Off Air with Jane & Fi

Normal programming resumes - Jane’s back, and there’s actually a guest. Jane and Fi discuss glove flirting, removing offspring from the phone plan, the resurgence of the butter dish, age-defining shopping, and whether there’s ever really a right time to don a fascinator. Plus, evolutionary biologist Dr. Ben Garrod discusses cloning his dog Jack. Our next book club pick is 'A Town Like Alice' by Ne...

Jane’s still off, so it’s an Off Air Fi and Eve special... They’re ricocheting between knick-knacks for dickheads’ business ventures, enlightenment in Croydon, slinkies, stiff-guy yoga, and fanny gallops. No guest today due to technical issues so enjoy lots of chat. Our next book club pick is 'A Town Like Alice' by Nevil Shute. Our most asked about book is called 'The Later Years' by Peter Thornto...

Welcome to Monday! Jane is off today and tomorrow, so we’re bringing you a big book special today… Robbie Millen, literary editor of The Times and The Sunday Times, joins Fi to discuss his current book recommendations, being an intellectual snob, deliciously bitchy writing, why you should avoid poets, and Ed Balls doing the Gangnam Style dance. Our next book club pick is 'A Town Like Alice' by Nev...

It’s a jam-packed Thursday: there are parish notices; an idea for a new podcast format steam-rolled by a book club announcement; a reflection on the lasting impact of the whoopee cushion; a call for respect for farts in yoga; and a moment of real self-indulgence... enjoy! Plus, Carol Vorderman reflects on her career and discusses the perks of mid-life. Our next book club pick is 'A Town Like Alice...

Happy hump day! Owners of France and Mytchett - or, as you know them, Jane and Fi - discuss Dongret, women in dungarees, how to tie a loincloth, and there's been a kilt sighting… Plus, comedian and writer David Baddiel discusses his latest TV show ‘David Baddiel: Cat Man’. We’re taking suggestions for our next book club pick! The brief is: books that deserve to be re-read. Our most asked about boo...

Fi's a bit blissed out on medication and Jane doesn't really know anything today, so bear with us as we muddle through... Jane and Fi chat the Buxton postal system, washing your oven gloves, the Beckham feud, and cats on leads. Plus, academic psychologist and presenter Claudia Hammond discusses her latest book ‘Overwhelmed’. We’re taking suggestions for our next book club pick! The brief is: books...

Forget Blue Monday - we’re all about Waffling Monday here! Jane and Fi muse over well-turned calves, party leaders in Lycra, being overwhelmed by M&S, using your boob as a tea towel, and ending friendships over lemon & herb Nando’s. We’re taking suggestions for our next book club pick! The brief is: books that deserve to be re-read. Our most asked about book is called 'The Later Years' by...

Warning! This episode covers sexual activity! Explicit sexual activity! Jane and Fi also cover getting your tonsils out in Dundee, lying-in hospitals, the Freedom Pass, and poking around... Plus, director Catherine Abbott discusses her latest film ‘Becoming Victoria Wood’. We’re taking suggestions for our next book club pick! The brief is: books that deserve to be re-read. Our most asked about boo...

Happy Hump Day! It’s all going on: Fi’s been taken over by a spirit, and we’re about 50 miles outside Bromley… Jane’s added even more items to her ever-growing list of dislikes… They also chat about lying-in hospitals, burping yoga, mallen streaks, and Frank Bough. Namaste! Plus, Sir Derek Jacobi reflects on his career and discusses his tour with his husband Richard Clifford. We’re taking suggesti...

Jane and Fi consider coming out with their own self-help book and muse on the title: ‘Do Less, Be Happier’ or ‘Can I Be Arsed? Probably Not’… the jury is still out. They also chat about wassailing, cat incontinence, and the dangers of star signs. Plus, best-selling Australian writer Helen Garner discusses her diaries 'How to End a Story: Collected Diaries', and her new book 'The Mushroom Tapes'. W...

Namaste. Happy Monday. Jane’s got a bee in her bonnet about - well, quite a few things... Jane and Fi also chat about the 5am Club, unexpected legumes in the bagging area, playing the organ, and the talents of Omar Sharif. Our most asked about book is called 'The Later Years' by Peter Thornton. You can listen to our 'I'm in the cupboard on Christmas' playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlis...

Jane and Fi’s career delusions continue today as they ponder why they’ve never been offered a professional cricket commentary career. They also chat embracing 2026, socks over shoes, being a centrist granny, and moving to Dubai. Please also heed an accent warning! Plus, former prisoner turned writer and actor Ric Renton discusses working on the new BBC prison drama Waiting for the Out. Our most as...

Happy Wednesday! Hope you're keeping warm and managing to stay upright. Besides sport, politics, corruption, and shortbread, Jane and Fi discuss using low-sodium salt on your front path, The Pepper Wars, Erasmus, and the power of the shacket. Plus, presenter Jake Humphrey discusses his new book ‘Micro-Habits: Tiny Habits that Supercharge High Performance’. Our most asked about book is called 'The...

Fi’s blood pressure has well and truly spiked today, so join us as we collectively try to bring it back down… Coming off the lid today, there’s chat about re-reading books, army ladies, and cancel culture. Plus, bestselling author Maggie O’Farrell discusses the film adaptation of her novel 'Hamnet', starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Our most asked about book is called 'The Later Years' by P...

It’s 2026, and Jane and Fi are back - reunited and ready to run their mouths. In this episode, they demonstrate their budding potential as high-level film critics. There’s chat about hair transplants, Imodium, and the WoolOvers debate is reopened… then firmly closed. There’s also conversation surrounding grief and loss. Recommendations you'll hear in this episode: 'The Thinking Game' documentary,...

In this special bonus episode brought to you by Ancestry, Fi chats to The Times and Sunday Times editor Andy Silvester, and Ancestry family history expert Laura House.  Andy shares what he's learned about his family's past from his Ancestry journey, and Laura chats about how she helps people make discoveries about their own family stories.  Head to www. ancestry.co.uk /newyear...

It’s officially 2026! Happy New Year - we hope your head is OK… In this bonus episode, we revisit Jane and Fi’s conversations with Joanna Lumley, Rob Rinder, and Gary Numan. Enjoy! If you find yourself at a bit of a loose end after this, why not go and listen to our latest playlist, titled “I’m in the cupboard at Christmas”: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1awQioX5y4fxhTAK8ZPhwQ We’ll be back on...

Merry Christmas! You may be hiding in the pantry right now - we’re right there with you! In this bonus podcast episode, Jane and Fi are live on stage at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, speaking to model and television personality Penny Lancaster. If you find yourself at a bit of a loose end after this, why not go and listen to our latest playlist, titled “I’m in the cupboard at Christmas”: htt...

Happy Monday! Just three more sleeps until Christmas - we hope this will help you drift off soundly, or simply provide you with an excuse to step out of the house and away from the madness for a moment… In this bonus episode, we revisit Jane and Fi’s conversations with Miriam Margolyes, Rick Astley, and Jameela Jamil. Enjoy! If you find yourself at a bit of a loose end after this, why not go and l...

It’s the final official podcast episode of the year! Merry Christmas from all the Off Air team. Pour yourself a glass of fizz and settle in as Fi chats Swiss hot tubs, ribbed cranberry sauce, and a truly uncomfortable Ken Follett colander. Plus, comedian Chris McCausland discusses his documentary ‘Seeing into the Future’, about the future of technology and what it might hold for him personally. Ch...

’Twas the penultimate Off Air episode of the year, and all through the studio… it was anything but quiet. Fi chats yacht showrooms, Christmas haikus, rock star merch, and some very niche sex spots. Plus, Andrew Billen - journalist, feature writer, and celebrity interviewer at The Times - looks back on his year at the paper and remembers some of the interviewees we sadly lost in 2025. You can liste...

Fi’s still manning the podcast solo, with a bit of help from Eve and your wonderful emails along the way. There’s chat of double reeds, doing the splits during lockdown, homosexual animals, and Paul Mescal’s silver chain. Plus, Managing Director of F1 Academy Susie Wolff reflects on her career and discusses her memoir 'Driven'. You can listen to our 'I've got the house to myself' playlist here: ht...

In this special bonus episode brought to you by Thomas Fudge's biscuits, Fi chats to Britain's most celebrated ceramicist, Emma Bridgewater. They talk about Emma's classic designs, how she gets her inspiration, and Christmas traditions. Pick up your favourite Thomas Fudge's flavour at your local supermarket, and discover Thomas Fudge's Seasonal Selection at Sainsbury's and Morrisons. If you want t...

Today is a new day and the playlist is closed! Fi finally delivers her heavily-trailed lodger email, and there are accents… proceed with caution. There are also threats of a Christmas haiku, discussions about childhood hobbies, and another door of Hetty's advent calendar is opened. Plus, Paul Feig, director of Bridesmaids, discusses directing the adaptation of Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel T...

The playlist is open and the cupboard door is closed and locked! Take a deep breath... In this episode, Fi is underwhelmed by a French B&B, she’s over-enthusiastic about putting your arms above your head, and she’s downright put off by the idea of climbing a mountain. Plus, TV personality Spencer Matthews chats to Times Radio’s Rosie Wright about completing an epic challenge: seven Ironman tri...