Show Notes
By The Way... Chris Hall can't talk to strangers, and he thinks the logistics of planning a group holiday is a total scam! This week, Harriet sits down with the incredible comedian, performer, and sketch artist to unpack everything from his viral pandemic character comedy to his highly anticipated UK and Ireland tour, Pizzazz. Chris opens up about the awkward realities of navigating new social situations, the self-esteem hurdles of growing up queer, and why he absolutely refuses to be at the end of a row at the cinema. He gets candid about his intense fight-or-flight response when ordering a coffee, how he relies on a "squad of loud girls" to break the ice for him, and why some babies simply refuse to vibe with him. Chris reveals the hilarious reason he’s entering his "cat lady era" after his POV sketches struck a chord with animal lovers , recounts the excruciating time he froze for seven full seconds after being introduced to tiny gorgeous fairy queen Rachel Stevens , and explains why you should immediately send that email you've been stressing over for five days straight.
More from By The Way...with Harriet Rose
BAFTA-nominated actress Saffron Hocking, star of Top Boy, The Devil’s Hour, Moon Knight and Hit Point, joins Harriet Rose on By The Way to spill on her Arsenal obsession, dating disasters and life behind the scenes, revealing why she’s a self-proclaimed “born-again football hooligan”.
Before she became known as Lesbian Jesus, Hayley Kiyoko was rocking a questionable bob on Wizards of Waverly Place and opening for Justin Bieber. But how did a Disney Channel star become a queer pop icon? Hayley joins Harriet Rose to talk coming out, growing up in Hollywood and the terrifying moment that changed her career. From finding love and embracing her identity to the pressures of being a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Plus, she reveals the heartbreak behind Girls Like Girls, why it took 11 years to bring her story to the big screen and what it really means to be Lesbian Jesus.
Break Clause actor and poet Lucas Jones joins Harriet to talk death, grief, the afterlife and the signs from beyond that are almost impossible to explain. Lucas has one belief he can’t shake: death is a myth. But what does he actually mean by that - and can experiencing loss completely change the way you look at being alive? From losing a childhood friend to a mysterious voicemail that appeared months after someone died, Lucas and Harriet share the experiences that have made them question what really happens when we die. Harriet also opens up about losing her dad at 17 — and one unexplained moment that has stayed with her ever since. And because this is By The Way, things take a turn. Lucas reveals the childhood identity he nearly adopted, a honeymoon encounter that may have uncovered a long-lost relative, and the bizarre school experience that changed how he saw himself. Plus, Harriet makes a confession about her teenage years that explains… quite a lot. Content warning: This episode contains conversations about death, grief and bereavement, including the loss of a parent and a friend in a motorcycle accident. It also contains discussions of sex and sexual experiences, including references to teenage experiences, and strong language.
Content note: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault and mental health. Please listen with care and skip any sections that aren’t right for you
Kevin Twomey has a confession: he’s a university dropout. But somehow that’s only the beginning.The I’m Grand Mam host joins Harriet for a true overshare that goes from coming out and Catholic guilt to astrology, Irish families, disastrous nights out and Kevin’s unexpected talent for operating heavy machinery.They also find the funny side of grief, as Harriet and Kevin swap stories about losing their dads - including one particularly unforgettable moment at Harriet’s father’s funeral.00:00 Intro00:34 BY THE WAY?- UNIVERSITY DROPOUT03:55 Coming Out to His Dad07:22 From “Kevin 11” to Dropping Out08:50 Kevin’s Unexpected New Career11:48 Harriet Reads Kevin’s Star Sign15:54 French People, Duolingo & Airport Icks18:24 The University Experience Kevin Missed23:38 BY THE WAY, ALTER SERVER27:19 Finding the Funny Side of Grief33:52 BY THE WAY- THE NEWSREADER36:48 Kevin & Harriet Swap TV Obsessions38:40 I’m Grand Mam & Why Irish People Are Funnier41:30 The People You Instantly Click With