Paul Chowdhry, actor, comedian.

Greg Jenner is a historian, author, and broadcaster who has made the past delightfully accessible to millions. Born in Kent, he studied Archaeology & History at the University of York, then mediaeval studies, before serving as historical advisor to the BBC’s hit children’s series Horrible Histories. He has since authored several acclaimed books that combine rigorous research with witty storytelling, including Dead Famous, Ask A Historian, and You Are History.Since 2019 he has been the host of the award-winning podcast You’re Dead To Me, bringing together comedians and academics to explore everything from ancient Rome to Victorian medicine with clarity, humour, and heart. His latest book, out now, is Totally Chaotic History: The Stone Age Runs Wild. With a rare gift for making history feel alive, urgent, and wildly entertaining, he’s helped redefine how we learn about the past.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 Aug 1h 31min

Nathan Brown is a writer, editor, and consultant with a deep well of experience in the video game industry. After starting his career in finance he switched to become a journalist, he spent more than a decade at the British publication Edge magazine, where he eventually rose to the role of editor. Since leaving traditional games media, he has carved out a unique space with Hit Points, a widely read industry newsletter offering sharp analysis and insider perspective on the ever-evolving world of games. Beyond writing, he also works as a consultant, advising developers and publishers on how to build and communicate their work effectively. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29 Jul 1h 28min

Kat Abu is a journalist, influencer, and digital powerhouse who’s taken her sharp wit and political insight from the internet to the campaign trail. Best known for her viral videos dissecting right-wing media as a senior video producer at Media Matters for America, she built a vast following online by blending incisive commentary with biting humour. Now, she’s making a leap into politics as a candidate for Congress in Illinois, bringing her fierce advocacy, media savvy, and Gen Z energy to the national stage. Whether holding cable news accountable or challenging power directly, she is attempting to redefine what political engagement can look like in the 21st century. LinksKat's Campaign SiteHow 'Tucker Carlson Tonight' Fuels Extremism - New York TimesTucker Carlson interview: Fact-checking Putin's 'nonsense' history - BBC NewsLouis Theroux's Forbidden America - 'Extreme and Online''Alt-right groups are targeting young video gamers' - ABC NewsBecome a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 Jul 1h 6min

Jimi Famurewa is a British-Nigerian author, broadcaster and food critic whose writing blends cultural insight, wit, and deep empathy. As the former restaurant critic for the Evening Standard, he’s become one of the most recognisable voices in British food writing, known for capturing not just what’s on the plate, but also the people, stories, and histories behind it. A regular guest judge on the BBC One series MasterChef, he was also one of the lead judges on Channel 4’s The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver. His debut non-fiction book, Settlers, explored the lives and legacies of Black immigrants in the UK. His new book, Picky, charts his journey from being a child who refused all vegetables, to becoming a Guild of Food Writers’ Restaurant Critic of the Year.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 Jul 1h 16min

Ed Night is one of the sharpest and most original voices in British stand-up. He began performing comedy as a teenager and, in 2017 his debut hour at the Edinburgh Fringe, Anthem For Doomed Youth, saw him become one of the youngest ever nominees for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer. Since then, he’s established a reputation for his darkly funny, politically charged material. His writing has been featured on shows including The Mash Report, 8 out of 10 Cats, The News Quiz, Mock the Week, and Comedy Central's Roast Battle, on which he also appeared. With a style that veers from laid-back charm to blistering satire, he’s become a cult favourite on the live circuit and beyond, and is about to embark on a new tour.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 Jul 1h 11min

Cabel Sasser is a designer, developer, and co-founder of one of the most beloved indie software companies in tech. In 1999, he co-founded Panic, the Portland-based studio known for its beautifully crafted Mac software and, later, its publishing work on standout indie games like Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game. Most recently, he helped lead the creation of Playdate—a quirky handheld console that blends nostalgia, invention, and delight, to reimagine what portable gaming can be. Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 Jul 1h 27min

Peter Whalen is a game designer and creative lead known for his work at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and competitive play. After graduating from Princeton with a degree in Mathematics, he earned his doctorate in algorithms at Georgia Tech. He then began his career in video games, first at Blizzard, where he was a senior designer on Hearthstone. He then moved to Riot Games, where he now serves as the Game Director for Teamfight Tactics, Riot’s ambitious chess-like game set in the world of League of Legends. With a deep background in systems design and a love for games that reward smart, skilful play, he’s helped shape some of the most beloved and finely tuned experiences in digital card gaming and beyond.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 Jun 1h 21min

Ray Chase is an American voice actor whose range and versatility have made him one of the most recognisable voices across anime, video games, and audiobooks. Known for bringing to life characters such as Noctis in Final Fantasy XV, Bruno Bucciarati in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Cyclops in Xmen ’97, and Zukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen, he has also voiced major titles like Genshin Impact, Persona 5, and Demon Slayer. After a career spanning everything from gritty protagonists to eccentric sidekicks, he’s now entered the director’s chair for a video game of his own. Date Everything is a romance game in which you can date 100 objects from your house, including your shower, the couch, a grand piano, even a videogame console. And each item, of course, is voiced by a beloved actor.Become a My Perfect Console supporter and receive a range of benefits at www.patreon.com/myperfectconsoleTake the Acast listener survey to help shape the show: My Perfect Console with Simon Parkin Survey 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17 Jun 1h 21min