Yes, I know, I have enough podcasts to listen to already. But there’s no harm in trying another one, is there? You know, just in case…

Actually I have been meaning to try this one for some time. Having had Emma Newman on my radio show, and seen her perform at readings and conventions, I was sure she would be doing something interesting with podcasting. My usual preference is, of course, for deeply analytical material such as The Writer and The Critic, or SF Crossing the Gulf, but I figured that Emma would provide a pleasant alternative to all of that in depth, intellectual stuff. She would ask her guests interesting questions, of course, but there would also be amusement, and quite possibly strangeness. I was not disappointed.

I should say straight up that if Gail Carriger had produced a podcast like this then UK fandom would have reacted furiously at how British culture was being insultingly mis-characterised by an ignorant foreigner. Being British herself — well Cornish actually, which is not the same thing — Emma can get away with such things. It is totally Theme Park Britain, but Emma has a voice like Lady Penelope and can carry it off perfectly. Besides, I might have been guilty of inventing a stately home and butler for myself many years ago, so I can hardly complain.

Each episode of Tea and Jeopardy takes place in a new Secret Tea Lair in some mysterious and dangerous location. Ably assisted by her somewhat bloodthirsty butler, Latimer, Emma treats her guests to “a nice cup of tea and a spot of mild peril”. I have been listening through the past episodes, and thus far none of the guests has actually died, though poor Dave Bradley came remarkably close. I do hope that he recovers from his injuries soon. That, of course, is what happens when you go adventuring in Darkest Somerset.

The episodes are only around half an hour long, which is ideal for those of you who can’t stomach the thought of those two-hour-plus Australian extravaganzas. Also, given the amount of cake consumed during the recordings, a shorter interview is probably better for the health of the guests.

You can find links to all of the episodes on Emma’s website, but just as a taster, here is one featuring the fabulous Sarah Pinborough.