We Can Be Weirdos

"Stock up on holy water to hedge your bets"

The Rough Corner is back! First on the agenda: the end of everything. Dan speaks to Dr Alexander Zawacki, an expert on medieval prophecies, to better understand the so-called 'Prophecy of the Popes' which could mean the end is very much nigh. Plus, pigeons, proteuses and police boxes.

Michael Brunström is a surrealist comedian and performance artist known for his wildly inventive, often absurd solo shows that blur the line between stand-up, theatre, and dadaist performance. He won the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2015 for his show The Golden Age of Steam, and he’s been a regular on the alternative comedy circuit ever since.

More info: https://michaelbrunstrom.co.uk/

Nick Helm first took to the stand-up comedy stage in 2007 and quickly became a circuit legend with his tour de force of one-liners, stories, poems and jokes. Since then, he’s become one of Britain’s most loved comedians for his multiple, memorable and moving television appearances, his critically acclaimed writing and his legendary rollercoaster live shows.

Across the years, Nick has taken multiple mega hit shows to the Edinburgh Fringe including the must-see Keep Hold of the Gold, the Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated Dare to Dream and the completely sold out This Means War. In 2017, he embarked on his first full tour, hitting 25 dates across the UK with his hilarious show There Is Nothing You Can Do To Me That I Haven’t Already Done To Myself. He also released two successful albums Nick Helm is F*cking Amazing and Hot ‘n’ Heavy, which feature hit songs from his solo shows and are available on iTunes and Bandcamp.

Nick has become a firm TV favourite having appeared on multiple shows both acting and as himself. He was nominated for a Royal Television Society Award for his starring role in critically acclaimed BBC Three sitcom, Uncle, and also played the adorable Watto is Channel 4’s Loaded which was later broadcast on AMC in America. He’s also fronted his own food travelogue show Eat Your Heart Out with Nick Helm on Dave and his own high-octane variety show Nick Helm’s Heavy Entertainment on BBC Three. This is all in addition to his other unforgettable TV appearances such as 8 Out of 10 Cats, Russell Howard’s Good News and Celebrity Mastermind.

Go and see Nick: https://www.nick-helm.co.uk/#live

Killers, Cults and Queens is BACK for Season 3! This week, Nikki and Cheryl dive into the chilling story of the Donner Party in Part 1 of our multi-episode series. What really happened to the Donner Party? Why did they risk everything to take the dangerous Sierra Nevada route? Could the Donner Party tragedy have been avoided? And just how did Lansford Hastings play a role in this infamous disaster? Tune in to this week's episode of Killers, Cults and Queens to uncover the truth behind one of America's most haunting true crime stories.

Got a theory? Been lost in a rabbit hole? We want to hear from YOU! Email [email protected] to get in touch, or DM us @killerscultsqueens on Instagram. And follow Cheryl @cheryldragqueen and Nikki Druce @nikkimacabrelondon.

Listen on Global Player for free. Download Global Player from the app store or go to globalplayer.com.

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, please consider contacting the following resources:

The Samaritans helpline: 116 123

Confidential Emotional Support Line: 01708 765200

Hope Not Hate: 020 7952 1181

Exit UK: 0800 999 1945

Safeline national male survivor helpline: 0808 800 5005

Sexual Assault Support Line: 01708 765200

Sane mental health line: 0300 304 7000

India Rakusen is an award-winning journalist who crafts immersive stories that explore the human experience in our rapidly changing world, challenging what we think and why we think it.

From witches and tarot card readings, ghosts to fertilisation and atoms, this fascinating episode of We Can Be Weirdos takes a look at the supernatural, but with its science hat on.

Some of India's weirdness really is bat shit, but that's what we love.

You can follow India on Instagram

Milton Jones, a comedy virtuoso known for his unique blend of one-liners, absurdity, and surreal humor, has carved a niche for himself in the world of comedy with his unmistakable style. With his iconic wild hair, loud shirts, and a mind brimming with witty puns, Milton has captivated audiences far and wide, solidifying his status as a comedic legend.

Go see Milton Jones: https://www.miltonjones.co.uk/

"What's the criteria for being 'real'?"

Nina Conti is an internationally acclaimed ventriloquist, comedian and actress. Among many credits, she starred in Her Master's Voice, where she takes the bereaved puppets of her mentor Ken Campbell on a pilgrimage to the resting place for puppets of dead ventriloquists.

Nina Conti's new show 'Whose Face Is It Anyway?' will be at the Duke of York's Theatre in the West End for five nights, from 29th April - 3rd May 2025, before touring the UK in the autumn. Tickets for all dates at ninaontour.com. Her directorial debut film 'Sunlight' is set for release later this year.

Tom Phillips is a British author, journalist, and humorist known for his witty and insightful takes on history and human folly. A former editorial director at Full Fact, the UK’s independent fact-checking charity, Phillips has written books such as Humans: A Brief History of How We Fcked It All Up* and Truth: A Brief History of Total Bullsht*. His works blend humor with historical analysis, exploring humanity’s mistakes and misconceptions in an engaging and accessible way.

Marc Burrows is a British writer, musician, and comedian. He is best known for his work as a journalist and author, particularly for The Magic of Terry Pratchett (2020), an award-winning biography of the beloved fantasy author. Burrows has also written for publications like The Guardian and New Statesman. In addition to his writing, he has been involved in music and comedy, performing stand-up and playing bass in bands. His work often blends humor, pop culture, and deep-dive research.

More Marc stuff: https://www.marcburrows.co.uk/

" But I kind of loved the power of that, the power of weirdness"

"The Secret Painter" is a memoir by Joe Tucker that delves into the concealed artistic life of his uncle, Eric Tucker. Eric, a laborer from Warrington, Cheshire, led a double life, secretly creating over 500 paintings and approximately 1,000 sketches depicting mid-20th-century working-class northern life. His works, often compared to those of LS Lowry, capture scenes of pubs, theaters, and street life with authenticity and depth.

Despite his sociable nature, Eric was reserved about his art, seldom sharing his creations publicly. His family discovered his extensive collection only after his death in 2018, leading to posthumous exhibitions that garnered significant public and media attention.

Joe Tucker's memoir offers a touching and thoughtful exploration of his uncle's life, reflecting on themes of class, ambition, loneliness, and community. The book provides insight into Eric's personal history, his dedication to art, and the broader disconnect between working-class culture and the art establishment.

"The Secret Painter" serves as a poignant tribute to Eric Tucker's unwavering artistic commitment, bringing his life's work into the public eye and celebrating the extraordinary found in unexpected places.