Refreshing Pod - Fringe 2026: Don't Flush Me Yet

The Fringe is over soon, ending in 1 week.

Johnny's final Fringe chat is s**t, well not quite, but it does involve poo, and to be precise a poo that won't flush.

George Williams and Alan Robinson-Rising have written a story, that's about when a lonely old man’s poo (played by George) becomes sentient and begs not to be flushed in 'Don't Flush Me Yet'

Alan plays Patrick, who is dragged into an absurd odyssey through Brighton. As the pair flee Thames Water, encounter drag bars, fortune tellers and a sinister scientist, Patrick is forced to confront his own repression, loneliness and emotional constipation.

Johnny also has a quick chat with George & Alan, as George shares a similar background as Johnny (both have worked in commercial radio, plus George has worked on some huge TV shows, including I'm A Celebrity, and Love Island) and Alan with the great Sir David David Attenborough and on Dr Who.

Don't Flush Me Yet is ridiculous, heartfelt and gloriously unhinged, but is a surreal fresh comedy about friendship, freedom and what happens when a lifetime of blockage finally gives way and a provides a fantastic end to the Fringe run of interviews we've had this year.

“My cheeks were laughing so hard" - London preview show audience member.

Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/don-t-flush-me-yet

Insta: @dontflushmeyet + @georgie.williams.tbh & @alan_rising

Don't Flush Me Yet

Haldane Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall

Ends 29/08/26

Refreshing Pod is a magazine style podcast, giving you ideas, interviews, big name guests, and guaranteed laughs along the way, with new content every few weeks, now in it's 10th series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refreshing Pod - Fringe 2026: Bob Koomen

The Fringe is over soon, ending on the 30th August.

Johnny's latest guest is Bob Kooman, a Dutch comedian who is in Edinburgh preforming as a debut act this year, despite being a star on the comedy circuit in the Netherlands since 2016.

Bob's show is called 'Pear'

Bob is a genius, but the world doesn't see it yet. He has good intentions, and even better ideas. Ideas to help the world, but the world often acts as if he is the one who needs help. This show will put an end to this problem. Pear explores the strangeness of being alive and searches for something to hold on to in this weird existence.

After a sold-out Dutch WIP run, Bob is already making waves in Scotland.

Post Fringe, he will pick up his tour in the Netherlands covering over 60 venues. The first ten shows of the tour have already sold out completely.

Of course, we also both mentioned the recent FIFA World Cup, and how the Netherlands were supposed to win it.

If you fancy the surreal, Bob's your man!

“VERY FUNNY…HIS ORIGINALITY ENSURED THAT I WAS ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT.” - fijtenfictie.nl

Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/bob-koomen-pear

Insta: @bobkoomen.edfringe (English) & @bobkoomen (Dutch)

Web: https://bobkoomen.com

Pear

The Worker Room at Just The Tonic at The Hive

Ends 30/08/26

Refreshing Pod is a magazine style podcast, giving you ideas, interviews, big name guests, and guaranteed laughs along the way, with new content every few weeks, now in it's 10th series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refreshing Pod - Fringe 2026: Top Gunchained

"V1 and Rotate" Takeoff with Johnny as he speaks to his latest guest Richard Marsh, as he is doing a 70 minute show that joins together both 'Top Gun' blockbuster films.

Fringe First winner Richard Marsh’s unauthorised parody celebrates the iconic film and its enduring fandom.

This uplifting comedy brings you all the characters, romance and action of Tom Cruise’s aerial blockbuster, alongside the heartfelt story of father and son fans who can’t agree on anything except their favourite film. Can Maverick and best friend Goose beat Iceman to the Top Gun trophy? Can instructor Charlie get a drink without anyone singing at her? Can one Fringe First-winning poet and nerd (Richard's owns words) re-enact the movie’s signature dogfights? ... and just how many pairs of sunglasses did he buy?

Johnny and Richard also touch on his previous Fringe shows, including the brilliant 'Yippee Ki Yay' where he takes on, and gives his spin on 'Die Hard'

Towards the end of the interview Richard was kind enough to give some detailed advice for any budding Fringe performer, it's great advice for anyone who's thinking about preforming at the Festival in the future.

Essential viewing for Top Gun veterans and rookies alike.

“GENIUS...AS POETIC ONE-MAN HOMAGE TO CLASSIC ACTION MOVIES GO, THIS ONE’S RIGHT UP THERE.” - Mail on Sunday (on Yippee Ki Yay)

Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/top-gunchained

Insta: @topgunchainedlive & @speckywiththegoodhair/

Top Gunchained

Wine Bar at Gilded Balloon (Teviot)

Ends 30/08/26

Refreshing Pod is a magazine style podcast, giving you ideas, interviews, big name guests, and guaranteed laughs along the way, with new content every few weeks, now in it's 10th series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refreshing Pod - Fringe 2026: Adian Jones

It's officially one week into the 2026 Fringe, and it's running until the 31st August.

This interview contains references to drug use.

Johnny's latest guest is (in his words) is Adian Jones, and his "Classical piano show, is presented with jokes by a bald, Australian dickhead with a beard".

Taking part in his 11th Fringe, in 2026 Adian's show is a completely unique mix of comedy and music, in which he combines his two loves by using stand-up comedy and storytelling to bring one of the great pieces of classical music, Chopin's Nocturne in E♭ Major, to life for audiences whether or not they have previous knowledge of classical music.

Johnny chats about Adian's past, how it shaped getting his stand up career off the ground. How hard he worked to achieve it (including spending a heap load of cash to make this latest show a success when he preformed it in Australia last year). Plus his amazing social media content, showcasing his journey both behind the microphone/piano and in front of it ... and the chat ends with a good old football chat, and his love of the Premier League ... and how he got 'his team'.

This interview with Adian gives a great insight into all things Fringe.

“BEST SHOWS OF THE MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL 2025” - Guardian

Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/aidan-jones-chopin-s-nocturne

Insta: @aidanjonescomedy (the correct way of spelling it ... but he has a few others just to make sure).

Watch: Taco Via Amazon Prime & YT.

Chopin's Nocturne

Assembly George Square Studios

Ends 31/08/26

Refreshing Pod is a magazine style podcast, giving you ideas, interviews, big name guests, and guaranteed laughs along the way, with new content every few weeks, now in it's 10th series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refreshing Pod - Fringe 2026: Paul Merton and Suki Webster

Fringe Fever is in full swing, and Johnny's latest guests are the Richard & Judy of the Improv Comedy scene, Paul Merton and Suki Webster.

Following totally sold out seasons in 2024 and 2025 and a hugely popular tour of the UK and Ireland, Paul Merton and Suki Webster, two of the UK’s leading improvisers, are delighted to return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year with their old friend, improv virtuoso Mike McShane and Kirsty Newton on the keyboard.

The Improv hour will (in Paul's words) "ascended into farce"

Expect an hour of wonderfully unscripted cutting-edge comedy in a show full of fast, fabulously funny improvised games and laugh out loud surrealism as these masters of Comedy Improvisation join forces with many other very special guests to create cascades of laughter and joyful silliness.

Johnny, Paul & Suki chat about Paul's 'resting git face' the love both Paul & Suki have for early Hollywood films & how a Peter Sellers movie left a mark on Paul.

Plus how the Improv show is different everyday (and it being a Trump free zone)....plus Johnny (in nothing short of a semi disaster) gives Improv Comedy a go with a complicated game that Paul & Suki take part in ... and it works (just).

Johnny is a huge fan of 'Have I Got News For You' and has grown up watching Paul, so was overjoyed (and a little bit nervous) chatting to them both ... but as Suki tells Johnny ... "Paul is all pussycats and rainbows, nothing to be scared of". Johnny touches on HIGNFY guest hosts, who Paul really wanted to sit next to on his team, and hosts who need to return all ahead of the 72nd series beginning later this year.

“AMONGST THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS FOR YEARS.” 5 stars - One4Review

Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/paul-merton-and-suki-webster-s-improv-show

Insta: @paulmertonsukiwebster

Johnny's Improv game with Paul & Suki is available on the Refreshing Pod Instagram profile grid from Thursday 13th Aug.

Paul Merton & Suki Webster's Improv Show

Grand at Pleasance Courtyard

Ends 23/08/26

Refreshing Pod is a magazine style podcast, giving you ideas, interviews, big name guests, and guaranteed laughs along the way, with new content every few weeks, now in it's 10th series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refreshing Pod - Fringe 2026: Colin Cloud

Johnny's back with one of his biggest guests to date, and it's Scottish born mind master Colin Cloud.

With over 100 million views across social platforms and 20 years in the business Colin knows how to amaze and leave audience members dazzled.

With his new show 'Hoax' everything you think you know will be challenged. What do we believe? why do we believe it? And what does it take to change a mind?

In a world where reality is shaped at the touch of a button, truth feels flexible and trust feels dangerous. Blending jaw-dropping mentalism with sharp psychological insight, Colin dismantles assumptions, bends reality, and makes the impossible uncomfortably personal. Hoax is designed to blow your mind, shake you to your core, and linger long after the lights fade. You will not leave the same person inside.

Johnny & Colin chat about growing up in Scotland, how important the Fringe is to Colin, from preforming in a cafe, to selling out shows both in Edinburgh, London's West End & Broadway, and what advice he would give anyone thinking preforming.

Plus, how much he loves Sherlock Holmes (he was 10 years old when he found out Holmes was pure fiction) & for a former Refreshing Podcast guest Alan Davies and the character he played in Jonathan Creek.

Johnny & Colin also touch on that famous clip from ITV's 'This Morning' when Holly Willoughby asked him to "stay and do me".

Colin gives a great flavour to his life both on and off stage in this great 30 minute interview.

“CLOUD IS NOT ONLY A MASTER OF SUGGESTION, HE’S ALSO A MASTER OF ‘HOW THE F*** DID HE KNOW THAT?!’.” (5 stars - Edinburgh Review)

Colin's shows are selling out fast, so add him into your Fringe basket asap.

Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/colin-cloud-hoax

Insta: @ColinCloud

Web: www.colincloud.com

Check out Colin's amazing trick he preformed on Johnny, in the Refreshing Pod Insta profile grid.

We wish Colin and his bride to be Jenna all the best, as he's due to get married mid Fringe. Congrats!

Refreshing Pod is a magazine style podcast, giving you ideas, interviews, big name guests, and guaranteed laughs along the way, with new content every few weeks, now in it's 10th series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refreshing Pod - Fringe 2026: INDY!

Fringe Fever is here. Johnny's latest chat takes you back to the 1980's via the initial Indiana Jones trilogy of films.

In possibly the longest title Johnny has ever said on the podcast 'INDY! … And the Raiders of The Last Temple

of the Lost Ark Crusade of Doom', is a new comedy by and starring Daniel Clarkson and Brendan Murphy.

In just 70 minutes experience a whip-cracking romp through the first three Indiana Jones films with just 3 performers, and 1 fedora.

Johnny, Dan & Brendan chat all things Indy! .. including the use of stage props (will the classic boulder feature?) .. and just how many fake snakes can you purchase online?

Daniel Clarkson and Brendan Murphy are no strangers to taking on the big guns from the TV and film world. Both are the brains behind Potted Potter, Potted Panto, FRIEND (The One With Gunther) and Buffy Revamped - team up with Olivier nominated director Owen Lewis to deliver this new breakneck comedy of chaos at the 2026 Fringe.

This is a must for INDY! fans, you won't be disappointed, and to wet you appetite Johnny ends the interview with a quick fire quiz, and spoiler alert ... both Daniel & Brendan's knowledge is beyond good.

“CLARKSON CHANNELS A CAFFEINATED ROBIN WILLIAMS” - New York Times (on Potted Potter)

“MURPHY IS A BALL OF ENERGY… SUCH A GENUINELY FUNNY GUY” - British Theatre Guide

Tickets: www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/indy

INDY! Insta: @indytheshow

Insta's (Daniel & Brendan) > @notmurphy + @daniel_veronica

INDY!

Auditorium at Gilded Balloon (at the Museum)

Ends 30/08/26

Daniel Clarkson is probably best known for being one half of the comedy double act “Dan and Jeff”, renowned across the globe for their “Potted” stage shows as well as an 18-month residence in the CBBC office as their in-house presenters. With four “Potted” shows now under his belt including Olivier nominations for Potted Potter and Potted Panto, he has received both audience and critical acclaim, having had sell-out seasons in both London’s West End and New York, and completed several successful international tours including a six year residency for Potted Potter in Las Vegas where it won Best New Production at the Best of Las Vegas awards. He also wrote (and latterly directed) The Crown Live - a comic parody of the Netflix series The Crown – which opened in London and toured the US – as well as directing Rosie Holt and Stewart Lee’s new comedy Churchill’s Urinal for King’s Head Theatre and Edinburgh this year.

Brendan Murphy (who's back on the podcast, after first appearing in 2024) is an actor, writer and voice-over artist. His critically acclaimed parody show FRIEND (The One With Gunther) won Best Play at the World Wide Comedy Awards, playing multiple Edinburgh seasons and UK tours as well as a Toronto run. An experienced improviser, Brendan is a member of BBC Radio One's BattleActs! and a guest player for Second City and Monkey Toast. He is co-creator of the ARIA award-nominated satirical comedy podcast NonCensored with Rosie Holt. Other writing credits include The Mawaan & Emily Show (BBC Asian Network), SO! Beano (Sky Kids) and Comedians In Quarantine (Comedy Central) with co-writer Kiell Smith-Bynoe. The award-winning international and West End success of Buffy Revamped (Darkchat Awards 2022: Best Comedy Performer and Best One-Person Show) has confirmed him as one of the country’s most talented writers and preformers.

Refreshing Pod is a magazine style podcast, giving you ideas, interviews, big name guests, and guaranteed laughs along the way, with new content every few weeks, now in it's 10th series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refreshing Pod - Fringe 2026: Jennifer Jane

Fringe Fever is set to take over Edinburgh once again, officially running from 7th - 31st August 2026.

From electrifying hard relationships, doing naked photoshoots, appearing on Shark Tank with her brother and securing a $400,000 investment, Jennifer has achieved so much, and she's not done yet.

In her Fringe Festival debut, have some 'Happy Tea' with her.

Her first full time show is a wildly honest, comedic, and totally unfiltered one-woman storytelling show. Equal parts heart and chaos. It dives headfirst into relationships, the rollercoaster of being a caregiver, and the utter madness of making the multi-award winning documentary, Charged, under very unique circumstances. 

But, ultimately, 'Happy Tea' is a feel good show & has many surprising elements, like how it's a benefit sleeping in an elk, and the bizarre moments of being egged on by a ghost sperm.

Outside of Jennifer's career in stand up, and writing, she's appeared in front of millions via ABC in the USA on Shark Tank helping propel her part owned food business 'Proper Good Food' into first gear.

Johnny also has a laugh about how many times Jennifer likes to get naked, working with her Edinburgh director Stuart Laws (a previous Refreshing Podcast guest himself) & a brief chat about testicles.

Enjoy this fascinating listen!

“SO FUNNY. SO DARK. SO BRILLIANT.” Bone Dry Comedy

Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jennifer-jane-happy-tea

Insta: @jenniferjanecomedy

Watch the documentary 'Charged' : www.chargedfilm.com

Proper Good Foods (USA Listenership Only) : eatpropergood.com

Happy Tea

Just The Tonic at The Mash House (Just The Snifter Room)

Ends 30/08/26

Refreshing Pod is a magazine style podcast, giving you ideas, interviews, big name guests, and guaranteed laughs along the way, with new content every few weeks, now in it's 10th series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refreshing Pod - Fringe 2026: Mike McShane

Fringe Fever is set to take over Edinburgh once again, officially running from 7th - 31st August 2026.

Johnny's latest chat is with Fringe legend Mike McShane.

Mike found fame on Improv TV Show 'Whose Line Is It Anyway' & has stared alongside Morgan Freeman, Alan Rickman & Kevin Costner playing Friar Tuck in 'Robin Hood, Prince Of Thieves', plus with Macaulay Culkin in 'Richie Rich' as Professor Keenbean. His TV & stage credits are endless both in the USA, and the UK.

In 'The Event' Mike takes on a solo theatre role in John Clancy’s ground-breaking, often humorous examination of the myriad interactions that take place during a live performance.

A sharp, witty, insightful exploration of the unspoken contract between actor and audience both dissects the art of performance whilst exploring the absurdities of life. 

“INTELLIGENT AND EXHILARATING.” Guardian

“INCONGRUOUSLY ENTERTAINING.” Times

“DELICIOUS, PERNICIOUSLY MIND-BENDING STUFF” Financial Times

Mike also has a huge love for Improv comedy, and has 2 productions he's a guest on this year, full details below.

Mike regularly tours with Paul Merton and his wife Suki, known from 'Have I Got News For You'. Johnny & Mike take a trip down memory lane, chat his Edinburgh 2026 slate, alongside his film and TV portfolio spanning decades.

He gives you some amazing stories from Ruby Wax editing scripts for Robin Hood, and having Robin Williams see him preform Improv in the USA .... and how much he loves Fringe favourite MC Hammersmith, Mike's love of old silent based cinema & so much more, and how he lives with ducks (almost).

Add at least one of Mike's shows to your 2026 list.

Tickets: Search MIke Mcshane via edringe.com/tickets

Insta: mcshane1955

Mike's in a few productions this year, including his solo theatre show

The Event

Above at Pleasance Courtyard

Ends 31/08/26

+ as part of a guest line up on ... Paul Merton and Suki Webster's Improv Show (running 13th - 23rd Aug)

& The Improv All Stars (running 7th - 30th Aug)

Refreshing Pod is a magazine style podcast, giving you ideas, interviews, big name guests, and guaranteed laughs along the way, with new content every few weeks, now in it's 10th series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refreshing Pod - Fringe 2026: Chris Forbes

Fringe Fever is set to take over Edinburgh once again, officially running from 7th - 31st August 2026.

Celebrate Christmas in the middle of the summer? .. Yes please!

Expect trees, tinsel and tragedy as Chris puts on his Christmas jumper in his latest stand-up show about festive joy, family and the Christmas Day that changed everything in 'Father Christmas'

You might know Chris from BBC Scotland's 'Scot Squad' he also has 2 other famous brothers in the shape of Andy & Jamie Murray.

Chris alongside his 'Mum' Judy Murray has amassed over 20 million views as 'Duncan Murray' the not so good tennis player who's also residing inside the Murray household.

Johnny speaks to Chris about his 2026 Fringe run, being 'Duncan' and his love for both tennis, basketball (Chris is so tall!) golf and football.

As this interview goes live, it's only 151 days until Christmas Day. Johnny needs to know is Chris the only person in August who's online buying crackers and fairy lights? .. Go & see the main man this summer!

Chris is one of the most in demand comics in the UK. Outside regular gigs in the UK, Chris has gigged all over the world from America to Canada to Australia to Norway to Dubai, and supported Kevin Bridges on tour.

“HE’S BRILLIANT COMPANY – HONEST, INSIGHTFUL VERY FUNNY.” (4 Stars The Scotsman)

Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/chris-forbes-father-christmas

Insta: @chrisforbescomedy

Chris Forbes : Father Christmas

Monkey Barrel 2 at Monkey Barrel Comedy

Ends 30/08/26

Refreshing Pod is a magazine style podcast, giving you ideas, interviews, big name guests, and guaranteed laughs along the way, with new content every few weeks, now in it's 10th series.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.