Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn

1d ago

Doug Naylor: How Red Dwarf Made TV Better Than Life 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 Writing The Chicken Song and deliberately topping the charts How Red Dwarf survived rejections, strikes, rewrites, and producing issues How Craig Charles pestered his way into Lister, and Danny John-Jules turned up as the perfect Cat. The bizarre financing story behind the unmade Red Dwarf movie 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. 🎭 About Doug Naylor 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. 🔗 Connect with Doug Instagram Facebook Get Sin Bin Island here: 📢 Follow the Podcast Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram TikTok YouTube 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.

Dec 11

Orbital FX: Inside the World of Practical Effects, Prop Building & the Future of Filmmaking 🎙️ Episode Overview 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: Why practical effects are making a real comeback The surprising ways modern CGI artists depend on physical props Prop-building tech: moulding, casting, carbon fibre, CNC, vac-forming, electronics 🎭 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. 🔗 Connect with Orbital Instagram Facebook Website 📢 Follow the Podcast Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram TikTok YouTube 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.

Dec 4

Olaf Falafel: The Seriously Silly Art of Being Stupid 🎙️ 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 The joys of performing toilet humour for kids (and Brownies) How a love of sci-fi, mischief, and doodles fused into his new graphic-novel series The Far Out Five Why comedians secretly make the best children’s authors Teaching kids to make the perfect “inward duck fart” 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. 🎭 About Olaf 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. 🔗 Connect with Olaf Instagram TikTok Youtube Get Tickets for Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show here : 📢 Follow the Podcast Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram TikTok YouTube 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.

Nov 27

Henry Naylor: From Spitting Image and Rowan Atkinson to the Frontlines of Political Theatre 🎙️ 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: Filming million-pound commercials around the world Being the first writer to mimic Tony Blair on television The short-lived but groundbreaking CGI satire Headcases How even great shows can suffer when actors are miscast 🎭 About Henry 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. 🔗 Connect with Henry Instagram Facebook 📢 Follow the Podcast Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram TikTok YouTube 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.

Nov 20

Stephen Mear: Dancing Through Dyslexia and Into the Spotlight 🎙️ Episode Overview 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 From chorus boy to showbiz choreographer Working with Victoria Wood , Miriam Margolyes & Oasis Life between the West End & Broadway , and how each stage tells a different story British TV, lockdown madness & why After Life made him sob 🎭 About Stephen 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 🔗 Connect with Stephen Instagram Facebook 📢 Follow the Podcast Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram TikTok YouTube 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.

Nov 13

Helen White: Standing Tall at 4ft 10 🎙️ Episode Overview 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 Performing alongside childhood heroes and getting pointers from newcomers 90 Day Fiancé, and why 'real' telly is not quite so real anymore The secrecy around tampons and how some of them can be a tad minty The questionable food choices of a 1980s childhood How receiving the wrong bicycle is worse than getting nowt 🎭 About Helen 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. 🔗 Connect with Helen Instagram Facebook 📢 Follow the Podcast Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram TikTok YouTube 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.

Nov 6

Best of Aussies & N-Zedders 🎙️ Episode Overview 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. 😂 Featuring A killer lineup of talent from both sides of the Tasman: 🇦🇺 Australia Sam Simmons Daniel Muggleton Robert Morgan Mark Treverrow (a.k.a. Bob Downe) Harry Jun Stephen Curry Dane Simpson Jenny Tian Ange Lavoipierre Nick Schuller Phil Hammond Tom Ballard John Robertson 🇳🇿 New Zealand Jarred Christmas Nic Sampson Perfect for fans of Aussie & Kiwi stand-up, comedy festivals, and off-beat interviews. 📢 Follow the Podcast Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram TikTok YouTube 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.

Oct 30

Evelyn Hollow: A Halloween Descent into the Uncanny 🎙️ Episode Overview 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: Inside the Uncanny: Fear of the Dark live tour Why Evelyn calls herself a “skeptical believer” The science and spirituality behind consciousness How paganism differs from satanic myth The horror of AI and the “digital necromancy” it creates Why some fears — like the dark — will always stay with us Perfect for fans of Uncanny , the paranormal, and anyone who’s ever wondered what might be waiting just beyond the edge of reason. 🎭 About Evelyn 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 . 🔗 Connect with Evelyn Instagram TikTok X 📢 Follow the Podcast Stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content: Instagram TikTok YouTube 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.