Jan 2025

The 'Functioning Alcoholic' Problem

Alcoholism and the idea of the 'functioning alcoholic' is one of the serious topics tackled by Marian and Tara in this final edition of series 4 - alongside ways to choose your battles with a petulant 11 year-old daughter, and a conundrum encountered by a listener getting an inti ... Show More

28m 42s

Jan 2025

The Knick-Knack Nightmare Problem

You're gay and your best friend is married to a man who seems to be jealous of your relationship with his wife - what would you do? Your girlfriend's father is sick and you want to support her but are conflicted - what should you do? Your boyfriend's mother seems determined to fi ... Show More

28m 42s

Jan 2025

The Steamy Reading Question

Is your wife's bedtime reading a little on the raunchy side? Should you worry, if it is? Do you have a friend who never helps to organise your get-togethers? And ... what is love, anyway? Another superb slice of life served up by Radio 4's in-house agony aunts, Tara Flynn and Mar ... Show More

28m 25s

Dec 2020

‘Desire Is Never the Mistake’

This holiday season, it’s OK to want more. Paula grew up in foster care, and year after year she would find herself “clobbered by desire” when the holidays rolled around. She longed for a mother and father to rescue her and “make everything better”; she wished for the hip-huggers ... Show More

26m 2s

Dec 2018

Christmas Eve, Unhappy People, Memories and Traditions, Slick Harvey, Being Single, Airport, MTH, Gifts We Hate, Evil Things To Do, Reasons To Lie, Closing Remarks and more.

Twas the night before Christmas and we dedicate this show to unhappy people. Uncle Steve talks about favorite Christmas moments and traditions. He even has a memory involving his father. We talks about the stereotype of being single. The airport can be a turbulent place and the c ... Show More

1h 36m

Dec 2021

‘Family by definition is complicated,’ with special guest host Alison Roman!

The holidays are upon us, which means we’re all probably thinking about, talking to, and meeting up with more family members than at any other time in the year. And that’s not always easy. “Family by definition is complicated,” says photographer Gillian Laub, whose new book and e ... Show More

36m 31s

Dec 2020

Let’s Nerd Out on Christmas

Transcribed highlights of the show can be found in our episode summaries.Believe it or not, Christmas is this week. Yup, even in a year that felt like it was always winter and that there could not ever be Christmas. And we need a little Christmas, right this very minute. Candles ... Show More

51m 56s

Dec 2021

Christmas Boundaries

Can you believe it? Few days until Christmas. It's a different holiday season this year, no matter where you are in the world, I think we've all been impacted by the pandemic and what's going on. Here in Australia, it's pretty hectic because things are opening ... Show More

19m 25s

Dec 2021

Holiday Homemaking | Week 3

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.Join us as we hear from 4 more homemakers sharing memories, tips, recipes and reflections of Christmas. Sandi Goforth describes the “glorious pandemonium” of Dece ... Show More

56m 12s

Dec 2021

The Empty Chairs At The Christmas Table

Christmas is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a day that's meant to be filled with joy and love. But what if you're not feeling joyful because you're missing a loved one or you're dealing with the end of a significant relationship? How do you face th ... Show More

25m 47s

Dec 2023

Matt Lucas: Creative discovery, grief, and tape recorders

Are you approaching the festive season without loved ones? Comedian, presenter, and author Matt Lucas has been thinking a lot about what it’s like to be grieving around this time of year. In this chat with Fearne, Matt talks through some of the personal experiences that led him t ... Show More

49m 6s

Christmas Special