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PODCAST · comedy

Rural Concerns

by A Lovely Time Productions

Join comedians Sunil Patel (Alice and Jack, Channel 4) and Chris Cantrill (Icklewick FM, BBC Radio 4) as they try to maintain a long-distance friendship in the face of countryside calibre internet speeds (Cantrill) and staggering apathy (Patel). Produced by Egg Mountain for A Lovely Time Productions.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Mar 31, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Mind moles, legitimate botox & an announcement

    The lads reunite after a triumphant live show in Manchester to discuss cosmetic surgery and how big the human tongue is. Rural Concerns is taking a break! Something cool has popped up which means we’ll be unable to record new episodes. We’ll share more information when we can but for now; Merry...

  2. Mead, tombstones & the Lotto Lout

    A generous gift triggers a journey through time for the lads. Under the influence of a divine brew they discuss dirty bible verse, the Brit Awards and disposable vapes. The loosest, most drunk episode we’ve done tbh. If you have a Rural Concern you can send us an email to...

  3. Country pubs, TikTok hacks & Sunil’s skull kingdom

    The lads design the perfect village pub and inadvertently discover a way to abolish the class system. Sunil’s unique mind also comes under scrutiny yet again. We’re performing a Rural Concerns live show in Manchester on 22nd November 2025! If you’re reading this now then it’s that coming…

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  4. Escape rooms, socks & beautiful cobbled streets

    Chris and Sunil remember their 24 hours together in Amsterdam veeeeeery differently. We’re performing a Rural Concerns live show in Manchester on 22nd November 2025! That’s very soon. Come on now! Grab your tickets here. If you have a Rural Concern you can send us an email to...

  5. Select One's Escapade LIVE from The Bill Murray

    From the Patreon archive - the full bootleg of the Select One's Escapade from The Bill Murray back in February 2025. If you like the sound of that and want to see things at the same time as hearing something very similar, the boy oh boy are you in luck! We’re performing a Rural Concerns live show...

  6. Potatoes, crashes & the shadow world

    The lads must rally to save the recording when Jeff Bezos drops the ball. Luckily the failures of Big Tech doesn’t stop Sunil from eating a single potato on its own with nothing else, nor does it impede Chris reminding everyone about his big house. Here’s that video of a dorky teen playing…

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  7. Secret compartments, apex predators & Digital ID cards

    Sunil has compiled a special report on the arrival of Digital ID cards, Chris is designing his spare room with a theatrical eye and James has the bees in. Sunil also asks; who Lynxes the Lynx? We’re performing a Rural Concerns live show in Manchester on 22nd November 2025! It’s going to be a…

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  8. Dad Chat: Pre-Church Edition

    With Sunil out on the lash it’s down to Chris and Producer James to set the world to rights. When was the last time you were scared? We’re performing a Rural Concerns live show in Manchester (UK) on 22nd November 2025! It’s going to be a heady mix of slander, skits and choice-based adventure...

  9. Scheduled emails, empanadas & Gerry Adams in a tracksuit

    James is mad for it following his trip to see Oasis, Sunil doesn’t want for Southern European pasties and Chris is cuckolded by a load of 20 year old boys. Quite sweary this one; blame it on the resurgence of Cool Britannia! We’re performing a Rural Concerns live show in Manchester (UK) on 22nd...

  10. Early starts, robots & Gordon Blue’s pastries

    Chris is on another plane (astral), Sunil gets all his meals from Deliveroo and James absolutely loves that he’s the fittest DILF at the UFOs Are Real Festival. Please also note that Sunil must say yes to everything for the next 2 weeks. We’re performing a Rural Concerns live show in Manchester...

  11. Leek Club Special!

    Sunil and James are shocked to learn that Chris has actually submitted his leeks for appraisal by an independent adjudicator. They listen with a mix of jealousy and awe as Chris tells a tale triumph against adversity for the ages. It’s basically a Hollywood film where a working class outsider is...

  12. Cryptids, chess & a slightly bigger than normal pen

    A hefty update for the Leek Club fans as we approach the endgame! In this episode Chris harnesses the power of prayer for personal gain, Sunil tours a private library of mucky books and James gets nerdy about arcade games. We’re performing a Rural Concerns live show in Manchester (UK) on 22nd...

  13. Sauces, sweets & tomato vapes

    Chris recommends a brilliant syrup for follically challenged lads, Sunil raw-dogs the M1 and James isn’t worried about child slavery laws. The lads also celebrate the release of Sunil’s Hollywood film, The Toxic Avenger! If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can…

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  14. Underpants, uniforms & a pack of dogs

    The lads are reunited following a hectic summer! Chris attempts to seduce a new friend, Sunil takes us through his tabs and James is just a tube. There’s also a substantial update on the big PC front. Summary: we’re so back! If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can...

  15. Kids, ferries & the Toxic Avenger

    Sunil and James get together without their leader. They talk to each other as if they’ve just met at a Pharmaceutical Industry conference. Meanwhile, Chris is unspooling somewhere between Ireland and Scotland. If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets…

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  16. Cows arses, cow arses & a cow's arse

    Chris is still in Edinburgh so producer James wrote this blurb. Chris talks bovine buttocks, Sunil is deeper into golf and producer James is as handsome and witty as ever. With lovely hair. And a nice guy actually. Anyways - enjoy! Live shows: If you want to experience the full force of Rural...

  17. Burratas, collisions & corrections

    The lads are back from their holidays with much urgent business to discuss. James has moved to Digital Lenses, Sunil goes ringside and perhaps inevitably Chris is getting into steam punk. Also, we’re thrilled to announce that the Hunterian Museum opened after a refurbishment in 2023! Live shows…

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  18. Patreon peek | High Kulture

    The lads are on their holidays! Here’s a little peek behind the paywall at an episode of High Kulture, our Patreon-only spin off where we discuss the films, games and books we’re consuming. You can sign up to the Patreon for a few quid a month and get access to literally hours of twoddle like…

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  19. Machetes, cockteliers & puffin island

    James experiments at home, Sunil ships in some outside help and Chris isn’t making a big deal about it. Chris also fondly remembers the time he went wild swimming with Sunil. Also, the lads agree, medically, that sugar is good and it is nice. Live shows: If you want to experience the full force…

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  20. Dad Club Summer Special

    With Sunil away hunting for puffin meat, Chris and James get together to discuss the looming summer holidays. Together they compare notes on family holidays, new Superman film and James talks in an incredibly convincing Italian accent. Live shows: If you want to experience the full force of Rural...

  21. Dues, wolves & Les Dennis

    Chris and James go celeb spotting in central London, whilst Sunil hits upon a unique strategy to make all your problems go away. The lads also play another riveting game of 'Would You Consume the Shroom?' Live shows: If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab...

  22. Holidays, shushings & a terrible foam

    Sunil finally snaps, James encourages responsible skulling and Chris evicts his new neighbours in the worst way possible. The lads also get a very cool message from an Argentinian farmer. If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Manchester show…

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  23. Cameras, wasps & a selfish settee

    Sunil throws his toys out of the pram, Chris campaigns passionately on behalf of all artists and James finally gets his hands on the Nintendo Switch 2. The lads also try to improve their social media game with calamitous results. If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live…

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  24. St Cans Day, flapjacks & manifestations

    Chris uses his academic training to set a logic trap for a distracted James whilst Sunil talks us through an exciting new public holiday. You’ll be glad to know that Chris has risen from the flames, like Icarus! A mad, heatwave infused episode. You can watch Rural Concerns Live at Fairfield…

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  25. Garden centres, electrolytes & dead bodies

    Sunil has too much energy, James has literally zero sympathy and Chris has some kind advice for a friend who’s embarking on a new horticultural adventure. Don’t think it needs saying but if you are having a medical emergency please do not contact podcasters in the first instance. You can also…

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  26. Misery metal, golf & Dirty Bertie

    Sunil drives a hard bargain, Chris fondly remembers the blandest of foods and James runs a website for nocturnal thrillseekers. One of the team also crosses a serious red line. Chris is doing the last ever performance of his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show at The Stand in Newcastle this...

  27. Suits, snails & meatheads

    The lads regroup following the greatest live podcast show since records began. Spirits are high, but sadly it doesn’t take long before it descends into finger pointing. James wants us to clarify that he doesn’t write the introductions, Sunil unleashes the full force of his networking prowess and...

  28. Chickens, vandals & cities of the future

    This live episode was recorded at the 2025 London Podcast Show! Chris desires justice, Sunil conducts Satan’s taste test and James anoints himself King of the Pizzas! Also, why can’t all tech be wireless? Thank you to everyone who attended this live show! Chris is performing his Edinburgh Comedy...

  29. Deep cleans, compost & secret handshakes

    The lads reveal a secret the Masons don't want you to know! James is doing his bi-annual clean, Chris eyes up a new hobby and Sunil has become romantically entangled with a robot. Also, can we just give a shout out to all the lovely ladies? Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to…

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  30. Popes, town criers & horses

    Post-Conclave, the lads celebrate the appointment of Pope Leo XIV. Chris wants to put pictures up in peoples’ houses without consent, James mistakenly believes he has taste and Sunil has never seen a horse working. Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on...

  31. Software, attics & transition lenses

    The lads convene on the eve of their second live show. Chris has bitten off more than he can chew, Sunil must drive through the night and James wants you to know he's a ‘quite good at it person’. Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on 20th May. We’re…

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  32. Pee, proxies & pannatones

    Sunil learns he has a deadly look-alike, James reveals the trick to getting a heavily discounted Italian teacake and Chris reveals a dark secret about his leek trench. The lads also hit upon an ingenious marketing campaign, the only thing they’re missing is a duelling pistol… Want to see the lads...

  33. Cycling, side eye & dead dads

    Chris is thrilled to have completed his first ever 10,000 kilometer race only to have the legs cut out from underneath him. Sunil can hold his breath for ages and James thinks he’s great for cycling all the time. Also, can we please stop having a go at the Victorians? Want to see the lads live?...

  34. Char siu, humidity & sartorial elegance

    Chris is fresh from a dinner party, Sunil tries to engage with geo-politics and Producer James gears up for a VIP event. The lads also read a letter from the wife of a gamer turned first-time gardener. Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on…

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  35. Poop, dandelions & the Sun Room

    Spring has come to Rural Concerns! Leek Club properly kicks off for Chris, whilst Producer James is besieged by a garden pest. Meanwhile, Sunil learns that a new bedroom brings new problems. Heavy is the crown and all that. Rural Concerns Live is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on…

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  36. Dad-law, chips & cafe culture

    Can we all agree that the concept of community is disappearing?! In this episode Chris is persecuted for his political beliefs, Sunil is harassed by a former housemate and Producer James is locked into a rant. If you haven’t listened before it’s just three lovely chaps dealing in van humour.…

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  37. First Birthday Shenanigans!

    Grab a Radler and dive in as Chris, Sunil and Producer James look back over their first year of the pod! You can see the lads live in Manchester on 11th November for their last live show of 2025. Grab your tickets, here! Big thanks to Phil Ellis, Amy Gledhill, Mark Silcox, Nicola Redman, Alisdair...

  38. Archery, Neck Oil & Top Soil

    Producer James visits a creche for 40 something men, Chris has finally done something for Leek Club and Sunil got to ride in a tow truck. The lads also consider what it takes to become a master archer. Chris still has a couple of tour dates! He's off to Barnard Castle (22nd March) and Chorley…

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  39. Nintendos, trackers & slime

    The lads ditch church for an emergency broadcast when Sunil's beloved Lexus is stolen! You can literally hear the testosterone flowing as he recounts this genuinely thrilling tale of vigilantism in action. Meanwhile, James’ wallet is about to take a big hit and Chris has stood in something…

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  40. Eye masks, long drives & big cats

    James has been watching some films, Chris wants the bullies to hear and Sunil has eyes like a 12 year old. The lads also catch up on some letters including an update from their favourite wreck head… Chris still has a couple of tour dates! He's off to Barnard Castle (22nd March) and Chorley (17th...

  41. Shoplifting, sheaths & the tip challenge

    In this incredibly puerile episode Sunil enjoys a cream cake, James just wanted some eggs and Chris apparently sends too many messages! The lads also issue a new challenge that’s set to become an obsession for the middle aged. Do you have a Rural Concern? Drop us an email at...

  42. Double yellows, cables & turkeys

    The Children of Matthews return! This week James is getting bombarded on WhatsApp, Sunil dreams of a drive-in parking space and Chris? Well, he just wants to be heard. This episode also contains a highly anticipated Leek Club update. Chris' tour starts this week! He's off to Leeds, Manchester,...

  43. Teabags, gargoyles & multiple slanders [LIVE]

    Sunil, Chris and James unite in London to record their first ever live show! Expect academic thought experiments, tech mishaps and loads of slander. Thanks to all the legends who came down! This episode also features a sneak peek of Sunil's BBC Radio 4 series 'An idiot's guide to bagging an...

  44. Swears, tailors & birds of prey

    Tensions are running high in the build up to the first ever live show. Chris regrets joining Leek Club, James has no spatial awareness and Sunil just wants it all to end. Listen up, nerds! Chris is heading on a tour of the UK with his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show, Easily Swayed. He’s off...

  45. Spider-goats, birthdays & the cursed mushroom

    Sunil’s spending his birthday studying conflict, James is showing off about his kitchen skills and Chris poses an impossible question which leaves the lads reeling. Please let us know if you think this actually is like an episode of the Twilight Zone! Hey, yo! Chris is heading on a tour of the UK...

  46. Awards, toilet seats & punctuality

    The boys are torn apart by success. James yearns to hold the trophy, Chris anoints the new Dune and Sunil isn't putting the seat down. Listen up, dweebs! Chris is heading on a tour of the UK with his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show, Easily Swayed. He’s off to Gilsland, Edinburgh, Manchester...

  47. Kirby, scams & sticky toffee pudding trifle

    Sunil’s been gorging on another decadent dessert and Chris has an embarrassing confession which sends Producer James into a censorious frenzy. The lads also read a letter from a lazy engineer. The lads will be back to shielding their vulnerabilities next week. Listen up, nerds! Chris is heading…

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  48. Blue Monday, perfume & necromancy

    Welcome back to the first Rural Concerns of 2025! Sunil’s scared of the dark, Chris is a slave to his criminal impulses and Producer James wants to kick off the new year by dredging up the past. Sunil also gets very excited about a garden centre grotto and Chris gives us a rendition of Cicero’s...

  49. Chris and Producer James: Dad Time

    Chris and Producer James catch-up in the festive gap between proper episodes to discuss being dads. Normal service resumes next week!

  50. Spice, babes & Tiny Tim

    The lads are joined by a very special guest for this merry festive episode! James is having a snowball, Chris ponders intergalactic travel and is it too late for Sunil to learn the true meaning of Christmas? Chris is going on tour in February. Get your tickets, here! Do you have a Rural Concern?...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Join comedians Sunil Patel (Alice and Jack, Channel 4) and Chris Cantrill (Icklewick FM, BBC Radio 4) as they try to maintain a long-distance friendship in the face of countryside calibre internet speeds (Cantrill) and staggering apathy (Patel). Produced by Egg Mountain for A Lovely Time Productions.

HOSTED BY

A Lovely Time Productions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Rural Concerns have?

Rural Concerns currently has 91 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Rural Concerns about?

Join comedians Sunil Patel (Alice and Jack, Channel 4) and Chris Cantrill (Icklewick FM, BBC Radio 4) as they try to maintain a long-distance friendship in the face of countryside calibre internet speeds (Cantrill) and staggering apathy (Patel). Produced by Egg Mountain for A Lovely Time...

How often does Rural Concerns release new episodes?

Rural Concerns has 91 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Rural Concerns?

You can listen to Rural Concerns on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Rural Concerns?

Rural Concerns is created and hosted by A Lovely Time Productions.
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