Skip to main content
Is This Thing On?

Is This Thing On?

By Sachin Nakrani/Lindsey Bowers

A podcast about life, drinking ... and other stuff
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Series 2, Episode 1 - Chastity Belts and Candles (with Laura Kirk)

Is This Thing On?Feb 02, 2020

00:00
01:05:30
Xmas Episode - Two out of Ten

Xmas Episode - Two out of Ten

Put up the tree, turn on the fairy lights and heat up the mince pies, because Sachin and Lindsey are back for a festive episode of the podcast most people thought had finished. Probably.

Yes, that's right, its an ITTO? Christmas special and your hosts are in wonderfully festive mood. Or rather they would've been had this not been the worst and weirdest year of all time, one wrecked and pretty much ruined by a global pandemic that refuses to do one.

Sachin and Lindsey reflect on 2020 - how it's affected their life and how they're feeling about everything at a time of year when normally both of them would be in joyful spirits. There's chat about their biggest lows from the past 12 months as well as reflections on the good things that have happened - namely the US election and the emergence of vaccines that may finally put an end to Covid.

Your hosts also discuss their Christmas plans as well as talk about the best things they've seen on television this year. For Sachin it's been all about two Geordies and 12 celebrities in a Welsh castle.  

So download, listen and love. And after you have, please Rate and Review. Also, get in touch via the ITTO? Twitter account (@ITTOpod) and the ITTO? email address (ITTOpod@gmail.com)

Cheers!

Dec 15, 202001:20:33
Bonus Episode - So Much Content! (with Meggie Foster)

Bonus Episode - So Much Content! (with Meggie Foster)

So yeah ... they're back. Again.

Sachin and Lindsey simply can't stay away and so return for a one-off special episode, and it really is special given they're joined by the magnificent Meggie Foster.

Meggie has taken the world by storm with her political parody TikTok videos, which are as funny as they are superbly crafted. Over a glass or two of red wine, Meggie talks about how she got into lip-synching to the likes of Liz Truss, Caroline Flint, Meghan Markle and Boris Johnson, the effort it takes to make the videos as good as they are and how the reaction to them has changed her life. 

There's also chat about the importance of voting, the benefits of vaping, and some quite shameless attempts by Lindsey to get Meggie on the Jeremy Vine Show. Oh, and the lead-out song is a belter. 

So download, listen and love. And after you have, please Rate and Review. Also, get in touch via the ITTO? Twitter account (@ITTOpod) and/or the ITTO? email address (ITTOpod@gmail.com)

Cheers!


Jul 01, 202001:05:16
Series 2, Episode 8 - The Funniest Person in the Room (with Kristen Bartlett)

Series 2, Episode 8 - The Funniest Person in the Room (with Kristen Bartlett)

It’s the final episode of the series and Sachin is flying solo for this one as Lindsey has work/internet issues. A shame but not a problem as he is joined by the brilliant, Emmy-nominated comedy writer Kristen Bartlett.

Live from New York, Kristen talks about being on lockdown in the city that never sleeps as well as her experiences of the Black Lives Matter protests, which has involved sending an internet-busting tweet to Meghan McCain.  

It’s then onto Kristen’s career - as co-head writer of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and, before that, as part of the team on Saturday Night Live. There is wonderful insight into both, including the story of the SNL sketch that led to Emily Blunt appearing as a Brexit-loving contestant on The Great British Bake Off.

Kristen also talks about what it is like being a female comedy writer in the US in general and the origins of the funny and moving theatre show she did alongside husband Jason based on the unexpected death of their dads.

So download, listen and love. And after you have, please Rate and Review. Also, get in touch via the ITTO? Twitter account (@ITTOpod) and/or the ITTO? email address (ITTOpod@gmail.com).

Cheers!

Jun 15, 202001:05:07
Series 2, Episode 7 - Is One Cigarette a Day Bad For You?

Series 2, Episode 7 - Is One Cigarette a Day Bad For You?

Unlike Dominic Cummings, Sachin and Lindsey have stayed at home. LIKE Dominic Cummings, they apologise for nothing as they reconvene on Zoom to chat life in lockdown.

Sachin explains why he is beginning to enjoy this new way of life while Lindsey doesn't hold back in revealing that for her, the feelings are very different - and difficult.

This leads to an open, honest and raw discussion about the choices women face in regards to become a parent, which in turn leads to Sachin going on another rant about social media (seriously, what is up with this dude?!).

There's no quiz but the lead-out song remains. It's a belter and is selected in a brand new way for this podcast.

So download, listen and love. And after you have, please Rate and Review. Also, get in touch with Sachin and Lindsey via the ITTO? Twitter account (@ITTOpod) and/or the ITTO? email address (ITTOpod@gmail.com).

Cheers!
May 25, 202039:31
Series 2, Episode 6 - Completely Improvised (with Usman Ally)

Series 2, Episode 6 - Completely Improvised (with Usman Ally)

Lights, Camera ... Podcast. 

It's a star-studded episode of ITTO? as Sachin and Lindsey are joined by award-winning actor Usman Ally.

Live from his home in Los Angeles (via Zoom), Usman proves to be wonderful company as he chats about his career, one that has seen him excel in theatre as well as on big and small screen. Usman is perhaps best known for playing Mohammed Al Jaffar in Veep and Andrew Malik in Suits and there is plenty of insight into both roles, including what it was like working alongside the amazing Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Usman also talks about the time he auditioned with Larry David ahead of getting a part in Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as about acting in general. 

There is discussion, too, about life in LA during lockdown and just how surreal and unsettling it is to be going through all of this while Donald Trump is the president.

Finally, as ever, there is the quiz (ZOOM quiz!) and the lead-out song, which is an Usman-selected banger. 

So download, listen and love. And after you have, please Rate and Review. Also, get in touch with Sachin and Lindsey via the ITTO? Twitter account (@ITTOpod) and/or the ITTO? email address (ITTO@gmail.com). 

Cheers!

May 11, 202001:02:49
Series 2, Episode 5 - Red Red Wine ... Everywhere

Series 2, Episode 5 - Red Red Wine ... Everywhere

So yeah - they're back.

Sachin and Lindsey make an unexpected return to podcast duties to discuss life in lockdown. They said they wouldn't but they couldn't help themselves so here they are - chatting on Zoom about how they've been coping during this most unique, surreal and difficult of times.

What have they been watching? What have they been eating? How have they generally been filling their time and feeling? And from Grandpa Sachin - what exactly is ... (checks notes) ... TikTok? 

Despite not being in The Duke, your co-hosts are still drinking, which leads to a mad moment that has Lindsey in hysterics and Sachin staring at his laptop in horror. 

Finally, as ever, there is the quiz (ZOOM QUIZ!) and the lead-out song, which is an absolute beauty.

So download, listen and love. And after you have, please Rate and Review. Also, get in touch with Sachin and Lindsey via the ITTO? Twitter account (@ITTOpod) and/or the ITTO? email address (ITTO@gmail.com).

Cheers!


Apr 27, 202001:08:40
***Special Announcement Episode***

***Special Announcement Episode***

Sachin and Lindsey have some news (yep, it's related to the coronavirus). 

They also have some clips from previous episodes.

And a brilliant lead-out song.

Enjoy! (and, stay safe). 

Mar 22, 202018:56
Series 2, Episode 4 - A Slice of Cheese Among All the Poo

Series 2, Episode 4 - A Slice of Cheese Among All the Poo

Sachin and Lindsey are back at The Duke and, not surprisingly, they begin by chatting about the coronavirus, specifically how its surge in impact and importance came as a surprise to both of them, how they've noticed it affecting their everyday lives and why they feel the panic around it - specifically stockpiling - may be doing more harm than good.

From there the discussion moves onto a topic your co-hosts have been planning to speak about for a while - the Facebookification of Twitter. As Sachin explains, it's a term coined by his friend Harry Sherlock to described the increased levels of self focus and self indulgence that have been taking place on Twitter for a few months now, seen in things like the Decade Challenge and the Dolly Parton Challenge - two things Sachin hates and Lindsey, well, took part in. 

Lindsey speaks candidly about exactly why she got involved in them - as well as the more recent Doppelgänger Challenge - which leads to a really interesting discussion about social media in general. What are the negatives? What are the positives? Does Sachin really need to be so bloody grumpy about it all the time?

Finally, as ever, there is the quiz (PUB QUIZ!), which on this occasion is based on Lindsey's experience of another quiz entirely.  

So download, listen and love. And after you have, please Rate and Review. Also, get in touch with Sachin and Lindsey via the ITTO? Twitter account (@ITTOpod) and/or the ITTO? email address (ITTO@gmail.com).

Cheers!

Mar 15, 202001:09:14
Series 2, Episode 3 - A Suitcase Full of Rubber (with John Webb/Jabbins)

Series 2, Episode 3 - A Suitcase Full of Rubber (with John Webb/Jabbins)

It's busy inside The Duke and the conversation is wild. As well as kinky. 

That's because Sachin and Lindsey are joined at their favourite pub by John Webb - vision mixer for Good Morning Britain and, when the mood takes him, a rubber dog who goes by the name of Jabbins.

John, who Lindsey knows and loves from her time working at GMB, is into pup play, a kink that sees people dress and act like dogs. For some it's a form of harmless, play-based escapism while for others - including John - its main attraction is as a full-on, thrilling sexual fetish.

John/Jabbins speaks openly about his journey into pup play - how he got involved in the kink and why it appeals so  much. He also talks about pup play's origins and how it has led to the creation of a highly social and collaborative community, which is also well served by a podcast he co-hosts - the brilliantly named Shut The WOOF Up. Being the honest guy/dog that he is, John/Jabbins also speaks about the dark side of sexual fetishes, which leads to the telling of a truly jaw-dropping story. 

It's an utterly fascinating discussion that includes Lindsey talking about the time she visited a sex club dressed like Christina Aguilera and John/Jabbins recounting his role as an extra in Bridget Jones's Baby. 

Finally, as ever, there is the quiz (PUB QUIZ!) and what is undoubtedly the coolest lead-out song in ITTO? history. 

So download, listen and love. And after you have, please Rate and Review. Also, get in touch with Sachin and Lindsey via the ITTO? Twitter account (@ITTOpod) and/or the ITTO? email address (ITTO@gmail.com)

Cheers! Oh, and ... WOOF! 


Mar 01, 202001:05:19
Series 2, Episode 2 - Creep

Series 2, Episode 2 - Creep

What does it feel like to be discriminated against because of your race or gender? That's the rather meaty topic Sachin and Lindsey get into as they meet again at The Duke, this time inside and over a range of drinks.

Sachin speaks about how he was racially abused during a recent trip to see Liverpool play and how that got him thinking about racism in general and unconscious/subconscious racism specifically. After that, Lindsey opens up about a horrible experience she had early on in her career that was based largely, and quite undeniably, on her being a woman. 

It's not all heavy going, however, as Sachin and Lindsey also find the time to talk about stalking a social media crush on the Central Line and having a sarcastic argument with a queue jumper in a Romford cafe (you can probably guess who tells which story).  

Finally, as ever, there is the quiz (PUB QUIZ!) which this week is based around Lindsey's love of funny-looking men. Hello Tally!

So download, listen and love. And after you have, please, please Rate and Review. Also, get in touch with Sachin and Lindsey via the ITTO? Twitter account (@ITTOpod) and/or the ITTO? email address (ITTO@gmail.com)

Cheers! 

Feb 16, 202001:07:53
Series 2, Episode 1 - Chastity Belts and Candles (with Laura Kirk)

Series 2, Episode 1 - Chastity Belts and Candles (with Laura Kirk)

THEY'RE BACK!!!

Yes, that's right, Sachin and Lindsey return after a two-month break - and what a return it is. Firstly, they're unable to sit inside The Duke given how busy it is, so instead move to the beer garden, which not surprisingly is empty given it's late January and absolutely freezing. Next, their recording equipment doesn't appear to be working, leading to Sachin almost passing out with stress. Fortunately he's able to fix the problem and a new episode of a new series is ready to go.

And what a fun episode it is as S&L (yes, that's what we're calling them now) are joined by Laura Kirk, co-host of the brilliant Revisiting podcast, for a chat about nostalgia and Laura's teenage diaries, which led to the first incarnation of Revisiting - Berkhamsted Revisited.

Laura reads from her diaries, which in turn leads to readings of Lindsey's own diary. Prepare yourself for some truly sensational stuff on boys, piercings and er ... a candle.

Finally, as ever, there is the quiz (PUB QUIZ!), and Laura's choice for a lead-out song. Only fair given she sat patiently in the cold and proved to be a fantastic guest. 

So download, listen and love. And after you have, please, please Rate and Review. Also, get in touch with Sachin and Lindsey via the ITTO? Twitter account (@ITTOpod) and/or the email address (ITTO@gmail.com). 

Cheers!

 


Feb 02, 202001:05:30
Episode 8 - The Clive Whittingham Break

Episode 8 - The Clive Whittingham Break

"It's the most wonderful time of the year, with the kids jingle belling, and everyone telling you be of good cheer, it's the most wonderful time of the yeeeeaaarrrr!!!!"

OK, so it's not Christmas quite yet, but it is the last episode of Is This Thing On? before the decorations go up and the mince pies are purchased so Sachin and Lindsey are in festive, end-of-year mood as they gather over a bottle of red wine at The Duke. The pair reflect on their highs and lows of the year, which includes chats about the Royals and a footballer who has apparently never heard of the Nazis. Before that there's also a discussion about Twitter etiquette, which gets pretty heated. 

Finally, as ever, there is the quiz (PUB QUIZ!), which also has an end-of-year feel to it as Sachin and Lindsey test how much the other person has been listening to them during the previous seven episodes of ITTO?

Sadly, this particular episode contains some sound issues. Yes, the crackling and popping is back, but it's only around for the first 20 minutes and, like last time, does not mask the discussion during that period. So please tune in, stick with the episode and, as ever, enjoy.

HO! HO! HO!


Dec 02, 201901:02:04
Episode 7 - 176 Goals (with Matt Forde)

Episode 7 - 176 Goals (with Matt Forde)

Sachin and Lindsey are on their travels, heading over to The Holly Bush in Hampstead, north London, to speak with the brilliant comedian and broadcaster Matt Forde.

Matt proves to be wonderful company over a few pints of London Pride and a few glasses of white wine, talking at great length and with incredible passion about a topic that is close to his heart - politics. Hear why he thinks Brexit is not actually about Brexit and why he has well and truly fallen out of love with Labour, a party he joined as a teenager, worked for as an adult but simply cannot vote for while Jeremy Corbyn remains leader - including at the upcoming general election.

There's plenty of laughs too, including when the group discuss their favourite House of Commons Speaker and Lindsey recalls the weird cuddle dream she had with a less-than-cuddly politician. Oh, and as ever there's the quiz, which provides a truly jaw-dropping moment for all concerned. 

So download, listen and love. And after you have - tell your friends to do the same. And all of you - please Rate and Review.

Cheers!

Nov 17, 201901:19:13
Episode 6 - I Hate Apples

Episode 6 - I Hate Apples

Sachin and Lindsey are back on the red wine as they delve into a couple of really interesting topics - meeting famous people and the idea of a mid-life crisis. 

Is it actually a good thing to meet famous people and, specifically, your childhood heroes? Sachin once thought 'yes' but after a recent, horrible experience with someone he has adored for most of his life, he's no longer sure. Lindsey, on the other hand, is all for it. She also has an unexpected and fascinating shout for the famous person she'd most like to sit down with and talk to about their life.

A mid-life crisis: is it actually a thing? Yes according to Sachin, who is adamant he is going through one right now. Lindsey, too, is struggling with a few things having recently turned 35. Both of your hosts are incredibly honest and articulate on what is a bit of a taboo subject.

Finally, as ever, there is the quiz (PUB QUIZ!), and the lead-out song, which is a banger.     

So download, listen and love. And after you have - tell your friends to do the same. And all of you - please Rate and Review.

Cheers!

Nov 03, 201901:03:21
Episode 5 - Baby Sitter (with Bella Hull)

Episode 5 - Baby Sitter (with Bella Hull)

It's miserable outside but lovely inside as Sachin and Lindsey are joined at The Duke by comedy star of the future, Bella Hull.

Sachin saw Bella perform stand-up at an open mic night in London and immediately thought, "wow, she's great - we need to get her on the pod", and thankfully she accepted the invite. 

Listen as Bella talks about doing comedy as part of Cambridge University's fabled Footlights society and how she's transferred that to the gruelling environment of the open mic circuit. Oh, and she does her 'Portuguese joke', which is pretty fantastic. 

There's also chat about Lindsey's recent birthday celebrations, the benefits of dry shampoo and Joker, the movie which has divided opinion on social media and does so again at a certain pub in east London. 

Finally, as ever, there is the quiz (PUB QUIZ!), which on this occasion is all about the greatest decade ever - the 90s.

So download, listen and love. And after you have - tell your friends to do the same. And all of you - please, PLEASE, Rate and Review.

Cheers!





Oct 20, 201901:00:34
Episode 4 - Ignore and Block

Episode 4 - Ignore and Block

Sachin and Lindsey are back at The Duke for a very different episode of ITTO? This one is really raw and really honest as the guys discuss their experiences with online trolls and anxiety. Over two bottles of red wine (yes - TWO), Sachin and Lindsey open up about some very personal stuff and how it's had, and continues to have, an impact on their lives. 

But don't worry, it's not all heavy going. There's also some TV-related chat as well as a couple of stories regarding weird experiences with people who cut hair. 

Finally as ever, there is the quiz (PUB QUIZ!), which this time is a Lindsey-led round of 'would you rather?' Warning - it involves talk about poo. 

So download, listen and love. And after you have - tell your friends to do the same. And all of you - please Rate and Review.

Cheers!


 

Oct 06, 201901:00:15
Episode 3 - Grandmother called me The Baby (with Storm Huntley)

Episode 3 - Grandmother called me The Baby (with Storm Huntley)

It's a special episode of ITTO? as Sachin and Lindsey leave The Duke and head over to The Blue Boat in Hammersmith, west London, in order to talk to Storm Huntley, co-host of the Jeremy Vine Show and, as Sachin and Lindsey discover, a stinking-rich property baron (sort of).  

Storm chats working with the legend that is Jeremy Vine, meeting the legend that is Louis Theroux and being a woman in the media - the challenges and the choices and what needs to be done to make the entire industry more equal and fair. 

Over quite a few glasses of red wine, Storm also reveals the origins of her kick-ass name and takes part in a quiz with Lindsey, all while keeping an eye on her dog and best buddy, Boo. What a woman and what a brilliant, brilliant guest. 

So download, listen and love. And after you have - tell your friends to do the same. And all of you - please Rate and Review. 

Cheers!

Sep 22, 201955:28
Episode 2 - Pitch Beef

Episode 2 - Pitch Beef

Guess who's back, guess who's back? That's right, Sachin and Lindsey are back, and they're here with the next installment of the podcast critics are calling "vague", "nonsensical" and "like two weirdos sitting in a boozer and wasting everybody's time, including their own".

Well sod 'em because Is This Thing On? is a great podcast and this second episode proves it as Sachin and Lindsey, back at The Duke and with alcohol in hand, discuss a brilliant HMV-related thread on Twitter, where they were when Princess Diana died, the merits of wedding speeches (spoiler alert: they're rubbish) and wrap things up with a quiz. Is Brad Pitt still really good looking? They discuss that too!

So download, listen and love. And after you have - tell your friends to do the same. And all of you - please Rate and Review. That would be so, so lovely.

Cheers!
Sep 08, 201957:16
Episode 1 - Freddie Mercury or Dinosaurs

Episode 1 - Freddie Mercury or Dinosaurs

NEW PODCAST KLAXON!  Yes, that's right, some more schmucks have decided to get into the podding game and these schmucks are called Sachin Nakrani and Lindsey Bowers; Londoners in their 30s who like a drink and like a chat and thought, 'Hey, why don't we do those two things at the same time, hit record on a nearby laptop and put the whole thing out as something other people can listen to?' So that's what they've done. Is This Thing On? is a fortnightly podcast that will tackle literally each and every topic Sachin and Lindsey can be bothered to talk about, and in this debut episode, recorded at ITTO? headquarters - The Duke pub in Wanstead, east London - they discuss how they met (on Twitter), what they do for a living (both journalists) and exactly how they came to creating a podcast that is about everything but also about nothing. There's also some chat about Instagram, weddings, hangovers and a Q&A that leads to Lindsey, who by this stage is quite clearly very tipsy, telling a truly awful  joke about a man called Keith.  Enjoy! 
Aug 20, 201901:06:25