Bonus Episode: Series 18 Launch Party

Key Points

• The hosts are celebrating the launch of Season 18 of their podcast, "Table Manners," with a party at Brunswick House in South London.
• They discuss the party details, including the venue, decor, guest list, cocktail menu, and a multi-course dinner.
• They preview the upcoming season, mentioning a diverse lineup of guests (actors, activists, musicians) and a new visual format for YouTube.
• The hosts reflect on the podcast's history, lasting nearly eight years, and share anecdotes about its chaotic and fun production style.

Summary

This special bonus episode of "Table Manners" captures the hosts, Jessie and her mother (Lenny), celebrating the launch of the podcast's 18th season with a party at Brunswick House, a favorite restaurant in South London. The episode is structured around the event's preparations and festivities. The hosts describe the elegant, shabby-chic venue with its art and antiques for sale, the arrival of about 60 guests, and the detailed menu featuring cocktails like Palomas and Cosmos, followed by a dinner of roasted fennel with burrata, herb-crusted chicken, and a chocolate dessert.

A significant portion of the conversation previews the new season. They express excitement over a fabulous lineup of upcoming guests, including actors, activists, and musicians, and mention desired future guests like Hannah Fry or Jeremy Allen White. A key development for Season 18 is the shift to a visual format on YouTube, involving multiple cameras and a widescreen presentation, which the hosts acknowledge will require some adjustment in their typically intimate and chaotic style.

The hosts reflect on the podcast's journey, noting it has been nearly eight years since its pilot episode. They reminisce about early mishaps and learning experiences, emphasizing that the show remains fun and imperfect. The episode closes as dinner concludes, with the hosts thanking the guests for coming to South London, expressing gratitude for the listeners' long-term support, and sharing their enthusiasm for the new season's content, available weekly on podcast platforms and now visually on YouTube.