It's episode four, and any real progress with completing the jigsaw is yet to materialise. Today, we get some insight as to why that may be.
Not only did today's wonderful guest, Charlie Higson, have to endure our hosts whining about not being asked to do Taskmaster, he also witnessed Ronni trying to jam pieces together that clearly don't fit, and was powerless to stop Hal's blatant puzzle-based sabotage.
On the bright side, we found out how Charlie manages to keep his stress levels down when he's up against deadlines – though by his own admission, this recording did little to alleviate his stress, and may well have had the opposite effect.
Oh, and of course, last week's producer is nowhere to be seen. Where do they all keep running off to? We have high hopes for her replacement Lydia, though. After all, it's not a prerequisite for a podcast producer to have heard of the presenters, is it?
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3: Sorting: With Omid Djalili
They say good things come in threes, and this is very much the case for the third episode of HARIP (that's what the kids are calling us), as our hosts make up a happy threesome with guest, Omid Djalili!
Not only is Omid one of the most recognised comics on the circuit, he's also a huge star of stage and screen, and has some very showbiz stories to share as a result; including the time he found himself in a less than friendly situation with Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, AND when a ludicrous encounter with a rapper got way out of hand.
As always, Hal and Ronni manage to forget they should actually be doing a jigsaw rather than vying for the attention of the guest - who will inevitably leave far more stressed than when he arrived- but will they at least be third time lucky in managing to keep this week's producer?**
**Spoiler alert – the answer is ‘no’.
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2: Sifting: With Kiell Smith Bynoe
Look who's back! Yes, Hal and Ronni have once again tipped out the jigsaw, and invited a showbiz chum to help them sift through the pieces of the puzzle. What a metaphor!
This week's guest is someone even the Gen Z producer recognised: Kiell Smith Bynoe.
By the way, speaking of the producer, our thanks to Annabel for stepping into the breach after the one we had last week didn't come back. Let's hope we can persuade this one to stay - though as Hal and Ronni's dubious attempts to attract show sponsors continue, that may be easier said than done.
Kiell is of course charming company, providing some sage advice on avoiding stress and making Ronni and Hal green with envy with his stories of appearing on Taskmaster.
At least neither of our hosts embarrassed themselves by flirting outrageously with him. Oh wait. That absolutely did happen.
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1: Edging: With Jo Brand
Welcome to episode one of Hal and Ronni In Pieces.
The jigsaw is out of the box (perfect for an audio format!)and the first guest to pop over and help with the edging is none other than the legendary Jo Brand!
Over 45 mins, Jo puts up with Hal and Ronni fumbling questions about her early comedy gigs, the stress of appearing on live TV, and why neither of them have been asked to do Taskmaster.
Meanwhile, the adverts somehow end up poking fun at the hosts instead of promoting anything useful, their Gen Z producer is edging closer to the exit, and our hosts seem to be showing very little shame in seeking a sponsor for the show.
You couldn't make it up!
Neurotics Hal Cruttenden and Ronni Ancona have launched a
podcast, ten years too late, where they seek advice from celebrity friends on how to deal with stress.
They do this while therapeutically completing a jigsaw – clearly a brilliant idea for an audio format – but not helped by their Gen Z producer (who clearly loathes them) and potential sponsors suing them for brand misuse.
Hosts Ronni Ancona & Hal Cruttenden
Guests Jo Brand
Omid Djalili
Sadie Frost
Kerry Godliman
Charlie Higson
Shappi Khorsandi
Alistair McGowan
Geoff Norcott
Sally Phillips
Lucy Porter
Kiell Smith-Bynoe
Producer Amanda Redman
Producer Natalie King
Producer Annabel Martin
Producer (Sally Phillips Episode) Faye Lawrence
Composer Ben Collier
Recorded by Caitlin McDaid
James Hyde
Hugo Lagnado
Audio Editor Natalie King
James Hyde
Publicity Cat Harris
Artwork by Adam Sutherland
Jordan Pletts
Post Production Assistant Lydia de Matos
Production Assistant Khaya Burke
Benedict Mulcare
Georgie Wadstein
A Captain Dolly Production
Recorded at The V Studio at Film Soho
krADR
V Studio Team Raiyana Haque
Yash Mistry