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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎙️Episode Overview
He’s back — and the annual TV autopsy has never been messier. Friend of the podcast Paul Critoph returns for his third end-of-year TV debrief, and within seconds we spiral from shower-screen disasters to xenomorph rage, religious reality-TV meltdowns, terrible teen dramas, plus the slow cinematic chopping of vegetables.
Listen as we discuss:
This episode is for anyone who loves television, hates television, or can’t stop watching it even when it’s objectively terrible.
Paul Critoph is a seasoned actor and cultural commentator known for his insightful analyses and engaging discussions on TV and film. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a deep understanding of the industry, Paul offers a unique perspective on the ever-changing landscape of television.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Paul Critoph – Actor & Cultural Commentator
Duration: 58 minutes
Release Date: January 1, 2026
Season: 4, Episode 32
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn.
Please buy my book 'You Shot My Dog and I Love You', available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Christmas week bonus episode, Steve Otis Gunn steps away from the usual guest format for a candid one-man-band chat. Reflecting on the pivotal fourth season and looking ahead to what comes next, Steve shares the behind-the-scenes realities of producing the show solo and hints at potential changes for the future. He also reviews his favourite podcasts of the year!
Subjects include:
This episode will appeal to aspiring creators and long-time listeners looking for an honest, funny, and slightly unfiltered look at the creative mind behind the mic!
Steve Otis Gunn is a Podcaster, Writer/Performer, and former sound engineer known for his distinctive blend of dark humor, storytelling, and vulnerability. After years of working behind the scenes in the world of theatre, Steve stepped into the spotlight, transforming personal awkwardness into a rich source of comedy. His debut solo show, Steve Otis Gunn is Uncomfortable, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024, earning a ★★★★ review for its bold, brutally funny exploration of growing up in a criminal environment and the lingering discomfort that shaped his perspective.
Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:
Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Steve Otis Gunn
Duration: 47 minutes
Release Date: December 21, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 32
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get ready for a sci-fi-soaked comedy ride as Steve Otis Gunn chats with writer and co-creator of Red Dwarf, Doug Naylor. From the early days of radio comedy and Spitting Image to building one of Britain’s most enduring cult TV shows, Doug brings thoughtful, funny stories from a lifetime in entertainment. They explore Doug’s path through sketch shows, number one singles, and the moment Red Dwarf finally became the show he’d imagined. Doug spills the beans on why the American remake went sideways, and how he'll never get used to the strange feeling of meeting fans who say the show helped them through tough times.
They also touch on the big one: the ambitious new Red Dwarf project that was suddenly cancelled — and what Doug plans to do with it next.
🌟 Episode Highlights
This episode is perfect for anyone curious about how Red Dwarf found its staying power — or for those who can still fire off a Kryten line or a Lister rant without missing a beat.
Doug Naylor is a British writer, producer, and director best known as the co-creator of Red Dwarf, one of the UK’s best-loved comedies. After early work in radio and sketch shows, he wrote for Spitting Image, co-created a chart-topping single, and helped shape modern TV satire. His blend of character comedy and science fiction earned Red Dwarf generations of fans. Beyond TV, Doug has written novels, screenplays, and now children’s fiction.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guests: Doug Naylor - Writer, Author & Co-Creator of Red Dwarf
Duration: 55 minutes
Release Date: December 18, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 31
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn sits down with Luke and Paul from Orbital FX, the North-East–based practical-effects and prop-building team whose work spans Star Wars, Marvel, Disney theme-parks, and fan-favourite replicas for collectors around the world. They dive deep into the lost art—and unexpected resurgence—of practical effects: from Ray Harryhausen to The Mandalorian, from clunky 80s prosthetics to cutting-edge CNC and 3D printing. Luke and Paul explain how they build everything from screen-accurate helmets to carbon-fibre Darth Vader pieces, giant convention displays, and even props that end up being purchased by Disney itself for use in productions. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes stories involving Star Wars fandom, the 501st Legion, building a full-size Millennium Falcon event piece, restoring the original Boba Fett blaster for Adam Savage’s Tested, and navigating the strange legal/industry grey-area of replica prop making.
It’s an episode full of nostalgia, technical nerdery, industry insight, and the occasional existential dread about the future of AI, streaming, and the entertainment industry.
Highlights include:
🎭 About Orbital FX
Orbital FX is a UK-based practical-effects and prop fabrication studio. They specialise in 3D design and printing, mould-making, casting, carbon-fibre builds, CNC machining, vac-forming, silicone work, electronics, leatherwork, soft goods, and full costume fabrication. Their work has appeared at global fan conventions, in Disney Cruise Line’s Avengers: Quantum Encounter, across major Star Wars costuming groups, on Adam Savage’s Tested, and in film-adjacent commercial and live-event productions worldwide.
From screen-accurate helmets to large-scale display pieces, Orbital FX blends high-end craftsmanship with genuine fan passion.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guests: Luke & Paul from Orbital FX
Duration: 58 minutes
Release Date: December 11, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 30
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎙️Episode Overview
Strap in for a brilliantly bonkers conversation as Steve Otis Gunn chats with comedian, illustrator, author, and all-round mischief-maker Olaf Falafel. From gaslighting his mum with a fart machine to reinventing kids’ comedy one parp at a time, Olaf brings stories as colourful as his graphic novels. They dive into his early days on the stand-up circuit, his sideways leap into children’s books, the chaos of school visits, and the surprising depth of misheard lyrics. Steve and Olaf also bond over comfort-TV favourites (The Office, Red Dwarf, Quantum Leap), celebrity-podcast fatigue, Gregg’s gingerbread muffins, and the eternal mystery of whether mayo counts as dairy.
🌟 Episode Highlights
This episode is perfect for anyone who loves clever silliness, creative chaos, and comedy that’s as joyful as it is ridiculous — or who just wants to know which animal makes the best fart.
Olaf Falafel is an award-winning comedian, illustrator, and bestselling children’s author known for his brilliantly silly humour and distinctive artwork. He’s the creator of Old MacDonald Heard a Parp, Trixie Pickle Art Avenger, and the graphic novel series The Far Out Five. His work blends jokes, art, and imagination — appealing to kids, parents, teachers, and comedy fans alike.
Get Tickets for Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show here:
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Olaf Falafel – Comedian, Author & Illustrator
Duration: 52 minutes
Release Date: December 4, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 29
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎙️Episode Overview
In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn talks with award-winning writer, comedian, and playwright Henry Naylor, whose career has spanned British sketch comedy, blockbuster advertising, and some of the most politically charged theatre of the past decade. Henry explains how he first broke into the industry on Smith & Jones, how he met Armstrong & Miller through his sketch group, and what it was like to star alongside Rowan Atkinson in the hugely successful Barclaycard adverts. Henry also divulges stories from Spitting Image—the legal battles, its political influence, and the chaos of producing weekly satire. He also reflects on his move into political theatre with plays such as Games, Afghanistan Is Not Funny, and Monstering the Rocket Man.
Highlights include:
Henry Naylor is an award-winning writer, comedian, and playwright. After early success on Smith & Jones and Spitting Image, he co-created the animated satire Headcases and appeared with Rowan Atkinson in the iconic Barclaycard ads. In recent years, he’s become one of the UK’s leading political dramatists with powerful works like Games, Afghanistan Is Not Funny, and Monstering the Rocket Man, earning major awards at the Edinburgh Fringe and touring worldwide.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Henry Naylor – Playwright, Actor & Director
Duration: 43 minutes
Release Date: November 20, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 28
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats with legendary choreographer and director Stephen Mear CBE, whose work has illuminated stages from the West End to Broadway.
From growing up in Loughborough with dreams of dancing, to working alongside icons like Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Dame Judi Dench, Stephen’s story is one of passion, precision, and pure musical magic.
🎬 Episode Highlights
Stephen Mear CBE is an Olivier Award-winning choreographer and director celebrated for his work on Mary Poppins, Hello, Dolly!, Crazy for You, and Gypsy. With a career spanning theatre, television, and film, Stephen is known for his impeccable musicality, inclusive approach to casting, and ability to make choreography feel effortless and emotionally charged
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Stephen Mear – Choreographer, Dancer & Director
Duration: 51 minutes
Release Date: November 20, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 27
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn sits down with comedian Helen White — a Geordie pocket rocket who started stand-up at 50 and has been lighting up the UK comedy scene ever since. From growing up between army bases in Germany and Northern Ireland to teaching in Teesside and tackling the chaos of gong shows, Helen’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding laughter in unlikely places.
This is a Gen X–heavy episode, featuring talk of Angel Delight, BMX bikes, fish paste sandwiches, and the laissez-faire attitude of boomer parenting.
🎬 Episode Highlights
Helen White is a stand-up comedian from the North East of England. Known for her quickfire gags, smart observational humour, and disarmingly honest stage presence, she’s fast becoming one of the most exciting voices on the regional and national circuit — proving that the best comedy always comes from real life.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Helen White – Comedian
Duration: 1 hour, 26 minutes
Release Date: November 13, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 26
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this laugh-packed compilation, host Steve Otis Gunn sits down with some of the best comedic and acting minds from Australia and New Zealand. From absurdist brilliance to sharp social satire, these comics share stories, punchlines, and a few behind-the-mic moments that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Whether you’re into dry wit, character comedy, or straight-up chaos, this episode’s got you covered — a true celebration of Antipodean humour at its finest.
A killer lineup of talent from both sides of the Tasman:
🇦🇺 Australia
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Perfect for fans of Aussie & Kiwi stand-up, comedy festivals, and off-beat interviews.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Various
Duration: 36 minutes
Release Date: November 6, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 25
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn sits down with Scottish writer and paranormal psychologist Evelyn Hollow, best known for her work on BBC’s Uncanny, The Witch Farm, and The Battersea Poltergeist. From growing up surrounded by Scottish folklore to teaching paranormal psychology and performing on the Uncanny: Fear of the Dark live tour, Evelyn explores why the unknown continues to fascinate us.
She and Steve dive deep into dreams, darkness, and the fine line between science and the supernatural — from recurring nightmares and “the Night-Night Man” to the psychology behind hauntings, paganism, and the terrifying implications of AI. Expect eerie stories, sharp wit, and profound insight from one of the most compelling voices in modern paranormal research.
Episode Highlights:
Perfect for fans of Uncanny, the paranormal, and anyone who’s ever wondered what might be waiting just beyond the edge of reason.
Evelyn Hollow is a Scottish writer and paranormal psychologist with a Master of Research in Paranormal Psychology. She appears as a paranormal expert on the BBC’s The Battersea Poltergeist, The Witch Farm, Uncanny, as well as Spooked Scotland and Spooked Ireland. Evelyn also gives talks on paranormal history, folklore, and anomalous phenomena, and is the author of Atlas of Paranormal Places.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Evelyn Hollow – TV & Radio Presenter, Paranormal Psychologist & Writer
Duration: 60 minutes
Release Date: October 30, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 24
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn reconnects with his friend and actor, Robert Morgan. From The Proposition to The Accountant 2 — and now starring in the upcoming Sylvester Stallone biopic I Play Rocky, where he plays Burgess Meredith — Rob shares tales from Hollywood and home: riding horses in the desert with Ray Winstone, working alongside Florence Pugh and Billy Bob Thornton, and almost toppling a motorbike on The Flying Doctors. He opens up about longevity in the industry, the art of playing a “good bastard,” and why he still loves championing new filmmakers. Expect stories of grit, short films, and surreal encounters on both sides of the Pacific.
Episode Highlights:
This episode is perfect for anyone who loves raw, unfiltered talk about acting, filmmaking, and survival in showbiz — or just wants to hear Rob Morgan say “fuck” a lot.
Robert Morgan is a Welsh–Australian actor, writer, and former boxer known for his work across film and television in both Australia and the U.S. His credits include The Proposition, The Accountant 2, Landman, Criminal Minds, High Country, and East of Eden. Equally at home on stage or screen, Rob has worked with the likes of Brad Pitt, Jason Isaacs, and Guy Pearce, and continues to support emerging talent.
Note: Rob does not engage in social media, but you can see what he's up to here:
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Robert Morgan – Actor
Duration: 42 minutes
Release Date: October 23, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 23
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats with comedian, writer, and actor Ian Smith. From the unlikely inspiration behind his new show, Foot Spa Half Empty, to the surreal experience of debuting on Have I Got News For You. Ian relives his early sitcom work on Popatron, his acting turn in The Ark, and his fleeting appearance on Siblings. Expect talk of mouth-guards, Foot Spas, Reality TV, and the fate of the short-lived digital channel - BBC Switch
🎬 Episode Highlights
This episode is perfect for anyone who loves British comedy that’s equal parts clever, chaotic, and catastrophically relatable — or just wants to know where Carl’s gone.
Ian Smith is an award-winning stand-up comedian, writer, and actor from Yorkshire. He’s appeared on Have I Got News for You, The News Quiz, and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, as well as starring in Popatron and The Ark. Ian’s acclaimed work includes his Edinburgh Fringe shows Crushing and Foot Spa Half Empty, and the popular podcast Northern News, which he co-hosts with Amy Gledhill.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Ian Smith – Comedian, Podcaster & Writer
Duration: 48 minutes
Release Date: October 16, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 22
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this second unconventional installment of the podcast (Third if you count last year's 'Uncomfortable' Episode) - Steve interviews… well, himself! It’s a conversation between two versions of Steve—one the interviewer, the other the interviewee—having a quirky chat that’s as nutty as it sounds.
Subjects include:
This episode will appeal to comedy lovers and anyone up for a cracking dive into a creative mind!
Steve Otis Gunn is a Podcaster, Writer/Performer, and former sound engineer known for his distinctive blend of dark humor, storytelling, and vulnerability. After years of working behind the scenes in the world of theatre, Steve stepped into the spotlight, transforming personal awkwardness into a rich source of comedy. His debut solo show, Steve Otis Gunn is Uncomfortable, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024, earning a ★★★★ review for its bold, brutally funny exploration of growing up in a criminal environment and the lingering discomfort that shaped his perspective.
Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:
Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Steve Otis Gunn
Duration: 48 minutes
Release Date: September 12, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 21
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book 'You Shot My Dog and I Love You', available in all good bookshops and online
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hold on tight as Steve Otis Gunn sits down with comedian, writer, and podcaster Milo Edwards for a globe-trotting chat packed with wit, wild stories, and laugh-out-loud anecdotes. From his early days in Moscow working for a financial services company to performing stand-up on Russian TV, Milo pulls back the (iron) curtain on life within Moscow’s chaotic bureaucracy, the absurdity of badly-dubbed movies, and the unpredictable realities of working abroad. Along the way, he shares stories of scams, cut-price Michelin-star restaurants, and why Alan Partridge remains peak British satire.
Episode Highlights:
This episode is perfect for fans of stand-up comedy, international adventures, and anyone who loves watching rules and regulations get hilariously derailed.
Milo Edwards is a stand-up comedian and podcaster from Essex. A former Cambridge Footlights member who moved to Moscow in 2015 and performed on Russian TV before making his mark on the UK comedy scene with Edinburgh Fringe shows Pindos, Voicemail, and Sentimental. He hosts the podcasts Trashfuture, Masters of Our Domain, and Glue Factory, and has written for Mock The Week, The News Quiz, Private Eye, and The New Statesman.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Milo Edwards – Comedian, Podcaster & Writer
Duration: 42 minutes
Release Date: October 9, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 20
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Buckle up as Steve Otis Gunn teams up with comedian, writer, and all-around powerhouse Laura Lexx for a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud conversation packed with sharp insights and unapologetic honesty. From her early grind as a search engine optimiser to commanding the spotlight on Live at the Apollo, Laura pulls back the curtain on her comedic journey. Along the way, she shares stories of cramped Fringe rooms, TV quirks that drive her mad, and a riotous takedown of Blue Peter’s mind-numbing monotony.
Episode Highlights:
This episode will appeal to fans of stand-up comedy and anyone who loves a good rant about retro TV
Laura Lexx is a critically acclaimed comedian, writer, and podcaster with a knack for honest storytelling. She’s lit up the Edinburgh Fringe with sell-out shows and slayed on Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Mastermind. Her books, Klopp Actually and Pivot, are laugh-out-loud treasures, and her new podcast, Comedy Bureau, is your next comedy obsession.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Laura Lexx – Comedian & Author
Duration: 47 minutes
Release Date: October 2, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 19
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this energetic and unfiltered conversation, Steve Otis Gunn chats with comedian, writer, and chaos-curator John Robertson — best known for the cult comedy live-action video game The Dark Room. John takes us behind the curtain of his career, from accidentally winning awards for a “kids’ show” that was never meant for kids, to keeping his voice alive throughout years of performing, to repeatedly pitching his ideas for TV development.
Episode Highlights:
This episode is a treat for fans of offbeat comedy, cult gaming culture, and anyone who enjoys behind-the-scenes stories from the world of live performance.
John Robertson is an Australian comedian, writer, and creator of the cult hit The Dark Room, the world’s only live-action video game comedy show. A veteran of the Edinburgh Fringe and international festivals, John is known for his booming voice, razor-sharp crowd work, and chaotic energy. His career spans stand-up, Twitch streaming, and multiple runs in TV development, where his unclassifiable format has fascinated (and baffled) networks. Blending anarchic humour with gaming culture and theatrical showmanship, John has carved out a unique place as one of comedy’s true innovators.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: John Robertson – Comedian & Author
Duration: 59 minutes
Release Date: September 25, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 18
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats to Australian comedian, writer, and broadcaster Tom Ballard — a stand-up prodigy who began performing at 14, became a household name as host of Triple J's Breakfast Show, and later fronted the bold, controversial late-night show Tonightly. Tom shares candid reflections on growing up in comedy, surviving the chaos of daily topical TV, and making the leap into acting with roles in Fisk and the hit series Deadloch. He opens up about burnout, the pressure of writing yearly shows for Edinburgh, and why he’s shifting his focus toward slower, more meaningful creative work.
Along the way, Tom and Steve dig into Australian pop culture — from reality TV experiments like First Contact, to the highs and controversies of Chris Lilley’s shows, to why Kitty Flanagan’s Fisk became an unexpected smash hit. They also debate comedy’s evolving role in society, the ethics of international gigs, and the weird world of social media clips reshaping stand-up.
This episode is for fans of fearless comedy, Australian TV, and anyone who loves hearing how a teenage stand-up grew into one of the country’s most thoughtful, risk-taking performers.
Tom Ballard is an award-winning Australian comedian, writer, and broadcaster. He rose to prominence as co-host of Triple J Breakfast before fronting the late-night ABC series Tonightly with Tom Ballard. Beyond stand-up, he has acted in acclaimed shows including Deadloch and Fisk. Mixing sharp political commentary with fearless humour, Tom has become one of Australia’s most distinctive comedic voices.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Tom Ballard – Comedian, Actor & Writer
Duration: 49 minutes
Release Date: September 18, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 17
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Steve Otis Gunn chats to powerhouse singer and actor Sharlene Hector — best known for performing with Basement Jaxx, Gorillaz, and Michael Bublé, and now making her mark in West End musical theatre. Sharlene reflects on the whirlwind of life on the road, from Top of the Pops, to her pivotal Coca-Cola advert. She shares the story of how she discovered acting during lockdown, which led to standout roles in Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Derren Brown's Showman, and now Disney’s Hercules. Sharlene also offers insight into the realities of theatre life and how it compares to life on tour as a singer with bands such as Muse, Alicia Keys, and Emeli Sandé.
Episode Highlights:
This episode is for fans of powerhouse vocals, West End musicals, and anyone who’s ever danced to Basement Jaxx, belted out Disney songs, or dreamed of taking a leap.
Sharlene Hector is a British singer, performer, and actor with a career spanning over two decades. She has toured internationally with Basement Jaxx, Gorillaz, and Michael Bublé, sung backing vocals for Muse, Alicia Keys, and Emeli Sandé. In recent years, she has shifted to musical theatre with acclaimed roles in Dreamgirls, A Strange Loop, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, and Hercules.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Sharlene Hector – Singer & Actor
Duration: 53 minutes
Release Date: September 11, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 16
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn, except Lift Me Up, written by Weiss.
Please buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎙️ Episode Overview
In this bonus episode of Television Times, Steve Otis Gunn wanders the streets of Peterborough with his old friend Des, reminiscing about how a humble Casio MT100 keyboard sparked the creation of their pop duo, Wolfgang. They revisit the final days of school, experimenting with basic musical gear, and navigating life in the 1980s—intertwining tales of classic British TV, leaving home, and the odd reflections on ghosts, religion, and AI. Recorded on the very streets where their teenage years unfolded, this is a candid, humorous, and nostalgic conversation with plenty of philosophical detours.
Wolfgang was an unknown pop duo formed in 1985 in Peterborough by Steve Otis Gunn & Desmond Pye.
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Wolfgang – Unknown 1980s Pop Duo
Duration: 59 minutes
Release Date: Sept 6, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 15
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎙️ Episode Overview
In this lively conversation, Steve Otis Gunn talks with Charlie Parsons — the creative force responsible for some of the most iconic and genre-defining shows in British TV history, including The Word, The Big Breakfast, and the global phenomenon Survivor. Charlie takes us through the early chaos and joy of The Big Breakfast, revealing how a morning show set in real lock-keepers' cottages became a pop culture fever dream. He discusses the instinct and research that went into creating something truly groundbreaking, the birth of Survivor from an unclassifiable concept to an international juggernaut, and the industry battles — including court cases — along the way. Charlie also reflects on the changing TV landscape, from risk-taking commissioners to today’s algorithm-driven decisions, and why he’s now channeling his creative energy into theatre with productions like The Hunger Games, and A Knight’s Tale.
Episode Highlights:
Charlie Parsons is a British television producer, creator, and format innovator best known for The Word, The Big Breakfast, and Survivor. As co-founder of Planet 24, he revolutionised breakfast television, invented reality competition as we know it, and sold formats worldwide. Today, Charlie focuses on theatre, producing acclaimed shows like Girl from the North Country and upcoming stage adaptations of The Hunger Games and A Knight’s Tale.
Charlie keeps a low profile online, so why not check out his IMDb page instead:
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Podcast: Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn
Host: Steve Otis Gunn
Guest: Charlie Parsons – Writer & TV Producer
Duration: 42 minutes
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Season: 4, Episode 14
All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn
Please buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.