Dara Ó Briain Talks WILTY, Graham Norton & Touring Europe

[@Fifury161]

18:25 - my favourite showbiz insult performed by Dara was as host of Mock the week - where the guests where ribbing him and he was a bit upset - to which one of them said "well what did you expect showing a weakness to a bunch of comedians?" to which Dara replied, "I consider you friends I don't consider you comedians!", such a great burn!

[@puckerings]

Hoist by their own petard there.

[@DonStrenz]

If anything good came about from the covid quarantine, it introduced me (an American) to British comedians through KZbin. It started with a search for John Cleese, which led me to the Graham Norton show, which led me to Lee Mack, to WILTY, to Rob and David, to Dara, Mock the Week, Jimmy Carr, Sean Lock, Joe Wilkinson, etc, etc.. A million laughs.

[@doctorsuave]

Have you tried The Mighty Boosh yet? STRONG recommend.

[@matthewbowers88]

I think in this list you have nailed the titans of UK comedy. There's a few others but I think you'll enjoy finding them on your own. If I had to, and I don't, pick a comedian for you to check out next... Maybe Sarah Millican. She is at the height of her game at the moment. From Newcastle so the accent will take some getting used to. Working class everyday observational comedy from a woman's perspective. A lot of it is side splitting.

[@DonStrenz]

@@doctorsuave Thanks, I haven't but will check it out!

[@DonStrenz]

@@matthewbowers88 I've seen Sarah many times on game shows. She is the spitting image of my cousin. I have no trouble with her accent and will have to check out her stand up. Thanks for the recommendation. An accent I do have trouble with is Peter Kay, who is hilarious when I understand what he's saying but generally talks faster than my mind can translate.

[@leadoucet1432]

​@@DonStrenzhave you seen the clip of Peter Kay's show where they talk about dogging? I first saw it during lockdown, had no idea who he was, and cried laughing. Still watch it once in a while. It's silly and broad humour, but it works.

[@ronrowe8408]

The Cat Walk Dara did on WILTY had me rolling around snorty with laughter

[@zaroffhound]

Like watching two moths detailed reminiscence over a good night's flitting near so many flames...superb.

[@janeway1971]

I'm from Germany and I love you all very much 🤗

[@vjc2270]

I’m an Australian comedy nerd - Dara acknowledged my existence! WOO-HOOOO! 😃❤️👍

[@ViewerNumber9]

It was Denise Van Outen, Dara. I had to go rooting through the archives....I dont waste my evenings 😅.

[@Grammarlings-cf8yw]

One of the best chats, I'd love to see more of the in depth, behind the scenes comedy world - it's the kind of realité that people want to see in interviews.

[@ryanjohndavies4092]

Out of the Comedians who mainly just do Stand-Up no acting just Stand-Up and panel shows (and the occasional science documentary) , Dara is probably one of the best in the world.

[@Jagabot_Esq.]

He is one of the best without a doubt.

[@timothygraham4304]

I remember watching him as a presenter when I was a kid, it was either The Grip, or The Island, but I wouldn't have pegged him as the hilarious guy he went on to be!

[@patrickkinsella8067]

@@timothygraham4304it was Echo Island on RTE2.

[@JonAuc77]

Dara and Sean Lock are both amazing! I'll watch anything either is on.

[@ajivins1]

And still driving that Megabus!

[@addison_reilly5904]

Its actually so fascinating to see two comedians talking about the details of how their careers work, really not something I've seen before.

[@zegfeldmobata4160]

Dara has helped me throughout the years with the Mock the Week show. I loved that show what an incredible run he has had over the last two decades.

[@TheYeetusLord]

The most hilarious thing about this to me is when Dara mentions him being 51 years old, it makes me remember a show he did years ago and in the show he said he was 34, and he was very much aware of the fact that he looked older. Well, I'd just like to say Dara, you looked 51 then, so you look damn good now all these years later😄

[@ericminch]

Is it only by some odd coincidence that 51 is 3*17, 34 is 2*17, and his first show was at 17?

[@mytube001]

@@ericminch Yes

[@ViewerNumber9]

​@@mytube001 😂

[@goldenpony822]

He only follows Dara every 17 years ​@@ericminch

[@GraemeGreen-e6i]

I believe it was QI

[@bekindrewind9675]

The catwalk wilty is one of my all time favourite episodes, and he totally rocked it. It had a real "last day of school" atmosphere (might have been last ep of the series?). It was so much fun.

[@googleuser2170]

Great chat. You two are gold together. Wish more Welsh/Irish/British comedians that would come here to Amsterdam. I feel like we get overlooked, although I managed to catch Bill Bailey in Rotterdam. Lots of fans here, BTW my dream WILTY line-up would be Dara, Bob Mortimer, Greg Davies, and Rhod Gilbert.

[@marywood8794]

I agree with your dream WILTY line up and would add Claudia Winkleman and Henning Wehn, too. I remember Dara and his "walk" on WILTY, but I also remember his responses to Rhod's hamster story.

[@freepadz6241]

I'm not a comedian, but if I were, I would come to Amsterdam.

[@adinakonianski9356]

@@marywood8794that walk was one of the best WILTY moment 😂

[@ade0573]

Agreed!

[@euansmith3699]

The line up photo for that episode would be fun; with Dara and Greg standing each side of Rob 😍👍

[@klaythoring1326]

Every few weeks I remember that there won't be any new Mock The Week episodes and I feel so sad, but anytime I see new Dara content, it boosts me just a little :) Thanks Rob!

[@robinstevenson1098]

I miss Hugh and Frankie, and the rest!

[@pom5966]

I'm from Sweden and have seen and appreciated tons of stuff from both you Rob and Dara, so don't be afraid of coming here and be doing shows and whatever.

[@backelie]

I know Dara was in Gothenburg last year, as were Jimmy Carr, Sarah Millican and Dylan Moran.

[@sevanstephan4808]

@@backelieHow do these comedians get a following in Sweden ? Are they shown on Swedish television or do you watch them on you tube ?

[@ploefff]

The thing about all the countries they mentioned is they all have a relatively small population which means you have to have at least one second language. For the nordics it's English. Most people have Netflix and if you watch stand up the algorithm will suggest other specials not necessarily in your own language. Then if I find a comedian I like I go to KZbin to find more and then KZbin's algorithm takes over.

[@CS-pi5oc]

I like that Dara can give great humor and also takes a joke. I loved him on Taskmaster. So funny.

[@henrietta9206]

same

[@grahamstrouse1165]

S14 of Taskmaster was terrific!

[@OrafuDa]

12:42 😂 German expat in the UK here. Love the German impression! 😂 … I discovered Dara on youtube while living in the UK. And now I can’t get enough!

[@AntFlynn]

Flew back from Copenhagen last week with Dara. Would have loved to have chatted with him but he was with his family so I didn’t. But what a great comedian

[@davydatwood3158]

I've had a crap day. Rob's "I can't be late for this, it's Americans" was exactly the cure for this. (For reference, I'm Canadian.) I just spent nearly a minute laughing, which is probably a stress reaction, but I sure do feel better now, so thanks.

[@josephdaumen9560]

I wonder what he was recording, then.

[@ViewerNumber9]

😂 yes I come online for free comedy therapy when the days make me weary. Hope today's a better day for you 🙂.

[@nahuelma97]

The chat about the audiences and then about the families not being there because it's just a job at the end of the day, chef's kiss. I live for these insights into career paths like these, that are just so out of the ordinary

[@euansmith3699]

The disconnect between the audience and the performer has real M Bison (Streetfighter, 1994) energy, "For you, the day Bison graced your village was the most important day of your life. But for me, it was Tuesday." Now I want to see a remake of Streetfighter, with Dara Ó Briain filling Raul Julia's role.

[@ellekay4758]

Two greats having a chat Is what good days are made of

[@davepb5798]

Harlvard Lange said, “We do not regard Englishman as foreigners. We look on them only as rather mad Norwegians."

[@Quince828]

Gotta luv the way they play off each other. I get to see Dara next month in Canada. Yes we luv him here.

[@solipsismworld]

If anyone from Rob's team reads these messages, this was actually one of the best chats he's done.

[@lancecluster]

Very True

[@charlenerathgeb8217]

Are you kidding me? Dara made Rob so uncomfortable, it made me uncomfortable.

[@551hovde]

We love Rob Brydon over here in Norway as well, just putting it out there. 😅 (even your Terry Wogan and Ronnie Corbett is welcome, no matter how much Lee Mack pretends it’s overdone!)

[@JohnHazl]

I saw Dara in Folketeateret last year! He was great, and the atmosphere was really good, like he says the people here really click with his comedy

[@Robwhelan17]

Swivel of the face - that was a great WILTY episode 😂

[@subbtopp]

The catwalk was brilliant still makes me laugh, as Dara always does thanks mate.

[@renedomine7869]

This was a great interview. Loved the German references, so funny, and I AM German. 😂😂

[@james_baker]

these little chats are great. Dara Ó Briain has been a favorite for a long time. 😻

[@Yankee7000]

The catwalk was BRILLIANT!!

[@johnhughes1952]

Well done establishing these wonderful podcasts Rob. I love em!

[@jorobinson8835]

This was a joy. I loved Dara's beef with his WILTY appearances. I think he's too hard on himself - the catwalk bit was brilliant and is always fun to see again when it pops up in TV or YT. I think it was Denise Van Outen that encouraged him to do the walk as well as Davina. It's was great! But Rob I did love your Nicholas Witchell High Court impression. If it's the next showbiz scandal then I'm here for it!

[@lilyweatherwaxHRH]

Yes. That catwalk bit is a favorite Dara moment!

[@ironwhy]

I've just checked. It was Lee Mack who asked him to do the "catwalk walk", then Denise van Outen doubled down on Dara demonstrating but Dara still refused and finally Rob also said that he thinks it would be "right for Dara to do it" - so he finally stood up and walked the "catwalk"...

[@ericminch]

I knew it. I just knew it must be Lee.

[@JohnstersInc]

It was a great episode and dara was very funny, but he was clearly nudged off his stride by that moment which was right at the start of the episode too. Interesting quick comment in this chat where he says he never quite nailed an ep of wilty

[@difrancophile]

I totally laughed out loud when Rob did the German Samuel Jackson / Marl Wahlberg bit. So clever.

[@arebee7611]

Life is great, I am considered a “Comedy Nerd”! Thank you comedy geniuses, Rob n Dara.😂

[@Ed749-w8x]

I love Rob Brydon's depth of knowledge and experience as well as his absolute grace. He's just so wonderful. I just know he makes every room he enters a better place. What a treasure he is.

[@CJT3X]

Two of my favorite comedians! Always a good interview with Rob hosting

[@living4ward2it]

We love you Dara! Thanks for your great work, we are happier because of it :)

[@PoppinJay]

Wonderful, more Dara please.

[@00tommo]

Dara's latest live show is right up there with one of his best.

[@Budehgong]

"no man, there's a whole world out there" is pure gold

[@Jordan-ln9rp]

20:40 I honestly believe that's probably Dara's best clip on WILTY, and probably one of the better one's in general lol I thought it was a great performance, and it was pretty cool to see him do something unexpected. The head swivel was something special.

[@henrietta9206]

Dara, Rob, I love you both, deep love - singapore

[@grahamclark4518]

Absolutely adore these two

[@beomgguks970]

I love WILTY and I love(d) Mock the Week. They get me through the tough days of uni when I get home. It’s like my two worlds are colliding seeing them together for this! 🎉

[@notme222]

I love the idea of saying "Previous guests include..." to someone who has been a previous guest. Some day I have to find a reason to rib a friend that way.

[@docostler]

That was the famous WILTY where Dara's catwalk 'dance' included a 'face swivel' that incensed Lee no end. Remember it well.

[@simonbuchanan5741]

I’m so excited that Dara is coming to my hometown in New Zealand - we never get anyone come this far! Got my tickets a week ago

[@xLightblueBubblegumx]

What a thoroughly great episode! Loved hearing from my favourite Taskmaster contestant. :) The technical chat about venues was particularly interesting. And as a German I have to say it would be lovely if more English-speaking comedians visited us.

[@splurb5000]

Great show guys. Please do it again, it's a great conversation. (BTW I'm a US fan, I love British and Irish comedy, there are a few of us over here).

[@Susandwyer]

What a delightfully refreshing chat. I never new my soul could get so fluffy.

[@MrNogden74]

These interviews are marvellous as we get to see an insight into the guests life and career that we never normally see. I would love to see Rob interview Dave Gorman

[@rjb6327]

Good interview. Both Rob and Dara are exceptional comedic minds.

[@Slevin11]

The way these two speak about their spouses just reinforces my faith in humanity. Why the hell should these wonderful strong women follow us around.. brilliant. so loving and respectful. Two truly good guys.

[@teejayausmusic]

Congratulations to Rob for reaching 100K subscribers!!

[@ladylioness06]

Dara! ❤

[@csgollum]

"...bathed in the lovely bath of..." - oh, if only I could speak like that Rob fella! Dara does speak quite fast, but he was quite clear on Taskmaster... loved his stint there! Oh, and yes, the 3 appearances on WILTY as well.

[@thelibrarianofalexandria6200]

Dara is one of my all time fave comedians. I have seen him twice both in Oslo and in Stavanger. Funny enough the last time I felt he talk a bit fast at times the first time no issues whatsoever. And yes we Get wilty here in norway as well as QI and lots more. Rob you should come to norway too we would love to have you

[@morethandaisysmom434]

I loved this conversation. Looking forward to his return to the pod!

[@ellieisbusy]

Dara’s character was truly shown when he did a guest appearance on a “show” this lovely young woman did briefly - as she was getting chemotherapy. It’s not exactly where you’d think comedy might happen, and certainly would give pause to most comedians to say yes to such a premise, but Dara did it and brilliantly. What a gent ❤

[@JakeMay]

I love hearing the behind the scenes process type stuff and experiences and quirks of the job, much more interesting to me than the usual anecdotes and jokes

[@kevinw712]

I've previously referred to Dara O'Briain as almost like an Irish Robin Williams, for how lightning quick and hilariously manic his stage show can be. And ever since I first discovered Taskmaster back in around 2018 I think it was, when I formulated who my dream 5 would be, Dara was immediately right at the top of that list. So when he AND Fern Brady (my newest crazy obsession as of about a year and a half ago) were announced to be in series 14, I just about lost my goddamn mind.

[@helenswan705]

Taskmaster!!!!!!

[@josephinemonahan915]

Robin Williams?....I’m sure he’s good...There is nobody who can compare to Dara...ever🤩

[@schwek99ify]

AWESOME!!!!

[@ElliotG89]

Very much enjoyed this episode! I feel Adam Buxton would be a great guest to chat to too!

[@joethomas4935]

That awkward Mark Wahlberg interview has stuck with me for years lmao, funny to hear Dara recount it

[@sjinzaar]

Aparently he was just very tired and sleepy. He usually wakes up at 3 or 4 every morning to work out.

[@Alacritous]

@@sjinzaar Oh sure.

[@ironwhy]

I've just tried to watch it (partially) and did not find it that rude. - Yeah Mark Wahlberg was irritated but I have seen worse things in interviews / talkshows...

[@dylancobalt7807]

He just seemed like an American

[@marywood8794]

​@@dylancobalt7807We're not all like that. I must prefer that you think that he was rude as opposed to all of us bring rude! Lol

[@MaverickBlue42]

Speaking of Greg Davies, when is Rob going to be on Taskmaster? Dara has already been and set the season record for points.

[@almost_harmless]

I can confirm that most Norwegians (I have observed at least) get and love British (or in this case, Irish) humour. Though most Norwegians do get it, I also remember being on a show with Michael McIntyre in Norway, where people laughed even when he was trying to explain something (which was not supposed to get a laugh), and when he got confused and wondered why people laughed at that, it only made people laugh more (partly because some found that earlier laugh funny too). I suspect this made Michael question how much we understood his jokes, but it also made it even more amusing for those who did. I don't know why some people laughed at the wrong place (maybe not all understood it too well), but it was still hilarious. Norwegians, or at least those I know, have grown up watching British shows (Fawlty Towers and MP in particular), but YT and BBC programs on cable have introduced more people to more British/Irish comedians.

[@Gerry-Hat-trick]

I wish the long form podcast was shown as a video too. Love watching Rob's guests as much as listening, most of the time. Dara is one of the all-time greats, when it comes to stand-up, never failing to be affable and funny. Just the tonic for any day or situation 😊

[@phillipedwardness9591]

Complete agree. It boggles my mind why they don’t upload the full version as a video.

[@DMMJBSM]

@@phillipedwardness9591 Don’t think he’s allowed to contractually.

[@phillipedwardness9591]

@@DMMJBSM right, so you think this is through the talent bank, and he’s got the agreement to use parts of it on his KZbin but they’ve held onto the full thing?

[@DMMJBSM]

@@phillipedwardness9591 Read somewhere, may have been a reply from a previous video, apparently not able to show the full video on KZbin,possibly due to his contract with Spotify.

[@JolynBowler]

Enjoyed the conversation. Thank you and Happy New Year. 💙🌻💙

[@Pugwash.]

Somewhere a Professor Brian Cox is weeping into his cornflakes when Dara failed to mention Stargazing.

[@katielightsoloway203]

Rob, please come do a show in Boston! You can bring Dara if you like, as he's got some local experience anyway 😅

[@Случайноерусскоеимя]

Woohoo! Aussie comedy nerd! recognise!

[@woodrobin]

This is the second time in a few days I've heard about British TV being big in Norway. Apparently Midsomer Murders is *really* popular in that country, as well.

[@DMMJBSM]

Watched all the interviews with guests that I like, & they’ve all been brilliant.

[@hensonlaura]

Love to see Dara there 😊 seems like a great guy. Å

[@yngve6640]

Hello from Norway. Yes ! We love british comedy, in all forms. Sit-coms, Stand up and TV shows are very popular. I think it is the culture being much the similar in many ways. I belive if you English people understood Norwegian, you would like much of our comedy as well. And almost everybody here speak and understand English good enough to enjoy stand up and daily conversation. And Rob, I love this channel, where you have entertaining dialogue with many of my favourite comedians👍

[@tonycowin]

What are the biggest British TV comedies/comedians there?

[@yngve6640]

@@tonycowin Ha Ha, there are so many. Monty Pyton , Fawlty Towers, Black adder, keeping up appearances, peep show, the office and Gervais other series. A lot of very good standup comedians, S Coogan, Rob Brydon, Millican, M Macintyre.Fry, H Laurie, Not the nine o'clock news, Smith and Johnes, Benny Hill, Mr Bean,There are so many. I could name many more. I like british comedy more than American.

[@NeutralPlacebo]

We love you both in Denmark as well

[@Moviesfoodandbooze]

Loved this episode!! I have listened to it twice. I would LOVE to see Ade Edmonson on here!

[@Alacritous]

Dara came to Canada to do standup in 2020 and I'm a huge fan. Then covid hit. His show was cancelled 4 days before he was due to appear. I was crushed. I'd bought the tickets months in advance. Not blaming Dara, just fate (and Covid)

[@mariaassunta7237]

I had my front row center seat also booked as soon as I heard of it. But it was rescheduled much later, and I kept my great seat for it. Great show!

[@ellieisbusy]

This comedy nerd has had tickets to watch Dara in Edinburgh in March 2026 for months (and yes, I wrote the date correctly) 😅

[@vickywitton1008]

I love Dara. I loved him especially in Three Men in Boat, as he always seemed like the sensible one in that!

[@ericminch]

The one with the gammy leg?

[@adinakonianski9356]

Please please come to France!! Big Rob and Dara fan here! I could force my French students to attend the show for credit 😁

[@Leviajohnson]

wait how long has this podcast existed?? Ive been over here binge watching ancient episodes of WILTY for years to fill the void in my heart with some Rob Brydon and UK comics... Rob was my favorite part of the Barbie movie by the way!!

[@lukem118]

It was a lockdown thing that he kept doing I think.

[@bibliopolist]

Cheers from Germany. There are some of us who do watch a lot of British comedy, but admittedly it is all from illegal youtube uploads, for lack of any legal way. Granted, my friends have never heard of Rob or Dara, but to me they are superstars.

[@JoeElliotSA]

Great interview/ episode. 😂

[@majbrat]

Loved this interview. Thanx guys!

[@BinaryJoe]

Love the thumbnail, Rob. Honestly, I think you lads are being a bit hard on yourselves but between you and Dara, I'd still be hard pressed to say which of you is my favourite insult to showbiz. 😉😄

[@lorenzdieltjens5395]

Came here for the Belgian mention! Big fan!

[@t.robinson4774]

Thanks! Have found the Podcast and switched over.

[@gnomad42]

Wait? I'm an Australian that watches WILTY, 8 out of 10 cats does Countdown, Mock the Week (repeats now), and Taskmaster. Why does that make me a comedy nerd?!

[@petedennis5694]

If you’re big in Norway, Dara, why the fech do you not come to see us in Denmark ? We’re just down the bloody road !

[@Novocainea07]

More up the bloody road 😊

[@sebastianmachadocph]

Yes, please come to Denmark!

[@johndolan6940]

It's funny he mentions it, I have watched WILTY clips a billion times, and that catwalk one is one of my favourites. But I always notice that as he gets repeatedly nagged by Rhod Gilbert and Denis van Outen to do his move, he seems more and more exasperated, until he does it. So I am not surprised at all that he brings it up as a little niggle from the show

[@Thingsidontunderstand]

Great talk 🎉

[@DrZaius3141]

German and French speaking areas a) have a much larger native cultural output, so there's less need to "import" and b) due to the larger internal output have fewer people who speak English confidently enough to listen to Dara's beautiful accent. This changes of course with younger generations, but it still makes it difficult to find the audience. Speaking as an Austrian here who is an avid fan of British panel shows.

[@anonUK]

Is French comedy more different from British or Irish comedy anyway? If it works in southern Belgium, why not Northern France? Or do they just play Brussels, Antwerp and various places in Flemish Belgium? What is the situation in comedy in Austria (and possibly Bavaria as well)? Is it still markedly different to Northern and Central Germany or is there little difference these days?

[@coffeeguy6673]

Rob is great and has some great guests on...Dara is a very talented comedian, stand out routine for me is his VR WANK sketch on Live at the Apollo....as a vr gamer it is soooo relatable lmao !!

[@photovincent]

“So in Germany, you’re loathed…” Always the welcoming host, that.. whatisname… Rob? 😂

[@aprilkepler1702]

Love you guys!

[@Walperion_Music]

I always feel a bit weird when we all know and love those moments like Dara's catwalk thing, but Rob hardly remembers anything about it. Had that feeling several times about different hosts. Like Jimmy Carr on BigFatQuiz, I remember there was a fact that I learned from BFQ, but when couple of years later Jimmy was randomly asked something about the very fact he was reading off his card on BFQ a couple of years ago - he also didn't remember a thing about it. Despite he was deciding who gets the points for their answer on BFQ, but lost any memory of that. Kinda like if someone was talking to Einstein and was like - "Oh, you know I think e=mc2", and Einstein is like - "Oh gosh, a brilliant thought, I think you just might be right..."