grief. Also today, we dissect a list of words and phrases facing expiration (40% of under 30s don't know what "getting sozzled" means) and the fascinating docu-drama, The Social Dilemma. Plus, Pandora falls in love with a film called Rocks, and Dolly has a(nother) Springsteen moment.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% proceeds go to charity (50% to Black Minds Matter, and 50% to The Freedom Charity)LinksIf Chrissy Teigen wants to share the agony of losing her baby, let her, by Barbara Ellen for The Observer Chrissy Teigen's story is so helpful to other women, by Jennifer Handt for WBUR The Social Dilemma, on NetflixRocks, on general release and now on NetflixTen Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now, by Jaron Lanier (2018)A Life in The Day interview with Tom Hollander for The Sunday Times Springsteen: From My Home To Yours, on BBC Sounds Once Were Brothers on Amazon Video Robbie Williams on The Adam Buxton Podcast The Duchess on NetflixCheltenham Literature Festival 2020 on demand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-10-06•1hr 2mins
#10

Pandemic friendships, and how to mend a broken heart

This year has seen even our closest friendships turn into long-distance ones; what is the impact - and the thought spirals - of your A-list friends becoming peripheral specks in your vision? We discuss, with a funny and thought-provoking piece by Katie Heaney for The Cut. Also today, we natter about how to mend a broken heart, and the evolving nature of romantic relationships, with a special reading from the author Nick Hornby.E-mail [email protected]@thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com with 100% profits going to charity (50% Black Minds Matter, 50% Freedom Charity)LinksAre All My Friends Mad At Me? By Katie Heaney, for The Cut Fidelity, by Nick HornbySchitt's Creek, on NetflixGuys We Fucked - Heartbreak Is Universal? with Guy Winch Psychology of Friendship, by Mahzad HojjitUs, on BBC iPlayerSafe Spaces for Black Women, created by Leyla Hussein Dawn French's Desert Island Discs, 2012 on Radio 4 Wife, by Meg Wolitzer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-09-29•54mins
#11

A Plunge Into The Body Politics and Choice Feminism of An Instagram Age

Doll's Polls is back, with a strange fact about what heterosexual women most look for, in a man. A handsome face? A tight tush? Nope -- quite frankly, you'll never guess. We also discuss a beautiful ode from a coupled-up woman to her single friends, Matt Haig's new book about finding hope in the lives you could have lived, and a couple of our favourite comedy shows by women.And - deep breath - we dive into the issues raised by a personal essay penned by the model and actor Emily Ratajkowski, that blew up certain parts of the internet this week, about who owns a public image. We address women's bodies and the ethics of sharing in the age of Instagram, with a side order of choice feminism. You can share your thoughts with us via e-mail -- we're sure you'll have a few.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity, currently Black Minds Matter and Freedom charityLinksEmily Ratajkowski on reclaiming her own image, for New York magazine Emily Ratajkowski effect, by Haley Nahman for her Maybe Baby newsletter Duchess, on NetflixRBG, on NetflixRuth Bader Ginsberg's death means pro-choicers have a fight on their hands, by Zoe Williams for The Guardian on BBC SoundsThe Midnight Library, by Matt Haig, out nowThis Way Up on All4 Seven Pledges to My Single Friends by Caroline O’Donoghue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-09-22•1hr 6mins
#12

The Joy of A Buffet, Zadie Smith's Lockdown Essays & Ofcom's Diversity Problem

In today's episode we discuss news of the telly: decade-defining reality show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, is ending after 20 seasons; US soap The Bold & The Beautiful are using dummies in their snogging scenes; and most depressingly and shamefully, Ofcom have received 22,000 (15,600 at the time of record) complaints over dance troupe Diversity's moving dance rendition of George Floyd's death on Britain's Got Talent. Also today, we discuss the joy of a buffet (with an excerpt from new book In The Kitchen read by Joel Golby), the world's first ever A.I. model agency and the emergence of lockdown literature, featuring Zadie Smith's booklet of essays, Intimations. E-mail us [email protected] us @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity: Black Minds Matter and Freedom CharityLinksIntimations by Zadie SmithZadie Smith on Adam Buxton podcast The Kitchen: essays on food and life this the end of the buffet? by Joel Golby up with the Kardashians is ending. What does it all mean? by Rosa Lyster Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-09-15•56mins
#13

Revising Our Thoughts on Gwyneth Paltrow, Dettol's Dubious 'Back To Work' Ads & The Best of Garage (Sort Of)

We reminisce over garage music (without being entirely sure what officially defines a garage track), discuss the dicey new Dettol ad that's got everyone's knickers in a twist and why we both felt ashamed when we read Gwyneth Paltrow's recent piece about the trauma of her 'conscious uncoupling', ten years ago.Plus, the sensitive and moving BBC drama about a life never lived, Anthony; a brilliant pocket-sized book on race by Ijeoma Oluo; and Dolly's favourite show, Circus of Books, about a famous gay pornography and bookshop of the 1980s.Oh! And Dolly's solved the mystery of Francesco - her long-term house ghost. You're welcome.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity (50% to Black Minds Matter, 50% to Freedom Charity)LinksGwyneth Paltrow on her experience of conscious uncoupling of Books, on NetflixSo You Want To Talk About Race, by Ijeoma OluoAnthony, on BBC iPlayerBella Mackie on the joy of small purchases for British Vogue, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-09-08•1hr 1mins
#14

Selling Sunset, Gendered Care Work & How Often Do YOU Clear Out Your Pants Drawer?

We back! And it's the old mixed bag of content: from grubby gussets to bathroom-heavy mansions in WeHo, via a revisitation of our noughties book shelves. Links below, you know what to do.Shop [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% profits go to charity (Freedom Charity and Black Minds Matter)LinksWatching/ listeningMrs America on NetflixSelling Sunset on NetflixShagged Married Annoyed on all podcast appsJim Nicholson on Fresh Air Confession by Jessie BurtonDominicana by Angie CruzLost To The Virus, a series for The Guardian by Sirin Kale 26a by Diana EvansTwo Lives by Vikram Seth'Heirlooms' a short story by Bryan Washington for The New YorkerMore Than A Woman by Caitlin Moran High Fidelity by Nick Hornby How to Live On 24 Hours a Day by Arnold Bennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-09-01•1hr 20mins
#15

Wiley’s Anti-Semitism, Kiley Reid’s Such A Fun Age & An Author Special w/ Nesrine Malik

It’s our last episode of the season - and boy, do we have a bumper episode for you. In this week’s show we discuss what Twitter’s failure to suspend Wiley says about our failure to combat anti-semitism (and what you can do to help), the graphic and glorious podcast of the year, Brown Girls Do It Too, Kiley Reid’s incisive and compulsively readable novel Such A Fun Age and an author special with the inspiring and thought-provoking columnist and author of We Need New Stories, Nesrine Malik about why we must resist cultural myths. Plus, some newsletters to subscribe to right now, and an Ask The High Low question about dating after cancer. We’ll be back in early September! E-mail: [email protected] (but please do note the inbox will be unmanned for August)Tweet: @thehighlowshowShop: thehighlowshop.com where 100% proceeds go to charity - 50% to Black Minds Matter and 50% to Freedom Charity LinksFollowing/ signing@geraldstratfor3 on Twitter Sign the petition for Wiley to have his MBE removed to [email protected] to request the removal of Wiley’s MBE ReadingThe Waiting Room, a newsletter by Amelia Tait a newsletter by Sophie Wilkinson Red Hand Files, a newsletter by Nick Cave Meander, a newsletter by Dolly Alderton A Fun Age, by Kiley ReidWe Need New Stories, by Nesrine MalikHot Little Hands, by Abigail Ulman Listening/ watching Brown Girls Do It Too, on BBC SoundsIn Writing podcast, by Hattie CrisellCall My Agent, on Netflix Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-07-28•1hr 21mins
#16

Lockdown Sexscapades & Friendship in Old Age

We dig further into the cultural conversation around parenting, courtesy of masses of feedback from our listeners on last week's ep and a thoughtful piece on same-sex parenting. Also today: Taffy Brodesser-Akner's short story, Dolly's favourite new dating columnist, a novel that delves into the foibles as much as the grand themes of old age, and why people are happier by the sea. And we introduce our new charitable outlets for The High Low shop.E-mail [email protected]@thehighlowshowShop at thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity (50% to Black Minds Matter, 50% to The Orchid Project.)LinksThe Weekend, by Charlotte WoodA Curious Career by Lynn Barber Taffy Brodesser Akner's short story Lorde's dating column for Vogue adopting as a same-sex couple taught us, by Ben Fergusson for The Guardian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-07-21•55mins
#17

A Deep Dive Into The Child-Free Vs Motherhood Dialogue

Today we discuss how motherhood and child-free women are culturally discussed and pitted against one another, referencing podcasts, a journalistic series and Emma Gannon's new novel, Olive, along the way. We also answer an Ask The High Low from a woman whose partner wants children, but she's worried about how pregnancy, birth and motherhood may affect her mental health.Also today, we talk about a candid interview with Thandie Newton, where the actor reflects on a 30 year career often rife with micro-aggressions and misogyny, Nick Hornby's new novel and recommend two social and mentorship networks: City Girl Network and The Black Agents and Editors Group, for people of African descent working in publishing or media.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity, 50% to Show Racism The Red Card and 50% to Women's AidLinks ReadingOlive by Emma GannonJust Like You by Nick Hornby Thandie Newton interview by E Alex Jung for Vulture Cole interview by E Alex Jung for Vulture I willing to risk my mental health to have a baby?' by Bella Mackie for The Sunday Times US series on being child-free watchingHelen Mirren on WTF with Marc MaronSian Harries and Grace Dent are ambivalent about motherhood petitions and mentorshipCity Girls Network Black Agents and Editors Group the petition to protect free hospital parking for NHS staff Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-07-14•58mins
#18

On Why We Shouldn't Look For Relatability in Celebs & An Interview with Adam Kay about Dear NHS

The pubs have opened; but why is the beauty sector still in lockdown? Also today, we discuss the slew of videos of children interrupting their parents during a pandemic, a new book about love and loneliness in 1950s suburbia, and a deep-dive into Nora Ephron. And Dolly interviews the brilliant former doctor, comic and writer, Adam Kay, about a new book he has edited, Dear NHS: 100 Stories To Say Thank You.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% profits go to charity (50% to Show Racism The Red Card, 50% to Women's Aid)LinksSmall Pleasures, by Clare Chambers, out nowThe Old Man, by Roger Angel Is Copy, on NOW TV via Sky DocumentariesDear NHS: A Collection of 100 Stories To Say Thank You, edited by Adam Kay - out 9th July Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-07-07•1hr 3mins
#19

The Glastonbury That Never Was; & Ruby Tandoh on The Art of Quitting

Wishing you were at Glastonbury? Get stuck into Zing Tseng's piece, instead. Ruby Tandoh reads us an excerpt of her beautiful piece on quitting, and we discuss why quitting is not just a physical act - but a state of mind. Also today: a Doll's Polls on first date turn-offs (verdict: most of them are unavoidable), a hilarious analysis by Diyora Shadijanova of what Gen Z'ers really think about millennials (verdict: old and boring), plus a great primer on white privilege by Robin DiAngelo and Channel 4's documentary, The School That Tried To End Racism. E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% profits go to charity (50% Show Racism The Red Card, 50% Women's Aid)LinksZing Tseng on festivals for Vice Tandoh on the art of quitting for WePresent Up, by Ruby TandohWhat Gen Z'ers think about millennials, by Diyora Shadijanova “I’m not racist” is only half the story, by Robin DiAngelo The School That Tried To End Racism, on Channel 4odOprah's SuperSoul Conversations: Ellen DeGeneres Comes Out Island Discs - Chili Bouchier The Great Godden, by Meg Rosoff Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-06-30•58mins
#20

The Madness of 2020 Can Be Summed Up In Lynx Africa's Marmite Edition

Mmmm get that yeasty pong. Today we recall the wisdom of Zadie Smith, chat more about the jaw-dropping drama that is Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You, discuss Naoise Dolan's piece on how autism has shaped her work and recommend Munroe Bergdorf's Table Manners interview. We also drop a lot of not entirely irrelevant but mostly random animal facts - including the retirement of Diego, the Warren Beatty of tortoises. Plus, an Ask The High Low about what to do when you're single, and none of your coupled up friends understand.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity (Women's Aid and Show Racism The Red Card)LinksA Ladder To The Sky How Being Diagnosed with Autism Changed My Life, by Naoise Dolan for The Sunday Times Style May Destroy You, on BBC iPlayerArena: Desert Island Discs 1982 on BBC iPlayerBig Brother: Best Shows Ever on 4ODZadie Smith on Literary Friction Munroe Bergdorf on Table Manners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-06-23•1hr 10mins
#21

Lockdown Sex, I May Destroy You, and Rhik Samadder's I Never Said I Loved You

In today's episode, we discuss the findings on Sex In Lockdown: Keep Shagging And Carry On; the astounding work that is Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You and in light of JK Rowling's comments last week, some recommendations for understanding the trans experience. We also feature an exclusive extract from the writer Rhik Samadder's memoir about mental health, love and family, I Never Said I Loved You and lots more podcast recs from Dolly. Plus! Ask The High Low is back.E-mail [email protected]@thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop - 100% profits go to charity (Show Racism The Red Card and Women's Aid)LinksReadingI Never Said I Loved You, by Rhik SamadderAmateur: A True Story About What Makes a Man, by Thomas Page McBeeThe Gender Games, by Juno DawsonConsider The Greenland Shark by Katherine Rundell by Afua HirschWatching and ListeningSex In Lockdown: Keep Shagging and Carry On, on Channel 4I May Destroy You, on BBC iPlayer Seahorse, on VimeoLaura Marling on Song ExploderRadio 4’s The Food Programme - Food On Film Jerry Seinfeld on WTF Afua Hirsch on Fortunately Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-06-16•1hr 7mins
#22

After The Hashtags

We discuss online vs offline behaviour, when it comes to social change; and why historical progress has long relied on the removal of monuments. Also today, tons of podcast recommendations, an homage to Gogglebox and the size 75 shoes made especially for social distancing.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowLinksSocial media@multiculturalkidsbooks on IG@diverse_kids_books on IG@novelallure on IGReadingKnights Of bookshop Baby, by Ibram X. KendiLittle Leaders: Bold Women In Black HistorySuperior by Angela SainiStolen Legacy by George JamesThe Fire Next Time by James BaldwinYou're Silence Will Not Protect you by Audre LordeHere For It by R. Eric ThomasCandice Brathwaite interview by Johanna Thomas-Corr for Observer Evaristo on inclusive publishing for British Vogue Adegoke on the "pics or it didn't happen approach" for British Vogue Books by Black authors that aren't about Black pain by Natalie Morris for Metro racism requires more than hashtags by Nesrine Malik for The Guardian You Should Say Black Lives Matter by Bob and Peppermint The Resilience of Marga Griesbach by Rebecca Traister for New York mag & ListeningSabrina Cohen-Hatton on Rangan Chatterjee's podcast, Feel Better, Live MoreIbram X Kendi interview with Brene Brown for Unlocking UsCelebrity GoggleboxDays of the Bagnold SummerDouglas by Hannah Gadsby on NetflixFresh Air: Hannah GadsbyThe C Word: Paula YatesJay Rayner’s Out To Lunch Desert Island Discs: Professor Dame Elizabeth AnionwuGrounded with Louis Theroux: Miriam Margolyes Nick Cave: The Red Hand Files Petitions Healthcare for black women in the U.K. Stephenson statue to Black Minds Matter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-06-09•57mins
#23

Anti-Racism Resources & An Author Special with Candice Brathwaite

This week’s episode is focused on the resources we can access to educate ourselves on racism. These lists are not exhaustive but may provide a starting point. We also interview the creator of Make Motherhood Diverse, Candice Brathwaite, about her searing new book I Am Not Your Baby Mother. [email protected] Non-FictionWhy I Am No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-LodgeI Am Not Your Baby Mother by Candice BrathwaiteWhite Fragility by Robin DiangeloBetween The World and Me by Ta-Nehisi CoatesThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca SklootHow To Be Anti-Racist by Ibram X. KendiThe Good Immigrant compiled by Nikesh ShuklaThe New Jim Crow by Michelle AlexanderWomen Race and Class by Angela DavisWhite Rage by Carol AndersonBrit-ish by Afua Hirsch My Name Is Why by Lemn Sissay Slay In Your Lane by Elizabeth Uviebinené & Yomi AdegokeA Burst of Light by Audre LordeDon’t Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri Taking Up Space: The Black Girls Manifesto For Change by Chelsea Kwakye & Ore Ogunbiyi Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad Hood Feminism by Mikki KendallNatives: Race & Class in the Ruins of Empire by AkalaAint I a Woman: Black Women & Feminism by bell hooks Why You Need To Stop Saying “All Lives Matter” by Rachel Elizabeth Cargle for Harper’s Bazaar X. Kendi’s reading list for The New York Times FictionBeloved by Toni Morrison The Colour Purple by Alice Walker An American Marriage by Tayari Jones Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi-AdichieSuch A Fun Age by Kiley ReidOrdinary People by Diana Evans The Vanishing Half by Brit BennettThe Underground Railroad by Colson WhiteheadQueenie by Candice Carty-Williams To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee On Beauty and White Teeth by Zadie Smith Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine EvaristoThe Hate U Give by Angie ThomasCitizen: An American Life by Claudia Rankine Social media@theconsciouskid@taranaburke@galdemzine@tamikadmallory @privtoprog @blklivesmatter DonateGeorge Floyd’s Memorial Fund Black Lives MatterBla...

2020-06-02•51mins

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#24

Why Moments of Insanity Are Part of Keeping Sane; And The Worrying Increase in Lockdown Mullets

Did you know there is a word in German for 'social distancing whilst wearing swimming pool noodles as a hat'? We're sceptical, but charmed.As the heaviness weighs on many of you, we have a batch of podcasts, books, articles and surprising lockdown stats to cheer and distract you. Please do e-mail any questions or issues to [email protected] you can tweet us @thehighlowshowShop thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity (Women's Aid and NHS Charities urgent cover relief fund)LinksBook a goat for Zoom (yes) at www.cronkshawfoldfarm.co.uk/goatsonzoomVolunteer during furlough at www.furlonteer.comFind @_lockdownstories on InstagramReadingGirl, Woman, Other, by Bernadine Evaristo Ramble Book: Musings on Childhood, Friendship, Family and 80s Pop Culture, by Adam Buxton, available on audio book now (and in print in September)Insanity Can Keep You Sane, by Molly Young for The New York Times Mag www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/05/11/magazine/quarantine-insanity.htmlWhere to start in Joni Mitchell's back catalogue, by Hannah Stevens for The Guardian and watchingSir Lenny Henry interview with Louis Theroux's Grounded podcast Grayson Perry's Art Club, on Channel 4Gemma Collins: Diva on Lockdown, on ITV PlayerLove, Loss and What I Wore by Nora and Delia Ephron Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-05-26•53mins
#25

'Seksbuddies', Robert Pattinson's pasta & information overload

It's a pot noodle of an episode this week. From our favourite pandemic stories around the globe - selected especially to cheer you up - to a bunch of recommendations, a deep-dive into the way we metabolise information now, and a compulsory dwell on Stanley Tucci.E-mail: [email protected]: @thehighlowshowShop: thehighlowshop.com where 100% of profits go to charity (Women's Aid and Covid-19 NHS Urgent Appeal)LinksBook a Migrateful cookery class at migrateful.orgThe Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennett - out 2nd JuneBrit Bennett and Emma Cline in conversation for Entertainment Weekly Pattinson interview by Zach Baron for GQ, US edition with My Gen Z nieces, by Sathnam Sanghera for The Times magazine After Coronavirus, by Nayeema Raza for The New York Times how time works now by Eli Grober for McSweeney's: Love In Verse: Tucci's Life in Quarantine, for The Atlantic Burke interview on Desert Island Discs Dissect podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-05-19•55mins
#26

Cottagecore, Covidism & Other Lockdown Theories; Plus, An Author Special with Samantha Irby

Today we discuss the surprising lockdown sales boom, an animal fact and a few new pandemic lifestyle theories. Just another episode of The High Low, then.We also ring up Samatha Irby in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to discuss her hilarious new essay collection (a joy for anxiety-ridden times) wow, no thank you. E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop at www.thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity (currently Women's Aid and the COVID-19 NHS Urgent Appeal)Linkswow, no thank you, by Samantha Irby - out nowI've craved a slower pace of life - and want to make it permanent, a Dear Mariella column for The Guardian lockdown dick margin, by Lauren Bravo for Refinery29 buzz of big cities is losing out to cottagecore, by India Knight for The Sunday Times sister died of coronavirus. She needed care, but her life was not disposable. By Rory Kinnear for The Guardian need me, by Charles Simic isolation drags on, I've found myself wanting to be a friend to myself, by Emma Jane Unsworth for Grazia, issue published May 5thTayari Jones on Open Book Blanchett on WTF Marling on The Adam Buxton podcast Martin on Fresh Air on Sky Atlantic and Now TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-05-12•52mins
#27

Are Your Book Shelves A Reflection of Your Character - Or Your Curiosity?

This week we discuss what your books on your bookshelf say about you, the new lockdown lingo (are you drinking furlough merlot?), whether lockdown telly might have reached its apex, and the concept of heteropessimism.You can e-mail [email protected] and shop at thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity.LinksApply here for Penguin's WriteNow scheme: I Had Your Face, by Frances ChaCulture Call, a podcast by The Financial TimesLouis Theroux on Adam Buxton podcastA Manual For Heartache: How To Feel Better, by Cathy RentzenbrinkExploding the myths behind K-Pop, by Crystal Tai for The Guardian Keyes interview with The Guardian Seresin on heteropessimism for The New Inquiry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-05-05•1hr 16mins
#28

The Micro-Trends of Lockdown & The Wonder That Is The Quarantucci

Thank you for bearing with us. We weren't able to bring you an episode last week for personal reasons, but we will try and make it up to you today - starting with a BIG apology to Lizzo for saying it wasn't possible to jam on a flute. It bloody well is. Mea culpa.Today we discuss the micro-trends of lockdown (are you a lockdown cliche?) and a Dolls Polls about what we're all apparently buying. You will never guess the top billing (no - it's not loo roll. Or pasta.) Also today, a new podcast from Louis Theroux, a discussion of the adaptation of Normal People, the wonder that is Quiz and lots more reading, audio reccs and daft stories.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowShop online at www.thehighlowshop.com - 100% of profits go to charity (currently Women's Aid and the NHS Charities Covid-19 Urgent Appeal)Linksbooksinstations.co.ukBreathing Lessons, by Anne TylerThe Wonder Spot, by Melissa BanksGrounded, by Louis Theroux for BBC Radio 4Sentimental Garbage: Eat Pray Love Demetriou on The Adam Buxton Podcast To Buy For, by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff for Tortoise dad said I wasn't black enough. At least, I know what he meant, by Raven Smith for The Observer on ITV PlayerNormal People on BBC iPlayerAll or Nothing at All on BBCWhat Kinda Music, by Tom MischSentimental Garbage: Eat Pray Love Demetriou on The Adam Buxton Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-04-28•1hr 26mins
#29

An Author Special with Holly Bourne & The Problem With Tiger King

It's Week 4 of lockdown and we hope all you cats and kittens are doing okay. Sorry - blame Carole Baskin. We've been watching Tiger King and eesh, do we feel icky. We discuss why that is and why streamed content is becoming increasingly crass. What does the flatpacking of problematic people into entertainment, reveal about us?Also today, Dolly interviews the YA and contemporary novelist, Holly Bourne, about her new book, Pretending. They discuss sexual violence, the cultural expectations of sex and romance and why porn is doing women a disservice. And we discuss some podcasts that will help us all navigate what Brene Brown calls "the collective weary".E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshow ReadingHouse of Glass by Hadley FreemanPretending, by Holly BourneSense and Sensibility: The Screenplay and Diaries, by Emma ThompsonComing Undone, by Terri White, out July and avail online for pre-orderSilver Sparrow by Tayari JonesWatching & ListeningAlain de Botton on How To Fail with Elizabeth Day Us, with Brene Brown Me Too, on Sky AtlanticTiger King, on NetflixNothing Like A Dame, available to buy or rent on Amazon prime Song For Our Daughter by Laura MarlingRetro Sweat - the 80s aerobics class online Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-04-14•1hr 37mins
#30

An Extra Easter Treat & The Return of Ask The High Low

It's been a rough few weeks so we thought we'd bring you an extra episode for the long Easter weekend. Lots more culture reccs and more thoughts on lockdown life (with a belated shout out to Madonna's Instagram page.)We've also bought back Ask The High Low! You can e-mail us with your question at [email protected] and we will be answering a few every week.You can shop our merchandise at www.thehighlowshop.com and 100% of profits go to charity - 10% to Women's Aid and 90% to the NHS Charities Urgent Appeal for COVID-19.Watching Little Women - available on Amazon Prime on 11th MayCheer, Love is Blind, Sex Education and Don't Fuck With Cats, and Marriage Story - all on NetflixListening toGuys We Fucked on Luminary Gerwig on Scriptnotes at the Disco playlist ReadingYour Voice in My Head, by Emma Forrest - out nowExciting Times, by Naoise Dolan - out April 16th and available now for pre-order Scenes of a Graphic Nature, by Caroline O'Donoghue - out 18th June and available now for pre-order Glorious Rock Bottom, by Bryony Gordon - *new publication date* 6th August and available now for pre-orderHadley Freeman on the death of FOMO, for The Guardian Patchett interviews Reese Witherspoon, for Vanity Fair Seal interviews James Stunt, for Vanity Fair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-04-10•1hr 18mins
#31

A Bumper Back To School Special

What a time to be alive. It feels like we've all aged a decade since our last episode under 4 months ago.Today we discuss lockdown life - what we're wearing; eating; meme-ing - and recommend a plethora of articles, books and podcasts. There will be another episode on Sat.*Please do note that because we are recording remotely via a trilogy of new tech, there may be some occasional audio issues.*This year 100% of profits for The High Low's merchandise (thehighlowshop.com) will be going to charity - 10% to Women's Aid and 90% to the NHS Charities COVID-19 Urgent Appeal. You can donate directly here: [email protected] or tweet @thehighlowshow ReadingDavid Nicholls on Twitter @DavidNWriterFatima Bhutto and Sanam Maher's Stay Home, Stay Reading initiative, via @fbhutto and @topbastard on Instagram Florence Welch's book club @betweentwobooks on InstagramThe Love Letters of Dylan Thomas Me In My Obsession With Desert Island Discs, by Hua Hzu for The New Yorker Discomfort You're Feeling is Grief, by Scott Berinato of Loss, A Psychotherapist's Journey, by Sasha Bates Luxury of Awkwardness, by Hugo Rifkind for The Times LUXX Brits need to learn about being Danish, by Sofie Hagen for The Guardian Panic Years, by Nell Frizzell Hungover Games, by Sophie Heawood & WatchingDawn O'Porter on The Adam Buxton podcast Wright's Desert Island Discs Good, by Mae Martin You're Sick, by Ted Hawkins Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020-04-07•1hr 49mins
#32

A Christmas Special with Joan and Jericha

Oodles of cracker jokes, festive Dolls polls, jolly songs and weird Christmas facts; and Dolly pays a snowy visit to everyone’s favourite filthy agony aunts, Joan and Jericha for their first EVER audio interview. Their top tip for Christmas? A handjob under the dining room table.Tweet @thehighlowshowE-mail @thehighlowshowWe’ll be back from maternity leave in April 2020!Donate to Solace Women’s Aid: a homeless young person a Christmas dinner: British Haikus, by Dale Shaw *Please note that the inbox will be unmanned during this time.* Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-12-17•32mins
#33

Does A Slogan Tee Have The Power To Offend?

The High Low has launched merch! Roll up, roll up: berets, sweaters, t-shirts, tote bags and notepads are on sale at www.thehighlowshop.com and 10% of all profits go to Women's Aid. Order by December 18th to get your goodies in time for Christmas.Today we discuss Boris's prediction for a post-Brexit "bonking bonanza", the brilliant scheme that is Press Pad and (more) global idioms.Also today, the woman who was chucked off an American Airlines flight for her "offensive" slogan tee, which read 'Hail Satan.' Are words the same as actions? Dolly says no; Pandora thinks that in our scripturient time, they just might be.Links Donate to PressPad Elizabeth Is Missing, on BBC iPlayer Game: My Mother, Her Lover and Me, by Adrienne Brodeur To Throw A Great Christmas party, by Raven Smith to the Dinkus, by Daisy Alioto for The Paris Review Manifesto Read [email protected]@thehighlowshow*Please note that although there will be a Christmas special released on 18th December, The High Low is now on maternity leave until April 2020 and the inbox will not be monitored during this time* Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-12-10•46mins
#34

Why Mental Health Is Nothing To Do With Wellness, with Author Bella Mackie

We talk perineum sunning, Christmas tree erection, global idioms and polygraphs. And we host the journalist and author of Jog On: How Running Saved My Life and The Jog On Journal, Bella Mackie, to discuss mental health, running and why it's nothing to do with wellness or personal bests, divorce before the age of 30 and what the media gets wrong about mental health. E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowLinksJog On: How Running Saved My Life, by Bella MackieThe Jog on Journal, by Bella MackieBeing Single at 30, by Bella Mackie for British Vogue I Found My Wedding Dress (For The Second Time), by Bella Mackie for British Vogue the Dream House, by Carmen Maria MachadoWhen I Hit You, by Meena KandasamyBikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, on Netflix Merritt on the death of his son, Jack Merritt, for The Guardian Desire, by Kim Addonizio Derren Brown on The Adam Buxton podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-12-03•1hr 15mins
#35

What Women Want: The Rise and Fall of Victoria's Secret

This week we discuss the party leaders Question Time, the tragic murder of Grace Millane (and what we have learned and still need to learn about BDSM), the incredible documentary that is For Sama and the upcoming shortage of middle-class foods. Hold on to your halloumi...And we cover the news that Victoria's Secret have axed their catwalk show - a pop-culture institution that cost £12 million to produce - after sales continue to dive at the lingerie brand. We talk choice feminism, body diversity, the underwear market and models in the age of social media.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowLinks@sendb00ks on Instagram for international cinemaOnloan clothing rental: Questions with Cardi B, for US Vogue Wild and Sleepless Nights: A Mother's Story, by Clover Stroud Sama, on Channel 4od Jeffrey Epstein podcast Parton's America: Jane Garvey on How To Fail: Wilkinson on the murder of Grace Millane, for The Huffington Post Hell, by Séamus O'Reilly for The Observer Be The Worst, by Adrian Mitchell: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-11-25•1hr 20mins
#36

What Was He Thinking? Prince Andrew's Car Crash Interview

Dolly goes wild for Rod's railway, whilst Pandora decides to spend her upcoming maternity leave at the world's first vagina museum. Plus: Gregg's diet donut, the cassette tape revival and Nan Goldin's protest against the Sackler family.And of course, we discuss Prince Andrew's disastrous, obfuscating interview with Emily Maitlis, as she quizzes him about the allegations of sexual assault against him and his continued friendship with the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowLinksRefinery 29's campaign to decriminalise abortion buy Christmas cards from the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists visit www.mfpa.ukThe Crane Wife, by CJ Hauser for the Paris Review Campbell interview, by Nosheen Iqbal for The Guardian Hanks interview, by Taffy Brodesser-Akner for The New York Times Feminism, by Mikki Kendall write in pockets of stolen time, by Roxane Gay for WePresents Day on Prince Andrew Moore on Prince Andrew Long on Prince Andrew Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-11-20•55mins
#37

Megan Phelps-Roper On Leaving The Westboro Baptist Church, AKA 'America's Most Hated Family'

We talk about rapper T.I.'s incredibly creepy confession that he gets his teenager daughter's hymen checked every year, what 'shitposting' really means and Emma Watson's re-naming of singledom as 'self-parternering'. And of course: there are some updates in the now legendary segment, Dolls Polls.This week we have one of the most important and moving author specials we have ever had. Megan Phelps-Roper's memoir, Unfollow, charts her upbringing in the radical Westboro Baptist Church, a church in Kansas made famous by their shocking picketing of funerals, where they held up signs that read: God Hates Fags, and Pray For More Dead Soldiers. They were also the subject of two Louis Theroux documentaries, including the 2007, 'The Most Hated Family In America' - as WBC then became known. Megan left the church in 2012, aged 26, after her conversations with 'outsiders' on Twitter opened up an internal chasm in her faith. We talk about radicalism, indoctrination, religion and how the ideology of a binary, black and white world, is not something specific to Westboro. It defines the time that we live in, too. And Megan describes the agony of leaving her family behind with her faith. "I left the church - but never you. And never will" she writes in her epigraph to her parents.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowLinksUnfollow, by Megan Phelps-RoperDo Humankind's Best Days Lie Ahead? By Pinker, Ridley, De Botton and GladwellBy Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept, by Elizabeth SmartEmma Watson interviewed by Paris Lees for British Vogue www.vogue.co.uk/news/article/emma-watson-on-fame-activism-little-womenWhat is shitposting? By Sarah Manavis for The New Statesman Intentions, on NetflixThe Souvenir, on Amazon PrimeBlack Woman, by Twayna Mayne on BBC Sounds www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07r9qy3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-11-12•1hr 26mins
#38

Obama on Wokeness & Our Love for Modern Love <3

This week we discuss Snapchat dysmorphia, the data-collection of period-tracking apps and why Dolly wants to shag Autumn. Also today we discuss Obama's speech-gone-viral on wokeness - which wasn't really about wokeness but on seeking not to shame, or humiliate others, in the name of progress. Is there space for Obama's brand of gradualism - or do we actually need radical change?And we talk about Amazon Prime's Modern Love, based on the New York Times column, which we have both fallen hook, line and sinker for - because we are but sentimental fools.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowLinks Modern Love on Amazon Prime Love, Edited by Daniel Jones Dimensional Woman, by Nina Power by Emma Gannon for The Pound Project by Olivia Sudjic Woman's Beauty: Put Down or Power Source? By Susan Sontag, 1975 backlash against birth control apps, by Olivia Sudjic for The Guardian Jabali on Obama Sarah Ditum on Obama walked out on my husband and kids for true love, by anon for The Sunday Times Magazine might be removing plastic surgery filters, but what about the skin lightening ones? By Ellie Abraham for gal-dem Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-11-05•1hr 9mins
#39

Soft Ghosting, Driving Lessons & An Author Special with Louise Callaghan on The Zookeeper That Defied ISIS

We've got facts about sloths, sea turtles and rats that drive cars. We also discuss the new terms we've learned this week - 'soft ghosting' and 'gradualism' - and Harvey Weinstein's appearance at a showcase for emerging comics.Our author special today is with award-wining journalist and The Sunday Times Middle East correspondent, Louise Callaghan, who has written a tender, funny and impactful book, Father of Lions, about the zookeeper of Mosul who kept his animals alive through the ISIS occupation of 2014-2017. We discuss the nuances of radicalism, what the west is getting wrong with the dialogue around ISIS brides and the reality of working in a warzone. What is daily life like when you're on the frontline? How do you decompress?E-mail [email protected]@thehighlowshowLinksPostmark collaboration with The Miscarriage Association of Lions, by Louise Callaghan Examined Life, by Stephen Grosz Moore on Deborah Orr: Heawood on ageing: de Botton on philosophical concepts of failure, on Elizabeth's Day How To Fail podcast with Fi and Jane: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-10-31•1hr 15mins
#40

It's An Omnishambles! Our Fave New Words To Be Added To The OED

We discuss Extinction Rebellion, Meghan and Harry's African tour documentary for ITV and Deborah Orr, the brilliant journalist who sadly died this week. And it's our favourite time of year: that time when The OED adds its new words into the dictionary. 2019's additions include 'omnishambles', 'nomophobia' and 'simples'. We unpick the good, the bag and the ugly new entries.The High Low is currently on tour! The next High Low Experience tour date is Monday 28th October in Manchester. For more info: [email protected] @thehighlowshowHarry & Meghan: An African Journey, for ITV creator of 90s anxiety unpicks the appeal of his 5 most popular posts, for Man Repeller sadness of miscarriage can build up like soot, by Lucy Pavia for The Evening Standard essays of Rebecca Solnit Evaristo on black female writers Orr Anita O’Day on Fresh Air Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-10-22•1hr 18mins
#41

We've Only Gone And Done It: A Deep-Dive Into Wagatha Christie

The chicken nugget Reddit scandal and our favourite polls from the week including what is no longer selling in shops (drones and suspenders) and what not to say on a date.And of course, it's the Wagatha Christie scandal. Coleen Rooney masked as Poirot outed fellow WAG Rebekah Vardy as the person she believed to be leaking false stories about her to the tabloids. Coleen social's media post went viral and soon Netflix were wondering if they should launch a series about it, Keira Knightley offered to play Coleen, and Paul Rudd just looked baffled. How and why did this story gather such extraordinary reach? Is it anything to do with feminism? What does it say about the way celebrities now use social media? And our perception of WAGs? And DID SHE DO IT?The High Low is now on tour - thank you to everyone who came to the Barbican on the 12th, see some more of you in Dublin on the 20th!E-mail [email protected]@thehighlowshowLinksRonan Farrow interview, by Emma Brockes for The Guardian Faith interview, by Helena de Bertadano for The Sunday Times magazine Clancy interview, by Sophie Heawood for YOU magazine Crouch extract from his book, I, Robot, How To Be A Footballer 2 Skinner on being an orphan by the age of 30, for The Sunday Times Style Capture, on BBC iPlayer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-10-15•1hr 9mins
#42

Prince Harry's Letter To The Tabloids; & Do Brits Spend Money On Being Polite?

It's a big week for the food chains: Pizza Express - every millennial's favourite nostalgic restaurant - is in chronic debt; and Rory Stewart has pledged allegiance to Pret. We talk loos and why women spend 2.3 times as long in the loo as men, the return of our favourite podcast, Dear Joan and Jericha, Jason Donovan's turn as a fire fighter and Rod Stewart's heroic move, after a couple's wedding was scuppered by the Thomas Cook crash. Also today, Prince Harry's letter to the tabloids and Meghan's lawsuit against The Mail on Sunday, about the paparazzi bullying of his wife, Meghan (and the leaking of Thomas Markle's letter) which he compares to the plight of his mother, Princess Diana and calls, "history repeating itself". The royal biographers are muttering into their bone china tea cups, but is his voluble emotion - and fury - justified, or will it prove counter-productive?And Dolly has found a poll about politeness. Do British people spend more money on being polite? E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowLinksPatrick Jephson on Prince Harry's war on the media, for The Guardian Annie Lord on break-ups for Vice Respect, by Annie AustenOlive, Again, by Elizabeth StroutDear Joan and Jericha, Series 2 Gallagher's 73 Questions for American Vogue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-10-07•1hr 11mins
#43

An Author Special With Drag Queen Amrou Al-Kadhi

Greta Thunberg gave an emotional speech at the UN Climate Summit in NYC, Sally Challen did her first video interview about emotional abuse and coercive control to Sky News since she was cleared of murdering her husband in July and Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry became Dolly's new hero after her vibey turn at the Labour party conference. In shocking news, the inventor of the labradoodle has admitted that he regrets creating the hybrid dog and Demi Moore has released a sizzling autobiography about her marriage to Ashton Kutcher. This week we have an author special with Amrou Al-Kadhi. The Iraqi-Brit drag queen known as Glamrou of the drag troupe Denim, they are the author of a new coming-of-age memoir, Unicorn, about navigating a queer identity within a religion that considers homosexuality a crime. They talk about intersectionality, family, the act of transforming pain into pleasure via drag, discovering Sufism and seeking acceptance.The High Low Experience starts next week - and while London, Dublin and Glasgow are sold out, we have a few tickets left for the Manchester show! Go to faneproductions.com/highlow to book.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshow LinksUnicorn, by Amrou Al-Kadhi Opposite of Loneliness, by Marina KeeganIn praise of autumn dawns by Nell Frizzell: Unbelievable Story of Rape, by T.Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, for ProPublica, 2015 on NetflixThe Rewatchables podcast series Open Ears Project with Eddie Izzard: Open Ears Project with Aminatou Sow: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-10-01•1hr 12mins
#44

Digital Etiquette (& Why We Need It); & Male Vs Female Vanity

It’s a riot of celebrity news this week: Madonna, J-Lo and Brad n Leo’s sarnie dates. Whole gang’s here. Plus: Mark Ronson’s sapiosexuality, Fleabag’s Emmy sweep, Thomas Cook’s crash and Justin Trudeau’s blackface scandal. Also this week: we discuss male vs female vanity (klaxon: men look in the mirror more than women) and Debrett’s etiquette guide for Facebook messenger. What does this (slightly hilarious) meeting of minds tell us about how desperately we need digital etiquette? We discuss online communication in the age of the constant feedback loop. We’re going on tour and we want your stories! Send us your best yarns - funny, moving, shocking, riveting - to the e-mail address below.And for those of you who still want tickets to The High Low Experience - there are a few left for our Manchester show: www.faneproductions.com/our-shows/the-high-low-experienceE-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshow LinksTalking To Strangers, by Malcolm GladwellState of the Union, on BBC iPlayerThe Red Hand Files: How Long Will I Be Alone: The Psychological Effect Of Living With Houseplants by Stephanie Bishop: Back To Black is The Best Album of The 21st Century by Alexis Petridis: Dawson on The Beauty Podcast with Sali Hughes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-09-24•1hr 3mins
#45

She Said; Once Upon A Time In Hollywood; & The Personal Essay That 'Broke' The Internet

It's always good to start with a jolly, and this time we've found a woman who wore a dinosaur costume to her sister's wedding. Also today, we play a clip from Chanel Miller, the "Emily Doe" of the Brock Turner sexual assault case, whose memoir is soon to be published, and discuss the shocking news that domestic abuse is at a 5-year high in the UK. This week Pandora has devoured She Said, the book by the Pulitzer prizewinning journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey who broke the Harvey Weinstein story, followed by that of Christine Blasey Ford. We discuss their impact on MeToo, *that* leaked Lisa Bloom memo and their thoughts on the Believe All Women hashtag.We also discuss Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Tarantino's fictional re-telling of the Manson murders and the personal essay that 'broke' the internet: by the Instagram ghost-writer, Natalie Beach, which we received an unprecedented amount of requests to cover. What does the enthusiasm for this story - it was in the UK's top 5 tweets - tell us about female friendship, schadenfreude and emotional exposure in the internet age?ALSO: WE NEED YOUR STORIES! As part of The High Low Experience, we want to include your best stories: your funniest, saddest, weirdest, most shocking, interesting, moving - stories that have been passed down/ along through friends, family, the pub. Please e-mail: [email protected]. Send us your best yarns.RecommendationsShe Said, by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey Know My Name, by Chanel Miller (out Sept 24th) The White Album by Joan Didion Bolder by Helen Cathcart and Dominique AfacanThe story of Caroline Calloway and her ghost writer, Natalie Beach, for The Cut The complicated ethics of publishing personal essays online, by Micha Frazer-Carroll for gal-dem The con-artist and her mark, by Sarah Ditum for The Guardian An interview with Natalie Beach, by Jonah Engel Bromwich for The New York Times The pain of clearing out my parents' house, by Janice Turner for The Times Interview with ...

2019-09-17•1hr 18mins
#46

An Author Special on Being The Other Mother with Comedian Jen Brister

Dolly's found an emotional support horse called Flirty; Pandora is in love with a Twitter thread about what it was really like to work in HMV. And - gird your loins - Thatcher Wine has done his FIRST INTERVIEW. It's predictably surreal.Today we host comedian Jen Brister, the author of The Other Mother, published by Square Peg at Penguin Random House, about same sex relationships and being not the biological mother to her twin boys, but "the other one". We talk parenthood, partnership and the pressure of having to come out all over again, as a gay mother.E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshowLinksThe Other Mother, by Jen Brister Testaments, by Margaret Atwood Wine interview by Hilary Reid for The Cut Ekundayo Lennon interview on being accused of 'passing' as a black man, by Simon Hattenstone for The Guardian Vicars Talking Schaper on Here’s The Thing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-09-10•1hr 19mins
#47

A Bumper Back To School Book Special

Hello High Lowers! Sharpen your pencils, the heat wave is over and a new school term is upon us. We cover some of the news stories of the summer plus our favourite bonkers surveys, including a shockingly disgusting underpants poll and the best place to find love (Oxford, apparently). Plus, it's Pandora's favourite prize of the year - no, not the Pulitzer, not even the Nobel - it's Rear of the Year.Reccs Euphoria on SkyGame Face on Channel 4Scarlett Curtis on Russell Brand’s Under The SkinGiles Coren on novel acknowledgements by Nir EyalCribsheet, by Emily OstlerWe Need New Stories, by Nesrine MalikSuch A Fun Age, by Kiley ReidThe Most Fun We Ever Had, by Claire LombardoTwas The Night Before Christmas, by Adam KayOn Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean VuongOlive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth StroutExpectations, by Anna Hope Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris Calypso by David Sedaris Theft by Luke BrownThe New Me by Halle Butler The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy All At Sea by Decca Aikenhead The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer The Confession by Jessie BurtonE-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-09-03•1hr 22mins
#48

Jacob Rees-Mogg’s Style Guide; & On Young People Not Watching The News on TV

Have you survived the heat wave? HAVE YOU? This week, Dolly discovers a woman who loves a chandelier, Jared O’Mara resigns after assault charges and his press chief sensationally quit via Jared’s own Twitter, and justice is served as the 4 teenagers who assaulted Melania Geymonat and Chris, in May, are charged. Plus a clip from the archive of Kate Moss and Johnny Depp’s arsecrack. It’ll make sense when you hear it. (God bless the 90s.) We discuss Leader of the House of Commons’ Jacob Rees-Mogg’s antiquated style guide (banning the use of ‘very’, ‘lot’, commas after ‘and’ and, (see what we did there?) er, ‘got’) and the practicalities of a life led in Esq. We also discuss how young people get their news and the pros and cons to less television. The High Low is now on a break for August and will be back in September!E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshow Buy tickets to our Manchester show of The High Low Experience at www.faneproductions.com/highlowLinks Taffy Brodesser-Akner on thriving under stress, for Real Simple Day on other people’s kids, for Mail on Sunday’s YOU magazine Dunham on Love Island and heartbreak, for The Guardian all content providers now, by Lou Stoppard for The Financial Times Name Is Lucy Barton, by Elizabeth StroutMidnight Chicken by Ella Risbridger Midnight Chicken: & Other Recipes Worth Living For This American Life: Rom Com American Life: Americans In Paris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-07-29•1hr 2mins
#49

Instagram's Proposed Removal of The 'Like' Counter; & Why Are We So Obsessed With Other People's Process?

Ding dong the BoJo's in. Duuuuuude. This week: curry seagull; the controversial Cats trailer; and why Ireland's 8th amendment might have been repealed - but is far from what has been legally mandated.And on today’s agenda, we delve into Instagram's proposed removal of the 'like' counter, which is being trialled in countries including Japan and Australia. Will this change social media for the better? Will it eradicate 'comparisonitus', a flimsiness of self constructed on dopamine hits, and the homogeneity of 'basic' culture? And what is the future for influencer culture? Dolly and I discuss, with reference to our own complicity in this personal profit model.We also tackle our growing obsession with the processes and routines of people we admire. From beauty to work to sleep to exercise, we are obsessed with the schedules of other people. But what does that say about the way we live our lives? Is it an attempt to shrug off our own lives and co-opt what we perceive to be a happier, more optimised one?If you would like to come and see The High Low live in action, there are a few tickets left to our Manchester show. Book here! www.faneproductions/com/highlowE-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshow LinksKate Kellaway interviews Lemn Sissay for The Guardian, 2016 Frank Sinatra Has Got A Cold, by Gay Talese for Esquire, 1966 Profile of Zadie Smith in The Telegraph, 2002 'Police officers demanded to see my books' by Elif Shafak for The Guardian Is Instagram's removal of its 'like' counter a turning point in social media? Megan Nolan on her teenage relationships with older men for The New Statesman: Caitlin Moran on not slut-shaming daughters: Why are we obsessed with other people's daily habits? by Suzannah Showler: Less by Andrew Sean Greer So Lucky, by Dawn O'Porter, pre-order now10 Minutes 38 Seconds In This Strange World, by Elif ShafakHave You Heard George's Podcast? By George Mpanga Zadie Smith interview on the Touré Show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...

2019-07-23•1hr 3mins
#50

An Author Special with The One, The Only, The National Treasure: David Nicholls

Westminster rules in favour of gay marriage and abortion rights in Northern Ireland, former EDL leader Tommy Robinson is sentenced to 9 months in prison (and banned from YouTube), a man dressed in a gimp suit terrorises the people of Somerset, and a love letter from Tupac to Madonna is expected to fetch $300,000 at auction. Plus, how do YOU feel about Matt Hancock's plan to link up Alexa and the NHS? (Spoiler alert: Dolly doesn't like robots.)Today we have the man who has sold 8 million books, who possesses the most delicious voice you've ever heard (it even beats Philippe Sands), the one and only David Nicholls, on the show. The screenwriter of multiple hits such as Great Expectations and Patrick Melrose and the best-selling author of Starter for 10, The Understudy, One Day and Us, he is back with a new novel, Sweet Sorrow, about a teenage summer romance in the 80s. We talk about teenage love, parenting and being parented, writing, anxiety in the internet age and that twist in One Day. E-mail [email protected] @thehighlowshow LinksPre-order Dolly's novel, Ghosts, here! Sorrow, by David Nicholls Home, by Wendy Erskine Name Is Why, by Lemn Sissay Lingering of Loss, by Jill Lepore for The New Yorker Don't Damage Women's Careers - Men Do, by Jessica Valenti for Medium's GEN Szalay on All That Man Is, for BBC Radio 4's Bookclub Sissay on Radio 4 Desert Island Discs Adam Buxton Podcast: episode 100 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019-07-15•1hr 24mins

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