The final ever episode of 'Giles Coren Has No Idea.'

A mix of podcast quiz, listeners good wishes and a star turn from the next generation of podcasters.

It has been a joy and a pleasure. Thank you for listening, emailing and subscribing, we are very grateful to every one of you.

From Giles, Esther and producer Neil a big thank you and a very Merry Christmas.

God Bless us, every one!

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Some sad news – the podcast is coming to an end.

Giles and Esther, after over two hundred episodes will be ending the podcast next week.

The penultimate episode has echoes of the first as masks are making a comeback. With a particularly virulent strain of flu spreading across the nation is it time to bring back masks…opinion is divided.

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch is also making something of a comeback, after her leadership was questioned she is now receiving rave reviews - her latest policy target is getting young people back to work. Would Giles or Esther do manual labour?

As social media is banned for under sixteens in Australia, could there be any unforeseen consequences….?

Lastly, why on earth has RFK Jnr has been given a billion dollars to install gyms in airports?

And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com

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It is advent which means calendars, Christmas preparation and church services. Esther is making up for her childhood austerity by buying big gaudy chocolate calendars; Giles is curbing his instinct to over buy and both of them are pondering the true meaning of Christmas.

According to recent research couples that drink together stay together…as mismatched drinking habits can be the death knell of a relationship. Are Esther and Giles’ drinking patterns in sync?

For those eschewing Christianity, what are the popular alternatives, and are they worth a look?

Finally, what’s the difference between children and cats…?

And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com

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Giles and Esther are trying to work out how best to teach their children to think better about energy - how and when to use it wisely. But who should teach valuable lessons about the economics of the home - the school or themselves, the parents? And how much do they really understand? So in this bonus edition made in partnership with Smart Energy GB Giles and Esther discuss bathtime, underfloor heating and whether something that makes a whirring noise in the kitchen at night is really going to reduce them to penury! And how the smart meter might make it easier to pass on some important wisdom.

Made in partnership with Smart Energy GB.

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Giles and Esther have delayed the recording of the podcast so they can respond to Rachel Reeves much anticipated budget. Turns out they didn’t need to as the whole thing was leaked! With the mansion tax potentially looming large should people consider devaluing their houses? If so, how might one go about doing that…? And if the Chancellor is taxing milk shakes and lattes Giles thinks she should go a step further.

Is fame bad for your health? With some experience of the matter both Esther and Giles think so. But wonder if there is an element of chicken and egg about fame – does it attract a more fragile sort, or does it cause the fragility?

Finally, the case of Nigel Farage and the accusations of schoolboy racism.

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A quick but very loud update on Giles’ snoring. He has recorded himself and it’s been quite a shock. But he has found a new gadget that is aiding him in his quest to return to the marital bed.

This week is better than Christmas for Giles as the Ashes begin, he plans on adjusting his body clock and not missing a second…and he’ll be dragging a bleary eyed twelve-year-old along for the ride.

Are you rich? Would you admit it if you were? Weary with seemingly well-off people pleading poverty Giles has developed a very simple check list to establish – rich or not rich?

Lastly, the Cambridge Dictionary word of the year is…

And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com

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Giles has been to see a Bob Vylan gig.

Bob Vylan are a punk rap duo who hit the headlines when the BBC broadcast their set live from Glastonbury, during which they led a chant of ‘death death to the IDF.’

Performing round the corner at the forum in Kentish Town Giles went to see the gig, the various protest and counter protest groups and to talk to some strangers.

If PM Sir Keir Starmer really is under threat who else could fill his shoes – Davina McCall, the artist formerly known as Prince Andrew? There is upheaval at the BBC as the DG and head of news resign on the same day…will Giles be sending in his CV for either of the roles?

Finally, ‘Flesh’ by David Szalay wins the booker prize, what’s it about?

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Giles is still sleeping apart from Esther because of his snoring. But he is not fully reconciled to the new arrangement. The subject hit a nerve as many listeners have been in touch with ideas to improve the situation – from wired jaws, wedge pillows or intriguingly a trip to Newcastle. After Giles composes himself, he considers a few of the options.

In more upbeat new Parisians are being offered the chance to win a burial spot next to the likes of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison or Edith Piaf in the famous cemeteries of the Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse and Montmartre. So where would Giles and Esther like to be buried?

Lastly, a new charge has started to appear on some restaurant bills – an admin charge. What is it, why is it there and does it mark the end of fine dining…?

And as always please do get in touch: noidea@thetimes.com

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