The Big Lunch

Ellis and Lucy chat with author and chef, Mira Manek, over some cakes about how cooking helps bring people together. Research from The Big Lunch has shown that, during lockdown, one in five of us are worried about the mental health of someone we know so Mira explains how baking can be used to show people you're thinking about them. Meanwhile, Lucy will be discussing the positive psychological effects of receiving baked gifts. Join in with The Big Virtual Lunch (6-7 June) by visiting thebiglunch.com Please note, this podcast was recorded before the UK went into lockdown. 

Elis James, Lucy Beresford and Great British Sewing Bee judge, Patrick Grant break bread as he explains how learning to make chapatis encouraged him to develop social connections with new people. Research from The Big Lunch reveals that 57% of us are more likely to say hello and stop for a chat after lockdown, so Patrick shares his experience of how ditching convenience culture has helped him connect with people in the real world. Meanwhile, Lucy offers up practical advice on the small steps we can take to make new friends, and why our passions are a simple first step.  Join in with The Big Virtual Lunch (6-7 June) by visiting thebiglunch.com Please note, this podcast was recorded before the UK went into lockdown. 

Gemma Styles chats with Elis and Lucy over a cheeseboard to discuss the impact social media and digital technologies has on our social lives and helpful tips to remind ourselves to take a break every now and then. Research from The Big Lunch finds that 44% of us feel lockdown has had a negative impact on our mental health so Gemma will be revealing how she enjoys connecting with people in the real-world as well as over the phone. Lucy Beresford gives insights on why it's important to separate social media from reality in order to keep your mental health in check.  Join in with The Big Virtual Lunch (6-7 June) by visiting thebiglunch.com Please note, this podcast was recorded before the UK went into lockdown. 

Elis James and psychotherapist Lucy Beresford speak with Iain Lee over crisps and dips. As research conducted by The Big Lunch finds that one in five people have gone more than a fortnight without a face-to-face conversation with someone outside their household, Iain shares his go-to conversation ice breakers, as well as revealing why honesty is the most important thing to him in a chat, whilst Lucy explains the health benefits of talking face-to-face with someone, ready for us to take on board once current social distancing measures are relaxed. Join in with The Big Virtual Lunch (6-7 June) by visiting thebiglunch.com  Please note, this podcast was recorded before the UK went into lockdown. 

TV's Niall Aslam joins Elis and Lucy for a chat over some sausage rolls and reveals how appearing on Love Island helped him shed his fear of rejection. Research from The Big Lunch shows that a quarter of the population say the pandemic has left them feeling vulnerable so Niall will be sharing his experiences of socialising whilst growing up with Asperger's while Lucy Beresford explains how owning your identity can help you connect with others.  Join in with The Big Virtual Lunch (6-7 June) by visiting thebiglunch.com Please note, this podcast was recorded before the UK went into lockdown. 

The Big Lunch Podcast is a 5-part series hosted by Comedian & Presenter Elis James and featuring Psychotherapist Lucy Beresford. Each episode features special guests including Love Island favourite Niall Aslam, Broadcaster Iain Lee, Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant, Writer Gemma Styles and Author and Chef, Mira Manek.