Esther and Giles have some exciting news which they share at the start of the episode…

On with the pod:

Do couples have a better chance of staying together if their political views are aligned?

Luckily for Esther and Giles they never discuss politics, they’re far more concerned with being mean and what they’re drinking in the evening. Just as well as Esther keeps her voting habits a closely guarded secret. But why do some couples get sucked into political debate?

If talking politics doesn’t make you sleepy, have you tried being bound, gagged and cuddling up to some terrapins? If you’re not convinced, don’t worry there are lots of other sleep tips - most of which are genuine.

Lastly, it’s bye-bye to the cookbook…about time too.

And that address: [email protected]

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If there really is no sound more joyful than that of children playing, no wonder the world is so miserable. It is a sound in short supply as children have retreated from playing outdoors to stay indoors on their tech. Former children’s commissioner Baroness Anne Longfield has called for ‘no ball games’ signs to be removed to get children playing outside again. The trouble is, if they go outside who is there to play with apart from a load of killer dogs and some bloodthirsty gangs? 

If kids can’t play outside, can you take them to work? Well, best to check first in case you’re turned away at the door as one lady was with her nine-month-old. Should she have been allowed in, or are some places just not meant to be child friendly?

**A new apple app promises to deal with hold music for its users, but Esther doesn’t want it.

Finally, can you schedule your friends? Lily Allen 40, may do this (or she may just have a good sense of humour.) Either way she has given Giles an idea… 

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The airline industry has big plans to improve life for economy passengers. But Giles and Esther have a better solution, just fly business class. And while they’re at it, ditch Gucci shops, treble the size of Pret and provide free bags to those at the back.

Last year Giles' bid to join the The Garrick Club was declined so, as ITV news presenter Julie Etchingham withdraws her candidacy to join surely, he is on her side? Well it depends, was she tortured at school and how much can she drink?

Finally, what toll do the small microstresses of life take on us? If only there was a handy survey offering more information and on which a newspaper could loosely hang an article? Oh wait… cue a list of pet hates, and a detour into surveys in general and food surveys in particular. 

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It’s a busy day in the Coren house as they prepare to welcome sister podcast ‘Wine Times’ for lunch…and wine. But before that the small matter of Gary Lineker leaving the BBC under a cloud of antisemitism. How does Giles feel about his friend’s departure and recent tweets?  

From one complicated subject to another, what is a semicolon and how should one use it? Two published authors might have a chance of figuring it out, a dyslexic producer almost certainly won’t.

Whilst working from home Giles reflects on research which suggests as many as half of workers would look for another job if asked to return to the office full time. How much would Esther have to be paid to get her back into the office?      

Finally, will a McDonalds apple pie cure Giles’s cancer…?

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Do the collection of new weight loss drugs offer more than just weight loss? With claims suggesting that they can help lower risks of cancer and improve mood, Giles feels like he is missing out. Is it time for him to tuck in to Mounjaro? Esther is not convinced and if Giles and his peers live to be one hundred and forty, where are all the Gen Z’s going to live?

If you’re lucky enough to come by a luxury copy of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ you may find a handy readers guide; “this novel may not be easy or enjoyable.” What else needs a handy guide – GCSE geography, home cooking, sex?

After an oxbow lake via some noises that annoy a quick theatre recommendation for a farce of a play about spies… Readers guide: May contain innuendo and slapstick.

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Recent research suggests that most men don't understand what the menopause is. But Giles is not most men, he has a thorough grasp of the topic...or so he thinks until Esther sets him straight. What is it, how will it affect Esther, and can he do anything to help? All good questions, but sadly lost as he is distracted by an image of a very specific type of queue outside the GP’s surgery.

Giles and Esther have received lots of kind advice and tips on finding their missing neckless, for which they are very grateful. Is there an update, has it been found?

As the menopause approaches so too does the day the children leave home. Is the best way to prepare to abandon ambition, give up on sex and don’t travel.

Finally, Is there anything better than apple pie and pudding sauce? 

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It has been a pretty bad week for Giles. His article on Zionism generated a mixed reaction, gaining support from some but rebuke from others. Does hearing Esther’s take on the matter cause him to rethink?

A more domestic problem is Esther’s birthday, or rather her present. For once Giles was well prepared, he’d chosen the perfect gift well ahead of time. He knows where he left it, where it should be, but where is it now?

In the news a men only publishing house has opened, is it needed and if so, why? It prompts Esther to reveal some big news. Finally, Giles is considering taking up DIO… ‘do it oneself.’

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In a recent interview George Clooney said he and his wife Amal never argue. The Clooneys may not, but the Corens most certainly do! And, as if my magic they demonstrate how to have a good argument…three times…in half an hour!

Everything is going well until Giles attempts some in pod production, then there is an unexpected phone call, followed by more production disagreements. It all proves too much and whilst discussing arguments they manage to have a “sh*t stinker” of one. So, this week for illustrative purposes, it stays in the podcast. Thankfully there is a happy ending… 

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A piece of ground breaking research suggests women are tending to marry men less educated than themselves. Twas ever thus… Esther and Giles are on trend, they have a ‘marriage of unequals’ with Esther technically more educated than Giles.

A new AI concept offers the chance to talk with fictional characters in books. Might Giles one day be able to chat with Hamlet…the app may prefer he stick to Lucy the turtle for now. Does Badger from Wind in the Willows have a dark secret?

In recent weeks Jeff Bezos and David Beckham have each thrown very glamourous parties. But are such parties any good? Do the people attending actually have any fun?

Finally, American singer Chappel Roan has lifted the lid on parents – they aren’t very happy. Of course not, they have children!

Oh, and President Trump’s ‘liberation day’ tariffs are bound to fail, just don’t ask Esther why.

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Esther can’t bring herself to watch the much vaunted Netflix show ‘Adolescence’. Giles watched it and was deeply moved by it. They discuss just how hard parenting is and the complicated relationship between young people, their phones and social media. With a child able to have the world in the palm of their hand, what role does a parent have?

Last week was a tribute to Group Captain Hemingway, this week the next generation of heroes have fallen foul of a judge over a stolen Paddington Bear statue, Giles pleads their case.

Finally, I wish it could be Christmas everyday…because nothing bad happens then and it would work wonders for church numbers.  

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