Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball
Personal Journals
Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball lift the lid on the messy, everyday reality of trying to live well. Long-time friends and beloved broadcasters, they swap the studio for the sofa to catch up on everything going on in their lives — from homes and gardens to family life, health, ageing and music. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Send your messages or voicenotes to: https://wa.me/447477038795 [email protected] Find us on social media @digitpod Dig It is a Persephonica production.
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Recent Episodes
95: DIG IN: Sibling Rivalry and Friendship Fallouts
May 25, 2026Do parents and grandparents secretly have favourites?! What do you do when a friend lets you down? And why, oh whyyy, do people drop litter? Jo and Zoe dig into all this and more in this week’s episod...
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In this heartfelt episode of Dig It, Jo and Zoe dive into questions about sibling favoritism, friendship disappointments, and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. They share touching stories about signs from lost loved ones, including Zoe's donkey encounter during her mum's anniversary week and listeners' experiences of feeling watched over by departed family members. The conversation ranges from family dynamics and parenting challenges to environmental responsibility, all delivered with their signature blend of humor and genuine emotion.
- Favorite Children and Sibling Dynamics
- Friendship Letdowns and Moving On
94: Chelsea Flower Show Exclusive!
May 20, 2026It’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show week! To celebrate, Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball were given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the world’s most famous flower show before the gates even opened to the public....
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In this special episode from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, hosts Joe and Zoe explore two remarkable gardens on build day. They speak with Frances Tophill about the King's Trust Curious Garden, a celebration of plants featuring David Beckham, the King, and Alan Titchmarsh. Then Arit Anderson shares the deeply personal story behind her Parkinson's Garden, designed with input from people living with the condition to create a joyful, accessible space that works across 24 hours.
- Behind the Scenes at Chelsea on Build Day
- Frances Tophill's King's Trust Curious Garden
What do you do if you think your partner needs therapy but they’re reluctant to go? Is it ok to reduce your friendship group as you get older? Plus, how everyone expresses grief in different ways. Jo ...
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Jo and Zoe discuss relationship dynamics, therapy resistance, friendship evolution with age, and grief expression. The episode features emotional listener stories including a cancer survivor's journey, questions about supporting reluctant partners, and thoughts on maintaining friendships while navigating life's complexities. They share personal experiences about crying at funerals and weddings, and the cultural differences in expressing grief.
- Supporting a Partner Who Resists Help
- Friendships Evolving with Age
Zoe shares the news on Strictly, Jo reveals her elocution lesson past, and a Melanie C typo that will haunt a graphic designer forever. Watch or listen now. Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/oRX-iV...
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Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley discuss Zoe not getting the Strictly Come Dancing hosting job, their experiences with work blunders and social media backlash, the importance of mental health and gardening, and upcoming events including the Chelsea Flower Show. They share personal updates about their families, gardens, and recommendations for music, books, and films while emphasizing the therapeutic nature of gardening and spending time in nature.
- Zoe Opens Up About Not Getting the Strictly Hosting Job
- Work Blunders and the Art of Making Mistakes
A school choir concert descends into full-scale catastrophe, Gary Lightbody gets caught in the crossfire, and Jo shares a childhood assembly story she may instantly regret telling publicly. Elsewhere,...
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Jo Wiley and Zoe Ball discuss listener dilemmas about having a second child, finding joy online amidst negativity, and share hilariously embarrassing childhood stories including projectile vomiting at a school concert and wetting oneself during assembly. They celebrate the important role of child-free aunties and the therapeutic value of dog-borrowing services for those going through difficult times.
- The Second Child Dilemma
- Finding Joy in a Negative Online World
90: The Jackie Annual and Bathing with Eels
May 06, 2026In this week’s instalment of Dig It, a shocking music revelation from Jo, an unexpected bath-time companion, and a wholesome (if slightly questionable) trip down memory lane via the Jackie Annual. Wa...
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Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball share a nostalgic journey through music, memories, and gardening. They discuss new music discoveries like Pigeon, reflect on their school days through old Jackie magazines, celebrate Paul Weller's BBC collection, and share personal stories about childhood, family, and life's unexpected moments. The conversation weaves between their love of music, gardening updates including their competitive tomato growing, and touching reflections on signs from lost loved ones.
- Music Discovery: Pigeon in Session
- Childhood Phobias and Strange Foods
Jo and Zoe are joined by Liz Earle to talk about what it really means to age well. From strength training and sleep to skincare and circadian rhythms, Liz shares the simple habits that have helped her...
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Liz Earle, entrepreneur and well-being expert, discusses her new book 'How to Age' and shares insights on aging well in your 60s and beyond. She challenges the narrative that aging means inevitable decline, emphasizing the importance of circadian rhythm, proper hydration, daylight exposure, and simple lifestyle changes that can make women feel better than ever. The conversation covers skincare, exercise, managing stress, sleep optimization, and practical tips for thriving through perimenopause and beyond.
- Reframing Aging: Feeling Better in Your 60s Than Your 40s
- The Power of Circadian Rhythm and Light
Jo and Zoe bask in the warm glow of the London Marathon and all the amazing humans doing incredible things. Charlize Theron inspires a frank chat about staying sexy in your fifties and beyond. And wha...
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Jo and Zoe reunite for another warm and personal episode of Dig It, balancing heartfelt moments with their signature humor. They introduce listeners to Goose, Jo's adorable new Australian Labradoodle puppy, discuss their weekend marathon watching experiences, share gardening updates from their increasingly active gardens, and dive into body image reflections, reality TV drama, and music recommendations. The episode captures their genuine friendship while touching on themes of aging, purpose, loss, and the simple joys of gardening and music.
- Meet Goose: The Podcast Therapy Dog
- London Marathon Emotions and Inspiring Stories
87: DIG IN: 90s Wedding Hair & ‘Maranoia’
Apr 27, 2026Disappointed diggers kick things off this week. If you don’t like your friend’s partner, do you say something — or keep quiet? And what do you do when your daughter gets a truly questionable tattoo? ...
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Zoe and Joe tackle relationship advice, tattoo regrets, and wedding memories in this Monday morning episode. They discuss navigating friendships when you disapprove of someone's partner, dealing with adult children's tattoo choices, and share stories about Zoe's wildflower wedding hairdo. The hosts introduce a new segment called 'busy bitch corner' for listener rants and react to viral footage of robots running a marathon in China.
- Friend Relationship Dilemma and Second Chances
- Parent's Struggle with Daughter's Prominent Tattoo
86: Goose On The Loose
Apr 22, 2026This week on Dig It, the world’s busiest woman, Jo Whiley, catches Zoe up on fancy dress birthdays, a post-party house reckoning and the arrival of a very small, very fluffy new family member. There’s...
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Zoe Ball and Jo Wiley catch up on their eventful weeks, sharing stories about parenting teenagers, family celebrations, Coachella performances, and the exciting arrival of a new puppy named Goose. They discuss the challenges of raising strong-willed daughters, Jo's successful Kellogg's Club Breakfast DJ set, and touching moments of grief and connection. The episode balances heartfelt family moments with music industry highlights and gardening updates.
- Birthday Celebrations and Family Gatherings
- The Mother-Daughter Standoff Over Room Cleaning
85: DIG IN: Romantic Gestures and Trout Eyes
Apr 20, 2026Jo and Zoe leap from moon missions to mango cottage cheese, chocolate-stealing squirrels and a deeply questionable tin of trout’s eyes. Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/jVpu_8CgCb0 GET IN TOUCH �...
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Jo and Zoe discuss the incredible Artemis II moon mission, sharing thoughts on romantic gestures past and present, from grand declarations to simple acts like taking out the bins. They explore listener stories about childhood memories, unusual child attachments, and sexual awakenings through MTV music videos, while Jo eagerly anticipates the arrival of a new family puppy.
- The Romance of Space: Artemis II Mission Captivates the World
- Romantic Gestures: From the Moon to Taking Out the Bins
84: Can You Really Detox From Cortisol?
Apr 15, 2026Prepare yourself for barefoot red carpet glamour, celebrity encounters (including a certain Rosamund Pike), and a heartfelt chat about stress, hormones, and finding calm. Watch on YouTube - https://y...
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Jo Wiley and Zoe Ball discuss the challenges of managing stress and cortisol while maintaining busy lives. Jo reflects on completing the London Landmarks Half Marathon followed by hosting the Olivier Awards coverage, while both explore the importance of self-care, sleep, and finding moments of calm in hectic schedules. They also celebrate the power of theatre, discuss bat-friendly gardening, and share their latest music discoveries.
- The London Landmarks Half Marathon and Olivier Awards Double Feature
- Pre-Race Anxiety and Physical Manifestations of Stress
83: DIG IN: Should Kids Be Banned From Pubs?
Apr 13, 2026This week on Dig It, Jo and Zoe dive into a lively debate about kids in pubs, share a 90s throwback involving Bono, and hear one of the most jaw-dropping listener stories yet. GET IN TOUCH 📧 Email u...
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Zoe Ball and Joe (Jo) Wiley discuss listener questions ranging from children in pub gardens to memorable 1990s photos, including Zoe's iconic wedding day image and measuring Bono's nipples for a Radio 1 competition. They share quick meal recipes, with Joe revealing her unusual combination of soup, hummus, and cottage cheese with pineapple, while also hearing a hilarious story about a burgled sex toy.
- Children in Pub Gardens Debate
- The Iconic Wedding Day Photo
82: Fringe Benefits & Erotic Gardening
Apr 08, 2026Should Zoe go full fringe? And should Jo really be lending that famously soothing voice to… erotic gardening fiction? This week, Dig It asks far more questions than it answers. Watch or listen now. Y...
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Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley return for another candid chat about hair dilemmas, gardening mishaps, childhood crushes, and the joys of seasonal gardening. They discuss Zoe's fringe-buying experiments, share stories from listeners about arthritis, read hilariously awkward erotic gardening fiction, and learn about British seasonal flowers from florist Elizabeth Honey. The episode blends their signature humor with practical gardening advice and heartfelt community connection.
- Hair Crisis and Fringe Dilemmas
- Meeting Diggers and Community Connection
81: Feral Squirrels and Toy Story: Speculum Edition
Apr 06, 2026Jo and Zoe chat vaping squirrels and all the strange things turning up in British gardens. Also, a brilliantly unhinged story about a speculum becoming a child’s favourite toy. Watch on YouTube - O...
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Jo and Zoe discuss listener stories including squirrels eating chocolate and vaping, nesting arrangements during divorce, unusual childhood toys, garden gnomes, and cancer recovery updates. The hosts share community experiences, provide uplifting music recommendations, and Jo excitedly anticipates getting her new puppy.
- Squirrels Eating Chocolate and Vaping
- Nesting During Divorce - Emma's Experience
Monty Don joins us to talk about British gardens, chasing cows in the nude and accidentally declaring war on begonias. You can order Monty's new book 'British Gardens' here: https://amzn.to/4sJh3HL ...
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Zoe Ball and Jo Wiley welcome the legendary Monty Don to discuss his new book 'British Gardens,' exploring what makes a garden distinctly British, from horticultural excellence with easy charm to the democratic nature of gardening that transcends all boundaries. The episode also covers practical gardening advice for cosmos and tomatoes, hilarious stories about garden mishaps with livestock, and announces Kellogg's Club Breakfast rave event.
- What Makes a Garden British
- The Garden Gnome Story
Hannah asks a question about how to manage the guilt of moving away from parents, especially as they get older. Katrina wants to know all about any tall tales that friends and family have convinced us...
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Jo and Zoe catch up with their community of 'Diggers' to discuss family folklore, parenting challenges, and heartwarming stories. The hosts share entertaining listener stories about tall tales and wind-ups, tackle questions about decision fatigue and parenting guilt, and enjoy amusing anecdotes about charity shop mishaps. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of love, acceptance, and supporting each other through life's challenges.
- Family Folklore and Tall Tales
- Parenting with Compassion and Decision Fatigue
78: Garden Gnome Bans and the Joy of Drinking Less
Mar 25, 2026The big story on everyone’s lips this week is of course the lifting of the gnome ban at Chelsea Flower Show. But where do Jo and Zoe sit on such a hot topic? There’s also some nostalgia for wild 90’s ...
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Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball reconnect after Jo's ski holiday in Austria, discussing the exhausting reality of holidays, getting older, and the challenges of keeping up with twenty-something kids on the slopes. They cover everything from David Byrne concerts and garden gnomes at Chelsea to Jo's arthritis struggles and Zoe's new gardening series. The conversation flows naturally between personal stories, music recommendations, and TV obsessions, with plenty of humor about aging, drinking, and puffy faces.
- The Reality of Holidays: Exhausting But Worth It
- Aging, Arthritis, and Altitude: The Physical Realities
77: DIG IN - Can “Nesting” Make Divorce Easier?
Mar 23, 2026Jo & Zoe dig into whether “nesting” - where the kids stay put and parents rotate in and out - can actually make divorce easier on children. Plus, Jo picks up some handy half-marathon hints, our Digger...
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Jo Wiley and Zoe share a warm conversation about running, gardening, and life challenges. They respond to listener messages about half marathon training, school anxiety, and navigating separation. The hosts discuss Jo's half marathon preparation, her struggle to balance training with a busy life, and concerns about inheriting arthritis from her mother. They also explore the concept of 'nesting' during separation and share touching stories about Build-A-Bears with pet ashes.
- Garden Centre Happiness and Training Challenges
- Half Marathon Training Advice from Listeners
This special bonus episode is brought to you by The Madison on Paramount+ Consider this your must-watch recommendation for March. Jo and Zoe are chatting about The Madison — a brand new six-part seri...
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Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball discuss Taylor Sheridan's new drama series The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell. The series follows a wealthy New York family dealing with profound grief after a tragedy forces them to relocate to rural Montana. The hosts praise the show's authentic portrayal of grief, stunning cinematography, and strong performances, noting how it explores different generational responses to loss while mixing heartbreak with humor.
- Introduction and TV Consumption Habits
- The Madison: Setting and Creator Background