We Can Be Weirdos

Alice Vernon’s new book 'Ghosted: A History of Ghost Hunting and Why We Keep Looking' is a social and historical journey through the world of paranormal investigation. From Victorian séances to modern haunted hotspots, it explores why we’re irresistibly drawn to ghosts and why the hunt for the unexplained is far from over.

Host: Dan Schreiber

Guests: Alice Vernon

Producer: Cassie Merritt

Head of Podcasts: Al Riddell

Lazy Coders! For this month's bonus episode join Dan, Leon, and Halina as they take you on a tour through brains bigger than their own, diving into breakthrough thought experiments, full-on quantum particle weirdness, and the increasingly obvious proof that humanity is already speed-walking along the simulation track.

Welcome to Bloomin’ Legends, the podcast where we uncover the wildest, most legendary, and unbelievable true stories from history!

In this episode, Johnny Vaughan, and Gavin "The Woodman" Woods unravel the insane life of Grigori Rasputin, the Siberian peasant-turned-mystic who mesmerized Russian royalty, dodged death multiple times, and inspired a disco hit.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

⚡ Rasputin’s Wild Origins – From a wandering Siberian peasant to a feared mystic

💀 His Infamous Assassination – Poisoned, shot, beaten, drowned… yet he STILL wouldn’t die

🏰 How He Seduced the Russian Royal Court –...

Mary Roach is a bestselling science writer and explorer of the the odd corners of science that most people wouldn’t dare to investigate. Cadavers, sex labs, space junk, you name it.

Her new book, Replaceable You, takes that curiosity inside the body itself, exploring the world of prosthetics, organ printing, regenerative medicine, and the scientists trying to rebuild (or upgrade) the human parts we lose. From stem-cell “hair nurseries” to xeno-pig organ farms, Roach uncovers the strange, brilliant future of becoming a “new” you.

Host: Dan Schreiber

Guests: Mary Roach

Producer...

Today’s episode is a two-for-one feast of mystery. First, the curious gems that keep washing up on the river Thames. What are they? Who put them there? And why? Historian Ellery Weil joins Café del Weirdo to dig into the leading theories and the world of Thames mudlarks.

Next, we slip into the shadowy woods to visit Baba Yaga, the legendary Slavic witch-grandmother who may help you, may eat you, and definitely lives in a house with chicken legs. Author Kris Spisak tells us why this ancient figure still hooks us today.

Host: Dan Sch...

Adam Riches is an award-winning comedian and actor known for his wild characters and brilliantly unhinged live shows. You’ll have seen him popping up in Detectorists, Horrible Histories, and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown doing his beloved Sean Bean character. His brand new tour 'The Twelve Beans of Christmas' is on now, get tickets here.

Host: Dan Schreiber

Guest: Adam Riches

Producer: Cassie Merritt

Head of Podcasts: Al Riddell

Ben Machell is a journalist-turned-literary explorer of the uncanny. After writing 'The Unusual Suspect' a true-crime story about a modern Robin Hood-style bank robber, he’s returned with 'Chasing the Dark: Encounters With The Supernatural.' The new book is a complete history of psychic and paranormal phenomena.

Through forgotten case files, firsthand accounts, and long-buried investigations, Ben explores ghostly encounters, psychic mysteries, and the people who devoted their entire lives to chasing proof of the impossible.

Host: Dan Schreiber

Guest: Ben Machell

Producer: Cassie Merritt

Senior Producer: Ben Tu...

For this month's Lazy Code bonus episode, Dan teams up with Halina Brooke and Leon “Buttons” Kirkbeck to swap eerie doppelganger encounters, and wonder whether look-alike humans are just copy-pasted assets from a lazy cosmic developer. Leon does his best to keep the quantum-adjacent nonsense from imploding into metaphysical spaghetti, while Dan and Helena chase down the big question: are doppelgangers evidence of a glitch in the Matrix…or just proof that humans come in dangerously similar templates?

Today we are joined by actor, comedian, and impressionist extraordinaire Alex Lowe. Alex is best known as the man who summoned Clinton Baptiste into existence on Phoenix Nights and unleashed Barry from Watford onto the airwaves. He’s written for some of the UK’s funniest humans, and built a cult following through characters that feel like they’ve stepped in from another dimension.

Clinton Baptiste’s UK Tour 'Spectral Intercourse' will kick off next year on the 13th of February in Basingstoke and head all over the country through Summer 2026.

Host: Dan Schreiber

Guest...

Edd Hedges is a British comedian and co-creator of Wisecrack - the viral horror-meets-comedy podcast that’s racked up millions of downloads just two months after launch. Blending true crime with stand-up, Wisecrack turns the most terrifying night of Edd's life into something darkly hilarious and utterly addictive.

You can listen to Wisecrack on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Host: Dan Schreiber

Guest: Edd Hedges

Producer: Cassie Merritt

Senior Producer: Ben Tulloh

Head of Podcasts: Al Riddell

Nigel Planer has been a towering figure in British comedy since the late 1970s. From his anarchic exploits with The Comic Strip to his portrayal of the hapless student Neil in The Young Ones. Today Nigel takes us on a journey through comedy, literature, and the wonderfully weird corners of his life. He reveals the surprising real-life inspirations behind his most iconic characters, shares tales from the golden age of music and comedy, and gives us an insider’s look at his new book, Young Once.

Host: Dan Schreiber

Guest: Nigel Planer

Producer: Ca...

Welcome to Café del Weirdo. This week’s guest is an explorer of the extraordinary. It's author, researcher, and professional curiosity collector Edward Brooke-Hitching.

Ed is the bestselling author behind The Phantom Atlas, The Madman’s Library, and his brand-new book The Madman’s Orchestra, an illustrated dive into the oddest stories from the history of music.

From cat organs and pig pianos to musical hoaxes, devilish tritones, and lost symphonies, Ed reveals the weird rhythms of history. Expect wild anecdotes, obscure facts, and a few Spotify playlists to soundtrack the madness.

If you're...

Sam Nicoresti is a comedian, writer, and surreal storyteller whose work blurs the line between the hilarious and the unsettling. Winner of the 2025 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show, Sam has become one of the most original voices in British comedy. Moving between sharp social satire and the beautifully absurd, Sam’s work embraces the weirdness of being human in all its contradictions.

Sam's show Baby Doomer tours the UK in Feb–Mar 2026, followed by a full run at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in Apr–May. More dates will be announced later in the year. Tickets and detail...

For this month's Lazy Code bonus episode Dan, Leon “Buttons” Kirkbeck, and Halina Brooke dive into the dream world, that weird nightly sandbox where logic crashes and reality reboots. Are dreams just lazy coding from the simulation? Are they glimpses of the future? From lucid dreaming to shared dream theories, we explore what our sleeping minds might reveal about the code behind consciousness, and whether the simulation ever truly logs off.

Chris Hadfield is the astronaut who turned the void of space into his stage. A farm kid from rural Canada who climbed his way into the stratosphere, first as a fighter pilot, then as a test pilot, and eventually as commander of the International Space Station. Hadfield has lived a life that hovers somewhere between science fiction and sheer nerve. He’s flown more than seventy types of aircraft, stared down mechanical failures mid-flight, even blacked out in the cockpit and somehow lived to tell the tale.

And then came the moment that made him a legend: dr...

Penn Jillette is an American magician, author, and performer best known as one half of the magic duo Penn & Teller, a Las Vegas headliner and television personality. He is also an advocate for atheism and scientific skepticism, a former libertarian who disavowed the political stance, and the author of several books, including God, No!. Jillette is recognized for his intellectual approach to magic, emphasizing honesty and scientific principles within the performance.  

Tickets for Penn and Piff

https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/piff-and-pop/

Doug Naylor is an Emmy award winning script-writer, novelist and director.He co-created the long running hugely successful sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf, has written or co-written every episode across thirteen series and has directed over twenty episodes. Doug also co-founded Grant Naylor Productions in 1991 which made series IV to X of Red Dwarf. Doug has also written three best selling novels, and a few non-best selling ones too. He co-wrote a number one single which shall remain nameless, but has the words Song and Chicken in the title. Doug also co-created the Carlton TV series The 10 Percenters, for which his...

Introducing our new monthly bonus episode, Lazy Code!

Dan welcomes longtime weird-theory believer Leon ‘Buttons’ Kirkbeck and Halina Brooke back and his daughter Halina Brooke. We explain simulation theory, meet the hosts, tease the kinds of glitches and guests to expect (from UFOs to scientific perspectives), and explore what it’s like growing up with a dad who thinks the universe might be broken. Decide for yourself: fascinating deep dive, or is the Matrix is glitching?

Sam Moran is an Australian entertainer born on April 4, 1978, in Sydney. He is best known as the Yellow Wiggle in the children's music group The Wiggles, a role he held from 2006 to 2012. Before joining the group full-time, he was an understudy for original member Greg Page and performed over 150 times in his place.

Moran studied classical voice and music education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, originally intending to become a high school music teacher. His background in musical theatre brought a new dynamic to The Wiggles, influencing their sound and performance style.

After leaving The Wi...

Dylan Jones OBE (born 1960) is a British journalist, author, and former long-time editor of GQ (1999–2021). He previously held senior roles at i-D, Arena, and The Face, later serving briefly as editor-in-chief of the Evening Standard. Author of books including David Bowie: A Life and his memoir These Foolish Things, he has won multiple editor of the year awards and remains an influential voice in culture, fashion, and media.

Rhys James is a British stand-up comedian, writer, and podcaster known for his sharp wit, slick delivery, and clever wordplay. Born in 1991, he studied politics and international relations at the University of Manchester before establishing himself on the UK comedy circuit. He has performed multiple acclaimed solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, including Begins, Remains, Forgives, and Snitch, and has appeared on TV programmes such as Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo.

Joe Kent-Walters is a UK-based comedian, writer, and performer known for his surreal, character-driven comedy. He gained recognition for his outlandish alter ego "Frankie Monroe," a grotesque, washed-up cabaret singer with a twisted charm. A graduate of the University of Leeds, Joe blends clowning, drag, and absurdist theatre into unforgettable live shows. He’s a key figure in the alternative comedy scene, often performing at festivals like Edinburgh Fringe, where he has earned acclaim for his bold and bizarre storytelling. Joe is part of comedy collective The Duncan Brothers and continues pushing boundaries with his unique, anarchic performance style.

Tom Ough is a British writer, journalist, and researcher. He is currently a Senior Editor at UnHerd, where he writes about global-scale challenges including climate risk, geoengineering, and existential threats to humanity.

He is the author of The Anti‑Catastrophe League, a nonfiction book published in July 2025, which explores the people and ideas working to prevent human extinction. Tom also co-hosts the podcast Anglofuturism, which looks at Britain's place in the future of the world.

Earlier in his career, he worked as a journalist at The Telegraph and contributed research to organizations such as the In...

John Niven is a Scottish author and screenwriter known for his darkly comic, satirical novels. Born in Ayrshire in 1966, he studied English Literature at the University of Glasgow before spending a decade in the music industry. This experience inspired his breakout novel, Kill Your Friends (2008), a biting satire of the late-1990s music business. The book earned widespread acclaim for its brutal honesty and sharp wit, and was later adapted into a film for which Niven co-wrote the screenplay. His other works include The Amateurs, The Second Coming, Straight White Male, and O Brother, showcasing his distinctive blend of...

Harriet Dyer is a Cornish comedian, writer and mental health advocate known for her quirky, original and offbeat brand of comedy. She has gigged all over the world and is resident MC at ROFL Comedy Club, Sheffield and at the multi award-winning mental health comedy night she founded, ‘Barking Tales’ in Manchester.

She recently won the the Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Award for 2024, designed to showcase talented new writers and performers who embody the alternative comedic spirit of Sean and Channel 4.

2025 is a major year as she embarks on a huge UK live tour named 'Easily D...

Cheryl The Queen and Nikki Druce are two incredible people in their own right. 

You might know Cheryl from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “UK vs. the World” and generally being hilarious and being ‘The Queen Of Essex’. 

And you might know Nikki Druce as ‘London’s Spooky Specialist’. Nikki hosts “Macabre London” and is an expert on Haunted History and True Crime and has so much incredible (and very interesting) knowledge on the subject. Which you’ll definitely hear some of throughout this episode.

Together, they make the podcast Killers, Cults and Queens, and they sp...

James Goss (born 1974) is an English writer and producer renowned for his extensive work in the Doctor Who and Torchwood universes. Initially part of the BBC, he managed the official Doctor Who website from 2000, expanding its scope before transitioning to TV tie‑in media .

He wrote multiple Torchwood novels—Almost Perfect, Risk Assessment, First Born—and crafted acclaimed Doctor Who audiobooks and novels, including Dead Air (Best Audiobook 2010), Dead of Winter, and novelisations of Douglas Adams’ scripts like City of Death and The Pirate Planet .

John Green is an American author best known for his young adult novels, including The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, and Paper Towns. His work often explores love, loss, and mental health with emotional depth and wit. Green is also a prominent YouTuber, co-creating the educational channel Crash Course and the Vlogbrothers with his brother Hank. He’s an advocate for global health and education through initiatives like Project for Awesome. Known for his thoughtful storytelling and openness about living with OCD, Green has become a major voice in both literature and online media.

In th...

Sikisa, is a dynamic British stand-up comedian, writer, producer, and qualified immigration lawyer. Born in South London and having spent part of her early life in Barbados, she brings a rich blend of cultural perspectives to her work.

Sikisa's comedy often explores themes of race, class, and identity, delivered with an infectious energy and authenticity. Her unique style has earned her appearances on notable TV shows such as "Live at the Apollo," "Jonathan Ross' Comedy Club," and "The Stand Up Sketch Show" . She has also been featured on various radio programs and podcasts, including BBC Radio 4's "...

Adam Buxton is a British comedian, writer, podcaster, and actor best known for his work in comedy and broadcasting. He gained prominence in the 1990s as one half of the comedy duo Adam and Joe, alongside Joe Cornish. Their cult TV show The Adam and Joe Show on Channel 4 mixed sketches, pop culture parodies, and homemade creativity, becoming a hit with alternative comedy fans.

Buxton is also widely respected for The Adam Buxton Podcast, where he conducts warm, thoughtful, and often humorous interviews with a range of guests, from comedians and musicians to writers and filmmakers. His...

Dan and Al talk interior design premonitions, plotting pigeons, awkward interactions, and share some of the weirdest correspondence from the week. Plus, paranormal historian Dr Kate Cherrell has an awesome new book out, called Begotten. Find the link to that below! Kate's also been unearthing some of the strangest prophesies for our listening delight... the pope-pocalypse is back on.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Begotten-Gothic-Novel-Kate-Cherrell/dp/1803418044

https://www.waterstones.com/book/begotten/kate-cherrell/9781803418049

Andrew Hunter Murray is a writer and researcher for the BBC panel show QI, as a member of the team known as the "QI Elves". He co-hosts the spin-off podcast series No Such Thing as a Fish.

Murray wrote and co-presented the podcast's spinoff television series No Such Thing as the News. He currently hosts "Drop Us a Line" as part of the No Such Thing As A Fish podcast, and also the BBC's satirical current affairs podcast The Naked Week.

Andrew Hunter Murray works for Ian Hislop as a writer for Private Eye magazine...

Emmie Brookman made a very spooky discovery while renovating her home... human bones in the wall, and a mysterious little bottle. Could there be a connection to witchcraft? Emmie's been hunting for answers.

Also, Synchronicity Corner, a Spurs-pocalypse and memory-wiping yellow liquor.

**Please note, this episode was recorded prior to the new pope being chosen - Congrats Leo XIV!**

Jon Ronson is a British journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker known for his investigative and often humorous explorations of unusual and controversial subjects. Born on May 10, 1967, in Cardiff, Wales, he has written several bestselling books, including Them: Adventures with Extremists, The Men Who Stare at Goats, and So You've Been Publicly Shamed. His work often blends gonzo journalism with psychological and cultural analysis, and he has contributed to outlets like The Guardian and This American Life. Ronson is also known for his podcasts, including The Butterfly Effect and Things Fell Apart.

"Stock up on holy water to hedge your bets"

The Rough Corner is back! First on the agenda: the end of everything. Dan speaks to Dr Alexander Zawacki, an expert on medieval prophecies, to better understand the so-called 'Prophecy of the Popes' which could mean the end is very much nigh. Plus, pigeons, proteuses and police boxes.

Michael Brunström is a surrealist comedian and performance artist known for his wildly inventive, often absurd solo shows that blur the line between stand-up, theatre, and dadaist performance. He won the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2015 for his show The Golden Age of Steam, and he’s been a regular on the alternative comedy circuit ever since.

More info: https://michaelbrunstrom.co.uk/

Nick Helm first took to the stand-up comedy stage in 2007 and quickly became a circuit legend with his tour de force of one-liners, stories, poems and jokes. Since then, he’s become one of Britain’s most loved comedians for his multiple, memorable and moving television appearances, his critically acclaimed writing and his legendary rollercoaster live shows.

Across the years, Nick has taken multiple mega hit shows to the Edinburgh Fringe including the must-see Keep Hold of the Gold, the Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated Dare to Dream and the completely sold out This Means War. In 2017, he e...

Killers, Cults and Queens is BACK for Season 3! This week, Nikki and Cheryl dive into the chilling story of the Donner Party in Part 1 of our multi-episode series. What really happened to the Donner Party? Why did they risk everything to take the dangerous Sierra Nevada route? Could the Donner Party tragedy have been avoided? And just how did Lansford Hastings play a role in this infamous disaster? Tune in to this week's episode of Killers, Cults and Queens to uncover the truth behind one of America's most haunting true crime stories.

Got a theory? Been lost...

India Rakusen is an award-winning journalist who crafts immersive stories that explore the human experience in our rapidly changing world, challenging what we think and why we think it.

From witches and tarot card readings, ghosts to fertilisation and atoms, this fascinating episode of We Can Be Weirdos takes a look at the supernatural, but with its science hat on.

Some of India's weirdness really is bat shit, but that's what we love.

You can follow India on Instagram

Milton Jones, a comedy virtuoso known for his unique blend of one-liners, absurdity, and surreal humor, has carved a niche for himself in the world of comedy with his unmistakable style. With his iconic wild hair, loud shirts, and a mind brimming with witty puns, Milton has captivated audiences far and wide, solidifying his status as a comedic legend.

Go see Milton Jones: https://www.miltonjones.co.uk/

"What's the criteria for being 'real'?"

Nina Conti is an internationally acclaimed ventriloquist, comedian and actress. Among many credits, she starred in Her Master's Voice, where she takes the bereaved puppets of her mentor Ken Campbell on a pilgrimage to the resting place for puppets of dead ventriloquists.

Nina Conti's new show 'Whose Face Is It Anyway?' will be at the Duke of York's Theatre in the West End for five nights, from 29th April - 3rd May 2025, before touring the UK in the autumn. Tickets for all dates at ninaontour.com. Her directorial deb...

Tom Phillips is a British author, journalist, and humorist known for his witty and insightful takes on history and human folly. A former editorial director at Full Fact, the UK’s independent fact-checking charity, Phillips has written books such as Humans: A Brief History of How We Fcked It All Up* and Truth: A Brief History of Total Bullsht*. His works blend humor with historical analysis, exploring humanity’s mistakes and misconceptions in an engaging and accessible way.

Marc Burrows is a British writer, musician, and comedian. He is best known for his work as a journalist and author, particularly for The Magic of Terry Pratchett (2020), an award-winning biography of the beloved fantasy author. Burrows has also written for publications like The Guardian and New Statesman. In addition to his writing, he has been involved in music and comedy, performing stand-up and playing bass in bands. His work often blends humor, pop culture, and deep-dive research.

More Marc stuff: https://www.marcburrows.co.uk/

" But I kind of loved the power of that, the power of weirdness"

"The Secret Painter" is a memoir by Joe Tucker that delves into the concealed artistic life of his uncle, Eric Tucker. Eric, a laborer from Warrington, Cheshire, led a double life, secretly creating over 500 paintings and approximately 1,000 sketches depicting mid-20th-century working-class northern life. His works, often compared to those of LS Lowry, capture scenes of pubs, theaters, and street life with authenticity and depth.

Despite his sociable nature, Eric was reserved about his art, seldom sharing his creations publicly. His family di...

Peter Singer, born on July 6, 1946, in Melbourne, Australia, is a prominent moral philosopher renowned for his work in applied ethics and animal rights. Educated at the University of Melbourne and the University of Oxford, he has taught at institutions worldwide, including Princeton University, where he serves as the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics. Singer's seminal 1975 book, "Animal Liberation," is often credited with initiating the modern animal rights movement. He has authored over 50 books, addressing topics such as global poverty, bioethics, and effective altruism. In 2023, he published "Animal Liberation Now," updating his original work to reflect contemporary issues. Singer...

As its half term we wanted to provide some SFC (safe for car) content to all the families driving back from half term trips. This is an excerpt from Dan's young friendly book IMPOSSIBLE THINGS.

It's the perfect book for young curious minds who love to ask WEIRD and WONDERFUL questions.

Want to impress your friends and family with some BANANAS but TRUE facts? Then discover the world of impossible things with Dan Schreiber. This book will give you the answers to all of your big questions, no matter how silly! From discovering if monsters...

Leah Renee is a stand-up comedian based in Philadelphia and New York City. A mother of three, she describes her comedic style as "like a budget version of Brian Regan if he was a Mormon housewife."

Leah has been open about her journey from being a Mormon to embracing comedy, discussing challenges such as religious OCD (scrupulosity) and cultural pressures. She has shared her experiences in various interviews and podcasts, highlighting how humor has been a pathway to healing and self-discovery.

In 2024, Leah performed her solo hour show, "Ten Pound Baby," at the Edinburgh Fringe...

Hannah Willow, a 36-year-old early years teacher and children's author from Glasgow, was crowned the city's first tree-hugging champion in October 2024. The event, held at Dams to Darnley Country Park, featured various rounds, including speed hugging, dedicated hugging, and freestyle hugging. Willow's spontaneous dance around a tree during the dedicated hugging round secured her victory. She now plans to represent the UK at the World Tree Hugging Championships in Finland and has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to support her participation.

Robin Ince is an English comedian, actor and writer. He is known for presenting the BBC radio show The Infinite Monkey Cage with physicist Brian Cox, creating Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People, co-creating The Cosmic Shambles Network, and his stand-up comedy career.

For more Robin Ince go to https://robinince.com/

" I experienced something once in an undertaker's that I've never fully, managed to work out"

Zoe Lyons is a British comedian and television presenter known for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling. She gained recognition through stand-up comedy, appearing at major festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe. Lyons has been a regular on popular British panel shows such as Mock the Week and QI. Her humour often blends observational comedy with personal anecdotes, drawing on her experiences growing up in Wales and Ireland. Zoe has also hosted Lightning, a BBC quiz show, showcasing her charisma and versatility.

...

Susan Blackmore is a renowned British psychologist, writer, and visiting professor at the University of Plymouth, specialising in the study of consciousness, memes, and anomalous experiences. With a background in psychology and physiology from the University of Oxford and a PhD in parapsychology from the University of Surrey, she gained prominence for her critical yet open-minded approach to topics like near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and paranormal claims. Blackmore is also the author of several influential works, including The Meme Machine, where she explores the concept of memes in cultural evolution, and Consciousness: An Introduction, a widely used textbook in...

Dan Smith is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the British band Bastille, known for their anthemic, cinematic pop-rock sound. Born on July 14, 1986, in London, England, he rose to international fame with Bastille’s breakout single, "Pompeii," in 2013, followed by the success of their debut album Bad Blood. Influenced by literature, film, and history, Smith's lyrics often explore themes of human emotion, social issues, and storytelling. Beyond Bastille, he collaborates with other artists and works on side projects, showcasing his versatility and passion for creative expression.

Bastille's latest album, '&' (Ampersand), released on October 25, 2024, is a...

" I didn't believe in ghosts up until about three weeks ago and I saw a cat walk down our steps."

Clowns Without Borders are a non-profit organization that brings laughter, humour, and clowning to communities in crisis around the world. The organization focuses on providing emotional and psychological support to people affected by war, poverty, and natural disasters through clown performances and workshops. Founded in 1993, Clowns Without Borders operates in a variety of settings, including refugee camps, hospitals, and disaster-stricken areas, aiming to offer moments of joy and a sense of hope to those facing difficult circumstances.

" And I went to the kitchen, I said out loud, If you're there, I don't want a message, I don't want you to do anything, because it's terrifying me."

Cariad Lloyd is a British comedian, actor, and writer best known for her award-winning podcast Griefcast, exploring grief with humor and empathy. A versatile performer, she has appeared on TV shows like QI and Have I Got News for You. Lloyd is celebrated for her warmth, wit, and insightful storytelling.

"This show was basically invented so it could lead to this moment"

Brian Blessed is a larger-than-life British actor, adventurer, and storyteller, renowned for his booming voice and exuberant personality. Born on October 9, 1936, in Yorkshire, his career spans decades, with standout roles in Flash Gordon, Blackadder, and I, Claudius. Beyond acting, Blessed is a passionate mountaineer, having attempted Everest multiple times, and an accomplished author. Known for his love of animals and zest for life, he’s a charismatic speaker and national treasure. Blessed’s unforgettable voice has also brought life to audiobooks, animations, and documentaries, making him...

"When I was five, I saw a ghost of a woman clothed in blue walking across the room"

Philip Carr-Gomm is an author, psychologist, and Druid leader known for his work in spirituality, nature connection, and personal growth. He served as the Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD) for over 30 years, guiding one of the largest international Druid orders. Philip has written extensively on Druidry, mythology, and meditation, with notable books including The Druid Way and Sacred Places. He combines ancient wisdom with modern psychology, offering insights into living harmoniously with nature and...

"We’re all energy in some ways, so what happens to that after we die"

Oliver Jeffers makes art and tells stories—fine art for (mostly) adults, and picture books for (mostly) children. As a visual artist and author working in painting, bookmaking, illustration, collage, performance, and sculpture, curiosity and humour are underlying themes throughout Oliver's practice as an artist and storyteller.

TW: This conversation contains reference to suicide.

"It's just never seemed like a good idea to spend a lot of time in the woods"

Since his first UK comedy gig twenty-one years ago Georgia-born Reginald D Hunter’s searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV and Radio have garnered him a cross-generational fan base. During that time he has become one of the Comedy industry’s best-known performers for his distinctive take on the most diverse range of subjects. His work can be brutally honest and is often considered to be controversial but it is a...

"I felt my dad's presence a lot after he had died. When my mother died, he went"

Kate Mosse is the author of eleven novels & short story collections, including the No 1 bestselling The Joubert Family Chronicles – The Burning Chambers, The City of Tears, The Ghost Ship and The Map of Bones – as well as the multimillion selling Languedoc Trilogy - Labyrinth, Sepulchre and Citadel - and No 1 bestselling Gothic fiction including The Winter Ghosts and The Taxidermist's Daughter. Her books have been translated into 38 languages and published in more than 40 countries.

For more Kate Mosse things, plus where...

Welcome to the first NON-explicit episode of We Can Be Weirdos featuring the Bananas list and a chat with author of the Mortal Engines series, Phillip Reeve.

Check out his new book, a prequel to the Mortal Engines series, Thunder City - https://philipreeve.com/

***LIVE SHOW NOVEMBER 21st FEATURING BRIAN BLESSED***

We Can Be Weirdos is LIVE again on Monday 25th November 2024, at the Underbelly Boulevard, London. We are thrilled to announce that the live show will feature the KING of Weirdos Brian Blessed.

Head here for more info and...

"I've been in the presence of ghosts on several occasions"

Sandi Toksvig is an internationally renowned and much-loved comedian, broadcaster, writer and campaigner. Now, Sandi announces One Night Only, a new live theatrical comedy extravaganza, for two nights only on Wednesday 13th and and Thursday 14th November 2024 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London’s West End. The QI Elves, the researchers from the hit BBC2 show, will be delving into the theatrical archives to help Sandi unearth the funniest facts and anecdotes.

Go see Sandi's show one night only: http://lwtheatres.co.uk

Just dropping by to say We Can Be Weirdos will be recorded LIVE on Monday 21st October 2024, at the Underbelly Boulevard, London. This time, it's a halloween special! Another wild and very silly night to ignite the suppressed bit of batsh*t in you. Listen in to hear which two incredible guests will be taking to the stage.

Grab your tickets here: https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/we-can-be-weirdos-live/

We Can Be Weirdos returns weekly, from October 31st.

"It made me laugh. So I did it."

Stand up comedian, writer, director, and trained physiotherapist, Barry Ferns has written for the BBC, C4, Radio and has won awards for both stand up and directing short films. His films have been selected for The LA Comedy Film festival, Raindance, North by Northwest and he has won the Malcom Hardee Award for Comedy, as well as the Mervyn Stutter Spirit of the Fringe award and has been nominated as one of the 4 best MC’s in the entire country.

***LIVE SHOW OCTOBER 21st***

We Ca...

"Lava is almost sentient"

Dr Robin George Andrews is an award-winning science journalist, who regularly writes about space and geosciences, and is a doctor of experimental volcanology. He has written for outlets including The New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic, Scientific American and Quanta Magazine. He has written two books, Super Volcanoes: What they reveal about Earth and the worlds beyond, and How to Kill an Asteroid, out October 1st 2024.

***LIVE SHOW OCTOBER 21st***

We Can Be Weirdos is LIVE again on Monday 21st October 2024, at the Underbelly Boulevard, London. Keep listening...

"I'm a dangerous person to know..."

Rupert Sheldrake, PhD, is one of the godfathers of the world of weird. He's the only guest to have personally created one of the entries on the batsh*t list! In this live recording, hear Rupert take on the list, and tell Dan about his numerous experiments of the unexplained.

Rupert Sheldrake is a biologist and author best known for his hypothesis of morphic resonance, and the sense of being started at. At Cambridge University he worked in developmental biology as a Fellow of Clare College. He was Principal Pl...

"There is no one in the world who can build a computer anymore"

Tom Scott is a legendary Youtuber, who has over 6 million subscribers coming to his Youtube channel for videos about science, technology, and interesting curiosities around the world: everything from robotic warehouses and zero-gravity flights to remote outposts in the High Arctic. His videos have taken him across the world. `Among other projects, podcasts and shows, he presents the podcast Lateral, a hilarious comedy panel game about weird questions with wonderful answers. Find Lateral wherever you get your pods!

***LIVE SHOW SEPTEMBER 16th***

The rituals of the royals are quite magical, but how eccentric are our royals, past and present?

Royal historian, author and broadcaster Prof Kate Williams is here to tell us just how kooky are favourite royals are. From the power of John Dee, an occultist and adviser to Elizabeth I, who used a mythical mirror to speak to ghosts to Charles II who apparently touched nearly 100,000 people believing he could cure disease. And we can’t forget Prince Philip’s obsession with UFOs.

Kate is the host of Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things, hosted alongside fell...

"Now that's what I call a soft rock: 2!"

Dan looks back at some of the strangest and silliest unexplainable experiences a.k.a. 'soft rocks' from guests past, including Josh Widdicombe, Dan Snow and Lucy Cooke.

We'd love to hear about your unexplainable experiences! Join the We Can Be Weirdos Discord Server, where over 1,500 weirdos are sharing their experiences, thoughts and theories. You can find the link in Dan's Instagram bio, or the We Can be Weirdos instagram bio. See you there!

"I must have seen ten ghosts... but I don't think they're ghosts'

Anthony Delaney is an actor, writer, historian, and podcaster originally from County Kilkenny, Ireland. He trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and obtained a PhD in 18th century social and cultural history from the University of Exeter. He co-hosts the hit podcast After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & The Paranormal, alongside Maddy Pelling. His first book, Queer Georgians: A Hidden History, will be published in 2025.

"Psychotherapists have experiences that we keep quiet about... because we sound bloody mad!"

Live from the Underbelly Theatre, London! Psychotherapist and author Philippa Perry takes on the batshit list... and reveals some unexpected woo-woo of her own. Also featuring music by Emma-Lee Moss (F.K.A. Emmy The Great), and Bexy Cameron, author of Cult Following.

Philippa Perry trained as a psychotherapist and worked in the mental health field for many years before writing her graphic novel, 'Couch Fiction' which lays bare the process of psychotherapy. This was followed by 'How to Stay Sane', 'The Boo...

Finally, a crow special! Dan chats with Dr Sarah Jelbert, a comparative psychologist at the University of Bristol, who is interested in the evolution of cognitive abilities in animals. She's mad about crows (because they're mysterious, super intelligent and majestic). Did you know they have their own woodland workshops? Stick your beak into this episode to find out more.

Also, a heads up, this will be the last Rough Corner for a few weeks while Dan and Spooky Al head on holiday (not together). The main episodes will continue as (para)normal.

"The Now: More of it is coming!"

What is consciousness? Are you the same you as 5 seconds ago? Can an AI mind replicate your own? Is the universe a simulation? Big questions, yes. But fear not, Lieven Scheire is here!

Lieven Scheire is a Belgian comedian, physicist and science communicator on stage and on TV, in both Dutch and English. Lieven is the face and founder of ’Nerdland’, a popular brand in which he, alongside a group of geeky friends, brings science and technology closer to the broader public. He's also a prolific author, and has...

"The Stephen Fry of Belgium", Lieven Scheire, joins Dan to talk about the weirdness of the insect world, why chickens have a vendetta against mice and how evolution is evolving.

Lieven Scheire is a Belgian comedian, physicist and science communicator on stage and on TV, in both Dutch and English. Lieven is the face and founder of ’Nerdland’, a popular brand in which he, alongside a group of geeky friends, brings science and technology closer to the broader public. He's also a prolific author, and has a new book called 'AI', a beginner's guide to the magic, poss...

Dan and Al catch up on a shedload of mind-boggling correspondence. Plus, Dan explores some wild family history and Dan Snow's History Hit producer, Jana Des Forges, dials in from a wardrobe to talk pet cremation and tomb stone hoarding.

And! Dan's new book, Impossible Things, is available now! It's the perfect book for young curious minds who love to ask WEIRD and WONDERFUL questions. It's available from all good book shops, and online. Check it out on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/04XKIkuf

"Always err on the side of neutralising the curse in a body of water"

Stevie Martin is an actor, writer, comedian and podcaster, and also part of comedy group Massive Dad. Stevie is a regular face on TV, and found a cult online following after a series of viral sketches with Lola-Rose Maxwell. She is a writer published everywhere from Vice to the Guardian, and her first book, Nobody Panic, was published in 2021 and adapted into a hit podcast. Stevie's new stand-up show, Clout, will run July 29th - August 5th at the Monkey Barrel, for the Edi...

What's it like to grow up with Uri Geller? For Jonathan Margolis, and his children David, Ruth and Ellie, they had a friendship like no other with the controversial spoon-bending performer. Dan meets the family and gets to the bottom of their experiences with Uri, and whether they think he's a a talented magician or something altogether more mysterious – perhaps even an authentic paranormalist.

In other news, Dan's new book, Impossible Things, is available now! It's the perfect book for young curious minds who love to ask WEIRD and WONDERFUL questions. It's available from all good book sh...

Dan's new book, Impossible Things, is available now! It's the perfect book for young curious minds who love to ask WEIRD and WONDERFUL questions.

Want to impress your friends and family with some BANANAS but TRUE facts? Then discover the world of impossible things with Dan Schreiber. This book will give you the answers to all of your big questions, no matter how silly! From discovering if monsters are real to seeking out haunted sausage rolls, exploring the world's strangest curses to finding the truth about time travel, this book has everything!

With hilarious illustrations...

"It was the size of a shopping centre... it was hovering..."

Australian singer-songwriter Peter Andre captured the hearts of millions when he burst onto the music scene in the 1990s with summer hit 'Mysterious Girl', and since then he's gained national treasure status. His latest children's book is a sequel to Super Space Kids Save Planet Drizzlebottom, it's an adventure full of mayhem, mischief... and aliens! It's called Super School Kids and the Baby Alien Rescue - it's available online or in any good bookshop.

***LIVE SHOW JULY 15TH GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT***

We Can...

Meet the future Prime Minister of the UK. Phin 'Barmy Brunch' Adams of the Monster Raving Loony Party became an icon overnight when he stood for election against divisive Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. He also just happened to be wearing a baked bean balaclava. Phin didn't win the seat, but he won something more important... the nation's hearts.

***LIVE SHOW JULY 15TH GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT***

We Can Be Weirdos is LIVE on Monday 15th July 2024, at the Underbelly Boulevard, London. Another wild night to ignite the suppressed bit of batsh*t in you - this time...

"A common symptom is related to aliens..."

Warning: This episode contains discussions on the topic of suicide and mental health conditions.

DR Benji Waterhouse is a frontline NHS doctor specialising in psychiatry. He is also an award-winning stand-up comedian who performs sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival. He has written for the Guardian and Independent and was included in a list of ‘Inspiring Psychiatrists’ by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here is his first book.

***LIVE SHOW JULY 15TH GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT***

We Can Be Weirdos will...

Science writer Sadie Dingfelder has always known that she's a little quirky. But while she's made some strange mistakes over the years, it's not until she accosts a stranger in a grocery store (who she thinks is her husband) that she realises something is amiss...

In her book, Do I Know You?: A Faceblind Reporter’s Journey into the Science of Sight, Memory, and Imagination, Sadie investigates the neuroscience of prosopagnosia (faceblindness), stereoblindness, aphantasia (an inability to create mental imagery), and a condition called Severely Deficient Autobiographical Memory. You can pre-order it now or pick it up in...

"Bring me someone from the stars, I'm done with men on earth!"

Warning: This episode contains discussions on the topic of suicide.

Anna Akana is an actress, comedian, writer and musician who can currently be seen on Comedy Central's Corporate. She stars in the film Go Back to China, and can be seen in Marvel's Ant-man, Netflix's You Get Me and Freeform's Stitchers. 

She's most known for her weekly Youtube show, and has sold out two North American tours as a stand-up comic playing comedy songs on guitar. Anna is coming to the UK! She's at...

This episode will have a Deep Impact! How the heck do we defend ourselves from a killer chunk of space debris? Luckily, planetary defenders are on the case...

In How to Kill an Asteroid, an upcoming book by award-winning science journalist Robin George Andrews, he reveals the development of the technology that makes defending the earth possible - from spotting elusive asteroids and comets to figuring out their geologic defences and orchestrating a deflection campaign. The book is available in all good book shops and online from October 1st 2024. Get it before we're gone.

You...

"My whole life has been governed by fateful meetings"

Emma-Lee Moss, formerly known as Emmy The Great, is a musician, composer and writer. Emma-Lee was born in Hong Kong to an English father and a Chinese mother, before moving to London at the age of 12. Performing as Emmy the Great, she has released three studio albums. First Love (2009), Virtue (2011) and Second Love (2016).

Currently, Emma-Lee is working on a memoir about Hong Kong, and playing with new sounds and ways of approaching songwriting. She is also offering Song Circle, a safe and joyous space to open...

What on earth is Psychogeography? How can locations influence our emotions and behaviour? Sonia Overall is here to provide the 101.

Sonia is a Senior Lecturer in Creative & Professional Writing at Canterbury Christ Church University, where she runs the MA in Creative Writing. She's an avid Psychogeographer and founder of Women Who Walk, a network for creatives and academics.

You can get in touch with Dan Schreiber on Instagram @wecanbeweirdos. There, you'll find the link to our Discord channel - a global community of likeminded weirdos!

"I've always managed to stare at things for long periods"

Tony Hawks is a TV and radio comedian and bestselling author. He began his career when he formed the musical comedy trio Morris Minor and the Majors, and is the author of the bestselling Round Ireland with a Fridge – the story of his absurd quest to hitch round the circumference of Ireland within a month… with a fridge. Other books include Playing the Moldovans at Tennis, One Hit Wonderland, A Piano in the Pyrenees, The Fridgehiker’s Guide To Life and his first novel Persistent Wind.

***L...

***LIVE SHOW JUNE 17TH! TICKETS AVAILABLE: GET IN THERE QUICK!***

We Can Be Weirdos will be recorded LIVE on Monday 17th June 2024, at the Underbelly Boulevard, London. Another wild night to ignite the suppressed bit of batsh*t in you. In this episode, Dan reveals the smorgasbord of guests who will be taking to the stage.

Head here for more info and to buy your tickets: https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/we-can-be-weirdos-live/

Plus, in this episode, your correspondence; including another baffling 'third man' experience.

"Auras are like the Northern Lights of a person"

Spencer Jones is a comedian, actor, and writer, who has been nominated twice for the Edinburgh Comedy Award and for multiple BAFTAs. Spencer’s BBC Comedy Short, The Mind of Herbert Clunkerdunk won a BAFTA nomination for Best Short Form Programme. You may have also seen him in Upstart Crow, or on a ream of TV comedy shows.

And you can see him perform live on his first ever national tour! Join the critically acclaimed and ‘gleefully madcap’ (The Guardian) comic as he plays eight UK tour sh...

Can ghosts interact with each other? Why do some objects seem to carry 'energy'? Where's the best place to keep a cursed object? Ask Neil Packer! He owns the Haunted Antiques Paranormal Research Centre, in Hinkley UK.

***ANOTHER LIVE SHOW DATE!***

We Can Be Weirdos will also be recorded LIVE on 17th June 2024, at the Underbelly Boulevard, London. Another wild night to ignite the suppressed bit of batsh*t in you.

Head here for more info and tickets: https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/we-can-be-weirdos-live/

"The tooth fairy took my cock ring"

In his words, "Rob Auton started saying things aloud to groups of people without wanting them to respond verbally. Some call this 'stand up comedy', some call it 'stand up poetry'. Whatever it is, I started doing it and have continued to do it ever since."

Rob Auton is a unique voice in the world of comedy. With his distinctive style and thought-provoking material, Rob has captivated audiences with his whimsical yet profound observations on life, existence, and the human experience.

Head to robauton.co.uk...

Dan and Al chat the OG vampire, a diminishing supply of ghosts in the UK and universe lasagne. It's also time for your contributions - don't forget to head to the Discord to tell us yours for future eps! Just go to @schreiberland on Instagram to find the link.

***ANOTHER LIVE SHOW DATE!***

We Can Be Weirdos will also be recorded LIVE on 17th June 2024, at the Underbelly Boulevard, London. Another wild night to ignite the suppressed bit of batsh*t in you.

Head here for more info and tickets: https://underbellyboulevard.com...

The Theory of Everything Else: A Voyage into the World of the Weird. Have you read this book yet?! It's pretty darn good. And it's about to be released in paperback in the USA, on June 11th!

To celebrate, here's an extract from the audiobook to wet your weird whistle. You can grab the full audiobook from Audible, or head online or to your favourite local bookshop, to pick up The Theory of Everything Else in it's glorious physical form.

***ANOTHER LIVE SHOW DATE!***

We Can Be Weirdos will also be recorded LIVE...

The world of magazines for weirdos is booming! Maria J Pérez Cuervo, founder and editor of Hellebore magazine, provides a peek behind the editorial curtain. And the question remains, who would win in a Tom Trumps battle between Aleister Crowley and the British Museum?

***ANOTHER LIVE SHOW DATE!***

We Can Be Weirdos will also be recorded LIVE on 17th June 2024, at the Underbelly Boulevard, London. Another wild night to ignite the suppressed bit of batsh*t in you.

Head here for more info and tickets: https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/we-can-be-weirdos-live/

"She said... should I tell him I can see into the future?"

Sofie Hagen is a multi-award-winning London-based Danish comedian, author, podcaster, and content creator. She published her debut book “Happy Fat” in 2019 and is the creator and host of the wildly successful podcast Who Hurt You?, co-host of BBC Sounds Original true crime podcast Bad People alongside Dr. Julia Shaw and has hosted several other successful podcasts, including her latest - Help Hole. 

Sofie's new book is called Will I Ever Have Sex Again? - a disarmingly honest and funny exploration of sex (and those...

Astrophysicist Dr Alfredo Carpineti is an expert in seeing the unseeable. He's writing a book called ‘Invisible Rainbows’ - a journey through the light we cannot see and how we use it to protect the Earth, discover the unknown, and better understand our universe!

***ANOTHER LIVE SHOW DATE!***

We Can Be Weirdos will also be recorded LIVE on 17th June 2024, at the Underbelly Boulevard, London. Another wild night to ignite the suppressed bit of batsh*t in you.

Head here for more info and tickets: https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/we-can-be-weirdos-live/

"As a pagan I trust that there are universal laws I am not privy to"

Evelyn Hollow is a Scottish writer and paranormal psychologist. She is a former psychology lecturer and holds a Master of Research degree in Paranormal Psychology. She now consults as a paranormal psychologist and expert for various TV shows and podcasts — most recently the smash-hit BBC shows The Battersea Poltergeist , The Witch Farm, and Uncanny. Her first book, ATLAS OF PARANORMAL PLACES, will be published worldwide in September 2024.

***ANOTHER LIVE SHOW DATE!***

We Can Be Weirdos will also be re...

Dan returns with an espionage update, a big announcement and a new club for you to join... introducing Cafe Del Weirdo! A virtual, podcasty place to talk books, movies, albums, art - everything! Pull up a seat, peruse the menu and get voting. Join the Discord to get stuck in - head to Instagram @wecanbeweirdos. There, you'll find the link to our Discord channel - a global community of likeminded weirdos!

***ANOTHER LIVE SHOW DATE!***

We Can Be Weirdos will also be recorded LIVE on 17th June 2024, at the Underbelly Boulevard, London. Another wild night...

"Make a 'fun investment'... do something pointless that tickles you in some way"

Danny Wallace is a bestselling author, as well as a BAFTA, Arqiva and Sony-winning performer and presenter. His first book, Join Me, was the true story of a man who created a cult by accident. His second book, Yes Man – in which he decided to say ‘Yes’ to everything – became a hugely successful film with Jim Carrey in the lead role. Now, he's fallen down the modern rabbit hole of lies, conspiracies and disinformation, with his new book: Somebody Told Me: One Man’s Unexpected Jou...

Dan and Spooky Al catch up on a weird few weeks. Dan's parents arrive with some game-changing footage from his childhood, Al's been searching in vain for the frozen body of Walt Disney, and the winner of the international crab joke competition is revealed!

You can get in touch with Dan Schreiber on Instagram @wecanbeweirdos. There, you'll find the link to our Discord channel - a global community of likeminded weirdos!

"The 90s was a great time to believe in aliens"

Josh Widdicombe is an actor, comedian, writer and podcaster who is a regular on our TV screens. He's starred in 30 series of the Channel 4 series The Last Leg, and alongside Nish Kumar on Hold the Front Page, which has just returned for its second series! Josh also co-hosts the hugely popular podcast Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett, and along with Dara Ó Briain has investigated the strange tale of Ali Dia, the premier league's most notorious footballer, for the podcast 53 Minutes.

You can get in touch w...