GrownUpLand
by BBC Radio 4
"Now I’m a grown up… do I have to get married? Do I have to scrimp and save?? Do I have to host a dinner party??? GrownUpLand poses the most frustrating questions. Luckily, Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are here to guide you through the bewildering pursuit of adulthood. Through stupid challenges, useful facts and personal stories of rich victory and miserable failure, your guides will ensure you don’t feel alone in your hopeless endeavour to be a legit grown up. Plus, every week a special guest candidly shares their experiences, from failed dates and drunken mistakes to moments of clarity and pet hates. And the very handsome Steve Ali, a refugee from Syria now a writer and silversmith in the UK, helps to put a listener’s dilemma into perspective. Co-created by Deborah Frances-White for The Spontaneity Shop and BBC Radio 4. Produced by Al Riddell."
Episodes
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78. Are we grown ups yet?
As GrownUpLand ends its run on the BBC, time to reflect on the final two series with Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan, Ned Sedgwick, Steve Ali and Deborah Frances-White. We revisit Queen Sophie's message to serial daters, Ned's problematic sitcom adaptation, Heidi's fact-finding meltdown and one of…
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77. Do I have to miss the good old days? Ft. Mae Martin
GrownUpLand's time on the BBC is at an end, feeling nostalgic? Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by former host Mae Martin to talk about the good old days. Sophie warns of the negatives of revelling in too much nostalgia, Ned shows us his best bits, Heidi tells us why the…
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76. Do I have to learn how to cook? Ft. Ed Gamble
Plenty of food for thought in this episode. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by perma-hungry comedian Ed Gamble to discuss yeast-based spreads, drinking in parks and how lockdown has changed their cooking habits. Sophie dissects the brunch phenomenon, Heidi thinks cooking is…
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75. Do I have to be good with money? Ft. Maisie Adam & Iona Bain
Managing money is hard in the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Maisie Adam and money guru Iona Bain to discuss everyday money worries and how best to navigate a looming recession. Sophie feels short changed by...
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74. Looking for hope in lockdown ft. Isy Suttie
The official GrownUpLand advice for lockdown is: Keep calm > don't lose hope > listen to podcasts. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian and writer Isy Suttie to catch up on their lockdown experiences. Sophie wrecks the myth that the virus is 'the great equaliser'…
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73. Do I have to find 'the one'? Ft. Deborah Frances-White
Finding and keeping lifelong love is one heck of a challenge. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian, author and Guilty Feminist Deborah Frances-White to discuss whether there is such a thing as a soulmate, 'the one' and romantic fate. Sophie espouses the benefits of...
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72. Do I have to like myself? Ft. Ellen Jones
Self-esteem is mysterious, fleeting and vital to every decision we make. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by activist and writer Ellen Jones to talk all things imposter syndrome, confidence, self-worth and yoyo tricks. Sophie tackles your inner (non-existent) fraudster, Heidi...
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71. Do I have to convince people I'm right? Ft. Grace Campbell
It's easy to get tangled in a world wide web of your own making when arguing online. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian and activist Grace Campbell to discuss trolls, the grim underbelly of internet culture and how to pick your battles. Sophie thinks we should feed...
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70. GrownUpLand in Lockdown ft. Dr Chris Smith & Dr Kat McClenaghan
We're all stuck indoors to help protect ourselves and others. How can we stay happy, healthy and safe? Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by special guests to help us power through the pandemic. Sophie has advice for those concerned about staying productive during lockdown…
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69. Do I have to party less? Ft. Michael Odewale
As we get older, going out and getting lit sinks lower on the priority list. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Michael Odewale to discuss drinking, dancing, dining and D&D. Sophie thinks we all need a release, Heidi busts some alcohol myths, Ned raps (!) and Steve...
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68. Do I have to be a good housemate? Ft. Alex Edelman
The gang wonders how to avoid passive aggression, fights and cheese theft in a house share. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian and veteran housemate Alex Edelman to talk about flat 'pre-nups', annoying pranks and 'friendly' notes of complaint. Sophie wants to...
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67. Do I have to get married? Ft. Bobby Mair
The gang discuss whether they feel pressure to tie the knot, or not. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian and married man Bobby Mair to talk about the best time to get married, the weirdest weddings and how getting hitched can change you. Sophie delivers her inaugural...
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We're back baby!
Series four is here and we've shaken things up a bit. Expect sillier challenges, more time with brilliant guests, fact finding fun and even a weekly 'kweens speech'. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan, Ned Sedgwick and Steve Ali want to tell you all about the series to come.
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66. Christmas Special
Pod bless us, everyone! Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Rachel Parris to talk all things festive; the things we love, the things we can't stand and the responsibility-free times we miss. Steve Ali drops by a little earlier than usual to offer his perspective AND...
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65. Change
Life is a continuous adjustment to ch-ch-ch-ch-changes. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Sara Pascoe to discuss big change and small change and how best to deal with it. Sophie talks about coming out as bi, Heidi investigates how modern job insecurity make us feel...
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64. Art
From avant-garde paint splatters to sculpture to how to chat someone up in a gallery. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by art historian and curator Katy Hessel to discuss whether art is really as inaccessible as it can sometimes seem. Sophie tries to define art better than…
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63. Heartbreak
There is little worse than heartbreak. Those who know, know. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Lauren Pattison to share stories of those loved, lost and ghosted. Sophie's just been to visit her ex, Heidi wonders how social media has warped our love lives, Ned…
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62. Stereotypes
Download to hear a bunch of snowflakes talk about their feelings and opinions. Typical. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Evelyn Mok to discuss the surprising pros and damaging cons of stereotyping people. Sophie wonders how comedy benefits from stereotypes, Heidi...
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61. Hair
We've all had a bad hair day. We shall overcomb. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by actor and writer Temi Wilkey to discuss how hair can encapsulate culture and become our greatest insecurity. Sophie explores the issues society has with black hair, Heidi investigates the…
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60. Creativity
Some say the creative adult is the child who survived. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by performance artist Travis Alabanza to discuss what it means to be creative and how we can be better at it. Sophie reveals how working on a lesbian cruise inspired her, Heidi…
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59. Anxiety
'Don't worry be happy'? It's really not as easy as that. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by actress, writer and ukulele whizz Amy Booth-Steel to talk about how feelings of anxiety can be understood and overcome. Sophie investigates imposter syndrome, Heidi looks at how we…
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58. Intoxication
Delving into our complicated relationships with drink and drugs. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Jacob Hawley to talk honestly about their experiences in the murky world of drugs and the lost nights spent in pubs. Sophie investigates why some people choose weed...
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57. Apocalypse
The world will end eventually. So what's the point of anything? Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Gemma Arrowsmith to discuss the climate crisis, asteroids and nuclear war. Sophie wonders wether we should just throw in the towel, Heidi worries if 'deepfakes' could...
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56. TV
We're living in the golden age of television, apparently. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Eleanor Tiernan to talk about the good, the bad and the overrated. Sophie wonders if traditional TV is dead, Ned writes 'GrownUpLand: The Sitcom' to mixed reviews, Heidi…
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55. Body Image
What does body image really mean and how can we develop a healthy one? Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by body positivity advocate Stephanie Yeboah to discuss their own insecurities and how we can all feel better when we look in the mirror. Sophie looks at the origin of diet...
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54. Politics
The political scene has never been more entertaining but the country has never been so divided. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Tez Ilyas to talk about the mess the country finds itself in and what might happen in the future. Sophie wonders whether funny...
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53. Books
Reading books can open doors to other worlds and reflect the one we live in. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Helen Bauer to discuss the books that have inspired them, the books they hate and the books they pretend to hate. Sophie talks-up choose your own…
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52. Magic
Now that we're grown ups, it may seem like there's less magic in the world. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by magician Pete Firman to explore whether this is indeed the case. Sophie gets through a whole episode without a rant about Harry Potter, Ned gets tricked, Heidi...
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51. Class
Misplaced and superficial perceptions of class can affect your life in important ways. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Suzie Ruffell to talk about the myths and realities of class in Britain today. Sophie talks about the importance of checking your privilege, Ned...
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50. University
Uni is the place to go for friendships, essays, booze and near-bankruptcy. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Joe Sutherland to share stories of their turbulent times in tertiary education. Sophie tells us about the 'weird' Oxford experience, Ned interviews a best...
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49. Rejection
Being rejected isn't a nice feeling, but it shapes who we become. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Darren Harriott to share painful tales of rejection and to discuss the best ways to bounce back. Sophie reveals how to avoid feeling stung if someone doesn't want to...
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48. Stuff
In our materialistic world, we surround ourselves with shiny things to make us happy. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Rhys James to talk about the stuff we couldn't live without, the stuff we don't need and the stuff that's killing our planet. Sophie describes…
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47. Jealousy
Insecurities can turn even the kindest person into a green-eyed monster. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Jayde Adams to talk about the different types of jealousy and how we should deal with such an instinctive emotion. Sophie talks about the role of jealousy in…
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46. Languages
Language shapes the world around us and opens doors to far-flung cultures. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by writer and broadcaster Yassmin Abdel-Magied to talk about how languages can be really hard to learn, but can make you see the world in a wholly new light. Sophie…
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45. Arguments
From tiffs to barneys to blazing rows, arguments are a staple of life. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by comedian Sadia Azmat to talk about the best and worst arguments they've had and how emotions and ego can get in the way of any constructive outcome. Sophie tells us why...
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44. The Brain
It's the squishy thing in our head that makes us do brilliant (and stupid) things. Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are joined by neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow to talk about your brain on drugs, the noise your thoughts make and whether free will is an illusion. Sophie wonders how…
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43. Hobbies
In a world that wants you to work work work, leisure time can feel elusive. Sophie, Heidi and Ned are joined by journalist and writer Yomi Adegoke to talk about the best ways to revel in precious free time. Sophie talks about the dangers and blessings of monetising your hobby, Ned reveals his…
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42. Siblings
Siblings, the combination of a best friend and a pain in the neck. Sophie, Heidi and Ned are joined by comedian Olga Koch to talk about the special place brothers and sisters occupy in our lives as best friends, worst enemies and distant acquaintances. Sophie highlights the fun of extended...
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41. Beginnings
New series, new voices: As GrownUpLand makes a new beginning, the gang explores the idea of starting points, debuts and second chances. Sophie, Heidi and Ned are joined by comedian Sarah Keyworth to talk about everything from the early beginnings of humanity to coming out for the first time.…
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GrownUpLand is back!
It’s back! The only podcast that successfully encapsulates the fear, regret and bewilderment of an entire generation. New hosts Sophie Duker and Heidi Regan join Ned Sedgwick and Steve Ali to give a little taste of the series to come.
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Best of... Going Through the Emotions
Some funny and frank moments from the GrownUpLand podcast. Mae Martin, Bisha K Ali and Ned Sedgwick navigate: 'emotions'. Bisha K Ali, Mae Martin, Bobby Friction, Ned Sedgwick If GrownUpLand is a place, then we got a bit lost along the way. Each week on GrownUpLand, a special guest helps to…
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Best of... Adventures in GrownUpLand
Mae Martin, Bisha K Ali, Bobby Friction and Johnny Cochrane join Ned Sedgwick in this Best Of episode on ‘adventure’. If GrownUpLand is a place, then we got a bit lost along the way. Each week on GrownUpLand, a special guest helps to answer listener questions and candidly shares their…
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Best of... Survival in GrownUpLand
Mae Martin is joined by Bisha K Ali, Ned Sedgwick, Ed Night and Cariad Lloyd in a compilation on the theme of ‘survival’. If GrownUpLand is a place, then we got a bit lost along the way. Each week on GrownUpLand, a special guest helps to answer listener questions and candidly shares their...
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40. The Past
The past should teach us how to do better in the future, but it's clear not everyone got that memo. Mae, Ned and guest host Catherine Bohart are joined by quizmaster and comedian Dr Paul Sinha to rewind the VHS tape of life, the universe and everything. Ned takes on a quizmaster at his own game,...
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39. Sleep
It usually happens in the bedroom, it's really nice to do it with a partner and we often don't get enough of it. Mae, Ned and guest host Sophie Duker are joined by comedy writer and actor Arnab Chanda to talk all things sleep! Hear a report from Ned's bed, Sophie investigates lucid dreaming, Mae...
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38. School
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times... it was definitely the strangest of times. Mae, Ned and guest host Athena Kugblenu are joined by comedian Desiree Burch to cast their minds back and relive the horrors and highlights of the wild ride we call the education system. Ned has been…
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37. Chilling Out
With buzzing phones and shiny screens all around us, true relaxation is hard to achieve. Mae, Ned and guest host Catherine Bohart are joined by comedian Elf Lyons to take a deep breath, focus the mind and dissect the stresses of modern life. Ned has brain tingles, Catherine is mindful of being...
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36. Movies
Everyone agrees podcasts are the best way to spend your free time, but films are good too. Mae, Ned and guest host Athena Kugblenu are joined by Radio 1's movie man Ali Plumb to talk best, worst, funniest and scariest. Ned has written an epic GrownUpLand thriller, Athena looks at the holy origins...
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35. Animals
If all else fails, there will always be dogs. Mae, Ned and guest host Sophie Duker are joined by wildlife biologist Lizzie Daly to talk all things furry and feathery. Ned is feline good, Sophie wants justice for black pets and Steve Ali tells us how tourists can make refugees feel like animals in…
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34. Exercise
With pressure from all angles of society to exercise frequently and obtain the perfect body, it's just impossible to live up to those expectations. Mae, Ned and guest host Daniella Isaacs are joined by comedian Kae Kurd to figure out how exercise can make us healthier without a huge cost to our...
About this show
"Now I’m a grown up… do I have to get married? Do I have to scrimp and save?? Do I have to host a dinner party??? GrownUpLand poses the most frustrating questions. Luckily, Sophie Duker, Heidi Regan and Ned Sedgwick are here to guide you through the bewildering pursuit of adulthood. Through stupid challenges, useful facts and personal stories of rich victory and miserable failure, your guides will ensure you don’t feel alone in your hopeless endeavour to be a legit grown up. Plus, every week a special guest candidly shares their experiences, from failed dates and drunken mistakes to moments of clarity and pet hates. And the very handsome Steve Ali, a refugee from Syria now a writer and silversmith in the UK, helps to put a listener’s dilemma into perspective. Co-created by Deborah Frances-White for The Spontaneity Shop and BBC Radio 4. Produced by Al Riddell."
Hosted by
BBC Radio 4