Tom Ballard: Fisk, Deadloch, Tonightly - and Why Reality TV is a Lie

Robert Morgan (The Return): The Good Bastard Always Rises📺 Episode OverviewIn this episode, Steve Otis Gunn reconnects with his friend and actor, Robert Morgan. From The Proposition to The Accountant 2 — and now starring in the upcoming Sylvester Stallone biopic I Play Rocky, where he plays Burgess Meredith — Rob shares tales from Hollywood and home: riding horses in the desert with Ray Winstone, working alongside Florence Pugh and Billy Bob Thornton, and almost toppling a motorbike on The Flying Doctors. He opens up about longevity in the industry, the art of playing a “good bastard,” and why he still loves championing new filmmakers. Expect stories of grit, short films, and surreal encounters on both sides of the Pacific.Episode Highlights:The wild life of being an Aussie actor in HollywoodFilming The Accountant 2 — and why audiences wanted him deadWorking with Florence Pugh in New ZealandPlaying Burgess Meredith in I Play Rocky — and how it feels to step into shorter shoesThis episode is perfect for anyone who loves raw, unfiltered talk about acting, filmmaking, and survival in showbiz — or just wants to hear Rob Morgan say “fuck” a lot.🎭 About Robert MorganRobert Morgan is a Welsh–Australian actor, writer, and former boxer known for his work across film and television in both Australia and the U.S. His credits include The Proposition, The Accountant 2, Landman, Criminal Minds, High Country, and East of Eden. Equally at home on stage or screen, Rob has worked with the likes of Brad Pitt, Jason Isaacs, and Guy Pearce, and continues to support emerging talent.🔗 Connect with Robert MorganNote: Rob does not engage in social media, but you can see what he's up to here:IMDb Profile📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Robert Morgan – ActorDuration: 42 minutesRelease Date: October 23, 2025Season: 4, Episode 23All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Smith: Finding Your Feet in a Foot Spa Half Empty🎙️Episode OverviewIn this episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats with comedian, writer, and actor Ian Smith. From the unlikely inspiration behind his new show, Foot Spa Half Empty, to the surreal experience of debuting on Have I Got News For You. Ian relives his early sitcom work on Popatron, his acting turn in The Ark, and his fleeting appearance on Siblings. Expect talk of mouth-guards, Foot Spas, Reality TV, and the fate of the short-lived digital channel - BBC Switch🎬 Episode HighlightsThe Awkward Reality of Filming Panel ShowsWhy the Audience of Deal or No Deal Shouldn’t Be Allowed to VoteWriting Original Work in the Age of StreamingThis episode is perfect for anyone who loves British comedy that’s equal parts clever, chaotic, and catastrophically relatable — or just wants to know where Carl’s gone.🎭 About IanIan Smith is an award-winning stand-up comedian, writer, and actor from Yorkshire. He’s appeared on Have I Got News for You, The News Quiz, and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, as well as starring in Popatron and The Ark. Ian’s acclaimed work includes his Edinburgh Fringe shows Crushing and Foot Spa Half Empty, and the popular podcast Northern News, which he co-hosts with Amy Gledhill.🔗 Connect with IanInstagramYouTubeTikTok📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Ian Smith – Comedian, Podcaster & WriterDuration: 48 minutesRelease Date: October 16, 2025Season: 4, Episode 22All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Otis Gunn: A Tale of Two Steves II​🎙️ Episode Overview​In this second unconventional installment of the podcast (Third if you count last year's 'Uncomfortable' Episode) - Steve interviews… well, himself! It’s a conversation between two versions of Steve—one the interviewer, the other the interviewee—having a quirky chat that’s as nutty as it sounds. Subjects include:The Highs and Lows of podcasting and the struggle to stay committedTV evolution, American language influence, and AI in future media.Fretting over being judged, and that bonkers Liz Truss Fringe moment.This episode will appeal to comedy lovers and anyone up for a cracking dive into a creative mind!📚 About Steve Otis GunnSteve Otis Gunn is a Podcaster, Writer/Performer, and former sound engineer known for his distinctive blend of dark humor, storytelling, and vulnerability. After years of working behind the scenes in the world of theatre, Steve stepped into the spotlight, transforming personal awkwardness into a rich source of comedy. His debut solo show, Steve Otis Gunn is Uncomfortable, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2024, earning a ★★★★ review for its bold, brutally funny exploration of growing up in a criminal environment and the lingering discomfort that shaped his perspective.📢 Follow Steve & the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Steve Otis GunnDuration: 48 minutesRelease Date: September 12, 2025Season: 4, Episode 21All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book 'You Shot My Dog and I Love You', available in all good bookshops and online Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Milo Edwards: Moscow Misadventures - From Cold Calls to Call Backs - On Russian TV!🎙️Episode OverviewHold on tight as Steve Otis Gunn sits down with comedian, writer, and podcaster Milo Edwards for a globe-trotting chat packed with wit, wild stories, and laugh-out-loud anecdotes. From his early days in Moscow working for a financial services company to performing stand-up on Russian TV, Milo pulls back the (iron) curtain on life within Moscow’s chaotic bureaucracy, the absurdity of badly-dubbed movies, and the unpredictable realities of working abroad. Along the way, he shares stories of scams, cut-price Michelin-star restaurants, and why Alan Partridge remains peak British satire.Episode Highlights:How navigating Russia’s red tape could test the patience of a saintPerforming stand-up on Russian television—in Russian!Unpredictable adventures with Moscow’s quirky localsThis episode is perfect for fans of stand-up comedy, international adventures, and anyone who loves watching rules and regulations get hilariously derailed.🎭 About MiloMilo Edwards is a stand-up comedian and podcaster from Essex. A former Cambridge Footlights member who moved to Moscow in 2015 and performed on Russian TV before making his mark on the UK comedy scene with Edinburgh Fringe shows Pindos, Voicemail, and Sentimental. He hosts the podcasts Trashfuture, Masters of Our Domain, and Glue Factory, and has written for Mock The Week, The News Quiz, Private Eye, and The New Statesman.🔗 Connect with MiloInstagramYouTubeTikTok📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Milo Edwards – Comedian, Podcaster & WriterDuration: 42 minutesRelease Date: October 9, 2025Season: 4, Episode 20All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Lexx: Punchline Optimiser - From Tags to Stitches🎙️ Episode OverviewBuckle up as Steve Otis Gunn teams up with comedian, writer, and all-around powerhouse Laura Lexx for a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud conversation packed with sharp insights and unapologetic honesty. From her early grind as a search engine optimiser to commanding the spotlight on Live at the Apollo, Laura pulls back the curtain on her comedic journey. Along the way, she shares stories of cramped Fringe rooms, TV quirks that drive her mad, and a riotous takedown of Blue Peter’s mind-numbing monotony.Episode Highlights:How the 1979 alternative comedy boom flipped British stand-up on its headWhy not saying the word 'Debenhams' on stage proved difficultWhy AI should concentrate on picking up dog poo instead of trying to replace artWhy Clarkson’s Farm might actually be brilliantThis episode will appeal to fans of stand-up comedy and anyone who loves a good rant about retro TV🎭 About LauraLaura Lexx is a critically acclaimed comedian, writer, and podcaster with a knack for honest storytelling. She’s lit up the Edinburgh Fringe with sell-out shows and slayed on Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Mastermind. Her books, Klopp Actually and Pivot, are laugh-out-loud treasures, and her new podcast, Comedy Bureau, is your next comedy obsession.🔗 Connect with LauraInstagramYouTubeTikTok📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Laura Lexx – Comedian & AuthorDuration: 47 minutesRelease Date: October 2, 2025Season: 4, Episode 19All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Robertson: Into The Dark Room - From Australian Idol to Comedy Anarchy🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this energetic and unfiltered conversation, Steve Otis Gunn chats with comedian, writer, and chaos-curator John Robertson — best known for the cult comedy live-action video game The Dark Room. John takes us behind the curtain of his career, from accidentally winning awards for a “kids’ show” that was never meant for kids, to keeping his voice alive throughout years of performing, to repeatedly pitching his ideas for TV development.Episode Highlights:Tales of phantom VR companies, and the dream of working with Tilda Swinton.The difference between British, Dutch, and German audiencesThoughts on accents, regional quirks, and what happens when cultural sensitivity collides with comedy.This episode is a treat for fans of offbeat comedy, cult gaming culture, and anyone who enjoys behind-the-scenes stories from the world of live performance.🎭 About JohnJohn Robertson is an Australian comedian, writer, and creator of the cult hit The Dark Room, the world’s only live-action video game comedy show. A veteran of the Edinburgh Fringe and international festivals, John is known for his booming voice, razor-sharp crowd work, and chaotic energy. His career spans stand-up, Twitch streaming, and multiple runs in TV development, where his unclassifiable format has fascinated (and baffled) networks. Blending anarchic humour with gaming culture and theatrical showmanship, John has carved out a unique place as one of comedy’s true innovators.🔗 Connect with JohnInstagramYouTubeTikTokTwitch📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: John Robertson – Comedian & AuthorDuration: 59 minutesRelease Date: September 25, 2025Season: 4, Episode 18All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Ballard: Fisk, Deadloch, Tonightly - and Why Reality TV is a Lie🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats to Australian comedian, writer, and broadcaster Tom Ballard — a stand-up prodigy who began performing at 14, became a household name as host of Triple J's Breakfast Show, and later fronted the bold, controversial late-night show Tonightly. Tom shares candid reflections on growing up in comedy, surviving the chaos of daily topical TV, and making the leap into acting with roles in Fisk and the hit series Deadloch. He opens up about burnout, the pressure of writing yearly shows for Edinburgh, and why he’s shifting his focus toward slower, more meaningful creative work.Along the way, Tom and Steve dig into Australian pop culture — from reality TV experiments like First Contact, to the highs and controversies of Chris Lilley’s shows, to why Kitty Flanagan’s Fisk became an unexpected smash hit. They also debate comedy’s evolving role in society, the ethics of international gigs, and the weird world of social media clips reshaping stand-up.Surviving the nightly grind of Topical tellyLanding an acting role in Deadloch and joining the cast of FiskReality TV experiments like Filthy Rich & HomelessReflections on comedy that doesn’t age particularly wellWhy comedians often make great actorsThis episode is for fans of fearless comedy, Australian TV, and anyone who loves hearing how a teenage stand-up grew into one of the country’s most thoughtful, risk-taking performers.🎭 About Tom BallardTom Ballard is an award-winning Australian comedian, writer, and broadcaster. He rose to prominence as co-host of Triple J Breakfast before fronting the late-night ABC series Tonightly with Tom Ballard. Beyond stand-up, he has acted in acclaimed shows including Deadloch and Fisk. Mixing sharp political commentary with fearless humour, Tom has become one of Australia’s most distinctive comedic voices.🔗 Connect with TomInstagramYouTubeTikTok📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Tom Ballard – Comedian, Actor & WriterDuration: 49 minutesRelease Date: September 18, 2025Season: 4, Episode 17All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharlene Hector: Touring the World with Basement Jaxx, Finding Theatre, and Owning the Spotlight🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this wide-ranging conversation, Steve Otis Gunn chats to powerhouse singer and actor Sharlene Hector — best known for performing with Basement Jaxx, Gorillaz, and Michael Bublé, and now making her mark in West End musical theatre. Sharlene reflects on the whirlwind of life on the road, from Top of the Pops, to her pivotal Coca-Cola advert. She shares the story of how she discovered acting during lockdown, which led to standout roles in Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Derren Brown's Showman, and now Disney’s Hercules. Sharlene also offers insight into the realities of theatre life and how it compares to life on tour as a singer with bands such as Muse, Alicia Keys, and Emeli Sandé.Episode Highlights:Performing with Basement Jaxx at the Mount Fuji FestivalThe leap from singing at Glastonbury to starring in the West EndSurviving international tours on very little sleepThis episode is for fans of powerhouse vocals, West End musicals, and anyone who’s ever danced to Basement Jaxx, belted out Disney songs, or dreamed of taking a leap.🎭 About Sharlene HectorSharlene Hector is a British singer, performer, and actor with a career spanning over two decades. She has toured internationally with Basement Jaxx, Gorillaz, and Michael Bublé, sung backing vocals for Muse, Alicia Keys, and Emeli Sandé. In recent years, she has shifted to musical theatre with acclaimed roles in Dreamgirls, A Strange Loop, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, and Hercules.🔗 Connect with SharleneInstagramSpotify📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Sharlene Hector – Singer & ActorDuration: 53 minutesRelease Date: September 11, 2025Season: 4, Episode 16All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn, except Lift Me Up, written by Weiss.Please buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wolfgang: Death & Defiance - Unknown '80s Pop Duo Walk the Streets of Peterborough🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this bonus episode of Television Times, Steve Otis Gunn wanders the streets of Peterborough with his old friend Des, reminiscing about how a humble Casio MT100 keyboard sparked the creation of their pop duo, Wolfgang. They revisit the final days of school, experimenting with basic musical gear, and navigating life in the 1980s—intertwining tales of classic British TV, leaving home, and the odd reflections on ghosts, religion, and AI. Recorded on the very streets where their teenage years unfolded, this is a candid, humorous, and nostalgic conversation with plenty of philosophical detours.🎭 About WolfgangWolfgang was an unknown pop duo formed in 1985 in Peterborough by Steve Otis Gunn & Desmond Pye.📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Wolfgang – Unknown 1980s Pop DuoDuration: 59 minutesRelease Date: Sept 6, 2025Season: 4, Episode 15All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlie Parsons: The Godfather of Reality TV on Creating The Word, The Big Breakfast, and Survivor🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this lively conversation, Steve Otis Gunn talks with Charlie Parsons — the creative force responsible for some of the most iconic and genre-defining shows in British TV history, including The Word, The Big Breakfast, and the global phenomenon Survivor. Charlie takes us through the early chaos and joy of The Big Breakfast, revealing how a morning show set in real lock-keepers' cottages became a pop culture fever dream. He discusses the instinct and research that went into creating something truly groundbreaking, the birth of Survivor from an unclassifiable concept to an international juggernaut, and the industry battles — including court cases — along the way. Charlie also reflects on the changing TV landscape, from risk-taking commissioners to today’s algorithm-driven decisions, and why he’s now channeling his creative energy into theatre with productions like The Hunger Games, and A Knight’s Tale.Episode Highlights:How The Big Breakfast flipped stale breakfast TV on its head — and why its pilot tested terriblyMeeting a then-unknown Robbie Williams and early days with Take ThatThe intense groundwork and instinct that shaped Survivor into a global formatLawsuits, imitators, and the strange pride in seeing your format inspire othersShifting from TV to theatre — and how live audiences offer instant feedbackThis episode is for fans of trailblazing TV formats, pop culture chaos, and anyone who’s ever stayed up late watching The Word, woke up to The Big Breakfast, or got hooked on the drama of Survivor.🎭 About Charlie ParsonsCharlie Parsons is a British television producer, creator, and format innovator best known for The Word, The Big Breakfast, and Survivor. As co-founder of Planet 24, he revolutionised breakfast television, invented reality competition as we know it, and sold formats worldwide. Today, Charlie focuses on theatre, producing acclaimed shows like Girl from the North Country and upcoming stage adaptations of The Hunger Games and A Knight’s Tale.🔗 Connect with CharlieCharlie keeps a low profile online, so why not check out his IMDb page instead:IMDb📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Charlie Parsons – Writer & TV ProducerDuration: 42 minutesRelease Date: August 14, 2025Season: 4, Episode 14All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.