An area with tons of history gets exactly what it deserves: an actual historian as a guest. Ella Al-Shamahi is in fact many things: TV presenter, paleoanthropologist, explorer, stand-up comedian and author. She’s also excellent company, as editor Joe finds out on their wander around King’s Cross, taking in predatory library pick-up artists, obscure hand gestures, humanity’s need for booze and a certain bright pink sports car.

Ella is going on tour with her show Becoming Human throughout all of 2026. Find out when her undefinable science-y, historical comedy show is coming to a town near you. And keep up to date with Ella’s comings and goings on Instagram.

Love Thy Neighbourhood is a Time Out podcast brought to you by the fun folks at Ralph.

Production, editing and sound design by Big Signal.

Editor Joe is in the presence of culinary and televisual greatness this week, as Masterchef’s Monica Galetti gives us a tour of her favourite bit of central London. Basque cheesecake, blue cheese, artisanal miso and powerfully corrosive acid are all discussed, as is Monica’s memories of first arriving in the capital and her childhood on the idyllic island of Upola. What will the unforgiving judge make of Joe’s inability to shut up about executions and hangings? You’ll have to listen to find out.

For two years Monica has been working with lunch-time sushi specialists Itsu to make their ‘noodle and broth’ pots as flavoursome as they possibly can be. Follow Monica on Instagram and find out more about the collaboration.

Love Thy Neighbourhood is a Time Out podcast brought to you by the fun folks at Ralph.
Production, editing and sound design by Big Signal.

A modern broadcast legend, Clara Amfo has been on air, chatting to the nation for most of her adult life. This episode, recorded on the mean streets of E5, is a veritable showcase for her easy, breezy London charm. Join Clara and editor Joe as they bowl around that bit of Hackney that isn’t quite Walthamstow, discussing everything from AI music, to sneaking into films and the perils of ‘being a streaming whore’.

Follow Clara on Instagram.

Love Thy Neighbourhood is a Time Out podcast brought to you by the fun folks at Ralph.
Production, editing and sound design by Big Signal.