Rural Concerns

Rural Concerns

Join comedians Sunil Patel (Alice and Jack, Channel 4) and Chris Cantrill (Icklewick FM, BBC Radio 4) as they try to maintain a long-distance friendship in the face of countryside-grade internet speeds (Cantrill) and staggering apathy (Patel). Produced by Egg Mountain for A Lovely Time Productions.

Episodes

June 30, 2025 53 mins

Sunil throws his toys out of the pram, Chris campaigns passionately on behalf of all artists and James finally gets his hands on the Nintendo Switch 2. The lads also try to improve their social media game with calamitous results. 

If you want to experience the full force of Rural Concerns Live, you can grab tickets to our Manchester show at Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. 

Do you have a Rural Concern? Drop us an email at ch...

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Chris uses his academic training to set a logic trap for a distracted James whilst Sunil talks us through an exciting new public holiday. You’ll be glad to know that Chris has risen from the flames, like Icarus! A mad, heatwave infused episode. 

You can watch Rural Concerns Live at Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are selling fast!

How are you celebrating St Cans Day? Drop us an email at christopher@alovelytime.co.uk...

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Sunil has too much energy, James has literally zero sympathy and Chris has some kind advice for a friend who’s embarking on a new horticultural adventure. Don’t think it needs saying but if you are having a medical emergency please do not contact podcasters in the first instance.

You can also watch Rural Concerns Live at Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are selling fast!

Do you have a Rural Concern? Drop us an email ...

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June 9, 2025 50 mins

Sunil drives a hard bargain, Chris fondly remembers the blandest of foods and James runs a website for nocturnal thrillseekers. One of the team also crosses a serious red line. 

Chris is doing the last ever performance of his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show at The Stand in Newcastle this Saturday 14th June. Grab your tickets now! 

You can also watch Rural Concerns Live at Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are se...

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June 2, 2025 46 mins

The lads regroup following the greatest live podcast show since records began. Spirits are high, but sadly it doesn’t take long before it descends into finger pointing. James wants us to clarify that he doesn’t write the introductions, Sunil unleashes the full force of his networking prowess and Chris is just relieved that it wasn’t his fault. Also, if anyone wants to nab the best part of a 250ml bottle of Horace cleanser from Belf...

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This live episode was recorded at the 2025 London Podcast Show! Chris desires justice, Sunil conducts Satan’s taste test and James anoints himself King of the Pizzas! Also, why can’t all tech be wireless? Thank you to everyone who attended this live show!

 

Chris is performing his Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show for the final time on 14th June in Newcastle Upon Tune! Check it out on his international website

 

Do you have a...

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The lads reveal a secret the Masons don't want you to know! James is doing his bi-annual clean, Chris eyes up a new hobby and Sunil has become romantically entangled with a robot. Also, can we just give a shout out to all the lovely ladies?

 

Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show TONIGHT!

 

You can watch Chris’ Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show! He’s heading to the Wells Comedy Festival ...

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May 12, 2025 44 mins

Post-Conclave, the lads celebrate the appointment of Pope Leo XIV. Chris wants to put pictures up in peoples’ houses without consent, James mistakenly believes he has taste and Sunil has never seen a horse working.

Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on 20th May (i.e. next Tuesday!)

You can watch Chris’ Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show! He’s heading to Chorley, Machynlleth, Wells and ...

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The lads convene on the eve of their second live show. Chris has bitten off more than he can chew, Sunil must drive through the night and James wants you to know he's a ‘quite good at it person’.

Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on 20th May. We’re also playing Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November

You can watch Chris’ Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show! He’s heading t...

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April 28, 2025 40 mins

Sunil learns he has a deadly look-alike, James reveals the trick to getting a heavily discounted Italian teacake and Chris reveals a dark secret about his leek trench. The lads also hit upon an ingenious marketing campaign, the only thing they’re missing is a duelling pistol…

Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on 20th May. We’re also playing Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd Nove...

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April 21, 2025 46 mins

Chris is thrilled to have completed his first ever 10,000 kilometer race only to have the legs cut out from underneath him. Sunil can hold his breath for ages and James thinks he’s great for cycling all the time. Also, can we please stop having a go at the Victorians?

Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to the London Podcast Show on 20th May. We’re also playing Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. 

Y...

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April 14, 2025 41 mins

Chris is fresh from a dinner party, Sunil tries to engage with geo-politics and Producer James gears up for a VIP event. The lads also read a letter from the wife of a gamer turned first-time gardener.  

Want to see the lads live? Rural Concerns is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are already selling fast so grab your tickets here!

Got a Rural Concern? Drop us an email at christopher@alovelytim...

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April 7, 2025 40 mins

Spring has come to Rural Concerns! Leek Club properly kicks off for Chris, whilst Producer James is besieged by a garden pest. Meanwhile, Sunil learns that a new bedroom brings new problems. Heavy is the crown and all that. 

Rural Concerns Live is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are already selling fast so grab your tickets here

Got a Rural Concern? Drop us an email at christopher@alovelytim...

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March 31, 2025 38 mins

Can we all agree that the concept of community is disappearing?! In this episode Chris is persecuted for his political beliefs, Sunil is harassed by a former housemate and Producer James is locked into a rant. If you haven’t listened before it’s just three lovely chaps dealing in van humour. 

Rural Concerns Live is coming to Manchester’s Fairfield Social Club on 22nd November. Tickets are already selling fast so grab your tickets h...

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March 24, 2025 63 mins

Grab a Radler and dive in as Chris, Sunil and Producer James look back over their first year of the pod!

You can see the lads live in Manchester on 11th November for their last live show of 2025. Grab your tickets, here!

Big thanks to Phil Ellis, Amy Gledhill, Mark Silcox, Nicola Redman, Alisdair Beckett-King, Helen Bauer, Farmer Buggerton, Poppy Hillstead, Sam O’Leary, John Stansfield, Claire Hawkins, Dave Blackett, Andi Keen, Jac...

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March 17, 2025 44 mins

Producer James visits a creche for 40 something men, Chris has finally done something for Leek Club and Sunil got to ride in a tow truck. The lads also consider what it takes to become a master archer.

 

Chris still has a couple of tour dates! He's off to Barnard Castle (22nd March) and Chorley (17th May) Grab your tickets, here!

 

Got a Rural Concern? Drop us an email at christopher@alovelytime.co.uk. The best way to support this ...

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March 10, 2025 49 mins

The lads ditch church for an emergency broadcast when Sunil's beloved Lexus is stolen! You can literally hear the testosterone flowing as he recounts this genuinely thrilling tale of vigilantism in action. Meanwhile, James’ wallet is about to take a big hit and Chris has stood in something viscous.

Also, keep an eye on the sky if you’re knocking about on the Champs-Élysées!

Chris still has a couple of tour dates! He's off to Barnar...

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March 3, 2025 43 mins

James has been watching some films, Chris wants the bullies to hear and Sunil has eyes like a 12 year old. The lads also catch up on some letters including an update from their favourite wreck head…

Chris still has a couple of tour dates! He's off to Barnard Castle (22nd March) and Chorley (17th May) Grab your tickets, here!

Got a Rural Concern? Drop us an email at christopher@alovelytime.co.uk.

The best way to support this educati...

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February 24, 2025 49 mins

In this incredibly puerile episode Sunil enjoys a cream cake, James just wanted some eggs and Chris apparently sends too many messages! The lads also issue a new challenge that’s set to become an obsession for the middle aged.

Do you have a Rural Concern? Drop us an email at christopher@alovelytime.co.uk.

You can now listen to the second half of our live show, The Feast of the Dignitary, on Patreon! When a once promising anthropolo...

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February 17, 2025 39 mins

The Children of Matthews return!

This week James is getting bombarded on WhatsApp, Sunil dreams of a drive-in parking space and Chris? Well, he just wants to be heard. This episode also contains a highly anticipated Leek Club update.

Chris' tour starts this week! He's off to Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Leicester! Grab your tickets, here!

Got a Rural Concern? Drop us an email at christopher@alovelytime.co.uk.

The best way to supp...

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