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#562 - The Riff Ripcord, No Joy in a Tesco and Loyal As 10,000 Dogs

Elis James and John Robins

1h 11m
Transcript

Original podcast

Summary

Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.

Elis James and John Robins return for another episode, unpacking the highs and lows of their recent stand-up gigs, car troubles, and skin routines. Elis shares the brutal reality of playing outdoor comedy festivals where audiences are sometimes bewildered by his specific brand of crowd work and nostalgia. Meanwhile, John navigates car dashboard warning lights, a strict restrictive diet for his skin, and the joys of an AI best friend named Claude. The hosts also read listener emails about accidentally becoming the unwitting faces of major news stories and debate the merits of adjustable dumbbells.

Throughout the episode, the hosts debate the finer points of being an entertainer versus a rigid artist, comparing stand-up comedy mechanics to classic rock tours like Van Morrison's alumni shows. They also promote upcoming live events, including their Dancing with Dave show at the Brighton Dome, while trading lighthearted banter with their producer Dave and contributor Uncle Adrian. The episode blends self-deprecating comedy reflections with absurd logistical observations about everyday life.

  • Keep a log of food triggers and use antihistamines if you suffer from reactive skin flare-ups caused by histamine-rich foods. 44:07
  • When performing comedy at large outdoor mixed-bill festivals, rely on universally appealing material rather than niche personal references. 15:36
  • Do not pour human urine into your car's emissions system because it lacks the correct concentration of urea and will trigger sensor errors. 30:53
  • Photographers frequently capture unsuspecting pedestrians near public landmarks like Millennium Bridge or Paddington Station during major weather and travel events. 1:10:19

Chapters

  1. 0:00
    Podcast Intro and Sponsor Ads

    The hosts introduce the episode and run through a series of sponsor messages before settling into the show.

  2. 0:32
    Riff Ripcord Concept and 2027 Vision

    The hosts explain the idea of a 'riff ripcord' and outline their ambitious plans for the next year.

  3. 2:04
    Show Name Confusion and Planning Meeting

    Ellis and John discuss the recent name change for their show and the planning of future content.

  4. 7:00
    Gigs, Reviews and Smear Campaign

    Ellis recounts recent gigs, a negative review, and a perceived smear campaign against him.

  5. 17:00
    Showman's Carriage, Van Morrison Alumni Gig

    The hosts share stories from a showman's carriage stay and a Van Morrison alumni gig.

  6. 41:14
    Skin Diet, Antihistamines and AI Friend

    John talks about his restrictive diet for skin issues, the use of antihistamines, and his new AI friend Claude.

  7. 43:07
    Unrealistic Expectations and Realities

    Ellis and John reflect on the gap between expectations and reality in their careers and personal lives.

  8. 46:50
    Wrap‑Up and Future Plans

    The episode concludes with a recap of highlights, a look ahead, and a teaser for the next episode.

  9. 50:30
    John’s Investment Hunt

    John Robins discusses his search for a new investment opportunity after a missed chance three years earlier.

  10. 51:31
    Product Ad Blitz

    A rapid succession of commercial breaks featuring cat litter, Verizon phones, and Medicare plans interrupts the conversation.

  11. 52:47
    Ring‑Fence Zone Introduction

    The hosts enter a playful “ring‑fenced” segment, joking about smoking, scotch, and food disposal habits.

  12. 55:40
    Brighton Dome Concert Promotion

    Ellis, John and Dave promote their upcoming indie pop dance show at Brighton Dome, detailing dates, ticket options and venue excitement.

Highlights

  • 9:42

    Hated at St Albans Comedy Gardenstory

    Elis recounts a brutal outdoor stand-up gig at the St Albans Comedy Garden where the audience did not warm up to his set, leaving him lying in the fetal position backstage.

  • 21:08

    The Riff Ripcord Strategystrategy

    Elis explains his comparing style and how losing his safety net of prepared material forces him to rely on the riff matrix when a crowd is unresponsive.

  • 27:21

    Car Warning Lights and Warrantiesdebate

    John defends his decision to drive a car past its warranty period, even after multiple dashboard warning lights suddenly fail at the same time.

  • 38:16

    Van Morrison Live Trollinginsight

    John and Elis discuss the frustration of attending concerts where legendary artists refuse to play their classic hits, with John recalling getting his money back.

  • 42:21

    No Joy in a Tescoinsight

    John describes the depression of being on a restrictive diet for his skin, noting how supermarket shopping becomes completely devoid of joy.

  • 47:34

    The Century of the Gutdata

    John shares dermatological advice regarding how gut health dictates skin conditions, joking about future technology where people might analyze digestion using an iPhone.

  • 57:51

    Silly Sausage Britain Backlashstory

    Elis reads a listener email from Sophie explaining the context behind a Guardian article that labeled Ellis a founding father of Silly Sausage Britain.

  • 1:12:22

    Public Photography Legal Rulesstrategy

    A web designer listener writes in to clarify that individuals photographed in public spaces have little legal protection unless the story specifically targets them.

Quotes

  • “I don't care if Britain gets diarrhoea from our products. I don't care.”
    Unnamed speaker · 4:51
  • “We could do it to the Smiths song.”
    Unnamed speaker · 7:09
  • “The gut is the brain of the stomach.”
    Unnamed speaker · 47:49
  • “I feel like my eyes are going to come off.”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:02:16
  • “The only chaos in Ellis's life now comes from him completing too many tasks, but he does complete them.”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:01:07
  • “If you walk across Millennium Bridge on a windy, wet day with a Union Jack umbrella.”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:10:19
  • “I'm a finisher. I'm a complete finisher.”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:01:17
  • “If you stand around in a suit, looking up thoughtfully at the Bank of England building when interest rates are announced.”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:10:28
  • patreon.com/ellisandjohn 0:04–0:37
  • Arm & Hammer Hardball Cat Litter 0:57–1:11
  • Verizon 1:12–1:42
  • Humana 24:12–24:42
  • Arm and Hammer 50:26–51:31
  • Verizon 51:31–51:58
  • Humana 52:01–52:31
  • All My Friends 55:35–55:53
  • Ellison John 1:17:06–1:17:26

About this episode

John has shaken up the show at a big meeting in Elis’s absence. He should be prepared. In the meantime, comedy fans have been getting the true Elis James stand up experience: Having your joggers called s*** and then introducing Chris McCausland. Get ready Albert Hall. Maybe the mojo does need to return. Plus, the words reaping and sowing once again come to mind, as Buckinghamshire’s most hubristic man sees the warning light chickens come home to roost. Also, John has a frequent male escort and a new friend. They are not the same. Been unwittingly papped or have comments on ABS sensors? Well send them to [email protected] mailto:[email protected] For lots of exclusive EJJR #content, join our Patreon at patreon.com/elisandjohn. For weekly visual highlights, head to youtube.com/@elisandjohn. For everything else, head to elisandjohn.com. The Elis James and John Robins Show is a Significant Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript

0:00
1:11:03

14,035 words · 7 speakers

Topics

  • Stand-Up Comedy
  • Car Maintenance
  • Skin Health
  • Music and Concerts
  • Podcasting
  • Diet and Nutrition

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