Best Richard Atherton Podcasts (2025)

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Everyone's A Little Self-Obsessed with Eurovision winner JJ 12:02

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2h ago12:02

12:02

We’re joined by Eurovision royalty on this episode of A Gay And A NonGay — the winner of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, JJ! Fresh from Vienna, JJ chats with James and Dan about everything from broken trophies and bubble wrap fails to navigating unrequited love in the queer community. They open up about the struggles of dating when everyone seems…

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Pride, Protest, and Politics with Eva Echo 31:35

7d ago31:35

31:35

We have a record-breaker on the podcast this week! It's Eva Echo's third appearance on A Gay And A NonGay, which puts her in a class of her own! Eva is a trans activity, NHS campaigner and is the Director of Innovation at Birmingham Pride. On this episode, James, Dan and Eva talk about pride as a protest amid rising transphobia in UK politics, the …

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Changing the Tide - with Fran Crowsley-Allen & Kim Wyche 34:59

6d ago34:59

34:59

The Naval Servicewomen’s Network is more than a support group - it’s a catalyst for culture change. In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, The Culture Colonel, speaks with Lieutenant Commander Fran Crowsley-Allen and Warrant Officer Kim Wyche, co-chairs of the Naval Servicewomen’s Network (NSN). Together, they offer a powerful and personal account of th…

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Staying Sober In The LGBTQ+ Community with Frankie Grande 29:15

15d ago29:15

29:15

We have pop royalty on this episode of A Gay And A NonGay as James and Dan are joined by actor, singer and famous brother Frankie Grande! Frankie's new album Hotel Rock Bottom is out now and covers everything from gay joy to his journey to sobriety. In this conversation, James, Dan and Frankie talk about sobriety in the gay community, the evolving …

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Changing the Culture, Changing Defence - with Sarah Atherton 37:10

15d ago37:10

37:10

⚠️ Content Note: This episode contains discussions of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and military sexual trauma from the start. Please listen with care. Support resources are available on our website at bfbs.com/audience support. Real change needs courage - and a refusal to stay silent. In this powerful finale to Series 2, Lindsay MacDuff, the …

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Badly Behaved People, Brilliant Leadership - with Zena Everett 36:37

23d ago36:37

36:37

Your team doesn’t need a superhero. It needs someone who listens. In this refreshingly honest and insightful episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, is joined by organisational psychologist and bestselling author Zena Everett, whose book 'Badly Behaved People: How to Deal with Idiots at Work' is equal parts hilarious and scathing -because so…

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Why Do So Many Men Have No Mates? with Max Dickins 37:24

29d ago37:24

37:24

On this episode of A Gay And A NonGay, James and Dan are joined by author, comedian and honorary sixth straight guest, Max Dickins! Max opens up about the inspiration behind his brilliant book Billy No-Mates — a deep-dive into male friendship sparked by the realisation he had no one to ask to be his best man. Together, they unpack the complexities …

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Still Fighting: Racism, Service & Speaking Out - with Kerry Ann Knight & Richard Stokes 36:02

29d ago36:02

36:02

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of racism and trauma from the start. Please listen with care. Support resources are available on our website at bfbs.com/audience support. Racism doesn’t disappear with time - it disappears with action. In this deeply important and courageous episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks wi…

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Fighting HIV Stigma with Richard Angell 38:29

1M ago38:29

38:29

We’re joined by Richard Angell, OBE and Chief Executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, on this week's episode of A Gay And A NonGay! The Terrence Higgins Trust is at the forefront of the fight against HIV, striving for a future where there are no new cases of HIV, where people living with HIV get the support they need and there is good sexual healt…

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Leading with Lived Experience - with Tabitha Smith-Lawrence 34:20

1M ago34:20

34:20

What happens when you realise that success, as it’s traditionally defined, isn’t serving you? In this episode, Tabitha Smith-Lawrence, Defence Psychologist & Endometriosis Champion, shares how she redefined success on her own terms; choosing purpose, authenticity, and well-being over performance-driven burnout. In a bold act of self-reflection, she…

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Love Yourself Before You Love Another 24:55

1M ago24:55

24:55

If you can't love yourself, how can you love anybody else? On this episode of A Gay And A NonGay, James and Dan are diving into the importance of self-love this Pride season. From exploring the transactional nature of relationships to discussing how to set expectations and the realities of compromise - we're coming to the realisation that love can …

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Rowing and Rising Together - with Force Atlantic 42:30

1M ago42:30

42:30

Forty-six days. Over 3,000 miles. One ocean. Four extraordinary women. In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, sits down with the incredible Force Atlantic team - the first all-female British Army team to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Captain Imogen ‘Imy‘ O'Brien, Captain Sheridan Lucas MBE, Major Rebecca Glover and Corporal Emma Gi…

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What Is The Male Equivalent of Brunch? with Elf Lyons 36:22

2M ago36:22

36:22

We’re joined by the award winning Elf Lyons on this weeks episode of A Gay And A NonGay! She has literally been listed as one of the 50 Funniest Comedians of the 21st Century by The Telegraph, one of the ’20 Names of Now’ by British Vogue and is a multi-Edinburgh Fringe award winner – so you know we’ve got a good one! James, Dan and Elf talk about …

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Hiding in Uniform - with Dougie Morgan 39:19

2M ago39:19

39:19

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of homophobia and discrimination, which some may find offensive. Listener discretion is advised. For 38 years, Dougie Morgan served in the British Army; respected on operations, but haunted by a secret he couldn’t share. Behind the discipline and duty was a man forced to hide his identity in an inst…

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From Awards Ceremonies to Marathons! 20:16

2M ago20:16

20:16

On this week’s episode of A Gay And A NonGay, James and Dan are having a long overdue catch-up to chat about the recent goings on in their lives. From running marathons… to walking through tunnels, and the awkwardness of attending awards ceremonies. James and Dan also reflect on winning the Webby Award for Independent Podcast and give an inside pea…

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Turning Pain into Purpose - with Jacqui Wilkinson 38:54

2M ago38:54

38:54

Trigger Warning - This episode contains discussion of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. Please take care while listening, or consider skipping this episode. If you're affected by the themes and need support, resources are available on our website. For years, Wing Commander Jacqui Wilkinson kept her past hidden - masking a childhood marked by ab…

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Leadership, Inclusion & Impact - with Sara Catterall 35:52

2M ago35:52

35:52

Sara Catterall, Strategic Command Warrant Officer, brings passion, purpose, and people-first thinking to the heart of Defence. With a leadership style rooted in inclusion, curiosity, and psychological safety, Sara is reshaping what it means to lead in today’s military landscape. In this episode, Lindsay MacDuff, the Culture Colonel, speaks with Sar…

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Gay Bars, Ghosts & Politics with Jeremy Atherton Lin 33:18

2M ago33:18

33:18

Gay love stories? We're here for them - especially when they speak to a broader message about the world we live in. Our guest on this episode of A Gay And A NonGay is an expert in this field. Jeremy Atherton Lin is the author of the National Book Critics Circle Award winner Gay Bar: Why We Went Out. His essays have appeared in the Times Literary Su…

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Get Curious Before Getting Critical - with Siobhán Sheridan 31:45

2M ago31:45

31:45

Get Curious Before You Get Critical – with Siobhán Sheridan Leaving school at 15, Siobhán Sheridan CBE has forged a remarkable career through grit, learning, and deep curiosity. Now Chief People Officer at the Financial Conduct Authority, she brings decades of experience across the financial sector, Civil Service, and Defence, specialising in organ…

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We Won A Webby Award! 16:41

3M ago16:41

16:41

SEE US LIVE! We're doing a live show at the Kings Head Theatre in London on May 23rd. Visit ⁠⁠⁠wizardradio.lnk.to/tickets⁠⁠⁠ for tickets now. Yes... you read that right! A Gay And A NonGay officially won the Webby for Best Indie Podcast and it's all because of you, our amazing listeners. Please Note - this episode was recorded before the big win, s…

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The Fight Beyond the Frontline - with Baz Melia 40:16

3M ago40:16

40:16

⚠️️ Trigger Warning ⚠️️ This episode contains discussion of suicide. If you're affected by the themes and need support - resources are listed below or available on our website. After a 40-year career in the British Army, Baz Melia MBE has taken on one of the most urgent and emotionally complex missions of his life: tackling veteran suicide. Now lea…

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Letters To My Younger Queer Self with Daniel Harding 21:23

3M ago21:23

21:23

If you could tell your younger self anything... what would you say? That's the question that journalist Daniel Harding is answering with his new book Letters To My Younger Queer Self, which includes letters written by the likes of comedian Suzi Ruffell, Nadia Whittome MP, Olympic gymnast Andrew Stamp, TV personality Ella Morgan and more as they ref…

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Be Excellent to Each Other - with Adrian Bird 33:09

3M ago33:09

33:09

As the first non-military Chief of Defence Intelligence, Adrian Bird is bringing a fresh perspective to one of the UK’s most high-stakes organisations. Appointed in September 2022, he draws on decades of experience in the intelligence community, including his time as Director-General at GCHQ. At the heart of his leadership? A commitment to fosterin…

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Gay Love IRL vs Incest On The White Lotus 22:33

3M ago22:33

22:33

Does gay love always need to be shown as a weird power play in the media? Well, when major TV shows like The White Lotus portray a major gay romance as... keeping it in the family... these are the questions we're left asking! On this week's episode of A Gay And A NonGay, James & Dan talk about the scene that has been on everyone's lips and reflect …

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Leadership That Listens - with Caitlin Hayden 34:28

3M ago34:28

34:28

From the Situation Room to the boardroom, Caitlin Hayden’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. With a background that spans the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Council under President Obama, and now a senior leadership role at BAE Systems, Caitlin brings a wealth of experience in public affairs, international relations, and…

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Command, Culture & Curiosity - with Paul Carney 37:29

3M ago37:29

37:29

For the past four years, Paul Carney has served as the British Army’s Command Sergeant Major, acting as the critical link between senior leadership and soldiers on the ground. Thoughtful, passionate, and deeply committed to the people he represents, Paul has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of those often unheard, shaping a culture of learni…

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If I Wasn't Gay... Who Would Appreciate This Bum? 25:34

4M ago25:34

25:34

On this week's episode of A Gay And A NonGay, we're talking about all things marriage! But, not how you would think... James & Dan are talking about how marriage impacts your physical appearance, and the differences in that between gay and straight men. This leads onto a bigger conversation around the societal perceptions of sexuality based on your…

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The Culture Colonel Returns for Series 2! 4:03

4M ago4:03

4:03

The Culture Colonel is back. And we’re still asking the questions that matter. What makes a leader? What shapes a culture? And what happens when we stop pretending everything’s fine? In Series 2, our podcast host Lindsay MacDuff returns with more honest, powerful conversations about leadership, identity, and the culture we create around us. This ti…

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Is Laughter A Privilege? 19:26

4M ago19:26

19:26

Can comedy ever be homophobic? Well, of course it can, but on this week's episode of A Gay And A NonGay we're talking about the complexities of making jokes that involve sensitive topics like transphobia. James and Dan discuss whether the power of laughter can sometimes be a privilege and the impact that their identity has on their comedic approach…

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Resisting Moving Backwards with Divina de Campo 36:30

4M ago36:30

36:30

BFI Flare, London's LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, runs from 19th to 30th March. For more details, visit: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/flare/ Thank you to our sponsors... Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Go to surfshark.com/agaang for 4 extra months of Surfshark. Follow A Gay & A NonGay TikTok: @gaynongay Instagram: @gaynongay YouTube: @gaynongay Faceboo…

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I Identify As Love with Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss 28:47

4M ago28:47

28:47

We're joined by the creators of two of the theatre world's most successful new musicals of recent years! Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss are the creative minds behind the hit musicals Six and Why Am I So Single. On this episode of A Gay And A NonGay, James and Dan chat to Toby and Lucy about their journey from university theatre productions to global suc…

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It's Not That We Don't Like You... Criticism Is Important! 27:32

4M ago27:32

27:32

Do you know what a 'war pig' is? Dan's friend Olga thinks that James might! On this week's episode of A Gay And A NonGay, we're talking all about cultural references and critiques, including the importance of criticism. From debating whether we should be offended by the 'war pigs' term, to seeing how the community critiques art (look to Lady Gaga's…

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Open Relationships, Egg Shortages and Adventures Abroad 19:56

5M ago19:56

19:56

It's another week of A Gay And A NonGay and we're got a bunch of catching up to do! James has just returned from Australia, whilst Dan has returned from New York... we find out all about what they have been getting up to and their views on the political climate under President Trump. What is the potential impacts on the cuts to DEI initiatives and …

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Let's Talk About Alice with Caroline Litman 39:36

5M ago39:36

39:36

Trigger Warning: This episode contains multiple mentions of suicide and suicidal thoughts as well as themes that some listeners may find triggering. In many ways, Caroline Litman was the type of supportive Mum that any trans child could dream to have. She was supportive of her daughter, Alice, who was on the waiting list for gender affirming care. …

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Sex Positivity... Or Has It All Gone Too Far? 24:25

5M ago24:25

24:25

She's the name on everybody's lips... but what does the rise of Bonnie Blue tell us about societal double standards? In a society that is increasingly sex positive, it seems that opinions differ amongst the A Gay And A NonGay community. Dan (representing the NonGays) feels like maybe this has all gone too far... whilst James (representing the Gays)…

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Revisiting Jack Rooke Live At Edinburgh Fringe 20:54

5M ago20:54

20:54

We're throwing it back this week on A Gay And A NonGay as we revisit James & Dan's episode with Jack Rook, from Channel 4's Big Boys. Recorded live at Edinburgh Fringe in 2019, James and Dan chat all about the acclaimed TV show, plus they talk about dealing with homophobia at school, overcoming internalised shame, redefining mental health within th…

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They're A Massive Gay! But What Does That Mean? 29:37

6M ago29:37

29:37

Don't worry, we haven't just time travelled back to 2021! This week's episode of A Gay And A NonGay is recorded virtually... but Dan & James are still the same (even if they do speak over each other a bit). Once the hilarious technical bits get ironed out, we're asking: What makes you a 'massive gay'? We're digging into the stereotypes found in eve…

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Can Straight Men Do Drag? with Holly Stars 20:31

6M ago20:31

20:31

Drag queen, stand-up comic and author Holly Stars is this weeks guest on A Gay And A NonGay! Ever wondered what it takes to conquer the allusive worlds of both drag and comedy? Holly joins James and Dan to share her experiences in both worlds! She also shares her thoughts about why musicals are so alluring to queer communities and how she brings al…

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Who Should Propose? The Great Debate 16:27

6M ago16:27

16:27

We're talking all things marriage proposals and gay weddings on this week's episode of A Gay And A NonGay! So... who should propose? James and Dan are breaking down the traditional roles expected in relationships and challenging the patriarchal norms. Plus, what gets James U-turning on his thoughts about weddings? Towards the end of the episode, we…

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You Hear That? It's Straight Men Being Silent... 26:55

6M ago26:55

26:55

Would you ever go gay for hay? Kicking off this weeks episode of A Gay And A NonGay, James and Dan consider whether pretending to be gay to secure a roof on your head is... ethical? It's kind of complicated. As we dive deeper into the episode, we go into the big topic of straight men's silence on prominent cases of women's abuse, particularly the t…

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Maybe God... Made Us This Way? 13:27

7M ago13:27

13:27

This week is just a quick check-in with our A Gay And A NonGay community as James Barr has an announcement about down under (not like that!), James and Dan reveal the results of a poll about sexual preferences and we chat about negative comments from TikTok! Think of this as a brisk affair lasting just over 8 minutes... you feel light and giddy at …

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Keighley Cougars: The Rainbow-Roaring Rugby Club with Ryan O’Neill & Kaue Garcia 27:13

7M ago27:13

27:13

When Ryan O’Neill & Kaue Garcia bought their beloved local rugby club the Keighley Cougars in 2018, they never expected the backlash that would come. Having saved the club from bankruptcy, and making it the only openly LGBTQ-owned professional sports club outside of the US, they sought to make it an inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly space, putting diversit…

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What's Gay and What's Not? 22:01

7M ago22:01

22:01

Happy New Year! We're kicking off 2025 how we meant to go on... with an insightful debate around the perceptions of behaviours and items labelled as 'gay' by society. Oh, we're also talking New Years Resolutions (and reflecting on past resolutions) of course! But, seriously, is 2025 the year where people will finally stop calling things 'gay'? Mayb…

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Elliot Page, Tia Kofi, Jamie Dornan + More! (Best of the Guests 2024) 27:05

7M ago27:05

27:05

It's time! Christmas Day has come and we're serving you some of our finest moments from 2024... all in one neat package, waiting underneath the tree. On topics ranging from coming out to queer joy, beating stereotypes and non-binary identity, we hear from Drag Race winner Tia Kofi, Golden Globe nominee Richard Gadd, Eurovian winner Nemo, Joel Creas…

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Christmas If You're Queer 26:37

7M ago26:37

26:37

It's so nearly Christmas... but what does that mean if you're queer? On this week's episode of A Gay And A NonGay, James and Dan are exploring issues around chosen families and setting boundaries which often come up around this time of year for queer people. How do you ensure your loved ones are respectful during this time of festive cheer? And how…

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Ageing Twinks & Gay Cruises with Joe Sutherland 24:36

8M ago24:36

24:36

Do you have an imagined feud with a celebrity? Well, this weeks guest certainly has a story to tell! James and Dan are joined by comedian Joe Sutherland for a rousing edition of A Gay And A NonGay. The trio talk about ageing in the gay community (and the concept of 'twink death') and the societal changes impacting how older LGBTQ+ individuals are p…

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Leading storytellers - with Lindsay MacDuff 32:22

8M ago32:22

32:22

Welcome to our series finale where we share the highlights from our Leading Storytellers event. You'll hear how and why we make the podcast as BFBS Creative's Head of Content Alex Griffiths puts The Culture Colonel, Lindsay Macduff and Senior Audio Producer Josella Waldron on the spot in front of a live audience. You'll also hear Alex in conversati…

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Getting Into The Holiday Spirit! 23:17

8M ago23:17

23:17

It's officially the holiday season and we're delving into some of our holiday traditions (and stresses) and how they differ between gays and, well, nongays. From musical theatre (which is surely an LGBTQ+ staple?!) to family expectations, how do the holidays differ based on your sexuality? Plus, following on the internet trend, Dan contemplates org…

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Big Badge Energy! - with Sim Rezazadeh-Wilson 27:50

8M ago27:50

27:50

What's improved the lived experience of women in the Armed Forces over the last two decades? Warrant Officer Sim Rezazadeh-Wilson knows and she's pushing for more longer term change. Sim is a Royal Air Force Logistics Movement specialist. She is the Deputy Advocate for the RAF’s Gender Network and she's on the committee of the Healing Military Mind…

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Are Straight People A Hoax? 14:18

8M ago14:18

14:18

Do you agree with Bob The Drag Queen that straight people are a hoax? On this weeks episode of A Gay And A NonGay, James and Dan are unpicking the societal constructs around heterosexuality and accepting fluidity in sexual preferences. Whilst James supports Bob's viewpoint, Dan has a more historical perspective on human sexuality and the conversati…