The Man Who Invented Being Interesting: Alexander von Humboldt | Episode #05

The Man Who Invented Being Interesting: Alexander von Humboldt | Episode #05

The Original Influencer: Alexander von Humboldt, fame, chaos, and complete nonsense Alexander von Humboldt basically invented modern exploration, interconnected science, and arguably being an interesting bloke. In this episode, we dive into the wild life of the original science rockstar — from South American expeditions to global fame, weird legacy moments, and why being world-famous has apparently always been a bit lonely. Also: awkward celebrity encounters, online pedants, absurd stories from our week, desert island picks, celebrations, pet peeves, and the usual beautifully unhinged detours. In this episode: Alexander von Humboldt’s ridiculous life of exploration and discovery Why he may have been the world’s first celebrity scientist Fame, loneliness, and what hasn’t changed David Beckham / Guy Ritchie encounters (yes, somehow relevant) Weird stories from our week and questionable life decisions Top threes: celebrations, pet hates, desert island picks A Person Called: translating Humboldt into modern terms Internet pedantry, trolls, and the joy of being corrected by strangers Sports heroics, storytelling, and nerd facts no one asked for This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samhandwichpodcast.substack.com [https://samhandwichpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Getting Drunk, Missing Commitments & Provence | Twists, Cantona & Desert Island Miscs | Episode #04

This week on The Sam Handwich Show, Matt and James reunite to discuss the important things in life: getting drunk accidentally, sustaining humiliating middle-aged injuries, and quietly avoiding social commitments until people stop asking. James reports back from Provence, France — land of lavender, wine, and suspiciously relaxed people — while Matt continues his war against his own skeleton. Elsewhere: * Quick-fire questions return. * Listener emails spiral into discussions about OJ Simpson, Oscar Pistorius, and Eric Cantona. * Desert Island Miscs begins with the greatest twists in film, TV, and literature — including Fight Club, Game of Thrones, and The Sixth Sense. * Plus: “Top Sam Handy”, and a developing crisis as Zoe has mysteriously disappeared. A deeply important cultural document. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samhandwichpodcast.substack.com [https://samhandwichpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Caffeine, Combat Games & Sporting Greats | Football Wins, BJJ Progress & Listener Emails | Episode #03

How much caffeine is too much? Does winning one football match mean you’ve made it? And more importantly… is it Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat? In episode three, momentum builds (slightly). James gets a long-awaited football win, Matt levels up with a new stripe in BJJ, and both immediately start acting like elite athletes. Naturally. Elsewhere, things get competitive—debating the greatest sportspeople of all time, deciding which fighting game truly matters, and attempting to look tough in photos (with mixed results). Listener emails—now officially from the Sam Handies—continue to roll in, ranging from supportive to questionable. In this episode: The fine line between productive caffeine use and complete overkill Football wins, BJJ progress, and why small victories feel massive Street Fighter vs Mortal Kombat—a completely serious debate The art of looking tough in photos (and why it rarely works) Listener emails, quick fire rounds, and top three sportspeople No structure, no experts—just opinions, tangents, and the kind of chat that usually stays off-mic. Hit play, subscribe, and welcome back to the podcast about nothing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samhandwichpodcast.substack.com [https://samhandwichpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Colour Blindness, First Cars & Driving Test Fails | Emails, Banjos & Seaside Nostalgia | Episode #02

Why do we all secretly think we’re better than a thousand strangers? And more importantly… are we right? In episode two, things get philosophical (before immediately derailing). There’s talk of failed driving tests, questionable restaurant experiences, and learning the banjo. There's James and Matt's weekly section on top threes. Somewhere along the way, they also plan for a zombie apocalypse—because of course they do. In this episode: First car loves and failed tests Easter holidays in Wales and Copenhagen with the weirdest meal story, and the mystery of the duck press There's listeners emails and the quick fire round Of course there's planning for the next zombie apocalypse strategy: katana vs assault rifle? You decide! No structure, no experts—just opinions, tangents, and the kind of chat that usually stays off-mic. Hit play, subscribe, and welcome back to the podcast about nothing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samhandwichpodcast.substack.com [https://samhandwichpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Are Aliens Already Here? | Breakfast Debates, UAP Theories & Football Fan Chaos | Episode #01

Are Aliens Already Here? | Breakfast Debates, UAP Theories & Football Fan Chaos | Episode #01 Is 10:21 too late for porridge? Could James be the world’s greatest egg poacher? And more importantly… are aliens already here? In episode one, things spiral quickly—from elite breakfast opinions to full-on UFO debates. James is deep into UAPs and convinced there’s something going on, while Matt remains firmly sceptical. Naturally, this leads to some completely reasonable conclusions. Elsewhere, football gets emotional. James reflects on life as a Leeds United fan (and a missed merch opportunity), while Matt dares to believe Oldham Athletic might finally be back. In this episode: The science (and ego) behind perfect poached eggs Whether porridge has a strict cut-off time UFOs, UAPs, and how far down the rabbit hole James has gone Leeds United heartbreak vs Oldham Athletic optimism The relatability of everyday “public taboos”—loud eating, standing too close on the tube, and what should probably stay private No structure, no experts—just opinions, tangents, and the kind of chat that usually stays off-mic. Hit play, subscribe, and welcome to the podcast about nothing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit samhandwichpodcast.substack.com [https://samhandwichpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]