Chris McCausland knew the moment he delivered his first joke that comedy was for him. But taking to the dancefloor on national television? That was a whole different ball game.

In fact, when the comedian and actor got the call to take part in Strictly Come Dancing, his response was, “Are you mad?” But, after some careful consideration, he realised he had a duty to show that no matter your circumstance, you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

When he’s not on stage, some of Chris’ favourite moments involve sitting in his garden with a cup of coffee, listening to the world go by. And it’s not a bad soundtrack, considering he lives near the local bird sanctuary.

And that’s exactly the rest and relaxation he needs ahead of a 120+ date tour across the UK. You can get tickets for the perfectly titled Waffle now, but just don’t expect Chris to be doing three shows in a day this time round.

As for things we learned from this episode, well, let’s just say you won’t eat an apple the same way again after listening to this…

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

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Harriet Kemsley has a confession, and Adam Frost isn’t going to like it. Comedy? Easy. Giving a pet chicken a happy and fruitful life? Done. Nurturing a garden? Ah.

The comedian describes her own garden as a ‘prison yard’, and admits that gardening to her is akin to learning a new language. But thankfully for all concerned, Adam is here to help.

Despite growing up on a farm, spending her childhood riding on combine harvesters and picking apples, Harriet isn't exactly naturally green-fingered. Comedy, on the other hand, came much more easily, and she soon found her place in the world.

She’s found herself in bizarre situations from a very young age, including a particularly unfortunate incident with a rhino, which unexpectedly laid the groundwork for her future career. 

You can catch Harriet on tour until March with her hilarious stand-up show, Floozy. And if that's not enough, we highly recommend watching her in Amazon's Last One Laughing. You'll never look at a ping pong ball the same way again.

But in the meantime, keep an eye on Harriet and Adam's socials for a much-anticipated update on the fate of her new plant… We’re not holding our breath. 

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

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What do two brilliant journalists know about gardening, and what can one of the UK's best-loved garden designers teach them? Quite a lot, as it turns out… although the conversation doesn't stay among the flowerbeds for long.

Marina may not have the garden of her dreams just yet, but it’s very much in her future. She’s enlisted renowned garden designer Jo Thompson to help transform the outdoor space at her London home into the perfect escape. 

Not that Marina has much time for escaping. Alongside her hugely popular podcast The Rest Is Entertainment, co-hosted with Richard Osman, she’s just launched her latest venture, Always On,  a place to read her thoughts on pretty much everything. 

And when she’s not writing or podcasting, Marina enjoys some of life’s other pleasures: a good dinner out, for instance, and keeping an eye on Keir Starmer, who, it would seem, hasn’t been getting the best tables in restaurants lately.

So whether it’s gardens, gossip or politics, there’s plenty to get stuck into.

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks, upcoming live Q&As with Adam and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

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Please welcome to Outsiding our first Aussie guest… Tim Minchin!

And in true Australian fashion, the autumnal temperatures of the UK were far too chilly for Tim. Thankfully, Caitlin had an array of coats for him to choose from in her own wardrobe. Yes, he went with the faux fur.

While Tim didn’t come armed with a jacket, he did bring a whole load of animal anecdotes. From wombats determined to ruin his fire pit to a 7ft carpet python that took up residence in his house, it’s textbook Australian madness from the get-go.

Tim is also the proud owner of some bush (translated for non-Aussies: rainforest), which he does his best to keep free of pesky weeds and maintain as the perfect habitat for lyrebirds, whipbirds and, less ideally, leeches.

He’s currently celebrating 15 years of Matilda the Musical in the West End, a show that holds a very special place in many of our hearts. Tim opens up about the importance of children and parents alike having the opportunity to see a show that celebrates being your authentic self and owning it.

Oh, and we have a first for Bird of the Week... we've gone Jurassic!  

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks, upcoming live Q&As with Adam and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

00:00 Welcome back & catch up

02:54 Today’s guest is Tim Minchin

04:14 Listener questions

07:10 Tim’s relationship to London

12:00 Growing up in Australia

15:38 Connections with the ocean

21:44 Tim’s garden

24:51 Custodianship and land acknowledgement

27:33 Scary Australian animals

31:48 Matilda and the show’s lasting impact

42:28 BOTW

45:11 Adam’s gift for Tim

47:04 Goodbye!

47:20 Join our community!

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Sara Davies does not do things by halves. A cricket net in her back garden? Done. Put a tent up in the Arctic Circle? Easy. Create an outdoor space that impresses Adam Frost? SORTED!

A businesswoman, entrepreneur, TV personality and lover of all things craft, Sara’s CV is impressive. She joined the Dragons’ Den team in 2019 and, along with her colourful style, brought a breath of fresh air to the often intimidating room.

But thankfully for Caitlin and Adam, she’s far from being anything like a dragon in real life.

Having grown up going on camping holidays with her family, Sara has the outdoors in her bones. Whether she’s taking her kids away for a weekend by the lake or using one of her dad’s campervan projects to explore the UK, she’s more than happy to call herself a country bumpkin.

And her outdoor lifestyle doesn’t stop there. Her impressive garden boasts a cuttings patch that could rival Kew, a full-sized cricket net for her kids to practice in, and a pond she’s somewhat reluctant to swim in, thanks to some over-friendly frogs.

Somehow, she’s also found the time to write a new book, Crafting for All Occasions, out on Thursday 15 October. With more than 70 projects for intermediate to advanced crafters, there’s something for everyone.

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks, upcoming live Q&As with Adam and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

0:54 - Who's on the show today
2:38 - Welcome Sara Davies!
3:48 - Sara's outside life
7:42 - Childhood camping adventures
11:04 - Trekking the Arctic with Comic Relief
13:19 - Sara's garden
15:56 - Swimming in the pond
17:57 - Crafting in the outdoors
19:28 - Sara's new book 'Crafting For All Occasions'
19:06 - Subscribe and get in touch!
20:32 - Dragon's Den
25:27 - Quickfire Quiz
28:41 - Bird of the Week
31:06 - Adam's gift to Sara

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Will Young first appeared on our TV screens on Pop Idol 25 years ago, quickly winning over the nation’s hearts and ultimately being crowned the winner of the first series of the singing contest.

His life since has been a whirlwind of recording and touring, as well as all the ups and downs that life throws at you. But one thing that has brought him great calm and solace is the outdoors. His own garden has become a true retreat, and now quite a big project and part of his life, too. Just don’t ask him to find his secateurs…

Will comes armed with questions for Adam, including one that involves the legality of owning a certain plant - and no, it’s not the same one Mike D was asking about! Meanwhile, if you’re in the market for some drought-tolerant additions to your space, Adam has some top advice for you.

Not forgetting Caitlin, who happily makes Will’s day with a very casual Kate Bush story, as well as her gift of a particularly graceful Bird of the Week.

And, of course, we couldn’t not talk about Evergreen, which Will is celebrating with a special 25th Anniversary Tour. He’ll be joined by his full band for an evening of hits spanning his two-decade-plus journey in music. Tickets are available now via his website.

No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. It really has been 25 years since he won Pop Idol. Anyone else feel like it was just yesterday?

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks, upcoming live Q&As with Adam and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

00:00 Welcome Back & Adam’s Garden Update
02:22 Listener Question
04:00 Today’s Guest is Will Young!
08:10 A Childhood in the Countryside
12:06 Will’s New Garden
16:12 Paths Giving Gardens A Sense of Direction
17:55 Join our Community!
18:18 Birdwatching with Will Young
20:18 Will Young Asks Adam!
23:04 25 Years of Evergreen
26:23 Quickfire Quiz
29:24 Bird Of The Week
31:37 Adam’s Gift for Will
33:47 Goodbye!

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Bass-baritone by day, Danger Mouse by night.

Alexander Armstrong is a man of infinite talents. He’s an actor, author, singer and, of course, the host of Pointless. Oh, and he’s also the voice of Danger Mouse. 

Thankfully for us, he’s also a huge fan of the great outdoors. Whether he’s reflecting on his childhood exploring rural Northumberland, walking cross-country to his favourite pub for his Perfect Pub Walks series, or enjoying his own garden with his family, he simply can’t get enough of being outside.

With a very in-demand voice, Xander takes us on a journey through some of his most memorable voice work, including one Wall’s advert that had Caitlin and Adam squirming in their seats… But it’s Les from Hull who we’re all rooting for now.

He’s also soon to embark on a tour with his pal Aled Jones for The Big Christmas Sing-A-Long, which is summed up perfectly in four words: music, laughter, Christmas and cheer. Sign us up! Although maybe not Adam, who admits he’d rather not show off his own vocal range.

Caitlin also gets stuck into Xander’s new book, Evenfall: The Tempest Stone, and the stories and inspiration behind it. And, incredibly, how he intertwined nature into the story.

So settle in for a cup of tea, an update on the guy who sells watermelons at Borough Market, and a very entertaining journey through the wonderfully varied world of Alexander Armstrong.

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks, upcoming live Q&As with Adam and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

00:00 A rainy welcome back!
02:05 Listener question
04:50 It's Alexander Armstrong
08:36 Growing up on the Northumberland moors
12:58 Countryside vs. city life
15:40 Alexander’s current garden
21:06 The Big Christmas Sing A-Long
24:39 Evenfall: The Tempest Stone
26:48 Perfect pub walks
30:24 The joys of voiceover work
32:24 Quickfire Quiz
35:21 Bird of the Week
37:55 Adam’s gift for Alexander
40:11 Goodbye for now!

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What can’t this man do?!

Ben Fogle is Mr. Outside. If he’s not climbing Everest, he’s getting his daily 10k run in. And if he’s not doing that, you can find him spending time with his Indian Runner ducks at his Oxfordshire home.

First gracing our screens in Castaway back in 2000, when he lived on a remote Scottish island for a year with 36 strangers, Ben’s CV proves he might just be our most outdoors-certified guest yet.

Fresh back from a trip to Canada, where he was filming his long-running TV show New Lives in the Wild, Ben comes armed with stories about grizzly bears, parasites, reuniting a tortoise with its owner and one very charming meet-cute between him and his wife, Marina.

His latest venture is Buffalo clothing, a brand all about nurturing exploration and inspiring confidence. Based in Sheffield, Ben has joined forces with Savile Row tailor James Sleater (who makes Ben’s infamous short shorts) to take on the brand and continue its legacy of no-frills, no-gimmicks, quality clothing.

But for all his adventures, there is one thing Ben loves more than anything: his dogs. And, honestly, we could probably have devoted the entire episode to them…  

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks, upcoming live Q&As with Adam and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

00:00 Welcome Back & Welcome Autumn!
02:45 Listener Question
04:24 Today’s Guest is Ben Fogle
09:30 Ben’s Indoorsy Childhood
13:55 How Ben and Caitlin Met
16:32 Ben’s Garden
19:05 Ben’s Least Favourite Parasites
22:14 Missing Tortoise in London?!
24:02 Join our community!
24:20 Audience Question
26:13 Buffalo Jackets
29:55 Summiting Everest and Yeti Sightings
34:08 Quickfire Quiz
37:04 Bird of The Week
40:04 Adam’s Gift For Ben
42:40 Goodbye!

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Don’t even get her started on so much as touching dirt…

Ruby Wax is an actress, comedian, writer and TV personality. Known for her infamous interviews with some of the most divisive celebrities, including OJ Simpson and Donald Trump, she’s never been afraid to ask the hardest questions.

She joins us to chat about her new tour, Absolutely Famous, where she’ll be joined by her long-time producer and collaborator Clive Tulloh for an evening of scandalous stories never before heard, and insights into some of her most memorable showdowns.

For Adam, Ruby is a somewhat unique guest on Outsiding. Not one to get her hands dirty, she arrives armed with pictures of her very vibrant, very plastic garden. Not so much as a crumb of compost in sight! Thankfully, she is a big fan of a cold plunge, has some unforgettable summer camp memories and a new love for gardening at her holiday cottage in Findhorn. So there’s plenty to chat about over a cup of tea.

Caitlin gets all the behind-the-scenes stories from Ruby’s colourful life and career, including her long friendship with Alan Rickman. It turns out the late actor was responsible for helping Ruby find her comedic side, something we’re all very grateful for.

And, of course, there’s plenty of travelling back in time to Ruby’s childhood, which was truly unlike any other…

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks, upcoming live Q&As with Adam and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

00:00 Welcome Back & Caitlin’s New Book!
00:51 Ask Adam!
03:53 Today’s Guest is Ruby Wax!
07:06 Ruby’s (lack of) Outdoor Childhood
09:46 Ruby’s Plastic Garden
12:13 Ruby’s Findhorn Home
13:25 Ruby’s Summer Camp Memories
18:53 Acting and Comedy
20:50 Interviewing
23:00 OJ Simpson
24:49 Donald & Melania Trump
28:02 Listener Question
30:59 Quickfire Quiz
32:29 BOTW
35:06 Adam’s Gift For Ruby
37:15 Goodbye and Join Us!

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The Queen of Shops meets the King of Gardens

Mary Portas is a broadcaster, writer and retail consultant, who revolutionised shopping in the 90s with her bold approach to retail and many iconic window displays. She’s in our garden to talk about her new book; I Shop, Therefore I am: The ‘90s, Harvey Nicks and Me, which is out now. 

Mary spends time between London and her home in the Cotswolds, where she’s often seen taking a trip up the steep slopes of Swift’s Hill. She adores ferns, is fanatical about roses, kisses moss, hugs trees and shares a terrific story about the irises from her very first front garden. 

With such retail expertise at our disposal, Adam and Mary chat about what garden centres are doing right, and where they can make gains, while Caitlin gets the detail on some of Mary’s most memorable ‘90s moments, including payback for a sexist photographer. 

As for the naked badger watching... it’ll only make sense right at the end. 

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks, upcoming live Q&As with Adam and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

00:00 Welcome Back & Bread Burdens

01:24 Listener Question

04:48 Today’s Guest is Mary Portas

06:41 Mary’s Childhood Garden

09:46 Cotswold Living

12:05 Garden Centre Design Faux Pas

16:14 Ask Adam

18:31 Window Dressing at Harvey Nichols

24:00 Dealing with Sexism

25:20 Quickfire Quiz

28:20 Bird of The Week

31:23 Naked Badger Watching

32:30 Adam’s Gift for Mary

34:56 Goodbye & Join our Community!

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And we get the truth about the smell of Jackson Lamb…

Joanna Scanlan is a BAFTA winning actor and writer, best known for her roles in shows including The Thick Of It, Riot Women, After Love, and Slow Horses, which she joins us to talk about. She resumes her role as Moira Tregorian in the upcoming sixth series of the show, released on Apple TV on 16 September.

Joanna, who lives in South Croydon, makes an impressive first impression by arriving with a sample of her garden in hand as a gift, including dahlias, fuchsias and gaura. But not before she gets to thank Frosty for his hand in helping her become the gardener she is today. Joanna delivers some of the best formative memories we’ve had on the show so far; from sitting (and thinking) in an ash tree to almost filmic journeys across mountains with her horse and dog as her only companions. 

And finally we get to talk about going to the tip in detail. Joanna is a tip fanatic and shares the ultimate guide in making the most of the dump. We will all be living by Scanlan tip-lore from now on. 

There’s plenty of time to hear about Slow Horses, too, as Joanna tells Adam and Caitlin that working with Gary Oldman was scary, but contrary to what viewers may think, not smelly. And while the full details of the new series are classified, there’s more than enough to whet your appetite for another trip to Slough House. 

Let us know if you’re enjoying Outsiding and please send us your favourite outside places, memories, smells and gardening questions to [email protected]

Follow Outsiding on Substack for gardening tips, tricks, upcoming live Q&As with Adam and the progress of Caitlin’s garden project. Find us on Instagram too. 

You can watch full episodes of Outsiding on Spotify and YouTube. 

Outsiding is a Cold Glass Production.

00:00 Welcome Back & Garden Update
01:39 Audience Question
03:48 Today’s Guest is Joanna Scanlan
05:01 Adam’s Lockdown Workshops
11:08  Fashionable Fuschias
13:08 Joanna’s Childhood Ash Tree
16:08 Horses and Welsh Farm Shows
17:26 Going to the Tip
22:09 Ralph Fiennes Secret
24:46 Slow Horses Season 4
27:49 Quickfire Quiz
29:52 Bird of the Week
31:52 Adam’s Gift for Joanna
35:37 Join our Community!

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