Join Emily Dean and her Shih Tzu Raymond, for an extraordinary dog walk. Meet household names you’ve heard a lot about, opening up in a way you’ve never heard before. They’ll reveal what truly makes them tick and you’ll discover why the best chats always happen over a dog walk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with one of comedy's fastest-rising stars, Alfie Dundas . With more than 100 million views across social media, Alfie has quickly built a huge following for his brilliantly observed comedy. But away from the internet, Emily discovers the story behind the jokes, from growing up in London as the grandson of a Marquess, to his years at Eton, studying economics at university, and the decision to swap a conventional career for life as a stand-up comedian. Alfie also talks about his Edinburgh Fringe show, First Class Panic , which heads to the Pleasance Courtyard from August 5th to 30th. If you're heading to Edinburgh this summer, it's well worth catching. Tickets are available now at https://www.edfringe.com . It's a funny, thoughtful and surprisingly self-deprecating conversation with a comedian who's as charming off stage as he is on it. And despite Ray's obvious excitement at meeting someone with an even posher pedigree than his own, Alfie somehow manages to steal the show. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray's chat with the wonderful Sarah Hadland , Sarah looks back on the extraordinary success of Miranda , the friendships that came from the show, and what it was like being part of one of Britain's most beloved sitcoms. She also talks about taking on Strictly Come Dancing , the confidence the experience gave her, and why she's still happiest when she's performing, whether that's on stage, on screen or in front of a live audience. Along the way, she shares more stories from a career that's taken her from musical theatre to comedy classics and everything in between. If you haven't already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you'd like to see Sarah on stage, she's currently starring alongside Stephen Mangan in The Truth at London's Apollo Theatre until 12th September. Tickets are available at https://www.apollotheatre.co.uk . Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray are joined by acting and comedy icon Sarah Hadland . With the summer heat proving a little too much for Ray, this week's chat takes place indoors at Acast HQ, where Ray makes rather more of an impression than anyone had planned... Sarah reflects on her early years, from performing an Elvis impression as a child in her sister's dungarees to leaving home at just 16 to attend drama school. She also talks about her years in musical theatre, the realities of life as a jobbing actor, and how everything changed when she was cast as Stevie in the much-loved sitcom Miranda . Sarah is currently starring alongside, former Walking the Dog guest, Stephen Mangan in the critically acclaimed dark comedy The Truth at London's Apollo Theatre. The production runs until 12th September, with tickets available at https://www.apollotheatre.co.uk . It's a joyful, funny and wonderfully honest conversation with one of Britain's most beloved performers. Sarah's warmth is impossible to miss, and despite Ray's best efforts to get them banned from Acast's offices forever, she somehow still seems delighted to spend time with him. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray's walk with Sian Welby , Sian reflects on her journey into radio, the path that led her to the Capital Breakfast Show , and what it's really like waking up before dawn to host one of the UK's biggest breakfast programmes. The conversation also becomes deeply personal as Sian speaks with honesty and warmth about her father's dementia diagnosis, the challenges it has brought to her family, and the importance of talking openly about an illness that affects so many people. It's a moving and thoughtful discussion that will resonate with anyone who has experienced dementia in their own family. If you haven't already, do go back and listen to part one. It's a wonderful conversation about Sian's career, from weather presenting to breakfast radio, as well as the people, jobs and experiences that shaped her along the way. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through Regent's Park with TV and radio presenter and co-host of the Capital Breakfast Show Sian Welby . Fresh from finishing another morning show, Sian somehow arrives full of energy, and over the course of the walk she chats to Emily about growing up in Nottingham, the work ethic her parents instilled in her, and the years she spent juggling a job at New Look alongside the early stages of her broadcasting career. Sian also shares the story of how Peter Andre unexpectedly played a part in changing her life, her first break as a TV weather presenter, and the mischievous Star Wars references she used to sneak into her forecasts before eventually landing her dream job on the Capital Breakfast Show. The conversation also takes a more personal turn as Sian opens up about her dad's dementia diagnosis and how she and her family have learned to navigate it together. It's an honest and moving discussion that will resonate with anyone whose family has been affected by dementia. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the brilliant Sophie Garrad , Sophie shares the story of a truly unforgettable gig in Birmingham and explains, with tongue firmly in cheek, why she's now reluctant to accept comedy bookings north of Milton Keynes. The conversation also turns to the realities of building a career online, the jobs Sophie had before comedy took over, and the wonderfully unconventional family that helped shape her brilliantly original sense of humour. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you're heading to this year's Edinburgh Festival, don't miss Sophie's new show, A Period Drama , at the Pleasance Dome from August 7th to 30th. Tickets are available at https://www.pleasance.co.uk . Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through Regent's Park with comedian and content creator Sophie Garrad . Running on very little sleep after staying up to watch England's late-night World Cup match, Emily is relieved to discover that Sophie arrives with enough energy for the both of them. The pair chat about Sophie's fascinating upbringing, which, despite appearing glamorous from the outside, was shaped by her father's imprisonment, an experience she now explores with honesty and humour in her stand-up. They also discuss Sophie's decision to pursue comedy, the creation of her hugely popular online characters, including Private School Mum , and how her sketches have gone on to attract more than 100 million views across social media. Sophie's new Edinburgh show, A Period Drama , runs at the Pleasance Dome from August 7th to 30th. Tickets are available now at https://www.pleasance.co.uk . It's a funny, candid and hugely uplifting conversation with a comedian whose warmth and infectious energy shine through from the moment she arrives. And while Emily may have been sleep-deprived, Sophie more than made up for it, proving herself to be the human equivalent of a double espresso. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily's walk with the brilliant Dan Tiernan , the conversation takes a more personal turn as Dan opens up about his sister's leukaemia diagnosis, the impact it had on his family, and how her resilience has shaped his outlook on life. They also chat about his latest stand-up show, Quartz and All , why it's his most personal hour yet, and how he's learned to turn life's more difficult moments into comedy without ever losing sight of the people behind the stories. If you haven't already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you'd like to see Dan live, Quartz and All is at the Edinburgh Festival throughout August before touring the UK. Tickets and dates are available at https://www.dantiernan.co.uk . Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily takes a stroll through Regent's Park with award-winning comedian Dan Tiernan . With temperatures still soaring during the heatwave, Ray sensibly sits this one out, leaving Emily to discover whether Dan can be quite as entertaining without a four-legged co-host. (Spoiler: he can.) Dan chats about growing up in and around Manchester, the surprising childhood hobby that saw him performing as a magician, and the comedy course his mum signed him up for that ultimately changed the course of his life. They also discuss his rise through the stand-up circuit, from winning the BBC New Comedy Award and British Comedian of the Year to appearing on shows including QI , 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Last Leg . Dan's brand new show, Quartz and All , heads to the Edinburgh Festival this August, playing nightly at Monkey Barrel from August 3rd to 30th, before touring the UK. Tickets and dates are available at https://www.dantiernan.co.uk . It's a wonderfully funny, chaotic and heartfelt conversation with one of the most exciting comics working today. And despite arriving slightly late and having misplaced his phone, Dan quickly proves that being gloriously disorganised can be a surprisingly endearing quality. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily’s walk with the wonderful Bella Hull , the conversation turns to the realities of building a career in comedy, from writing for Saturday Night Live UK to navigating the Edinburgh Fringe and finding her own voice as a stand-up. Bella also reflects on the moments that have shaped her life and career so far, with plenty more brilliantly funny observations along the way. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you're heading to this year's Edinburgh Festival, don't miss Bella's new show Mad Cow Disease , playing daily at Monkey Barrel from August 3rd to 30th. Tickets are available at https://www.edfringe.com . Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily takes a sunny stroll with the brilliantly funny comedian Bella Hull . With temperatures soaring during the heatwave, Ray sensibly stayed at home in the cool, but that didn't stop him becoming a major topic of conversation. Bella chats to Emily about discovering a love of comedy at a remarkably young age, performing her first stand-up gig at just 17, and why one of her biggest motivations for applying to Cambridge University was the chance to join the legendary Footlights. Since then, Bella has become one of the UK's most exciting comedy voices, supporting the likes of Phil Wang and Russell Howard , joining the writing team on Saturday Night Live UK , and making memorable appearances on Have I Got News For You . Bella's brand new show, Mad Cow Disease , heads to the Edinburgh Festival this August, playing daily at Monkey Barrel from August 3rd to 30th. Tickets are available now at https://www.edfringe.com . Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with Ellie Kildunne , the conversation turns to some of the biggest highs and toughest moments of her life and career. Ellie reflects on what it felt like to finally lift the Rugby World Cup, the surreal experience of being turned into a Barbie doll, and the challenges she faced during the Covid pandemic, when uncertainty around rugby and life beyond the sport took a significant toll. It's an honest and revealing conversation about resilience, identity and finding your way through difficult periods, even when the outside world sees only success. If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. If you'd like to learn more about Ellie's story, her memoir Game Changer is out now and well worth a read. Ellie is an ambassador for Nulo - uk.nulo.com Instagram: Nulo UK Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray head to Yorkshire for a stroll with England rugby star, World Cup winner and Sports Personality of the Year runner up Ellie Kildunne , joined by her beautiful cocker spaniel cross, Otis. After spending a little time exploring the Yorkshire Dales, Emily meets Ellie at her parents' home before heading off for a walk and a chat about her remarkable journey from rugby-mad youngster to one of the biggest names in world sport. Ellie talks about growing up in Yorkshire, often being the only girl on the rugby pitch, and the challenges of balancing her studies with an increasingly demanding England career. She also opens up about her ADHD diagnosis and how she's learned to harness her focus, energy and determination both on and off the field. The conversation covers some of the defining moments of her career, including representing England on the biggest stage, being nominated for Sports Personality of the Year, and the surreal experience of becoming a Barbie doll. If you'd like to learn more about Ellie's story, her memoir Game Changer is out now and well worth a read. It's a funny, honest and inspiring walk with one of British sport's brightest stars. And while Ellie may be driven by elite-level ambition, Ray remains fully committed to a training regime consisting primarily of naps, treats and avoiding cardio. Ellie is an ambassador for Nulo - uk.nulo.com Instagram: Nulo UK Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful George Fouracres , the conversation becomes a little more personal as George talks openly about his bipolar diagnosis and the impact it's had on his life and career. He also shares the brilliant story of finding out he'd landed a role on Saturday Night Live UK , a moment that should have been one of the biggest of his career. Instead, his attention was largely focused elsewhere, on a cordless vacuum cleaner he'd recently bought and was extremely excited about collecting! It's a funny, honest and surprisingly moving second half that offers a glimpse into the person behind one of comedy's breakout stars. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And do give us a like and a follow so you can catch us every week. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through Finsbury Park with actor, comedian and Saturday Night Live UK star George Fouracres . George is having quite the moment. His scene-stealing performances on SNLUK have made him one of the breakout comedy stars of the year, with sketches like What Kind of Irish Is Your Grandad? and his take on Kier Starmer becoming instant viral hits. In fact, one of them was even reposted by Donald Trump , which may be one of the more unexpected endorsements in comedy history. On the walk, George chats to Emily about growing up in the Black Country surrounded by a big, close-knit family, how he once considered becoming a priest, and the school production that first made him realise performing might be his future. They also talk about his time at Cambridge, where he became close friends with comedians Pierre Novellie and Phil Wang , and began developing the comedy skills that would eventually take him from Shakespeare to sketch comedy. As well as his television work, George is an acclaimed stage actor who has tackled roles ranging from Hamlet to Falstaff. Emily has even seen him perform at Shakespeare’s Globe and can confirm he’s infuriatingly talented. It’s a funny, warm and joyful conversation with one of the nicest people in comedy. And while George and Emily got on brilliantly, it quickly became apparent that the real love story here was between George and Ray. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Catherine Bohart , the conversation dives deeper into anxiety, overthinking and the idea of "borrowing trouble" from the future. Catherine talks candidly about OCD, the way she navigates uncertainty, and why some of our biggest worries often never come to pass. There’s also plenty more laughter along the way, including Catherine’s observations on relationships, comedy and the strange business of turning your life into stand-up material. If you haven’t already, do go back and listen to part one. And if you’d like to see Catherine live, her new show Borrowing Trouble is coming to Soho Theatre before touring the UK and Ireland. Tickets are available at https://www.catherinebohart.com . Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take an East London stroll through Victoria Park with comedian Catherine Bohart . You’ll probably know Catherine from shows including QI , Live at the Apollo , Roast Battle and Last One Laughing Ireland , but on this walk she chats to Emily about the experiences that shaped her long before she stepped onto a stage. From growing up in Dublin to having a father who was training to be a priest when he met her mother, Catherine shares the stories behind her fascinating upbringing and the path that eventually led her into comedy. Emily and Catherine also discuss Catherine's experience of living with OCD, the challenges of turning your personal life into stand-up material, and the emotional aftermath that can sometimes come with sharing so much of yourself on stage. They also talk about Catherine's brand new show, Borrowing Trouble , named after a phrase her father uses to describe worrying about things that may never happen. The show comes to London's Soho Theatre from September 21st to October 3rd before touring the UK and Ireland. Tickets are available at https://www.catherinebohart.com . It’s a funny, thoughtful and deeply honest conversation with one of comedy’s sharpest voices. And after spending most of the walk being carried around like royalty, Ray has officially decided Catherine is his new favourite human. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with Sir Ed Davey , the conversation turns to the state of modern politics, from the rise of populism to the challenges posed by figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage , and what Ed believes the future of British politics might look like. Away from the political arena, Emily also gets to know the man behind the headlines, discussing everything from his taste in music and comedy to the moments and influences that have shaped him away from Westminster. If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And if you'd like to learn more about Ed's story, his book Why I Care: And Why Care Matters is available now in paperback. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a (slightly blustery) stroll with a very special guest: Sir Ed Davey , leader of the Liberal Democrats. What starts as a walk with a politician quickly becomes something much more personal, as Ed opens up about the experiences that have shaped his life. He talks candidly about losing his father to cancer when he was just four years old, helping to care for his mother through her own illness before losing her as a teenager, and how those experiences led to a lifelong passion for supporting carers. Emily and Ed also chat about his time at Oxford, the surprising moment MI6 tried to recruit him as a spy, and life today with his wife Emily and their son John, who has severe disabilities. These themes are explored in his book Why I Care: And Why Care Matters , which is now available in paperback. Away from Westminster, Emily discovers a very different side to Ed, including his love of ABBA and Adele, and a willingness to let her scroll through his playlist. It’s a thoughtful, moving and surprisingly relaxed conversation that offers a rare glimpse behind the public image of one of Britain’s leading politicians. And yes, Ray managed to secure a cuddle from Sir Ed, which he has since described as a major diplomatic victory. Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Christopher Hall , the conversation turns to the realities of internet fame, performing live after going viral, and the joy and chaos of creating comedy with his sister Elizabeth. There’s also plenty more pop nostalgia, musical theatre chat and general silliness along the way. If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And if you’d like to see Christopher live, his show Pizazz will be at the Edinburgh Festival from August 5th to 31st before touring across the UK later this year. Tickets and dates are available at https://mickperrin.com . Follow Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols Music: Rich Jarman Artwork: Alice Ludlam Photography: Karla Gowlett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
