Olly Mann: Designed Wit

Send us a text

Broadcaster, columnist and podcast pioneer Olly Mann joins me for a heartfelt walk through Letchworth Garden City — the town that shaped his voice, his worldview, and, eventually, his marriage.

As we stroll through tree-lined streets and past Edwardian ideals, Olly reflects on growing up in Letchworth, attending St Christopher School, and his early rise as “the voice of the voice” on the school newspaper. We talk about the strange fate of childhood friendships, how meeting Helen Zaltzman at Oxford changed everything, and how he found his footing at the dawn of podcasting.

Along the way, I ask him when he’s felt heard, what’s still ahead, and whether the goldfish rumour is true.

It’s a delightful episode full of warmth, wit, and memory — and the perfect way to close Season One.