We Can Be Weirdos - podcast cover

We Can Be Weirdos

Prepare to plunge into the peculiar as Dan Schreiber, professional fact-hunter, uncovers the wild beliefs, ideas and theories of some of the most remarkable people on planet earth.  As well as delving into the lives of truly fascinating people, Dan asks his guests a maverick tour of questions known as The Batshit Survey. Do they believe in Ghosts? Déjà vu? Telepathy? Premonitions? Déjà vu?  Either way, everyone has theories they are transfixed by, or a mystery in their own life that they’re trying to solve. Dan leaves no rock unturned – and he’ll share plenty of his own mind-blowing facts and theories too. Bonus episodes, ‘The Rough Corner’, hear from YOU – your wild ideas, odd theories and unexplainable experiences. Let’s create a global community of likeminded weirdos! Expect new episodes every Thursday. Bonus episodes land on Tuesday.  For advertising opportunities on this podcast email: [email protected]

Episodes

#98: Lawyer, Doctor or Dead: Sikisa and the Party Ghost

Sikisa, is a dynamic British stand-up comedian, writer, producer, and qualified immigration lawyer. Born in South London and having spent part of her early life in Barbados, she brings a rich blend of cultural perspectives to her work. Sikisa's comedy often explores themes of race, class, and identity, delivered with an infectious energy and authenticity. Her unique style has earned her appearances on notable TV shows such as "Live at the Apollo," "Jonathan Ross' Comedy Club," and "The Stand Up ...

May 30, 202558 minEp. 98

#97: Ghost in the WiFi: Adam Buxton and the spirit of Blaszabss

Adam Buxton is a British comedian, writer, podcaster, and actor best known for his work in comedy and broadcasting. He gained prominence in the 1990s as one half of the comedy duo Adam and Joe , alongside Joe Cornish. Their cult TV show The Adam and Joe Show on Channel 4 mixed sketches, pop culture parodies, and homemade creativity, becoming a hit with alternative comedy fans. Buxton is also widely respected for The Adam Buxton Podcast , where he conducts warm, thoughtful, and often humorous int...

May 23, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 97

The Rough Corner: Crotch Eyeballing, Psychic Cops & 'Big Spooky Moss' Dr Kate Cherrell

Dan and Al talk interior design premonitions, plotting pigeons, awkward interactions, and share some of the weirdest correspondence from the week. Plus, paranormal historian Dr Kate Cherrell has an awesome new book out, called Begotten. Find the link to that below! Kate's also been unearthing some of the strangest prophesies for our listening delight... the pope-pocalypse is back on. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Begotten-Gothic-Novel-Kate-Cherrell/dp/1803418044 https://www.waterstones.com/book/begot...

May 20, 202552 min

#96: Tony Sharkscientist: Andrew Hunter Murray and The Three-Second Rule for Curses

Andrew Hunter Murray is a writer and researcher for the BBC panel show QI, as a member of the team known as the "QI Elves". He co-hosts the spin-off podcast series No Such Thing as a Fish. Murray wrote and co-presented the podcast's spinoff television series No Such Thing as the News. He currently hosts "Drop Us a Line" as part of the No Such Thing As A Fish podcast, and also the BBC's satirical current affairs podcast The Naked Week. Andrew Hunter Murray works for Ian Hislop as a writer for Pri...

May 18, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 96

The Rough Corner: Witch, Please... There Are Bones in My Wall!

Emmie Brookman made a very spooky discovery while renovating her home... human bones in the wall, and a mysterious little bottle. Could there be a connection to witchcraft? Emmie's been hunting for answers. Also, Synchronicity Corner, a Spurs-pocalypse and memory-wiping yellow liquor. **Please note, this episode was recorded prior to the new pope being chosen - Congrats Leo XIV!**

May 09, 202539 min

#95: Monjoronson: Jon Ronson and the Psychopath TikTokkers

Jon Ronson is a British journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker known for his investigative and often humorous explorations of unusual and controversial subjects. Born on May 10, 1967, in Cardiff, Wales, he has written several bestselling books, including Them: Adventures with Extremists , The Men Who Stare at Goats , and So You've Been Publicly Shamed . His work often blends gonzo journalism with psychological and cultural analysis, and he has contributed to outlets like The Guardian and ...

May 08, 202554 minEp. 95

The Rough Corner Returns: The Prophecy of the Popes, Polite Pigeons and Baby Dragons

"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.

Apr 30, 202541 min

#94: Songs about Moths: Michael Brunström and a Guide to Coping with a Trillion Noses

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/

Apr 25, 202549 minEp. 94

#93: A Cursed Human: Nick Helm and the Haunted Post Office

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 E...

Apr 17, 20251 hrEp. 93

#92 The Cauldron Rituals: India Rakusen and the Inky Milk of Destiny

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...

Apr 11, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 92

#91: The Trivialisation of the Spiritual: Milton Jones and the Handkerchief Ghost

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/

Apr 04, 202546 minEp. 91

#90 Cursed Monkey Business: Ventriloquist Nina Conti and the Puppet Funeral Home

"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 ...

Mar 28, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 90

#89: Apocalypse How: Tom Phillips and the Impending Doom of the 112th Pope

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 F cked It All Up* and Truth: A Brief History of Total Bullsh t*. His works blend humor with historical analysis, exploring humanity’s mistakes and misconceptions in an engaging and accessible way....

Mar 21, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 89

#88: The Bolan Glitch: Marc Burrows and the Shuffling Cemetery

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...

Mar 14, 202559 minEp. 88

#87: The Secret Painter: Joe Tucker and the Nature of Intangible Heritage

" 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. D...

Mar 07, 202559 minEp. 87

#86: The Surfing Philosopher: Peter Singer and the Mercy Release Fallacy

Peter Singer, born on July 6, 1946, in Melbourne, Australia, is a prominent moral philosopher renowned for his work in applied ethics and animal rights. Educated at the University of Melbourne and the University of Oxford, he has taught at institutions worldwide, including Princeton University, where he serves as the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics. Singer's seminal 1975 book, "Animal Liberation," is often credited with initiating the modern animal rights movement. He has authored over 50 b...

Feb 27, 202542 minEp. 86

The Glitch: Is it Rude to Gift Someone a Cursed Item?

As its half term we wanted to provide some SFC (safe for car) content to all the families driving back from half term trips. This is an excerpt from Dan's young friendly book IMPOSSIBLE THINGS. It's the perfect book for young curious minds who love to ask WEIRD and WONDERFUL questions. Want to impress your friends and family with some BANANAS but TRUE facts? Then discover the world of impossible things with Dan Schreiber. This book will give you the answers to all of your big questions, no matte...

Feb 21, 202526 minEp. 85

#84: Gold Star Mormon: Leah Renee and the Magic Underwear

Leah Renee is a stand-up comedian based in Philadelphia and New York City. A mother of three, she describes her comedic style as "like a budget version of Brian Regan if he was a Mormon housewife." Leah has been open about her journey from being a Mormon to embracing comedy, discussing challenges such as religious OCD (scrupulosity) and cultural pressures. She has shared her experiences in various interviews and podcasts, highlighting how humor has been a pathway to healing and self-discovery. I...

Feb 14, 20251 hr 25 minEp. 84

#83: UK Tree Hugging Champion: Hannah Willows and the Magic of Buffet Spiritualism

Hannah Willow, a 36-year-old early years teacher and children's author from Glasgow, was crowned the city's first tree-hugging champion in October 2024. The event, held at Dams to Darnley Country Park, featured various rounds, including speed hugging, dedicated hugging, and freestyle hugging. Willow's spontaneous dance around a tree during the dedicated hugging round secured her victory. She now plans to represent the UK at the World Tree Hugging Championships in Finland and has initiated a crow...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 83

#82: Maximising your Swamp Thing: Robin Ince and the Ghosts of the Mind

Robin Ince is an English comedian, actor and writer. He is known for presenting the BBC radio show The Infinite Monkey Cage with physicist Brian Cox, creating Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People, co-creating The Cosmic Shambles Network, and his stand-up comedy career. For more Robin Ince go to https://robinince.com/

Jan 31, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 82

#81: Elastic Band Space Warfare: Zoe Lyons and the Botanical Afterlife

" I experienced something once in an undertaker's that I've never fully, managed to work out" Zoe Lyons is a British comedian and television presenter known for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling. She gained recognition through stand-up comedy, appearing at major festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe. Lyons has been a regular on popular British panel shows such as Mock the Week and QI . Her humour often blends observational comedy with personal anecdotes, drawing on her experiences growing up...

Jan 23, 202553 minEp. 81

#80: Be Here Now: Susan Blackmore and the Possibility of Intergelactic Memes

Susan Blackmore is a renowned British psychologist, writer, and visiting professor at the University of Plymouth, specialising in the study of consciousness, memes, and anomalous experiences. With a background in psychology and physiology from the University of Oxford and a PhD in parapsychology from the University of Surrey, she gained prominence for her critical yet open-minded approach to topics like near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and paranormal claims. Blackmore is also the...

Jan 17, 202549 minEp. 80

#79: The Twin Peaks of Twin Peaks: Dan Smith from Bastille and the Song of Spiderman

Dan Smith is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the British band Bastille, known for their anthemic, cinematic pop-rock sound. Born on July 14, 1986, in London, England, he rose to international fame with Bastille’s breakout single, "Pompeii," in 2013, followed by the success of their debut album Bad Blood . Influenced by literature, film, and history, Smith's lyrics often explore themes of human emotion, social issues, and storytelling. Beyond Bastille, he collaborates with other artis...

Jan 09, 202553 minEp. 79

#78 Clowns without Borders: Samantha Holdsworth, Ping Pong, and the Mystery of the Mundane Psychic

" I didn't believe in ghosts up until about three weeks ago and I saw a cat walk down our steps." Clowns Without Borders are a non-profit organization that brings laughter, humour, and clowning to communities in crisis around the world. The organization focuses on providing emotional and psychological support to people affected by war, poverty, and natural disasters through clown performances and workshops. Founded in 1993, Clowns Without Borders operates in a variety of settings, including refu...

Dec 26, 20241 hr 25 minEp. 78

#77 The Child of Weird: Cariad Lloyd and the 50 hour Improv-Induced Reality Warp

" And I went to the kitchen, I said out loud, If you're there, I don't want a message, I don't want you to do anything, because it's terrifying me." Cariad Lloyd is a British comedian, actor, and writer best known for her award-winning podcast Griefcast , exploring grief with humor and empathy. A versatile performer, she has appeared on TV shows like QI and Have I Got News for You . Lloyd is celebrated for her warmth, wit, and insightful storytelling.

Dec 20, 20241 hr 21 minEp. 77

#76 LIVE IN SOHO: Brian Blessed breaks the Batshit List

"This show was basically invented so it could lead to this moment" Brian Blessed is a larger-than-life British actor, adventurer, and storyteller, renowned for his booming voice and exuberant personality. Born on October 9, 1936, in Yorkshire, his career spans decades, with standout roles in Flash Gordon , Blackadder , and I, Claudius . Beyond acting, Blessed is a passionate mountaineer, having attempted Everest multiple times, and an accomplished author. Known for his love of animals and zest f...

Dec 12, 20241 hr 36 minEp. 76

#75 Category 3 Druid: Philip Carr-Gomm and the Reversed Occam’s Razor

"When I was five, I saw a ghost of a woman clothed in blue walking across the room" Philip Carr-Gomm is an author, psychologist, and Druid leader known for his work in spirituality, nature connection, and personal growth. He served as the Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD) for over 30 years, guiding one of the largest international Druid orders. Philip has written extensively on Druidry, mythology, and meditation, with notable books including The Druid Way and Sacred Places ....

Dec 06, 202458 minEp. 75

#74 An Alien with Exceptional Talent: Oliver Jeffers and the Dry Weetabix

"We’re all energy in some ways, so what happens to that after we die" Oliver Jeffers makes art and tells stories—fine art for (mostly) adults, and picture books for (mostly) children. As a visual artist and author working in painting, bookmaking, illustration, collage, performance, and sculpture, curiosity and humour are underlying themes throughout Oliver's practice as an artist and storyteller.

Nov 28, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 74

#73 Reginald D Hunter's Theory of the Wandering Bigfoot-Dino-Bear

TW: This conversation contains reference to suicide. "It's just never seemed like a good idea to spend a lot of time in the woods" Since his first UK comedy gig twenty-one years ago Georgia-born Reginald D Hunter’s searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV and Radio have garnered him a cross-generational fan base. During that time he has become one of the Comedy industry’s best-known performers for his distinctive take on the most diverse range of subjects. His work can be brutally ho...

Nov 21, 202451 minEp. 73

#72 Too Many Evil Priests: Kate Mosse and the Hedge of Destiny

"I felt my dad's presence a lot after he had died. When my mother died, he went" Kate Mosse is the author of eleven novels & short story collections, including the No 1 bestselling The Joubert Family Chronicles –  The Burning Chambers ,  The City of Tears ,  The Ghost Ship  and  The Map of Bones  – as well as the multimillion selling Languedoc Trilogy -  Labyrinth ,  Sepulchre  and  Citadel  - and No 1 bestselling Gothic fiction includin...

Nov 14, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 72
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