Frank Off The Radio: The Frank Skinner Podcast

Frank Off The Radio: The Frank Skinner Podcast

Frank Off The Radio: The Frank Skinner Podcast is a comedy and conversational series that serves as the independent successor to Skinner’s long-standing Saturday morning program on Absolute Radio. Following a 15-year tenure on the United Kingdom’s commercial airwaves, the show transitioned into a dedicated podcast format in October 2024. The production is managed by Avalon and distributed via the Adelicious network, maintaining a release schedule of two episodes per week, typically on Mondays and Fridays.

The program features veteran comedian Frank Skinner alongside regular co-hosts Emily Dean, a broadcaster and author, and Pierre Novellie, an acclaimed comedian and writer. This trio continues the unscripted, observational style established during the show’s radio era. The content is characterized by a mix of witty banter, personal anecdotes, and reactions to contemporary news. A significant portion of each episode is dedicated to listener contributions, where the hosts engage with stories and queries submitted by the audience via email and social media.

Historically, the show’s predecessor was a prominent fixture in the British audio landscape, earning several Gold awards from the Radio Academy (now the ARIAs) for Best Speech Programme and Best Entertainment/Comedy Production. In 2015, Skinner was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame, reflecting the show's influence on the medium. While primarily a comedy program, the podcast occasionally delves into literary and cultural themes, aligning with Skinner's other audio projects such as his critically acclaimed poetry series.

The editorial tone of the podcast is colloquial and direct, focusing on the chemistry between the three presenters. It avoids the rigid structures of traditional broadcast radio, opting instead for a free-flowing dialogue that mimics informal social interactions. Despite its transition from live radio to an on-demand digital format, the show retains its core identity as a community-driven program that prioritizes humor derived from the mundane aspects of daily life and the idiosyncratic contributions of its global listener base.

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Episode's summary

Frank Skinner, Emily Dean, and Kathy Burke discuss Burke's autobiography, 'A Mind of My Own', reflecting on childhood theatre experiences at Anna Scher drama classes and the emotional catharsis of writing about her past. The conversation explores themes of class identity, family, and sobriety. The discussion also covers Burke's career transitions, including her departure from Gimme Gimme Gimme and her experiences working with figures like Danny Boyle and Robbie Coltrane. Burke shares anecdotes regarding her lack of interest in Shakespearean theatre and her professional reflections on the industry.

Highlights

But the first time I went to the theatre ever, ever, ever was to see Norman Wisdom in Robinson Crusoe.

00:02:11 · Kathy Burke recalls her very first experience attending a theatre production as a child.

But it was sort of good, you know, that old word cathartic. It did sort of, it did help.

00:13:48 · Kathy Burke reflects on how the process of writing her autobiography helped her process difficult memories regarding her father.

I think this might be the end of it, don't you? And he went, definitely, darling.

00:21:38 · Kathy recalls a moment of realization with her co-star that her time on the sitcom Gimme Gimme Gimme was likely coming to an end.

And people say, oh, you're not very kind about Danny Boyle. But actually, I am very kind. Yeah. Because I don't say half the stuff I could have fucking said.

00:29:21 · Kathy Burke defends her level of kindness toward others by suggesting she withholds much harsher criticisms.

He said, I never sign any. And I said, I don't think I could. He said, I've told kids asking me for Harry Potter things to fuck off.

00:31:17 · Kathy recounts an anecdote about Robbie Coltrane's blunt refusal to interact with fans of the Harry Potter franchise.

Episodes

1488-

LEGEND! Kathy Burke

Frank Skinner, Emily Dean, and Kathy Burke discuss Burke's autobiography, 'A Mind of My Own', reflecting on childhood theatre experiences at Anna Scher drama classes and the emotional catharsis of writing about her past. The conversation explores themes of class identity, family, and sobriety. The discussion also covers Burke's career transitions, including her departure from Gimme Gimme Gimme and her experiences working with figures like Danny Boyle and Robbie Coltrane. Burke shares anecdotes regarding her lack of interest in Shakespearean theatre and her professional reflections on the industry.

23 Oct 2026
1487-

Frank Skinner's Radio Days: Beatrix Potter

The hosts dive into a variety of lighthearted topics, ranging from a giveaway for anyone named Debbie to personal anecdotes about Dr Pepper and the surprising sugar content in soft drinks. The conversation wanders through experiences at a trout farm and an exploration of the darker, more violent themes found in Beatrix Potter stories. The episode continues with humorous discussions on puns involving Sir Isaac Newton, funny gift ideas for grandmothers, and listener feedback regarding hyperbolic language. Finally, the hosts touch upon recent changes and security restrictions at Wimbledon, including new terminology for staff and rules regarding thermos flasks.

21 Oct 2026
1486-

Got Your Nose!

Frank Skinner discusses a significant water leak in his road caused by Thames Water and recounts a bizarre experience with an AA mechanic regarding his car lock. The episode continues with various anecdotal conversations, ranging from childhood memories and celebrity stories about Francis Rossi to discussing recent riots and personal encounters with Terry Gilliam. The hosts also share stories involving police equipment, a medical scare involving beetroot, and humorous debates about linguistic mishaps and football away games in the 1980s.

19 Oct 2026
1485-

Hanging Around Stage Doors

Frank Skinner and his guests discuss a variety of topics, ranging from the themes of the play 'Affluenza' to legal history and name pronunciations. The conversation explores reflections on fame through anecdotes about stage door encounters with Noah Schnapp and personal memories of observing fans. The episode also features stories involving rock legends, including bizarre encounters with Alice Cooper and Elvis Presley. Additionally, the speaker recounts personal experiences from the Quadrophenia stage tour, including an unexpected backstage encounter between his mother and Roger Daltrey.

16 Oct 2026
1484-

Frank Skinner's Radio Days: Embarrassing Injuries

The hosts share a variety of personal anecdotes, ranging from surreal anxiety dreams and awkward encounters at Heathrow Airport to discussions on physical ailments and repetitive strain injuries. The episode also touches upon celebrity news, including recent injuries involving Harrison Ford and Gary Lewin. The conversation moves through humorous tangents about hair dyeing, searching for Peter the Wild Boy's grave, and a comedic monologue regarding an intense confrontation with a tube station attendant over a designer skirt.

14 Oct 2026