Is It Just Me?

Matt Cain’s gorgeous novel The Madonna of Bolton was turned down more than 30 times by publishers for being “too gay”. A coming of age story loosely based on Matt’s own experiences of being a gay Madonna fan growing up in northern England in the Eighties, it broke records at the crowdfunding publishing house Unbound. The book is now being turned into a film; there’s the option for a stage musical, and, to top it all off, Madonna has given it her blessing. BLIMEY! Matt joins Jo and James to talk about his determination and the extraordinary path his book has taken; the snobbery of the “guilty pleasure” concept; and why Madonna is such an inspiring icon. And of course, there are some vital topics to discuss: so is it James who’s not a superfan? Is it just Matt who loathes the sound of flip flops? And is it just Jo who’s a fairweather sports follower? This week's episode was recorded on July 16. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. The Madonna of Bolton is available to buy no

IIJM gets rickrolled! No, do not adjust your podcast sets, the legendary Rick Astley joins Jo and James this week for brunch, and to talk about his new album, Beautiful Life. And of course, there are some vital topics to discuss: so is it just Rick who wears the same colours every day? (Black, before you ask). Is it just Jo who’s a sucker for anyone who can speak a second language? And is it just James who is stuck in a food rut? This week's episode was recorded on July 9. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @rickastley and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @officialrickastley And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out

The broadcaster, 2016 Strictly Come Dancing champion, and as of January, new dad, Ore Oduba, joins Jo and James in the podcupboard for a breather from this lovely hot weather. Currently hosting the Strictly Come Dancing live tour, Ore spills all the beans on his dance office, the WhatsApp chat, and the love of a good “shant” (that’s shirt-pant with poppers), as well as his obsession with paw paw lip balms, and life as a new parent. And of course, there are some vital topics to discuss: so is it just James who never washes his jeans? Is it just Jo who has to project manage everything? And is it just Ore who loves helping other people spend their money? Plus, we enjoy your listeners IIJMs. This week's episode was recorded on July 9. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us onTwitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @OreOduba and on In

The warm, funny and generally brilliant socialite Tamara Ecclestone joins Jo and James in the podcupboard this week to escape the heat by talking about all the things that matter, and that really don’t. They talk about Tamara’s range of children’s skin and haircare, Fifi & Friends, named after her daughter Sophia; longtime breast feeding and co-sleeping; the encouragement of other mums, and not minding being abused online for something she believes in. Plus, the joys of actually framing photographs rather than letting them languish on your phone, and how to cope with being on a “life conveyor belt”. This week's episode was recorded on July 2. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter...@jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @TamEcclestone and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @tamaraecclestoneofficial&

Good grief there are a lot of guests in the podcupboard this week – Jo and James are joined by Will Young and Christopher Sweeney, the co-hosts of the brilliant "LGBTQ+ Woman's Hour" Homo Sapiens podcast, and an incredibly determined bit of air conditioning inside Will’s dressing room at the Piccadilly Theatre. They discuss Will’s starring role in the new production of Strictly Ballroom, the dangers of roller skates, and how to end up with an incredible successful podcast when you don’t listen to them. And the team discuss their IIJMS: is it just Will who doesn’t talk to his neighbours? Is it just James who’s reached a stage in life where he’s waiting for second marriages to come around? And is it just Chris who never takes photos anymore? This week's episode was recorded on May 24. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us onTwitter... @jo

The Humans actress Emily Berrington takes a break from appearing in Machinal at London’s Almeida Theatre to join Jo and James for some podcupboard shenanigans, and to advise on how best to unwind from an intense show (hint: watch a lot of Love Island). They discuss Emily’s role in Sophie Treadwell’s play – the true story of a woman who revolts after being forced into marriage to a man she does not love – what the future holds for Humans, and James makes his pitch for the perfect night out at the theatre. And the team discuss their IIJMS: is it just James who doesn’t get offended by public displays of affection? Is it just Jo who has constant inner dialogue? And is it just Emily who thinks she’ll never truly grow up? This week's episode was recorded on June 18. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us onTwitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW1

The singer Paloma Faith joins Jo and James in the podcupboard this week, armed with a Full English (NB: not a code, the actual breakfast), and some incredibly anecdotes. They discuss Paloma's fourth album, The Architect, and how close she is to breaking a musical record; what seven years of therapy has taught her about relationships; and the “classic mum”texts she gets from her mum Pam. Plus an anecdote involving The Bodyguard and Anusol that is...gloriously unexpected? And the team discuss their IIJMS: is it just Paloma who can’t keep a plant alive? Is it just James who doesn’t believe in slow-burn relationships – it’s immediate chemistry or die? And is it just Jo who gives herself pep talks? This week's episode wasrecorded on May 30. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Join in the conversationusing #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us onTwitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @palomafai

The utterly glorious broadcaster, writer and all-round icon Lorraine Kelly joins Jo and James in the podcupboard this week (how is she 60 next year? How!). They discuss Lorraine’s incredible career in TV, and how she’s survived all those early mornings; her beloved border terrier Angus (James is keen on getting an Angus too); and how to maintain a sunny disposition in the era of selfie autographs. And the team discuss their IIJMS: is it just Lorraine who still loves a paper diary rather than relying on her phone? Is it just James who has a gigantic pile of clothes that, realistically, are never going to be taken to the dry cleaners? And is it just Jo who can’t think up an Instagrammable personal mantra? This week's episode was recorded on May 24. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your “is it just me?” thoughts on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us onTwitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown

Jo and James are joined this week by the actress Ophelia Lovibond – you’ll know her from Guardians of the Galaxy, W1A and Elementary, as well as the play Nightfall, which has just finished its run at London’s Bridge Theatre. The team discuss Ophelia’s amazing name (and how posh she actually is not), how she got her break, Skype auditions, and the truth about how casting works. And the team discuss their IIJMS: is it just Ophelia who still rings her parents to ask them the most basic of things? Is it just Jo who’s comfortable with silence? (Not that you’d know it.) And is it just James who has zero poker face and wears all his emotions on his sleeve? This week's episode was recorded on May 21. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | (Ophelia is not on Twitter, FYI) and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConra

Professional lols arrive in the podcupboard this week courtesy of the comedian Tiff Stevenson, star of Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats, and Gameface, who joins Jo and James fresh from touring her brilliant new show, Bombshell.The team discuss a reader IIJM about an antisocial partner using the snooze function when he’s getting up considerably earlier than her; Jo asks if it’s just her who finds talking about money very awkward, and property porn: is it just Tiff who prefers looking at really nice houses to actual pornography?This week's episode was recorded on May 14. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Tiff’s show Bombshell is at London’s Soho Theatre until May 26, and you can find more dates on her website, tiffstevenson.co.uk.Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @tiffstevenson and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @tiffsteven

This week sees the wonderful Amanda Abbington, star of Sherlock, Mr Selfridge, and the new Netflix drama Safe, shooting the proverbial in the podcupboard with Jo and James. The trio asks how you juggle being an empathetic person without giving in to hysteria; and discusses a listener IIJM about not being keen on hanging out with your work colleagues. And is it just James who would never in a million years far in front of a partner? This week's episode was recorded on May 9. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Safe is out now on Netflix. Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @CHIMPSINSOCKS and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | Amanda isn't on Instagram, so if you think you're following her, you are not. And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to

Jo and James are joined in the podcupboard by the cook, food writer and one half of Hemsley + Hemsley, Melissa Hemsley, the glorious and jolly life force who is keeping Jo and James’s recipe repertoire up to scratch. The trio talk about Melissa’s new book, Eat Happy: 30 min Feelgood Food, how Jo picks her outfits (a potential upgrade on Cher’s computerised wardrobe in Clueless), and the joy of seeds, as well as many other trips down random rabbit holes.And of course, there are three topics to discuss.Is it just Melissa who’s talking out loud to herself all the time? (Definitely not.)Is it just James who spends more time photographing food than eating it? (The trio dive into the psychology of food pics - and is there a National Crumpet Day? Please write in.)And is it just Jo who’s impatient? (Get your Oyster card ready in advance, please.)This week's episode was recorded on April 23. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your

The broadcaster, journalist and in Jo’s words, “professional bastard” Piers Morgan joins Jo and James in the podcupboard this week for some heated discussion about Trump, Brexit, and how his forehead is quite so smooth. And this week, they also talk about birthdays – is it just James who hates them? And introducing the concept of the “birthday Godzilla”, ie someone who makes an entire week about them. Is it just Jo who grieves things other than death? And is it just James who’s tempted to dally with veganism?This week's episode was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @piersmorgan and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @thepiersmorganAnd thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy an

The glorious, warm and inspiring Katie Piper joins Jo and James in the podcupboard to talk about her new book, From Mother to Daughter, and her ongoing UK tour, What's in my Head? Katie believes no matter how big or small your challenges might seem, there is always a confident way forward and she will show you how - but first she joins Jo and James for some very serious discussions. So is it just Katie that hates clubbing? Is it just James that loves an Instagram Story more than live TV? And is it just Jo who's a real diva about tea - a 'teava', FYI. Plus we have a lovely listener email!This week's episode was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @katiepiper_ and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @katiepiper_And thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it he

Jo and James are joined by an old friend this week in the shape of the actress and social media powerhouse Tanya Burr. Tanya tells all about auditions, going for it, and taking to the stage in the Southwark Playhouse’s production of Confidence.Plus, a lovely IIJM listener email from Nigeria, and is it just Jo who’s had enough of Twitter? Is it just Tanya who loves to scare herself? And is it just James who absolutely hates baths? (Weird, James. Baths are great.)This week's episode was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. Confidence is at the Southwark Playhouse, London, from May 23.Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @TanyaBurr and on Instagram... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown82 | @TanyaBurrAnd thank you for listening! We'd love it if you rated and reviewed us on iTunes as it helps other people to find our show.  See acast.com/privacy for pr

The Taffia is in town! James is joined by his lifelong friend - and fellow Welshman - Luke Evans, who’s managed to peel himself away from watching his brand new Netflix show, The Alienist, to come and chat all sorts of nonsense in the podcupboard with Jo and James.So then: is it just Jo who just seems to be crying at the drop of the hat? Is it just Luke who prefers to watch animated shows when he's got five minutes' downtime? And is it just James who's developing "FaceTime anxiety"? Plus, Luke shares his tips for perfect FaceTime lighting, talks about being everyone’s favourite villain in Beauty and the Beast, and absolutely nobody can pronounce names properly this week, so that’s nice.This week's episode was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick. The Alienist is on Netflix UK from April 19.Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12 | @katbrown | @TheRealLukevans and on Instagram...

Jo and James are joined this week by the Capital FM DJ and TV presenter Roman Kemp, who takes to the eccentricities of the podcupboard like a duck to water. As well as revealing his secret middle name, Roman talks about why you should never get caught short at the Great Wall of China, life in a famous family, and the worst interview he's even given. And if you ever wanted to hear James's strong views on what colour loo roll should be, well: listeners, your ship has come in.Plus, there are listener emails; discussions about what size your friendship group should be; the loo roll debacle; and is it just Jo who wants to split up friends from ill-suited partners? And sorry for the drill noises underpinning the early part of the episode, it does get better.This week's episode was recorded on March 12. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and find us on Twitter... @jo_elvin | @JamesConradW12

The multitasking goddess that is Trinny Woodall joins Jo and James for this week's podcast: having built up a huge social media following for her outfit and makeup trials, Trinny is soon launching her own show on Facebook Watch (fans of What Not To Wear, take note!), and of course, there's Trinny London, the makeup range she launched in October.Is it just James who has a work uniform? Is it just Trinny who only gets four phone calls a day (and all from her daughter)? And a listener IIJM: Natalie Adams asks: is it just her who finds it fascinating when people put a full face of makeup on on the train?This week's episode was recorded on March 12. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us your IIJM's on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and follow us online:Jo Elvinwww.twitter.com/jo_elvinwww.instagram.com/jo_elvinJames Williamswww.twitter.com/JamesConradW12www.instagram.com/jamesconradw12Kat Brownwww.katbrownwrites.comwww.twitter.com/katbrow

"Basically, all we've done is offend people in Russia and Capricorns." James sums up this week's Is It Just Me? nicely, and it's a cackling delight as Jo and James are joined by one of their faves, Frankie Bridge.Frankie was one of the first celebrities to address their depression in a major title when she gave a cover interview to GLAMOUR in 2012. She talks about how she's doing now, what she's up to with Disney, secret plans for later in the year, and tackles three completely life-altering topics with the gang: James confesses to loathing holidays, Jo's still obsessed with horoscopes, and what's the deal with selfies these days? Plus, listener Rebecca Langton says, "Is it just me who doesn't have a side hustle?" If you'd like Jo, James and their guest to discuss your IIJM, please do email the show at isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com.This week's episode was recorded on February 6 at Acast Studios. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us

The actor and "mouth" Kevin Bishop joins Jo and James sporting the most luxurious moustache this sice of Tom Selleck. Kevin's currently appearing in Lady Windemere's Fan, and his impressions of his director, Kathy Burke, and co-star, Jennifer Saunders, fill the episode alongside his memories of a very long career. He even gives a shout out to his French art house films (modern languages students, represent. Or maybe that's just Kat...). And of course there is some serious stuff to wrestle with, and some not so serioues. This week's topics include religion and spirituality, fence sitting during arguments, and the dreaded "floordrobe", where your clothes don't quite live where they should.This week's episode was recorded on February 6. It was edited by Kat Brown, with music by Martin Austwick.Join in the conversation using #isitjustmepodcast, email us on isitjustmepodcast@gmail.com, and follow us online:Jo Elvinwww.twitter.com/jo_elvinwww.instagram.com/jo_elvinJames Williamswww.twitter.com/JamesConradW12www.ins