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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a London stroll with the brilliantly funny Josh Jones.
Josh has become one of the most exciting names in stand-up, with appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Would I Lie to You?, and The Jonathan Ross Show. He chats to Emily about his life, comedy, and the very happy news that he and his partner have just officially adopted their rescue dog, Ellie, back home in Manchester. Safe to say, Josh is completely besotted and rightly so.
They also talk about Josh’s current live tour I Haven’t Won the Lottery, So Here’s Another Tour Show, which is visiting venues across the UK until April. Tickets are available at https://joshjonescomedy.com.
It’s a joyful, laugh-out-loud episode with someone who has genuine funny bones and an infectious warmth that wins people over instantly. Ray adored him, and so did Emily, the perfect way to start the new year.
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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
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In this second Best of 2025 special, Emily and Ray dive back into some of their favourite moments from the year.
This episode features brilliant highlights from conversations with Suzi Ruffell, Naga Munchetty, Adam Buxton, Jedward, and the endlessly lovely Sam Ryder.
It’s another joyful chance to revisit some of the funniest, warmest and most uplifting chats of the year, and a reminder of just how many wonderful guests (and dogs) have joined Emily and Ray on their walks.
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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
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This week Emily and Ray share a special treat as they look back at some of their favourite walks from the past year.
It’s a joyful highlights episode featuring brilliant moments from conversations with Ferne McCann, Shona McGarty, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Katherine Ryan and her husband Bobby Kootstra, and the wonderful Nick Mohammed.
Emily reflects on an incredible year of walks, laughter, dogs and unexpected stories, and takes a moment to thank the listeners who join them every week and make the podcast such a joy to create. There will be more highlights later this week, and plenty of exciting new guests coming in 2026.
Settle in and enjoy some of the very best bits from the year, starting with the amazing Nick Mohammed.
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Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s festive walk with the wonderful Helen George, joined by her rescue dog Charlie, the conversation continues with more warmth, laughter and Christmas cheer.
If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And don't miss the Call the Midwife Christmas specials on BBC One, with part one airing on Christmas Day and part two on Boxing Day.
Helen is also currently appearing as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Richmond Theatre until January 4th, with tickets available at https://www.atgtickets.com.
It’s a joyful, festive walk with a much-loved face from British television, and the perfect episode to see the year out.
Follow Emily:
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray have a festive treat for you as they take a stroll through the beautifully Christmassy streets of Richmond with Call the Midwife star Helen George, joined by her adorable rescue dog Charlie.
Emily chats to Helen about her childhood growing up in Hampshire, the early days of her career including working as a backing singer for Elton John, and her experiences playing Nurse Trixie in Call the Midwife since the very first episode back in 2012.
They also talk about Helen’s current turn as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Richmond Theatre, which runs until January 4th and also stars Basil Brush. Tickets are available at https://www.atgtickets.com.
Helen is warm, funny and wonderfully down to earth, and Emily quickly realises she is exactly the sort of person you would want on speed dial in a crisis. Luckily, the only emergency on this walk involved a shortage of poo bags, which Helen handled with true Fairy Godmother efficiency.
Don't miss the Call the Midwife Christmas specials on BBC One, with part one airing on Christmas Day and part two on Boxing Day.
It’s a joyful, festive walk with a much-loved face from British television, and the perfect episode to see the year out.
Follow Emily:
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Bridget Christie, the comedian, actor and writer continues their warm, funny and wide-ranging conversation about life, comedy and the moments that shaped her career.
If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And if you’d like to see Bridget live, she’s heading out on tour next year with her brand new show Jacket Potato Pizza, running from January 2026. Tickets and dates are available at https://bridgetchristie.co.uk.
Follow Emily:
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with the wonderful Bridget Christie, comedian, actor and writer.
Bridget has won a huge following through her acclaimed stand-up shows and memorable TV appearances on Taskmaster and Have I Got News for You. More recently, she wrote and starred in the brilliantly funny Channel 4 comedy-drama The Change.
Bridget also shares her fascinating origin story, from growing up with eight siblings and leaving school at 15, to finding her way into stand-up comedy after struggling to land acting work. It turned out to be a very good decision, leading to critical acclaim across live comedy, radio and television, as well as winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award.
If you haven’t seen Bridget live yet, the good news is she’s heading out on a brand new tour, Jacket Potato Pizza, starting in January 2026 and running through to May. Tickets and dates are available at https://bridgetchristie.co.uk.
It’s a warm, funny and genuinely joyful conversation with someone Emily and Ray instantly adored, and a woman who clearly has a very special bond with dogs too.
Follow Emily:
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Charlotte Church, joined by her dogs Selma and Holly, the conversation continues with more reflections on life, music, fame and finding a slower, more grounded way of living.
If you haven’t already, make sure to catch part one, and if you’d like to explore Charlotte’s beautiful wellbeing retreat The Dreaming in Wales, or book a stay, you can find all the details at https://thedreaming.co.uk.
Follow Emily:
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray travel to Wales for a beautiful beach walk with the wonderful Charlotte Church, joined by her two dogs Holly the Cavapoo and Selma the Spoodle.
They met on Barry Island Beach, which might look familiar thanks to Gavin and Stacey, and Emily chats to Charlotte about her extraordinary life. From her childhood in Wales, to singing Pie Jesu on This Morning at just 11, becoming Voice of an Angel, and going on to sell more than ten million records, Charlotte reflects on the incredible highs of those early years and the surreal moments that came with worldwide fame.
Charlotte also talks about her recent appearance on Celebrity Traitors, where she was reunited with Jonathan Ross, who played a key role in her early career after showcasing her talent on his Big Big Talent Show.
Charlotte also talks about turning her attention to a very different kind of project in recent years, transforming Laura Ashley’s former home in Wales into The Dreaming, a magical wellbeing retreat offering nature immersion, meditation, sound healing, yoga and even night-time forest bathing. You can explore retreat packages and find out more at https://thedreaming.co.uk.
It’s a warm and joyful conversation with someone who became globally famous as a child, yet has somehow remained grounded, funny and wonderfully down to earth. Emily and Ray absolutely loved spending time with her.
Follow Emily:
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Stephen Mangan, the conversation continues with more stories from his life, career and comic imagination.
If you haven’t already, catch up on part one, and don’t forget to treat any young people in your life to Stephen’s brilliant new children’s book Barrie Saves Christmas, a heartwarming and hilarious festive tale about a St Bernard who becomes an unlikely Christmas hero.
Pick up your copy of Barrie Saves Christmas here
Follow Emily:
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a stroll on Hampstead Heath with the wonderful Stephen Mangan, actor, writer, presenter and all-round comic genius.
Stephen talks to Emily about his childhood in Enfield with his Irish-born parents, studying law at Cambridge, and ultimately deciding to become an actor. It turned out to be a very good decision, as he went on to appear in some truly iconic shows, from I’m Alan Partridge (as the unforgettable Dan) to Green Wing, Episodes, and the hugely popular legal drama The Split.
Stephen is also a best-selling children’s author, and has just released his latest book Barrie Saves Christmas, illustrated by his sister Anita. It’s a brilliantly funny and heartwarming festive story about a giant St Bernard dog on a mission to stop an elf sabotaging Christmas, the perfect gift for young readers who love dogs, humour and the magic of the season.
It’s a warm, funny and wide-ranging conversation with one of the most likeable and talented figures in British comedy and drama. And yes, he and Ray definitely bonded over their suspiciously similar hairstyles.
Pick up your copy of Barrie Saves Christmas here
Follow Emily:
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Ania Magliano, the comedian continues their warm, funny and open conversation about life, comedy, cats, and everything in between.
If you haven’t already, make sure to catch part one, and don’t miss Ania’s nationwide tour Peach Fuzz, heading across the country from February next year. You can grab tickets at aniamagliano.com.
Follow Emily:
Instagram: @emilyrebeccadean
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a stroll through Regent’s Park with the brilliant Ania Magliano, comedian, writer and the youngest ever contestant to appear on Taskmaster.
Ania admits she’s more of a cat person (her cats Chicken and Ricken sound wonderful), but given that Ray is essentially a cat disguised as a dog, Emily suspected they’d get on perfectly, and they absolutely did.
Emily chats to Ania about her childhood in Buckinghamshire, her university years at Cambridge where she became part of Footlights, and how she’s used social media to shape and grow her comedy career. They also talk about Ania’s much-loved appearances on Taskmaster and why she’s become one of the sharpest, funniest voices of her generation.
The great news is you can see Ania live on her nationwide tour Peach Fuzz, running from February next year. Tickets are available now at aniamagliano.com.
It’s a warm, funny and open conversation with someone Emily adored the moment they first met, even if Ray isn’t entirely ready to accept her pro-cat stance.
Follow Emily:
Instagram: @emilyrebeccadean
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Michael Fox, actor, musician and Downton Abbey favourite, the conversation continues with more stories from his life on and off screen.
If you haven’t already, make sure to catch part one, and don’t miss Michael’s beautifully atmospheric new solo EP Bones, available now on all major streaming platforms.
Follow Emily:
Instagram: @emilyrebeccadean
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with the brilliant Michael Fox, actor, musician and all-round delight.
Michael is best known for his role as Andy the Footman in Downton Abbey, who rose through the ranks to become butler at the great house. Emily chats to him about what it was like being part of such an iconic show, the magic of working with legends like Dame Maggie Smith, and how he met his wife, Lady Edith herself, Laura Carmichael, on set.
Michael also talks about his love of music and his new solo EP Bones, a beautifully atmospheric, Nashville-inspired collection that showcases his talent as a songwriter and performer.
It’s a warm and funny conversation filled with brilliant stories, from mistaken identities involving Michael J. Fox to behind-the-scenes moments from Downton. And yes, Ray adored him, even if he wasn’t thrilled about being told he’d belong downstairs.
You can listen to Michael’s new EP Bones now on all major streaming platforms and follow him on Instagram here
Follow Emily:
Instagram: @emilyrebeccadean
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the brilliant George Northwood, the king of modern hairdressing, the conversation continues with more fascinating stories from one of the most creative forces in British style.
If you haven’t already, catch up on part one, and if you’d like to experience George’s signature Undone look for yourself, or explore his award-winning haircare range, visit georgenorthwood.com.
Follow Emily:
Instagram: @emilyrebeccadean
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take an East London stroll with the wonderful George Northwood, one of the most influential hairstylists in the world, joined by his two beautiful whippets, Willow and Mochi.
George’s client list reads like a roll call of modern icons, from Alexa Chung to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Julianne Moore, Claudia Winkleman and Gwyneth Paltrow. But beyond the star names, he’s credited with redefining modern hairdressing, tearing up the rulebook of rigid blow-dries to create a more effortless, natural look that changed how we think about beautiful hair.
He talks to Emily about discovering his love of hairdressing through his mobile hairdresser Nan, the highs of working with some of the world’s biggest names, and his decision to begin a surrogacy journey as a single parent, a moving and heartfelt chapter of his life.
George has also built an incredible business, with three London salons and his own haircare range, Undone. To explore the world of George Northwood or book an appointment, visit georgenorthwood.com.
It’s a warm, fascinating and uplifting conversation with one of Britain’s most creative and down-to-earth talents, and a man who, crucially, welcomes dogs into all his salons.
Follow Emily:
Instagram: @emilyrebeccadean
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Jess Fostekew, the comedian, writer and actor continues their warm, funny and wide-ranging chat about life, laughter and the moments that shaped her career.
If you haven’t already, make sure to catch part one, and don’t miss Jess’s brand new live show Iconic Breath, touring from February 2026. You can find all dates and tickets at plosive.co.uk.
Follow Emily:
Instagram: @emilyrebeccadean
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Emily and Ray take a walk with the brilliant Jess Fostekew, comedian, writer and all-round powerhouse of warmth and wit.
Jess is best known for her acclaimed live stand-up, as well as her appearances on QI, Live at the Apollo, and more. She chats to Emily about growing up in Dorset, how comedy became her social currency, and why she swapped a promising career in law (complete with a very posh law degree) for the world of stand-up, a decision that’s since earned her a devoted following and a Comedy Award nomination.
It’s a funny, thoughtful and joy-filled chat with one of the most effortlessly likeable voices in British comedy, and someone who handled Ray’s rather unathletic walking speed with saintly patience.
You can catch Jess on tour in her brand new show Iconic Breath, running from February to May 2026. For tickets and dates, head to plosive.co.uk.
Follow Emily:
Instagram: @emilyrebeccadean
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the brilliant Nina Conti, the comedian, actress and ventriloquist continues to share stories from her fascinating life and career, from growing up in Hampstead with actor Tom Conti and writer Kara Wilson, to creating her much-loved stage partner Monkey.
If you haven’t already, make sure to catch part one, and don’t miss Nina’s wonderful new film Sunlight, which is out in cinemas now and available to stream on Apple TV from November 28th. You can also find out more about her live shows at ninaontour.com.
Follow Emily:
Instagram: @emilyrebeccadean
Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.