Comfort in Familiar Voices: Celebrating the Elis and John Podcast

Over the past couple of years, the Elis James and John Robins podcast has quietly become one of the most important parts of my daily life. After stumbling across it, I decided to become what the community lovingly calls a “retro oner” – making my way all the way back to the start of their Radio X days and listening, in order, to every single episode. It’s a commitment, yes, but one that has paid off in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.

At this point, I listen to at least one episode a day, and their conversational banter has woven itself into the fabric of my routine. There’s something so grounding about the rhythm of their friendship – Elis’s warm storytelling, John’s razor-sharp wit and occasional pedantry, and the steady hand of Producer Dave steering the ship. Together, they’ve created a world that feels both daft and deeply comforting, and it has been nothing short of a lifeline for me, especially over the past year.

The last twelve months haven’t been easy. There have been times when I’ve felt weighed down, stretched thin, or simply in need of a familiar voice in my ear. In those moments, Elis and John have felt like two best friends (three if you include Dave – and you absolutely should), always ready to make me laugh, distract me, and remind me that connection and humour can make life’s challenges feel lighter.

What makes the show so special isn’t just the jokes or the catchphrases – though there are plenty of those – it’s the intimacy that builds over time. When you spend hours with the same voices, sharing in their stories, their vulnerabilities, and their running gags, it begins to feel like you’re part of something bigger than just a podcast. There’s a companionship in their chatter, an ease that makes the listener feel folded into the group.

As a therapist, I’ve noticed how much this companionship has helped me, and it’s made me reflect on its wider importance. Elis and John have been a lifeline during a difficult year, but what matters most is the principle: finding something steady, warm, and light-hearted to return to. For me, it’s a podcast. For someone else, it might be a series of novels, a favourite comedian, or a comforting YouTube channel. Whatever form it takes, having that reliable source of comfort can make you feel less alone.

That’s why I often encourage clients to look for their own version of this – a pocket of joy or companionship they can rely on. It doesn’t have to be complicated or grand. It might be a podcast episode every evening, a chapter of a beloved book before bed, or a weekly board game with friends. These small routines bring structure, connection, and stability, which are all invaluable for mental health. They act as a gentle anchor, something to steady you when the rest of life feels overwhelming.

Looking back now, I’m grateful I found their podcast when I did. It’s easy to underestimate the impact of something as simple as two (or three) people chatting on the radio, but in difficult times, that light-hearted companionship can make all the difference. Elis and John have given me not just laughs, but also the reassuring sense that, no matter what’s happening, there will always be another episode waiting – another hour spent in the company of friends.

So here’s to Elis, John, and Dave. Thank you for being a constant presence, for filling the airwaves with silliness, honesty, and friendship, and for reminding me daily that connection can come from the most unexpected places.